31From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 27 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
As the inclosed resolution might be so construed as to lead into endless details, I entered into convasation on the subject with mr Early, who presented it. I found he wanted only general views of the subject. perhaps a tabular view under the following heads may best suit him port. name of fort condition cost of construction hitherto sum necessary to furnish it miscellaneous remarks
32From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 31 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Madison will have written to you on the subject of a demand of 1000. D. furnished to Lieutt. Pike to be repaid to Foronda, which of course must come out of the military fund. I inclose you an application from mr Graham for a commission in the army for a mr Lithgow, relation of mr Henderson who sollicits it, & who I think has a just claim for the gratification. I inclose you also a letter...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 26 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks a consultation with the heads of Departments tomorrow at one Oclock & that they will do him the favor to dine with him— Privately owned.
34From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, [5 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I have been looking into the case which is the subject of Majr. Foreman’s letter from St. Mary’s , stating that the Govr. of E. Florida proposes to enlist souldiers within our territory for an expedition against the Creeks . the statute of June 14. 1797. is only against naval enterprizes. but that of Mar. 3. 1799 regulating intercourse with the Indians, comes perfectly up to this case in...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 14 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson salutes Genl. Dearborne with friendship and communicates the following information from Capt. Lewis, which may be useful to Colo. Freeman and our future explorers, and indeed may enable us understandingly to do acceptable things to our Louisiana neighbors when we wish to gratify them. he says the following are the articles in highest value with them. 1. blue beads. this is a...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 1 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Aug. 15. was recieved yesterday. I regret extremely that the estimate of the blocks at N. York should place them above our appropriation. the data of calculation should be above all question to justify suspending the operation. but, if they are to cost a million, altho’ I should be for it, yet Congress should be consulted. I inclose you a letter from George Mosley wishing to be a...
37V. Address of Handsome Lake, [15 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
The Great Spirit looks down on me this day, and expects that I shall take measures to secure all the reservations to which your red children are entitled. My anxiety on this subject is encreased by a knowledge I have of the will of the Great Spirit above us all. He expects if from me, and faithfulness to him and to my red brethren compel me to be importunate in urging a completion of this very...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 29 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Many officers of the army being involved in the offence of intending a military enterprize against a nation at peace with the US. to remove the whole, without trial, by the paramount authority of the Executive, would be a proceeding of unusual severity. some line must therefore be drawn to separate the more from the less guilty. the only sound one which occurs to me is between those who...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 9 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of July 27. is recieved. It confirms the accounts we recieve from others that the infractions of the embargo in Maine & Massachusets are. open. I have removed Pope of New Bedford for worse than negligence. the Collector of Sullivan is on the totter. the Tories of Boston openly threaten insurrection if their importation of flour is stopped. the next post will stop it. I fear your governor...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 24 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is the first intimation I have recieved of the intention of the paymaster to resign. if it be within rule to appoint to that office a person not in the military line, there is certainly no better man than Robert Brent. but of this also there is no better judge than yourself, to whom accordingly it is submitted with affectionate salutations & assurances of respect. PHi : Daniel...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 3 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return from a day from a journey to New London I found here the inclosed from the Governor of S. Carolina to mr. Madison which I forward to you as belonging to your department to consider of. I learn with great regret that mr & mrs Madison have been obliged to go to Philadelphia, & I have little hope of seeing them in our neighborhood this season. I hope this circumstance will not...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 8 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I last night recieved the account of Genl. Irvine’s death , and at the same time the inclosed applications for the continuance of the office in his family, which are certainly very strong. the single one in behalf of Capt Jones must be merely idle, as it is most improbable that he would accept of it. I inclose the whole however for your information. Irvine is a real loss to us. Not having...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 8 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Has Genl. Dearborne recieved any information from Genl. Clinton which will enable Th:J. to answer the inclosed letter [ Reply by Dearborn :] Govr. Clinton speaks well of Astor, as a man of large property & fair charactor, and well acquainted with the fur & peltry business. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
