1551From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 24 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The address of the Ward committees of Philada on the subject of removals from office was recieved at Washington on the 17th. inst. I cannot answer it, because I have given no answers to the many others I have recieved from other quarters. you are sensible what use an unfriendly party would make of such answers by putting all their expressions to the torture: and altho’ no person wishes more...
1552From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 25 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
We agreed that the address of the Ward committees ought not to be formally answered. but on further reflection I think it would be better to write a private letter to one of the members, in order that he may understand the true grounds on which the subject rests, & may state them informally to his colleagues. I think these grounds so solid that they cannot fail to remove this cause of division...
1553From Thomas Jefferson to William Maddox, 26 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 26th. of March I wrote you a letter informing you that after our settlement of Sep. 7. making a balance due you of 254–7–11 I had paid an order of your’s in favor of John Craven for £16–8–9 . that I went on remitting you money from time to time, and in taking an account at the last remittance, which was Feb. 8. 1803. I omitted to note this order of Craven’s, and remitted 98. D. which...
1554From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 26 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In a former letter from Washington I expressed a wish that the salubrity of our climate here, and the wishes of antient friends might make it agreeable to mrs Page and yourself to come and pass some time during my stay here which will be to about the 20th. of September. from your answer I concieved hopes it would be so. I nourish them still with fondness, and anticipate the pleasure of...
1555From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Galloway, 28 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 19th is dated on the day I left Washington and finds me here, where I propose to pass our annual recess during the sickly season. the letter of which you desire a copy is among my papers at Washington, locked up, and the key here so that no copy of it can be obtained till I return, the last week in September when, if not too late for your purpose it shall be attended to. I...
1556From Thomas Jefferson to Caesar A. Rodney, 28 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 22d. finds me here. I have carefully perused the copy of the paper addressed to you from Wilmington in July 1801. signed by Messrs. Tilton and others and inclosed to me in your letter: and altho’ I really believe that you presented such an one to me while at Washington, yet I have had so many proofs of the little confidence I ought to place in my memory, surcharged with so...
1557From Thomas Jefferson to Joshua Danforth, 29 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Editor of the Pittsfield Sun did for a while forward me the newspaper as mentioned in your favor of the 16th inst. which I recieved [here] a day or two after my arrival from Washington. I had [found] of the character you give [it]. what has discouraged me from taking distant papers is the difficulty of making paiments at a distance of so small amount as not to be the object of a bill of...
1558From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 29 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from E. I. Dupont who has established a gunpowder manufactory at Wilmington. if the public can with advantage avail themselves of his improvements in that art, it would be to encourage improvement in one of the most essential manufactures. I should be the more gratified by it as it would gratify his father who has been a faithful & useful friend to this country. during...
1559From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the petition of Samuel Miller with the pardon signed. mr Kelty had spoke to me on this subject and told me that he and mr Craunch should join in a recommendation . I wish mr Wagner would obtain this before he delivers the pardon. I return also mr King’s letter which has really important matter, especially what respects the Mare clausum , the abandonment of the colonial system , &...
1560I. Chronology of Territorial Claims in Louisiana, on or before 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A Chronological series of facts relative to Louisiana. 1673. Spain declares war against France. 4. Russel’s Mod. Eur. 68. Joliet, an inhabitant of Quebec, & the Jesuit Marquette descended from Canada down the Missisipi to the Arkansas in 33.° & returned to Canada. 8. Rayn. 158. Hennepin N.D: 293. 1675. La Salle goes to France to sollicit authority to explore the Misipi. Joutel xvii 1678. The...
1561From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is suggested to me (indirectly from the person himself) that Jerome Bonaparte is at Baltimore under the name of Monsr. Dalbarton , with a son of Rewbell, and that they mean to ask a passage to France in one of our frigates. if this be the fact, he will have satisfied thereof the minister of his nation, thro’ whom we shall be apprised of it, and relieved from all trouble in deciding on it....
1562From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is suggested to me (indirectly from the person himself) that Jerome Bonaparte is at Baltimore under the name of Monsr. Dalbarton, with a son of Rewbell, and that they mean to ask a passage to France in one of our frigates. if this be the fact, he will have satisfied thereof the minister of his nation, thro’ whom we shall be apprised of it, & relieved from all trouble in deciding on it. this...
