31From John Adams to William Plumer, 28 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
You enquire, in your kind Letter of the 19th. Whether, “every Member of Congress did, on the 4th of July 1776, in fact cordially approve of the declaration of Independence”? They who were then Members all Signed it, and as I could not See their hearts, it would be hard for me to Say that they did not approve it: but as far as I could penetrate, the intricate internal foldings of their Souls, I...
32From Thomas Boylston Adams to John Quincy Adams, 18 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
Two of your Letters, viz No 24. Dup: & 25. Origl came to hand on the 16th: inst: These are the latest dates of any received from you, although the vessel that brought them had an uncommonly long passage from Gottenburg. We are happy to hear of your health and that of your family, as we have done more frequently than we could reasonably have expected. My Letters to you, thought not much behind...
33Thomas Jefferson to Joseph McCoy, 6 September 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr M c Coy & his thanks for the poem he was so kind as to send him some time past the reciept of which he has not been able sooner to acknolege. too old now to catch the glow of poetry, he is illy qualified to become a judge of it’s merits, other than that of sentiment. in this respect there is much to commend in mr M c Coy’s little poem. the...
34Enclosure: Alden Partridge’s Table of Altitudes of Northern Mountains, [before 6 September 1815] (Jefferson Papers)
A Table. Containing the Altitudes of Mountains calculated from Barometrical Observation, by A Partridge Captain in the US. Corps of Engineers. Names of the Ranges Names of the different Peaks Altitudes in feet. Remarks. above their Bases above the Sea. White Mountains Mount Washington . 4885.— 6634— The White Mountains are situated in the northeast part of the State of New Hampshire
35George Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 7 th inclosing Mess rs Shoemaker & Son’s conditional dft on G. & J. for 200$.— As we have heard nothing of their flour, have never transacted business for them at all, and know nothing of them, except of their bad manageme n t at your mill, we of course cannot become responsible even for this small amount, until we have something actually in hand.— As...
36To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 24 February 1816 (Adams Papers)
I have for many Months made it a rule, to enclose to you a Newspaper, every week, and I have intended that it never should be without at least one Letter, from myself or some one of the family, to you or my Mother—I believe this intention has never entirely failed; but it has not always been possible for me to write, myself—The reasons of this are so well known to you, that I hope they will...
37John L. E. W. Shecut to Thomas Jefferson, 13 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very obliging letter of the 25. Ult , has been received and I cannot but be grateful for the friendly interest you take for the success of my proposed Publication, as also for the advice afforded me towards applying for Some Vacancy under Government. Previous to entering on any other subject I beg leave to Say, that I exceedingly regret, the evident changes in your health as mentioned in...
38Nathaniel G. Ingraham, Alexander Phoenix, William Nexsen, and John Redfield to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Four of your fellow Citizens overwhelmed by the calamities of the times, with large families totally destitute of the means of Subsistence, are incarcerated by the government of their Country for—debt. Attached to the Republican Administration of that government by every tie which can direct & controul the affections of man, they have thro’ a series of misfortunes & sacrifices supported &...
39To James Madison from Thomas Acheson, 1 September 1812 (Madison Papers)
I addressd. your excellency a few days ago on the rumourd. defeat and Surrender of Genl. Hull’s Army. Since which we have recd. the detail and it appears that the British have got possession of the important post of Detroit in the usual way. Can any faith be held with a Nation So lost to every principle of honor, and So degenerated as to employ no other weapons but bribery, corruption , and...
40Jury Findings regarding Land Seized by David Michie, 30 July 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Albemarle county to wit An Inquisition for the Commonwealth , indented & taken on the lands between the town of Milton & the Rivanna river , parcel of those formerly the property of Bennet Henderson deceased, and since held by his widow in right of dower and his sons John , James L. and Charles , in the parish of S
41From William Steuben Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 12 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
On the 24. May I had the very great satisfaction of receiving your kind letter of 23d. February. I felt doubly obligated to you for it as I conscious it must have been written under the impression, arising from the existing relations between the U. States and Britain, that the probabilities were very much against my ever receiving it; and I regret to say that the political appearances are not...
42From James Madison to John K. Smith, 12 April 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 April 1810. Acknowledged in Smith to JM, 15 May 1810 . Requests information about Lafayette’s Louisiana lands.
