1From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I had written the inclosed letter to mrs Trist, and was just proceeding to begin one to you, when your favor of the 6th . was put into my hand. I thank you sincerely for it, and consider the views of it so sound, that I have communicated it to my coadjutors as one of our important evidences of the public sentiment, according to which we must shape our course. I suspect, partly from this, but...
2From James Madison to James Monroe, 6 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Camp handed me yesterday your two favors of the 11 & 12 of March. I can say nothing determinate as to the prospect of him & Mr. Lambert, because I do not yet know what arrangements may be contemplated throughout the Departments. I think however it would be unwise in any of the Candidates to neglect other resources; the number of them being such as greatly to reduce the chance to...
3From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 29 [i.e. 22] May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am late in answering your favor of the 4th. because the Navy department, from an extraordinary press of business, could not till within this day or two furnish me the inclosed papers . you will see by them that the money for Gosport (12,000. D.) has been placed in Norfolk at mr Hopkins’s command, ever since the last week in January. why it should have been witheld so long he will probably...
4From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 26 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
In mine of the 22d. I forgot to write on the subject of Callender , tho’ I had reserved that, for some time, to make a part of the letter. D.M.R. has contrived to put the money in such a situation that I find we could not lay our hands on it without giving room for specious criticisms. that would be a gratification to which he is not entitled. it will moreover strengthen the reasons for laying...
5From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 29 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since mine of the 26th. Callender is arrived here. he did not call on me; but understanding he was in distress, I sent Capt Lewis to him with 50. D. to inform him we were making some enquiries as to his fine which would take a little time, & lest he suffer in the mean time I had sent him &c. his language to Capt Lewis was very high toned. he intimated that he was in possession of things which...
6From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 29 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter of the 22d. instant, covering a copy of your communication to the General assembly, with the documents relative to the conduct of the British Consul at Norfolk who is charged with having recieved and sent out of the state of Virginia, a citizen of that state, under circumstances unauthorised by the existing laws. be assured that the request conveyed in the same...
7From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 23 Ult. Callendar made his appearance here some days ago in the same temper which is described in your letter. He seems implacable towards the principal object of his complaints and not to be satisfied in any respect, without an office. It has been my lot to bear the burden of receiving & repelling his claims. What feelings may have been excited by my plain...
8From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. came to hand yesterday, & by this day’s post I inclose you a draught on Gibson & Jefferson for 50. D. payable to Majr. Wm. Duval to whom you will be so good as to explain that it is for Genl. Lawson . I now write an answer to the Genl. but will keep it back a couple of days as it furnishes me in that way an excuse for having previously placed the money in Duval’s hands....
9From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 21 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your letter on the paiment of the guards at New-London, I beg leave to mention that it was not till about a fortnight ago that measures could be taken for their relief. a party from some recruits at Winchester was about that time ordered to proceed to New London. so soon as they arrive, the guards you ordered can be dispensed with, and if you will then have the accounts of...
10From James Madison to James Monroe, 25 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed came last evening in a packet from Bourdeau. By the same conveyance I have a letter from Dawson of May 27. at Paris. Every appearance assured him that the convention would be ratified. Letters from King of May 30. & June 1 represent the British Govt. as in dispositions equally favorable. They have given peremptory orders to their W. Inda. cruisers to abstain from the Captures...
11From James Madison to James Monroe, 24 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have your two favors of the 11 & 15. instant. The letter inclosed in the first is returned, Mr. Livingston having sailed before it could reach N. Y. and the letter for which it was to be substituted, having before gone on to him. The letter inclosed in the latter is also inclosed, with a note at the bottom of it by the President which will serve for an answer. We think the best mode of...
12From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
General Mason has just requested me to forward the inclosed 100 dolrs. to be put into the hands of Mr. S. Pleasants for Mr. Callander. Yrs. affy. RC ( NhHi ). Virginia senator Stevens Thomson Mason was an active supporter of Callender’s cause (see Michael Durey, “ With the Hammer of Truth ”: James Thomson Callender and America’s Early National Heroes [Charlottesville, Va., 1990], pp. 110–11,...
13From James Madison to James Monroe, 13 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Eli Whitney has been introduced to me by a letter from Mr. Pierpont Edwards, as an eminent Mathematical & Mechanical genius, and otherwise highly respectable. Of his Mechanical ingenuity he has given a valuable specimen in his invention of a machine for separating Cotton from its seed. He will probably converse with you on the subject of making fire arms, in which he is also an...
