251Thomas 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...
252Thomas 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...
253Enclosure: Thomas Humphreys’s Plan for Emancipating and Colonizing American Slaves, 1 January 1817, with his Note to … (Jefferson Papers)
The following plan, for emancipating the whole Race of the people of Colour, from United America : Is respectfully submitted, to the honorable the House of Representatives , of the United States ; for their Consideration: Of all the extraordinary, and Rare phenomenon, exibited by any nation on the theatre of existence; that of the southern parts of the United States of America , is most...
254From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 23 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
If a large packet forwarded by the mail from Mr Maury at Liverpool, but coming from Philadelphia & charged with heavy postage should be brought to the office, pray do not pay the postage, nor open the packet till I come to town on Saturday. yours. MHi : Adams Family Papers, Letterbooks.
255From James Madison to the Senate, 23 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to the Senate a report of the Acting Secretary of War, in compliance with their resolution of the 8th instant. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E6). RC in John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . JM enclosed a report from George Graham (see Graham to JM , 21 Jan. 1817 ), providing “the amount of money paid by the government of the...
256To James Madison from Horatio Gates Spafford, 23 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Had I not a great personal interest in seeing the Laws of the United States, relating to the granting of Patents, & the protection of the rights of Inventors, So Modified as to embrace a better security of these rights, I should not have devoted So much time & attention to this Subject: nor should I now presume to Solicit thy attention to it. The Essay of “Franklin,” published in Nos. 8 & 9 of...
257To James Madison from Daniel D. Tompkins, 23 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Jasper Parish Esquire, agent for the six nations of Indians, proceeds to Washington on business interesting to those indians. Mr. Parish is well acquainted with the present wants of the Indians & with the reasons for the measure of removing more westwardly which you were pleased to sanction last winter. I beg leave to introduce Mr. Parish as a respectable & intelligent gentleman whose...
258Thomas Humphreys to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 23] January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The unbounded expansion of your mind, leaves me no doubt, of an excuse being extended, for the unpresidented Liberty, I have here taken, in addressing to you, the subject matter embraced in the Envelope. In submitting to a gentleman of your eminently high, & Commanding Station, in the literary world, together with your vast, & extensive experience in life; the enclosed plan; having for its...
259From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
Last night your Brother brought me your delicious Letter of 29th Octr. How do you know that Bees and Ants, and even Caterpillars and Cankerworms never enquire into the Why and the “Wherefore”? You cannot prove it. St. Justin and Dupuis, Dr Priestley and my Neighbour Colman all agree in the Precept “Be good.” I do not find however, that any of the Popes or their Janisary Loyola, or Luther or...
260To James Madison from Andrew Ellicott, 22 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I address you thus familiarly as an old friend, for the purpose of introducing to your acquaintance without ceremony the bearer Captn. Douglass of the Corps engineers, and assistant professor of natural and experimental philosophy in this seminary, a young gentleman equally distinguished for his scientific acquirements, and his knowledge of the theory and practice of engineering, in which he...
261Remission for John Bradley, 22 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a late District Court of the United States for the Southern District of Newyork, Sentence of Condemnation was passed upon the Brig Hawk and Cargo, owned by John Bradley, of the Island of St. Bartholomew, for a violation of the Law of the United States, prohibiting Intercourse with Great Britain, France and their Dependencies; and whereas John...
262William A. Burwell to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo Waller Taylor Senator from Indiana has requested me to enclose the papers of Mr Graham for your examination; Mr Graham he informs me is very respectable & attatches considerable importance to the discovery he thinks he has made, But such is the confidence he places in your opinion that it will be abandon’d upon a suggestion of yours from you —I am aware that this will give you trouble,...
263To John Adams from Horatio Gates Spafford, 21 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
I send, by this Mail, Nos. 7, 8, & 9, of my Magazine, & invite thy particular attention to the Essay of Franklin , on a National School, &c. Please favor me with thy opinion of it, & of the plans that he suggests. The little Work I mentioned sometime ago, is printed, at Boston, & I have directed my publisher to send thee a Copy. It is anonymous, because I must conceal the of Authorship. I hope...
