11To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza House Trist, [ca. 8 December? 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
I am greatly indebted to worthy Mr. Jefferson for his polite and friendly letter. I wish I cou’d express my greatful feelings in language suitable to what my mind suggests. I can and will say that you are incapable of esteeming me more than I do you. I cou’d give as many reasons were I to enumerate your Virtues as wou’d fill a Volume folio. Your caracter was great in my estamation long before...
12From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. In the right margin of the second page, Jefferson wrote in ink, now much faded, what appears to have been “to dispute Buffon theory of temperature.” Upon recovering the letter many years later, JM docketed it by inserting “Decr. 10. 1783” between the two lines of Jefferson’s comment. Using the JM-Jefferson Code No. 2, JM encoded the words that are...
13To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
My journey from Annapolis was so much retarded by rains and their effect on the water courses that I did not complete it till the ninth day after I left you. I took Col. Mason in my way and had an evening’s conversation with him. I found him much less opposed to the general impost than I had expected . Indeed he disclaimed all opposition to the measure itself but had taken up a vague...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza House Trist, 13 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I take particular notis of that part of your letter that relates to my intended reunion with my Husband. I fear if the chain is intirely loosened my confidence must be great if I succeed in fasting it again. It is rather too late in the day for me to attempt at conquest, I am in hopes the links are only a little rusty. If that shou’d be all I will exert my skill to restore them to their...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 19 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you an act of our assembly by which you will see their willingness to join the other states in any plan that Congress and they may think necessary to force Great Britain into a generous commercial treaty with us. Great expectations are entertained here of the efficacy of the measure, tho’ I confess I expect nothing from it. The jaring interests of the States will ever prevent their...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Jones, 21 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have your favor by the Post this week and have the satisfaction to inform you the Assembly have passed a law granting the impost to Congress, also that a bill has passed the Delegates and [is] now before the Sennate, accepting the terms stipulated by Congress respecting the western lands, and authorising the Delegates to convey the claim of this State to the united States. I have no doubt of...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 22 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of Novbr. 10th. and Decbr. 11th came both together a few days ago and reliev’d us from the anxiety we had for some time been under least some indisposition might have prevented your writing. I am happy to inform you that you[r] children continue very well. Polly often mentions you and Patsy, she desires her love to you both, and begs you will make haste home, for she longs to see...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 26 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for your favor of the 17th. It contains many interesting particulars and such as the executive of every State ought to know, tho’ I have seldom ‘till your arrival in Congress been favored with anything of the kind. The mode of correspondence proposed by you is perfectly agreeable to me, and I think good will result from it. We seem to blunder here more from the want of...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Jones, 29 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the satisfaction to inform you the Senate contrary to my expectation passed the act authorising the Delegates in Congress to convey the claim of Virginia to the territory northwestward of the ohio to the united States without amendment and it will be transmitted you without the instruction heretofore intimated. The mode adopted for transfering our right was in pursuance and in...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 2 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have nothing to communicate to you either interesting or entertaining, the bad weather having cut off all communication with the country. Your favor of the 24th. ultimo really alarms me. Your fears of great britains taking advantage of any slip or neglect of ours are just, and what is still more to be dreaded than their resentment is the falling off of our allies in Europe who will never...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, with “A Literary Christmas Gambol”, 4 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I heartily thank you for your favour of the 23d. Decr. last and for the Pains you have taken to abridge Monsr. Buffon’s System of Astronomy. However you may think your Time lost in reading his two whimsical volumes, the little Time you took to give me a summary of his Scheme was certainly not spent in vain. Your Letter found me very un-well and in a great deal of Pain; it drew my attention so,...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Skipwith, 20 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor reached me last evening, preceeding the most tremendous Snow storm this country has ever experienced since my rememberance. It commenced about seven at night, and never ceased until the evening of the present day about four OClock. It is impossible to say what the depth of the snow is, since from the wind it is exceedingly irregular, in some places scarcely any in others dangerously...
