1From John Adams to Oliver Whipple, 3 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have recieved your favour of February 23rd and thank you for the friendly as well as the complimentary sentiments expressed in it It has been now and then my fortune in the course of a long life, though not frequently to receive a compliment. yours is a pleasant one; and as an instance of adversity seldom comes alone, so I have observed that an instance of prosperity is seldom quite...
2To John Adams from Daniel Wright, 3 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
BORN and educated in the same state which has given birth to you, and to which our hearts are tied by the dearest and most sacred ties; we address you in the name of this our common country, at a time, in our opinion most ominous, and threatening the destruction of our rights, liberty and happiness. We look up to you in the name and in behalf of many in the interior of Massachusetts, for...
3To John Jay from Peter Augustus Jay, 3 March 1809 (Jay Papers)
I rec d . your letter of the 22 d Feb y on Friday last— Judge Benson being still at Albany I could not consult him, but I called the next morning on Sir James & offered to pay him the Ballance of your Acc t . deducting the £50 due on his agreement to you— He said he was willing to settle in this way & I thereupon offered gave him a Check for the Money & drew a Receipt for him to sign in these...
4To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Will you permit an old and sincere Friend to congratulate his Country, on what Tomorrow shall auspicially witness: from my Heart and Soul I rejoice at Your Elevation to the chief Magistracy of our Union. Long, very long, may you enjoy the best Health—as I am certain you will live long in the Blessings of the American People. With every Sentiment of perfect Respect and Esteem, for yourself, and...
5To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, [ca. 3 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have endeavoured to ascertain how the votes wou’d be in the Senate upon the nomination of Mr. Galatin. My information is that there are seventeen votes against him—ten gentn. will vote for him, some of them reluctantly, and that there are seven doubtful votes. This information is obtained through sources not friendly to Mr. G—— but I fear it is correct as to the number of votes he will lose,...
6To James Madison from the Republican Committee of Salem County, New Jersey, [3 March] 1809 (Madison Papers)
On the eve of your entering into the duties of the high station, to which the voice of a free people has called you, the Republicans of the County of Salem (N. J.) in general Committee assembled tender to you their congratulations on the occasion. Your elevation to the presidency we consider an auspicious period in the Annals of our Country, as it assures us of a continuance of that system of...
7To James Madison from Jonathan Trumbull, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with a request of the Legislature of this State, I have the honor to transmit the inclosed Resolutions which have been passed by them during their Session which is just now closed. With great Consideration & respect I have the honor to be sir Your Obet & hume Servant RC ( DLC ). Enclosures not found, but see n. 1. Following passage of the Enforcement Act, Governor Trumbull called...
8To James Madison from William H. Crawford, 3 March 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 March 1809, Senate Chamber. Withdraws his earlier support for Obadiah Jones, who had sought a federal judgeship in the Mississippi Territory. The application on Jones’s behalf “was delayed from a sense of the indelicacy of making it before the Presidential votes had been counted, & the President-elect, announced to the nation.” Has heard JM is disposed to appoint Jones a judge in the...
9To James Madison from Robert Williams, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
The period is now at hand when I intend retireing from the administration of this government. I did hope for the arrival of my successor by that time, but of this I begin now to despair. I shall, therefore, prepare to take an important Step—I mean a dissolution of the general Assembly, which will take place this evening. Were it not Consistant with my duty to assign any reasons for this...
10To James Madison from R. Nelson, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Having been informed that Mr. Tench Ringgold is an applicant for some appointment under the general government; we take the liberty to state, that he has always been the uniform and zealous supporter, of the measures of the present administration, and the advocate of republican institutions; Being acquainted with his character and habits of life, we have no doubt, that in any appointment,...
11To James Madison from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In compliance with a request of the Legislature of this State, I have the honor to transmit the inclosed Resolutions which have been passed by them during their Session which is just now closed. With great Consideration & respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Obed. & humle. Servant DLC : Papers of James Madison.
12To James Madison from Edward Hall, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
On the eve of your entering into the duties of the high station; to which the voice of a few people has called you, the republicans of the County of Salem (N.J.) in general Committee assembled tender to you their congratulations on the occasion. Your elevation to the presidency we consider an auspicious period in the Annals of our Country, as it assures us of a continuance of that system of...