1563From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
If M. Dalbarton be really Jerome Bonaparte, he will have satisfied thereof the minister of his nation, thro’ whom we shall be apprised of the fact, and relieved from all trouble in deciding on it. this may yet be done, perhaps just as a frigate is ready to sail, and accompanied with a request of a passage in her; when no time will be left for consultation. our duty to our constituents would...
1564From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is suggested to me (indirectly from the person himself) that Jerome Bonaparte is at Baltimore, under the name of Monsr. Dalbarton, with a son of Rewbell, [&] that they mean to ask a passage to France in one of our frigates. if this be the fact, he will have satisfied thereof the minister of his nation, thro’ whom we shall be apprised of it, & relieved from all trouble in deciding on it....
1565From Thomas Jefferson to John Dickinson, 9 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly favor of the 1st. inst. is recieved with that welcome which always accompanies the approbation of the wise & good. the acquisition of New Orleans would of itself have been a great thing, as it would have ensured to our Western brethren the means of exporting their produce: but that of Louisiana is inappreciable, because, giving us the sole dominion of the Missisipi, it excludes...
1566From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Paine, 10 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. came to hand on the 8th. I shall willingly communicate to you all I know on the subject of Louisania. it is new, and therefore profitable to interchange ideas on it, that we may form correct opinions before we are to act on them. The unquestioned extent of Louisania on the sea is from the Iberville to the Mexicana river, or perhaps the high lands dividing that from the...
1567From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Fitch proposes to set out from hence for the Missisipi about the 1st. of October, and to go by Knoxville & Nashville along the post road. as there is still time enough to recieve an answer from you by post before his departure, the object of this letter is merely to ask if you have any thing to advise him of before his journey which may be useful to him either on the road or preparatory to...
1568From Thomas Jefferson to David Jackson, Jr., 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments & thanks to mr Jackson for the pamphlet sent him . the [with which] he has been monarchists and ecclesiastics on the subject of religion he has ever consid ered as the most honourable testimony he could expect from them. they [acknowlege] their apprehension that he would be an obstacle to the alliance between [church] & State which some of them avowedly...
1569From Thomas Jefferson to Étienne Lemaire, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yours of the 6th. yesterday and am happy to hear of your recovery. mr Barnes had informed me of your illness. I freely consent to the absence you desire for the reestablishment of your health, & have no doubt you will make such arrangements as will keep every thing safe at the President’s house during your absence. I shall not be there myself till the 25th. of September, unless any...
1570From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Wagner, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 29th. ult. I recieved from mr Madison a petition on behalf of Saml. Miller under sentence of death and a pardon ready drawn, which I signed and returned on the 31st. with a request that before it should be used the recommendation of the judges should be obtained. that I recieved yesterday, & now re-inclose to be filed. I take for granted the pardon got to hand and has been delivered....
1571From Thomas Jefferson to John Breckinridge, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter, tho’ directed to you, was intended to me also, was left open with a request that, when perused, I would forward it to you. it gives me occasion to write a word to you on the subject of Louisiana, which being a new one, an interchange of sentiment may produce correct ideas before we are to act on them. our information as to the country is very incompleat: we have taken...
1572From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to send me by the first boat 4. bottles of Hamilton’s elixir , which is I presume to be bought in Richmond? the cask of oil was found, as you conjectured, in mr Higginbotham’s cellar. all the other articles arrived safe & soon after the date of my letter. I am now expecting to arrive with you, for forwarding, 4. cases of wine, some bar iron , & some boxes of window glass...
1573From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 13 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a petition from Aaron Goff of Vermont praying the release of his son under age. the fact of infancy being established, the discharge becomes a matter of right. I have the pleasure to inform you that William Clarke accepts with great glee the office of going with Capt Lewis up the Missouri. in the moment of my departure from Washington mrs Madison informed me you had a thought...
1574From Thomas Jefferson to Aaron Goff, 13 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your petition praying for the discharge of your son Jehiel Goff from military service on the ground of his being under age; and have forwarded it to the Secretary at war to have the fact enquired into, and to order a discharge if found true. I think it proper to inform you also, that the discharge in such a case does not rest on the will of the military alone, but that on your...
