1To Thomas Jefferson from James McGurk, 10 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I Beg lave once more to adress yaur Exilency as the Onley and last means that I have for my life in my Latir to you By Mr. wodward I mentioned that Judge keltey and Cranch was willing to have my life Saved But Since there has Been a politicle partey that has Ecused Me with faulls Storeys in the washinton feaderelist I Bleive That Induced the Judges to not Concent to my Pardon I Bleive the...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 16 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Before your Letter arrived Dr Priestley was dead: of which I informed you hastily on the same afternoon. The work you mention of Mr Malthus, I have perused with deep interest and melancholy conviction of the general truth of his Theory, but I cannot help thinking he carries it much too far. Granting the tendency of the procreative passion to increase the human species far beyond the ratio of...
3To Thomas Jefferson from William Irvine, 18 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
When at Washington I took the liberty to recommend Robert Porter Esqr. of Philadelphia to your notice as one of the Commissioners of Bankruptcy for the District of Pennsylvania—Circumstances probably were not favorable at that time to his appointment—as there is now a vacancy by the death of John W. Vancleve, I again solicit your attention to the pretensions of Mr. Porter for that office,...
4From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 26 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Glendye a presbyterian clergyman from Ireland, who settled two or three years ago at Staunton about 40. miles from this place, understanding that there is or will be a vacancy at Baltimore, proposes to go there to offer himself. my personal acquaintance with him is small, but I have had abundant attestations of his character from others. he is a man of excellent character, goodhumoured,...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 5 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely hope that you have, on your arrival, found Mrs. Eppes in a fair way of recovering. The weather and city have been gloomy enough since your departure; and Mrs G. is anxious that I should take her to New York. If I can possibly complete in time the business and arrangements resulting from the laws of last session, I will try to do it early enough to be back here when you shall...
6X. Draft of the Financial Section and Conclusion, 8 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The state of our finances continues to fulfill our expectations. eleven millions & an half of Dollars recieved in the course of the year ending on the 30th. of Sep. last, have enabled us, after meeting all the ordinary expences of the year to pay 3,600,000. Dollars of the principal of the public debt. this paiment, with those of the two preceding years, has extinguished upwards of twelve...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Preble, 26 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Having established myself at this Port; and finding that Mr. Peter Dobell who was some time since appointed Commercial Agent of the US. at Havre, intends to resign that office, I beg leave to solicit the same when vacant; it would be particularly valuable to me, as I shall most probably pass great part of the remainder of my life at this Place. I have thought it needless to trouble you with...
8To Thomas Jefferson from William Evans, 5 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favour of the 1st Instant, and am sorry to inform you that the report respecting James Hennings Having commited an act of Suicide is true. I made every enquiry at the time this melancholy circumstance took place, the result of which was, that he had been delirious for Some days previous to his having commited the act, and it was the General opinion that drinking too freely was...
9Petition of Jesse Page and Wife, 1 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Petition of Jesse Page, and Wife, of Ann Arundel County, in the State of Maryland; respectfully sheweth, that they are the Parents of a Profligate Son, who now lies, in Confinement, for Desertion, at the military Corps, in Frederick Town; Your Petitioners would beg Leave, to represent, that they have always sustained a fair and reputable Character, in Society—that their Son, Shadrach Page,...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Louise d’Egremont Brongniart, 11 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mme Brongniart est extrêmement reconnaissante des souhaits que monsieur Le president a la bonté de former pour le succès de son voyage. Elle s’empressera à son arrivée de remettre elle même à Mr Livingston la lettre de monsieur Le president dont elle se charge avec le plus grand plaisir. Madame Brongniart is extremely grateful for the president’s kind wishes for the success of her journey. She...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 4 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Samuel Hay one of the commissioners for the direct tax in South Carolina. As the assessment is not yet completed in that State, and the principal cause of the delay has been the difficulty of finding gentlemen who would accept the office, the propriety of appointing the gentlemen recommended by Mr Hay is respectfully submitted. I have the...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Gibson & Jefferson, 1 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of May 26. & 28. are both recieved, and their contents duly noted. I this day draw on you in favor of Richard Richardson for 133.33 D to cover which mr Barnes makes you now a remittance of 200. Dol. and on this day week we shall remit you about 900. D. more to cover the purchase of the hams, J. W. Eppes’s draught on you in favor of Bell for 300. D. payable June 16. and some other...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Philippe Reibelt, 19 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Reibelt. he understands from mr Reibelt’s letter of the 16th. inst. that he still has two copies of the Sentimental journey sur petit papier Velin. it is the Petit format size which Th: Jefferson regards rather than the quality of the paper, because he happens to have all the works of Sterne in petit format, except his sentimal journey. if therefore...
