1351From James Madison to Daniel C. Brent, 5 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed list having been registered in this Office, as containing the persons who compose the British Legation and their Servants, I transmit it to you to be affixed in your office according to law. I am &c. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). Addressed to “The Marshall of the District of Columbia.” See Anthony Merry to JM, 4 May 1804 , and enclosure.
1352From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll Brent, 17 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
There is under your custody a prisoner of the name of Philip Williams, under a conviction of forging bank notes. he has been for some time in jail undergoing the term of confinement to which he was sentenced. I have recieved on his behalf petitions for a pardon which are entitled to respect. but before I come to a decision on the subject, I am anxious to recieve the opinions of the judges who...
1353From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll Brent, 10 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On a suggestion that Judges Kelty & Marshall who pronounced sentence on Mc.Gurk were divided as to the recommending him to mercy I reprieved him that the opinion of judge Craunch might be obtained, who had also sat on the trial. I have this day recieved his opinion against a pardon. this is known to the criminal; and I have good information that, seeing all other hope cut off, he means to try...
1354From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll Brent, 6 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 3d. came to hand yesterday. whether it be best to insert the bars of the jail windows into an iron frame, or directly & separately into the stone [work], you can, on consultation with so many good judges on [the subject] form a much better judgment than I can, that I must forbear giving any opinion on it. that good white oak is better for every part of the roof than either...
1355From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll Brent, 24 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Information given to mrs Paradise of letters to me from her grandsons is without foundation. I have not for many years heard a tittle respecting the family at Venice. should any information respecting them come to me I will certainly communicate it to mrs Paradise. That the embargo is approved by the body of republicans through the Union cannot be doubted. it is equally known that a great...
1356From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll Brent, 18 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Being to appoint a Marshall for the district of Columbia it has been intimated to me by a mutual friend that you might perhaps be willing to accept of that office. on this suggestion I take the liberty of proposing it to you. as a court is to be held here on Monday next, it becomes necessary for me to ask the favor of an answer by the bearer, mr M[ason]’s servant who goes expected for this...
1357From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll Brent, 22 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have at different times recieved the inclosed papers on the subject of appointing some justices of peace for this city, which I have delayed to get better information. being on the eve of my departure for Monticello, I pray you to consider them, and to give in the names of any persons you think it would be advantageous to appoint to the chief clerk of the Secretary of state’s office who will...
1358From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll Brent, 6 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Scott, writer of the inclosed, is engaged in the life of Genl. Washington. it is not in my power to answer the questions he asks relative to his family, and I suppose the family would not do it for him , because Marshal’s is to be their favorite history. I have thought it possible that your knolege of the family, and your means of making the enquiries, would enable you to procure for me...
1359From James Madison to Daniel Carroll Brent, 29 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 26. You may inform Mr. Wagner, that it would be a pleasure to me to aid his views, but that no information has been recd. for a long time from our Spanish affairs, nor indeed any since the epoch to which he refers, that could guide him in appreciating the proposal made to him, better than his own good judgment exercised on the general course of events, and his...
1360From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll Brent, 25 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Not knowing whether the prisoners are in your custody or still in that of the military, I take the liberty of inclosing you an open letter for Dr. Bollman. be so good as to read the letter, & if he is in your possession, seal & deliver it to him. if he is still in possession of the military, ask the favor of Colo. Wharton also to read the letter, seal it, & deliver it to Dr. Bollman. his...
1361From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Brent, 14 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A considerable journey Southwardly from this has prevented my sooner acknoleging letters from yourself, from mr Gardiner and mr S. H. Smith. announcing that I had been elected by the city council a trustee for the public schools to be established at Washington & by the trustees to preside at their board. I recieve with due sensibility these proofs of confidence from the city council & the...
1362From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Brent, 3 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The act of Congress incorporating the city of Washington has confided to the President of the US. the appointment of the Mayor of the city. as the agency of that officer will be immediately requisite, I am desirous to avail the city of your services in it, if you will permit me to send you the commission . I will ask the favor of an answer to this proposition. Will you also do me that of...
