1701From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, 4 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
No one would more willingly than myself pay the just tribute due to the services of Capt Barry , by writing a letter of condolance to his widow as you suggest. but when one undertakes to administer justice it must be with an even hand, & by rule, what is done for one, must be done for every one in equal degree. to what a train of attentions would this draw a President? how difficult would it...
1702From Thomas Jefferson to David Gelston, 5 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 1st. inst. as I had before done that of the 21st. Ult. informing me of the forwarding the box of wine & cask of nuts, by a vessel bound to Alexandria & which doubtless may be now hourly expected. I will thank you to forward in like manner the ten cases of wine mentioned in your last by the first conveyance to Alexandria or Georgetown. the meeting of...
1703From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 5 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of yesterday is this moment recieved. mine of Sep. 30. [was] written without any accurate information of the state of your family. the question hinted in that was decided on Tuesday & is gone into action. there is therefore now no cause for separating you from your family, and I shall be sorry if it should take place before you recieve this. I am sure you will approve what we have...
1704From Thomas Jefferson to Méry, 6 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has recieved the letter of mr Mery dated the 3d inst. and regrets that, having no acquaintance in the mercantile line, at Philadelphia, there is not a single house there of whom he is authorised to ask the favor desired by mr Mery, & that his entire unacquaintance with every person & thing connected with money-matters disables him from indicating any other resource for the...
1705From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 6 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Munroe: he does not recollect whether any act of Congress authorises the paiment of the instalments to Maryland, & he has not had an opportunity of consulting mr Gallatin. under this state of uncertainty it would be improper to say any thing to mr Harwood which should be any thing like a promise or assurance on the part of the Executive. he thinks...
1706From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Harrison Smith, 8 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson salutes mr Smith & having copied the inclosed, returns it with some queries & supplements for his use. RC ( DLC : J. Henley Smith Papers); undated; addressed: “Mr. Samuel H. Smith”; endorsed by Smith: “From Th. Jefferson Oct. 8. 1803.” Not recorded in SJL . Enclosure not identified.
1707From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 9 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been so closely engaged since I came here that I have not had time to write any letter which could be postponed. this place is unusually healthy. some persons from Alexandria have been taken with the fever here & died, without communicating it: so that we consider our rural situation as perfectly exempt from the danger. it seems to get worse in Alexandria, Philadelphia & New York, & so...
1708From Thomas Jefferson to Paul Verdier, 9 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I left at your house, the morning after I lodged there, a pistol in a locked case, which no doubt was found in your bar after my departure. I have written to desire either mr Randolph or mr Eppes to call on you for it, as they come on to Congress, to either of whom therefore be so good as to deliver it. Accept my salutations PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Mr. Verdier”; endorsed by TJ in ink on...
1709From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Bailey, 10 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved lately from France a few grains of a wheat with a solid stem. as from this circumstance it will probably be proof against the Hessian fly I am dividing it among those who I think will take care of it. I send you a few grains, as also some seed of a cabbage said to grow 7. feet high, to put on several heads & reproduce them when cut off. this seems wonderful, but is worth seeing...
1710From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 10 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favour of mr Lincoln to dine with him tomorrow (11th.) at half after three. Oct. 10. 03. The favour of an answer is asked. RC ( MWA ); printed form, with blanks filled by TJ reproduced in italics; addressed: “Levi Lincoln esq. Atty Genl US.”; with unrelated notations added later by Lincoln perpendicular to text and on verso relating to land sales and financial...
1711Notes on Reducing Navy Expenses, 10 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Navy estimate Oct. 1803. D In actual service. 2. frigates 209,807.36 5. small vessels 185,158.19 394,965.55 In ordinary. 11. frigates 180,845.17 Pay of officers on shore 27,500. 208,345.17 Contingencies 40,000. Ordnance & stores 15,000. Marine corps
1712Notes on Treasury Estimates for 1804, [ca. 10 October 1803] (Jefferson Papers)
Resources Balance in the treasury Oct. 1. 1803. say 5,888,000. Revenue of 5. quarters to Dec. 31. 1804 @ 10,400,000. 13,000,000 Arrears of direct taxes & other sources 150,000 Louisiana 200,000. 19,238,000 Demands in last In last quarter of 1803 Balance due to 7,300,000 D. approprn. 2,350,000 ¼ of last years estimate for other objects 650,000. British paiment
1713From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 10 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heard of your misfortune and lament it, but will say nothing, ha[ving] learnt from experience that time, silence, & occupation are the only medicines such case. I should have regretted the necessity of writing to you on a subject of business, did I not believe it useful to withdraw the mind from what it is too apt to brood over, to other objects. You know the importance of our being...