264From James Madison to Charles Jared Ingersoll, 21 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your attentive favor of the 16th. which gave me the first intelligence of the death of Mr. Dallas. The melancholy event was received here with unfeigned grief, and by none more deeply, as you will readily conceive, than by myself. Our Country will rarely lose a Citizen, whose virtues endowments and services will leave a stronger claim to its admiring and grateful recollections,...
265From James Madison to the Senate, 21 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I withdraw the nomination of Joseph H. Hawkins as Surveyor of the Port of New Orleans & also inspector of the Revenue, in the place of Thomas L. Butler resigned. And I nominate William Emerson, for the said Offices. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). In John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM . The Senate confirmed Emerson’s appointment on 23 Jan. 1817 ( Senate Exec....
266To James Madison from George Graham, 21 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The Acting Secretary of War to whom has been referred the resolution of the Senate of the 8th. of this month “requesting that the President cause to be laid before the Senate the Amount of Money paid by the government of the UStates for the Services of militia during the late War, stating the amount to each respective state, and Distinguishing, as far as possible what has been paid for militia...
267To James Madison from Robert Lewis Madison, 21 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
When you were in last summer you mentioned that you wished to procure two wild turkeys. I have now in my possession a male & a female which you are welcome to. By being kept up in a house with some tame ones they have become tolerably gentle & are well grown. My Father has been very sick but is now nearly restored. He was taken with a severe chill & for the first night was quite delerious. He...
268Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am obliged by thy kind attention. Thy Letter of Dec. 20 , was duly received, & I shall avail myself of the Suggestion contained in it. By this day’s Mail, I Send No. 9 of the Magazine, with the conclusion of the Essay of ‘Franklin,’ to which I invite thy particular attention. Looking over Some old Papers, I have, just now, accidentally taken up the Letter enclosed , which I Send for thy...
269To James Madison from Thomas Clayton, 20 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have seen the statement of judge Fisher in the case of Mrs. Dauphine, and I should be highly gratified if you would be pleased to remit the forfeiture. I know nothing of the case further than is contained in that statement. But Mrs. Dauphine is a very worthy woman, and if the decree of the court is carried into execution, she and her children, will be left destitute of the means of support....
270To James Madison from Armistead T. Mason, 20 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
It is with great reluctance that I tresspass on your time. I would not, on any consideration, expose myself to the imputation of intrusion, but, on the other hand, I should be sorry to neglect the discharge of a duty from motives of false delicacy. I am encouraged also, to address you, on this occasion, by the example of others, who whatever may be my claims, have not stronger than mine, to...
271Craven Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 20 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing shall prevent my my attending in Milton the day aftar tomorrow agreeable to Your request. please send John Hendersons — quit Claim to refresh my Memory—with great Esteem RC ( MHi ); addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqre Monticello” by “Boy”; endorsed by TJ as received 20 Jan. 1817 and so recorded in SJL . For the quit claim , see TJ to Peyton, 30 Dec. 1816 , and note.
272From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 19 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
Thanks for your favour of the 14th. You urge me to explain the secret of Hutchinsons conduct. I have explained in my letter of the 11th. It was fear of explanations before the people of the doctrine of Impressments You may have but another nail upon the head; and there had been before and were afterwards many such nails, but they are too frivolous to be remembered one only, excepted, before...
273From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 19 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
The weather has been so Boisterous to day that not one of us have ventured out to meeting. I have written a long Letter to Caroline, and I Send you her two last Letters and return those of mr Everets, with thanks. I think them full as entertaining as Eustices Letters classical Tour. I laughd heartily at the attack of the young Lady who insisted upon Waltz waltzing with the Gentlemen. The other...
274Remission for Jane Dauphin, 19 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Whereas it has been represented to me that at a District Court of the United States for the District of Delaware a vessel and Cargo belonging to John Dauphin decd., late of that District, were condemned, as forfeited to the United States, for a breach of the Revenue Laws of the United States, & that Circumstances have now been disclosed on the part of Jane Dauphin, the widow and surviving...
275Thomas Jefferson to James Barbour, 19 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9 th is recieved by our last mail. I have been very long and intimately acquainted with Col o Trumbull , have had the best opportunities of knowing him thoroughly, and can therefore bear witness of my own knolege to his high degree of worth as a man. for his merit as a painter I can quote higher authorities, and assure you that on the continent of Europe , when I was there,...
