151From John Adams to William Cunningham, 22 February 1809 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed you will find a phillipic of our angry, pevish, fretful Prophet Jonah. His anger is his talent. When he gives a loose to that passion which he always does in every thing he produces something smart, pert, and malignant, which pleases the malignaty of the vulgar. But Phillipics are not the highest style of politicks. I cannot think Demosthenes and Cicero in the highest grade of...
152To James Madison from James Maury, 22 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you on the 6th. instant, and am truly mortified to inform you that Embargo breakers have continued to arrive. I now count within my district, in the whole, from the commencement of this business by the James, twenty two. Inclosed you have Copies of the reports at this Customhouse of fourteen of them as pr List annexed. As soon as I can obtain the same particulars...
153To James Madison from Isaac Hite, 22 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Mordecai Booth whose object in his present visit to Washington city is to obtain some appointment under the government from the proceeds of which to support his family which consists of a wife & eight chldren. Waller his eldest child fortunately is provided for in the navy. Mr. Booth married a widow Travis who was daughter to Ben Waller Esqr. decd. They set...
154From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 22 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Agreeably to a request of Tobias Lear Esqr., contained in a letter of the 22d. of July last, received by this Department, I have the honor to request that the Bill now enclosed from his Mother Mary Lear, drawn upon me on the 11th. instant, for Five hundred dollars may be paid out of the appropriations for Barbary Intercourse, to Clement Storer Esqr., in whose favor it is drawn; charging Mr....
155To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 22 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
On the 15th. of January last I had the honor to enclose you a Letter which had been addressed to me, by Governor-General Salcedo, announcing his determination to deliver to the order of their masters certain Negro’s who had fled to the Province of Texas. Desirous to pursue on my part a like conduct as relates to slaves the property of Spanish Subjects, who might take refuge in this Territory,...
156To James Madison from John Morrow, 22 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have been informed that the Office of Governor of the Mississippi Territory will be Vacant the 4th. day of March next. I would therefore beg leave to recommend the Honble. David Holmes, who has long been a member of this House and a faithful Servant of the public, as a fit person to fill that Office. This letter is written without the knowledge of Mr. Holmes, and my Opinion of his being...
157From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Have you obtained the name & character of the son of Made. Bonneville? I believe there remains a single vacancy of a Cadet. it seems extremely difficult to say what had best be done as to militia at N. London. I am assured that if I designate a militia officer there, the legislature now meeting, will immediately remove him. perhaps the proper way to ensure an effectual enforcement would be...
158From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Allyne Otis, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Otis and observes that, by information just received, he learns that in his nomination of the 21st. inst. after the name of John W. Guion as Military agent in the Southern department of the US. it is necessary to insert ‘in the place of Abraham D. Abrahams’ in order to designate more precisely the extent of his agency. he prays mr Otis to permit the...
159To Thomas Jefferson from John Porter, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been requested to deliver to you the enclosed application—I take the liberty of mentioning that the applicant is the son of Mr. Israel Israel of Philada. His character, I believe, is good. I am very respectfully Your Sert. DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
160To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
On a minute examination of the records in the War Office, it does not appear that any order for the removal of intruders, either from United States or Indian land, has been given by the Secretary of War since the 24th. Feby. 1808. On that day he ordered Capt. Boote, then commanding at Ocmulgee Old fields, to remove intruders from the Cherokee lands, on the frontiers of Georgia, as soon as Col....
161To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Act intituled “An Act for procuring an additional number of Arms, and for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” passed 11 March 1808— appropriates “for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” 150,000 dollars— During the session of 1808, I received from genl Smith, chairman of a committee of the Senate, a letter asking information as to the additional quantity of salt petre & sulphur which it...
It is sometimes said that suspense is worse than the certainty of evil—But it is a hard relief from suspense to be informed of evils worse than were apprehended. From the length of time which had pass’d without bringing me a letter from you, I felt great anxiety; but it was principally for the dear child, whom I had left so unwell—Your letter when it came, announced to me not only the child...
Your favour of the 9th my best friend which is the first letter I have recieved from you since you left me found the Family nearly recover’d restored to usual health excepting Charles whose Cough still afflicts him and whose eyes are again very much affected which renders me a little apprehensive of another attack this symptom having generally been a of a threatning nature however I hope for...
