21Thomas Jefferson’s Instructions for Setting a Sundial, [ca. 6 March 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
To set the Dial. The first and all-important object is to have the top of the dial post perfectly horizontal. without this it never can be true one moment. to this end, after the post is immoveably fixed in the ground, the top should be tried with a level and planed to the true horizontal level in every direction. it will take a butt of a tree 28. or 29.I. diameter. when planed, place the dial...
22William Pelham to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I had some years ago the pleasure of submitting to your inspection an humble attempt to note the sounds of the English Language which was favorably received. Since that period I have removed from Boston and become an inhabitant of Ohio . The perusal of an editorial article in our republican paper of this day prompts me to request that I may be permitted to lay before you (with the utmost...
23Robert Walsh to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Ro Walsh J r has the honor to present to M r Jefferson the volume sent herewith , presuming that the scientific and literary intelligence which it Contains, may be of interest to one, who embraces so large a portion of human knowledge in the range of his enquiry. RC ( DLC ); dateline at foot of text; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq re ”; endorsed by TJ as received 15 Mar. 1817 and so...
24Thomas Jefferson to Joel Yancey, 6 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
During the unexampled spell of hard weather which we had in Jan. & Feb. and March , I thought it better not to send the waggoners on the road, and especially as Milly and her two young children were to come back with them. but it has been with inexpressible regret that I have been obliged to retain them latterly while these fine ploughing days were passing. but the necessity of bringing corn...
Did I not foster Such an exalted opinion of John Quincy Adams, then yet I might deem it a becoming courtesy to address his excellent Parents on this Solemn occasion—But now I will indulge the irresisteble impulse, of allowing my Self the exquisiste gratification, which not often can be offered, in congratulating his Mother with the certainty—that the highest office—in the gift of the...
26To James Madison from William Prentiss, 7 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
I take the Liberty of enclosing you a prospectus of a Reading Room for the Metropolis of the Union upon an improved plan, and respectfully to solicit your patronage for the Institution. From the countenace at present shewn to the undertaking, the establishment promises soon to be in a prosperous condition. In retirement from public life—I pray you may enjoy health, with the pleasing...
27Thomas Jefferson to Fernagus De Gelone, 7 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
After dispatching my letter of yesterday in answer to your’s of Feb. 25. I looked over the catalogue you had inclosed me and found 2. or 3. other books which I will pray you to send me with those ordered in my letter, to wit. La Conquista de Mexico, De Solis 3. v. 8 vo I take for granted it is in Spanish. Borda . usage du Cercle 4 to Tragedies d’ Euripides . 4. v. 12 mo if in prose ; but not if in
28From John Adams to William Tudor, Sr., 8 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
“Vanity of Vanities, all is Vanity!” The French have a distinction, between Eulogy and Apology. I know not under which of these heads to class, the following anecdote. Governor Hutchinson, in the plenitude of his Vanity and self sufficiency, thought he could convince all America and all Europe, that the Parliament of Great Britain had an authority supreme, sovereign, absolute and...
29From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 8 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have not had any opportunity of writing to you before—indeed I have been So occupied: that I have not had time, for beside Sickness, the good folk who love Sleighing have many of them embraced this opportunity of visiting us; and Louissa wants constant watching to Supply her by little & little with the small nourishment She takes and to See that She does not exceed her Strength by Sitting up...
30Thomas Jefferson to Simon Bernard, 8 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your letter of Feb. 21. covering one from my friend the General la Fayette . I sincerely congratulate you on your arrival in this land of peace and safety, and still more I congratulate my country on the acquisition of your talents, which, directing our preparations for war, are most likely to continue it a land of peace and safety. I wish that in any circumstances of your...
31Thomas Jefferson to George M. Dallas, 8 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Condoling sincerely, as I have done, with the family of the late mr Dallas , as well as with the public, for the great loss sustained in him, it is a satisfaction to learn that we are likely to have the benefit of whatever he has left in writing. what this may be I am not informed, except so far as already published: but besides the benefit of the a republication, I am sure he has written...
32To John Adams from Charles Cushing, 10 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
To my very great surprise and mortification, I saw in the daily Advertizer a week or ten days since, letters written by you in early life to my Father, and how they ever got abroad or published is wholly a mystery to me, and to our Family; I recollect to have seen them some twelve or fifteen years since, & then they were in a trunk of my father’s, with other private papers, that trunk was in...
