2651Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 24 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sincerely concerned and mortified at the failure of the remittance I had supposed made to you as long ago as March last. I received an account signed ‘ John B. Smyth for W m Duane’ in Feb. consisting of 2 articles to wit the translation 60.D. a year’s subscription for the Aurora to become due May 1 st 16. and on the 18 th of Mar. I desired my correspondents Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond...
2652Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas G. Dufief, 24 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved the Connoissance des tems for 1817. & 1818. two copies *I find on reexamn that it is a single copy of Blunt for each of the years 1817.18. that I have rec d of Blunt ’s Nautical almanac for 1817. and Graglia ’s Italian dictionary. I presume Blunt has not yet published his Almanac for 1818. At the time I recieved your favor of Dec. 16. my account with mess
2653Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 24 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Francis arrived here in good health the day before Yesterday. I think he cannot do better than to take this occasion of learning Spanish, because it is a language rarely taught in this country, and will be of great importance within his day. it is that too in which all the early history of America is written. I suppose he may acquire so much of it in 2. or 3. months as to pursue it easily...
2654Thomas Jefferson to Dabney Minor and Peter Minor, 24 January [1817] (Jefferson Papers)
On the subject of the rents claimed from me by the representatives of Bennet Henderson , my grandson desires me to put into your hands what information I have as to the rents for what are called the lower and upper field. I had given him a statement of those recieved from after 1807. when returning home to live I had taken the business into my own hands, and for the period before that while...
2655Thomas Jefferson to Jerman Baker, 25 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 13 th was recieved by our last mail. Francis is now here engaged in learning Spanish. I thought he could not employ the winter better. but he has lost much of it at home. I think in a couple of months he may make such progress as that he will be able afterwards to pursue it by himself. I would then rather have him with mr Wood than any other teacher I know, but would much...
2656Thomas Jefferson to Peter Derieux, 26 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return from Bedford I found here such a mass of letters and other business accumulated during my absence, that this is the first moment it has been in my power to turn to mr Mazzei’ s will . this occupies 4. sheets of paper, in a difficult hand. it is beyond my leisure to copy entirely, nor is their there any one else in the neighborhood who could understand and decypher it. after some...
2657Thomas Jefferson to Peter S. Du Ponceau, 26 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I promised you in my letter of Jan. 22. 16. to make enquiry on the subject of the MS. journal of the boundary between Virginia and North Carolina , run in 1728. of which you have a defective transcript. I have since been able to obtain the original for perusal, and now have it in my possession. I call it original , because it is that which has been preserved in the Westover family, having...
2658Thomas Jefferson to William Sampson, 26 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have read with great satisfaction the eloquent pamphlet you were so kind as to send me , and sympathise with every line of it. I was once a doubter Whether the labor of the Cultivator, aided by the creative powers of the earth itself, would not produce more value than that of the manufacturer, alone and unassisted by the dead subject on which he acted? in other words, Whether the more we...
2659Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Milligan, 27 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I n am in the daily hope of recieving new proof sheets and the particular wish that we may go thro’ the work before April, because I shall then go to Bedford and be absent a month. I do not know how our account stands; I mean independantly of the 60.D. for the translation; for I do not wish that reimbursement until you have made it by the sale of the book. if you will send me my account,...
2660Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 28 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you the power of Attorney which I am in hopes fulfills all the forms of the treasury & will enable us I hope to compleat this transfer for our friend . ever & affect ly PoC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “M r Barnes”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosures: enclosure to TJ to Barnes, 31 Dec. 1816 , and possibly also first enclosure to TJ to Barnes, 15 Dec. 1816 . our friend :
2661Thomas Jefferson to James Eastburn, 28 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The republication of the antient and valuable works now out of print, will certainly be an useful undertaking. but it is time for me to withdraw from my attention from all long-winded enterprises. they belong to the generation which is to carry them through, as little would I presume to prescribe to them the proper objects of their attention. these books have by their worth established their...
2662Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomson, 29 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I learnt from your last letter , with much affliction, the severe and singular attack your health has lately sustained; but it’s equally singular and sudden restoration confirms my confidence in the strength of your constitution of body and mind, and my conclusion that neither has recieved hurt, and that you are still ours for a long time to come. we have both much to be thankful for in the...
