1From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 9 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have but a single moment to announce to you the death of Trist at N. Orleans. one letter brought us news of his extreme illness, and another, by the same post, of his death. the situation of his family is to be deplored indeed; and I am afraid they will expect what the public mind will not admit. God bless you all. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by Randolph. PoC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ.
2From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 28 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
All is well here, as I hope with you also, & I have not time to say more except that the question decisive of the bill repealing the late judiciary law in the H. of R. will not be taken till tomorrow or next day. my love to my dear Martha & the young ones. RC ( DLC ); address clipped: “Thomas Mann R[andolph] at […]”; franked and postmarked; endorsed by Randolph.
3From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 8 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Munroe, and is of opinion there can be no doubt of Majr. L’enfant’s title to interest. it was validly engaged by the commissioners, and their offer has been approved by the legislature. PoC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ. Notation in SJL : “L’enfant.”
4From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mendenhall, 25 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 12th. I can say with truth that I do not remember ever to have recieved such a paper as is the subject of your letter. I might ascertain this by a recurrence to my files; but it is unnecessary for another reason. it is so important to the public service that I should be the center of information as to whatever concerns them, that in order to induce it to...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Digges, 19 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
My memory is so unfaithful that I am always afraid to affirm any thing on it’s authority. but I believe I am not decieved in saying that a little before I went out of office in 1793, I did recieve from you the specimens of coins you describe, with an account of the falsifications going on in England, and that I published in the news papers what related to the latter in order to guard the...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 14 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I take up my pen merely because I have not written to you since my arrival here, and simply to inform you I am well. I shall be happy to hear the same from you; and hope this day’s post may bring me that information, or that Fontrees’s waggon will do it which I expect will arrive tomorrow or next day. we are selling off all our vessels except the 13. frigates established by law; bringing 7 of...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 14 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A collector for the port of Hampton is wanting in the room of mr Kirby, removed for gross delinquency. Mount E. Chisman has been proposed. can you inform me of his character & circumstances? or can you recommend any better person? I must ask your answer without any delay, as I believe the case presses. indeed I am not certain if it’s pressure may not oblige the Secretary of the Treasury to...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McLean, 9 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 2. was not recieved till a few days ago. however strong my preference of subjects of the nature of that of your letter yet the business of my present station requiring the whole of my time and attention, forbids me to give any portion of either from it’s duties. I have been obliged therefore to forbid myself to enter into philosophical speculations. should you propose to...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sumter, Sr., 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I omitted before the rising of Congress to enquire for proper characters to appoint in South Carolina as Commissioners of bankruptcy. mr Calhoun too, best acquainted in Charleston was gone; and if there, he has not the same determination which I have against appointing a single federalist until the two parties have their due proportion of office, and especially in this case where the federal...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 1 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a pamphlet giving some account of the new operation of making cloths &c. waterproof; as also a piece of paper, one half of which is waterproof. I have recieved cloth for a surtout coat, which I find, on wearing it in rain, to answer perfectly. the prices for making cloathes waterproof are so moderate, that if it does not injure the quality of the stuff, it will become extensively...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 2 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I forgot this was post day till the moment of the mail’s being made up. I have only time therefore to say Congress rises tomorrow. mr Milledge & mr Clarke will probably set out in the evening, be at Orange courthouse on Wednesday evening & go thence to dine with you on Thursday. I shall be two or three days after them. tender love to my dear Martha & the young people & affectionate attachment...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 26 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 21st. and thank you for the communication it contained. I value it as a historical fact, as well as a strong evidence of the obligations I am under for the partiality of my country men to me: but rejoice with you that the views of the constitution were otherwise fulfilled. satisfied that the departure of the Chevr. d’Yrujo & his family must be a...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 3 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My previous letter of this day’s date (now gone to the post office) gave you information of mr Carr’s situation to June 1. 6 aclock P.M. a letter from mr Hollins , 12 hours later, (yesterday morning) who had sat up with him the preceding night, says he was better, & he began to have hopes he might recover. Adieu. RC ( PW Wilbur S. Howell, ed., Jefferson’s Parliamentary Writings, Princeton,...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 12 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Blow, surveyor of the customs at Smithfield, has resigned his office. it is of small value, but yet may be acceptable to some person there. I will thank you if from your own knowledge or from the best information you can collect, you would be so good as to recommend to me the properest person. it would be material to be assured he will accept. Our last information gives reason to...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 18 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday came to hand your favor of the 13th. with the pleasing information of the health of the family. I recieved at the same time a letter of June 12. from mr Eppes informing me of his & Maria’s health, that he was then engaged in his harvest, and as soon as that should be over he proposed to go up to Monticello with Maria. he expressed great regret at not having removed her there sooner....