276Thomas Jefferson to Thomas T. Barr, 19 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sensible of the honor done me by the Kentucky Agricultural society , in appointing me one of their honorary members . distance will be one great obstacle to my being of use to them; but a much greater and growing one will be the increasing torpor of age, now sensibly felt in body and mind. should any occasion arise however in which I can serve their institution, I shall do it with...
277Thomas Jefferson to David Hosack, 19 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, Sir, for the books you have been so kind as to send me. they will afford me amusement as well as instruction. from a general view I have taken of Thomas’s work , it appears, with your aid, to be valuable for family use. without science in Medecine, I am yet fond of it’s philosophical speculations. with these I observe your Medical Register mingles disquisitions in all it’s kindred...
278Thomas Jefferson to Hezekiah Niles, 19 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Accept my thanks for the specimen you have been so kind as to send me of the new preparation of mucilaginous substances for clarifying liquors. it is in the neatness of the manner of preparation, and equality of distribution on catgut, I suppose, that what there is of invention in it consists; as the clarifying powers of the mucilages, animal and vegetable, have been always known. I am sorry...
279From John Adams to Theodore Lyman, Jr., 18 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
I ought long ago to have acknowledged my obligation to you for the loan of Grim who has afforded me a sumptuous feast for many months. In several of his scenes, most characteristic of the age, I was present and a witness, and could add some comical circumstances, that he has omitted. This philosophy, which was nearly that of Pythagoras, is as credible & intelligible to me, as that of the...
280To 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...
281Nathaniel Cutting to Thomas Jefferson, 18 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
If the name of so obscure an Individual as now presumes to address you, may be permitted to salute your friendly glance in the philosophic shades of Monticello , I hope you will at the same time feel a conviction that the Person who bears it still retains for you that sincere Esteem and profound Veneration with which a near view of your Virtues and Talents inspired him at a period more remote...
282To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 17 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
The reproof I received in your Letter of the 11th. & which I was favoured with only last Evening would have been more keenly felt if I had not written you one in the Morning. And now once more permit me to beg your Indulgence untill I can be relived from the daily Toil I am subjected to by the Duties I owe to the S. J. Court which now sits both forenoon & afternoon six Days in the week, & will...
283From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 17 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
I return the sermon with my Thanks I had read it before, mr Newton brought it in manuscript to us. I was pleased with it, then and quite as much upon a second perusal—the letters I shall inclose to Caroline on Monday—Mr Coleman was much pleasd with the kind notice he received from the great people and from Mr Rush and family in particular. when he says he felt at home their children were all...
284From James Madison to Congress, 17 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States. I transmit to Congress an account of the contingent expences of the Government for the year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages, 14A–D1; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages, 14A–E2). Both RCs in John Payne Todd’s hand, signed by JM ....
285To James Madison from Thomas Cooper, 17 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Mr Dallas is dead. Gout, brought on by professional fatigue, attacking alternately his Kidneys, his Stomach and his head, proved at length incureable. He had been attacked with it at Trenton about ten days before his death. I say nothing about the loss his friends sustain by this event: the loss is more to the public. He is dead, and cannot now say to you, what he intended to say, and probably...
286To James Madison from Martin D. Hardin, 17 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have seen a representation signed by a number of the Members from the other house to you, requesting you to give permission to the commissioner for Claims for lost property to give out certificates on those cases which he considers clearly within the law & of Minor importance. I beg leave to Join in approbating the object of this application and to add my request that it may be attained. I...
287John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 17 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Francis has been detained in consequence of the severe indisposition of two of my children—They are now however nearly restored to health. I received by the last Mail a letter from M r Baker at Richmond now in which he States that M r Wood had Just opened a School in that place and was very anxious to have Francis as one of his pupils— He has declined returning to Lynchburg .
288James Leitch to Thomas Jefferson, 17 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer M r Logan a Watch & Clock Maker from Staunton (Who from every information I have is a first rate Workman) & having commenced Business at this place; & having known your wish for an establishment of that kind Induces me to take the liberty of introdu c ing him to You; thinking that at this time you might require Some of his Services which I have no doubt he would execute to your...
