1From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 3 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Apr. 28. from Bordeaux came to hand yesterday as did Mr. Rutledge’s of the 27th. (for I must still have the privilege of acknoleging both together). The incertainty you express whether you come by Nantes, and of course whether this letter (a copy of which goes there) may not get into other hands will very much shorten it. Madame de Tessé, whose constancy to you is above reproach, has...
2From C. W. F. Dumas to William Short, 19 June 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 19 June 1789 . Supposing TJ has departed, he asks Short to acknowledge receipt of two letters to the president and the vice-president, as well as one to Jay. He asks that Short seal the last and forward all three to America, as well as to communicate such good news as he may have from America and particularly of Mr. Jefferson. RC ( DLC ). FC (Dumas Letter Book, Rijksarchief, The...
3From James Madison to William Short, 21 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
Mr. George James of Virginia is recommended to me by a friend as of integrity and worth, and on that ground I take the liberty of introducing him to you. He is not sure that his objects in visiting Europe will carry him to Paris, but the possibility of such an event interests him in the means of becoming known to you, and I lend my aid for the purpose the more readily, as it affords an...
4From John Jay to William Short, 17 September 1789 (Jay Papers)
In this Office no new Appointments have as yet been made, so that the Business of it could not be conducted in a regular official Manner since the Organization of the present Government, by which the Validity of former Commissions had in the Opinion of many been rendered at least questionable— On the 15 th . Day of June last the President consented to M r . Jeffersons Return, and nominated you...
5From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 4 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
We arrived here on Monday morning 28th. Sep. having had no accident on the road, but an axle tree broken on the Phaeton and the bad tire which Rocounier had put on the chariot wheels broke in two places. We have been detained here ever since by the most tempestuous weather ever seen. A ship and a brig, put in in distress, have been driven aground. To-day the wind has lulled, and tho’ as yet...
6From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 7 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I think it probable you will have learnt, through other channels, before this reaches you, my appointment as Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. In this capacity the debt due from us to France will of course constitute one of the objects of my attention. Except with regard to a few laws of immediate urgency, respecting commercial imposts, and navigation, the late session of...
7From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 7 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The day after my arrivel here the equinoctial gales commenced and have prevailed now for nine days with a fury almost unexampled. Three days ago there appeared a small abatement, we got our baggage aboard a packet and tried to get out of the harbor but it was impossible. For my comfort the weatherwise tell me these winds will continue till the change of the moon, that is near a fortnight...
8From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 17 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Our ship has arrived here this evening, and if the wind permits we shall sail tomorrow. We have now lost exactly three weeks by contrary winds: so that in spite of my efforts to be in readiness for a passage between the equinox and winter, we shall surely be thrown late into December and perhaps into January, for our captain tells us we cannot expect less than a nine weeks passage. The ship is...
9From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 23 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
We are now under way, with a hopeful breeze. The Montgomery for New York on board which is Trumbull, Days , and Mr. Hillhouse, an American goes close along side of us, so that we are in easy conversation with them. Our ships are such equal sailors that we hope to keep together half the voiage if no accident happens. We have agreed on signals of reconnoissance. We go just North of the Western...
10John Brown Cutting to William Short, 3 November 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am just returned from Bath where I have been ever since I parted with Mr. Jefferson at Cowes. Perhaps it may not have been notified to you that the Claremont Capt. Colley and the vessel in which Mr. Trumbull sailed for New York proceeded down the channel on the morning of the 23d with a fine wind. This I learn by a letter from our Friend Trumbull who wrote to me by the pilot, when he quitted...
11From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 21 November 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Tho’ a committee of American captains at Cowes had determined we must expect a nine weeks passage, the winds and weather have so befriended us that we are come to an anchor here 29. days after weighing anchor at Yarmouth, having been only 26. days from and to land. After getting clear of the eternal fogs of Europe, which required 5. or 6. days sailing, the sun broke out upon us, and gave us...
12From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 14 December 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter was written to you on our coming to anchor. Since that my time has been divided between travelling and the society of my friends, and I avail myself of the first vacant interval to give you the news of the country to which therefore I shall proceed without further prelude. Marriages. Ben. Harrison of Brandon to a daughter of Mrs. Byrd. Doctor Currie to a widow Ingles, daughter...
13From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 12 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Passing this place on my way to New York and finding a vessel here bound for France I cannot omit the opportunity of writing you a line and sending you some newspapers. I have received but one letter from you since I left France. That expected to find me at Havre still. I am sure no other had come to New York 10. days ago because I have received my letters from thence very regularly every week...
