1471To Thomas Jefferson from John Christ, 28 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Having applied for the Office of Inspector of the Survey, composed of the Counties of Berks Northumberland & of other Counties in the State of Pennsyla. now held by a Mr. Boyd, and my application, together with the letters of Recomendation of Thomas Mc.Kean, the Governor of this State & of Genl. Peter Muhlenberg in my favour being filed with the Secretary of the Treasury , I take the liberty...
1472To Thomas Jefferson from Angelica Schuyler Church, 27 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Depending on your indulgence Sir, I send my son , the bearer of this letter to your Excellency; to solicit your good offices, by which he may obtain redress , for extreme severity, and the most degrading humiliation: which he has suffered: his ship and cargo illegally and violently seized by the Portuguese our friends and Allies; at a moment of undisturbed peace and security, when on the Coast...
1473To Thomas Jefferson from Catherine Church, 9 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your acquaintance my dear Sir with the amiable family Dupont & the very polite attentions of which they retain so lively an impression precludes all necessity of an introduction to Mde. Dupont whose individual merit is such as not to require a relative claim to admiration—I am however too proud in owning her as my friend & in the possibility of introducing her to you to neglect this...
1474To Thomas Jefferson from Christopher Church, 22 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Humble Petition of Christopher Church now in the Jail of Washington County in the District of Columbia— Humbly Sheweth that your Petitioner is confined for his fine and fees, under a prosecution for Theft, which he was guilty of while in a state of intoxication The Hone. the Judges of the Circuit Court at December term last Sentanced him to receive twenty stripes, which he has received,...
1475To Thomas Jefferson from John Churchman, 7 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty to send herewith a copy of an improved Variation Chart , hoping it will be received as a token of Respect, together with a Sheet of Letter Press as published in the third Edition of the Magnetic Atlas , It contains Actual observations by which the Variation has been found at Sea— The Chart has had of late a very extensive Circulation, particularly in these Eastern States, &...
1476To Thomas Jefferson from a “Citizen,” 18 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The evil of which I have to complain will certainly interesting the feelings of our beloved President so far as to devise some immediate remedy. The Supreme Court of Massachusetts have at length decreed that a Certificate of discharge under the insolvent or bankrupt Laws of the other States shall not be a bar in their Courts to demands originating before said insolvency or bankruptcy.— The...
1477To Thomas Jefferson from the Citizens of Bristol County, Massachusetts, 19 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
We the subscribers Citysons of the County of Bristol Commonwealth of Massechusetts, Do humbly Petition your Excelency that the Collector at New Bedford and the Collector at Dighton in said County, may be removed From the offices aforesaid— We are of an oppinion that the removel of those officers, and the appointment of Men to succed them, who are of ability and frindly to our Excelent...
1478To Thomas Jefferson from Indiana Territory Citizens, 28 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Memorial and Petition of the Citizens of the Indiana Territory, by their Representatives in general Convention assembled, Respectfully sheweth That your memorialists scattered over a remote and extensive Territory, have for a considerable time struggled with all those Difficulties and Dangers incident to a frontier Situation and a sparce population Unrepresented and almost unknown in the...
1479Petition from Citizens of Portland, Maine, before 20 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The subscribers, citizens of the town of Portland in the District of Maine, respectfully represent, That they have understood from unquestionable authority that Nathaniel F. Fosdick Esqr. late Collector of the United States for the District of Portland & Falmouth, has been removed from office:—that there has been such a mistake in the name of the person who was probably intended to be the...
1480To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Clagett, 7 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In June, Eighteen hundred and Six I addressed you a Letter covering some others, which at this time would very much benefit me to be in Possession of—therefore use the freedom now to ask the favor of their return; and am with respect Sir Your Very Obt Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1481To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Clagett, 12 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The death of Robert Purviance Esqr: has made vacant an Office very lucrative, if in the nature of human events, such an Office could be given, to a man who was once conspicuous, but from misfortunes is almost buried in obscurity, it would be a transcendent change—If you are in possession of such information, respecting my character, as will warrant a favorable consideration, I shall be much...