44From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 31 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Stoddart, Secretary of the Navy having early in this month informed me by letter of his desire to resign that office, and having continued in it ever since, on my request only, I hereby authorize & appoint you to recieve the charge of the department from him, and to perform the duties of it until a Secretary of the Navy shall be formally appointed. Accept assurances of my high...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 13 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 7th. since that we learn that the Bellona & Leopard remaining in Hampton Road, the other two vessels have returned to the capes of Chesapeak where they have been reinforced by another frigate and a sloop of war we know not from whence. this induces us to suppose they do not mean an immediate attack on Norfolk; but to retain their present position till further orders from...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 9 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It is represented to me on the part of a person of the name of Solomon Sessum living at Tarburgh in N. Caroline, in independant circumstances, but himself & wife both old, that Roderick Sessums their son was, in the year 1795, during a fit of intoxication, enlisted by a Captn. Rickard then recruiting in that quarter. that being at Natchez in 1800, when his time was to expire, the father with...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 12 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have read with pleasure the letter of Capt Davidson by which, according to unanimous resolves of the company of light infantry of the first legion of the militia of Columbi a commanded by him, he tenders their services as volunteers under the act of Congress of Feb. 24. 1807 I accept the offer and render to Capt. Davidson & the other officers & privates of the company that praise to which...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from mr Jackson of Tennissee, formerly a Senator from that state on the subject of Colo. Butler. he is a man of great integrity and respectability; carried sometimes beyond strict reason by an overwarm and excellent heart. another from judge Campbell on the subject of Doctr. Vandyke. I also return the one from him to you covering mine. on the subject of the robbery...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 31 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Considering that the important thing is to get the militia classed so that we may get at the young for a year’s service at a time, and that training may be supplied after they are called out, I think we may give up every part of the bill which respects training & arming. let us once get possession of the principle, & future Congresses will train & arm. in this way we get rid of all those...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 17 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I forwarded to mr Smith, Secretary of the Navy, an extract of so much of my letter to you of Aug. 31. as suggested the idea of artificial harbours for gun boats on the Horse shoe & Middle grounds, with a view to his having their foundation examined to know if they would support works, & their distance ascertained to know what would be their effect. the objects were 1st. to provide an asylum on...
51From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 3 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the day before. with respect to the slanders in which the two mr Hunts were implicated, I assure you on my sacred honour that I never heard one word uttered but from mr Granger and one other person, who does not reside in this part of the country, nor is any way connected with the government; and the sole object of his communicating with me was to engage me...
52From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 12 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
My journey & two days detention on the road by high waters gave me time to reflect on our Canal at New Orleans, on which I will therefore hazard some thoughts. I think it has been said that the Misipi at low water is many feet lower, opposite N.O. than lake Pontchartrain. but the fact is impossible, being in contradiction to the laws of nature. two beds of dead water connected with the same...
53From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 5 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
About a twelvemonth after we came into the administration we learnt by a letter from mr Simpson that our predecessors had promised to the Emperor of Marocco 100. gun carriages. you have known most of the unlucky circumstances which have baffled our execution of it. the last however is but recently known. we had desired mr Simpson to have them made in Europe, or to offer the value to the...
54From James Wilkinson to Henry Dearborn, 19 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed papers will explain to you the motives of this address—I deemed it improper to say any thing of my Accounts, while the opinion of the Court of Enquiry was unknown—This was not published before the 4th July, since which I have, with exception of three or four Days, been confined to my Room, and thus it happened I could not see you before your departure The first day I was able to...
55From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 1 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson incloses to Genl. Dearborne some papers from Lt. Osborne, a part of which he believes he before delivered to him, & sends him now the sequel, recieved yesterday to do in the case what he finds just. he had the pleasure of finding his family all restored to health. they accompanied him to Monticello where they hope in due season to recieve Genl. & Mrs Dearborne. he salutes them...
56From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 7 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I dare say that Purcell’s map must be of value, and it would be well if his representatives would publish it. but whether worth your purchase & at what price Genl. Wilkinson might perhaps satisfy you. I shall write to Marentille that if you think it worth while to give him 50,000 D. for his project, you will inform him. in the contrary case it may be put away in your pigeon hole of projects....
