91To James Madison from William Willis, 9 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 March 1801, Norfolk, Virginia. Arrived on 8 Mar. after departure from Spain in mid-December, passing through Paris, London, and Martinique en route. Nothing new reported from Barcelona before his departure, and American squadron in Mediterranean will keep sea-lanes safe. Spoke with Talleyrand in Paris and learned of his support for amicable Franco-American relations. On subject of a general...
92To James Madison from William Willis, 9 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I arrived at this place last Evening from Spain, France, England and Martinique Having left Spain about the Middle of Decr., Paris the latter End of Decr., London the begining of Jan’y. and Martinique the 18th. of Last Month. And altho I presume I have but little information that will be any ways interesting or that will be later than the information you must have had from the different places...
93To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, [before 9] March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Encouraged by a most respectable circle of friends I am induced to address the President of the United States on a subject highly interesting to myself and family.—But even with the flattering support which, I have the honor to enclose, I cannot hazard my present application to the supreme magistrate of the american people, without refering him to other partial testimonies in my favor, which,...
94To Thomas Jefferson from David Austin, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Though a stranger to your person, I doubt not but as a Gentleman of science, of benevolence & of regard to the pacification of the present jarring interests of the World, you will indulge me with a moment’s attention on a very interesting theme. The Nations need to be pacified. From what quarter shall the Olive Branch be seen to come!—For this the Nations are looking, & the pious are longing.—...
95From Thomas Jefferson to John Hargrove, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to return you my thanks, & through you to the acting committee of the New Jerusalem church in the city of Baltimore, for your friendly congratulations . I deplore, with you, the present sanguinary & turbulent state of things in the Eastern world, & look forward to the restoration of peace & progress of information for the promotion of genuine charity, liberality and brotherly...
96To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to offer you my services in the Naval Department.—It would be presumption in me to say that I am fully qualified to conduct the business of this Department; but, having passed a few years, on my first entrance into life, in maratime affairs, which included the building and fitting out Vessels, and having been latterly engaged, for some years, in commerce, I cannot say that I am...
97From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of Feb. 20. and to thank you for your congratulations on the event of the election. had it terminated in the elevation of mr Burr, every republican would I am sure have acquiesced in a moment; because, however it might have been variant from the intentions of the voters, yet it would have been agreeable to the constitution. no man would more...
98To Thomas Jefferson from John Mitchell, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I find the late President has not appointed a Collector to the Port of Geo. Town, I Respectfully Solicite that office; in this Extraordinary applacation I am unfortunatly Situated, in not having the Honour of the least Personal Acquantance with you, And Mr Mason being absent, who I am confident, would Render me every assistance in his power Consistent with a man of Honour, to get the...
99From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan H. Nichols, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The proposition you are pleased to make of dedicating to me your Dictionary of elegant essays cannot but be grateful to me as it is an additional testimony of the esteem of my fellow citizens, and of one in particular, who without a personal knowlege, has been able to raise his mind above the ocean of calumny under which it has been thought expedient to endeavor to overwhelm my name. I am far...
100Notes on a Cabinet Meeting, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
9. prosecutions under Sedition law. remit the fines & enter Nolle prosequi in the prosecutns depending under that law. towit Callendar & Brown are in exn. Duane & under prosecn. present as before . mr Lincoln to consult Edwds. Granger Kirby Wolcot as to Goodrich’s commn Dawson to have 6. Dol. a day. 2 frigates to cruise in W. Indies, 2 in Mediterrann. 2 at Isle of Bourbon. sign the decln...
101To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Roosen, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I wich your Ecellency may long live, in good heald allways surroundet with good Friends and no Fatterers. Some Time ago my Neighbour Benjamin Rittenhouse Esquire in formed me that he wass in tendet to write to your Eccellency I begged the Favor of him to write in my behalf lyke wyse, beggen the Precident to bestow on me a little Offices, Eqr. Rittenhouse atvised me to do it my selves, that...
102From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By the time you recieve this, you will have been at home long enough I hope to take a view of the possibilities, & of the arrangements, which may enable you so to dispose of your private affairs, as to take a share in those of the public, & give us your aid as Secretary of the navy. if you can be added to the administration I am forming, it will constitute a mass so entirely possessed of the...
