851From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong of New York, 26 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
We find it of advantage to the public to ask of those to whom appointments are proposed, if they are not accepted, to say nothing of the offer, at least for a convenient time. the refusal cheapens the estimation of the public appointments and renders them less acceptable to those to whom they are secondarily proposed. the occasion of this remark will be found in a letter you will recieve from...
852From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 23 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your favor of the 12th. inst. and thank you for the information respecting the receipt of a consignment of old Madeira wines. I will gladly take a pipe of the Brazil quality which you mention to be the best: and should hope a means of conveying it hither would occur. the price I presume I shall be able to remit by a bill on the Collector of your port. We [hear] nothing very...
853From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 6 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to give to Congress the details necessary for their full information of the state of things between Spain & the US. I send them the communication & documents now inclosed. although stated to be confidential, that term is not meant to be extended to all the documents; the greater part of which are proper for the public eye. it is applied only to the message itself, & to the letters...
854From Thomas Jefferson to John Tyler, 28 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
your favor of the 10th. inst. has been duly recieved. amidst the direct falsehoods, the misrepresentations of truth, the calumnies & the insults resorted to by a faction to mislead the public mind, & to overwhelm those intrusted with its interests, our support is to be found in the approving voice of our conscience and country, in the testimony of our fellow citizens that their confidence is...
855From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 20 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not know till this moment that the manifests for my tobo. [passed] at Milton the last winter had not been sent to you. I am now sending off a messenger to Milton for them. if they arrive before the departure of this letter they shall be inclosed. if not, some other private conveyance from our [court] shall be sought, so at farthest they shall go by the next post. I hope it will be no...
856From Thomas Jefferson to John Vaughan, 4 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Being near my departure for Monticello I leave here with orders to forward them to you by the first vessel, a box containing the minerals from Capt. Lewis which were the subject of a former letter, & another containing an instrument called a Bathometer sent to me by it’s inventor. believing it cannot be otherwise so well disposed of, I beg leave to deposit it with the Philosophical society...
857From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 19 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am persuaded I shall be pleased with mr Hawkins’s portable Polygraph, because of it’s small size, & it’s simplification by omitting one of the horizontal parallelograms, the stays or suspenders, & probably the vertical parallelograms & gallows, for I see no use for the two last if the suspender be omitted. the pencases I shall be able to have arranged to my mind by an excellent workman here....
858From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of Feb. 20. and to thank you for your congratulations on the event of the election. had it terminated in the elevation of mr Burr, every republican would I am sure have acquiesced in a moment; because, however it might have been variant from the intentions of the voters, yet it would have been agreeable to the constitution. no man would more...
859From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 27 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I communicate for the information of Congress the Report of the Director of the mint of the operations of that establishment during the last year. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
860From Thomas Jefferson to James T. Leonard, 15 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Lieutt. Leonard, and his thanks for the care he took in the delivery of his letters at Paris, to several of which he has recieved answers, as well as that of the packages he brought for him. that from mr Volney will come well as he has proposed. he salutes him respectfully. PrC ( MoSHi : Jefferson Papers); endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. care he took :...
861To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1803 (Madison Papers)
I return you the petition of Samuel Miller with the pardon signed. Mr. Kelty had spoke to me on this subject and told me that he and mr. Craunch should join in a recommendation. I wish mr. Wagner would obtain this before he delivers the pardon. I return also mr. King’s letter which has really important matter, especially what respects the Mare clausum, the abandonment of the colonial system, &...
862From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 25 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I pray that the subject of this Letter may be entirely confidential between you and myself. the office of Collector for Norfolk will very shortly be vacant. if you would accept of it, your long & faithful services to the public would place you beyond all competitors, & justify me in duty as well as feeling in appointing you. altho the emoluments would be no object to you, and the duties what...
863From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 29 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed papers came in the letter from Capt Lewis which I sent you: but not having been able to read this till last night they are now sent, and are interesting.—I cannot make out whether the party of Osages who were killed were some of those deputed to us. if they were not, it would carry us farther into Indian concerns, than we would wish to go, to take serious notice of it. if the...