14From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
There being no vessel here bound to any port in France, I avail myself of one going to Amsterdam to inform you of my having entered on the duties of the Department of state, comprehending that of foreign affairs. Your letters come to hand before the 3d. inst. have been acknoleged by Mr. Jay in one of that date. Those of the 18th. and 30th. of Nov. and 15. 22. and 26. of December have been...
15From James Madison to William Short, 6 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 17 Novr. had so long a passage and since it came to hand opportunities to France have been so deficient, that it has remained unacknowledged much longer than the pleasure it gave me would otherwise have allowed. The crisis in France is so interesting, particularly to this Country, that nothing can be more acceptable than the circumstances which mark the revolution and augur a...
16From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of March 28th. Since that yours of the 2d. and 6th. of January have come to Hand, together with the Ratification of the Consular Convention. I send you herewith a Letter from the President to the King notifying my Recall, with a Letter of Leave to M. de Montmorin, and another of Credence for you to the same, all of which you will be pleased to deliver to him. Copies of them...
17From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
At Philadelphia on my way here I received your favor of Nov. 19. and since my arrival here, those of Nov. 3. 25. 30. Dec. 25. and Jan. 12. have come at different times. My last private letter to you was from Alexandria. I shall send a duplicate and triplicate of it because of it’s importance to me. On delivering my letters of leave I will beg the favor of you to make the accustomary present...
18From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Mr. Horrÿ, is a citizen of So. Carolina, of distinquished connections in that country who is about to visit Paris. Tho’ not having the honor of a personal acquaintance with him, I am authorised on good information to assure you of his worth, and therefore take the liberty of asking you to render him all the services, and attentions, which may lie in your way. I am not...
19From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 27 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you a private letter on the 6th. inst. inclosing in it a duplicate of that of Mar. 12. These went by the way of Baltimore and Bordeaux. Again on the 7th. I sent by the English packet a duplicate of Apr. 6. and a triplicate of Mar. 12. The present will be accompanied by a triplicate of Apr. 6. I have thus sent three copies of these two letters of Mar. 12. and Apr. 6. on account of their...
20From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you was of the 6th. instt. acknowledging the receipt of your favors of the 2d. and 6th. of January, since that Mr. Jay has put into my hands yours of the 12th. of January, and I have received your note of Feby. 10th. accompanying some newspapers. Mine of the 6th. covered the Presidents letter to the King for my recall, and my letters of leave for myself, and of Credence to...
21From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 27 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
A periodical headach has put it out of my power for near a month to attend to any business, or correspondence public or private, and such is my present situation that, favorable as the opportunity is by Mr. Crevecoeur, I had not meant to venture to write to you. But the receipt of yours of Mar. 25. has decided me to try it. On my arrival in Virginia, as there was a vessel just sailing for...
22From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 29 May 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 28th & 30th, which did not come to my hands ’till the 27th instant. The conduct you have prescribed to yourself in regard to the negociations concerning the Debt of the United States, appears to be very prudent and judicious, and such as will give the United States a convenient election of the measures to be pursued in future. Previously to the receipt of...
23From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Having written to you so lately as the 27th. of May by M. de Crevecoeur, I have little new to communicate. My head-ach still continues in a slight degree, but I am able to do business. Tomorrow I go on a sailing party of three or four days with the President. I am in hopes of being relieved entirely by the sickness I shall probably encounter. The President is perfectly reestablished, and looks...
24From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 1 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
A bill has past two readings in the Senate for removing the seat of government immediately to Philadelphia, there to remain ten years, and then to be established permanently in Georgetown. It is to receive it’s third reading to-day, and tho’ it depends on a single vote, yet I believe we may count surely that it will pass that house. As it originated there, it will then have to pass the lower...
25From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 26 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My publick letters to you have been of the 28th. of March, the 6th. and 30th. of April. Yours, which remain to be acknowledged, are of Mar. 9. 17. 29. Apr. 4. 12. 23. and May 1. being from No. 21. to 28. inclusive except No. 23. which had come to hand before. I will state to you the dates of all your letters received by me with the times they have been recieved, and length of their passage....
26From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 26 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My publick letter of this date will convey to you public information and there is little of a private nature which the newspapers will not give you. Your last letter to me was of Mar. 25. and was acknoleged in mine of May 27. Since that I have written you three short letters of June 6. July 1. and 8. to apprize you of the removal of government from hence to Philadelphia on the bare possibility...
