1551To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Williams, 24 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken upon me the Liberty of Addressing these few Lines to you—I—Hoping your Honour will have the goodness to See into my Distressed Situation as I am an American Born in Queen Ann’s County in Mary Land—and as an American Protection given to me at Boston in the year of our Lord 1 Thousand & Hundred and 6—on April the 18th. and Filled up and Signed By John Gardner Not—pub: and Justice of...
1552To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 13 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately received from Lynchburg 100 Bbls of your flour.—35 bbls of it I have sold to John F. Robertson of Manchester at 4. ¼ $ at 60 days. I know but little of Mr. R., but he is to give Cornelius Buck of the same place as endorser. This sale I made, without knowing the flour was inspected in Lynchburg.—for the balance I could not obtain the same price, without having it reinspected here,...
1553To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 16 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of War has the honor to propose to the President of the United States, that, Robert Richie and Richard Smith both of the State of Maryland, be appointed 2d. Lieutenants respectively in the Regiment of Artillerists. That, Alpha Kingsley and Gideon Warner, both of the State of Vermont, be appointed Ensigns respectively, in the 1st. Regiment of Infantry. That, Samuel Williamson of...
1554To Thomas Jefferson from Michael McMahon, 28 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Petittion of Micheal McMahon, of the City of New York, tavern Keeper Humbly Sheweth That your Petittioner, has a Sickly wife and Helpless Family, and that, on the month of August. 1803 Shiped, One of his Ledgers With, Lietuenant, Blake of the United States Navy— That your Petittioner Put said in and on On board, a Vessel, bound for Boston with Enlisted Men, and received, a, Cheque on the...
1555To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 25 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just time while enclosing a Letter from Maria to acknowledge the reciept of your letter of the 13. of June. Maria has been very unwell & is now at Eppington for change of air. As she is equally interested in the contents of your letter I shall postpone my answer until we have an opportunity of perusing it together. In the mean time I can only return my thanks for the offer you are kind...
1556To Thomas Jefferson from William Cranch, 19 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of a note at the bottom of a petition to you in behalf of Charles Houseman , I have the honour to state, that he was indicted at June term last for stealing plank, and Carpenter’s tools from three several persons. It appear’d in evidence that the articles were found in his possession, but were of little value. He was found guilty on each indictment, and sentenced to be burnt in...
1557To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 12 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The President was authorised to cause to be opened a road, or roads through the territory lately ceded by the Indians to the United States, from the river Mississippi to the Ohio, & to the former indian boundary line established by the treaty of Grenville by the 7th Section of an act entitled “an act to regulate and fix the compensation of clerks and to authorise the laying out certain public...
1558To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Van Cortlandt, 22 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
It is expected that a Republican Carracter will be appointed to the office of supervisor of the Revenue in this City in the place of Colo. N. Fish. and having had some conversation with my brother Pierre Van Cortlandt Junr: upon this Subject I find it will be very Acceptable to him; & altho a brother I hope there will not appear any impropriety in expressing my full approbation and of Joining...
1559To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 3 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I left Wmsburg the first day that the weather & my little Son’s state of health would permit, & had he not relapsed into a dangerous Illness, I should have pushed on alone, to spend if it were only a day with you at Monticello, even though Mr. Harvey informed me that you were on the point of setting out to Washington. My dear little boys illness, which ’till today scarcely gave us any hopes of...
1560To Thomas Jefferson from Oliver Farwell, 14 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the Honour of answering your note of yesterday, I have received an answer from The Honourable James Madison to the letter which I had the Honour of handing him from the Governour of St Bartholoms. the answer was unfavourable to wishes and expectations of the Governour In consideration of which I am agreeable to my Instructions obliged to leave Washington this evening for Hallifax...
1561To Thomas Jefferson from James Dinsmore, 23 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I Had the Honour of writing to you on the 1st Inst Since which nothing material has occurred here. the old Woman Junea is dead the rest of the family all well. Mr Oldham is putting up the Cornice round the South Piazza; & I am still enagaged in the Dineing room. the Composition ornaments; sash weights; Sash Cord & a box of glass Came to hand yesterday. the weights are not of the Size ordered....
1562To Thomas Jefferson from Ralph Pomeroy, 10 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The United States Loan Office in this City becoming vacant by the late death of that esteamed and valuable Officr Mr. William Imlay, I hope it may not be deemed improper or indecent for me thus early to apply for that appointment for myself. I have in times past sustained several public Offices of Importance and have discharged them with fidelity and public Approbation, am now destitute of...