43Enclosure: Bond from David Higginbotham to William Short, 31 January 1813 [due 1813] (Jefferson Papers)
2226 ⅔ D Know all men by these presents that I, David Higginbotham of the county of Albemarle and state of Virginia , am held and firmly bound unto William Short of the city of Philadelphia and state of Pensylvania in the sum of two thousand two hundred and twenty six Dollars & two thirds of the weight and fineness of those of the present standard of the United States , to be paid to the sd...
44William Short to Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be surprized at recieving a letter from me from this place—I did not contemplate being here & still less being in Europe as late as this— My very great anxiety to be again in America to attend to some of my affairs which required something to be immediately done, as the friend with whom I left my power to represent me at Philadelphia , M r Breck , had died without naming a substitute—...
45John Crookes to Thomas Jefferson, 20 July 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a Versification of the Speech of Logan , which I have just published. The knowledge that it had your approbation would be more gratifying to me than to have the applauses of “the million.” RC ( MHi ); dateline adjacent to signature; addressed: “Hon. Mr. Jefferson, Montpelier, Virg a ”; franked; postmarked New York, 20 July; endorsed by TJ as received 31 July 1814 and so recorded...
46To James Madison from Thomas L. McKenney, 2 September 1814 (Madison Papers)
When I had the pleasure of seeing you this morning you desired to know how we had succeeded in procuring horses for the Rifle corps. The answer which I gave you was founded on the progress that was made previous to my having left the Camp last night, to aid in detaching 300 men for Com. Rogers; also to select the artificers of the navy yard to report to Com. Tingy. This occupied me ’till late...
47From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 26 November 1816 (Adams Papers)
Last week I sent you a number of the Monthly Theological Repository, containing some Speculations of Mr Van der Kemp and Mr Jefferson—With this Letter I enclose to my Father the numbers just published of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews—Presuming that you know the History and Character of those Publications from Cobbett, you will sufficiently understand them to be in the Nature of Lawyer’s...
48Samuel J. Harrison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
your Letter of the 2 Ins t was rec d in due course, & this answer defered So as to meet you at poplar Forest . your Reasoning has produced no change in my opinion, as to your Right to call for the last payment of the Land—nor can I forbeare Remarking that your Letter Seems not to have been written in that Temper of which you are so charracteristick. I assir’d you that Scott had Sued both you &...
49From James Madison to Congress, 18 November 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1812. “I transmit … copies of a communication from Mr. Russell to the Secretary of State. It is connected with the correspondence accompanying my Message of the 12th instant, but had not at that date been received.” RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 12A-D1; DNA : RG 46, President’s Messages, 12A-E2). First RC 1 p.; in the hand of Edward Coles,...
50To James Madison from John Adams, 28 November 1814 (Madison Papers)
When my Son departed for Russia, I enjoined upon him to write nothing to me, which he was not willing Should be published in French and English Newspapers. He has very Scrupulously observed the rule. I have been equally reserved in my letters to him: but the Principle on both Sides has been to me a cruel privation, for his correspondence when Absent, and his Conversation when present has been...
51To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, 17 October 1815 (Madison Papers)
From my own knowledge of Majr. Harris’s charactor and services, and from information received from many officers of distinction, I have no doubt of the correctness of the accompanying narative, and I think his claim to rank, as stated by Genl. Ripley, no more than he is clearly entitled to. His highly respectable standing in society, added to his faithfull and distinguished services, form such...
52To James Madison from Joel Barlow, 19 December 1811 (Madison Papers)
As an additional apology for detaining the Frigate as well as for believing that an answer somewhat satisfactory is to be given to my note of the 10th. Novr. I ought perhaps to state to you more fully than I have done in my official letter what past at the diplomatic audience to which I there alluded. It was on the 1st. of Decr. the anniversary of the Coronation. The court was uncommonly...
53Reuben Perry to Thomas Jefferson, 23 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I Received yours of the 9 th nov. in which was inclose d Three pounds on acc t of money advance d for nails for you also your directions to have the cellars Clean d out &c by Phill. but as he is to go away at Ch r istmast he will not have the Chance to do it as M r
54From James Madison to the Senate, 26 June 1809 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate of the United States. The considerations which led to the nomination of a Minister Plenipotentiary to Russia, being strengthened by evidence since received of the earnest desire of the Emperor to establish a diplomatic intercourse between the two Countries, and of a disposition in his Councils favorable to the extension of a commerce mutually advantageous; as will be seen by the...