864From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 5 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Having to pay James Oldham 179.80 D I have thought it safer to put under cover to you 180. D. and to ask the favor of you to make him the paiment on his application. I set out for Monticello tomorrow. accept affectionate salutns. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
865From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 19 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson will be obliged to mr Barnes for 20. Dollars in five dollar bills. Oct. 19. 1802. RC ( ViU : Edgehill-Randolph Papers); addressed: “Mr Barnes”; endorsed by Barnes; endorsed by TJ: “Barnes John.” According to TJ’s financial memoranda, on 19 Oct. Barnes sent $15 to the president, who also gave $10 in charity on the same day. The following day, TJ made two additional charitable gifts...
866Memorandum for Henry Dearborn, 22 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Observations on mr Hawkins’s letter of Dec. 22. 1802. Our proceedings on the subject of the deed by the Speaker of the Creeks to mrs Darant should be decisive, prompt and exemplary. if she be an Indian (which I should not expect as she is the sister of Mc.Gillivray) we cannot punish her. if she be an American citizen, the Attorney of the US. in the Missisipi territory might be instructed to...
867From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 28 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23d. is recieved & I now return you mr Peyton’s order accepted payable the first week of August. this I presume will make only the week’s odds with you, while it makes a month’s odds with me, as I settle & pay the first week of every month for the whole month. considerable paiments for the beginning of July render an anticipation then not convenient. Affectionate salutations....
868From Thomas Jefferson to David Meade Randolph, 23 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
An appeal to the Executive, when justice is understood to be refused by any department, is always proper. on the receipt of your letter of the 10th inst. I inclosed it to the Secretary of the Treasury for explanations. the business lying within the Comptroller’s line of duty, he has returned the answers which I now inclose you, and from which it would seem that the final liquidation of your...
869From Thomas Jefferson to Harry Innes, 20 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 25. is duly recieved & I have to observe that I used the mouldboard you mention with the common bar share plough; nothing about it being changed but the mouldboard. I can assure you that the same horses, in my farm, would make a furrow with this mouldboard 2. I. deeper than they could with the common mouldboard, owing to the difference of resistance. adhering to the principle...
870From Thomas Jefferson to Jared Irwin, 10 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to communicate to yourself, & through you to the Senate & Representatives of Georgia the inclosed answer to the resolutions of that legislature of the 6th. of December last, and to add to it the assurances of my high respect and consideration. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
871From Thomas Jefferson to David Gelston, 30 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter from Mr. Lee at Bordeaux I learn he has shipped for me to your address five cases of Bordeaux wines and 3. cases of preserves, the cost of the former 738.₶ of the latter not mentioned. I inclose you the bill of lading and will ask the favor of you to have the cases forwarded to this place by the first vessel, and to be so good as to inform me of the amount of duties & other charges...
872From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 24 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate Hore Browse Trist of the Missisipi territory to be collector of the district of Missipi. Benjamin Morgan of New Orleans to be Naval officer of the port of New Orleans William G. Garland of New Orleans to be Surveyor and Inspector of the revenue for the port of New Orleans. Alexander Bailey of the Missisipi territory to be Collector of the district, and Inspector of the revenue for...
873From Thomas Jefferson to John Lithgow, 10 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Lithgow and acknoleges with thanks the reciept of his pamphlet which he shall peruse with attention. the interests of the Agriculturalist, the manufacturer, the merchant & the navigator are so intimately blended together, that to keep them all in just balance, by giving encouragements to some which shall not be encouragements to them, requires a...
874From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 5 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the evening of the 3d inst. we recieved a letter from mr King (arrived at N. York) covering one from Livingston & Monroe to him in which they informed him that on the 30th. of April they signed a treaty with France, ceding to us the island of N. Orleans and all Louisiana as it had been held by Spain. the price is not mentioned. we are in hourly expectation of the treaty by a special...
875From Thomas Jefferson to Meriwether Lewis, 4 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The seeds & other light articles which you entrusted to me for your friends in Albemarle were safely delivered. your mother returned from Georgia in good health a little before I left Monticello. the horns, which I could not take on with me, were packed in one of 25. boxes, barrels &c., which I sent round by water. the vessel was stranded, and every thing lost which water could injure. the...