1482To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Clagett, 5 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
On a certain Occasion I took the liberty of inclosing to you, recommendatory Letters as they may be, of considerable advantage to be again in my possession I now ask the favor of a return of them— I congratulate you, as the Chief Executive Officer of the US, on the adherence of the People of Maryland to Independant Principals, and am with much respect— Your Obt Servt. DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters...
1483To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Clagett, 16 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
After the receit of your Esteem’d favor of the 7th Inst. I ask pardon for again intruding—In June 1806 I addressed you by letter dated at Geo. Town District of Columbia by which said letter, one from the Honle. John Buchanan to G. Duvall Esqr. one other from Doctr. John Tyler to same, and a certificate signed by a number of merchants was Inclosed—I have been thus particular under a conviction...
1484To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Leigh Claiborne, 22 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In conformity to a resolution of the house of Representatives of this Territory, I have the honor to enclose you a memorial, addressed by them to the President, Senate & House of Representatives of the United States— I have the Honor to be with sentiments perfectly respectful your Ob. servant DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson. To the President Senate & House of Representatives in Congress...
1485To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Leigh Claiborne, 22 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you, an extract from the Journal of the house of Representatives of this Territory, touching the nomination of a Legislative council— You will observe in conformity to a Resolution for the purpose, ten Gentlemen are named; All of whom with much pride I assure you, are esteemed Republicans, and attached to the Administration of the General Government, and are not...
1486To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 27 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In the absence of Governor Claiborne, I forward to you a copy of the Laws of the 1st. Session of the Legislature of the Territory of Orleans. I have the honor to be, Sir, your mo. hble Servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1487To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 22 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The success of my experiments has been such as to induce me to publish my invention , as you will see in the newspapers. I conceive that I have made a considerable improvement as to the Flaps in simplifying them, and in increasing their effect by accelerating the power applied. I have besides, invented a method of working the setting poles, to be operated in conjunction with the paddles, or...
1488To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 16 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Prompted by considerations as are thought to be of importance, and encouraged by the situation of the public business, in which they are concerned—Commissioner Williams , and surveyor General Briggs , go to make some communications to Government, which it is believed will be useful. From the more deliberate and confidential conversation of these Gentlemen, than by writing,—you will be better...
1489To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 12 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In justice to the favor you rendered me towards prosecuting my invention for propelling boats, I take occasion to inform you, that, after deliberate and correct experiments—(done however with imperfect works, and yet intended to be improved, and altered, even as to mode ) I find the effect by hand, with the single stroke only, to justify the expected utility of the highest power that can be...
1490To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 14 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take a pleasure in informing you that my experiments here, of the Duck’s Foot Paddle , as far as the single stroke, have been attended with entire success,—and I am about to experience the contributions of my acquaintances and other gentlemen of Alexandria, to enable me to prosecute the invention to the double stroke. In the mean time I have another machine going on under the patronage of...
1491To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 14 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Generous motives, and impulses of sentiment in one person towards another who is susceptible of like virtues, renders apology for intrusions unnecessary. Since I have been here,—when intervals from public business would permit me—and they have been few indeed—I have employed those intervals in the execution of two objects—towit: a short biographical & geographical account of this part of our...
1492To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your letter of the 21. of March, inclosing a copy of an act of Congress which authorizes the President to accept of such Company or Companies of Volunteers, not exceeding 30,000, as shall make a tender of service. The present state of things on the western side of the Mississippi, as far as I am advised, authorizes a hope that no difficulty will shortly...
1493To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Hopkins was charged with public Despatches (of great importance) to the Secretary of State, and I trust will have safely delivered them, when he presents you with this Letter.— Mr. Hopkins is desirous of obtaining a Commission in the Army of the U. States; He is a young Man of amiable disposition, correct habits, and good Judgment—I can venture, therefore to recommend him to...
1494To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I now do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 3rd. of February last. Mr. Reibelt was illy fitted for the Management of Indians, & he might himself to be pleased with the Change. I have recently appointed Mr. Reibelt Parish Judge for the Parish of Avoyelle in this Territory; An Office which is respectable, & which will give him six or seven hundred Dollars per...
