10501To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the Commission herewith enclosed for Lieut Philomon C: Wederstrandt : This Gentleman has been heretofore Commissioned, but as his Commission was filled up on a blank, originally intended for a Warrant, he is desirous to have it exchanged. With the utmost respect I have the honor to be Sir Your mo. obt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed...
10502To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Latham Mitchill, 23 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will pardon my forwardness in troubling you with any thing relative to executive business. But understanding that the Consulate at Algiers had become vacant, and that Dr. George Davis sollicited an appointment to that place, I have consented to state to you merely what I know concerning the character and fitness of this candidate. He has passed reputably thro the Course of education...
10503To Thomas Jefferson from Vanuxem & Clark, 24 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
M Sartori of Trenton has sent us Two Boxes of Paste, which he directed us to Ship by a Vessel bound to Richmond; we take the liberty to enclose here the Receipt of Captn. Hiram Franklin of the Schooner Concordia. Permit us, most respected Sir, to tender you our sincere acknowledgements for all the benefits which we, in concert with our fellow Citizens of the Union, have experienced during your...
10504To Thomas Jefferson from Susannah Febvrier, 8 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Please to excuse me for troubling you but my reason for troubling you Sir, is to beg you would be so kind as to helpe me to a little money: I am in Greate distress and have two Children in my armes without any meens to Supporte them. and rent to pay which I am not able to doe at preasent. my husband was obliged Give all his Property up to his Credetors last Spring and finding him Self reduced...
10505To Thomas Jefferson from John Thomson Mason, 5 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter from the Revd. Mr Knox a very Republican Minister and the Head of an accademy in Frederick town, was sent to me with a view I presume of its being laid before you. Mr Polk the subject is I beleive personally known to you , he is a limner by profession. Mr Knox is I beleive mistaken as to the hopes of Mr Kilty ’s doing anything for him. There is not like to be any vacancy in...
10506To Thomas Jefferson from George Read, 9 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing, by order of the democratic republican meeting in New Castle County of the 3d. instt., a printed copy of certain resolutions, which were then unanimously adopted. I am Sir, with sentiments of the highest respect and consideration—Your obedient humble servant ViW : Jefferson Papers, Tucker-Coleman Collection.
10507To Thomas Jefferson from Israel B. Parshall, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I would not address your Excellency if I had not hopes of Your complying with the Petition of A Poor Mechanic in Distress as I am at Present. I will Just state To Your Excellency my Situation, Viz I Began Business in New York in the Shoemaking line, about the Middle of July last, and was doing Tolerably Well, but the Epidemic Coming on the 1st of August Put everything to a Stand in this City...
10508To Thomas Jefferson from John Paulson, 1 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Petition of John Paulson, Perry Paulson, & Gabriel Shad, Respectfully sheweth, That your Petitioners, are free people of colour, & inhabitants of the Borough of Wilmington in the state of Delaware. That John Paulson & Perry Paulson, were lately employed, as common sailors; on board the Schooner Sea-Flower of the Port of Wilmington, Thomas Baker Captain, on a voyarge from the said Port of...
10509To Thomas Jefferson from Citizens of Louisiana Territory, 31 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Subscribers citizens of the Territory of Louisiana, Respectfully represent that they have learned with regret that a petition is now in Circulation in this Territory for the appointment of a person to succeed general Wilkinson in the Office of governor whom we believe would not give Satisfaction to the people in general Without intending to dictate to the President we beg Leave to Observe...
10510To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Sayre, 8 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
My unfortunate situation compels me to repeat my just complaints. Seperated from my family—consequently, at double expence—you will not, I hope, be offended at my importunity I may not have inform’d you—but have most certainly inform’d your Secretary of State—that I dare not reside in the State of New Jersey, since the last congressional election, lest a prosecution should take place there for...
10511To Thomas Jefferson from Aaron Burr, 15 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Pursuant to an order of the Senate I have the honor to transmit to you the Resolution & Certificate herewith enclosed and it is with great pleasure that I avail myself of the occasion to congratulate you on your re-election by a Majority which testifies how justly your fellow-citizens have appreciated your talents and the Merits of your administration I pray you to receive the assurance of the...
