23451From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Charles L’Enfant, 27 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
From your letter received yesterday in answer to my last, and your declarations in conversation with Mr. Lear, it is understood that you absolutely decline acting under the authority of the present commissioners. If this understanding of your meaning be right, I am instructed by the President to inform you that notwithstanding the desire he has entertained to preserve your agency in the...
23452To Thomas Jefferson from Oliver Pollock, 27 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The peculiar predicament in which I am placed will I hope in some measure apologize for troubling you with this Letter. In the year 1783 the United States were pleased to appoint me their Commercial Agent at the Havana at which place I resided in that character until 1785. It is not necessary to detail to you the Embarrassments that I met with in that Government from my Creditors or rather...
23453To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [ca. 28 February 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Would it be advisable to let L’Enfont alter the Plan if he will do it in a certn. given time—and provided also we retain the means if any thing unfair is intended that we may not suff[er.] Ought any thing to be said in my letter to him respecting payment for his past Services.— Should Mr. Ellicot be again asked in strong and explicit terms if the Plan exhibited by him is conformable to the...
23454To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Johnson, 29 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Though I was disappointed in my expectation of going to Philadelphia about the sixth of this month I hoped nevertheless to have been there no great while afterwards for I felt myself much interested that seasonable and effectual Measures should be taken to forward the Business at the Federal City and secure its Interest. My own Indisposition and the State of my Family have prevented the...
23455Report on Proceedings of Executive in Northwest Territory, 29 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of state has had under examination the Records of Proceedings in the Executive department of the North-Western government from the 1st. of Aug. to the 31st. of December 1791. transmitted by the Secretary, and Reports to the President of the United States That finding nothing therein which calls for the attention or interference of the President, he has deposited them among the...
23456To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 29 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now to acknowlege the rect. of your two letters private—Jan 3: (cypher)—and Jan. 7. They accompanied yours public of Jan. 5. The intelligence with respect to the President’s nomination came to me under a different form four days before hand (viz. Feb. 14.) from Mr. Morris, in London. He considered the matter settled having seen it in a letter from Mr. King of the Senate, to a friend in...
23457To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 29 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been so much indisposed since my last of the 8th. inst. as to have been absolutely incapable of writing. I resume my pen at present merely to inform you by the English packet that the answer from the Emperor arrived here two days ago. The King’s council have had it under long and mature consideration and have communicated it to the diplomatic committee. The Minister goes to morrow to...
23458From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Baptiste Ternant, 29 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Mr. Dormoy, a citizen of the U.S. having an annuity on the hotel de Ville of Paris, which cannot be received but on a certificate of his life, complains that Mr. Oster the Consul of France for Virginia, has refused from personal motives, to give him such certificate. As he has come here from Williamsburg, to get this defect supplied, under recommendations to me from the...
23459Notes on the Constitutionality of Bounties to Encourage Manufacturing, [February 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
When we come to select the proper manufactures to be encouraged, we must attend to this, that tho labour in general is dearer here than in Europe, yet there is some species of labour which may vie with theirs, to wit 1 of women and chdn. 2 of men on rainy days, days of frost, long nights &c. 3. machines and natural events, to wit wind, water, sun &c. Encourage therefore the manufactures where...
23460To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 1 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 1 Mch. 1792 . He has learned of important developments in Morocco since his letters of 23 and 24 Feb.—Muley Yezid eluded Ben Assar’s army and arrived at the city of Morocco on 2 Feb. Four days later he captured and pillaged the city. The “devoted Jews” were given up to plunder, friends and enemies alike suffered at the hands of his army, and even Francis Chiappe’s property was...
23461To Thomas Jefferson from Walter Boyd, 1 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
When I took the liberty last summer to intrude upon your Excellency with a hasty line in favour of my Brother—in—law Mr. Hemming I flattered myself that I should soon have been able to indulge myself in the pleasure of writing you at great length on many subjects highly interesting to America and this Country: but such has been the accumulation of Business of various kinds in which I have been...
23462From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel Carroll, 1 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Much time has been spent in endeavoring to reduce Major Lenfant to continue in the business he was engaged in, in proper subordination to the Commissioners. He has however entirely refused, so that he has been notified that we consider his services as at an end. The plan is put into the hands of an engraver, and will be engraved within three or four weeks. About the same time Mr. Ellicot will...