876From Thomas Jefferson to William Cushing and Hannah Phillips Cushing, 2 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favour of the honble Mr. & Mrs. Cushing to dine with him on Monday next at half after three, Feb. 2. 05. The favour of an answer is asked. RC ( NNPM ); printed form, with blanks filled in TJ’s hand reproduced in italics. William Cushing (ca. 1732-1810) was born in Scituate, Massachusetts, graduated from Harvard College, and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in...
877From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 4 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
If I understand the claim of the Creeks it is that they shall have a right of transit across our territories, but especially along our rivers from the Spanish territories to their own, for goods for their own use without paying us a duty. I think they are in the right. this is exactly what we are claiming of Spain as to this very river the Mobille. our doctrine is that different nations...
878From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 2 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate Robert Smith, now Secretary of the Navy, to be Attorney General of the United States. Jacob Crownenshield of Massachusets to be Secretary of the Navy. Obadiah Jones of Georgia to be one of the judges of the court of the Missisipi territory. PoC ( DLC ); TJ added a check mark at each entry. Isaac A. Coles delivered TJ’s message to the Senate on 2 Mch. The Senate dispensed with the...
879From Thomas Jefferson to William, Benjamin, and W. L. Bakewell, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Feb. 8. came to my hands only a few days ago and yesterday the barrel of ale therein mentioned was delivered here. I am to return you thanks in the first place for the indulgence with which you view my character & administration, and the dispositions you express in favor of those political principles which have made this country what it is, & the abandonment of which, whenever...
880From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 30 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I formerly, my dear friend, mentioned to you my wish that we might be able to get the value of your lands here increased by a permission to locate them in some more favorable position. but I feared to represent this to you as any thing more than a wish, that no false hopes might be excited. you understand yourself how little we can answer for the determinations of numerous bodies of men, of...
881From Thomas Jefferson to John Dawson, 19 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Dawson, & his request that he will be so good as to copy the within & burn this original, as he is very unwilling to meddle personally with the details of the proceedings of the legislature. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson. A Bill authorising the emploiment of the land or Naval forces of the US. in cases of insurrection. Be it enacted &c. that...
882Enclosure: To Suffield Citizens, 3 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve with great satisfaction the congratulations of the citizens of Suffield & the neighboring towns who have been pleased to tender them on my appointment to the first office of government in the United States. and should I be able to preserve the general tranquility of the republic, or be instrumental in promoting the happiness of those who have placed me in this station, the measure of...
883From Thomas Jefferson to Pennsylvania Legislature, 10 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved some time ago from the Speakers of the Senate and House of Representatives of Pensylvania, an Address from the two houses, to which, on public considerations, it was thought adviseable that the answer should be deferred awhile. I now ask permission to convey the answer through the same channel; and to tender you the assurances of my high consideration & respect. DLC : Papers of...
884From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 31 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter written from Malta by Richard Obrien our late Consul at Algiers, giving some details of transactions before Tripoli, is communicated for the information of Congress. RC ( DNA : RG 46, LPPM , 8th Cong., 2d sess.); endorsed by a Senate clerk. PoC ( DNA : RG 233, PM , 8th Cong., 2d sess.); endorsed by a House clerk. Enclosure: Richard O’Brien to John Gavino, Malta, 5 Sep.,...
885From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Hanson, 19 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 14th is recieved by the last post. by the one preceding I had recieved mr Meredith’s resignation in future, and had sent an appointment to another, according to arrangements [settled] before I left Washington. there were circumstances attending that which absolutely controuled us. Not having any other acquaintance among the Directors of the bank of the US. at Philadelphia, I...
886From Thomas Jefferson to James Barron, 23 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to Capt. Barron and asks the favor of him to give a safe conveyance to the inclosed letter for mr Higgins at Malta. it is to ask of him to send a pipe of Marsala Madeira by any good conveyance which may occur. if Capt. Barron can advise mr Higgins of any such Th:J. will be thankful to him, & he wishes him a pleasant voyage. ViW .
887From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
1. the Concessions to Renault. as to those in the territory of Indiana, that country having been claimed by England at all times, conquered in the war of 1755. & confirmed to her in 1763. conquered by the US. & confirmed to them in 1783. and all antient titles there settled & done with by authority of the US. these claims of Renault are certainly at an end. 2. As to those in Louisiana I...