14From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 7 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 3d. came to hand yesterday morning. I shall be happy to hear of the arrival of the groceries &c. in Richmond, as we are much in want of them: so also of the glass when shipped from Philadelphia—a mr Andrews , who lives near the former post office in Washington & works on ornaments for architecture, was to make for me some Doric ornaments, which should be ready before this time. he...
15From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 23 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I lay before you a report of the Secretary of state on the case of the Danish brigantine Henrich, taken by a French privateer in 1799. retaken by an armed vessel of the US. carried into a British island, and there adjudged to be neutral, but under allowance of such salvage and costs as absorbed nearly the whole amount of sales of the vessel & cargo. indemnification for these losses occasioned...
16To Thomas Jefferson from William Strickland, 13 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 30th: of June, I received on the 22d. of October, since which time I have been waiting for a safe conveyance for my answer. I am highly flatter’d by your recollection, particularly at a period when you must be occupied by so many momentous engagements; an unwillingness to interrupt which has been the cause of my long silence . I have many times wished for an opportunity of...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 9 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The following gentleman are proposed to your consideration, as Candidates for military Agencies : (viz) For the Northern Department Peter Gansevoort , of Albany. For the middle Department William Linnard of Philadelphia. For the Southern Department Abraham D. Abrahams of Savannah. I have the honor to be, Sir, with high consideration, Yr. Obt. Servant RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by...
18To Thomas Jefferson from John Steele, 1 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am extremely gratified, and obliged by your favor of yesterday . It has determined me to postpone my journey to Carolina until the last week of this month, which is the more agreeable to me, as my absence will then correspond with the general arrangements of the Executive. If my private affairs can possibly be made to admit of it, a sense of gratitude for what I consider equivalent to a new...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 25 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have visited Our friends at Providence and had a full conversation with the Govr: Messrs. Russell, Wheaton & Others, on the subject of the Office at Providence . The Governor was impatient for an appointment, all the other Gentlemen were solicitous that the business might be postponed for the present. There are some very serious difficulties among Our friends in that State and there is some...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Baron von Geismar, 27 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Je fais mon Compliment aux Americains du Choix de President qu’ils ont fait, aiant eté temoin, plus d’une fois du tendre Interes que Vous prennes au bien etre de Votre patrie, puissies Vous vivre long Tems; et reusir en Tout, pour rendre heureux et etablir un bien etre parfait à Vos Concitoyens—Mais malheureusement pour moi Votre nouveau Poste me laisse esperes encore moins d’avoir quelque...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Priestley, Jr., 20 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have desired Mr Patrick Byrne bookseller of Pa. to send you a copy of my father’s last work; entitled The Doctrines of Heathen Philosophy compared with Revelation of which I beg your acceptance The wish you expressed in your letter to Mr Cooper has been complied with, but in Philadelphia, two or three persons asked me whether my father had not left behind him a work undertaken at your...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph T. Scott, 11 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor dated June 13. came to me at this place only one week ago. it is probable that mr Cummings has deposited for me at Washington the copy of your geographical dictionary which you have been so kind as to send me, for which I pray you to accept my thanks. I anticipate with pleasure the satisfaction I shall recieve from it, and am happy that we are to see at length contradicted the...
23To Thomas Jefferson from George Wolcott, 16 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the Commissions your Excellency has been pleased to honor me with—appointing me Surveyor of the Customs—and Inspector of the Revenue for the Port of Saybrook—I accept them with gratitude and to the best of my ability shall faithfully discharge the Trust reposed in me I am Excellent Sir most respectfully your Obedient Servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed: “His Excellency...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose Warrants for Jno. N. Canon—Boatswain & David Loring—Gunner— Should you approve their appointment these Warrants will require your signature— These gentlemen have been in the frigate President, her last cruise—& are highly recommended by Commdre. Dale & Capt. Barron. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, your most obt servt. RC ( DLC ); in a...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Enoch Hazard, 3 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
As one of the representatives from this town in the General Assembly of this State, I take the liberty to address you on the subject of Mr Ellery , our present Senator, I was not at the last Session of the General Assembly owing to professional avocations, and I regret extremely that I was not, that at least, I might have given the Testimony of my vote, against the Injustice that has been done...