13To James Madison from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have endeavoured to ascertain how the notes wou’d be in the Senate upon the nomination of Mr. Galatin to be Secretary of State. My information is that there are seventeen votes against him—ten Gentn. will vote for him, some of them reluctantly, and that there are seven doubtful votes. This information is obtained through sources not friendly to Mr. G —— but I fear it is correct as to the...
14To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 3 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Will you permit an old and sincere Friend to congratulate his Country, on what Tomorrow Shall auspicially witness: from my Heart and Soul I rejoice at Your Elevation to the chief Magistray of our Union. Long, very long, may you en joy the best Health—as I am certain you will live long in the Blessings of the American people. With every Sentiment of perfect Respect and Esteem, for Yourself, and...
15To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 3 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the UStates. his Monthly Average a/c of Interest. wth John Barnes from 1st: Mar 1808 to Fy 1809. 1808 Mar 1st. To amt Balance $ 2490.16.
16To Thomas Jefferson from John Benson, 3 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is the anxious wish, of your friends in this place, that you shoud spend one day with them, when you are, on your way, to Monticello, shoud it be convenient and consonant to your feelings, please signify to me, what day we shoud expect you Accept my best wishes for your present, and future happiness with sentiments of Esteem your Obt MHi : Coolidge Collection.
17To Thomas Jefferson from William Matthews, 3 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Several months ago a Subscription paper of St Patrick’s Church accidentally fell under the notice of the President of the United States. He with characterestic liberality and condescension, informed Captain Andrews a Trustee of the above mentioned Church, that so soon as the persons interested in the undertaking should have collected a sufficient Sum to authorise them to commence the Building,...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Moore, 3 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I am well aware that at this time while the President is no doubt receiving affectionate communications & respectful attentions from many of the first Characters in the Union that it may appear a little impertinent for an obscure individual to trouble him with a written address.—I should however do violence to my feelings were I to suppress the desire I feel to add my testimony to the respect...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Wright, 3 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor of Maryland presents his Compliments to his Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esq President of the United States, and with the most, cordial Approbation of his Administration; marked in every Feature with Wisdom, Circumspection, and patriotism, and crowned with the most unparralleled prosperity— He congratulates him on his Retirement from the Toils of a Life spent in his Country’s...
20To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 2 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
Your favor of the 19th. of February was alike acceptable with all your former letters. The papers will inform you that our government is about to yeild to the Clamors of your part of the United States against the Embargo laws. Had our Legislators been better historians they would have promptly saved their honor, and preserved the peace of our Country. Augustus repealed a law to compel...
21From James Madison to John Milledge, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave through you to inform the honorable Senate of the U, States, that I propose to take the Oath which the Constitution prescribes to the President of the U, States, before he enters on the execution of his office, on Saturday the 4h. Inst. at 12 O’Clock, in the chamber of the He. of Representatives. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, yr. most Obed. & most humble...
22To James Madison from Hezekiah Huntington, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are the resolutions adopted by the Legislature of this State at the extraordinary Session, with their inflamatory address to the people. No friend to his Country & Government Can wish the Embargo continued—after the period arives; where in the Judgement of Congress & the Govt. the Honor & Interest of the nation will permit it to be raised. But we hope & trust Congress have not receded...
23To James Madison from John Morrow, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received a letter from Capt. George Hite of Jefferson County Virginia, stating his intention to apply for an appointment for his son Robert in some of the civil departments of the goverment of the United States, and requesting me to inform him if any opening should take place wherein his said son could get employment. It appears that Mr. Hite, for reasons he has mentioned, did not...
24To James Madison from James W. Stevens, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
At this critical and eventful period in our national Affairs I have ventured with the most perfect respect for the Administration to solicit their Attention to some Matters of minor Consideration, which in the present embarrassed State of our foreign Relations, necessarily occupying so much of the Attention of our Government, have not perhaps been the Subject of their Reflection, or at least...
25To James Madison from William McCreery, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being inform’d that Mr. Tench Ringgold is an applicant for an appointment under the general Government; and believing that the political tenets of Gentlemen are in such cases, very carefully enquired into, I take the liberty to state to you that so far as my knowledge & information extends, he has been invariably attach’d to our republican institutions & principles. I have the honor to be with...