1495To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your Letter of the 6th. of May, advising me of the additional restraints imposed by Congress on Coasting Vessels, with a view of preventing those evasions of the embargo Laws, which “the worthless part of Society,” have of late so successfully practiced.—Pending the interdiction of our Commercial Intercourse with foreign Nations, it is not probable that...
1496To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The legislature having adjourned, I feel my mind relieved from much of that anxiety I lately experienced. I nevertheless am abundantly occupied in my office, and am for the present confined to the City. So soon however as I shall cause the laws passed by the legislature to be printed and distributed, it is my intention to visit the several Counties on and adjacent to the Mississippi, with a...
1497To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 18 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter to the Secretary of State, I have given the particulars of the stoppage at Mobile of the American Schooner Ann, bound to Fort St. Stephens with provisions for our Troops.—I am firmly impressed with an opinion, that the Spanish Government is not disposed to extend towards the United States either a just or respectful conduct.—I further believe, that, to obtain for our fellow...
1498To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My Letter of the 12th Instant, acknowledged the receipt of your agreeable favours of the 17th & 18th of July;—Since which I have turned my attention, to the several subjects embraced in Queries relative to Louisiana, and I now lay before you, the result of my inquiries and reflections— 1st. What are the best Maps general or particular of the whole or parts of the Province? Copies of them if to...
1499To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Folch is now in this City, and was received by me with respectful Attention. On this morning accompanied by my Militia Officers, I waited upon the Marquis of Casa Calvo; visited with him the Cathedral Church, and assisted at high Mass.—This day is the feast of St. Carlos, and with a view of testifying my respect for his Catholic Majesty so long as my Country shall be in Peace with him...
1500To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Major William Nott of Louisiana a native Citizen of the United States and President of the New Orleans Insurance Company, having understood that the Office of Consul for the United States at the Port of Bordeaux, in France would soon become vacant, has solicited me to name him to you as a Candidate for the honor of that appointment. I feel no hesitation in representing Major Nott as meriting...
1501To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a List of the Gentlemen recommended by the House of Representatives of this Territory, as legislative Councillors. Messrs. Mc.Carty and Bellechasse possess a great share of the public confidence, and are unquestionably, very honest, good men,—they each hold Commissions as Colonels in the militia, and I have every reason to believe them well disposed to the...
1502To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot hear, without much anxiety, of the great events which are passing in Europe. The whole Continent seems to have acknowledged the superiority of France, and it is probable that England will ultimately submit to the Will of Bounaparte. When Armies are destroyed in a day, and Nations rise and fall in a month,—you will I trust excuse me in expressing my solicitude to hear of the present...
1503To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 9 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not until a few days ago receive your Letter of the 26th of March, and I pray you to be assured that its contents shall receive my careful attention. Mr. Briggs is now in this City, and in the Course of a few days the Location and Survey on the Canal of Carondelet, will be made under his immediate direction; and the result shall be transmitted to you without delay. I do not know, that on...
1504To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Desirous to ascertain the real state of General Fayette’s Land warrants, I lately applied for information to the Register Mr. Van Pradelles, who has favored me with a Letter, of which, I now enclose a copy for your perusal.—I shall in a few Days, see Mr. Duplantier, & will urge his unremitted attention to the claims of General Fayette, until the locations are all made, and the Titles...
1505To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a duplicate copy of my letter of the 13. Instant. The Citizens recommended as Councillors are, for the most part, men of Talents and Integrity; indeed, with the exception of Mr. Jones, there is not one whose appointment would give me regret; but having witnessed the unfriendly disposition of this Gentleman to the American Government, I should be sorry to see him...
1506To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Mail has this moment arrived, and brought me your Letter of the 28th. of October.— The communication you made to Mr. Gelston fell into proper hands, and has been used as you intended.—As the Mail will leave this early in the morning, I shall defer replying particularly to your Letter until next Week.— Accept Dear Sir assurances of my respectful attachment RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The...
1507To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now relieved from fever, but am so enfebled that I cannot complete the Journey, which I had contemplated;—Instead of visiting the Country on the Mississippi, as high as Natchez which was originally my intention, I shall pass over to Atakapas & Opelousas, where I shall breathe a healthy air, & where probably my health will soon be restored. The Route by water to Attakapas will be...