23To Thomas Jefferson from the Rev. James Madison, 22 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not receive your Favour of the 24h Decr. untill last post. I immediately looked out for a Thermometer and obtained one which appears very sensible as to Heat or Cold, tho’ it is so constructed that I cannot ascertain the Accuracy of the Division by plunging it in boiling water; This appears of Consequence especially when we keep correspondent Observations. I shall observe the Time you...
24To Thomas Jefferson from St. John de Crèvecoeur, 23 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Encourag’d by Mr. Le Chevr. de Chastelux whom I Saw Lately in Paris; as well as by Several others French officers, who had the Honor of Your acquaintance whilst on this Continent, I have been Led to hope you’d not refuse giving an answer to the Question I take the Liberty of Sending you—Give me leave to add that I am commanded to do so by the Minister who is at the head of the Nurseries...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 30 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterdays post brought me your favors of the 31st. of last month and 17th. instant which are the only letters received from you for four weeks. The latter enclosing the ratification of the treaty gave me great pleasure as it removed many disagreeable apprehensions of consequences that might flow from its not reaching france by the stipulated time of exchange; if the packet can sail from new...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 30 January 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly overture of a correspondence; altho’ written on the 31st. Ulto. , did not reach me before the last evening. I pledge myself for furnishing all the intelligence, which the barrenness of this place can supply, fit for your attention. But for a late occurrence, the executive would languish for employment. A Mr. Geo. Hancock, a citizen of this commonwealth, assaulted and beat a Mr....
27To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Carleton, with an Estimate of Expenses of the Military Department, 1 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office [ Annapolis ], 1 Feb. 1784 . Transmitting general estimate “of the expence of the Military Establishment of the United States for the current year amounting to 219.578 dollars.” This estimate was sent in response to orders “of the grand Committee, communicated in your Letter of the 31st. ultimo.” Staff estimates not accurate, but “the best that can be made out of the imperfect...
28To Thomas Jefferson from George Rogers Clark, 8 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 4th Decr. last came Safe to hand. I should have given you an answer Sooner but some part of the subject required serious attention in a person in my cituation. It gives me pleasure to suppose you my friend originating from the Idea I have of your Sentiments. The Bones you wish for will undoubtedly be sent to you without some misfortune should happen me as I am now divesting...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Carter, 9 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
My father has only one instance of the white negroe in his estate. I have been prevented examining her by her being sent some time since to Amherst. But as she lived many years at Blenheim and generally drew the attention of every one who saw her, I have found little difficulty in collecting answers to your queries. I feel myself much disposed to see this curiosity and think to visit Amherst...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Marbois, [10? February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. De Marbois presents his compliments to Mr. Jefferson and begs the favor of a communication of the Constitutions of the thirteen States if Mr. Jefferson has got them. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 30). TJ’s draft of the Virginia deed of cession is on the verso of Marbois’ letter. TJ must, therefore, have received this letter sometime before 13 Feb. It may have been written on Tuesday, 10 Feb. 1784;...
31From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1784 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Lacks docket and cover. Your favor of the 11. of Decr. ulto. came safe to hand after a very tedious conveyance. Mr. W. Maury having broken up his school in this Neighbourhood in order to attempt a superior one in Williamsburg & his pupils being dispersed, I have sent the book for Mr. P. Carr into the neighbourhood of Doctr. Walker whence I supposed it would most...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Hutchins, 11 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 24th of last month I was honored with the 9th instant. I embrace the first opportunity of tendering you my thanks for your friendly communication respecting the error you discovered in my Pamphlet . How to account for so egregious a blunder in calculation, I am really at a loss, as a moments reflection on the subject would have set me right. Should any other mistake appear to...
33To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 11. of Decr. ulto. came safe to hand after a very tedious conveyance. Mr. W. Maury having broken up his school in this Neighbourhood in order to attempt a superior one in Williamsburg and his pupils being dispersed, I have sent the book for Mr. P. Carr into the neighbourhood of Doctr. Walker whence I supposed it would most easily find its way to him. I thank you for the mark...
34To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 14 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I am lately returned from the back Country where I have been for a considerable time in a bad State of health which is the reason I did not reply sooner to your letter . At present I shall only observe that if you find it Convenient you may draw on me occasionally for such sums as you require and I shall honor your Bills. I am but just come to this Town and Cant tell what Funds the Treasurer...