164To James Madison from John Mitchell, 21 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Perceiving by the public prints that the Embargo is likely to be raised on the 4th. March; I have thought it likely that the interest of the U States might require Agents to be appointed & particularly in the Portuguese & Spanish posessions. Should this be the case, permitt me to solicit the favor of your granting Me an Appointment in that quarter. If no Appointments should be thought...
165To James Madison from John Rowan, 21 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The territory of Illinois having been lately erected I take the liberty of recommending the Honorable John Boyle as a Suitable Person to be Appointed Governor of that Territory. I have had the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with Mr. Boyle for Several years. He has in a very high degree those Attributes of head and heart which constitute the principal qualifications for a Station so high...
166To James Madison from Matthew Clay, 21 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
In a belief the office of Governor in the Mississippi Territory, will be vacant, on the fourth of next Month, I beg leave to recommend to notice the Hon’ble David Holmes, who is, and has been, for twelve years a member of the house of Representatives of the United States. Mr. Holmes fitness to fill this important Office can not be doubted, if known; he is highly respected by all his...
167To Thomas Jefferson from John Hollins, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In conformity to your request of the 19th. Inst., received late last evening & this morning presented to Mr Brown, of the house of Messrs Falls & Brown, your order for the two tierces of cotton seed; at same time I informed him I was prepared to pay the freight &c—to which he replied, that the last account he had of the vessel, was from Annapolis, waiting for the opening of our river, which is...
168To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It was my intention in my last letter to have mentioned to you my equiescence in your retaining the Polygraph last sent you instead of yours sent to be repaired. There is convenience of having those Machines of a small size for traveling, but the use of a larger kind is more pleasant to write with. I now send you a Picture by this Stage as a small pledge of my esteem, it will I hope be long in...
169From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate Nelson Luckett now a Lieutenant of Marines to be a Captain in the regiment of Light Dragoons raised by virtue of an act entitled an act to raise for a limited time an additional military force. John W. Guion to be military agent for the Southern Department of the United States, in the place of Abraham D. Abrahams. DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
170To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Smith, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In the War department a copy of a letter to Col. Meigs appears, dated Oct. 29th. 1808. in which Col. Meigs is requested to give notice to the Cherokees and Chickasaws that the white people settled on their land would be removed this Spring—and to the settlers also he is requested to give notice that they ought to remove from the said land voluntarily, or the military would remove them this...
171To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I regret that the two copies of the General return of the Militia of the United States, requested in your note of yesterday, are so incorrect that they cannot probably be furnished in less than two days. They were made out by an inexperienced hand, and it will take that time to give them a complete examination and correction. I am with perfect respect and esteem Sir your Ob: Servt. DLC :...
172To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As the order mentioned in the enclosed letter may eventually produce a state of War between the U. States and G. Britain, I have to request from you a special instruction as to the answer proper to be sent to Captain Porter— Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
173To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Sprague, Jr., 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
At a convention of one hundred and sixty deligates, from all the towns in the County of Essex (being the most numerous & respectable delegation ever assembled on any accaision in said county) at Topsfield assembled on the twentieth of this month the inclosed address was unanimously adopted & order to be signed by the President & Secretary & enclosed to your Excellency— In compliance with the...
174To Thomas Jefferson from Jesse Morris, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
At a Meeting of sixty Democratic Republican Delegates, from twenty one Townships of Washington County convened by public notice, at the house of Mr. Thomas Officer on Tuesday the 21st. day of February 1809. James Kerr Esqr. was called to the chair and Jesse Morris appointed Secretary.—When the following preamble, resolutions, and address, were laid before the meeting and unanimously adopted.—...
175From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 20 February 1809 (Adams Papers)
When you informed me that Mr Cooper in his Life of Dr Priestly had ascribed to that Philosopher, the first hint of the Perfectibility of the human Mind, I answered you that this was the Doctrine of the ancient Stoicks. My Memory did not Serve me with details and I referred to no authorities, not thinking it worth while to Search Books upon Such a Subject. But within a day or two I have...