14From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 14 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof is mr Whitney of Connecticut a mechanic of the first order of ingenuity, who invented the Cotton gin now so much used to the South; he is at the head of a considerable gun manufactory in Connecticut, and furnishes the US. with muskets, undoubtedly the best they recieve. he has invented moulds & machines for making all the peices of his locks so exactly equal, that take 100...
15From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 24 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is the result of consideration & consultation between mr Madison & myself. if there be any thing you may think could be changed for the better, send it back , & it shall be altered. I congratulate you on the certain event of peace, whatever it’s conditions may be. health & happiness cum ceteris votis . RC ( DLC : Monroe Papers); addressed: “James Monroe Governor of Virginia...
16From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 24 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I had not been unmindful of your letter of June 15, covering a resolution of the House of Representatives of Virginia, and referred to in your’s of the 17th. inst. the importance of the subject, and the belief that it gave us time for consideration till the next meeting of the legislature have induced me to defer the answer to this date. you will percieve that some circumstances, connected...
17From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 13 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 8th. and I readily embrace both ideas of amendment suggested by you. I will pray you therefore in the last page of the letter, lines 9. & 10. to strike out the words ‘him, and executed with the aid of the Federal executive? these’ and insert ‘them. they’ or rather turn ‘him’ into ‘them’ by prefixing a t, and putting a loop to the i, thus e. and turn...
18From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to inclose you a complaint transmitted to this Department by the Agent of the U. States at Jamaica, of certain frauds in the case of flour shipped to that Island. As the facts stated have reference to places within the State of Virginia, it is thought most proper to communicate them to you, who will be best able to decide on the manner & measure of enquiry due to the subject. With...
19From James Madison to James Monroe, 8 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet thanked you for the copy of your Message, which I find has attracted attention, and circulates with advantage to yourself, as well as to the public. It is much to be wished that the same manly and enlarged sentiments, and the same just and enlightened policy, might distinguish the addresses of all the Republican Governors, and co-operate with the example set by the President, in...
20From James Madison to James Monroe, 19 January 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment recd yours of the 14th. instant. The letter from Mr. Purviance which I herein return is a favorable specimen of his stile & sentiments. Mr. Jones will explain to you the occasion & object of my enquiries. I have as yet formed no final determination in the case, & there is a possibility tho not a probability that it may be rendered unnecessary. Mr. Dawson as you will see has...
21From James Madison to James Monroe, 31 January 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
31 January 1802, Washington. Introduces Prince Ruspoli, who has been recommended by Mr. King and through him by Mr. West. Ruspoli “proposes to make an excursion from Richmond, by the way of Monticello, to the Natural bridge; & returning thence, to proceed thro’ Norfolk to Charl[e]stown by water.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Incomplete. Docketed by Monroe.
22From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 3 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to deliver the inclosed letters to Prince Ruspoli , to whom I should have sent them before he left this place, but was prevented by indispensable occupations. as I know he is to call on you, the omission can be supplied; the object of the letters being to have him attended to at Monticello. should he be gone, or not go that rout, let them be sent to Monticello, as they...
23From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 28 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter from Dupont de Nemours to me is the following passage. ‘Houdon a laissé en Amerique un trés beau buste de Benjamin Franklin, lequel est actuellement chez moi. ce buste en marbre vaut cent louis de notre monnaie, environ 480. D. rien n’est plus convenable a la nation que de la placer dans votre Capitole &c. et Houdon, a qui la Virginie doit encore mille ecus sur la statue de...
24From James Madison to James Monroe, 20 March 1802 (Madison Papers)
I now return the letters to you from Mr. Purviance & Cambaceres, with an acknowledgment of those in which they were inclosed. The papers last recd. from you in relation to Mr. Skipwith will be of use in establishing one or two material points. His case has been a hard one, but it may be questioned whether he be well founded in the extent of his claims for interest & Agency for Claims. The...
25From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 31 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 21st. is duly recieved. Chisolm is now engaged in running up for me 20. brick pilasters to my offices, which take about 4000. bricks, and I remember it was very doubtful whether we had that number. but if there be as many over it as you need, they are at your service, and I will give orders accordingly by the next post. I expect to be there myself within 10. days after the rising...