16From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sumter, Sr., 11 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia ‘Mr. Burr is here. he and P. Butler are much together. several federal characters of note are here also; among whom is one of the Pinckneys. all visit him.’ Extract of another letter from Philadelphia. ‘During mr Burr’s stay here he saw much company: among others mr P. Butler in particular. I strongly suspect some arrangements have been made to defeat the...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 16 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
You will percieve by the inclosed letter from the Governor of Maryland that we are called on for the arrears of interest on the two loans of two hundred thousand and of fifty thousand dollars, the former guarantied by Congress, and the latter assumed by them in a specified mode. knowing that the city funds are not in cash to answer these demands, and that your office is constantly open for the...
18From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 12 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary at War, Genl. Dearborne, having occasion to visit Norfolk , I cannot omit the occasion of making him known to you. you will find that his public appointment is no more than a just testimonial of his private worth: and I always suppose in bringing two good men together, I render a service to both. I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of June 1. it is probable I shall...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 18 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury informs me that he is obliged to remove mr Wilkins the collector at Cherrystone’s on the Eastern shore, having never rendered any account of his collection since Dec. 1796. and that he can get no information whom to put in his place. he says ‘the successor should have integrity, keenness & firmness. there is much smuggling in that district, & the people being in...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Truxtun, 28 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved in due time your favor of the 18th. covering your commission for the purpose of inspection. altho’ this communication was expressly made to me in my private character, yet as it is only as a public officer that my opinion can be of any consequence, I shall freely express [it.?] the considerations urged in your letter are undoubtedly weighty and bear with force on the question of...
21From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Leiper, 29 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I propose in two or three days to make a short excursion home to make some arrangements previously neecessary to my final settlement here. I cannot go till I have thanked you for the trouble you took in the late case of my tobo. which as to the complaints I suppose had it’s origin in feelings no way derived from the quality of the tobo. my crop of the last year, about [40,000] is lying at...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Willing, 6 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15th. Sep. reached me in due time, and I think it my duty to express my entire satisfaction with the reasons given in favor of mr Davidson. besides these, I knew the place to require such confidence as little short of personal knowlege could inspire. the quarrel between Forest & mr Hanson , which threatened to the latter the danger which occasioned my application, is now in...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 19 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 14th. and have this morning sent it on to Genl. Dearborne as I had before done several applications for the same office, leaving to him to chuse among them. the office calls for a good deal of mercantile qualification: if Colo. Miles possesses this also it will add to the advantages of his competition. Neither the subject of the application which you...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Truxtun, 4 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Capt Truxton and his thanks for the pamphlet of mr Hoppe on the improved Sextant, which his late return to the seat of government and immersion into other business waiting for him, has not permitted him yet to look into. having recieved half a dozen copies from the author , and supposing from mr Hoppe’s letter to Capt Truxton that a single copy only...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 14 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
If you will be so good as to make particular & diligent enquiry as to the riotous workmen, and to designate those who were active and insolent on the late occasion, & therefore most proper to be excluded from the public yards, I shall be willing that the residue be recieved again. it will be necessary that you report the list to me that I may communicate it to the other public works. friendly...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 21 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 14th. was recieved on the 18th. and this goes by the return of the first post, that which brought it not affording time for an answer. No. 2. in the draught mr King was so kind as to send me is exactly what Dr. Thornton explained to me as the original design except that he did not mention the two middle rows of trees, but only the two outer ones on each side: and, omitting...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 12 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I mentioned to you in my letter by mr Nicholas that I should be able by this post to fix a day for the departure of Davy Bowles with my chair & horses, & that he should be in readiness. though it is impossible for me to say to a day when I can set out from hence, yet I expect it may be by the time you recieve this. I would therefore have him set off from Monticello on Saturday the 21st. inst....