176To John Adams from William Cunningham, 20 February 1809 (Adams Papers)
Your favours of the 11th. and 14th. inst. came both to hand to-day. I have only time, by this mail, to make this acknowledgment, and to request of you the goodness to send me what you have written on a point controverted between yourself and the person whose pertinacity you have found so unmanageable. The engagements, on my part, which you have proposed as conditional to its reception, I most...
177To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 20 February 1809 (Adams Papers)
Soon after the receipt of your last letter in which you Advise me to shake off my retired habits and prejudices, and to come forward in Support of the petitions of my fellow Citizens for a repeal of the Embargo laws, I went to bed at my usual hour, and dreamed that I had yeilded to your Advice; and in consequence of it, determined to appear at a federal town meeting which was to be held the...
178To James Madison from William Blackledge, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
At the time I had the honor to meet you at the Presidents you expressed a desire to be informed whether Mr: Martin of Newbern if appointed a Judge of the New Orleans, or Mississippi Territories would accept of the appointmen t. I am this day favored with his answer to a letter I wrote him directly after on the subject in which he authorizes me to State that he will accept of an appointment at...
179To James Madison from John Smilie, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
The undersigned composing a part of the Representation from the State of Pennsylvania, having been informed that, David Holmes Esqr. of Virginia, is mentioned, as a fit and proper person, to be appointed Governor of the Mississippi Territory, beg leave to tender to the President of the United States, this testimonial of their approbation of Mr. Holmes, for that appointment. The public...
180To James Madison from John Armstrong, Jr., 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to transmit the copy of a letter this moment received from Mr. Champagny, informing me that His Majesty the Emperor has directed the Embargo on American vessels in the Ports of France to be raised. With very high respect I am, Sir, your most obedient and very humble Servant, DNA : RG 59—DD—Diplomatic Despatches, France.
181To James Madison from Noah Webster, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
I am engaged in a literary pursuit, which I believe to be very interesting to my country, & in this opinion I have the concurrence of Gentlemen of the first talents in this State. In this pursuit however I have neither assistance nor patronage. I want many books which are not to be procured in America, & which cannot easily be obtained by orders, as some of them are rare in Europe. In addition...
182To James Madison from William Lewis, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
To form a rough coating or casting, for the out-side of a wall, or even for pillars that will bear all weather--harden by time and last forever, you have only to take sharp gritty sand free from earth, and that it may be perfectly so, put into Tubs or troughs of water, & after stirring it, let the water be bailed off till no particles of earth remain. This done, add no more lime to the sand...
183To James Madison from John Douglass, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Some time in Jan: 1808, I informed you that De Witt Clinton at a caucus held at Ben: Cheethams, of what he called his house of Nobles, declaired that he was in possession of information which induced him to beleive that Mr. Jefferson and yourself were acting under the Secret influance of Bonaparte, and that you had a Majority in Congress attached to you & were hostile to the liberties &...
184To James Madison from Elisha Tracy, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
Notwithstanding our Legislature is to be convened this Week notwithstanding they May pass some warm Resolutions & even warmer May be Urged by a branch of the Essex Junto at New Haven; I am persuaded the peace of this State may be Voched for & the Laws of the Union May be enforsed here; I should Not be afraid even at the expence of My Head to be answerable for that part of our State lying East...
185To James Madison from Elbridge Gerry, 20 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
When you can find leisure, read this & the paper enclosed; & I will promise you not to request your attention again political subjects. They relate to our concerns with France & G Britain. On the 27th. of January last, a town meeting was held here, on the subject of the last embargo act. As the federalists conducting it were leading characters, & extremely opposed to Government, & their party...
186To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Tomlinson, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A portion of the people of Allegany County having met together, to enter into Resolutions, approbatory of the measures of the General Government, and to express their readiness to support it, would be unwilling to let slip so favorable an opportunity as it presents, of testifying to you sir, their attachment, respect and esteem—We yield our willing praise in favor of your efforts for the...
187From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I suppose that for the waggon &c. to get here on the 6th. of March, they must set out on Thursday the 2d. of March. and as the post will arrive that morning at Milton, it will be better not to set off till after the arrival of the post, as it is possible something may occur which I might wish to write to you before you set off, altho’ I do not foresee any thing. As your waggon will come empty,...