1563To Thomas Jefferson from DeWitt Clinton, 29 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Stevens a Citizen of the State of New York intending to make an application to you on business in which he is interested and which he informs me will come before you officially, I take the liberty at his request of informing you that his standing in New York is respectable, and his character fair: Any justice to which he is entitled will I am certain be dispensed—More he ought not to...
1564To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Dayton, 15 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting the enclosed two letters lately received from N. Orleans upon the subject of the office, vacated, or about to be vacated, of Surgeon & Physician of the troops & hospital at New Orleans. The approach of the sickly season, rendering it important that such a vacancy should be immediately filled, the desire & expectation of Doctr. Spencer & his friends that I...
1565To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hanson, 6 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
It would have been difficult, some weeks ago, to persuade myself that any motives, however imperious, could urge a modest Man—such as I feel myself to be—to tax your liberality in the manner that I have done. On sight of my signature, you will have reason to complain that a temporary retreat from the cares of Government has failed to shelter you from the persecution of my Addresses. The...
1566To 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...
1567To Thomas Jefferson from George Doherty, 8 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I Wase Apointed by the Governor of this state to take the Command of a regement of Volunteers that marched to the Nachez last Winter from this state, I am Very sorry to trouble Your honour With statements of this kind Respecting the maner in which the Regement has been paid; I find by the statements on they pay Roles that their hase been a Reduction on the pay of the sum of twelve thousand...
1568To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 19 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
In an absence of 3 months I blush to think that this is the first time I have written to my Dear Father. it does not arise however as you suppose from want of materials, & still less of inclination, but from a spirit of procrastination which by inducing me to defer allways to the last moment, finally ocasions the total loss of opportunity. my affection, my thoughts are however, perpetually...
1569To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 10 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Jeffn.—ansr. his of 6.—as to land—Catlett &c.—shall employ Price & consult with Mr G. Jeffn.—hope he will also give his directions when at Monti.—as to [Britony]—Durrets lease—Mr Barnes I shall stop at Semmes’s—letter to be still kept for me—shall leave this in a few days & only stop at [Mt. Vernon]—anxious to get into winter quarters before the cold sets in—as to the vessel going to France, I...
1570To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 25 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The security for the office of Receiver must not be nominal. If M. Maury is not worth 10,000 dollars, I will be under the necessity of requiring further security. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1571To Thomas Jefferson from Matthew Walton, 21 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Vacancy that is occationed by the death of Judge Davis of Indiana a number of us are Verry ancious Shou’d be filled by the appointment of mr Richard Cocke one of the Commissioners of the orleans Territory this Appointment Carreys him two far South, It woud be much more pleasing to him to be settled in a more north Climate and in fact Indiana is a County he has always had his eye on, & am...
1572From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to Report to the President in conformity to the resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 30th. of March, that the only information which has been received respecting the letter from which the extract inserted in Gen. Armstrong’s letter to the Secretary of State, of January the 22nd. 1808, was taken, in the extract itself, to which no date is...
1573To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Morse, 2 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
S. Morse presents his affectionate regards to Mr. Jefferson. A young man , with whom he has become acquainted since his residence in this city, is about to begin a publication in Connecticut, under the title of the “Connecticut Republican Magazine,” he is very desirous to wait on the president and ask his patronage as a subscriber. Mr Jefferson will feel the delicate situation of the writer...
1574To Thomas Jefferson from Enoch Hazard, 5 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In this season, when the highest public interests engage your excellency’s attention, it is a painful necessity I am under of intruding upon your excellency any subject of mere personal concern. If the circumstances I beg leave to state are not an adequate excuse: I must place my reliance upon the known indulgence which the weight of government has never prevented your excellency from...
1575To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Warren, 10 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor some months since to address a letter of thanks to you for the intended honor of an appointment as Collector for the Port of Marblehd. I recieved from General Dearborn an intimation of this your intention, & was highly flattered with your notice & consideration. It was with extreme reluctance that I could bring my mind to decline any appointment conferred by you, under an...
1576To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 19 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I designed to have called and taken leave of you before my departure from Washington but a press of Company at my Office prevented till after your usual hours for morning Visits and I was unwilling to disturb the moments of conviviality in the Evening. I tarried two days in Baltimore and also in Philadelphia in both of which places I am fully convinced the Embargo is approved of by the...