1508To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 3rd. of May together with its inclosure.— Judge Sprigg departed from this City on the 23rd. of May for New York; he had not then resigned, & was undetermined, whether or not he should return as Judge; he was at one period extremely obnoxious to a party here, (of Americans) who can render any Man’s life disagreeable, & received of course a great share of their...
1509To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 27 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
There is not in this Territory, all that political Union, which I could wish; But I verily believe that the Discontents are not extensive, nor do I think them of a serious nature.—The Memorial no doubt, was signed by many Citizens; But I nevertheless do not view that Instrument as a fair expression of the public will.—Twenty persons composed the first meeting; three or four Sketches of a...
1510To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 10 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Folch is yet in this City, arranging (as is understood) with the Marquis a plan for improving and strengthening the Garrison at Pensacola. These Gentlemen (I hear) are impressed with an opinion that the U. States will abandon their Claim to West Florida, and that East & West Florida will be given in exchange for the West Bank of the Missisippi;—But this I presume is in conformity to...
1511To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed are the names of the Gentlemen recommended as Councillors to supply the vacancies occasioned by the resignations of J N Destrehan and P. Sauvé. Mr. Mather is an Englishman by Birth; but has acted in this Territory the part of an American. He was a member of the first Legislative Council, and merits, in my opinion a continuance of your confidence. Mr. La Croix is a frenchman by Birth,...
1512To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The late removal from the Batture in front of the Suburb St. Mary , of certain Persons, who had taken possession of the same subsequent to the third of March 1807, has been cause of great satisfaction to the Legislative Council & House of Representatives of the Territory of Orleans, whose thanks upon the occasion, to the President of the U. States, as expressed in a joint Resolution of the two...
1513To 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...
1514To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with real concern I announce to you, the death of my esteemed friend H. B. Trist. He died this morning of a malignant yellow fever, after an illness of five days. The loss of this citizen is a public misfortune, and will occasion much private distress:—He was faithful to the trust with which you honored him, and had he lived a few years longer, would have made ample provision for the...
1515To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 5 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John Ward Gurley, Attorney General for this Territory was on the 3rd. Instant killed in a Duel by Mr. Jones, the Gentleman who lately married Mrs. Mary Trist;—the dispute was of a private nature; there however is no doubt, but party politicks, promoted this unfortunate affair.—The death of this excellent Citizen is by me most sincerely regreted; I found him faithful to the Government and...
1516To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 30 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
During my late Illness, I had the pleasure to receive your esteemed favours of the 7h., 12h and 17h. of July;—But being then unable to write, I requested my private Secretary Mr. Briggs to inform you of their receipt, and to forward to you, the Names of several Gentlemen as suitable Characters for the Legislative Council.—I regret exceedingly the miscarriage of your Letter to me of the 17th....
1517To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On last evening, I had the honor to receive your much esteemed favor of the 7th. Ultimo, together with its enclosures;—the Letters to the President of the Council, and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, have been carefully delivered, and were received with great pleasure by the Gentlemen, to whom they were addressed.— The Resolutions which the Legislature...
1518To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly Letter of the 10th of July reached New-Orleans, during my late absence from that City, and was not received by me, until my return from Nachitoches. This circumstance will I hope, plead my apology for the delay of my answer. Your Letter to Mr. Reibelt has been delivered; that gentleman (with his family) is now in this City—I have not yet seen his Lady, but she is spoken of as a...
1519To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 3 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On yesterday the House of Representatives recommended, as Councillors, Dominique Bouligny, and Julian Poidrass.—Mr. Bouligny is a young man of Sense, and supports an amiable character;—but in my opinion, Mr. Poidrass is the most deserving man in this Territory;—he was President of the late legislative Council, and acquitted himself with great credit;—he has been a uniform friend to the...
1520To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 7 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to present to you, a copy of the Laws of the Territory of Orleans: You will attribute to our inexperience, whatever may be improper—and for that portion of our Laws which is wise, we acknowledge ourselves indebted to the several States of the Union, whose prudent and wise policy, we shall be proud to imitate. With sentiments of great Respect, I have the honor to subscribe...