1363From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Brent, 23 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your application in behalf of Ph. Williams was recieved yesterday, but too many obstacles are opposed to a present compliance. he could not be admitted into the navy without a previous pardon, because that would be to change the nature of the punishment which the Executive power is not competent to. but if pardoned, would or ought our naval corps to recieve recruits from such a source? again...
1364From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Brent, 19 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just recieved your favor of the 8th. informing me that the board of Trustees for the public school in Washington had unanimously reappointed me their President. I pray you to present to them my thanks for this mark of their confidence, with assurances that I shall at all times be ready to render to the institution any services which shall be in my power. Accept yourself my salutations...
1365From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Brent, 10 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your letter of yesterday asking the application of a part of a late appropriation of Congress to certain avenues and roads in this place. The only appropriation ever before made by Congress to an object of this nature was ‘to the public buildings & the highways between them.’ this ground was deliberately taken, and I accordingly restrained the application of the money to the...
1366From Thomas Jefferson to William Brent, 8 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson salutes Capt. Brent & asks the favor of him to inform him whether the Commission of the peace for Washington county is not near expiring? who are at present acting magistrates? whether any new ones are wanting? and whom he could recommend? DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1367From Thomas Jefferson to William Brent, 20 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The departure of mr Harvie for Europe within a day or two, will leave the office of my private secretary again vacant. a continuance of the same sentiments with respect to yourself, induces a repetition of the offer , under the possibility that the reasons on your part for declining it may not continue. I shall willingly admit every accomodation which may reconcile the few duties it will...
1368From James Madison to John Brice Jr., 22 September 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To John Brice Jr. 22 September 1805, “Gray’s near Philada.” “Having mislaid your letter of Aug. 31, with an expectation constantly of finding it, it has remained thus long unacknowledged. I now thank you for your attention to the wine shipped to me from Lisbon, and request the favor of you to procure a conveyance of it to Washington. If it be not too inconvenient, I should be glad to have it...
1369From Thomas Jefferson to Hannah Briggs, 5 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that mr Briggs & his companion were in good health at Colo. Hawkins establishment near the Talapousee river, which place they left on the 3d. of Oct. and expected to be at Fort Stoddart in a week from that time. mr Briggs having been able to procure but a single half sheet of paper, which he was obliged to fill with a report to me, had no means of writing to...
1370From Thomas Jefferson to Hannah Briggs, 2 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to mrs Briggs and has the pleasure to inform her that mr Briggs had on the 26th. of November compleated his journey to New Orleans, where he had arrived in good health. he had had a small attack of remittent fever on the road. RC ( PHi : Society Miscellaneous Collection); endorsed. Not recorded in SJL . pleasure to inform : see Isaac Briggs to TJ, 26 Nov. 1804 .
1371From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 17 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John H. Smith, a native of Virginia, now resident in Kentucky, wishes to be employed as a Surveyor in the South Western department. I am not personally acquainted with him, but he is recommended by a friend , on whose testimony I rely, as having had a tolerably good education, of modesty & merit, capable of application to business, and one whose zeal & fidelity may be relied on in any...
1372From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 5 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have something to propose to you much to your advantage: but it is necessary I should see you; & as I leave this the day after tomorrow, I have only tomorrow for an interview. I send the bearer express, to see if you could come here tomorrow (Sunday) Accept my best wishes. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Mr. Isaac Briggs”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. something to propose : TJ offered...
1373From James Madison to Isaac Briggs, [post 8 October] 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of Aug. 12. inclosing a certificate that the Farmer’s Society at Sandy Spring has been pleased to elect me an honorary corresponding member. I beg you to offer to the Society my sincerest acknowledgments for this testimony of respect; to which I can have no other title than my veneration for the art, for improving which the Society has been instituted. The art which...
1374From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 20 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The writer of the inclosed letter, James Dinsmore, is an excellent young man from Philadelphia, who has lived in my family as a housejoiner 5. or 6. years. I have great confidence in his recommendations making due allowance for the connection in this case. of his brother John Dinsmore I know nothing. but as he resides near the Natchez, should you have occasion for him, you can learn his...