10512To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 23 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
G Granger presents his Complimts to the President & returns Genl Merriweathe’rs Letter. On the 20th. of Dec: last he commenced an Inquiry into Col. Wheatons failures. The Answers in most Instances have been recd. & a Statemt of his penalties is making— Sometime since He directed no further paymts. to be made ’till the liquidation of the fines & Accts. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
10513To Thomas Jefferson from St. George Tucker, 12 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the melancholy office of communicating to you the departure of our inestimable friend Mr Page, last Evening. He will, at his own particular request, be privately interred this Evening. He died without a struggle. I am with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir, your most obedt. Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
10514To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 8 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not untill 7 O’Clock on the morning of the 31st. Utmo. that my boat was completed, she was instantly loaded, and at 10. A.M. on the same day I left Pittsburgh, where I had been moste shamefully detained by the unpardonable negligence of my boat-builder. On my arrival at Pittsburgh, my calculation was that the boat would be in readiness by the 5th. of August; this term however elapsed...
10515To Thomas Jefferson from Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, 15 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
j ose esperer que votre amour pour les sciences, excusera la liberté que je prend, de recommander á vos Bontés, un de mes fils qui aura l’honneur de vous remetre Cette lettre. il aime l’histoire naturelle, et á le projet de s’en occupper, et de rendre par la ses voyages utiles á son instruction. je l’ai chargé d’avoir l’honneur de vous presenter de ma part, quelques unes de mes dernieres...
10516To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fulton, 9 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As I leave this for New York, On wednesday the 15th Inst. I have invited some members of the senate and house of representatives, to call at Kalorama on Sunday next At One Oclock to see the experiment of harpooning, and investigate the principles of Torpedo attack; As this will probably be the Only good opportunity which I Shall have of exhibiting to you my system, by model and experiment, by...
10517To Thomas Jefferson from John Coles of Boston, 18 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
For a Citizen in the low walks of life to attempt to address the first Magistrate of the Nation, must be considered, as the undersigned conceives, great presumption, did not a paliating motive plead in some degree as his excuse,—Namely, the Union of his, and our common Country. Enclosed Sir, is the description of an “Emblem of the United States,” which has receiv’d general patronage in Boston,...
10518To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 22 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of writing your Excellency the 19th. July last whereof the above is a fourth Copy. T,F, I have now that of inclosing your Excellency Bill Lading of One Butt of Sherry Wine which I have Shipped on board the American Ship Eliza Capt. N. C. Bissel bound to Philadelphia and Consigned to the Collector of said Port subject to your Excelly. orders—I also remit the Invoice from the...
10519To Thomas Jefferson from William H. Cabell, 21 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
General Mathews’s letter of the 18th states that the British remain as mentioned in his letter of the 17th. which I forwarded to you yesterday. I am with great respect Sir yr. Ob. St. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
10520To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 10 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous avez raison. Portugal est subjugé. Mon Roi a perdu son Royaume, et une Etrangier portera sa Couronne. Les obligations d alliance sont dissolus—et qu’en voulez vous.— translation the 10th. August 1808 You are right—Portugal is conquered—My King has lost his Kingdom & a stranger will take his Crown—the obligations of allegiance are dissolved—and what then?— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
10521To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 21. with the letters returned under the same cover was recd. last night. As you had not then recd. the last letters from Mr. G. & myself on the modified proposal to disuse B. Seamen, I shall wait the arrival of your next before I conclude on the instructions which are to go by the Wash. I find by the accts. from Bermuda, that the mere difficulty which suspends the Treaty is...
10522To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 2 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I return to the Dept. of State the enclosed papers (excepting the private letter from Mr. L) thro’ your hands that you may peruse such of them as may deserve that attention. According to my recollection, the explanation of the Act of Congs. so offensive to Spain, was communicated to Yrujo. As it is possible that I may be mistaken, it may be worth while to enquire into the fact; and if the...
10523To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 28 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mon Libraire à Paris, me fait quelquefois la Galanterie de mêler avec les livres que je lui demande des brochures quand il les croit propres à m’interesser. Je les destine à mon tour, après les avoir parcourues, à ceux qui comme vous ont la bonté d’encourager mon établissement—Parmi celles qu’il m’a envoyé dernièrement, il S’en trouve une où j’ai lu quelque chose de fort Juste à votre...
10524To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 6 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
We are all anxious in this quarter to know the probable direction our differences with England will take. And this anxiety is increased in proportion to our disappointment in the two last mails bringing nothing from the Eastward beyond Nashville. Peace, However, is the general wish if to be preserved on terms Compatible with our National rights— Were it not that at particular times and under...
10525To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Moore, 20 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Herewith is forwarded a Plat of the first Twenty Miles of Western road: As this part of the Road lies across several of the Principal ridges of the Alleghany Mountain, there is of course considerable distance lost in getting over them at five degrees, Yet on a Survey and very critical view of the different grounds which present, we feel a confidence, that but little (if any) improvement can be...