33To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Besey calling on me for some seed allows me just time to write a line, to await your arrival at home, requesting your attendance as a visitor of our proposed college on Tuesday the 8th. of April, being the day after our election. You will of course, I am in hopes come here the day or evening before, that we may have some previous consultation on the subject. I shall also request Genl. Cocke &...
34Thomas Jefferson to John H. Cocke and David Watson, 10 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
It has been in contemplation for some time to establish a College some where near Charlottesville , of which I presume you have been apprised by the reciept of a Commission from the Governor appointing you one of the 6. Visitors. a first meeting of the Visitors is extremely urgent, to recieve from our predecessors what belongs to the institution, and to set it in motion. no person being...
35Joseph Dougherty to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
During the late session of congress M r Timms, the assistant doorkeeper to the Senate became so frequently intoxicated that the Senate came to a resolution to elect another in his place. the resolution however, was laid on the table, and kept as a rod over him the remaining part of the session. I was an applicant for his place, and put my papers in the hands of Gov. Barbour where they remained...
36Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 10 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Besey calling on me for some seed allows me just time to write a line, to await your arrival at home, requesting your attendance as a visitor of our proposed college on Tuesday the 8 th of April, being the day after our election. you will of course, I am in hopes come here the day or evening before, that we may have some previous consultation on the subject. I shall also request Gen l Cocke &...
37Bernard Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your esteemed favor of the 5th current , this morning, enclosing one to Col o Randolph —upon enquiry I find from the time he left here, he must have reached Monticello the day after the date of your letter, I will therefore preserve this communication until I receive your farther instruction.— I have a particular friend and companion about to set out on a Tour of...
38John Pope to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to make known to you my freind Doctor Watkins of Tennessee who has purchased a farm near you & is about to become your neighibour—He is a gentleman of fine talents & high respectability & worthy of your attention—I shall be obliged by any services you may render him—Please to accept assurances of the respect & esteem of your most ob t Hble Ser RC
39Thomas Eston Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of seeing you, I have communicated with M r Colclaser on the subject of paying a Flour Rent for the Mill, for a new Lease—he says—no Miller can afford to give the Rent which we are now paying, and declines a concern in it on the terms of the present year—I wish however to continue the business, and as I shall be satisfied with a moderate profit, I will take the liberty...
I recieved your very kind letter, this morning, and hasten to acknowledge it; from Mr Clark, I heard last week, his health is entirely reestablished, but he was prevented leaving Maryland by the Ice, which renders the navigation very difficult, indeed it has been entirely closed for the last two months; I hope however by this time, the fetters, which have surrounded him are dissolved, and he...
41From James Madison to Tench Coxe, ca. 11 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of the 8 & 25 ult: were duly recd. The memoir in the former was put into the hands of Mr. Sampson who I found had both a personal & patriotic acquaintance with you, and who employed all his strength in pulling down the errors opposed to our Cotton Manufacturies. The paper in the other letter, was also communicated to him. The last under a blank cover was recd. too late to be...
42Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 11 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Feb. 28. was recieved on the 5 th instant and I now inclose you a power of Attorney copied from th e form you sent me . it has been detained by the difficulty of access to a justice of peace in a county of 60. miles length over which they are sparsely scattered, and difficult to be found at home. I hope the form is such as not to require periodical renewals, which if the certificate...
43George Gibbs to Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
By request of the Mineralogical Committee of the New-York Historical Society, I have the honour to forward to you a notice of their intention to form a collection of the minerals and fossils of the United States . The object of this undertaking being of great public utility, they trust that it will meet with general encouragement. Allow me, Sir, in their behalf, to request of you such...
44Enclosure: Statement of the Mineralogical Committee of the New-York Historical Society, 11 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
T he Mineralogical Committee of the New-York Historical Society, having by their order prepared an apartment for the purpose of receiving and displaying a collection of the minerals and fossils of the United States , beg leave to communicate to the public the arrangements that have been made, and the further claims of the Society to the patronage of the friends of science. The progress of the...
45Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Miller, 11 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The season calling for corks has come upon me before I had thought of it, and it being difficult to get them good but from a person who understands them, I must pray you to send me as many gross of the best as the inclosed bill of 5.D. will pay for. I understand that a steam packet now plies between Norfolk and Richmond so that I am in hopes they can come certainly and speedily addressed to mr...