35From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1784 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Undocketed. Cover missing. I wrote to you a few days ago by the post acknowledging your favor of the 10th. of Decr. Mr. Maury has since afforded me an opportunity which I cannot omit to acknowledge that of the first of Jany. which has just come to hand, and to express the concern I feel at the account it gives of your ill health. I hope earnestly that this will find...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 17 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you a few days ago by the post acknowledging your favor of the 10th. of Decr. Mr. Maury has since afforded me an opportunity which I cannot omit to acknowledge that of the first of Jany. which has just come to hand, and to express the concern I feel at the account it gives of your ill health. I hope earnestly that this will find it in a better state and that I may soon receive a...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Derieux, 22 February 178[4] (Jefferson Papers)
Mon epouse m’ayant dit que vous etiés L ami de Mr. Mazzei mon beaupere, Je prends la liberté de vous informer que nous sommes dans ce port depuis le 1er. de ce mois, d’ou nous proposons de faire routte pour la virginie, aussitot que La Santé de ma femme qui est accouchée dans notre traversée de france, nous le permettra. Le desir de faire connoissance avec vous, Monsieur ajoutte beaucoup à mon...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 23 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just now received your favour pr. Mr. Marbois, have not Time to answer in kind, am sorry for your Illness. If your Fever was of the infectious kind you have performed Quarantine. I hope to see you in the Spring. I should not have wrote in such a Hurry, but to inform you that our Philosl. Society is in a promising Way. The Case of Mr. Maddison was this—the Candidates for Election were...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Morris, with Table of Arrears of the States and Jefferson’s Notes, 25 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the first Instant reached me but a few days since and I seize the earliest Moment in my Power of replying to it. I shall reply also in this Letter to that with which I was favored from the honorable Mr. Williamson, and pray both of him and of the Committee that they will excuse it, assuring them that it proceeds from a desire of collecting all I have to say on the Subject under...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Jones, 28 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have yours of the 2d. inst. by Col. Monroes Adam. I lament his not returning accompanied with the means of relief having heretofore experienced the disagreeable as well as disgracefull predicament in which the Gentlemen of the Delegation are placed for want of remittances from the State. It is to be hoped you have received the small supply the Treasurer mentions to me he had lately forwarded...
41To Thomas Jefferson from the Massachusetts Delegates in Congress, 29 February [1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Sunday, 29 Feb. [ 1784 ]. They present their compliments to TJ and invite him to dinner on Tuesday next at 4 p.m. RC ( ViU : Mary Kirk Moyer deposit); 1 p.; in the hand of George Partridge; partially dated; addressed: “Honle Mr Jefferson”; with notations added later by TJ to record various household expenses and accounts with James Monroe while they were Virginia delegates to Congress in...
42From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 3 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me the enclosed letter, under cover from the Marquis de la Fayette. If you have any News that you are at liberty to impart, it would be charity to communicate a little of it, to a body. It is unnecessary, I hope, to repeat to you the assurances of the pleasure I should feel at seeing you at this retreat, or of the sincere esteem & regard with which I am—Dear Sir—Yr Most...
43[To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 3 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Eppington, 3 Mch. 1784 . Noted in SJL as received 26 Mch. 1784. Not found.]
44To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 3 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The last Post brought me the enclosed letter under cover from the Marquis de la Fayette. If you have any News that you are at liberty to impart, it would be charity to communicate a little of it, to a body. It is unnecessary, I hope, to repeat to you the assurances of the pleasure I should feel at seeing you at this retreat, or of the sincere esteem & regard with which I am Dear Sir Yr. Most...
45[To Thomas Jefferson from John Key, 7 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Monticello, 7 Mch. 1784 . Noted in SJL as received 26 Mch. Letter not found.]
46To Thomas Jefferson from David Ross, 9 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I Wrote to you a few days before I left Virginia which I hope you’ve received. I am this far on my way home from Philadelphia. This letter will be delivered to you by Mr. Luke Wheeler a friend of mine of this place who I beg leave to introduce to you. Mr. Wheeler intends residing in Hamburg as a Merchant and wishes to go in the Public character of Consul for the States, not from motives of...
