10501To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Peyton, 13 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
An invitation to Genl. Wilkinson was forwarded by express this morning, and I have this moment sent off a card for his aid Capt Huger, I expect a delay of the dinner for even two or three days would be attended with serious inconveniences to Mr. Gadsby , I therefore hope if the day should be bad, it will comport with your convenience to come down in a carriage. I find upon inquiry that Thomas...
10502To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth House Trist, 13 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor received yesterday was quite Unexpected. It was not my intention by obtruding my admonitions upon you to draw you into a corrispondence, knowing how fully (particularly at this period) you must be occupied. altho to you business of every kind wou’d be as little irksome as to any one, yet every moment of leisure you shou’d embrace to promote your health and spirits—to hear that you...
10503To 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...
10504To 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,...
10505To 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...
10506To 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...
10507To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just arived a consignment of old Madeira wines; Brasil Quality & London Particular, from a Portugeze house; who ships my wine for drinking. the Brasil kind is superior to any other sent here & such as is seldom imported; if you should want a supply, I will direct it to be saved for you by mr. Js Taylor Jr. to whom I have given up my business. be pleased to accept my best wishes for yr....
10508To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Pinckney, [12 March 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
On considering the offer You have been so good as to make me to go to the Court of Spain I have determined to accept it as I can at all times return whenever my friends in Carolina shall advise me that my presence may be useful or required there in support of the republican interest—L As it will be necessary for me to return to my family for a short time before I embark for Europe I will thank...
10509To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Rush, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Character as a Philosopher & friend of mankind predominates so much more in my mind over that of your new station, that I cannot resist the habit of addressing you as I have done in my former letters. Your new official title has added nothing to my respect for your person. It could not add to my friendship for you. You have opened a new Œra by your Speech on the 4th: of March in the...
10510To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Stoddert, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I fear you will think me too great an intruder on your attention—at a time too, when your mind must have full occupation. In order to reduce the cost of the frames of ships, I introduced a method of getting the frames which had often been recommended, but never practised in England. There the method is to transport the logs to the ship yards, & at the ship yards to cut out of the logs, pieces...
10511To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Trump, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I would have Answered your Letter Sooner but finding it Difficult to Procure a young man for you to Replace Mr Holms whose unfortunate Death I have Very much Regretted, but this Transitory Life is Very precarious and Death is the fate of Mortal man in Different forms I was almost Dispairing of getting one that would Answer you, but fortunately this Day I Received a Letter from Washington with...
10512To 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...
10513To 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...
10514To 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...
10515To 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...
10516To 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...
10517To 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...
10518To 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...
10519To 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...
10520To 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...
10521To 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...
10522To 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...
10523To 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...
10524To 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...
10525To 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...
10526To 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,...
10527To 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.—...
10528To 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...
10529To 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...
10530To 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...
10531To 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...
10532To 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...
10533To Thomas Jefferson from Jeremiah Brown, 8 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed you have Information of the most Important Discovery for Culture, Should immediate attention be paid it will increase the crop this year Sufficient to Feed 2½ Millions of People, and by next year may be increas’d to 10 millions, which would be a great relief to the nations in Europe now in war, and add greatly to Harmonising this two much divided Country. I request you to see my...
10534To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Leiper, 8 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I ought to have attended to yours of the 23th. Ult: sooner but the 4th of March came in the way and to be plain with you it was impossible to think of any thing else till that business was finished—Since I wrote you last I have often seen Jackson and Wharton and have again and again offered them for the whole of your Crop of Tobacco Seven Dollars pr Ct . and they have rejected the offer—This...
10535To Thomas Jefferson from John F. Mercer, 8 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Amidst the Congratulations of an Extensive Continent, I persuade myself that those of an old friend will not be unacceptable & that you will believe tht. altho’ others may have been earlier, none have been more sincere than those I now offer you—the final event of the late election has been highly gratifying to my personal feelings & by no Man in the United States will a political change be...
10536To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 8 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The terms of approbation with which you mention my Lecture and Museum , afford me much gratification; since I have scarcely a thought not devoted to the perfection of my scheme. From my knowledge of the Interest which you have always felt in whatever concerned the comfort of Man or the Benefits of Society, I am induced to think that even in the important Station to which our Nation has called...
10537To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Ring, 8 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Most Noble Jefferson at the heering of thy Being Appoynted President was Caus of greate goy to Mee wich I inwardly felt I Love a tru & faithfull American who is tru to his Cuntry. Not Valuing his privite intrust Eaquel to that of his Cuntrys prosperytyes & groeath I thaught it Must be Caus of greate Cunfort & greate goy to Say I hath bee faithfull & Just in that trust Reposed in Mee at the...