1575From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 13 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday the inclosed letter & papers from Governor Mercer, requesting my approbation of the relinquishment of a part of their claim to bank stock in England in order to obtain the residue. this it seems is required by an act of the legislature of Maryland, but with what view, or to what end I am unapprised, never having seen the act. it cannot certainly be with a view to raise any...
1576From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel D’Oyley, 14 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 25. found me at this place, where I habitually pass the two months of August & September, to avoid the bilious diseases then prevailing on the tidewaters. I thank you for the pamphlet it covered, and which breathes the genuine sentiments which separated us from Great Britain. I lament that so many of the worthies of your state, who went well with us through the revolution,...
1577From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund J. Lee, Cuthbert Powell, and Archibald McClean, 14 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival here I recieved from the person I had employed for that purpose, copies of the acts respecting the town of Alexandria, which had been selected from my collection of the printed laws. although I have not had time to examine & compare them myself, the correctness of the transcriber on former occasions gives me entire confidence that these are correct. I now inclose them, & beg...
1578From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 14 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 2d. inst. has been duly recieved. I have altogether declined my journey to Bedford, and therefore am in no danger of being absent when yourself & family shall render us the kindness of a visit. as all roads appear bad to the traveller, and he is liable to be ill-advised in the choice of them, I take the liberty, on my own knolege of the routes from Richmond here, as well as on the...
1579From Thomas Jefferson to John Vaughan, 14 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken in procuring a copy of Dr. Priestley’s harmony, yet fear at the same time we may have disfurnished him of the one retained for his own use. I expect that mr John Barnes of George town is at this time at Philadelphia at mr Bissel’s 19. South 3d. street. if he is he will take charge of the book and bring it with him to Washington. if not...
1580From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 13th. came to hand yesterday. I now return Paine’s Duane’s, Lear’s, Simpson’s & Toulman’s letters, and the two protests on impressment by a British and a French armed vessel. I am glad of the latter, as it will serve as a set-off against French complaints on the British trespasses on us. but the former is an afflicting subject. with every disposition to render them all...
1581From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 16 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson salutes mr Smith and incloses him a letter from a mr Nichols of Massachusets desiring to be a midshipman, of whom he knows nothing but what is contained in the letter. health & happiness. PrC ( DLC ). Enclosure: John H. Nichols to TJ, 8 Aug. 1803 (recorded in SJL as received from Charlestown on 15 Aug. with notation “to be Midshipman,” but not found).
1582From Thomas Jefferson to John Breckinridge, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 12th. inst. on the subject of Louisiana, and the constitutional provision which might be necessary for it. a letter recieved yesterday shews that nothing must be said on that subject which may give a pretext for retracting; but that we should do sub silentio what shall be found necessary. be so good therefore as to consider that part of my letter as confidential. it...
1583From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 8th. inst. yesterday I recieved your two favors of the 11th. there ought to be no further hesitation with E. Livingston. the importation of negroes from the French islands ought to be vigorously withstood: but I think we should not tread back our steps as to the reduction of the size of our revenue cutters on bare supposition that they will be resisted. when such a...
1584From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you two letters from Rob. R. Livingston. that of the 2d of June is just intelligible enough in the uncyphered parts to create anxieties which perhaps the cypher may remove. I communicate them for your information, & shall be glad to recieve them decyphered. I infer that the less we say about constitutional difficulties respecting Louisiana the better, and that what is necessary for...
1585From 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...
1586From Thomas Jefferson to David Gelston, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 12th. and thank you for your attention to the wine & nuts, as well as your purpose of forwarding them on to Washington which is exactly what I wish. being a stranger to the ceremonies requisite from the owner on an importation, I shall be ready to comply with all requisite formalities on your being so good as to inform me what they are, as also to have...
1587From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Cathalan of Marseilles has shipped for me by the ship Fair American of Bath, Capt Spear, bound to Boston, 10. packages, cost there 667. francs, and containing olive oil, olives, capers, dried & preserved fruits & nuts. as I could not foresee to what port of America he might find a conveyance, I desired him to address them to the Collector of the customs of whatever port the ship might be...