55From James Madison to William Pinkney, 4 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 19. came duly to hand, and I tender my thanks for it. I have very little to add in return for your acceptable observations, especially as the opportunity, happens to be reduced to a very few minutes. Mr. Smith will send you the communications to Congs. with whatever else is important. The career of Mr. Jackson, has been equally short & singular. His correspondence as far as...
56To James Madison from James Monroe, [ca. 1 December 1813] (Madison Papers)
It is not known that the British govt. has accepted the mediation of Russia; nothing has been receved from our ministers employed under it; and no intimation to that effect has been communicated to this govt., either from the Emperor of Russia, or from the British govt. Early accounts, after the appointment & departure of our Envoys, indicated the rejection of that friendly overture, & altho...
57Archibald Robertson to Thomas Jefferson, 16 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made enquiry of the Inspectors & others that saw Mr Bankheads Tob o inspected and must decline for the present making an offer for it, the quality not being such as would suit us— I take the liberty of troubleing you with a letter herein for Mr Higginbotham , which you will have the goodness to forward on your return to Albemarle — By the bearer you will receive the articles in your mem...
58From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 6 April 1813 (Adams Papers)
Other parts of your letter of yesterday may be remembered hereafter; but “ Brimborion ” must not be delayed nor trifled with. I shall produce an authority or two. Deletanville’s Dictionary. Brimborion SM. A trifle, A thing of little value. Lallemonts Dictionary. Brimborions. S.M.PL. Bagatelles choses de peu de valeur. Apinæ arum. Crepundia orum Children’s Playthings. Baubles as Bells Rattles....
59To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 17 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 March 1812, Treasury Department. Encloses a letter from Winslow Lewis [not found] “proposing to sell his patent right for lighting the Light-Houses in the United States, and also to fit up all the said houses with the proper apparatus, for 24,000 Dollars.” That sum would include “his compensation and personal expenses; the purchase of the apparatus and expenses, other than his own, to be...
60Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 14 March 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved by the last post your letter of the 9 th expressing your desire to study half the day in your own room rather than in the school, if mr Gerardin’s consent should be obtained; & I have consulted your father on the subject. we both find ourselves too much uninformed of the regulations of the school to form a proper judgment on this proposition. if it would break through any rule which...
61To John Adams from William Cunningham, 14 June 1809 (Adams Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 7th. inst. After telling me that the employment of your thoughts upon your public essays precludes your attention, for the present, to my letters, I should be bereft of apology for filling again a whole sheet, if you had not also said that you are in no apprehension of being inundated. Amidst the heaviest outpouring which may be supposed to be congregating in...
62To James Madison from Charles Hall, 8 August 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have conversed with several passengers who arrived here last week in the Ship William direct from London, and who are not employed by the English Government, consequently do not endeavour to make their miserable condition appear to be desirable. These passengers represent the disaffection of the Natives of England to their Government as extreme, and the wretchedness and misery of the great...
63From James Madison to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 October 1816 (Madison Papers)
I have duly recd. your letter of the 18th. inclosing a commission for me, as one of the Visitors of the Central College in Albemarle. With a reservation of the time required by my remaining duties at this place, I shall, with pleasure contribute my services in promoting the welfare of so beneficial an Institution. Accept Sir my esteem & great respect RC ( Vi : Executive Papers).
64To James Madison from Samuel Huntington, 22 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
Agreably to the request of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, I have the honor to transmit you their Resolution of the 19th. Instant approbating the measures of the General Government—and am with high respect your most obedt. Servt. In General Assembly. Resolved by the general Assembly of the state of Ohio, that we highly approve the Candid, firm, and dignified Conduct of the executive...
65Thomas Jefferson Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Cary is unfortunately from home; I have ordered Phil to wait and have left a message for him with his W w ife . I am afraid there is little prospect of getting him: Will you sign my bond RC ( ViU : TJP-ER
66Enclosure: Resolutions of the Antient Plymouth Society, 16 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Members, of the “Antient Plymouth Society . (Instituted in the Seventeenth Century; in commemoration of the first landing of our Fore Fathers, in New England , and preserved, thro succeeding generations to the present day:) in the City of NewLondon, State of Connecticut , on the 16 th March 1809 , at Otis’s Hall ; previous notice being given to all the Members; James Hochie...