10538From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 7 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which went by the mail in course, the papers of my deceased father have been opened. His will was made thirteen years ago, since which two of my brothers have died, one of them leaving a large number of children mostly minors, and both of them intestate. The will itself, besides the lapsed legacies, does not cover all the property held at the time; & valuable parcels of property...
10539To Thomas Jefferson from James Reed Dermott, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The knowledge which I have acquired by experience in the location, rise and progress of this city, from the year 1792, in the most difficult and trying times of the laying off of the same, and in which many deviations were made from the original design, all of which I opposed except those for the publick good, and the causes of which are known to very few others except myself, emboldens me, at...
10540To Thomas Jefferson from John Hall, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
From your Character for integrity which I have been taught to respect ever since I entered the Army of the United States in our revolutionary war in the year 1777, and from the excellent sentiments contained in your inaugural Speech, (every one of which is congenial to my heart) I have been led to believe no subordinate Officer of the General Government who has not been defficient in duty,...
10541To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last which went by the mail in course, the papers of my deceased father have been opened. His will was made thirteen years ago, since which two of my brothers have died, one of them leaving a large number of children mostly minors, and both of them intestate. The will itself, besides the lapsed legacies, does not cover all the property held at the time; & valuable parcels of property...
10542To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a conversation with Genl. Sumpter in Genl. terms about his country man P—y . Sumpter says his standing in S.C. with our friends is not good, that he is not respected either as a public or a private man, that he has been made use of by the republicans, and that he has made use of them because they were convenient to each other—the opinion of one man cannot be conclusive, you will...
10543To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Williams, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Wishing to submit my slender Performances to the candid Examination of those of my Philosophical Associates whose talents and acquirements inspire me with the utmost deference, and whose approbation is the first object of my Ambition, I took the liberty of sending you, among others, a Copy of my thermometrical improvements in Navigation . Permit me now to ask a place in your private Library,...
10544To Thomas Jefferson from the Borough of Wilmington, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The corporation of the Borough of Wilmington beg leave to congratulate you, on your elevation to the first magistracy of the United States. The painful suspence previously suffered, serves but to enhance the triumph of sentiments in the final prevalence of the voice of the people, fairly and decidedly expressed. So far as acknowledged talents, examplary morals and disinterested patriotism can...
10545To Thomas Jefferson from John Woodward, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to state to Your Excellency that being desirous to obtain an employment under the Federal Government, I have thought the present a favorable and a pleasing opportunity to make application. The Vice President, Sir, and the Honorable A. Galatin are acquainted with my Character . And the open testimonial addressed to General Muhlenberg I beg leave, as that Gentleman is absent from this...
10546To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Anderson, 6 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been inform’d that Allen McLane Collector of the Port of Wilmington, in the State of Delaware intends resigning his office—I have been requested to mention Major Peter Jaquet of the County of New Castle—as a Candidate for that appointment—he Served as an Officer in the Delaware Regiment , through the whole Revolutionary War—Supported a fair Character, and has never appostatized from his...
10547To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Baldwin, 6 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since our conversation on the administration of the department of the Postmaster General, I have made it my business to trace to their causes, as far as was in my power, the complaints which, I find, are so industriously circulated against that officer. 1. I have no doubt there is an intrinsic difficulty in the discharge of the duties of that department, so as to give any good degree of...
10548To Thomas Jefferson from Columbia, South Carolina, Citizens, 6 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
We rejoice in common, with the rest of our republican fellow Citizens, that the Clouds which lately overshadowed our Country, are happily dispelled, and our political horison again exhibits a serene aspect, in consequence of your accession to the Presidential Chair—It is with difficulty that we can refrain from expressing our indignation, at the nefarious efforts, which have been made, to...
10549To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas T. Davis, 6 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to assure you, that my not paying you a visit before I left this place, did not proceed from a want of due respect to you, or to the high office you fill.—taking upon yourself a trust of great weight—rendered more difficult by conflicting political opinions; I concluded your mind must be engaged on subjects highly interresting; from which it would be, wrong in any friend, to toll it...
10550To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Dayton and Aaron Ogden, 6 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Judges of the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey, informed of Mr. Stockton’s resignation of the office of the U. States Attorney for that district, have drawn up & unanimously signed the enclosed certificate in favor of Isaac H. Williamson Esq. with the hope that it might promote his nomination to fill the vacancy. Prior to it’s rect. the late President had nominated Mr....