11To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 15 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy friendly dated April 26. 06 I received some time ago—I intend to reply to it fully by next mail—at present I can only request thy acceptance of all the thanks that gratitude and affection can feel. The object of this is to present to thee the bearer, my esteemed friend, Joseph Chambers, agent to the Chactaw trading house on Tombigbee River. I believe I have mentioned him to thee in some of...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 30 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Will the President do me the favor to accept the enclosed pamphlet ; and the additional one to inform me of the title of Arthur Young’s performance, alluded to in a late conversation, so particularly as to enable me to procure the book? With deep impressions of esteem and respect, I am thy friend RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 31 Jan. and so recorded in SJL ; also endorsed by TJ: “near...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 2 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy letter, dated 20th. of April, I received yesterday. I have had several applications for employment under me, to which my standing answer has been, that I shall make no appointments until I arrive at the scene of operation, and that those who wish a clerkship or deputyship must make their application to me there, where evidence of their suitableness, in all respects, will be my standard and...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 27 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I am here, with Robert Williams, on my way to the seat of Government. We expect to sail for Baltimore, within three or four days, in the Schooner Experiment, being the first vessel that offers. She is said to be a swift sailer; our hopes are therefore sanguine that we shall arrive in Washington before the end of next month. On the 10th. instant, by the mail, I wrote to the Secretary of the...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 2 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Attending to the necessary observations under the frequent interruption of clouds—keeping a regular series of notes—& the rest absolutely requisite to repair the fatigues of travelling in weather so extremely hot as we have had it—have prevented us from making a more rapid progress on our journey, & have compelled me to be a much less attentive Correspondent than I expected or intended to have...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 9 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to thee was dated at this place, 29th. of the month just past, a few days after my arrival here from New-Orleans. In that letter I ventured some hints on the political situation of this Territory. Having since acquired more certain knowledge of the subject, and more in detail, I think it my duty to communicate it to the President with that candor and simple truth which I have...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 22 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Although still in state of convalescence, and but just able to attend to business a few minutes at a time, I am fortunate enough to have finished a map of my route from the City of Washington to this place. I send it in a tin case by the same mail with this letter. Several weeks ago it wanted but the labor of a few hours of health to complete it. Having written to thee (on the 26th. of last...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 24 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days since, I returned from the Eastward, where I had been viewing and examining in operation the various machinery for manufacturing cotton. Thy favor of the 12 ultimo came to Brookeville during my absence, and remained there until my return. This will account for my not sooner attending to thy request. I am so far from feeling it a trouble, that to have the power and opportunity of...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 27 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have before me thy favor dated April 26. 06. Thy own benevolent heart can estimate more justly than I can describe the grateful feelings excited in my mind by thy generous offer of reimbursing from thy private purse my expenses in exploring the Post-route to New Orleans. Although even this sum would be very convenient to me; yet, if due to me at all, it is due from the general purse of my...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 2 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
No doubt it is matter of surprise that we proceed so slowly. Indeed when I undertook this journey and the astronomical survey, I had no adequate anticipation of the difficulties, fatigues and even dangers through which we have so far struggled. They principally arise from the inauspicious season of the year in which we have made the attempt. Had I been gifted with foreknowledge, I think it...