46Samuel L. Mitchill to Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In behalf of the New-York Historical Society , I beg leave to solicit your assistance toward the formation of a Zoological Museum. For the purpose of becoming more extensively and intimately acquainted with the animal creation, a plan has been digested for collecting specimens and productions from the different tribes. These it is intended to preserve and arrange in an apartment allotted for...
47Enclosure: Statement of the Committee on Zoology of the New-York Historical Society, 11 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Pursuant to a resolve of the Historical Society , at the meeting held in the New-York Institution , on the 11 th day of March , 1817 , the Committee on Zoology offered a Report concerning the means of promoting that Department of Natural Science . For carrying into effect the design of the Society, measures ought to be adopted to form a Cabinet of Zoology. Some of the leading objects are...
48Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 11 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I must ask the favor of you to purchase for me 6 gross of the best corks to be had in Richmond , and to send them by the stage to Milton to the address of mr Vest postmaster, the season for using them being now actually upon us. mr Gibson as usual will be so good as to pay the bill. affectionately and respectfully yours PoC ( MHi ); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; at foot of text: “Cap...
49From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 12 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
The voice of the Nation call’s you home. the Government call you home—and your parents unite in the general call to this Summons. you must not, you cannot refuse your assent, nor will you, I presume have a disposition to regret so honorable an appointment, as is assignd to you; by so unanimous a vote— It is now more than four months Since the News papers from all parts of the united States,...
50From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams Smith, 12 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have not noticed your Letter bearing date 10 Novb’r—I had begun to think that you had renounced me as a correspondent—not having had a line from you for a long time—Like other Ladies who when Slighted turn their Backs or otherways express their Sense of it I did not feel myself obligated to write again—and gratified myself by reading Your Letters to Your Grandfather, and discharging my duty...
51From John Adams to Charles Cushing, 13 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
Though the publication of my juvenile Letters to your Father, especially in a Nantucket Gazette is a riddle, a mystery beyon d all comprehension; yet as it was impossible for me to Suspect any unkindness in your Family, the friendly Apology in your Letter of the eleventh of this month was unnecessary, though highly gratifying to m e The Letters, while they have afforded some amusement to my...
52From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 13 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
A new Administration has commenced, Mr Monro’s inaugural Oration you will See in the Newspapers. It Seems to be popular. Even Ben Russel Says there has been nothing like it Since Washingtons Administration. If there is any Faith in the Government or any Sincerity in the People, you are appointed by the former, and are elected by the other Secretary of State. My Advice is to accept it without...
53From Hannah Phillips Cushing to Abigail Smith Adams, 13 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
A long time my beloved Friend has elapsed since we have seen each other or even conversed by letters. My eyes are so affected by the fire in winter, that I do not attempt to write. It was my intention when at Quincy to have spent the winter at Scituate; but as soon as dear Sister Bowers relinquished the idea of being there also; I was decided at once to pass it here; A spot rendered very dear...
54To James Madison from Joshua Dawson, 13 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
It is with the hope, that I may be permitted without the imputation of vanity, to convey in this manner to Mr. & Mrs. Madison, upon their retireing to the pleasing scenes of private life, my most sincere wishes, that they may both long enjoy every felicity, which this world can possibly afford; and to beg they will have the goodness to be assured, that although, I have not on particular...
55From John Adams to Hezekiah Niles, 14 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I am obliged to you for your favour of the 5th. the eleven volumes of your Register, shall be paid to your order in Boston or Baltimore as you please, as soon as I receive, or know where they are in Boston. The 12th & 13th shall be paid for in the same manner Of the destination of my Son I know nothing but by rumour, Whatever may be the determination of government I shall acquire. it is the...
56From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 14 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
I wrote the inclosed a few days Since, but not having an opportunity to Send it which I liked I have kept it for the memorandum which it contains—Louisa gets a little strength, tho She Swells and puffs in her feet and arms, no perspiration upon her. her appetite is better and She bears the Bark which is a good Symptom. these March winds are intolerable, worse than the coldest we have had...
57From Abigail Smith Adams to John Adams, 15 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
So, so master John, your Back is up, because you have not been written to, as often as you thought your dignity required—why I really think there is Some reason for you to complain of your Hingham School Mates—but I beleive they are Scatterd now, not one of them remaining with mr Thimbull who were your companions—new ones Succeed Politeness requires that notice Should be taken of letters of...