1375From James Madison to Isaac Briggs, 11 January 1803 (Madison Papers)
At the date of my last I intended to have had an immediate personal communication with Dr. Mitchell on the subject of yours of the first inst. Our distance from each other with a pressure on my office from some occurrences of business, put it out of my power to see him, and the intercourse on paper being substituted, I have not been able to obtain his sentiments & counsels, in time for a...
1376From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 8 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson salutes mr Briggs with friendship and incloses him an order of the bank of the US. here on that at Philadelphia for the remaining 200. Dollars. Privately owned.
1377From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Fitch proposes to set out from hence for the Missisipi about the 1st. of October, and to go by Knoxville & Nashville along the post road. as there is still time enough to recieve an answer from you by post before his departure, the object of this letter is merely to ask if you have any thing to advise him of before his journey which may be useful to him either on the road or preparatory to...
1378From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 10 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson, with his friendly salutations to Mr. Briggs, now incloses him a draught of the bank of the US. of this place on that of Philadelphia for two hundred dollars, in his favor, & on account of his expences on the survey of the road to N. Orleans. Privately owned.
1379From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 12 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
General Dearborne told me of an oil mill & press near Mr Thomas Moore’s which he said was of the neatest contrivance he had ever seen, & was on the smallest scale. being anxious to erect one for the purpose of making Benè oil, merely for family use, I had intended to go to see it, but was so thronged with business before my departure from Washington that it was not in my power. this lays me...
1380From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 11 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I mentioned to Baron Humboldt my proposition for taking lunar observations at land without using a time piece. he said there could be no doubt of it’s exactness, but that it was not new, that even De la Caille had proposed it and De la lande had given all the explanations necessary for it, I think he said in his 3d. vol. I have not the book here but presume you can consult it in Philadelphia...
1381From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 25 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
When you spoke to me the other day on the subject of your expences to N. Orleans, my answer was a little indefinite as to time, because I had just recieved some very heavy bills drawn on me from Europe & I had not yet examined what would be the state of my funds under those bills. I have now examined them & find that I can furnish you 200. D. on the 6th. of June (Saturday sennight) and 200. D....
1382From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 26 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Mar. 3. was recieved the 2d. inst. we have again failed in obtaining the compensation so justly due to you for your expences & trouble on the road to Orleans. it was attempted in the appropriation bill, but objected to on the ground that nothing should be inserted in that but what had been sanctioned by a previous law: & that the regular way would be for you to petition the house, in...
1383From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 20 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your attention to the commission respecting the clock, and will immediately remit the money to mr Ferris with directions how to forward the clock. I inclose you part of a letter from mr Fitz , (the residue I tore off & retained as relating to something else.) I write him this day that you will recieve his queries but in the moment of your departure when you will not have time...
1384From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 14 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Feb. 9. comes to hand in the moment of my departure on a short visit to Monticello. I have time therefore only to thank you for the information it contains, and to pray you to continue it, as it is impossible for me to govern without information. I wish to know every thing & then do what I find is right. on your information I have reliance.—your map & report arrived 3 or 4 days...
1385From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 5 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The favor I meant to ask of you was to chuse me two thermometers descending as far below zero as you can get them. the kind preferred is that on a lackered plate slid into a mahogany case with a glass sliding cover, these bearing best an exposure to the weather. I have had so many broke in coming from Philadelphia by the stage that I am authorised to recommend the packing them in a box at...
1386From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 29 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 26th. came to hand last night. that of Jan. 30. had been recieved in due time. with more business than can be dispatched at once, I am often obliged to lay by to a more leisure moment that which will best bear delay. this lot falls often on my philosophical and literary correspondence. to this circumstance alone is owing the omission to answer that part of your letter which...
1387From Thomas Jefferson to James Bringhurst, 9 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to his antient acquaintance and friend mr Bringhurst, and thanks him for the book he has been so kind as to send him , which will occupy some of his leisure moments agreeably and usefully. he prays mr Bringhurst to recieve the assurance of his constant esteem & respect. PoC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ. so kind as to send him : Bringhurst to TJ, 3 Jan.
1388From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Bringhurst, 24 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your letter of the 16th. it gave me the first information of the death of our distinguished fellow-citizen John Dickinson. a more estimable man, or truer patriot, could not have left us. among the first of the advocates for the rights of his country when assailed by Great Britain, he continued to the last the orthodox advocate of the true principles of our...