26To James Madison from John Morrow, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received a letter from Capt. George Hite of Jefferson County Virginia, stating his intention to apply for an appointment for his son Robert in some of the civil departments of the government of the United States, and requesting me to inform him if any opening should take place wherein his said son could get employment. It appears that Mr. Hite, for reasons he has mentioned, did not...
27From James Madison to John Milledge, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave through you to inform the honorable Senate of the U. States, that I propose to take the Oath which the Constitution prescribes to the President of the U. States, before he enters on the execution of his Office, on Saturday the 4th. Inst. at 12 O’Clock, in the chamber of the H se . of Representatives. I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect Sir, Yr. Most Obed. & Most...
28To James Madison from Hez Huntington, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are the resolutions adopted by the Legislature of this State at the extraordinary Session, with their inflammatory address to the people. No friend to his Country & Government Can wish the Embargo, Continued after the period arrives; where in the Judgement of Congress & the Govt. the Honor & Interest of the Nation will permit it to be raised—but & tried Congress have not receded , nor...
29To James Madison from James W. Stevens, 2 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
At this critical and eventful period in our national Affairs I have ventured with the most perfect respect for the Administration to solicit their Attention to some Matters of minor Consideration, which in the present embarrassed State of our foreign Relations, necessarily occupying so much of the Attention of our Government, have not perhaps been the Subject of their Reflection, or at least...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Corny, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long, my very dear friend, since I have heard from you, but longer since I have written to you. the constant pressure of matters, which would not admit of delay, has, during my continuance in office, suspended almost entirely all my private correspondence. I am obliged to ask from the candor of my friends their attention to the imperiousness of the circumstances under which I have been...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
my last to you was of May 2. since which I have recieved yours of May 25. June 1. July 23. 24. & Sep. 5. and distributed the two pamplets according to your desire. they are read with the delight which every thing from your pen gives. After using every effort which could prevent or delay our being entangled in the war of Europe, that seems now our only recourse. the edicts of the two...
32To Thomas Jefferson from John Freeman, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
i am sory to say or do any thing to Dis ples you I hope you will for to give me what i have done as you Wosh me to go with you rather then dis ples you i will go and Do the best i Can I hope you will not punish me the Cart brot every thing [melinded?] had when Davy was heare Last Mr Eppes says that there is such a Law as i told you I shall be oblige to Leave hir and the Children DLC : Papers...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Gregg, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received the inclosed with a request that I would lay it before both Houses of Congress. but I have never presumed to place my self between the Legislative Houses & those who have a constitutional right to address them directly. I take the liberty therefore of inclosing the paper to you, that you may do therein what in your judgment shall best comport with expediency and propriety—...
34To Thomas Jefferson from James McCracken, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Now in a Deplorable way as I Cannot Get my Business Done by Congress As they have A Greate Multiplicity of Bisiness on hand and I am A Revelusionory Soldier for they United States of America and my Native home Is one Hundred miles from this place on the Upper part of this State and I Derire to Return to take Care of my Mother as she is Now in her Eighty six year but is in A Deplarable way...
35From Thomas Jefferson to John Mullowny, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Feb. 15. has been recieved, as had been also in due time that of June 29. 07. offering your services in the naval line on the occasion of the insult on the Chesapeake. no occasion existing at that time, your letter was filed in the Navy office to be turned to whenever the occasion might arise for calling attention to offers of that kind. this acknolegement of it’s reciept is now...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph O’Neil, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As I have the honour to inform you of the great Discovery I have Made, And which has so long been a Mystery to the known world, when the Mechanics of all Europe and other parts of the whole world have been gathered together together, to Study it and never Yet made a discovery, and as I think I have been endowed with the good luck or fortune of finding it out which has been so far beyond the...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall go to Monticello a day or two before you arrive as it is probable by the return of the waggon you will be able to fix a day for your return. the arrangements necessary for retrenching all possible expense no one can be more thoroughly convinced of the necessity of than my self. your comfort My Dearest Father must however be the only Criterion any Incroachment upon that were it...
38From Thomas Jefferson to William Sampson, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Sampson and his thanks for the Statistical account of Londonderry which he has been so kind as to transmit him. he will still increase the obligation if he will be so kind as to express Th:J’s acknolegements to the author for this mark of attention. he shall read it with pleasure in his approaching retirement from the less pleasant occupations which...