2663Thomas Jefferson’s Statement of His Taxable Property in Albemarle County, 1 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
A list of taxable property of the subscriber in Albemarle Feb. 1. 1817. 5. white tythes . 79. slaves of 16. years old & upwards 9. d o of 12. years old & not 16. 31. horses and mules. 1. gigg 1. 4-wheeled carriage (a Landau) MS ( MHi ); written entirely in TJ’s hand on verso of portion of a reused address cover from Joseph C. Cabell
2664Thomas Jefferson to William A. Burwell, 6 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 22. came to hand last night, with the papers of mr Graham inclosed. of all mechanical machines existing, the steam engine is that which I have the least studied. the principle we all understand; and the structure of the original one I understood when at College. but have never since paid the least attention to the multiplied improvements which have changed nearly every thing...
2665Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 6 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am infinitely obliged by the kind offer of the sum mentioned in your letter, and any further one you will be able to spare: an award is given against me for between 7. & 800.D. for rent to the Hendersons , to be paid instantly. I have also to pay 1600.D. more for the 3. shares of the daughters. this, with purchase of corn, and two years failure of crops embarrasses me beyond my expectations....
2666To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
In a late letter from mr. Spafford of Albany I received the inclosed with a request that after perusal I would forward it to you, adding a desire that, when read, you would address it under cover to him, as he sets some value on the possession of it. His object in making the communication to either of us is not explained, but perhaps it may be understood by you. Your frank on a blank cover...
2667Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Cutting, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 18. was long on the road, as happens often with our winter mails; and altho’ it has been some days at hand, incessant occupations have put it out of my power sooner to answer it. I look back with great pleasure to the times of our early acquaintance, now nearly 30. years past, and I bear fully in mind the services you rendered our country in the Consulate at Havre ; and...
2668Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Humphreys, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 2. did not come to my hands until the 5 th instant. I concur entirely in your leading principles of gradual emancipation, of establishment on the coast of Africa , and the patronage of our nation until the emigrants shall be able to protect themselves. the subordinate details might be easily arranged. but the bare proposition of purchase by the United states generally would...
2669Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In a late letter from mr Spafford of Albany I received the inclosed with a request that after perusal I would forward it to you, adding a desire that, when read, you would address it under cover to him, as he sets some value on the possession of it. his object in desiring making the communication to either of us is not explained, but perhaps it may be understood by you. your frank on a blank...
2670Thomas Jefferson to John F. Oliveira Fernandes, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have read with pleasure and edification the pamphlet and documents you were so kind as to send me. the attempt seems really extraordinary, in this age and country, to sieze on private and voluntary funds under spiritual authority. and it is a novelty in any country to impose a teacher against the will of the employers. I have always supposed it as a principle of every church that endowment...
2671Thomas Jefferson to John H. Peyton, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have built, as you perhaps know, very expensive manufacturing and grist mills on the Rivanna river , near this place, the canal to which alone has cost me 20,000. Dollars. the Rivanna company claim a right to use this canal for navigation, independently of my permission, and of the regulations necessary to prevent obstruction to the operation of my mills. this obliges me to bring a suit in...
2672Thomas Jefferson to Josephus B. Stuart, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 26. reached me two days ago, and I am glad to see that our merchants, as well as our rulers, are at length looking to principles of navigation which, as Secretary of state, I submitted to them in a Report of Dec. 1793 .— the crew of the Armstrong have also my sincere prayers for indemnification either thro’ our government or from it: for a more gallant conduct than theirs...
2673Thomas Jefferson to John L. Sullivan, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 17. is just now recieved. I readily see how desirable it is that the steam-boat, hitherto confined to ti de waters, should extend it’s benefits to the river navigation of the upper country; and I shall with pleasure communicate the prospect of it which the letter you have favored me with gives, to the circle of society around me. but, dear Sir, this is small; I am grown old,...
2674Thomas Jefferson to James Baker, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding that you keep supplies of Codfish and of Tongues and sounds, I have to ask the favor of you to furnish me with a Kental of good dumbfish , and a keg of tongues and sounds. mr Gibson my correspondent in Richmond , will be so good as to recieve & forward them and to pay you the amount on presenting him this letter Accept the tender of my respect PoC ( MHi ); on verso of portion of...
2675Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas G. Dufief, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your two favors of Jan. 30. and all the books have been received as stated in your account . I have now to request you to send me a copy of your dictionary; let the 1 st vol. come first as being most immediately wanting. I have no doubt you are correct as to the 31.D. and that mr Gibson is so also. he has probably charged me on ordering payment, and his correspondent in...
