1501To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 27 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 April 1804, Georgetown. Encloses an extract of a dispatch from Laussat. If Laussat’s account of the facts is correct, Pichon is confident that the U.S. government will hasten to give to the French government satisfaction for the lack of respect that the commanding officers of the two forts showed the French flag. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, NFL , France, vol. 1); Tr and Tr of enclosure...
1502To Thomas Jefferson from William Duane, 17 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I think it my duty to enclose the letter herewith sent. I have cut the name of the person and his place of residence out, only in obedience to an injunction made to me repeatedly not to let his name be known as my correspondent. He is a man of unquestionable integrity, and is sufficently wealthy to be above all temptations to forfeit his character for worldly motives; he has sent collections...
1503To James Madison from Jonathan Bull, 19 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I receiv’d your favour of the 6th. Instant with its inclosure. I feel very sensible of the respect paid me by the President of the United States, in being selected to be one of the Commissioners of Bankruptcy for the District of Connecticut, and beg through you, to return him my gratefull acknowledgments. I should most cheerfully have accepted the appointment had I not been particularly...
1504To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Folch is now in this City, and was received by me with respectful Attention. On this morning accompanied by my Militia Officers, I waited upon the Marquis of Casa Calvo; visited with him the Cathedral Church, and assisted at high Mass.—This day is the feast of St. Carlos, and with a view of testifying my respect for his Catholic Majesty so long as my Country shall be in Peace with him...
1505To James Madison from James Monroe, 24 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
I arrived on saturday so much fatigued that I found it was impossible to proceed by the route of Albemarle & Loudon back to Washington. A slight injury wh. I recd. in descending from the stage made the exn. of that project the more inexpedient. I therefore sent up for Major Jas. Lewis in whose hands I propose to leave my affrs. to come down; I expect him to morrow, and hope to adjust them so...
1506To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Pope, 5 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It is a truth most undeniable sir that for a proper administration of justice and a correct exicution of law’s, the persons who are to administer the one—and enforce the other—ought to love and respect both, but unfortunately for this State and perhaps for others—the most prominent public men neither regard one—nor mind the other—This truth has been fully exemplifyed during the term of the...
1507From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 7 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you a draught of the bank of the US. of this place on that of Philadelphia for five hundred dollars. I am extremely uneasy at the unfortunate fate of my envois of seeds to Madame de Tessé. I fear she will think me a very inattentive friend. fall was twelvemonth, I prepared, as you know, a box of seeds, well assorted, well packed, sound & fresh, and sent it by a ship from...
1508From James Madison to James Monroe, 17 May 1806 (Madison Papers)
Your last favor was of Mar. 11. The language of Mr. Fox and Mr. Gray, raises very favorable prospects; but I am aware of the difficulties that may occur in settling details as well as in defining general principles. Other members of the Cabinet may also not concur in the liberal dispositions of those gentlemen. This goes by Mr. P. who is charged with the joint commission, and instructions...
1509To James Madison from John Mathieu, 10 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 10 July 1801. Mentioned in Mathieu to JM, 2 Sept. 1801 (DNA: RG 59, CD, Naples, vol. 1). Encloses list of U.S. ships in port and at Messina and Palermo from 1 Jan. to 30 June.
1510To James Madison from William Jarvis, 3 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
The 25th. Ulto. I had the pleasure to address you by Captn. Spooner of the Schooner Nancy, via New York inclosing Letters from Messrs. Pinckney, Graham, Simpson and Leonard. Nothing worthy troubling you with till lately having since occurred, I presumed you would readily dispense with letters written merely for the Sake of writing. I have now the Honor to inform you that an affair of a very...
1511From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 23 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 20. & 21. were recieved yesterday. I have sent on the letter to Turreau without alteration. it was as little as either the stile or matter of his letter deserved. I shall be with you probably on Wednesday. mr Barlow stays with us till then, & returns at the same time. The bearer is mr Chisolm the bricklayer who wished to see you before your departure. Dinsmore has suggested a...
1512From Thomas Jefferson to James B. Richardson, 25 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having found it difficult to obtain here the names of gentlemen proper for the office of Commissioners of bankruptcy , and who are willing to accept it, and the non-acceptances & re-appointments at such a distance consuming much time, while the service is on sufferance, I take the liberty of inclosing four blank commissions which I ask the favor of you to fill up with the names of gentlemen...