289John L. Sullivan to Thomas Jefferson, 17 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
At a period when the importance of internal improvements is peculiarly felt by the most respectable members of the community, it must be unnecessary to apologize for addressing to you a communication on the subject of canals and inland navigation. Having had some practice in this pursuit, my experience & improvements may possibly become of use in Virginia .— my Father the late James Sullivan...
290To James Madison from Charles Jared Ingersoll, 16 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have the melancholy intelligence to communicate of the death of Mr. Dallas. He went about a fortnight since to Trenton to argue a cause of great importance depending there. During the discussion he was attacked with what his physicians here pronounce to be gout in the stomach, which affected him so severely, as, together with the anxiety of his mind respecting the business committed to his...
291To James Madison from Richard M. Johnson, 16 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I have this day rcd a letter from Majr Joseph Hawkins requesting to have his name withdrawn from the Senate for the office of surveyor on acct of the objections which he understood Some of the members from the State of Louisiana had urged against him for want of residence. Having learned that this objection is likely to operate against Mr Hawkins, I have thought it my duty to inform you of...
292To James Madison from John Rhea, 16 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
I may be prevented by bad weather or some thing Else from Seeing You previous to Your retiring from office—under this apprehension, I cannot avoid, and it affords me great pleasure, again to Express to You my high Sense of Gratitude, for the two appointments You honored me with in the time of last Summer—my fellow Citizens of the District of Washington had thought proper not to Elect me a...
293From James Madison to the Senate, Ca. 16 January 1817 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ To the Senate. Ca. 16 January 1817. “Commissions having issued during the recess to the following persons, I now nominate them to the Offices respectively attached to their names.” RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, Nominations, 14B–A2). 4 pp. Undated; conjectural date assigned based on Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of...
294Thomas Jefferson to William Lee, 16 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved three days ago a letter from M. Martin 2 d Vice-president am and M. Parmantier Secretary of ‘the French agricultural & manufacturing society’ dated at Philadelphia the 5 th instant: it covered Resolutions proposing to apply to Congress
295James Ligon (for Patrick Gibson) to Thomas Jefferson, 16 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I hand you inclosed Acc t Sales of 175 Bbls Flour nett proceeds $1571.75. with your Acc t Current to the 1 st In st Shewing Balance in my favor of $942.57 which I trust you will find correct I have this day disposed of the remainder of your Flour say 93 Bbls Superfine & 9 Bbls Fine to mr Jn o Leslie the f Superfine at 13¾$ & the Fine at 13¼$ on 60 days Credit—as I can readily get this...
296To John Adams from William Tudor, Sr., 15 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
The animated Style in which you have described the circumstances attending the Trial of Corbet & his comrades & the unfair Manner in which You were treated by the strange Species of Judges which made up the Vice Admiralty Court leads me to urge You to explain the Secret of Hutchinson’s Conduct in this multitudinous Divan; (for such the Court became by their repeated Adjournments to the Council...
297To James Madison from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 15 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter sufficiently explains the occasion of this application to you in favour of Mr. Brewer. He wishes to remove to the western country, being incumbered with a large family which the salary & perquisites of his present office are not sufficient to support. Mr. Brewer has been Register of the land office in this State Several years, the duties of which he has discharged with...
298To James Madison from William McIntosh and Others, 15 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
We hear much talk of the Cherokees wishing to exchange part or the whole of their land South & West of the Tennessee river with you, for lands West of the Mississippi river, this is a business of their own, and with which we have nothing to do, only So far as this, that about the time of our late troubles & war, the Cherokees attempted to lay claim to a large body of our land west of our...
299Elias Glenn to James Monroe, 15 January 1817 (Madison Papers)
Immediately upon the receipt of your letter of the 3rd. of this month, I applied to the Collector of this Port for such information relative to the Schooner Mangore as he had the means of giving, and upon Ascertaining the extent of his knowledge, I drew up a Statement embracing all the points of information which were within his power to substantiate on oath, which when sworn to by him, was...
300James Eastburn to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you permit me to lay before you the plan of a course of publications which, if due encouragement is given I shall be proud to unde r take? It has met the decided approbation of a few literary Gentlemen here, but it requires the recommendation of all those who have filled, or are now filling, eminent stations in the country to make it successfull—If Sir on having perused the plan, you can...