1714Notes on the Plan of the City of Washington, 12 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Note. for many of the facts & documents here stated reference must be had to State papers. Dec. 17.1800. Jan. 30. 1801. Apr. 8. 1802. Questions arising from time to time What is the plan of the city of Washington? have not unauthoritative alterations been made in it? how do these alterations affect the rights of individuals? it becomes necessary to review the on which they depend, to deduce...
1715From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald McCall, 13 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 23 has been lately recieved, & on the same paper that of Nov. 19 preceding, which had not before come to my hands. my letter formerly written to you on the subject of the bond to Flood , from Reuben Skelton whose administrator mr Wayles was, and of the paiment of it to Colo. Peachy, being at Monticello, I cannot now turn to it. but I placed the subject in that on what I...
1716From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Galloway, 14 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 11th. and immediately proceeded to search for the letter of Nov. 30th. 1800. which you suppose to have been delivered to me. I found on reiterated examination that I possess no such letter. as every letter I recieve is filed away alphabetically, the search is short & easily practicable. I then turned to my letter list, for I note in a particular list the...
1717From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 15 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day drawn on you in favor of James Lyle for 500. D. the only articles in your possession for me which are much wanted at Monticello are the bar-iron & the screws. the latter are distressingly wanted, because the cover of sheet iron laid on a part of the house is only tacked on with nails, & in danger of being blown off were a strong wind to happen. will you be so good as to inform...
1718From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 15 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not till a day or two before I left home that I was able to look into the papers respecting Richd. Harvie’s account, and committed the result to a letter which accompanies this, but which the accumulation of business I found here has prevented my forwarding sooner. I now inclose you also an order on Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson for 500. Dollars, and must take some time to provide another...
1719From Thomas Jefferson to William Pryce, 15 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 10th. is duly recieved, and I subscribe with great pleasure to the work you propose. it comprehends exactly the most interesting period of Christian history, and it will be the more interesting if, as I presume it does, the plan embraces the object of giving the primitive & earlier opinions entertained: being persuaded that nothing would place Christianity on so firm a base...
1720Annual Message to Congress, 17 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In calling you together , fellow citizens, at an earlier day than was contemplated by the act of the last session of Congress, I have not been insensible to the personal inconveniencies necessarily resulting from an unexpected change in your arrangements. but matters of great public concernment have rendered this call necessary; and the interest you feel in these will supercede in your minds...
1721From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to enable me this morning to fill up the blank in the following passage of the Message. ‘An account of the reciepts & expenditures of the year ending the 30th. of Sep. last, with the estimates for the ensuing year, will be laid before you by the Secy. of the Treasy. so soon as the reciepts of the last quarter shall be returned from the more distant states. it is already...
1722List of Members of the Eighth Congress, 17 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
N. Hampsh. 5. Verm. 4. ✓ — Betton, Silas ✓ — Chamberlain ✓ — Claggett. Clifton. ✓ — Chittenden Martin ✓ — Hough David ✓ Elliott James ✓
1723From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 17 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In my message of this day to both houses of Congress, I explained the circumstances which had led to the conclusion of conventions with France, for the cession of the province of Louisiana to the United States. those Conventions are now laid before you , with such communications relating to them as may assist in deciding whether you will advise and consent to their ratification. The...
1724From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 18 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson having been obliged to send what pocket money he had to Monticello will thank mr Barnes for 25. or 30. D. in small bills. RC ( ViU : Edgehill-Randolph Papers); addressed: “Mr. Barnes”; endorsed by Barnes. Not recorded in SJL . TJ’s financial memoranda records that he received $25 from Barnes the same day ( MB James A. Bear, Jr., and Lucia C. Stanton, eds., Jefferson’s Memorandum...
1725From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Bailey, 19 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A gentleman here has given me 40. Balsam poplars to send to Monticello, and mr Randolph’s servant , who was to have returned tomorrow, will be detained till the next day, to carry them. as I set much store by these trees which I have been a long time trying to get to Monticello, I wish them to be carefully taken up & packed in bundles for safe transportation. if it would suit you to come...
