1Virginia Council of State’s Appointment of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 29 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor called the attention of the board to the subject of appointing Visitors for the University of Virginia in Conformity with the provisions of an act of assembly passed the 25 January 1819 —Whereupon, the following persons were duly appointed Visitor—to wit: Thomas Jefferson — James Madison — Chapman Johnson — Jos. C. Cabell
2Answer of President and Directors of Rivanna Company to Thomas Jefferson’s Bill of Complaint, 7 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The Answer of the President & Directors of the Rivanna Company to the Bill of Complaint exhibited in this honble Court against them by Thomas Jefferson These Respondents saving to themselves now & hereafter all manner of exceptions to the various matters & things set forth in the Plaintiff’s Bill of Complaint for Answer thereto, or to so much thereof as they are advised is necessary for them...
3Jane Battles to Ann Carrington Cabell, with Postscript to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I embrace this opportunity to Inform you that I am well and am In hopes that these few lines will find you and famely enjoying the Same Blessing please to recollect that you promised to assist me In geting my pay from the United States I have Been In their Service Considerable time Since I Saw you I went through Kentuckey by the way of the falls of the Ohio river from thence on to wabash river...
4James Dinsmore’s Report on Tin to Central College Board of Visitors, 10 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Haveing been requested by the visitors of the Central College to Examine and report on the Eligibility of Tin as a Covering for Houses as Introduced in Staunton —I beg leave to inform them that I have repaired to that place. was Introduced to the owners of the two Principal Houses Coverd with Tin— m r Smith , and m r Cowan and also to m r Brook the workman who put it on—they all acted with...
5Michele Raggi and Giacomo Raggi to Thomas Jefferson and John H. Cocke, [received 1 September 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
Li loro Servi Michele e Giacomo Raggi esebisconsi per fare un Acomodo di fargli tre proggetti, che loro Sig ri potranno apprendersi a quello che gli senbrerà piu Aproposito ⅌ il loro Avantaggio. P mo Che il Súnomato Michele prontamente si porterà nel piu Vicino Porto D’ Europa a prendere sua moglie a proprie Spese e Carico de Viaggi, sempre che gli rinovino il Contrato
6Arthur S. Brockenbrough to Thomas Jefferson, with Jefferson’s Note to John H. Cocke, 12 October 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Nelson has come over to do the work of Pavilion N o 5 – Before I knew of it was your and General Cocke s intention that M r Nelson should
7Enclosure: Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Cost Estimates for University of Virginia Building Construction, 1 October 1819 … (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to the order of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia , requiring of the Proctor “an estimate of the whole cost of completing ten pavilions, with their appendages, the number deemed necessary for the proper accommodation of the whole number of Professors contemplated by the Legislature , five hotels, and dormitories in number depending on the number of Students who...
8Albemarle County Circuit Court Order in Jefferson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson, [9 October 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson Demandant } against upon a writ of Right John Hudson & Charles Hudson Tenants On motion of the Demandant by his attorney it is ordered by the Court that the Surveyor of this County, do go upon the land in controversy , survey the same, and return five fair plats thereof to this Court— MS ( Albemarle Co. Law Order Book [1809–21], 306); in Alexander Garrett
9To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 18 November 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
In settling some business with M r Garrett to day I find (for the first time I have known it) $200— paid to M r Giacomo Raggi which is that am t more than he should have recieved—- In your statement (to M r Garrett) of M r Appletons acc t May 8 h 1822. You state it thus Proceeds of former remittance $1239 .00 to be paid to Giacomo Raggi 200
10To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Thompson, 9 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 30 th ultimo, with two Invoices enclosed, for the Marble by the Ship Caroline from Leghorn. The Invoices are returned herewith agreeably to your request. The marks do not agree with the Invoices & bill of lading received. I have entered the Marble and paid the duly thereon copies of the entries are enclosed, & have shipped the same on board the Sloop Eliza Allen,...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 20 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Coffee and Corks went by a Waggon on tuesday last, to Charlottesville, care M r Raphael, the Wine is double cased, & ready for the first trusty Boat— MHi .
12Carter H. Harrison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
My friends M r Abbot & M r Myers , gentlemen of the Richmond -bar, being about to take a ride into the upper country which will probably lead them through your neighbourhood, I take the liberty of offering them an introduction to you. Your reception of them will be a favour to me which will be gratefully remembered. I have been much concerned to hear of your bad health since the period of my...
13Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been Dear Sir long oppressed under duty, respect and friendship, in having omited to write to you about the Plow which you so obligingly sent me. The principle on which the form is given is undoubtably excellent, as the action is by strait lines, yet without a proper length is given to the mould board, all its advantages are lost. I made repeated tryals of this Plow by an expert...
14To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 10 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Sullivan who will have the pleasure to present you this letter, intending to visit the upper part of our State, & particularly the university, having expressd a desire to be made known to you, I give him with pleasure this introduction. He is the son of gov r Sullivan of Massachusetts with whom you were probably acquainted. With great respect & sincere regard I am dear Sir your friend— MHi .
15From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1824 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. from Mr. H. Wheaton who is engaged in a Biography of the late W. Pinkney a letter wch. I inclose with my answer. If your recollection or memoranda can confirm or enlarge the information I have given with respect to the origin of the Embargo, be so good as to return my answer that it may be improved: If otherwise, it may be sealed & forwarded; the letter from Mr. Wheaton to be...
16Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 12 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The condescending kindnesses and proofs of your regard, with which I have been honoured by you induces me, to take the liberty of offering to your acceptance, the humble tribute of a female acquaintance , with which I was lately favoured. I paid her a visit at New-york and could not decline, to Send you in her name her last publication—before She returned to her native country— Amsterdam . She...
17To Thomas Jefferson from David Bailie Warden, 15 May 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I use the opportunity of mr. gallatins return to the United States to acknowledge the receipt of your letter. of the 30th of oct last, and to inform you that he has taken charge of five small parcels for you containing bose and Brocheeses. Baron Humboldt sends you a copy of his last publication and Bishop gregoire a copy of his manuel de Visté . Your Parisian friends are glad to hear of the...
18Benjamin Waterhouse to Thomas Jefferson, 8 July 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 26 th of June I have read again & again, with renewed satisfaction ; and believe with you that “there is not a young man now living in the U. S. who will not die an Unitarian.” Yet must the young be enlightened, and the Platonizing christians counteracted; and I have seen nothing so likely to do so much good in the process as your letter, if you will allow me to give it...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Tornquist, 23 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
In return for the honor you did me by the Communication in your favour of the 15 th Jan y , please to accept my most sincere acknowledgements. I would by no means inconvenience you a second time were I aware how a Letter from me could reach the Board of Visitors of the College, and consequently once more take the Liberty of trespassing on your politeness to entreat, you will have the goodness...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza Caile Scott Rankin, 25 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you pardon my presumption in addressing a few lines to you, for the purposes of soliciting your aid on obtaining an appointment for my Son in one of the public Departments,—it is so long since I have had the pleasure of seeing you, & my acquaintance even then was so limited, that I cannot but feel the temerity, of my present application, I rely Sir, on your well known Philanthropy.—My...
21Eulalie Cathalan to Thomas Jefferson, 28 September 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Jai eu l’honneur de vous ecrire en date du 10. aout pour vous annoncer le malheur que j’ai eu de perdre mon pere . depuis lors j’ai reçu vos honorables lettres , & jai acheminé a nice celles que vous m’aves adressé pour expedièr. Jai aussi reçu de la part de M r John Vaughan un effet Sur paris de ƒ 1312.50—Cequi Servira a effectuer vos commissions. N’etant pas trop au fait de Ces Sortes...
22To Thomas Jefferson from David Bailie Warden, 15 August 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of sending you through mr Sheldon, three great volumes and two letter s. The greeks have lately gained some advantages, and anticipating freedom are now preposing a constitution, or form of government adapted to their situation. The more enlightened Spaniards, motivated by the same feelings, still manifest a vigorous resistance: but the lower class, it is said, generally...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Jesse B. Harrison, 27 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will believe me sincere when I assure you that it is with the greatest reluctance that I intrude on the quiet of your calm retreat, at an age when exertion must be irksome; yet when I reflect that there is a motive which has ever been more powerful with you than even the love of philosophie ease, the love of active kindness, I am emboldened to beg a few moments of your time. Having...
24To Thomas Jefferson from John Henry Sherburne, 29 June 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting herewith, an Engraving of John Paul Jones , which I received yesterday for the embellishment of his Life, which is now, in press: my object in enclosing this engraving to you, is, to ask your opinion as to the likeness , design, & c . and if you think the facsimilie of his signature is Correct. My great anxiety in having the Work & likeness Complete must be, my...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Horace Holley, 10 October 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the pleasure to be at your house a few weeks since, you expressed a desire to have another copy of the Report of our Commissioners upon a System of Common Schools. Agreeably to my promise at that time, I now send you the pamphlet. I trust, that I may be permitted to use the occasion to testify to you the very high respect, which I entertain for your persevering labours in the cause...