27From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 9 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress rises tomorrow. Your successor will not be appointed till they meet in December. Consequently he cannot go till the next spring. RC ( DLC : Short Papers); entirely in code, except for date, having interlinear decoding in Short’s hand; at head of text (also in code): “private.” PrC ( DLC ); accompanied by text en clair in TJ’s hand. Decoding verified by Editors, employing partially...
28VI. Secretary of State to William Short, 10 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter, with the very confidential papers it incloses, will be delivered you by Mr. Barrett with his own hands. If there be no war between Spain and England, they need be known to yourself alone. But if that war be begun, or whenever it shall begin, we wish you to communicate them to the Marquis de la Fayette, on whose assistance we know we can count in matters which interest both our...
29From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 12 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Being just now informed that a vessel sails this afternoon for a port of Normandy, and knowing that the President wished to have some Champagne, and that this is the season to write for it, I have been to him, and he desires 40. dozen bottles. The execution of this commission I must put upon you, begging the favor of you to procure it of the growth of M. Dorsay’s vineyard at Aÿ opposite to...
30From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 25 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The President will leave this on the 30th. for Mount Vernon and will return to Philadelphia towards the latter part of November. I go hence a day or two after him, for Monticello, and shall return to Philadelphia about the last of October. The other offices will be removed to Philadelphia between the middle of October and of November. I very much wish my letters, written for this purpose, may...
31From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 26 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
My last Letters to you have been of the 26th. of July and 10th. instant. Yours of May 16th. No. 31. is come to Hand. I enclose you sundry Papers by which you will perceive that the expression in the 11th. article of our treaty of amity and commerce with France, Vizt. that ‘the Subjects of the United States shall not be reputed Aubaines in France , and consequently shall be exempted from the...
32From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 29 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
You are already apprised of the loan which was commenced in the united Netherlands, by Messrs. Wilhem & Jan Willink and Nicholas & Jacob van Staphorst and Hubbard, with a view on their part to the service of the United States, and that the same has been submitted to our Government for their acceptance. On due consideration of the circumstances of that Loan and the views with which the above...
33From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 31 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my letter of the 26th. it has been decided to commit to your care the transaction of very important money matters at Amsterdam. It is thought necessary that you should go there immediately, and remain there about three months to possess yourself of the ground. The Secretary of the Treasury will detail to you the particulars requisite there. With respect to our affairs at Paris,...
34From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 1 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Two Acts of the Legislature of the fourth and twelfth of August, of which I inclose you copies, authenticated according to law, empower the President to cause to be borrowed on their behalf Fourteen Millions of dollars; subject to certain restrictions and qualifications: to be applied in payment of such part of our foreign debt as shall have become due, and to a new modification of the...
35Enclosure: Commission to William Short, [1 September 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
To all to whom these presents shall come Whereas, by an act passed the fourth day of august in this present year entitled “An Act making provision for the Debt of the United States” it is among other things enacted, That the President of the United States be authorised to cause to be borrowed on behalf of the United States, a sum or sums not exceeding in the whole Twelve Millions of Dollars,...
36From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 6 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am here on my way to Virginia, to which place I set out tomorrow. The President left this this morning on his way to Mount Vernon. He engaged me some time ago to get him some wines from France, to wit 40. dozen of Champagne, 30 doz. of Sauterne, 20. dozen of Bordeaux de Segur, and 10. doz. of Frontignan, and he took a note of their prices in order to furnish me with a bill of exchange...
37From Alexander Hamilton to William Short, 10 September 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Benjamin Walker Esquire, Naval officer of the Port of New York who has leave of abscence for a twelvemonth. As he has thoughts of visiting Paris he has requested me to make him known to you which I do with pleasure as he is a man of worth. He was during a part of the late War Aide du Camp to General Washington. I remain with much esteem & consideration Sir,...
38From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 30 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last from Philadelphia. Your public letter of June 29. and private of June 14. and 29. are delivered to me here. My several letters, private, will have left me little to add on the subject of your stay in Europe. One circumstance only in your letters must be corrected, that is, your idea of my influence in the foreign affairs. You have forgotten your countrymen altogether, as well...
39From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 25 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Donald having it in contemplation to make overtures for the purchase of tobacco for French consumption, and the public papers rendering it uncertain whether that business will be left in the hands of the farmers general, or committed to a new board, or perhaps left altogether free, insomuch that we know not here to whom application must be made, I cannot do better than recommend him as my...