1513To James Madison from Hans Rudolph Saabye (Abstract), 12 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
12 April 1805, Copenhagen . “My last respects of 24 September, I hope are duely come to hand. The winter has been of more duration than severity, and has stopped the navigation from November till April. By this I have the honour of sending you the usual semi-annual List of the vessels belonging to the U.S, which have passed the Sound [not found], and likewise an account of the money received...
1514To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 15 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Foncin retourne dans Votre Pays, et je suis très jaloux de son sort. Il va vous redemander du service; et j’espere que vous lui en accorderez de nouveau, parcequ’il est très bon homme et très bon Officier, dans un genre qui est une Science et qui par conséquent demande à être cultivé pour sa défense propre, chez la Nation même la plus pacifique. Il a vu nos mœurs nouvelles et il n’a pu s’y...
1515To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 23 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with pleasure that I anounce to you the safe arrival of myself and party at 12 Obtr. today at this place with our papers and baggage. In obedience to your orders we have penitrated the Continent of North America to the Pacific Ocean, and sufficiently explored the interior of the country to affirm with confidence that we have discovered the most practicable rout which dose exist across...
1516To Thomas Jefferson from French Citizens of Washington, 12 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
étant d’après vos ordres incris aux nombres des Miliciens de la cité Washington. Malgré la bonne Volonté qu’ils ont de vous prouver leur reconnaissance et leur attachement se permettent de vous observer que ne sachant que très peu parler la langue du pays. Ne pouvant entendre aucunement les commandemens de leur Capitaine, craignent que l’on ne les accusent de contradiction ou de mauvaise...
1517To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
20 February 1804, New Orleans. “The citizens of Louisiana passing by water to the United States or to Europe, have requested of me passports or letters of protection. No instructions having been given me on this subject, I have acted with some reluctance; but upon the exercise of my best judgment I thought the request was reasonable, and have given to such applicant an instrument of writing,...
1518To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Not conceiving it good economy to suffer the Company of Marines to remain at New Orleans merely for the purpose of manning the gun boats we are building on the Ohio I have forwarded the letter to Capt. Carmack. It is quite uncertain when those gun boats will be finished. Our Western Undertakers, not having had any experience in the construction and equipment of such vessels, will meet many and...
1519From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Sheaff, 22 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 15th. has been duly recieved. before it would be possible to get any of your Burgundy here I shall be about setting out for Monticello to pass the months of August & September there for the sake of health. but moreover I know that the fine Burgundy wines will not bear a single day’s transportation either in very hot or very cold weather. they are brought to Paris only in Spring...
1520From James Madison to George Davis, 8 June 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letters of the 29th. Octr. 17th. Novr., 28th. Decr. & 18th. Feby. last. On receiving information of the loss of the Philada. an act was passed by Congress, whereby a Million of Dollars was appropriated to enable the President to impart such vigor to the war as might at once change the exultation of the enemy in his casual fortune into a more proper sentiment of fear, and...
1521To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1802 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of the 25th. & blank were recieved yesterday; and all the papers forwarded me are returned by this post. I must pray you to direct an extract from so much of mr. Clarke’s letter as relates to the dissatisfaction of the Chickasaw chief with the Spanish governor, to be taken & sent to Genl. Dearborn to whom I have written on the subject. Mr. Clarke’s letter cuts out a...
1522To Thomas Jefferson from Volney, 7 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
j’eûs l’honneur en 9bre dernier de Vous adresser au Sortir de la presse un Exemplaire in 4o de Mon tableau du climat et du Sol des Etats-unis . Mr Lee a qui je l’envoyai à Bordeaux m’a dit, à mon passage par cette Ville, en fevrier, qu’il n’avait pu Vous l’expedier que tard, ainsi que Ma lettre en remerciement de la Votre du 16 fevrier 1803, et du Volume de transactions qui l’accompagnait:...
1523To James Madison from William Bass, 16 March 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 March 1803, Bordeaux. Forwards a letter received at the consulate “a few days ago” from Cathalan and informs JM that “Mr. Lee who has been confined near two months with a severe illness is on the recovery.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Bordeaux, vol. 1). 1 p. Docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
1524To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lowther, 26 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope Your kind Gratitude will Excuse my being Troublesome to you Your Memorilest when resideing in Newyork the tories & Federlists of Sd City had introduced a lie bill in the publick Streets in derision To the Honerable Thomas Jefferson. & the hired a tory to carry and Sell the bills throug the Streets. Your Memorilest had been silent for Two Days in hopes that Some yorker would Step forward...