2676Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved in December from M r Dufief of Philadelphia a letter of the 16 th of that month informing me he had not recieved a sum of 31.D. which I had notified to him that you would be so kind as to remit him. I immediately inclosed him the sum in bank notes. a few days short time after this, say Jan. 19. your favor of the 16 th came to hand inclosing my account, in which I found the...
2677Thomas Jefferson to Chapman Johnson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I now send you a copy of my bill and of the documents which I have been longer getting ready than I expected. there is still a document N o 6. wanting. this copy of both bill & documents is prepared for your use and that of mr Peyton also engaged in the cause, but when that is done I will ask the return of both, as I ought to preserve them among my papers. the bill is long, and perhaps too...
2678Thomas Jefferson’s Bill of Complaint against the Directors of the Rivanna Company, [by 9 February 1817], document 1 in a … (Jefferson Papers)
To the honorable John Brown , Judge of the Superior court of Chancery holden at Staunton. Humbly complaining sheweth unto your Honor your Orator Thomas Jefferson of the county of Albemarle that Peter Jefferson father of your orator was in his lifetime seised and possessed as in feesimple of a certain tract of land called Shadwell , on the North side of the Rivanna river , and adjacent thereto...
2679Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Virginia Statutes for Clearing the Rivanna River, 27 December 1816, document 7 in a group of … (Jefferson Papers)
1816. Dec. 27. The act of 1816 . Feb. 13. c. 46. having been passed since the date of the preceding letter , it may not be amiss to bestow some thoughts on the present state of the subject. What is the line of discrimination between the waters which may be exclusively private property, and those on which the public may have some claim? by the common law of England it is that at which the...
2680Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Nelson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor covering the letter from mr Sullivan and have addressed the answer to himself directly. if his plan of applying the steamboa d t to the upper navigation succeeds it will be of great advantage to us. For political news we look to your quarter, and our neighborhood offers nothing worth communicating. we have had near a month of very hard weather, the thermometer...
2681Thomas Jefferson to Smith & Riddle, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to ask the favor of you to procure for me from your correspondents in Boston the following window glass of the best quality 50. panes 12. I. square. 50. d o 12. by 18. I. 10. d o 24. by 18. I. M r Gibson my correspondent in Richmond will do me the favor to pay the amount on delivery, and presenting to him this letter. Accept the tender of my respect. PoC
2682Thomas Jefferson to John Wood, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 2 d is recieved, and you are welcome to the use of my sextant for the rest of your survey. My grandson Francis Eppes is now here, learning Spanish. we expect he will be so far advanced in a couple of months as to be able to go on by himself. he will then be to go to some school, to a carry him on in his Latin & Greek, in the former of which he is has still much to learn, in...
2683To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1817 (Madison Papers)
The bearer hereof, mr. George Flower, is an English gentleman farmer, was the companion of mr. Burkbeck in his journey through France, and is the person to whom the dedication of that book is addressed, he came over on behalf of his own family and that of mr. Burkbeck, to chuse a settlement for them. Having made the tour of the temperate latitudes of the US. he has purchased a settlement near...
2684Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, mr George Flower , is an English gentleman farmer, was the companion of mr Burkbeck in his journey through France , and is the person to whom the dedication of that book is addressed, he came over on behalf of his own family and that of mr Burkbeck , to chuse a settlement for them. having made the tour of the temperate latitudes of the US. he has purchased a settlement near...
2685Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your fav or of the 7 th and in it the following certificates of stock in the name of Gen l Kosciuzko , to wit, D C US. Certificate N o 90. for 11,363. 63 six per cents of loan
2686Thomas Jefferson to Fernagus De Gelone, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved a copy of a catalogue of books which you announce for sale, and ask the favor of you to send me a little note of information as to the following. Column 1 st Papers found in Robespierre ’s house. in what language size & price? 3 d Peyrard ’s Archimedes . in what language? what size, & price? 5 th Correspondence of Cortez with
2687Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 13 th came to hand last night, and confirms what I had not doubted that the error stated by mr Dufief had happened at Philadelphia . if the same has taken place with mr Steele the collector I shall be happy that it be corrected; because I feel much obligation to the Collectors for their kindness respecting these parcels. I should not have troubled you with this but that I...