26Claude Victoire Herard (Leuba) to Thomas Jefferson, 8 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous trouverez la demarche que je fais près de Vous très extraordinaire, mais ayant entendu louer Votre humanité, je m’hazarde après bien de la peine à Vous adresser cette lettre, il m’en Coute infiniment, mais la detresse dans laquelle Se trouve mon père m’y force; ayant perdu la plus grande partie de notre fortune par la guerre qui a eu lieu en france , mon pere perdit encor Sa place et fut...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 10 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
It has for some time past that I have promised myself the pleasure of paying you a Visit, yet the situation of my family and the interests of the Museum has not allowed me that indulgence. My Son Titian has not only great skill in preserving all kinds of Animals, but also he has acquired an abundance of knowledge in Natural history, I mean of animated nature. And my Son Franklin is possessed...
28James H. McCulloch to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February [1822] (Jefferson Papers)
I received this morning a letter from Coll o B Peyton of Richmond , enclosing a check on the Bank of Baltim o , for thirty five dollars thirty five cents, duties & expences on a box of books consigned to my care for you, & shipped hence in the schooner Spartan to Richmond
29John G. Robert (for Patrick Gibson) to Thomas Jefferson, 16 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 11 th ins t last night & hasten to reply to it—tho’ I regret to say in not so satisfactory a manner as I could wish— At the time of Co l Nicholas ’ failure I knew you were indorser on some notes of his & should have informed you of his being protested, but doubted not Co l N would (as he has done) write you himself —I this morning called at his house & there...
30John Payne Todd to Thomas Jefferson, 7 March 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I very reluctantly enclose you the list of Medals furnished by D r Mease from a fear that the answer to his enquiry may prove of some inconvenience. M r Madison will carry with him the Volume of plates of which I Spoke to Monticello , together with a print of the lately finished and much admired front of the Louvre in Paris . RC (
31John Vaughan to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing a list of queries which Judge Tilghman has handed to me—Many of these are local—but if to any of them you can give a reply which may assist him in the Task he has undertaken & enable him to do the Justice he wishes to our Deceased friend ( whose loss we every day feel more & more) it is very desireable—
32Elizabeth Page to Thomas Jefferson, 27 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I shoud be very much obliged to you to give me all the information you can recollect respecting the Money expended in the Revolutionary War, by my Father General Thomas Nelson . I make no doubt Sir you recollect the Sacrifice my Father made of his Property to Raise Money to carry on the Proceedings of the War at that time. The Widow and Heirs of General Thomas Nelson are in want, and mean to...
33To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 1 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I ought not to have neglected so long to write you an account of the delightful visit I received from M r and M rs Cooledge, M rs C— deserves all the high praises I have constantly heard concerning her, She entertained me with accounts of your sentiments of human life, which accorded so perfectly with mine that it gave me great delight—In one point however I could not agree—she said, she had...
34Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 14 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the use of the enclosed papers, which I have copied, and now commit to the first mail after my return to this place. I shall endeavor to make myself master as well of your plan for schools, as of that for Colleges, before the period at which these subjects will be taken up in the House of Delegates . If you could conveniently spare the time, I think it would be of great benefit...
35David Michie to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Some recent reports, not correct, as they respect myself, in relation to my pretensions to the mill scite at Milton , have induced me again to address you on that subject. It is not a fact, that I have determined to postpone the prosecution, of what I consider a legal & just claim, untill your death. It is not a fact, that I either dread you, as an opposing litigant, or fear the severest...
36John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 3 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of aug. the 6 th arrived here when my house was filled with my own and M rs Eppes ’s connections— M r Burton and his family left us on Saturday— my sister and M r Lane on Tuesday—I could not conveniently leave them here and the season is now so far advanced that you will I presume soon return to Monticello — We are begining to experience the inconveniences of the wet and cold & our...
37John Hemmings to Thomas Jefferson, 29 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to complain to you so near the close of my worck above all things on earth I hate complants but I am bledg I hav bin going to Poplar forest sevrield falls and that is not the seson for raseing eny kind of vegetable and the very moment your back is turnd from thee Place nace takes evry thing out of the garden and carries them to his cabin and buryis them in the grownd and says that...