23463To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Cutting, 1 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
A Flute belonging to the French Government, which was dispatch’d from hence for Philadelphia the beginning of last week, is wreck’d and totally lost on the Reef called Le mouchoir quarré. I am given to understand that all the Letters which were aboard her are lost, and therefore take the liberty of saluting you with the foregoing Copy of what I wrote you by that opportunity. The account of the...
23464Hamilton’s Notes on Report of Instructions for the Commissioners to Spain, with Jefferson’s Comments, [1–5 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Jefferson’s comments ] [ Hamilton’s notes ] The General Tenor of the Report appears solid and proper. The following observations however on a hasty perusal occur. The Report is amended in conformity this observation. Page 2. Is it to put our Revolution upon the true or the best footing to say that the circumstances which obliged us to discontinue our foreign Magistrate brought upon us the...
23465Memoranda of Conversations with the President, 1 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
1792. Feb. 28. I was to have been with him long enough before 3. aclock (which was the hour and day he received visits) to have opened to him a proposition for doubling the velocity of the post riders, who now travel about 50. miles a day, and might without difficulty go 100. and for taking measures (by way-bills) to know where the delay is, when there is any. I was delayed by business, so as...
23466From Thomas Jefferson to George Walker, 1 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I was sorry that, being from home at the time you were so good as to call on me, I missed seeing you. The President being engaged also, was equally unlucky. As you left no letter for me, I took for granted that your negociation with Majr. Lenfant had proved fruitless. After your departure the President sent Mr. Lear to Major Lenfant to see what could be made of him. He declared unequivocally...
23467Statement on Major William Galvan, 2 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I well remember that Majr. Galvan was sent on to Cape Henry by Genl. Washington to look out for the French fleet, that he was recommended by the Genl. to me to be furnished with every thing necessary. I remember that the morning he was to leave Richmond, he wanted money, and having recd. from me an order on the Treasurer he would not give him any rect. for it, from some punctilious delicacy,...
23468To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 2 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Be so good as to examine the enclosed draught of a letter to Genl. St. Clair, and make such alterations (with a pencil) as you shall judge proper; as letter and answer will, it is presumed, be handed to the public.—The bearer will wait to bring it back to me. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Mch. 1792 and recorded in SJPL . Enclosure not found, but see...
23469From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 2 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President and returns him the letter to Genl. St. Clair. The only passage about which he has any doubt is the following ‘it does not appear by any information in my possession, that your exertions were wanting to produce a different result either in the previous preparations, or in the time of action .’ Th: J. never heard a statement of the matter...
23470From Thomas Jefferson to José de Jaudenes and José Ignacio de Viar, 3 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respectful compliments to Messieurs de Viar and de Jaudenes. Tho’ the arrangements on the negociation with Spain are not yet all taken, yet he has no reason to doubt they will be so in the course of a week or two, and that they will perfectly accord with the expectations of the gentlemen. PrC ( DLC ). TJ was responding to an anxious request for information the...
23471To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Baptiste Ternant, 3 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 3 Mch. 1792 . He has been informed by the “Lieutenant au gouvernement général” and the intendant of Saint-Domingue that the situation on that island is critical because of a shortage of funds in the colony treasury and the uncertainty of receiving any financial aid from France.—In this extremity he feels obliged to apply to the U.S. government for “l’avance immédiate d’une somme...
23472From Thomas Jefferson to José de Jaudenes and José Ignacio de Viar, 4 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Mr. Oliver Pollock, a citizen of the United States, has stated to me that a sum of 9574¼ Dollars due to him at the Havanna, was attached by his Catholic majesty’s government there to secure certain sums due to Spanish subjects from the said Oliver Pollock, that he has since otherwise paid the sums he owed to those persons, and to all others within his majesty’s dominions,...
23473Plan for Expediting Postal Service, [4 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
It is proposed that there shall be one post a week passing along the main post road from North to South, at the rate of 100 miles a day. All intermediate post days, and all cross posts to remain as at present, unless it should be thought well to put the post towards Kentuckey, as far as practicable, on the quick establishment. Let this road be divided into stages of 25 miles each, as nearly as...
23474From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 4 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received with great pleasure your favor of Feb. 17. informing us you were all safely moored at Monticello. With still greater I learn that you are at length sure of Edgehill. It is a fine tract of land, and will make you happier by furnishing a pleasing occupation. It secures too, what is essential to my happiness, our living near together. It seems as if you had more snow Southwardly...