26From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here yesterday & shall stay here a fortnight only. on my return to Washington I shall have to appoint Commissioners of bankruptcy for the several states. in this I propose to appoint 4. for Richmond & Manchester, and 4. for Norfolk. do you think those of Richmond could serve for Petersburg, or had I better appoint 4. there also. I wish 2. to be lawyers & 2. merchants, tho they might...
27From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 3 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I observe that the resolution of the legislature of Virginia , of Jan. 23. in desiring us to look out for some proper place to which insurgent negroes may be sent, expresses a preference of the continent of Africa, or some of the Spanish or Portuguese settlements in S. America: in which preference, & especially as to the former I entirely concur. on looking towards Africa for our object, the...
28From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 26 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
We are waiting for your recommendation of Commissioners of bankruptcy for Norfolk. Moses Myers & Richd. Evers Lee have been proposed by some. mr Arthur Lee has been thought of. say frankly if any of them are proper or improper. Littleton W. Tazewell if he would accept would make an excellent one: but I believe he lives in or near Williamsburg.—I propose to be at Monticello during Aug. and...
29From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 15 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 7th. has been duly recieved. I am really mortified at the base ingratitude of Callender. it presents human nature in a hideous form: it gives me concern because I percieve that relief, which was afforded him on mere motives of charity, may be viewed under the aspect of employing him as a writer. When the Political progress of Britain first appeared in this country, it was in...
30From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 17 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
After writing you on the 15th. I turned to my letter file to see what letters I had written to Callender & found them to have been of the dates of 1798. Oct. 11. & 1799. Sep. 6. & Oct. 6. but on looking for the letters they were not in their places nor to be found. on recollection I believe I sent them to you a year or two ago. if you have them, I shall be glad to recieve them at Monticello...
31From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 20 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved lately a letter from Genl. Lawson solliciting a charity which he desired me to send through your hands. I had yielded last year to an application of the same nature from him and although I think his habits & conduct render him less entitled to it than many others on whom it might be bestowed, yet ( pour la derniere fois ) I inclose for him 30. Dollars which I must ask you to apply...
32From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 2 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I should have rode to your house yesterday to speak with you on the subject of your note of the preceding day, but that it rendered it doubtful whether you would not be gone to Richmond. The claim of Maryland to the South branch is under the words of her charter which granted to the meridian ‘ primi fontis fluminis de Potomac ,’ the word primus, there meaning principal or most remote source,...
33From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 2 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I now return mr Clarke’s & Shee’s letters inclosed in your’s of yesterday. mr Clarke’s object is to save 6. cents a stock. this is proper for him as an economical manager. but you & I must see of what other aspects it is susceptible. the US. have gun stocks for sale . they are to suspend the sale & lend them to the state of Virginia, that she may return them in kind afterwards with a saving to...
34From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 3 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Reynolds , collector of York, is dead, and Wm. Carey of that place is recommended very strongly by mr Shields. tho’ I have great confidence in mr Shields’s recommendation, yet as the best men some times see characters thro’ the false medium of friendship I pray you to make what enquiry you can in Richmond & communicate it to me. Accept assurances of my constant & affectionate esteem & respect....
35From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 17 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Commissioners of Bankruptcy. Richmond: George Hay. declined. George Tucker appointed in his place Wm. Duval. George W. Smith. Benjamin Hatcher. declined. Norfolk Lytleton W. Tazewell. declined Richard Evers Lee. Moses Myers. declined Thomas Blanchard. Th: Jefferson to Govr. Monroe. You will see by the above Statement that we are still in want of one Commr. of bankruptcy at Richmd. or...
36From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 24 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On reciept of your letter of June 11. in answer to mine of June 3. I wrote to mr King our minister at the court of London, a letter, the copy of which I now inclose you. I trusted we had then time enough to have recieved an answer before the ensuing meeting of the legislature of Virginia. but he probably left England on a visit to the continent a little before the reciept of that letter. as...
37From James Madison to James Monroe, 29 November 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 November 1802, Department of State, Washington. “I beg the favor of you to insert Mr. christian name, in the enclosed commission, to send it to him and inform me of the name you shall insert.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. Left blank in letterbook. This was probably James Nimms. In a 2 Dec. 1802 note to JM, Jefferson wrote: “Mr. Nimms the Commr. of bkrptcy appointed for...