38José Corrêa da Serra to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I was very glad of what i knew, about your perfect convalescence and about the progress of the Virginian university , but it has been to me a great additional pleasure, to read it in your handwriting. Your health i am confident will with proper attention continue strong and i hope and wish, for a pretty Long period too. Serus in cælum redeas diuque Lætus intersis — My anxiety about the...
39LeRoy, Bayard & Company to Thomas Jefferson, 7 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
M. P. Gibson having further remitted us on your account $ 255.6. to meet the $256.79.—mention’d & in respect of the 20 t ult o whereby the first of your Bonds to Mess. N. & J. & R Van Staphorst for $ 1000. with Interest, becomes cancelled we have the honor of Sending you Said bond, here enclosed, with our receipt thereon and acknowledging your favr of 25: ult o we Salute with great respect RC (
40To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 1 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The above statement shows the situation of Funds of the University of Virginia to the 31 st March 1826 without breaking in upon the Annuity or borrowing we can’t possibly get on with the buildings and other expences would it not be practicable to borrow $25,000 by pledging, about $3000 of the annuity to pay the interest and the gradual redemption of the Principal? By the fall if the Buildings...
41Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
soon after my arrival here I wrote to inform you of my object in visiting this place, with the hope that my scribling might not be a burden on your precious moments, and as I had said that I would give you some account of my Portraits, Since I begin to think I shall paint only one or two more at the present time, I will enumerate them. Viz t The President , M r Calhoun , M r Adams , M r Crawford ,
42Francis W. Gilmer to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am penetrated with regret at the death of your illustrious friend, and I would fain call him mine— Mr. DuPont (de Nemours) —It is a consolation to me that I had redeemed before his death every promise which I ever made him.—His treatise on National Education was translated, of which I apprized him before I heard that he was indisposed. So long as he lived his own genius preserved the...
43Constantine S. Rafinesque to Thomas Jefferson, 25 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delayed answering your last favor until I could send you my Ichthyology of the Ohio , and the Western Minerva . The former I have now the pleasure to forward you, and shall be glad to know your opinion on it. But I cannot send you the Western Minerva , although the first number is printed , because this Journal is not to be published at present . It has been condamned before its...
44James Brown (of Charlottesville) to Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed you have your Bond to F. Lewis , for which I received Payment in a drft Some time Since, the Bond would have been forwarded to you ere this, but it was not perfectly understood by Mr. J. Leitch what paper you wanted when your Servant applied to him for a paper. RC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ; with additional notation by TJ beneath endorsement: “return g my note to Field g Lewis .”
45Thomas C. Flournoy to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to renew my acquaintance, with one whom I esteem, very highly. Four or five years ago, I wrote you two letters, the last of which contained a fourth of July-speech . You were good enough to answer them both with promptness. Your first answer is dated 1 st October 1812 , your second 8 th of August 1814 . I have them yet, in your own hand writing , and will keep them till I die—indeed...
46To Thomas Jefferson from W.H. Tarpley, 12 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I address you as the sage of America, as one intimately acquainted with the human heart, and who will rightly appreciate all its effusions. “As one to whom the bliss belongs which only wisdom, of celestial birth brings in her train.” My object in writing, is to make a request which I am well assured, if you cannot comply with you will readily excuse. It is to solicit some employment about your...
47William Maury to Thomas Jefferson, 18 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of seeing you, I have received from my Father letters, upon the subject of my letter to you from New Orleans in which he approves of the course I there adopted— But desires me to avoid any expression leading to an idea of his resigning “for, he adds, such an idea might possibly give birth to another: Viz that, from the Wear & Tear of years I ought to do so— ” Now this...
48John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 21 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Was you ever acquainted with Dugald Stuart —before I left France I received a letter from Benjamin Vaughn Esq re in London — Introducing , and recommending in strong terms two gentlemen from Scotland , one by the name of Dugald Stuart and the other Lord —— whose name and title I forget—as young gentlemen of great talents and attainments sufficient to diminish our American prejudices against...
49Robert Mills to Thomas Jefferson, 28 August 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to enclose you my pamphlet on the Internal Improvement of South Carolina , with the expression of the sincerest esteem and the highest respect for your exalted character.—Should your leisure at any time admit of your perusing it, I shall be gratified, and I trust that I shall have written nothing but what will meet with your approbation—If I shall appear to be too sanguine, attribute...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Judah Dobson, 29 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day handed to John Vaughan Esq. who has kindly undertaken to forward them, three vols. of the Memories de la Societé Royale d’Agriculture ,” together with three pamphlets, which were sent me from Paris by M. Michaux, with a request that they should be sent to you. MHi .