1577To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing for your Signature a warrant for $10,000; the balance in my hands, towit about $1000 of the $20,000 heretofore drawn being insufficient to meet the Expenses of the present month which will be demanded in a few days.— I also enclose Sketches of the Expenditures since the Account last rendered , which was up to the first of July.— The Expenses on the Streets will I...
1578To Thomas Jefferson from John Mason, 7 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Having this day sent in my Resignation, to Mr. Madison as Commissioner of the Cumberland-Road, I feel that, I owe to you some personal explanation on that head— In the beleif that I could have rendered Services in that business, I undertook the Duty you were pleased to assign me, with great chearfulness, looked forward to its Execution, with much pleasure, and was successfully making my...
1579To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 19 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The art of secret writing, or, as it is usually termed, writing in cypher , has occasionally engaged the attention both of the states-man & philosopher for many ages; and yet I believe it will be acknowledged, by all who are acquainted with the present state of this art, that it is still far short of perfection. A perfect cypher, as it appears to me, should possess the following properties.—...
1580To Thomas Jefferson from Dabney Carr, 16 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
A bond of Mr Perry’s to Mrs Carter, for the hire of some negroes, has been put into my hands for collection—to discharge this, he has drawn the inclosed draft on you—If it be correct, you will be so good as to accept it, & return it to me. My mother who is with me, requests to be mentioned affectionately to you. Yrs &c ViU .
1581To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "One of the Worthless Part of Community", 14 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
by this time you have Recd. all Communication from your Worthy Ministers at foriegn Courts & you must of Course be Convinced that your Experimental Embargo has Not that Intended Effect that you & your French & Democratic renagades Expected— how Wonderfull is the Disappointment to your advocates in N York— many of your friends Cried out what an excelent thing was the Embargo.—Greate Wisdom in...
1582To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 15 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I was much disappointed in finding this morning that you were gone; for I had understood that you did not set off till to morrow. There were three points only on which I wished your decision. 1st. Revenue cutters . How many new armed ones shall be provided, one, two, or three? & what shall be their forces? the greatest which is allowed which will be about 130 tons 12 guns (sixes) & 70 men?, or...
1583To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 23 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
From some late circumstances, I have reason to believe that neither Mr Priestley’s directions nor mine to transmit to you a copy of the memoirs of his father’s life have been complied with, though a set was appropriated for you to be sent at the first moment of publication. If you have not received one, be good enough to let me know: it will be a cause of much chagrin to Mr Priestley and...
1584To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Jefferson Eppes, 24 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It makes me blush to think of the length of time which has elaps’d since I wrote to you last My Dear Papa, deprived for 6 weeks of the use of my hands , I was after recovering them so closely employ’d with work which during that time had greatly accumulated that without intending it it has been postponed ’till now, I have only thought the more of you My Dear Papa, of that I hope you need never...
1585To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 15 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Io non saprei a che attribuire la total mancanza di sue lettere, dopo quelle del 29 Aprile 1800, e 17 Marzo 1801. Per quanto sento, arrivarono a salvamento nei porti degli S.U. quei bastimenti che portavano le mie lettere, datate come segue. 5 Febbraio, 2 Luglio, 30 detto, 28 7bre, e 15 9bre 1801, 10 Aprile, 17 detto 1802, 15 Febbraio, 15 Aprile, 20 Maggio, 25 8bre 1803, con un aggiunta del 27...
1586To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 6 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Receipt of your highly flattering & friendly Letter , & to return as I do my best Thanks for it. That you should have proposed to hold me up as worthy of being the Successor of Rittenhouse in the Office of Director of the Mint, is to my Feelings in my present Situation highly gratifying, & to be informed of this in the manner I was, has afforded me much Consolation....
1587I. Address of Handsome Lake, [10 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I thank the Great Spirit above that I have a very bright day to talk with the Great Chief of our White Brothers—It is the Great Spirit’s doings he has appointed me for that purpose—The Great Spirit looks down upon us— The Great Spirit has appointed four Angels and appointed me the fifth, to direct our people on earth—I thank the Great Spirit that the Great Chief of my White brothers is well &...