57From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 15 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
As soon as I possibly could after my arrival here, I prepared the general instructions for our mission up the Arkansa & Red rivers, but could not make a fair copy of them in time for the last post. they are inclosed in the letter to mr Dunbar which I send open for your perusal, and then to be forwarded to him. it will enable you to see and to supply what is deficient, and to alter whatever on...
58From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much pleased to find that the Choctaws agree to sell us their country on the Missisipi, and think we ought to accept it to any extent they will agree to, only taking care the price be not too high. they are poor; and will probably sell beyond what will pay their debts, so as to be entitled to an annual pension, which is one of the best holds we can have on them. their strength & the...
59From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 3 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you letters from P. Choteau & a mr Hay giving information of Capt Lewis. the information given by the former of the combination forming among the Machicoux (the Indians about Michigan I presume) is worthy attention. I wonder neither Governr. Harrison nor Wells have noted it. if true it may be proper for us to send a talk to each of the tribes, explaining our real intentions as to...
60From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 16 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from Govr. Tatnall and petition from the inhabitants over the Cherokee boundary, on a subject which Colo. Wafford had before presented to us , renders it necessary to advert again to it. I think we have had some information from our Commissioners of the unsuccessful endeavors they used, according to our instructions, to obtain indulgence for these settlers, but I do not...
61From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 25 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his friendly salutations to Genl. Dearborne incloses him a letter from an Ensign Johnson of Maryland, of whom he knows nothing. he does it not to make mischief as to him, nor even that he should know it has been communicated, but because it is useful the Secretary at war should know the measure of discretion possessed by those who may be candidates for trusts from him. DLC :...
62From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 11 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In mine of the day before yesterday I informed you that to comply with a request of Govr. Cabell I had undertaken to lay down rules of intercourse with the British vessels, at first intended for Capt Decatur only, but afterwards extended with equal power to the officer commanding by land, so that each should have equal power to send & recieve flags. I now send you a copy of that letter. since...
63From Daniel Carthy to Henry Dearborn, 19 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
Not discouraged, that I did not, recieve an answer to the letter I presumed to write to you, recommending Mr Neal, as a proper person for the appointment of Surveyor of the Coast of the United States; because I have been assured it is the Course of business, at head quarters, not to reply to Such letters; therefore, presuming Still on the Strength of the Sentiment, produced by the recollection...
64From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 1 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to consider & direct how the 3000. D. may be apportioned in the details of the Arcansa expedition ? to wit how much for pay, for instruments & other articles of outfit which cannot be furnished from the military fund, & how much may be laid out in light articles for barter & presents to the Indians. this last article should be made as large as the fund will admit....
65From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 26 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The substance of what was agreed on yesterday, was I think as follows. I. the 2. bomb-vessels & 2. gunboats built by Commodore Preble are to go immediately to Charleston, there to take gunboat No. 1. & proceed, the 3. gunboats into L. Pontchartrain, & the 2. bomb vessels to N. Orleans. to these are to be added other gunboats from the Ohio, or the Mediterranean so as to keep a force of 6. boats...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 2 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I propose tomorrow morning to send to both houses the act of S.C. with the inclosed message. is there sufficient reason to be satisfied that the positions ceded are the best? or ought we not to examine & say what positions we think worth taking & will take & fortify, & consequently to require a suitable modification of their act? the condition of fortifying them all in 3. years, or to lose...
67From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 21 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The guarding our arms at New London & Manchester stands on totally different ground. the former was at my request, delivered verbally to Governor Monroe about the 15th. of April 1801. certainly not a week sooner or later. the latter was in the time of the insurrection of their slaves and no more chargeable to the Union than the other expences of their militia on that occasion. I should have...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 28 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just making the last arrangements for my departure. the inclosed proposition of Monsr. Dupont for the purification of our Saltpetre being of some magnitude I have thought it best to forward his letter to you, that you may decide on it yourself, and give him an answer. we have nothing material from Europe except the communication from his Britannic Majesty that understanding we were...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 13 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much pleased with both the ideas suggested by Lyons , viz. 1. to proceed from Knoxville direct through the Cherokee Creek & Choctaw country to Natchez. 2. to encourage individuals to make terms with the Indians on their private account for establishing farms along the line at every 15. or 30. or 45. miles distance as can be obtained. but instead of going from Knoxville to Natchez in a...