47To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, [ca. 10] March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg Leave to break in on a few Minutes of your Time, which I am sensible ought not to be unnecessarily interrupted. At Length Gilliam &c. have made such Paces towards the final Adjustments of Skelton’s Accounts that I think the Business may now be done, of which I confess I formerly despaired. They have agreed to enter into Bond to adhere to what the Commissioners on either Part shall...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 12 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you have, e’er this, recovered from your Indisposition. For my Part I have been afflicted with a very severe Cold for these three Weeks past nor have I yet got rid of this troublesome Companion. This Complaint is very general here. I have amused myself during my Confinement in various Ways. I have read Burney on Music which is really a very learned Work, but as I cannot subscribe to all...
49[To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 14 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia , 14 Mch. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 25 Mch. 1784. Not found. This is probably the letter mentioned in the first paragraph of Hopkinson’s letter to TJ of 31 Mch. , q.v. It contained a request for certain papers needed in a lawsuit. On 27 Mch. TJ made the following entry in his Account Book: “pd Register of land office for Fras. Hopkinson Philada 22/6”; and on 30 Mch.: “pd...
50From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Baron de Steuben informs me, that he is about to make a final settlement with Congress; and to obtain from them that compensation which his Services shall appear to have merited; having entered into no stipulation at the time he engaged in the Service either for Pay or emoluments; chusing rather to let his Services point to their own rewards (after they were performed) than to set a value...
51To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 15 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The Baron de Steuben informs me that he is about to make a final Settlement with Congress; and to obtain from them that compensation which his Services shall appear to have merited; having entered into no stipulation at the time he engaged in the Service, either for Pay or emoluments; chusing rather to let his Services point to their own rewards (after they were performed) than to set a value...
52From William Whipple, with Answers to Queries concerning the Moose, 15 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The only Apology I have to make for not sooner answering Your favor of the 12th Jany. is, that I have been expecting more satisfactory information on the subject of the Moose; but dispairing of speedily obtaining the satisfaction I wish; I now inclose you such answers to Your questions as I have been able to procure, also a small parcel of the hair of the Moose sent me by a Gentleman of whom I...
53From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 20. Ult. came duly to hand a few days ago. I can not apprehend that any difficulties can ensue in Europe from the involuntary & immaterial delay of the ratification of the peace, or if there should that any imputations can be devised which will not be repelled by the collective force of the reasons in the intended protest; some of which singly taken are unanswerable. As you...
54To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 20. Ult. came duly to hand a few days ago. I cannot apprehend that any difficulties can ensue in Europe from the involuntary and immaterial delay of the ratification of the peace, or if there should, that any imputations can be devised which will not be repelled by the collective force of the reasons in the intended protest; some of which singly taken are unanswerable. As...
55[To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 19 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Caroline [?], 19 Mch. 1784 . Noted in SJL as received 2 Apr. 1784. Not found.]
56To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 23 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I am pleased to find Congress have accepted your Deed of Cession. Why any one member should hesitate to do it cannot be accounted for unless like our former tyrants they had rather take by force what they had no right to than accept the same thing as a free gift. I most heartily wish you would lay the lands out into States immediately and agree on terms of purchase with the indians. If it is...
57From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 15th came to my hands the 2 2d—at the moment the Governor & some other company came in. I can do no more at present than to acknowledge the rect of it, but will take the first leisure moment to write fully to you on the points it contains. Capt. Barney informs me that he has two packages on board, from the Marqs de la Fayette; the enclosed to him contains a request to land...
58[To Thomas Jefferson from John Key, 24 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Monticello, 24 Mch. 1784 . Noted in SJL as received 10 Apr. 1784. Not found.]
59[To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 24 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Mount Vernon, 24 Mch. 1784 . Noted in SJL as received 26 Mch. 1784. Not found.]
60To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 15th. came to my hands the 22d. at the moment the Governor and some other company came in. I can do no more at present than to acknowledge the receipt of it, but will take the first leisure moment to write fully to you on the points it contains. Capt. Barney informs me that he has two packages on board, from the Marqs. de la Fayette; the enclosed to him contains a request to...