40Enclosure: Comte de Montmorin to William Short, 30 November 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Vous m’avez informé, Monsieur, que le Congrès avoit pris la résolution de faire un emprunt de 10 millions de Dollars dans la vuë de faire face à Ses dettes étrangeres; vous m’avez ajouté que vous etiez chargé de la négociation relative à cet emprunt, et que c’etoit là l’objet de votre Sejour à Amsterdam. Les Srs. Schwietzer Jeanneret and Compagnie, Banquiers à Paris, instruits de ces faits, et...
41Enclosure: James Swan to William Short, 12 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
To mine of the 27th. Novr. & 5th. Inst. I refer. I have nothing at present to trouble you with, only a Statement how things stand here concerning the debt. M. Morris & I were in dispute with the Bankers (with whom you have had some conversations here,) about their gratifications, they wishing with their Fathers & Cousins in Paris & Amstm. to absorb all. He having parted Wednesday morning for...
42Enclosure: James Swan to William Short, 12 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Fearing that my Letter of this date by the way of Antwerp may have missed, I shall only beg leave to trouble you with one or two points in it essential for you to know. I acquainted you, how I was inform’d, that a M. Jubert had made proposals to pay the whole entirely, & instantly: but I can find no foundation for it, either in the Committee of Finances or of Liquidation, that is, there has...
43Enclosure: James Swan to William Short, 14 December 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Agreeably to your desire in your Letter of the 9th. Inst., I have endeavoured all in my power to persuade Messrs. Sweizer Jeanneret & Co., from the pursuit of their plan, & have communicated your Letter to them, in which it appears you do not consider yourself as authorized to accept it, but all without effect—for I find they have determin’d to raise, as they say, every obstacle which can...
44Enclosure: Schweizer, Jeanneret and Company to William Short, [14 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
Sur la communication qui nous a été donnée par Monsieur swan, de la lettre que vous lui avez fait l’honneur de lui écrire Le 9 de ce mois, nous avons pris la décision de surmonter tous les obstacles raisonnables qui pourront s’élever sur les propositions que nous avons eu l’honneur de vous faire Ministerielment par le canal de Monsieur Le Contrôlleur Général des finances et de Monsieur de...
45From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 23 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters which have come to hand are as follows Date Recd. Passage Weeks— Days Weeks— Days No. 29 May 9. Oct. 14. 22–4 No. 38 Aug. 4. Nov. 20. 15–3 30 11. 14 22–2
46Enclosure: Comte de Montmorin to William Short, 24 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 19. du mois. Les Srs. Jeanneret et Schwietzer en me communiquant la réponse que vous leur avez faite, m’ont prié d’appuyer auprès du Président des Etats-Unis la proposition que vous vous êtes déterminé à lui transmettre. J’ai fait d’autans moins de difficulté de me prêter à leur demande, que je l’ai entierement...
47From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 24 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your several private letters unacknowledged are May 9. June 14. 29. July 7. 11. 16. August 4. 15. 22. Sep. 26. Oct. 3. 27. Nov. 27. Mine to you have been Aug. 9. 12. 25. 31. Sep. 6. 30. of which the two first and two last have not yet been acknowledged. That of Aug. 9. indeed was only a postscript.—To business. Goldsmith’s Encyclopedie I can meddle no further with. Just before I came away, I...
48Enclosure: Ferdinand Grand to William Short, [25 February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Jaime a croire Monsieur que vous ne vous etes pas rappelle les conditions du traité passé dans le temps entre le roi & Monsieur Francklin il porte que le remboursement des Sommes pretées aux etats unis Seront faites a mon domicile pour etre ensuite versées au tresor royal, j’ai appris avec peine que cette condition na pas été observée dans le payement qui S’est effectué dernierement,...
49Enclosure: Antoine Bernard Caillard to William Short, 4 March 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Le Gouvernement de france a grand interet de Savoir Si l’emprunt que font en ce moment à Amsterdam les Etats unis de l’Amerique par votre ministere a pour objet le reboursement d’une partie des sommes qu’ils doivent à la france, et il me charge de vous demander un mot d’eclaircissement à ce Sujet. J’ose vous prier, Monsieur, le vouloir bien m’honorer d’une reponse Sur cela—et de me mettre en...
50From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 8 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
A conveyance offering by which we can send large packets you will recieve herewith the following articles. You are desired to have a medal of gold struck from the diplomatic die formerly ordered and present it with a chain of gold to the Count de Moustier who is notified that this will be done by you. I formerly informed you that we proposed to vary the worth of the present by varying the size...