23475From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 4 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the date of the letter of Feb. 22. which I had the honour of writing you, covering the acts of the North-Western government, as called for by the Resolution of the house of representatives of Feb. 10. the acts of the same government passed in the year 1791. have come to the hands of the President and have been deposited among the records in my office. Supposing that these also might come...
23476To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 4 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed came by the Post yesterday.—I send it for your perusal. Have you had any conversation with Mr. Ellicot respecting the completion of the Survey, and lots of the Federal City?—If so, what was the result?—He ought, [if] he undertakes it, to proceed to that place immediately, so as to be there at the proposed meeting of the Commissionrs. The Engravers say eight weeks is the shortest...
23477Agenda for Commissioners of the Federal District, [ca. 5 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Estimates &ca. are sent to shew the views &ca. of Majr. LEnfant. MS ( DLC : Washington Papers); in the hands of both TJ and Washington, as indicated in notes below; undated, but certainly written after 1 Mch. and on or before 6 Mch. 1792. It is very probable that TJ wrote the first part of the agenda and sent it or left it with Washington on 5 Mch. 1792 (see Washington to TJ, 4 Mch. 1792 ) and...
23478To Thomas Jefferson from George Hammond, 5 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
In conformity to the mode , which you have pursued and suggested, I have now the honor of submitting to you an abstract of such particular acts of the United States, as appear to me infractions, on their part, of the definitive treaty of peace concluded between the King my master and the United States. The necessity of collecting from distant parts of this continent the requisite materials, of...
23479Enclosure: Appendices, 5 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Appendices Appendix A No. 1 Act of New Hampshire to confiscate Estates of sundry Persons therein named—passed November 28 1778. 2 Act of Massachusetts Bay to prevent the return of certain Persons therein named, and others who had left that state or either of the United States and joined the Enemies thereof—passed in 1778. 3 Act of Massachusetts Bay to confiscate the Estates of certain...
23480To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 5 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon submitting the enclosed note from Mr. Bache to the President, he desired I would send it to you, that if you thought it right for him to be furnished with the letter wh. he requests it might be done.—Should you determine in the affirmative and not have a copy of the translation at hand, I will have a copy of the one left with the President, sent to Mr. B. The President has been informed...
23481To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 5 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed papers which I have got from Mr. Beckleys office furnishes an answer to your letter. There is a Bill depending in favor of claims barred by the limitation of time—which if it passes will provide for those of Owen and Woods as I understand the tenor of the Bill and the nature of their claims. As soon as the fate of the Bill is decided I shall write to the parties. RC ( DLC ). See...
23482To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [5? March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The catalogue of complaints, enclosed, is long.—May not our loss of the Indian trade—the participation of it I mean—and the expence and losses sustain’d by the Indian War be set against Mr. H—list of grievances in behalf of the B—Merchants, as well as, by taking our slaves away depriving us of the means of paying debts. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 6 Mch....
23483To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Carroll, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
This is principally to acknowledge the Receipt of your favour of the 1st Instant.—Previous to the Receipt of it I had Recd. a line from Doctr. Stuart informing Me that He Shou’d See me on the 11th. Inst. We shall then take measures to have a communication with Mr. Johnson according to circumstances. I have written to that Gentn. inclosing a Copy of yours.— It gives Me much pleasure to find we...
23484From Thomas Jefferson to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
It having been found impracticable to employ Majr. Lenfant about the federal city, in that degree of subordination which was lawful and proper, he has been notified that his services are at an end. It is now proper that he should receive the reward of his past services, and the wish that he should have no just cause of discontent suggests that it should be liberal. The President thinks of...
23485Enclosure I: Contract with Samuel Blodget, Jr., 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration to be made by the President That the sales of lots of public property in the town of Washington shall never be extended so far but that there shall remain and be reserved so many of the said lots unsold as shall at the rate of 100. Doll. per lot be sufficient to secure the proportion of this loan not yet reimbursed, of which lots two fifths shall be South of an East and West line...
23486Enclosure II: An Advertisement for the Capitol, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Washington in the territory of Columbia A Premium of a lot in this city to be designated by impartial judges and 500. dollars, or a Medal of that value, at the option of the party, will be given by the Commissioners of the federal buildings to the person, who before the 20th. day of July 1792 shall produce to them the most approved plan if adopted by them for a Capitol, to be erected in this...