888From Thomas Jefferson to Jesse Simms, 25 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have learned with real regret that my bill for the Canvasbacks you were so obliging as to furnish me the last year, had been suffered to remain unpaid. I took it for granted my Steward had taken care to pay it in time. immediately on finding it had not been done I desired mr Barnes of Georgetown to remit you 57. D. the amount which I hope has been done. Colo. Brent had promised he would...
889Record of Correspondence on Tripolitan Affairs, 13 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
1802. 1 Aug. 22. Madison to Cathcart. 1804. 2 May 26. Eaton’s commn. 3 30. Smith to Eaton. 4 June 6. to Barron 5 Sep. 13.
890From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 3 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to acknolege the reciept of your last favor , and I assure you with truth that the rumors set about by designing persons, & which are the subject of your letter, were perfectly understood by me, & made not the least impression. a long life spent in the service of the public & going always directly and openly to it’s object, is better evidence to me of your conduct than...
891From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 27 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I intended to have sent the former papers respecting Gibbs, Chingoteague & the Folly landing to mr Smith for perusal; but without thought at the moment I returned them to you. if you will let me have them again I will get him to peruse them & confer about them. if the embargo is to be continued I am persuaded we must enlarge his number of seamen & employ more gunboats. NHi : Papers of Albert...
892From Thomas Jefferson to Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 11th. is recieved, and is the best letter you have ever written me because it is the longest and fullest of that small news which I have most pleasure in recieving. with great news I am more than surfieted from other quarters, and in order that your letters may not be shortened by a bad pen of which you complain, I have got a pen for you which will be always good, never...
893From Thomas Jefferson to Quin Morton, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor tendering the service of fifty citizens of Tenissee as a company of volunteer riflemen. there are two acts of Congress which regulate the acceptance of these tenders: that of the last year (1808) is for a service of six months, & authorises the Governor to accept; and that of 1807. for a service of twelve months authorising the President to accept, who has...
894From Thomas Jefferson to DeWitt Clinton, 24 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Clinton & his thanks for the pamphlet sent him. he recollects the having read it at the time with a due sense of his obligation to the author whose name was surmised tho’ not absolutely known, and a conviction that he had made the most of his matter. the ground of defence might have been solidly aided by the assurance (which is the absolute fact)...
895From Thomas Jefferson to John Rush, 26 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to Dr. John Rush and his thanks for the tract sent him on the elements of life which he shall read in the first leisure moment with attention & pleasure. the subject is one of the most curious & interesting which can occupy the mind, and he percieves it is treated with that freedom which alone can promise sound result. PoC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ. sent...
896From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 29 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a draught of the Columbia bank on the bank of the US. for 250. D. which mr Barnes assures me is as good as bank notes [get.] it will be paid either in Philadelphia or New York. this he knows of his own experience. it is intended to cover a balance due from me to Hen[ry Duke] of Hanover, of about 150. Dol. and to pay mr Ast 91.[30] D for the insurance company. he [has] some demand...
897From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Donath, 9 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming you are still in the line in which I formerly knew & dealt with you, I take the liberty of applying to you for 250 panes of glass 18. I. by 12 I. and 150 panes 12. I. square, to be very exactly cut to their measures, because in the country those who could trim them are few & awkward & occasion great loss. to be of the same quality you formerly furnished me, that is to say Hamburg or...
898To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 19 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
With respect to the prosecutions against Thomas & others for a misdemeanor at Common law we ought to presume the judges will do right, and to give them an opportunity of doing so. The Executive ought not to sit in previous judgment on every case & to say whether it shall or shall not go before the judges. I think therefore this case ought to go on to trial, without interference of the...
899From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 19 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday sent from hence the packages noted in the inclosed bill of lading, to be forwarded up the river. the system of plunder which our watermen carry on with respect to whatever of mine is put into their hands, and which they say is a matter of right, induces me to wish that these packages, & all others of mine hereafter may be reserved & put into the care of mr TMRandolph’s watermen....
900From Thomas Jefferson to Anthony G. Bettay, 18 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter of Jan. 27. with respect to the silver mine on the river Platte, 1700 miles from St. Louis, I will observe that in the present state of things between us and Spain, we could not propose to make an establishment at that distance from all support. it is interesting however that the knolege of it’s position should be preserved, which can be done either by...