39To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your Approbation Return Bryant Brown of Vermont to be appointed Captain in the 4th Regt. of Infy. in the Troops raised by virtue of an Act entitled “An Act to raise for a limited time an additional military force” Accept Sir &c DNA : RG 107--LSP--Letters Sent to the President.
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Shaw who was nominated as a Surgeon in the navy has withdrawn his application. I beg leave to mention to you the name of Doctor Jasper Hand in his place. Doct. Hand was nominated a surgeon’s mate at the same time that Doct Shaw was nominated a Surgeon: tho’ by a mistake in his name made by the gentlemen who recommended him, his name was written Jesse instead of Jasper Hand his real name.—...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Washington City Tammany Society, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The observations are but too just which are made in your friendly address on the origin & progress of those abuses of public confidence & power which have so often terminated in a suppression of the rights of the people, & the mere aggrandizement & emolument of their oppressors. taught by these truths and aware of the tendency of power to degenerate into abuse, the worthies of our own Country...
Mr Gurney having called on me yesterday, to give notice that he should quit your house next quarter day, and that he wished to settle with you as soon as possible, I have thought it best to write you my beloved friend, he having expressed a desire to leave it immediately, which I did not think you would approved; he mention’d not having it in his power to pay you at present, but will give you...
43To James Madison from Ezekiel Bacon, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am sensible that I discharge a very delicate & perhaps officious Duty in mentioning the Name of Gideon Granger Esqr. as a Gentleman who in my opinion would afford much satisfaction to the friends of the Government in the Eastern Section of the Union as the head of one of the Departments composing the Cabinet Council of the President under the next Administration. Nothing but my sincere...
44To James Madison from Joseph B. Varnum, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In selecting Gentlemen for the great heads of Departments, in the Executive branch of the Government, I feel confident, that the greatest good of our common Country will be your primary Object; Yet it must be considered very desirable, that they should be Gentlemen, who combine Your personal confidence, with their Abilities faithfully to discharg their public Functions: In this view of the...
45To James Madison from Henry Daingerfield, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I was informed the last evening by a gentleman lately from the City of Washington that in the course of the ensuing week officers would be appoint’d to fill the various offices under the new territorial government to be established in consequence of the late division of the Indiana territory, and a Judge in the place of Judge Bruin of the Mississippi territory. If you think me qualified to...
46To James Madison from Edmund Bacon, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am sensible that I discharge a very delicate & perhaps officious Duty in mentioning the Name of Gideon Granger Esqr. Gentleman who in my opinion would afford much satisfaction to the friends of the Government in the Eastern Section of the Union as Staff hand of one of the Departments composing the Cabinet Council of the President under the next administration. Nothing but my sincere...
47To James Madison from Joseph Bradley Varnum, 1 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
In Seluting Gentlemen for the great heads of Departments, in the Executive branch of the Government, I feel confident, that the greatest good of our common Country will be your primary Object; Yet it must be considered very desirable, that they should be Gentlemen, who combine Your personal confidence with their abilities faithfully to discharg their public Functions: In this view of the case,...
48To Thomas Jefferson from John Martin Baker, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Consequence of the present state of affairs in Spain, and the uncertainty of when tranquillity will again be permanent, and trade current, I take the liberty to solicit Sir, a letter of Credence to act as Consul on the Island of Sardinia.— I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect and Gratitude. Sir Your Most Obedient humble Servant DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
49To Thomas Jefferson from Collins & Perkins, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
We are this morning favoured with thy letter inclosing five dollars, and requesting us to send thee Smiths Abridgment of John Bell’s Principles of Surgery . We are under a little embarrassment how to act, in consequence of that work not having yet been published—and will not for some months. We, however, conclude to place thy name on the list of Subscribers; and, unless otherwise directed by...
50To Thomas Jefferson from William Compton, 1 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of soliciting your interference on a subject that I think calls loudly for redress—The Fact is this—I arriv’d in this Country in the Ship Corn-Planter from London in July 1808 & brought with me sundry articles for my own private use & amusement; (it being my intention to reside in this Country) amongst others a small Bust of Sir Francis Burdett, made of Plaister Paris, & a...