23487Enclosure III: An Advertisement for the President’s House, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Washington in the Territory of Columbia. A Premium of 500 dollars, or a Medal of that value, at the option of the party, will be given by the Commissioners of the federal buildings to the person who before the 20th. day of July next shall produce to them the most approved plan if adopted by them for a President’s house to be erected in this city. The site of the building, if the artist will...
23488To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the application of Mr. Andw. Ellicot, I have the honor to transmit you the Official copy of the Survey of the tract of Land purchased by the State of Pennsylvania from the United States. As I conceive this as an original paper filed of record in this Office in the Execution of an Act of the Legislature, I must ask the favor of your returning it to the Treasury as soon as you...
23489To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 6 Mch. 1792 . A Spanish courier has just brought news that the Compte de Florida Blanca is out of office and the Compte d’Aranda has been appointed his successor. He does not know what other changes have occurred or what caused them, but he believes these changes are favorable for the U.S. with respect to navigation of the Mississippi. “I have often heard Mr. Carmichael say,’that, if...
23490From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Ciracchi, a very celebrated sculptor from Rome, proposing to go to New York to explain the device of a monument which he proposes to erect for the United states, I take the liberty of recommending him to your advice and good offices. Independantly of his talents as an artist, you will find him a man of very superior worth; and your attentions to him will be acknoleged as...
23491Memorandum on Deed of Lormerie, 7 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
[Jan. 15, 1792. Mr. Madison’s?] recollection on the subject of Mr. de Lormerie’s lands is very imperfect. He remembers that M. de Crevecoeur spoke with him at New York and enquired the measures necessary to get M. de Lormerie’s deed recorded. He supposes he gave him the proper information tho’ he does not particularly recollect it. He thinks he had nothing more to do in the transaction. Mr....
23492From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Baptiste Ternant, 7 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the President of the U.S. your letter of the 3d. inst. asking a supply of four hundred thousand dollars on account of reimbursements due from us to France, to be applied to relieve the distresses of the colony of St. Domingo. In regretting extremely the cause of this necessity, I have to assure you that the President feels every disposition which the occasion is calculated...
23493To Thomas Jefferson from José de Jaudenes and José Ignacio de Viar, 7 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
We have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your letter of the 4th. Inst. in reply whereof, and to justify the proceedings of the Government of the Havanas, respecting to Mr. Pollock’s property; permit us to observe that we consider the Measures taken at that period to be of no other Nature, than those which your, and any other civilized Government would have adopted in the same...
23494From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 7 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately on the passage of the Act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign Nations, I desired the Bankers of the United States in Amsterdam to raise an Account with the Secretary of State of the United States to be confined to the Objects of that Act, and requested them and our Ministers abroad to make up their Accounts from July to July annually, and...
23495From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 7 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President and sends him his report on the subject of commerce with Spain , and the form of a message to the Senate. A second copy is now making out for the President’s own use, so that he may send in the one now inclosed today, assured of receiving the other the moment it is finished. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); endorsed by Lear. Tr (same, SDC ). The...
23496To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [7 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed, sent for Mr. Jeffersons perusal, corrobates the idea held out in the communication of Mr. H—d. Extract from Kirkland’s letter, dated Kanandaiqua Feb. 25. 1792. ‘The British at Niagara, hold out this idea, that the U.S. will not be able to refund the confiscated tory estates. Therefore a new boundary line must be made betwixt the two powers, and that this line will probably be...
23497From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas FitzSimons, 8 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mr. Fitzsimmons, and returns Mr. Greene’s memorial, submitting some alterations to him. He takes for granted Mr. Greene will accompany it with the best vouchers the nature of every fact will admit, such as authentic copies of records where a matter of record is complained of &c. This will be necessary for us, that we may not commit ourselves in a...
23498From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Hylton, 8 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Miss Hylton, and by the directions of Mr. Hylton incloses her the within note which will be paid by any collector of the customs of the United States. The sum sixteen dollars and a half. PrC ( MHi ).
23499From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Johnson, 8 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of Feb. 29. the day after I had written a public letter to the Commissioners, which touched on some of the subjects of yours. I may say in this private letter what could not be so well said in a public one, that there never was a moment’s doubt about parting with Major Lenfant rather than with a single commissioner.—I must correct an error in my public letter. I said...
23500Enclosure: Calculation of Payment Schedule for Federal District Loan, 8 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Dates of instalments Amount of each instalment Aggregate sum the interest of which is to be deducted from each payment Aggregate of the interest to be deducted, from each instalment Sum actually received by the borrowers Sums of interest to be paid by sales or otherwise Dollars