I must beg of you to tell the Doctor to give me and my brother our pay they are going to arrest me of Breaking down the door of Number one and I and my brother say we did not do that I think we ought to have our pay Mr Stradway wont give it to me I am your affectionate Son MBAt .
68Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 16 October 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Either inaccurate expression in myself, or the misapp r ehension of a friend to whom I had communicated my former letters on our finances , having obliged me to write another in explanation, I inclose you a copy of it because you had taken the trouble to read the others. I should wish this to be seen by those to whom you had communicated the former, lest they also should have misapprehended...
69Thomas Jefferson to John Melish, 14 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 18. came duly to hand. I w very willingly become a subscriber to your intended publication, judging from the table of contents, and your familiarity with the subjects treated of, that the work cannot fail to be useful to ourselves by pointing out advantageous pursuits not yet attended to, and to Great Britain by shewing what their ignorance and injustice have lost to them...
70To James Madison from Joseph Kent, 11 February 1814 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Joseph Kent. 11 February 1814. “Hoping that it is your intention to select a character from Maryland to supply the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Mr. Rush, I take the liberty of mentioning to you John Johnson Esqr., one of the judges of our supreem Court, a gentlemen of acknowledged talents and great legal acquirements. “No one stands higher in his native state than Mr. Johnson,...
71To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 14 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I regret, that So often I must wearÿ you with mÿ complaints about myself, and yet I must do it, in apologÿ to myself, when I write a dull Letter. I have again be tortured with head-ache, and enjoÿ now only a little relief, which I am apprehensive Shall not last long—but I must take hold of this interval, to give me the pleasure, of answering your last favour of the 2d inst. I believe, I Shall...
72Thomas Lehré to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
It affords me at all times great pleasure, to see that my countrymen, either at their private or public meetings express themselves grateful to you for the blessings they have enjoyed under your Administration.— On the 4 th of July last , an Oration was delivered here in S t Michaels Church , in which the Orator never once mentioned the good that resulted from your Administration, that of your...
73To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 25 May 1812 (Madison Papers)
The difference between a communication & sollicitation is too obvious to need suggestion. While the latter adds to embarrasments, the former only enlarges the field of choice. The inclosed letters are merely communications. Of Stewart I know nothing. Price who recommends him is I believe a good man, not otherwise known to me than as a partner of B. Morgan of N. O. and as having several times...
74Benjamin Morgan to Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your note of the 19 th Ult o Covering a Copy of an Instrument signed by Burwell Logwood , Rob t Peyton &
75From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 2 September 1810 (Adams Papers)
Petition to the Burgomasters and Regents of Amsterdam . The subscribers, all merchants and manufacturers of this city, with all due respect, give to understand, that the difference arisen between the kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America, has not only given occasion for a long and violent war, but that the arms of America have covered themselves with a success so happy,...
76To James Madison from William Cross, [ca. 18 January 1817] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of William Cross most respectfully represents. That he is a mechanic of the City of Washington, supporting a large family by his honest industry. That some time during the Session of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia for the County of Washington at December Term 1815, Your petitioner was fined by the Court for an assault and Battery of which he was convicted by the...
77Enclosure: William Thornton to George Greer, 2 August 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
The late President of the U.S. M r Jefferson being desirous of knowing how & where he could obtain one of the Looms of M r Janes’s Improvem t I wrote to M r J: & received this day his answer , referring me to you or to M r Robert Miller
78To James Madison from James B. Johnson, 15 June 1815 (Madison Papers)
Ruler the period has now arived when we are hailed by the glorious dispenser of human blessings, when we are hailed by that which spreads universal love and harmony amongst the sons of men, when we are hailed by that which consoles the weeping widow and forsaken orphan, not that it can recl their husbands and fathers for alas they are gone to return nomore but because they consider the sword...
79Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 23 July 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you Janes’s description of his loom with many thanks for the communication of it. the improvement for the moving the treadles without using the feet is highly valuable, inasmuch as our weavers are for the most part women. it appears too to be sufficiently simple for country use. the winding up the cloth is also useful, & not complicated. I do not well understand the mechanism for...
80From James Madison to Robert Brent, [ca. 11 September] 1813 (Madison Papers)
The mode provided in the letter to General Harrison, for distances in pay-offices, may answer. But blank Appointments would seem a more regular mode. The filling them implies the same confidence only, and in both cases the appts. are equally annullable. As assistant paymasters are not named in the act, it may be better to appt. additional paymasters in the same District with instructions...