28From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 8 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter to mr Mason, & that from mr Stoddert will explain themselves. be so good as to peruse & deliver them to mr Mason, and consult with him on their contents. whatever he and you think may be lawfully done, which may be an indulgence to mr Stoddert and not injure the public, I would wish you to do without delaying to consult me. Accept my best wishes & respects. PrC ( DLC ); at...
29From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 23 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your favor of the 12th. inst. and thank you for the information respecting the receipt of a consignment of old Madeira wines. I will gladly take a pipe of the Brazil quality which you mention to be the best: and should hope a means of conveying it hither would occur. the price I presume I shall be able to remit by a bill on the Collector of your port. We [hear] nothing very...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of Feb. 20. and to thank you for your congratulations on the event of the election. had it terminated in the elevation of mr Burr, every republican would I am sure have acquiesced in a moment; because, however it might have been variant from the intentions of the voters, yet it would have been agreeable to the constitution. no man would more...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 3 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to acknolege the reciept of your last favor , and I assure you with truth that the rumors set about by designing persons, & which are the subject of your letter, were perfectly understood by me, & made not the least impression. a long life spent in the service of the public & going always directly and openly to it’s object, is better evidence to me of your conduct than...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 3 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by mr Milledge who takes the route by Edgehill on purpose to give you information on the subject of Georgia. mr Clarke, a son of Genl. Clarke, of that state is with him. he is a sensible young man & has been studying the law here some time under John Thompson Mason. having before mentioned these gentlemen in my letters, nothing more need be added. I wrote to you by...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 9 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter from Edgehill was of the 6th. of Dec. I wrote you on the 1st. inst. the debate on the repeal of the last judiciary law was commenced in the Senate yesterday. it has also been touched on in the other house, where some members, generally sound, will have some qualms on this subject, because they are afraid to distinguish between a fraudulent use of the constitution, and a...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 7 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter from the committee of subscribers to the theatre which I recieved from you on the 18th. Ult. has been the subject of enquiry & consideration since my return to this place. the theatre is proposed to be built by private individuals, it is to be their private property, for their own emolument, & may be conveyed to any other private individual. to cede to them public grounds for such a...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Paine, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 10th. inst. I wrote you on the subject of Louisiana, and mentioned the question of a supplement to the constitution on that account. a letter recieved yesterday renders it prudent to say nothing on that subject, but to do sub silentio what shall be found necessary. that part of my letter therefore be so good as to consider as confidential. Accept my friendly salutations & assurances of...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Caldcleugh & Thomas, 28 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23d. is at hand, and I will thank you to send the lamps (half a dozen) bespoke by mr Claxton which you have imported, with the note of their cost. vessels are constantly coming from Philadelphia to this place, or to Alexandria, which will bring them safely. with respect to the Mantle piece fountain lamps, perhaps you could give me some idea of their forms by a sketch which...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 21 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3d , my dear Jefferson, and to congratulate you on your writing so good a hand. By the last post I sent you a French Grammar, and within three weeks I shall be able to ask you, “Parlez vous Français, monsieur?” I expect to leave this about the 9th, if unexpected business should not detain me, and then it will depend on the weather and the...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 2 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of Oct. 29. has been recieved. the day after my last letter to you, say Oct. 23. I enquired of Doctr. Tucker as to the difficulty of getting your negroes across the state of S.C. he could give me no information but he wrote the next day to Govr. Drayton , & I think his answer & General Sumpter’s will be here about the time of your own arrival here. The favorable expressions in your...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas C. James, 12 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter of the 4th. inst informing me that at a meeting of the American Philosophical society of that day for the annual election of officers, they had been pleased to reelect me as their president. I beg leave, through you Sir, to return my sincere thanks to the Society for these repeated proofs of their favor to me, and to express the particular satisfaction derived...