103To Thomas Jefferson from John Stuart, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I was Honored with yours of the 14th. ulto. and the Diploma enclosed, and have to regret the want of qualifications that should entitle me to such a respectable mark of your favor. I beg leave to Congratulate you on the late appointment to your High office, and am happy to inform you that in the small Circle of my acquaintance the final decision of Congress for President give universal...
104To Thomas Jefferson from George Taylor, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Citizens of Alexandria anxious for an opportunity of testifying collectively their high respect, for the chief Magistrate of the United States, have with an unanimous voice at a late meeting held for the purpose; expressed their desire that you will partake of a public Dinner , at as early a day as will be most convenient to yourself;—Less favoured than their brethren of the Eastern side...
105John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 10 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
I am almost asham’d to acknowledge how long it has been since I wrote you last, and can only hope you will consider my numerous letters to my brother, most of which I intended as much for you as for him, to be a sufficient apology— I have not received a line from you or from my father since last June, though I think it impossible but that you should have written more than once— My last letter...
106From Alexander Hamilton to Elizabeth Hamilton, 10 March [1801] (Hamilton Papers)
The Senate has refused on account of the interference with other business to hear any more causes this session; so that were it not for the situation of your Sister Peggy, her request that I would stay a few days longer and the like request of your father and mother, I could now return to you. But how can I resist these motives for continuing a while longer? Things must change this week but at...
107To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
10 March 1801, Amsterdam. Transmits copies of Leiden Gazette . Reports that weight Great Britain will have in European balance of power is still undecided. France and Russia have important plans to be developed in a short time. Requests information on congressional action on memorial of consuls. In postscript, mentions Cathcart’s circular letter of 3 Jan. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Amsterdam, vol....
108Property Listing of James Madison, Sr., Estate, ca. 10 March 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
Ca. 10 March 1801. Lists JM’s valuation of slaves and land (except Montpelier) to be divided among the surviving children, the heirs of two deceased sons, and Nelly Conway Madison. Ms ( DLC ). 2 pp.; in JM’s hand; written in pencil. Filed at the end of 1787 in the Madison Papers ( DLC ). As executor for his father’s estate, JM was responsible for a division of the elder Madison’s property...
109To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 10 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit you the Leyden Gazettes up to the present period which is one peculiarly interesting in the state of European Affairs. The aspect of those of G.B. is above all observed at this moment & it remains to be decided what weight she is hereafter to hold in the ballance of Europe. France & Russia have great important Plans or prospective ones which in a short time will...
110To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 10 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your knowledge the bearer of this, Mr. Benjamin Rittenhouse. Mr. Rittenhouse is the brother of our late illustrious astronomer. He is a man of the most amiable character, and of pure, unsoiled republican principles. Permit me, Sir, to congratulate your country upon the great event which has just taken place. To you, I am persuaded, the event is of much less...
111To Thomas Jefferson from George Caines, 10 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to solicit permission to dedicate to You, the work, the proposals for which I take the liberty to transmit. It is intended to be of general utility to the people over whom You preside, & I know not, Sir, to what patronage it can be so properly directed, as to that of the Man who has so long, and so truly had at heart the interests of his Country. Suffer me then, Sir, to ask for the Lex...
112To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 10 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the honor to write you upon the subject of an appointment, I did it with great reluctance from the numerous suggestions of names & applications that must necessarily embarrass and distress you. I will not suppress the expression of a consciousness, that I have undergone the most injurious and severe trials in the public service as a citizen lately, and before as an officer. My...
113To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hanson, 10 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing that my Friend, John T. Mason , would be out of Town all this week, I repaired to him immediately, for the purpose of communicating your commands on the Subject mentioned to me a few days ago. His Kinsman had set out for Philadelphia that morning. The result of our conference shall be laid before you at any moment that you shall appoint for me to wait on you—except the Hours between 10...
114To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 10 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Not untill two late on friday last to answer by that days mail, did I receive your much esteemed favour of the 23rd. Ult, in it you have thought proper so far to honour me with your confidence, as to express a wish that I should accept the place of your private Secretary; I most cordially acquiesce, and with pleasure accept the office, nor were further motives necessary to induce my...
115To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Whetcroft, 10 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg permission respectfully to represent, that I have for some time past acted in the capacities of Justice of the Peace , and Notary Public of this City, under appointments by the Executive of Maryland, but discontinued in both those capacities by the late President, in his appointments under the late Acts of Congress, respecting the Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia. In respect to...