1525To Thomas Jefferson from Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 6 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your fear of being a bankrupt is not badly founded as for I think if we were to count our letters you would owe me a great many I do not however desire that you should pay me all as you have already too many to write I only wish that you should keep up the correspondence by writing sometimes to me. Cornelia is very much pleased with the piece of poetry you sent her. Mary says she would tell...
1526To Thomas Jefferson from John Boanson, 25 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a struggle on the propriety of addressing thee but a reflection of thy very Amiable & Virtuous Character which is admired by all persons even Here has remov’d my Doubts—Thou wilt find by the enclos’d, that I am a near Relation of Colo. Pickering, whom I expect thou may personally know, at least have heard of, for his services I expect were not kept a Secret to the Cause of Freedom...
1527To Thomas Jefferson from Hepzibah Clarke Swan, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to excuse the Liberty I have taken in addressing your Excellencey on the part of Mr Swan whose desire to obtain the Consul, Genoral, Ship at Paris has I believe through the Vice President been made known to you—The respectability—Confidence—and friendship, which Mr Swan has attained of that Goverment—by his fidelity and Zeal in their Affairs—is now fully acknowledged. from this, and...
1528To Thomas Jefferson from Harry Innes, 4 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer of this letter James Morrison Esqr. who is the Supervisor for the District of Ohio, being called to the City of Washington on business, & among other considerations contemplates making proposals to supply the troops stationed on the Mississippi & its branches. Mr. Morrison deservedly stands high in the esteem of the people of this State. in saying this every thing is included which...
1529From John Jay to William P. Beers, 18 April 1807 (Jay Papers)
Your Letter of the 2 d Instant ^by M r . Isaacs^ gave me great pleasure, and the more as it permits ^ leads me to ^ me to indulge the ^leads me to^ Expect ation ^that^ of seeing you here, when some ^a^ favorable opportunity shall offer— I apprehend that several of your Remarks relative to public affairs are too well founded, and it is natural that they sh d
1530To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin W. Garth, 22 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
We understand that you have had a considerable quantity of stone cutting done & still have some to do. We profess to be well acquainted with the various branches of the business of stone cutting and will do any work you may now have to do as reasonably, and execute it as elegantly, as any workmen in the U. States. The scarcity of money in the western country induces us to return to the...
1531From James Madison to David Gelston (Abstract), 25 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
25 May 1805, Department of State . “The District Attornies of Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut & Massachusetts have been requested to send to your care the laws of their several States. They are intended for the use of the Government of the Michegan Territory, as are the laws of the U: States, which you will receive herewith. Be pleased to forward them to Govr. Hull at Detroit.” Letterbook...
1532To Thomas Jefferson from David Gelston, 1 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to write to you the 21st. ultimo, and enclosed bill of lading of one box of wine, and one cask of nuts—I have this day received from Messrs. Perrot & Lee (Bordeaux) bill of lading & Invoice, of five cases red , and five cases white wine, ⅌ the Thetis, capt Adams—Invoice enclosed—presuming as before, it will be your wish to have it forwarded to the City of Washington, I shall...
1533To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 24 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Recd. of the President of the United States (T. Jefferson) The Sum of Seventy Eight Dollars, Eighty four Cents; being the Sum calculated by Mr. Goldsburg on a reference to Colol. Stricker’s letter touching the amount without profit; & which will be at any time adjusted should any error have occurred. London Augt 16 1805 Invoice of Goods Shipped by Learmonths & Berry of London on account & risk...
1534To Thomas Jefferson from Michael Walton, 12 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
My Letters I hope will not prove troublesome, as am induced to address you this from the best motive—because I think it a duty, every good Citizen owes to his Govt. to aid it with his information, at this momentous crisis—I shall be concise & leave you to draw your own conclusions— During my last residence in Paris, I dined with the heads of the Jacobin alias Roberspierrean Faction; the Wine...
1535From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 26 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 22d. is at hand. there has been not only no new appointment of Consul at Bordeaux, but no idea that there will be a vacancy there. we know that mr Lee has given mortal offence to several of our merchants by refusing to cover foreign vessels under our flag, which he and all the other Consuls are instructed to be particularly vigilant in. he has been very meritoriously so, and his...
1536To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 9 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed communications received by the last evenings mail, present a general view of Indian affairs on our Northwestern borders.—there appears to be but one question of any importance that requires a decision, towit, what measures, if any, ought to be pursued in relation to the profits.—they undoubtedly are under foreign influence, & the one who resides with in the actual jurisdiction of...