1588From Thomas Jefferson to James Mease, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 9th. and proceed to answer the two enquiries made in it on the subject of the Mould board. the 1st. indeed as to the modifications of the simpler form of mould board, is answered in the passage of the Philos. transactions where they are mentioned. these modifications are there described, & the reasons are stated which render them necessary. as to the 2d....
1589From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Wagner, 20 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Wagner and will be obliged to him to have put into the National Intelligencer an advertisement for the purpose of obtaining the information desired in the inclosed letter. he supposes no names need be mentioned but that of Francis Serraire & his father, and that the request may be to give the information to the department of state. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
1590From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of Aug. 13. and 15. were recieved yesterday. the appointment of a successor to Samuel Bishop must await our re-assembling at Washington. I inclose you the late letters of Livingston & Monroe, for consideration, & to be returned to me when perused. you will find that the French government, dissatisfied perhaps with their late bargain with us, will be glad of a pretext to declare...
1591From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from mr Simpson to mr Madison shewing very clearly that our plan of having the gun carriages for the Emperor of Marocco made in Europe, cannot take place. to cut short all further delay on this subject, I think we must furnish them from hence. you observe they must be of the very best & fitted for land service. if we have such, really good, tho’ wanting for our own...
1592From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 18th. & 20th. were recieved on the 21st. the letters of Livingston & Monroe are sent to mr Gallatin as you proposed. that of Simpson to mr Smith for the purpose of execution. all of them will be returned. Thornton’s, Clarke’s, Charles Pinckney’s, Graham’s, Appleton’s, Davis’s, Mitchell’s, Newton’s, & Derieux’ letters are now inclosed. with respect to the impressment of...
1593From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your servant finds me just mounting my horse on a call to mr Lilly’s. I have only time therefore to say I must leave the renting &c to yourself entirely, only guarding against repetitions of corn planting so as to injure the fields. I am sorry I have not 10. D. by me. I depend on exchanges with the sheriffs, who collect little. Accept my best wishes. RC ( MA ). Not recorded in SJL .
1594From Thomas Jefferson to John F. Mercer, 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of the 6th. inst: I forwarded that to mr Pinckney with the papers accompanying it to the Secretary of state who has, with my sanction, written to mr Pinckney to conform to your wish and forwarded your letter & papers to him. Accept my friendly salutations and assurances of my high consideration & respect. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Govr. Mercer.” i forwarded :...
1595From Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Bradley, Jr., 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having carried most of my maps to Washington I find myself much at a loss here for one of the US. if any more are in hand of those made (by yourself I believe) for the Post Office, I should be thankful to receive one by post. I should prefer one in simple sheets pasted together but not on linen. Accept my salutations & best wishes. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Abraham Bradley esq.”; endorsed...
1596From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from mr Jackson of Tennissee, formerly a Senator from that state on the subject of Colo. Butler. he is a man of great integrity and respectability; carried sometimes beyond strict reason by an overwarm and excellent heart. another from judge Campbell on the subject of Doctr. Vandyke. I also return the one from him to you covering mine. on the subject of the robbery...
1597From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last post I recieved & forwarded your letter to Duane, in which there was nothing but what was safe and proper. Duane is honest, & well intentioned, but over zealous. these qualities harmonise with him a great portion of the republican body. he deserves therefore all the just & favorable attentions which can properly be shewn him. by the same post I recieve from the collector of Norfolk...
1598From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Morris, 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved two days ago your favor of the 25th. and should have been glad to accommodate your son as desired but that my particular situation has required me to make special provisions of his wood & lumber to ensure a perpetual supply. with this view I have purchased at different times the whole of the mountain adjoining the one I live on, & above the level of the gap uniting them. this...
1599Amendment for Annexation of Louisiana and Florida, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Amendment to the Constitution. Louisiana, as ceded by France to the US. is made a part of the US. But as to the portion thereof lying North of an East & West line drawn through the mouth of Arkansa river, no new state shall be established, nor any grants of land made, other than to Indians in exchange for equivalent portions of land occupied by them, until authorised by subsequent amendment to...
1600From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 20th. & 22d. came to hand yesterday, and this will go by return of post tomorrow. I now return the letters of Symonds & others on the smugling of negroes into Georgia. his letter to Payne of the revenue cutter will bring to issue the resistance apprehended, and if it be found too great, we must strengthen her. should the Enterprize return here to be refitted, which she...