1726From Thomas Jefferson to William Eustis, 19 October 1803 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favour of Doctr. Eustis to dine with him on Friday the 21st. inst. at half after three, or at whatever later hour the house may rise. Oct. 19. 03 The favour of an answer is asked. RC ( MHi : Letters to William and Caroline Eustis); printed form, with blanks filled by TJ reproduced in italics; addressed by TJ: “The honble Doctr. Eustis.”
1727From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, with Jefferson’s Note, 20 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Will General Dearborne be so good as to recommend some person? or will it be better for him to retain the papers & consult the republican members from Maine ? [ Note by TJ :] Dudley Broadstreet Hobart of Gardener recommended by Genl. Dearborne, who candidly states that he is his son in law, but the applicn is from many respectable persons of the neighborhood, & the only competiton is a young...
1728From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Stoddert, 20 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The pressure of business & of ceremony at the commencement of a session rendered it impossible for me to peruse the inclosed till yesterday evening. I sincerely wish well to whatever may contribute to give growth to the city, under which term I include Georgetown also: for I consider that & Washington as standing in the same relation to the general government, & as constituting on[ly]...
1729From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, with Barnes’s Note, 21 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John Barnes, of Georgetown will always answer my subscription to the Columbian Repository [ Note by Barnes :] Bradford & Burgess paid ⅌ JB. 1st Nov 1803 $2.50 Entd. 193— RC ( MHi ); endorsed by Barnes. Not recorded in SJL . The columbian repository was a weekly newspaper published in Georgetown by Thomas G. bradford
1730From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 21 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In my communication to you , of the 17th. instant, I informed you that conventions had been entered into, with the government of France, for the cession of Louisiana to the United States. these, with the advice & consent of the Senate, having now been ratified, & my ratification exchanged for that of the First Consul of France in due form, they are communicated to you for consideration in your...
1731From Thomas Jefferson to Caleb Bickham, 22 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your letter on the subject of the tides. my partiality for subjects of that kind in preference to all others, endangering a neglect of duties of a higher order, and which occupy me without intermission, I have been obliged to lay it down as a law for myself to decline corresponding on philosophical subjects generally. the generality of this rule must be my apology in any...
1732From Thomas Jefferson to John Crawford, 22 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 18th. has been duly recieved, and it’s contents perused with deep interest, as every thing is by me on a subject so pregnant of future events as that. but that subject is not within the constitutional powers of the General government. it exclusively belongs to each state to take it’s own measures of justice or precaution relative to it : and it would contravene the duties...
1733From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Ware Peacock, 22 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My business not permitting me to participate in the benefit of the course of lectures proposed in the inclosed paper, and having been obliged moreover to lay it down as a law to myself not to put my name to any subscription paper; I can but return it to you with my wishes for it’s success, both as it regards yourself, and for those whose situations may enable them to attend. certainly the...
1734From Thomas Jefferson to Caesar A. Rodney, 22 October 1803 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favour of The Hon-ble Mr Rodney to dine with him on Tuesday the 25th. inst— at half after three, or at whatever later hour the house may rise. Oct. 22 The favour of an answer is asked. RC (Memorabilia Expert, Las Vegas, Nevada, 2008, item 45130); partially dated; printed form, with blanks filled by Lewis Harvie reproduced in italics; addressed by Harvie: “The Hon-ble...
1735From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 24 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I lay before you the Convention signed on the 12th. day of May last, between the United States and Great Britain, for settling their boundaries in the North Eastern & North Western parts of the United States, which was mentioned in my general message of the 17th. instant; together with such papers relating thereto as may enable you to determine whether you will advise & consent to it’s...
1736From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Faw, 25 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The case, which is the subject of the letter you handed me yesterday, s[eems] so perfectly understood by yourself, what the law is, & what the remedy, and that that remedy, the Habeas corpus, is always within your own reach, that no information respecting it seems necessary from me, or to be required. indeed it appears altogether a family misunderstanding, in which the exercise of paternal &...
1737From Thomas Jefferson to John Randolph, 25 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson being informed of the question which occupied the H. of R. yesterday, and of the argument founded on the English expression ‘engages to cede .’ altho’ he knows it has been decided, yet for mr Randolph’s satisfaction incloses him the following extracts from the French originals on the paper herein sent. the 2d. treaty , which was in all our newspapers, tho’ never authentically...
1738Memorandum on the Cession of Louisiana from Spain to France, 25 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The treaty of St. Ildefonso, dated Oct. 1. 1800. between Spain & France, Article 3d . is in these words, in French, the language in which it was written. “Sa Majesté catholique promet et s’engage de son coté a retroceder a la republique Française, six mois aprés l’execution pleine et entiere, les conditions et stipulations cy-dessus, relatives a son Altesse Royale le Duc de Parme, la Colonie...