1588To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel D. Tompkins, 5 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Mr. Elisha Jenkins Secretary of this State. He is a Gentlemen of the first respectability here and a uniform and decided friend and supporter of your administration. Any attentions you may be pleased to shew him will be deemed a favour conferred upon me. Accept Sir, an assurance of my respect and esteem. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
1589To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 26 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I find upon enquiry that the State of New York did in the year 1800, obtain credit, under the several acts of Congress respecting the fortifications of harbours, for a sum of 222,810 dollars, by that State expended in fortifying the islands in the harbour. The accounts &c. will be transcribed by to morrow and transmitted to you so as to enable you to make an official answer to the House— With...
1590To Thomas Jefferson from James Jackson, 9 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Relying on your goodness to excuse this intrusion on your time, I beg leave to interest myself in behalf of Brigadier General Wilkinson—That Gentleman by his conduct on the Frontiers of Georgia and at the late Creek treaty, has won the affections of I may almost say, all the Citizens of that State—Had the other Commissioners acted with the same Zeal and candor which guided the General, there...
1591To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 20 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
G. Jefferson sends the box of hinges &c by the Stage agreeably to Mr. J’s direction. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
1592To Thomas Jefferson from George Hay, 3 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 24th of February, reached me this evening, and in conformity with your request, I now transmit to you, the papers relating to the question, between Mr Short and Mr. Randolph. You will permit me to add, that I am much gratified by your ready admission of the apology, which my situation made it necessary for me to offer, and that I am, with real respect Yr. mo. ob. Sert. RC (...
1593To Thomas Jefferson from Gottfried Heise, 19 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
As the US have obtained, by the acquisition of Louisiana, so much uncultivated and fertile lands, and as I hope they will allot a part thereof for the cultivation of the German Evangelical congregations; they may be desirous of obtaining a number of German cultivators. Among these am I and my family. Will your Excelly. permit me to explain my proposal, which shall be realised without delay as...
1594To Thomas Jefferson from John Thomson Mason, with Jefferson’s Query, 21 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
John Duffy of the County of Alexandria who now stands committed to the Jail of that County was tried and convicted at the last term in the month of December for keeping a disorderly house, for the fine then imposed he then was committed and has ever since remained in Jail. I know not the man or his situation in life, the witnesses on the trial were respectable persons, they deposed that he was...
1595To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 27 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received your much esteemed favor of the 24th, and lost not a moment in ascertaining what could be done to relieve you from your present embarrassed situation. It is not I trust necessary for me to inform you, that I am always much averse to making professions of friendship, and of a desire to serve those I esteem—My character and disposition I hope being in some degree known to...
1596To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 6 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. James M. Bradford, the Editor of the Orleans Gazette proposing to visit Washington, and having expressed a desire to pay his respects in Person to the President of the United States, I have taken the liberty to introduce him to your Acquaintance; his pursuits have led him to a knowledge of the Territory, and you will find him possessed of much local Information. Mr. Bradford’s political...
1597To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. G. Muhlenberg, 11 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Last Evening I was honor’d with The Presidents favor of the 6th. inst— The business therein alluded to has this morning been transacted, agreeably to direction, & perfectly consonant with former usage—In this stage of business, after the Entries have been made, the insertion of names is unnecessary—It was only requisite to Credit the U.S with $22.50—for Duties received, & to endorse the Rect....
1598To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel R. Preston, 10 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will pardon this Address, in which I lay open my circumstances, situation &c.; when you consider that no person, in the United States, has more power or influence than yourself, to succour depressed merit, & rise up the wretched. Many addresses have I made to relations in affluence many of whom have became so by the prop erty of my deceased Father unjustly acquired; but their hearts...
1599To Thomas Jefferson from Philippe Reibelt, 15 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
En reponse de votre Billet du 13 je Vous prie, de ne pas prendre en disgrace si je Vous observe, que j’ai mis moi même le Cours de peinture p. Filhol en 12 Cahiers dans La Caisse ou etoient: l’histoire natur. des perroquets, Traité des Arbres et Arbustes p. p. Duhamel, Plans des Maisons de Paris, p. p. et que çet Ouvrage doit se trouver portè sur la Specification de la 1ère Caisse jointe a ma...
1600To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Ledyard, 7 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been solicited by several respectable gentlemen to avail myself of the very little knowledge which your Excellency can be supposed to retain of me , to recommend Mr. Mathw. L. Davis for the Office of Naval Officer of this port. The respect which I owe to these Gentlemen urges me to trouble your Excellency with this rather unwarrantable Letter— Mr. Davis is one of those active Citizens,...