116Enclosure: Certificate from John Beckley, 10 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Major, John Smith, of this City, and myself were in the Year 1796, Members of the General Committee of the State of pennsylvania appointed to promote the Election of Republican Electors for this State, of a president and Vice president of the United States. A special day of Election was appointed by law, of which, by the management of our political opponents, the people were kept in universal...
117To John Adams from Christopher Gadsden, 11 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
For five or six Years past at least, very rarely have I been seen from home (or wish’d to be) excepting at Church or Funerals, but my Duty to my Country & to our old Standbys tho’ now in my 78th, compell’d me in our late Election to take up my feeble pen again, at least to shew my good Will & Inclination, & tho’ many able Hands were not wanting, yet sorry am I to say, all our Efforts fail’d...
118To James Madison from James Monroe, 11 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I am happy in yr. acceptance of the department of State in the new admn. & sincerely hope yr. service will prove honorable to yourself, and prosperous to yr. country. Nor have I a doubt of the result, since we have had enough of crisis, to teach the people how to estimate an admn. which is attached & faithful to republican principles. Mr. Jefferson’s address delivered on taking the oath gives...
119Enclosure: Suspension of Certain Building Regulations, 11 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By the President of the United States Whereas by the first Article of the Terms and conditions declared by the President of the United States on the 17th. day of October 1791, for regulating the Materials and manner of Buildings and Improvements on the Lots in the City of Washington it is provided, “that the outer and party Walls of all Houses in the said City, shall be built of Brick or Stone...
120To Thomas Jefferson from William Bache, 11 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you much for yours of the 12th. Feby. and the inclosed pamphlet. No one can doubt the justice of a general maritime law, calculated to support neutral trade; but has not the author of common sense been rather fanciful in his detail. In the proposition of a law, which must necessarily be forced down the throat of the greatest maritime power extant, might not trivial aberrations from...
121To Thomas Jefferson from William Brent, 11 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend and Relation, Mr. Richard Brent informed me some time ago , that he had signified my wish to you of becoming your private Secretary; and I make no doubt that his partiality for me induced him to give the highest colouring to my Pretensions to that Office. My Object in troubling you now, is respectfully to renew this Subject, though I do it with the utmost diffidence, and under the...
122To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Glenholmes, 11 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Great Monark—please to pardon my Boldness in troubling your Honour with those lines. I single Surcomstance hapened with in the Surcomferance of my acquaintance which I think worthy of notice—But Shold your wisdom—and prudiance think it not worthey of the Slightest Glance—I humbley submit to your Superior judgement in this Case—Being moved By this Surcomstance in pity to this famely about whom...
123To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hanson, 11 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just conversed with a Gentleman well acquainted with Mr. Duvall’s situation in Annapolis. He says that Mr. D. has little or no property in that place to attach him to it, on that account—that his present Salary, as a Judge, is no more than $1600—and that he has no doubt that Mr. D. would accept the office of chief Justice of this District. I take the liberty of communicating this...
124To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Kennedy, [11 March 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The artist & subscriber presumes to lay before you a Print to the Immortality of George Washington, for your Patronage; representing this Citizen ascending on light clouds from Mt. Vernon; on his Dexter hand are Portraits of the Heroes Warren, & Montgomery, taken from Trumbulls Paintings ;— In submitting this Print to your Protection, I must avail myself of this opportunity of wishing every...
125To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel A. Otis, 11 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreably to your directions I send a copy of the record of the last session. The preceeding copy is in books deposited in the office of the late Secy to the President US or probably may be found in the office of the late Secretary for the department of State. I send you also a copy of everything printed during the Session as complete as is in my power. Should however any particular report be...
126To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 11 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
So far as the enclosed Certificates may justify I presume to place myself before you as a Candidate for office, whenever it may be your pleasure, or occation may occur, to turn your attention to our state. In the Middle age of life, heretofore used to commercial pursuits, with a wife and family now distressed by the effect of political persecution, a Mind unambitious and Moderate Views, I...
127To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Stoddert, [11 March 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The Ship Ganges Captain Mullowny, of 24 Guns, sailed the 26th Jany. 1801 for Batavia , to cruise a few months in the Straits of Sunda for the protection of our East India trade the principal danger being from Privateers from the Isle of France, and to return with as many vessels under Convoy as could be collected. It was always intended to send after her, the Ship Connecticut , of the same...