1537To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 14 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Whenever a commission is issued to a new Commr. of loans, his predecessor is officially notified by the Comptroller to surrender his papers &a. Provided that notification shall not reach Mr Perkins till after the 1st day of July no inconvenience will arise. Might not Mr Skinner be privately informed that a commission will be sent to him in Boston which he will find there say on 3d July? and...
1538To Thomas Jefferson from Enoch Edwards, 3 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Favor of the 30 March, and am much gratified by the Confidence you have in my Judgment—It is with the greatest Pleasure I shall embrace the opportunity of excuting that Commission or any other for you, that may be in my power—in doing which Mrs. Edwards will chearfully join me. entertaining however as well as Myself an opinion that you overate our Taste— I shall begin by...
1539From James Madison to an Unidentified Correspondent, 13 February 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have received & return thanks for the “answer to war in disguise” which you have been so obliging as to send me. From a gallop over its contents, it seems to be handsomely written, and to have sufficiently prostrated the adversary. I do not think however that the character of the introductory part, is altogether sustained throughout the piece, whether proceeding from a difference in the pen,...
1540From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Claxton, 19 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you your list of the furniture of the President’s house, lately made, with mr LeMaire’s supplement of the Kitchen furniture, & an insertion by myself of some articles of plate lately obtained. I communicated also your letter to mr Madison, and bore just testimony to the satisfactory manner in which you had conducted yourself in the purchase of furniture for the house. in truth, I say...
1541To James Madison from John H. Barney, 27 April 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 April 1801, Georgetown. Encloses a few lines from his friend Dawson, who “Knowing in part the Conduct of the Postmaster’s General towards my Self & Others” introduces Barney to JM’s notice. RC ( NN ). 1 p. Enclosed Dawson to JM, 18 Mar. 1801 .
1542To Thomas Jefferson from John George Baxter, 1 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
“A fool on Something great , at times, may Stumble and Consequently be a good adviser, on which for ever your wise men may fumble and never be a whit the wiser Yes, I advise you for there’s wisdom in’t never to rise Superior to a hint the genius of each man with Keenness view a Spark from this or that man Caught may Kindle, quick as thought a Glorious Bonfire up in
1543From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 6 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Spanish government has adopted all the angry passions of Yrujo respecting the act of Congress for the collection district at Mobile, and has written a letter to Pinckney in a stile which renders more serious measures possible. in this situation it behoves us to have every man at N. Orleans who can be spared from other places. not recollecting the force we have there actually, can you by...
1544To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 23 July 1802 (Hamilton Papers)
[ London, July 23, 1802. King’s description of this letter reads: “General Hamilton. Determination to return home &c.” Letter not found. ] Rufus King’s “Memorandum of private Letters, &c., dates & persons from 1796 to Augt 1802,” owned by Mr. James G. King, New York City.
1545To Thomas Jefferson from George Odenheimer, 2 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Information has been presented to me, on Tuesday Evening, 29th. November 1808.— The British were Endeavouring to Sail, or, were a Sailing from Halifax, (Great-Britain) to attack New-York, and were they Successful in taking New-York; it is expected they will Sail up the East-River, to South-Amboy, and from there Endeavour to March to Burlington, & cross the Delaware, to effect a March to...
1546To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 9 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you a list of the promotions and appointments which have taken place in the Army of the United States, during the last recess of Congress.— Accept, Sir, assurances of my high respect and consideration RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Dearborn; at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the War Department on 17...
1547From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed bond is signed by mr Maury the father, who I have no doubt is worth the 10,000 D. therein named. he owns a valuable tra[ct of] land on which he lives, well improved as a farm, & a considerable number of negroes: and I question if he owes 10. Dollars in the world, having always been one of the most prudent & cautious men. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1548To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Williams, 20 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with a Resolution of the General Assembly; entered into at its late Session I have the honor to transmit you the enclosed Address; and to tender you the Assurances of the high respect & consideration with which I have the honor to be your Most Obt. Sevt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1549To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 1 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The idea I lately took the liberty to suggest may have appeared visionary and strange, but on much reflexion I am convinced that it is the interest of the United States that such a measure should be adopted either by the Government, or by the mercantile interest varying the form of course so as to render it proper for them. I beg leave to submit the reasons. We are now dependent upon one...
1550To James Madison from David Montagu Erskine, 12 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I am charged by His Majesty to express to the Government of the United States His Majesty’s perfect Confidence in their good Sense and Firmness in resisting the unjust Pretensions contained in the Decree issued by the French government at Berlin on the 21st: of November, which if suffered to take Effect, must prove so destructive to the Commerce of all Neutral Nations. His Majesty has learnt...