2688Thomas Jefferson to Mr. Logan (of Staunton), 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have transcribed and send you according to promise a copy of my Equation of time adapted to the present state of the heavens, and which will not be sensibly variant for a great many years to come. this will enable you to ascertain the defaced figures in the round one I gave you, suited to the form & size of a watch paper. when engraved, a half dozen copies for the use of our family will...
2689Thomas Jefferson to Simeon Theus, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter of Oct. 20. from mr Appleton our Consul at Leghorn I am informed that he had shipped on board the brig Saucy-Jack , Cap t Humphreys for Charleston S.C. 2. cases containing together 87. bottles of Florence wine, consigned to you the Collector of Charleston . being in the practice of importing my wines & some other articles from annually from Marseiles &
2690Thomas Jefferson to Samuel L. Mitchill, 20 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to D r Mitchell for the print of Asiatic antiquities he has been so kind as to send him, which, however unintelligible to him, is still a curiosity. he is happy in the occasion it has presented of a mutual recognition of former fellowship in service, and of renewing to him the assurance of his constant esteem & respect. RC (Christie’s, New York City, 1992);...
2691Thomas Jefferson to Edwin Stark, 20 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
A letter just recieved from mr Theus Collector of Charleston informs me he had forwarded to Norfolk two cases of wine addressed to your care. they contain 83. bottles of Florence wine. I do not know what duties or expences they may come charged with to your hands; but if you will have the goodness to forward them to mess rs Gibson & Jefferson my correspondents at Richmond , and to draw on them...
2692Thomas Jefferson to Simeon Theus, 20 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday only your favor of Jan. 22 . and two days before had written a letter on the subject of the wine mentioned in your letter addressed to ‘The Collector for the district of Charleston .’ after so long a retirement from the knolege of what is passing, I did not know who might be now in office there. your letter was therefore the more acceptable as evidence that you were still...
2693Thomas Jefferson to Charles K. Mallory, 23 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 17 th came to hand yesterday. I had, two days before, addressed a letter , on the subject of these packages of wine to mr Starke of your office, with whom I had had occasion to exchange a letter in Oct. on another article. I learn from yours now before me , that you had been so kind as to anticipate my request to him, and to forward the cases to mess rs Gibson & Jefferson...
2694Thomas Jefferson to Philip I. Barziza, 24 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 14 th came to hand last night. letters from mr Thweatt and mr Baker of the House of Representatives , and mr Cabell of the Senate (whose attention I had asked to see justice done you) had informed me that the legislature had declined acting on your case, as one which belonged to the courts of justice. my hope had been that they would give to you any right which might have...
2695Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Law, 24 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The enrolment of my name among those of the members of the Columbian Institute is an honor which I recieve with the acknolegements it so justly calls for. I place it to the account of their kindness, and not of any services I can now render them. age and it’s effects forbid me that expectation, and teach me that it is not among the ruins of memory that new materials for science are to be...
2696Thomas Jefferson to Hutchins G. Burton, 28 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 4 th was recieved yesterday evening only; and I hasten to return my thanks for the trouble you have in endeavoring to procure me some of the Scupernong wine. a quarter cask of it would be very desirable; and to be sent to the address of Mess rs Gibson and Jefferson my correspondents at Richmond , which is my only convenient deposit. from thence we have water carriage direct...
2697Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Corny, 2 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
It had been so long, my very dear and antient friend, since I had heard any thing of you thro’ any channel, that I had become uncertain whether you might still be among the living. I have been relieved from that incertitude by the request of mr and mrs Derby to give them a letter to you, informing me at the same time that they had one for you from mrs Cruger . I give it therefore readily in...
2698Thomas Jefferson to George Washington Jeffreys, 3 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 17. came to hand two days ago. I wish it were more in my power to fulfill the request of furnishing you with a full and compleat catalogue for an Agricultural library. for this first and and most useful of all human arts and sciences I have had from earliest life the strongest partiality. yet such have been the circumstances of the times in which I have happened to live that...
2699Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Catalogue of Books on Agriculture, [ca. 3 March 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
Geoponica Bassi. Niclasii. Lipsiae . 1781. Gr. Lat. 2. v. 8 vo Owen ’s translation of the Geoponics. Eng. 2. v. 8 vo Scriptores rei rusticae veteres. [ Cato, Varro , Columella , Palladius .] the edition published at Leipsic by Schneider