26II. Recipient’s Copy (Jefferson Papers)
I have delayed answering your friendly letter by madame Brogniard in the hope of having some thing important to communicate but in the mean time have been so full in my letters to the secretary of State that I have left myself little to say on the subject of our publick affairs. I can only tell you generally that I have been gaining ground for some time past & some propositions I had an...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The question arising on Mr Simons’ letter of Jan. 10. is Whether sea-letters shall be given to the vessels of citizens neither born nor residing in the US? Sea-letters are the creatures of treaties. no act of the ordinary legislature requires them. the only treaties now existing with us, & calling for them are those with Holland, Spain, Prussia & France. in the two former we have stipulated...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Pierpont Edwards, 25 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr George Wolcott of Windsor in Hartford county, in this state, brother of Alexander Wolcott Esqr., is desirous of being appointed surveyor of the port of Saybrook, in the district of Middletown, should Mr Dickinson , the present holder of that office be displaced, an event which I presume must soon take place. George Wolcott has been as essentially injured by the persecution of the...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Moore, with Jefferson’s Note, 21 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Moore respectfully invites the President of the United States to examine the condition of Butter in a newly invented Refrigiratory , put in the 21st Inst. at 6 OClock P.M. 20 miles distant from Washington— [ Diagram and note by TJ: ] the oval was cooper’s work the inner parallelogram was a box of tin turned down on the top and trimmed to the oval: a. and b. were 2 square holes at which...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, 1 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. James Taylor Jr informd me he had sent by Capt Stephen Moore two pipes of Brasil wine & had reserved two more for you to be sent by some other oppertunity; Capt. Moore has promised his particular care of them & to forward them to you from Alexandria.—The Frigates I expect will sail this day, the French Frigate Semilante is in Hampton road I beleive ready for sailing & it is said here that...
31From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his affectionate salutations to mr Madison & sends him the inclosed which will explain itself. he hopes to see him & family at Monticello when most convenient to themselves; and observes for his information that the road through Shadwell is put into fine order, the right hand at issuing from the ford on this side to be greatly preferred to the left. the road by Milton is...
32To Thomas Jefferson from John Alexander, 8 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty of writing to you, on a subject which I deem will be of use to the Citizens of America in general, and to the American youth in particular. Having been for many years employed in the Study & instruction of the Mathematics, I have found great inconvenience, as well as expense, arising to Students, in procuring books on the different branches in which they have been...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 10 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 6th. and the books forwarded by mr Duane. La Grange’s translations are new to me, and I am so much pleased with that of his Seneca, that I will thank you to forward me also his Lucretius with the Latin text. has the Seneca of La Grange been ever printed with the Latin text? if it has I should be glad if you would order it from France. if not, order me...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 2 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctr. Bache’s Address is ‘William Bache at Franklin near Charlottesville’ the letter should be put into the Post office before 5. P.M. to-day William White to be Surveyor for the district of East river. approved. Griffin Greene to be collector of the port of Marietta. approved. James Clarke to be Surveyor of customs at Tombstone, district of Edenton N.C. recommended by mr Stone. Selden Jasper...
35To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 25 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
My letters to Mr. Madison are so full on what concerns us, as to leave me little to add to you. I never experienc’d more difficulty in any case, than in deciding whether to hasten the negotiation with this govt. to a conclusion, & set out immediately in pursuit of the other object, or to let it take its natural course and consume a couple of months more, and pursue that object afterwards. The...
36To Thomas Jefferson from William Adamson, 29 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg to be permitted the liberty of congratulating thee on the late happy event which placed thee at the head of the federal Goverment, & gave thy Country a chief Majestrate, whose republican virtues, & political wisdom, cannot fail of consolidating her Liberty, & securing her happiness, not only for the present generation, but for ages yet remote!—May the great ruler of the universe who...
37From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The road through Ravensworth is rendered absolutely impassable for a four wheeled carriage by a single change made lately by one of the mr Fitzhughs in his plantation. you must not therefore attempt it, but go on to Fairfax C.H. & there turn off to Songster’s. Bull run is now passed at an excellent ford, and the hills by a great deal of work have been made quite good. the road between Elkrun...
38From 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...