128To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
I offer you my sincere condolances on the melancholy loss, which has detained you at home: and am entirely sensible of the necessities it will have imposed on you for further delay. Mr. Lincoln has undertaken the duties of your office per interim, and will continue till you can come. Genl. Dearborn is in the War Department. Mr. Gallatin, though unappointed, has staid till now to give us the...
129To James Madison from James Monroe, 12 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to present to yr. acquaintance Mr. Camp of Culpepper a young man who was presented to me by Mr. Wm. Lambert, who formerly wrote in Mr. Beckley’s office, and likewise by Mr. Pollard of this place who is his relative. His object is to obtain some office, or rather employment, under you if to be had, or in the treasury department if yr. office can give him no place. By Mr. Lamberts...
130To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, [before 12 March 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. William Buchanan has resided at the Isle of France for the last four or five years, [his] friends request me to solicit the Consulate of the Isles of France & Bourbon for him—An application for his appointment was presented by me lately to Mr. Marshall signed by the most [respec]table Merchants of both parties in this City—It was rejected because (as I understood) he was known to be my...
131From Thomas Jefferson to John James Barralet, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved safely the portrait of mr Volney , which I find to be a perfect resemblance, & I pray you to accept my thanks for it. I am to ask the further favor of you to be so good as to take the trouble of calling on mr Richards, whose address will be noted below, and of recieving five guineas from him for the same. uninformed and unacquainted as I am of the proper compensation, if I make any...
132Pardon for David Brown, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To all who shall see these Presents,—Greeting: Whereas David Brown, late of the District of Massachusetts, labourer, in the Circuit Court of the United States held at Boston for the said District on the first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine, was convicted of certain misdemeanors, in...
133From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Burrowes, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved in due time your favor of Mar. 2. and the saddle also is come safely to hand. I am well pleased with it, and take it willingly, but on the express condition that you permit me to pay for it. I have ever laid it down as an unalterable law to myself to accept of no present while I am in a public office. I assume that your own reflections on the tendency of the contrary practice will...
134From Thomas Jefferson to John Dawson, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
We shall be ready for you by the time you can arrive here. I would therefore wish you to come on without delay. mr Madison will not be here for some time; so that we cannot wait for him. health & friendly salutations. PrC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “John Dawson esq.”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. John Dawson (1762–1814), a Harvard-trained Virginia congressman and lawyer from Caroline County,...
135From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved safely the books you were so kind as to forward me, and if you will have the goodness to call on mr Richards, whose address shall be stated below, he will pay you 5. D 80 c the amount of them. the one you propose being by it’s bulk far beyond any time I can flatter myself with having to spare for looking into it, I must forbid myself the acquisition. accept my salutations & good...
136From Thomas Jefferson to Cyrus Griffin, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you my thanks for your friendly congratulations on my election to the chair of the Union. if it shall be in my power to effect a reconciliation of parties, I shall think I have not lived in vain. to effect this something must be yielded on both sides, and I hope there is a spirit of accomodation rising among us. I know the task is difficult, and cannot possibly be so executed as to...
137To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hanson, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
You were so obliging as to say that my Commission, as Notary-Publick of Washington County, should be made out. I beg leave to state that sundry instruments of writing have been put into my hands requiring Notareal Acts—and, among these, several promissory Notes for Protest. unfortunately for the present suspension of the Office, this last kind is supposed to admit of no delay, from an Opinion,...
138To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment only received your favor the 24 Feby. It lay some days in the post Office at New York, from whence it was sent to Clermont & at last followed me to Albany. I hasten to express my gratitude for your frequent attentions to me. I had determined to take upon me no new Office, but to endeavour to promote your interest, which I believed to be intimatly connected with that of my...
139From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I offer you my sincere condolances on the melancholy loss which has detained you at home: and am entirely sensible of the necessities it will have imposed on you for further delay. mr Lincoln has undertaken the duties of your office per interim, and will continue till you can come. Genl. Dearborn is in the War department. mr Gallatin, though unappointed, has staid till now to give us the...
140To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I had yours of the 7th. by yesterday’s mail. The danger of reaction is the evil to be fear’d from an energetic course, of disgusting and disuniting the republican party by an opposit one. These are the rocks, (to use a worn out metaphor) which you have to shun and which it is not easy to shun, but which may be done. On which side is the greater danger? In my judgement the latter. On which side...