1389From James Madison to John Broadbent and Abraham Gibbs (Abstract), 11 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
11 May 1805, Department of State . “You will before now have received your Commission as Consul of the United States for the Port of Messina. That Mr Barnes late Consul for the Island of Sicily may be apprized of this arrangement, which supersedes his Commission, I request you to forward him the inclosed letter after perusing and sealing it.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, IC , vol. 1). 1 p....
1390From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Brodie, 17 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you the letter withdrawn from the post office as you desired; as also one for mr Randolph, my son in law who is well acquainted with the lands of Henderson which are for sale I know, & those of mr Overton which I have heard may be bought. both tracts contain about 600. acres. of Henderson’s: about 200. as. run up a steep mountain & can never be cultivated, so that his price of...
1391From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Brodie, 11 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to mr. Brodie for the very superb maps of the Rhine, Maes, & Scheldt, which he has been so kind as to send him. they are the more interesting as he has been enabled to retrace minutely his own wanderings for 500. miles along the banks of the Rhine. he prays him to accept his salutations & assurances of respect. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1392From Thomas Jefferson to Enos Bronson, 9 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Bronson, & thanks him for his attention to the request of mr Roscoe, to whom Th: J. will convey his acknowledgements thro’ the Consul of the US. at Liverpool. he has this day written to the Collector at Philadelphia on the subject of mr Roscoe’s book. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1393From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Taliaferro Brooke, 20 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to Mr. Brooke Speaker of the Senate of Virginia, and availing himself of the moment when the confidence of his country has placed him where the little volume accompanying this may be a convenience, he asks his acceptance of it as a testimony of the respect of the giver. RC (Julian Goldman, New York City, 1947). Not recorded in SJL . Enclosure: TJ’s A...
1394From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison Broom, 22 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favour of Mr. Broom to dine with him on Saturday the 25th at half after three, or at whatever later hour the house may rise. Jan. 22. 1806. The favour of an answer is asked. MeHi .
1395From James Madison to D. Browder, 27 December 1806 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of the 10th. inst. enclosing the Protest of Robert Selden, the Pilot, who lately conducted the Cambrian Frigate into the Chesapeake contrary to the President’s proclamation. This instrument not being considered a sufficient exculpation, you will be pleased to cause him to be prosecuted for a breach of the proclamation. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
1396From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Brown, 6 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have happened to recieve an order of the bank of Virginia at Richmond on that at Alexandria for 251D. 09c which being only 9.34 more than your account, I have endorsed it to you, and now inclose it. if you will remit me the balance, or inclose a ten dollar bill, I will take care to return you the small difference of 66. cents. Accept my best wishes. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
1397From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Brown, 18 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
mr Micajah Carr informed me that a rit of right was brought against him by Donalds & Buchanon for the lands Called Colle I bought these lands of wm mcghee knowing they were under a deed of trust to D & B for a debt of about £15 which I undertook to discharge this was just before the revolution & wheather it was paid or not before the company with drew I do not recollect I gave the lands to...
1398From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Brown, 10 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
According to what passed between us here, I hold in the bank of the US. for you 453. D. which shall be paid here to your order, or inclosed to you by a check on this bank or in bills as you shall desire by post on your mentioning to me your address at Alexandria. Accept my salutations & respects MHi : Coolidge Collection.
1399From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Brown, 28 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I will ask the favor of you to make for me immediately a pair of Burr millstones 4 f. 3 I. diameter in the way called burr on edge, and of the first quality. Their being forwarded with the least delay possible is all-important, because the river on which my mills are ceases to be boatable after the season becomes warm, and should they not arrive before that, they cannot be brought till the...
1400Deed for Land Purchased from Benjamin Brown, 9 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
This Indenture made on the 9th day of September One thousand Eight Hundred and two Between Benjamin Brown of the one part and Thomas Jefferson, of the other part, both of the County of Albemarle Witnessith, that the said Benjamin, In consideration of the sum of Eighty five pounds fifteen Shillings Virginia Currency to him paid by the said Thomas hath Given, granted, bargained and sold unto the...