39To Thomas Jefferson from James Bankhead, 15 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
This opportunity by Mr. Jos. Monroe, enables me to make a request, so early, that no other can have anticipated me in it; which may secure what I request should there be no other considerations—I have presumed, from report and other circumstances, that Mr. James Monroe will continue in Europe as resident Embassador, and should I be correct in the presumption, it is my ardent wish, to be placed...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Mitchell & Buel, 22 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I become with pleasure a subscriber to your paper, the Political barometer . you will oblige me by information of the most convenient place where I can pay the subscription. this would be the most so; but I could have it done in Philadelphia. accept my wishes for it’s success and my respects. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Messrs. Mitchell & Buel”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. TJ received...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Bishop James Madison, 16 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. your Favr. by the Son of Dr Logan; & tho’ I cannot take him into my Family, at present, yet I will, with great Satisfaction, make a Point of having him established in a Manner which cannot fail of being agreable. I will also superintend his Education with Zeal; & I trust, with that Success which will neither disappoint the Solicitude of a Parent, nor be unworthy of your Recommendation....
42To Thomas Jefferson from George Clinton, 7 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the pleasure to inform you that from the Returns I have seen from several Counties of this State and accurate information received from others our republican Candidates for Governor and Lt Governor, to wit, Chief Justice Lewis and Mr. Broome, will be elected by a majority of at least 8000, notwithstanding their Opponents were supported by the united and vigorous Exertions of the...
43From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, with Levi Lincoln, [17] March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Madison the Secretary of State being not yet arrived at this place, and a favorable apportunity of addressing you, offering itself by a government vessel going to France with our late convention with that country, I avail myself of it being authorized by the President of the United States to perform the duties of this department per interim. The Country in which you reside having as well...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Auguste Adet, 24 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
permettés moi de vous Remercier de La lettre pleine d’obligeance et d’amitié que vous avez daigné m’ecrire par M. Monroe. je ne saurois vous exprimer avec quel plaisir je l’ai lu avec quel plaisir je la relis encore, avec quel soin je la conserve. c’est pour moi un Thrésor dont je ne pourrois me séparer. vous devez être convaincu combien je regrette que les destins n’aient pas reglé ma...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Gouverneur Morris, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Favor of the eighth Instant and am looking out for an Opportunity to send on the Plate, concluding you will some how or other take the whole Set. You say you have Forks and Spoons enough. In that Case it will be better to sell them, which can always be done to Advantage, and take those belonging to the Set which if I remember right are made of a Pattern to suit the Rest....
46To Thomas Jefferson from George Helmbold, 25 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
You will confer a favor on me by giving me an answer to my request of Thursday last . I hope you will comply with it, as it will enable me to recover that station, in point of property, I once held. I enclose a note, by way of memorandum. I remain, With respect, Your humble Sevt. RC ( MHi ); with note by TJ adjacent to closing: “I returned the note to him without answer. Th :J.”; at foot of...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 21 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Receive my assurances of obligation for the politeness and punctuality with which you have answered my question .—Altho’ I conceived it proper, without any loss of time, to make such applications as might insure the preservation and advancement of the Museum, particularly as at the present moment many of the articles are piled in confusion on each other for want of Room; Yet I have determined...
48To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 14 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly letter of the 4th instant I received yesterday—I should earlier have written to you had I followed only the impulse of my feelings. It was not however my wish to add to your other cares anxiety for my poor little Orphans. Francis was extremely ill two days after my arrrival here, and his situation was the more distressing because I had not the sympathy or aid of any friends, the...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Louis André Pichon, 2 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Cit. Pichon prend la liberté de prier Monsieur le Président des Etats Unis de vouloir bien agréer l’expression du regret qu’il a eprouvé d’apprendre le depart de cette ville de Monsieur le Prèsident avant d’avoir pu lui présenter ses devoirs. Le Cit. Pichon, avait cru entendre de la bouche de Monsieur le Secre. d’Etat que Mr. jefferson devait rester jusqu’a vendredi prochain; L’equivoque...
50To Thomas Jefferson from John M. O’Harnett, 4 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
To your honr. and only you I Send my complaint, and Make my grieviance known—Be it known to you, O Man placed by Heaven to Rule a Gallant free People, that I am a fugitive from my Wife and five helpless Children, in the State of Delaware Owing to my attachment to the cause of freedom, and my being an avoud Enemy to Slavery and Tyranny. In the years 1799 and 1800, I left my employment, went...