I received your very kind Letter, in which you take so great interest in my health, that I am bound to say much of myself in return; for I have profited by your admonitions and those of my other Friends.In the first place, I indulge myself in the morning, and seldom rise before the sun I use no more exercise than I think my health requires—altho I frequently hear, o do not go there, do not do...
59Fernagus De Gelone to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your orders , I direct to you this day, per schooner Astrea , bound to Richmond , as will appear to you in the herein inclosed bill of lading, a box the direction of which is: Thomas Jefferson , Esq re Monticello , Milton V a , Care of Mess. Gibson & Jefferson , Richmond V
60Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Eston Randolph, 15 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 10 th was handed to me yesterday afternoon only when the Shadwell mills were built, the rent was settled on great enquiry made in this state as well as in those North of us, at one out of every 24. Barrels of flour expected to be manufactured, and to be taken at the place of sale. we supposed the Shadwell mills would manufacture 5000. Barrels of which, according to this...
61Edwin Stark to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
O n my arrival from Washington I found your favor of the 20 th Feb y I am sorry to inform you the two boxes of Wine have not as yet come to hand perhaps they have taken a rong direction as I cannot get any tidings of them in this place If you know the name of the Vessel they were shipt in, from Charleston , be so good as to acquaint me or if you think it necessary I will advertise them as...
62From John Adams to Harrison Gray Otis, 16 March 1817 (Adams Papers)
The information you gave me in your favour of the fifth of this month; for which I kindly thank you, has given me great pleasure, as it affords me a hope of once more embracing my Son. I feel a curiosity to know, the “dissenting Voice”; because a Singular Vote, against a multitude, I am always inclined to consider as a violent presumption; both of Integrity, and Fortitude. As I never had the...
63From James Madison to Benjamin Waterhouse, [ca. 16] March 1817 (Madison Papers)
On a long list of epistolary debts which I could not attend to, during the period of my public duties, is your favor containing explanations relating to “A Journal of a young man &c.” I beg leave now to thank you for that mark of your attention. The reception given by the public to the work is the best evidence of its interesting character; and a perusal of a part of it only, a sufficient one...
64From James Madison to John Lewis Thomson, ca. 16 March 1817 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 16 March 1817. Offered for sale in Anderson Catalogue No. 958 (9–10 May 1912), item 161, where it is described as being an extract of a letter “to the author of ‘Historical Sketches of the Late War’ thanking him for the book, and praising the work.” Also offered for sale in Harmers of New York, Sale 2858 (12 June 1990), item 20, where it is noted the envelope was...
65Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Appleton, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by mr William C. Preston , son of Gen l Francis Preston of this state, who in the course of his travels in Europe , may probably find occasion to call on you. he is not personally known to me, but I am assured of his worth by and distinguished talents by those who know him and command my entire confidence. his standing in this state is high, and I believe I render you...
66Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by mr William C. Preston , son of Gen l Francis Preston of this state, who in the course of his travels in Europe may probably have it in his power to call on you. he is not personally known to me; but I am assured of his distinguished talents and personal worth by those who know him and command my entire confidence. his standing in this state is high, and I believe I...
67Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed to you by mr William C. Preston a young gentleman of this state, either son, or nephew (I know not which) to the gentleman of that name with whom you served in Congress about 1792. I do not know him personelly, but learn from those who do, and in whom I have confidence, that he is of excellent talents, and perfect integrity. his standing in this state is high, and he will...
68Thomas Jefferson to David Higginbotham, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved duly your favor of Feb. 22. on the subject of paints. I shall certainly want a very great quantity in the course of the present year, as I have to renew the whole outer painting of this house and the terrasses, and to paint that in Bedford which has never been done. but I did not make more of any thing scarcely last year than would pay for the corn we did not make. I must therefore...
69Thomas Jefferson to Lucy Marks, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter which came to me by mail yesterday and to which the writer had forgotten to subscribe his name, I received those I now send you, the one sealed, the other open as it now is. observing the name of General Clarke on one of them and my letter being dated at Louisville induces me to suppose it is from him. I tender you the assurance of my great esteem and respect. PoC ( MHi ); on verso...
70Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 16 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 28. came to hand yesterday evening only. mr M c Ilhenny is right in saying he left a letter for me; but I did not get it till a month after he went away. however all is well. we have had the good fortune to get a Swiss from Neufchatel , inferior, I think, to no watchmaker I have ever known. sober, industrious, and moderate. he brought me recommendations from Doct r Patterson...