70From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 20 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter of July 1. from Govr. Lewis recieved from the war office by the last post. It presents a full, & not a pleasant view of our Indian affairs West of the Misipi. as the punishment of the Osages has been thought necessary, the means employed appear judicious. first to draw off the friendly part of the nation, & then withdrawing the protection of the US. leave the other...
71From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 13 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a petition from Aaron Goff of Vermont praying the release of his son under age. the fact of infancy being established, the discharge becomes a matter of right. I have the pleasure to inform you that William Clarke accepts with great glee the office of going with Capt Lewis up the Missouri. in the moment of my departure from Washington mrs Madison informed me you had a thought...
72From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 6 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In the case of Crutchelow & John Williams , two of the murderers of the Indians who have fled, had the case happened in any of the states which proceed according to the forms of the English law, an indictment would be preferred to a grand jury, the witnesses called to appear, and on it’s being found a true bill, a capias issues, which being returned non est inventus, an Exigent goes out, on...
73From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 23 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Taking from our last Census the number of 384,554 free white males of the age of 16. and under 26. and distributing them according to their ages by Buffon’s table they stand thus. between 16. and 18. 80,405. not of military age in their 19th year 39,591
74From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 12 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you all the papers recieved in yours of the 9th. except Morrison’s letter on the subject of Alston, which altho’ expressed to be confidential, I send to mr Hay under that injunction, merely for his information, should there be other bearings on the same point. in my conscience I have no doubt as to his participation. to your papers I add some others. particularly respecting the...
75From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 6 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the letters of mr Granger & mr J. Nicholas, by the latter of which you will see that an Indian rupture in the neighborhood of Detroit becomes more probable if it has not already taken place. I see in it no cause for changing the opinion given in mine of Aug. 28. but on the contrary strong reason for hastening the measures therein recommended. we must make ever memorable examples...
76From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 25 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
There is a subject on which I wished to speak with you before I left Washington; but an apt occasion did not occur. it is that of your continuance in office. perhaps it is as well to submit my thoughts to you by letter. the present summer is too important, in point of preparation, to leave your department unfilled, for any time, as I once thought might be done: and it would be with extreme...
77From John Langdon Sibley to Henry Dearborn, 12 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Extract of a letter from Mr. John Sibley dated Natchitoches Octr. 12. 1808. Every thing in this quarter is quiet. the Season is healthy and very great crops of every thing. No occurrence amongst the Indians worthy of notice. Every body wishes the Embargo raised; but not untill the object for which it was layed is affected; or it is found insufficient to affect it. The late events in Spain seem...
78From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 26 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23. is recieved & I learn with pleasure that mrs Dearborne & yourself will ere long be with us. there are three routes by which you may come. 1. that by Fredericksburg, which is 20. miles the furthest, the worst road, & after you pass Fredericksburg as badly off for stages as any other & a miserable uninteresting country. of the other two to wit, by Stephensbg, & by the...
79From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 27 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Smith the writer of one of the inclosed letters is the republican […] in the place of Page lately elected to Congress in Virginia. a man of very great respectability. setting that aside, our service is not so urgent as to render it necessary to drag sons from their fathers. the affection of citizens to their government is worth cultivating as it’s best support. these considerations would...
80From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 1 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been able to give the inclosed so little time that the suggestions of alteration which I make are merely for your consideration. in order to keep the subject clear I would propose to transpose the paragraphs so as to touch 1st. on their Civil powers generally. 2d. intrusions on land. 3. the military. 4. the militia. for this purpose I suggest something like the following. Section 1. to...