188To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Collins, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A good administration of a republican government is allways to be estimated by a free people, a blessing doubly valuable, as it secures to them their dearest rights & bestows upon them the practical enjoyment of all their liberties. Such, we believe, has been your administration, & such has been its result to the American people;—felt & acknowledged by every true Republican & although felt by...
189To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Attwood Digges, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My nephew Jno Fitzgerald about to depart for his military station at Norfolk, & meaning to pay his farewell respects to You, gives me an appertunity of handing You this. I never left Washington with more regret, worse health and depressd spirits (after a confinement of sickness for three days in a dirty Tavern) than on sunday last, or I would have made my departing congee to You. I got so...
190To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cross, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The deligates from the various Towns in the County of Essex, & Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Convention assembled at Topsfield on Monday February 20th AD 1809, actuated by a deep sense of the extraordinary situation of our common Country and the loss it is about to sustain by the privation of your Councils, that we may hereafter enjoy the cheering consolation of having paid the last tribute...
191To Thomas Jefferson from William McCandless, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In transmitting to you, the accompanying resolutions, to be laid before both houses of congress, we feel a high gratification, in this last opportunity of tendering our Sincere wishes, that in your retirement from public life you may enjoy the felicity, flowing from an undeviating rectitude of conduct, to which is Superadded the gratitude and approbation of the American people. That this is...
192From Thomas Jefferson to Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you stated the plants which had been sent, & I was in hopes, after you had been enabled to distinguish them, you would have informed me of their respective conditions. but no post has arrived for this week from Milton & consequently no letter from you. in about three weeks I hope to be with you, and then we shall properly be devoted to the garden. what has become of mrs...
193To Thomas Jefferson from John Rhea, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
During this Session of Congress a law hath been made authorising the payment of certain pensions by the Secretary of War at the City of Washington. On enquiry I understand that no person hath, by the Secretary, at War, been appointed to perform the duties assigned by that Law, there may be an impropriety in making application to You in this case—however as there are some poor old men who...
194To Thomas Jefferson from John Rhea, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Please to accept the inclosed copy of a letter to my friends in Tennessee—as an evidence of the sincere respect and unchanging esteem which I entertain for You—and may You be blessed with that happiness which irradiates the mind with perpetual Splendor. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
195To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 20 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of proposing for your approbation Lieut Nelson Luckett of the Marines to be appointed a Captain in the Regiment of Light Dragoons raised by virtue of an act entitled “An Act to raise for a limited time an additional military force”— Accept Sir assurances of my high respect and consideration DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
196To James Madison from Louis-Marie Turreau de Garambouville, 19 February 1809 (Madison Papers)
J’ai reçu plusieurs fois des plaintes du Vice Consul de Sa Majesté à Savannah relativement aux vexations Qu’éprouvent les Français non naturalisés par rapport au Service militaire. Dernièrement on a tiré au Sort, et des Français Sujets de S. M. ont été désignés même pendant leur absence; des Officiers Subalternes ont été chez eux pour les toiser et Sur leur refus les ont menacés d’user de...
197From 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...
198To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 19 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
intended to have proceeded from hence to Was[hington] the place ere your departure, but I find I cannot with convenience fulfil my wishes and intentions. In all probability therefore I shall have no opportunity of paying you my personal respects: accept therefore of my sincere good wishes for your health and happiness in your retirement. I send you the inclosed pamphlet drawn up by Mr Dallas,...
199From Thomas Jefferson to John Hollins, 19 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A little transaction of mine, as innocent an one as I ever entered into, & where an improper construction was never less expected, is making some noise I observe in your city. I beg leave to explain it to you because I mean to ask your agency in it. the last year the Agricultural society of Paris, of which I am a member, having had a plough presented to them, which on trial with a graduated...
200Inventory of President’s House, 19 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Store Room in the Garret 7. Pair of best brass andirons. 32. Brass. Carpet rods. 1. Pair Iron Dogs. Store Room no. 2. 1. Plateau in five parts with a set of ornaments 5. Brass lamps— 2 vase lamps. 1. Cabbin lamp 3. Glass sconces out of order 1. Mahogany Table & large clothes basket 12 pillars & 2 childrens Mattresses. 2. Bolsters 2. large fire tenders. 2. pair large Brass Andirons 1. large...