10526To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 26 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received some days ago, but not in time for the last mail, the enclosed petition, I have thought it proper to forward with it a pardon, that in case it should be extended to the party, delay might be avoided. I know nothing more of the convict or of the merits of the petition than are to be gathered from the petition itself and the letter from W. Jones . It is signed, I observe by...
10527To Thomas Jefferson from David Gelston, 26 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately received a plough from England, (by the ship’s manifest consigned to you) but have no invoice or letter, it is now in store—if you will be pleased to let me know the cost, I will have it entered, and send it where you shall say, if you do not know the cost, I can ascertain it by appraisal, very sincerely, and truly your’s MHi : Coolidge Collection.
10528To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Dearborn, 1 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Benjamin Dearborn’s Respects attend the President, with information that he has brought from Boston a letter addressed to him, accompanied with a pattern for a Cannon-Shot of peculiar construction, devised by Mr. Jacob Welsh, formerly of the U.S. Army, and directed by him to be left with the President. Mr. D. has also with him some mathematical, and other instruments, of new model, and will...
10529To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Bacon, 19 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Sence writeing my last letter to you I have made some ingagements which I wish to inform you I think I mentioned I expected to ingage beef at 4d ½ the pound. I have ingaged one at 4d the pound and the man who I ingage of Delivers it when you arrive at Monticello. we Judge it will way about 500 pounds. Also one other ingagement for 3000 pounds of very Good fodder which I now have in one of the...
10530To Thomas Jefferson from John Breckinridge, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 12. & 18. ulto. came safe to hand three days ago, for which be pleased to accept my best thanks.—Never came any information more welcome. The scanty information I had been able to collect respecting the cession, & of your ultimate views, added to a report in circulation here, that an exhange of Louisa. for the Floridas was projected, had created in me a distressing anxiety....
10531To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 13 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Wherever our monies may be deposited, the Treasurer’s draught for the same has the same credit as any bank note, and the circulation of those draughts would be more extensive than now, if they were, like bank notes, payable to bearer. Unless, however, we wanted; which we do not; to issue exchequer bills or paper money of some description or another, it never will happen that our draughts shall...
10532To Thomas Jefferson from "A Lover of his Country," 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Excuse the Boldness of a Youth, who dares to write to the Chief Magistrate of his Country in the manner in which every Lover of America ought. Excuse me when I tell you I never had a good Opinion of You before I saw your inaugural Speech, then I entertained the most sanguine expectations, I should by your Means see this Country rise higher in Distinction & see you honoured, revered and beloved...
10533To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel D. Purviance, 24 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of laying before you certain papers which were enclosed to me in a letter from Joseph Pickett Esquire, of Anson County, in the District of Fayetteville, respecting the case of John Campbell and Farquhar Campbell, insolvent debtors. Mr. Pickett informs me that the former of these Gentlemen has been, for some time past, and still is, confined within the bounds of the Prison of...
10534To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 29 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I sent yesterday to the Secy. of the navy, and he will transmit to you a letter from Gen. Dearborn & another from Gen. Lincoln shewing the violations of the embargo. As these are now effected by vessels which go off without clearances, with intention either of putting their loads on board of vessels at sea, chiefly British, or of sailing over to Nova Scotia or the West Indies, the danger is...
10535To Thomas Jefferson from Rufus King, 18 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Gore having during my absence acknowledged the receipt of your letter to me, and at the same time transmitted to you copies of the correspondence with the President of the Sierra Leone Company, I have only to resume the subject where he left it— The idle and disorderly Character of the Negroes who deserted their masters and joined the Br: army in america , and who constitute the greater...
10536To Thomas Jefferson from Manasseh Cutler, [11 February 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Cutler returns his most respectful compliments to the President of the United States, and begs him to accept his most grateful acknowledgements for the favour of a perusal of Dr. Lettsom’s Observations on the Cow-pock. This work, with its plates, has afforded him great pleasure. The philanthropy of the Doctr., in the exertions he is making, & in adding the weight of his character, to...
10537To Thomas Jefferson from Caleb Haskell, 28 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you upon your arival into the first seat of the Nation; after receiving a heavy Cannonadeing from the Prisses of the four N England states and many Popgun squibs from Individuals to stigmatize you as a Jackobin or an enemy to your Country, that many thousands of us was duped. into a Jealousy to believe that it possibly might be so—untill you arivd. into that seat of Honour to...