38From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 11 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
S. T. Mason arrived here yesterday. I had immediately a conversation with him on the resignation he had meditated. he finally promised to serve again if reelected, and that he would write to you to say so for him. lest he should delay it, I drop you this line, but you must not name me as the channel because of the ground it furnishes our enemies for clamour. accept assurances of my constant &...
39From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 10 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have but a moment to inform you that the fever into which the Western mind is thrown by the affair at N. Orleans stimulated by the mercantile, & generally the federal interest, threatens to overbear our peace. in this situation we are obliged to call on you for a temporary sacrifice of yourself, to prevent this greatest of evils in the present prosperous tide of our affairs. I shall tomorrow...
40Commission for James Monroe and Robert R. Livingston, 12 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and confidence in the Integrity, Prudence and Abilities of James Monroe, late Governor of the State of Virginia, and of Robert R. Livingston, at present the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States to the French Republic, I have nominated, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appointed them the said Robert R. Livingston to be Minister...
41From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 12 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The mail is closing just as the inclosed is put into my hands. tomorrow we shall write to you fully. Adieu. PrC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “James Monroe”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. Enclosure: Resolutions of the Senate, 12 Jan., agreeing to Monroe’s appointments as minister extraordinary and plenipotentiary to France and Spain (see TJ to Monroe, 13 Jan. ; JEP Journal of the Executive...
42From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 13 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I dropped you a line on the 10th. informing you of a nomination I had made of you to the Senate, and yesterday I inclosed you their approbation not then having time to write. the agitation of the public mind on occasion of the late suspension of our right of deposit at N. Orleans is extreme. in the Western country it is natural and grounded on honest motives. in the seaports it proceeds from a...
43From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 25 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you another letter for mr Cepede keeper of the National cabinet. I have not superscribed the titles of the gentlemen on my letters, because I know them not. perhaps some apology may be necessary for this omission. Congress having passed the two million bill , you will recieve by this mail your last dispatches. others will follow you about the 2d. week of April, before which time I...
44From James Madison to James Monroe, 28 February 1803 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed herewith is the Cypher you are to carry with you. I send it apart from the despatches, because I shall put a few words in them into Cypher. The despatches will probably go off on wednesday morning, or thursday at farthest. They have been delayed by the slowness of Congs. in passing the law for which they waited. I recd. last evening yours of the 22d. & expect to hear further from you...
45From James Madison to James Monroe, 1 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
Since you left us we have no further intelligence from N. Orleans, except a letter dated Jany 20 from the vice Consular agent there, from which it appears that the letters to the Govr. & Intendant from the Spanish Minister here, had arrived abt. the 13th. and had not on the 20th. produced the desired change in the state of things. The delay however does not seem to have been viewed by the...
46From James Madison to James Monroe, [ca. 1 March] 1803 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed came under cover of one to me from Mr. Coleman. The final communications to you will be put into the mail tomorrow, and will get to N Y. on sunday. Our utmost exertions could not send them off by this evenings mail. The bill before Congs. which is to be forwarded to you, required some formalities; and it passed a day or two ago only. Yrs affly. RC ( DLC ). Signature clipped....
47From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston and James Monroe, 2 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive a Commission and letters of Credence, one of you as Minister Plenipotentiary, the other as Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, to treat with the Government of the French Republic, on the Subject of the Mississipi, and the Territories Eastward thereof, and without the limits of the United States. The object in view is to procure by just and satisfactory...
48From James Madison to James Monroe, 2 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive two Commissions, with the Correspondent Instructions, in which you are associated as Minister Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary to the French Republic and to his Catholic Majesty; together with the respective letters of Credence to those Governments. The allowance for this service will be a salary, at the rate of Nine thousand dollars a year. The general rule which...
49From James Madison to Charles Pinckney and James Monroe, 2 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will be herewith furnished with a joint Commission to treat with His Catholic Majesty, and with a letter of credence to him. For the object of the Commission and as a guide to your negotiations, I refer you to the instructions given in relation to the French Government. Whatever portion of the arrangements contemplated may be found to depend not on the French, but on the Spanish...
50From James Madison to James Monroe, 26 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
The chart from which the enclosed was copied is contained in a collection made for the Department of State by Arrowsmith of London. The soundings and other minute circumstances, relative to the northern coast of the Bay of Mexico and the Islands situated in it, have induced the belief that it may prove serviceable to you. With very great respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obed....