1739From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 27 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Barnes to have the inclosed paid to mr Gelston . he will thank him also for 20. D. in 5 dollar bills. RC ( MHi ); endorsed by Barnes. Not recorded in SJL . Enclosure: see enclosure printed at David Gelston to TJ, 22 Oct. 1803 . In his financial memoranda at 27 Oct. 1803, TJ recorded his request that Barnes pay David gelston $55.62 “for freight & duty of 300....
1740From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much pleased to find that the Choctaws agree to sell us their country on the Missisipi, and think we ought to accept it to any extent they will agree to, only taking care the price be not too high. they are poor; and will probably sell beyond what will pay their debts, so as to be entitled to an annual pension, which is one of the best holds we can have on them. their strength & the...
1741From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I must ask the favor of you to meet the heads of departments here tomorrow at 12. aclock & afterwards to dine with us. the object is to decide definitively on the arrangements which are to be dispatched Westwardly the next day. Genl. Dearborne & myself had concluded to submit to the meeting a plan little different from that suggested in your letter of yesterday. towit. to send orders to...
1742From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of the Attorney General to meet the heads of departments here tomorrow at 12. aclock & to dine with him on the same day. RC ( MWA ); addressed: “Levi Lincoln esq. Atty Genl US”; Lincoln later wrote notes relating to land sales and payments on verso.
1743From Thomas Jefferson to Louis André Pichon, 29 October 1803 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Pichon. he meant to be understood the other evening as asking the favor of him to dine here to-day with messrs Soult & Delile. he did not know till the last night that mr Pichon did not so understand him. he hopes, if he has no engagement, he will do him the favor of dining here to-day at half after three. RC (University Archives, Westport,...
1744Notes on Preparations to Occupy Louisiana, 30 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Ord. to Claib. & Wilk. write to Laussat & Clarke force or no force. 1. if no force proceed with regulars , & militia at their discretion. treat inhabitants & officers particularly with courtesy take nothing without paying arrange with Laussat manner of delivery. issue proclamation suffer the Govr. &c. to remain in his house get orders from Laussat &c. for delivery of all the posts . take...
1745From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 31 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before you the treaty mentioned in my general message at the opening of the session, as having been concluded with the Kaskaskia Indians, for the transfer of their country to us, under certain reservations & conditions. Progress having been made in the demarcation of Indian boundaries, I am now able to communicate to you a Treaty with the Delawares, Shawanese, Poutewatamies, Miamis,...
1746From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Tessé, 31 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of Jan. 30. I informed you that the person whom I had employed in this neighborhood had provided such seeds of the list therein stated to you, as the lateness of the season had permitted. I had the mortification to see them remain here till summer without any opportunity occurring to forward them. our only commercial port is Alexandria, five miles distant. by casting your eye on a...
1747From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Corny, 1 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors, my dear friend, of Feb. 15. & June 15. have been duly recieved. the latter was forwarded to me by mr Ledet, who remained himself in London, & whom I should have recieved with great pleasure on your recommendation, had he come here. I learn with joy from yourself that you have good hopes of improvement in your health. my prayers for it are sincere, as the recollections of your...
1748From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 1 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of Apr. 6. & June 27. were duly recieved, & with the welcome which every thing brings from you. the treaty which has so happily sealed the friendship of our two countries has been recieved here with general acclamation. some inflexible federalists have still ventured to brave the public opinion. it will fix their character with the world & with posterity, who not descending to the...
1749From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 3 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Dinsmore is arrived here from Monticello on his way to see his brother at Baltimore, and asks for 40. Dollars in Philadelphia bills if to be had, which I must pray you to accomodate him with. he will call on you to-day. affectionate salutations. RC ( MHi ); endorsed by Barnes: “Mr Dinsmore 3d Nov 1803 $40.” Not recorded in SJL . TJ noted in his financial records that on this day he gave...
1750From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 3 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Gallatin, on his arrival at his office, to call & accompany him to the Secretary of State’s office, where a matter of moment & urgency is to be considered. RC ( NHi : Gallatin Papers); addressed: “Mr. Gallatin.” Not recorded in SJL . matter of moment & urgency : on this day the State Department learned that on 17 Aug. a Moroccan cruiser had captured the brig...