10538To Thomas Jefferson from William Eustis, 3 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letter which has been forwarded to me at this place where I happened to be on a visit, I have the honor to transmit by the first mail. I hope the circumstance of my being absent from Boston (which has occasioned a delay of two or three posts) may be productive of no inconvenience, and have the honor to add an assurance of the high respect & esteem with which I am always your...
10539To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, 7 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have long known Capt. F. Bright, & have ever considered him as a faithful officer to the public. he commanded the Armed Brig Northampton belonging to the State & was esteemd for activity & discipline during the war—since the commencement of the General Government he has been employ’d in the Revenue service in which I have ever believed him a vigilant Officer having the interest of his...
10540To Thomas Jefferson from Chandler Price, 15 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I thought it my duty to state a few days since the knowledge I had obtained of several English vessels or vessels under English flags, having been taken up by Americans in different ports of the United States to proceed to the Mississippi & Floridas to procure Cotton—Since I had the honor to make that communication I have received the Enclosed price current & circular it shews that the same...
10541To Thomas Jefferson from William Jarvis, 10 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
But one or two opportunities occurring since I was honored with your favour of the 6. July; and being then much pressed with business prevented my sooner having had the pleasure to reply. I exceedingly regret with you Sir, the violence & injustice that has forced us to resign the quiet times of peace to assume the Stern aspect of War. So many convincing reasons suggested themselves to my mind...
10542To Thomas Jefferson from William Armstrong, 30 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Petition of the undersigned, Merchants and Traders in the State of Kentucky— Respectfully sheweth That a Petition some time past was presented to Gidion Granger Esquire Post master General of the United States Stating, that “In the arrangement of postoffices in the State of Kentucky, accident we presume has placed the office of distribution in the town of Washington in the County of Mason....
10543To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 9 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The counterfeiting of notes of the Bank of the United States, or of coins of the sd. States, are equally by the Statute offences against the United States; but I believe that base coining of foreign coins is an offence only against the State. At all events, the proper course seems to be to transmit the affidavit to the district attorney for North Carolina ; which, if approved by the President,...
10544To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 2 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night your letter of February 1803, to the Governor of Virginia, written in compliance with a request of the House of Representatives of the United States, that you should urge on the Executive of each state the importance and indispensible necessity of vigorous exertions on the part of the State governments to carry into effect the militia System adopted by the national...
10545Report from John Lenthall, 9 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Stone work done to the South wing of the Capitol July 5th to the 9th 1803 — Rough Stone — To the South & West fronts about 47 Perches Part of the time employed in erecting Scaffolds fixing Machinary for Setting the Cut Stone &c &c— — Cut Stone — Set in South front, of Ashler 60 feet run. of Base blocks, rung. Measure 91 feet Ashler Courses 12 Inches thick Base Block—13 Inches do for B H...
10546To Thomas Jefferson from E. M. Boyle, 29 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Excuse the temerity of a person utterly unknown to you, in thus addressing you, but dire necessity compels me to it.—I am a young Man that has underwent many turns of fortune, & have been labouring for these two years, to pay debts which an imprudent Partner brought upon me. Which has involved me in the City of Washington from 150 to 160 dollars which at present I am unable to pay, as I cannot...
10547To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 8 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 5th Inst. I was supplied with the inclosed statement in regard to the former Award between you & Mr Ross & which may now be regarded I presume as final. in regard to the compensation to the arbiters by the parties Mr Ross told me whatever I would do on your account he should offer the same & tho they have said they wishd for nothing—I am of Opinion $100. between the parties $50 each...
10548To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 26 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been this moment honored with your favor of the present date, and feel grateful for the attention you have been so good as to pay me, by an offer of the Consulship in St. Domingo; and am highly flattered by the confidence which you repose in my prudence and discretion.—But, how ever desireable such an office may be to me, either in a pecuniary point of view; or from a wish to serve my...
10549From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1802 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully reports to the President the information requested by the Resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 8th of January last relative to Spoliations committed on the Commerce of the United States, under Spanish authority; and also, relative to the imprisonment of the American Consul at Saint Jago de Cuba. This Report has been delayed longer than was...
10550To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 24 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The small pox has broke out in Staunton and spread a general alarm, least through the medium of the stages it should be communicated. if it is easy to obtain the vaccine we should be greatly obliged to you to send us some as our three youngest children and many of our negroes have not been innoculated at all. Looking over some of the literary magazines the other day we met with the beginning...