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 8 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure now to inclose you a copy of the act of assembly which you desired. it could not be authenticated in any way: but I send you mr Carr’s letter, which assures me that it is an accurate copy. Accept assurances of my esteem & great respect. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Colo Thomas Newton”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. Enclosures: (1) Dabney Carr to TJ, 30 Nov., recorded in...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Cooper, 9 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Mar. 21. was recieved here on the 4th. inst. the warrant to your son as midshipman had been suspended for enquiry on a suggestion of too great a propensity in him to drink. no information has been recieved, but your’s is sufficient. it is sufficient that you are apprised of it, and state the nature of the case yourself. his warrant was therefore signed two days ago, and has been,...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Leiper, 6 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of June 3. were duly recieved. I made the last year but little tobacco, and my overseer informed me it was not good. it was deemed generally an unfavorable year both for the quality and quantity of tobacco made. in consideration of the quality I have lodged mine at Richmond with a view of selling it there; and had authorised my correspondent to take 6. D. @ 90. days for it. I have...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 4 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 16. is recieved, and according to the permission therein given me, I will ask that two pipes of Madeira of the Brazil best quality may be imported for me annually while here. the two lately sent me by mr Taylor were recieved yesterday. I set out in a day or two on a very short visit to Monticello. if you will be so good as to address the bill for the cyder to mr Barnes of...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 5 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
We have just heard of the calamitous event of Norfolk . I have not heard whether any persons are named to recieve donations for the relief of the poor sufferers, and therefore take the liberty of inclosing two hundred dollars to you, & of asking the favor of you to have it applied in the way you think best, for the relief of such description of sufferers as you shall think best. I pray not to...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 28 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of last night is this moment recieved. no apologies are necessary for calling on me on business. it is to do business that I am placed here, and I meet the duties of my office not only without repugnance but with desire. I recieve yourself particularly with pleasure whenever the business of your office requires it. my hours of greatest convenience are from ten to one. subjects which...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 15 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Sumpter has arrived here and I have this morning had a conversaton with him on the subject of the law of S. Carolina against the transportation of slaves across that state. he says there would be no doubt of the success of an application to the legislature while in session for a special permission, & that he met large emigrations of slaves going on upon that assurance but the legislature...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 6 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I pray that the subject of this Letter may be entirely confidential between you and myself. the office of Collector for Norfolk will very shortly be vacant. if you would accept of it, your long & faithful services to the public would place you beyond all competitors, & justify me in duty as well as feeling in appointing you. altho the emoluments would be no object to you, and the duties what...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Tudor Tucker, 31 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved a letter from you in March last which expressed a willingness to undertake the duties of an office in the General government should occasion arise. with whatever pleasure I recieved this information, and however much I was chagrined not to return an answer, yet I found myself obliged by a rigorous rule, under which it was absolutely necessary to lay myself, to pretermit that...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 17 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 8th. but the act of ratification which it announces, is not yet come to hand. no doubt it is on it’s way. that great opposition is and will be made by federalists to this amendment is certain. they know that if it prevails, neither a Presidt. or Vice President can ever be made but by the fair vote of the majority of the nation, of which they are not. that...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 16 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 13th. is this moment recieved, informing me of the vacancy in the office of Surveyor of the city, by the departure of the late Surveyor, & of the necessity of an immediate appointment. according therefore to what had been proposed, on that event’s taking place, I presume it is proper to appoint mr Nicholas King to that place. I believe this appointment was heretofore made by the...