1To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 18 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
You will not, I am persuaded, be displeased with any hint, though from one who has not the honour of being personally known to you, which aims at public utility.— The advantages which must accrue to the community, from the establishment of uniform weights and measures throughout the United States, are obvious at first view.—I would beg leave to suggest what appears to me a matter very proper...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 29 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
The drawings, model, and description of your mold-board of least resistance , which you have been pleased to submit to my inspection, and which I had not seen before, I have now examined with much attention and pleasure; and do not hesitate in giving it my approbation, if that can be thought of any consequence after the one it has already received from Mr. Rittenhouse. The doctrine of...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 March 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing the bearer Mr. Smith an acquaintance of mine from Bucks county. He wishes to see the model of your mould-board , as he and his brother have turned their attention a good deal to that subject. He has with him the description and model of a mouldboard for which he has had thoughts of obtaining a patent—It is I believe the spiral or twisted-board, which, in...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 2 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favour of the 10th. of last month, and communicated your desire to the Society at their meeting on the 19th. I perceived, however, among the members, an universal wish of continuing you at the head of their Institution: For though they would highly prize the advantage of your personal presence at their sessions, yet they considered this as but of secondary importance—and,...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson and Andrew Ellicott, 9 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Should the office of Superintendant of the military stores of the United States, created by an Act of Congress passed the 2d of April 1794, and now held by Mr. Harris , become vacant; we would take the liberty of recommending Mr. George Ingel, of this place, as a suitable person for that office. For several years during our revolutionary war , and till the close of it, he served in a similar...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 8 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Relying on your known goodness—I have taken the liberty of thus introducing the bearer, Mr. John Woodside, who wishes for this opportunity of paying you his personal homage and respects.— He is a man of the strictest integrity, & most exemplary morals— was an officer, and served with great reputation, in the Pennsylvania line, during our revolutionary war—Has now for many years been a clerk in...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 19 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The art of secret writing, or, as it is usually termed, writing in cypher , has occasionally engaged the attention both of the states-man & philosopher for many ages; and yet I believe it will be acknowledged, by all who are acquainted with the present state of this art, that it is still far short of perfection. A perfect cypher, as it appears to me, should possess the following properties.—...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 12 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your favour of the 22d Ult. and feel, with a lively sense, the obligation I am under for the interest you were pleased to take in behalf of my friend, though the appointment has fallen on another worthy gentleman of the same name. I am not a little flattered with the notice you have taken of my cypher—Your alteration will certainly very much facilitate the labour of...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 17 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour, a few days ago , of mentioning to you an interesting experiment which Mr. R. Peale had exhibited before a number of citizens; namely, the depuration of foul or putrid water, by simple filtration through sponge, sand, & charcoal;—that he had also succeeded in an attempt to render salt water fresh, and that he was preparing to make the experiment with true sea-water—He has this...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 24 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to the directions in your favour of the 17th I am getting a stand made for the sextant , and the whole will be carefully packed up, and, by Mr. Roberts, sent on, by water, in the course of a few days. With respect to the cypher, when applied to a single word or line, I would observe, that in strict conformity with the general system, each letter must, in this case, be considered as a...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 1 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not till the day before yesterday that, upon coming to the city, I received your favour of the 16th. ulto; and this must be my apology for not replying sooner. The usual course with the Phil. Socy. is to refer every communication to a committee, who report their opinion to the socy, merely on the propriety of publishing the communication in their Transactions: but neither the Socy, nor...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 15 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your favour of the 2d. and thank you for your confidence, which I will never abuse—I am preparing a set of astronomical formulæ for Mr. L. and will, with the greatest pleasure, render him every assistance in my power—I take the liberty of subjoining the formula which I commonly use for computing the longitude from the common lunar observation, illustrated by an...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 18 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recommended to Capt. Lewis, the use of a statistical Table , in which to set down his Astronomical observations, in the course of his intended expedition; as an expedient that would save a great deal of time, and be productive of many other obvious advantages. I had proposed to draw him out a sketch of such a table, but an unusual hurry of business prevented me, while he was in the city—I...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 18 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding from the Secretary at War to Dr. Hunter of this expedition is fitting out for the purpose of exp of the rivers &c of Louisiana, I hope it will not be as officious in me to recommend to your notice a ge ntleman, who I am persuaded would do no dishonour to any appointment which you might think proper to give him, either in this or in any other similar undertaking. The gentleman I...
15Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My younger son, Robert Maskill , having gone thro the usual course of collegiate studies in our Seminary , and of medical studies under D r Barton , and obtained degrees both in the Arts & in medicine; has devoted the last twelve months chiefly to the study of mineralogy under M r Godon ; in which, it is said, he has made considerable proficiency. He has a strong desire of visiting some parts...
16Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 6 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you, that the people of Passamaquoddy are now furnished with a new object of pursuit— gold finding . There was yesterday brought to the Mint , as a deposit, part of a grain or lump of native gold , weighing 14 oz 7¼ grs which was lately found, by a little boy, on Sewards neck beach , in the town(ship) of Eastport , near the mouth of the bay. This piece of gold ,...
17Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I am directed, by the Philosophical Society , to acknowledge the reciept (under cover from you) of a paper from M. Du Jareau of New Orleans , on the construction of a saw-mill to be worked by a horse. This paper, according to the usage of the society, was referred to a committee , who have reported, in substance, —That the paper does not appear to be intended by the Author as a communication...
18Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your desire I send herewith Garnetts’ Nautical Almanacs for the years 11. & 12—& shall not fail, life remaining, to forward those for succeeding years as soon as published. I have lately added to the common artificial horizon, (the polished plane surface adjusted by a spirit-level) a very simple appendage, by the aid of which any altitude of the sun &c may be taken, on land, from...
19Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 23 September 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Some days ago, I received your favour of the 11 , with the French poem on Astronomy. The Society had rec d a copy of the same work from the Author , & therefore they wish me to return your copy. They have eagerly embraced your proposal respecting the universal standard of weights and measures , and have referred the subject to a Committee who earnestly solicit, not merely your co-operation,...
20Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 11 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that you may not as yet have seen a little tract, by Doctor Buchanan , on “Christian Researches in Asia ,” lately republished in Boston ; and not doubting that you would find it highly interesting, I have taken the liberty of sending you a copy, of which I most respectfully request your acceptance. Some time ago, inclosed I believe in A Nautical Almanack for the year 1813, I returned...
21Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d & read your interesting communication of the 10 th Nov r with great satisfaction, and have laid the same before the Committee appointed on the subject of your former communication; who, I am sure, will give it that consideration which it so highly merits. In the meantime, Sir, you will permit me to make a few observations, which may not, however perfectly agree with the ideas...
22Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
At length M r Voigt has finished your timepiece. The delay, notwithstanding repeated solicitations to the contrary, has been shamefully long; for which no apology can be made but the common one among Mechanicks—a great pressure of business. The workmanship, however, appears to be well executed. A week or so will be necessary to regulate the pendulum; after which it shall be shipped for...
23Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
This day I had prepared to ship your Time-piece &c on board the Happy Return , Capt Hand , for Richmond , to be addressed to M r Gibson , as you direct in your favour of the 27th Ult . But our river is now frozen over, & we must wait for an opening, when the shipment will be made:— The pendulum has a compensating thermometer attached to it; the invention, I believe, of M r Rittenhouse , and...
24Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your time-piece has been packed up, ready for shipment, in the manner you directed, for a considerable time. But as soon as our river was had been rendered navigable, by the breaking up of the ice, it was again stoped & still continues to be so, by a British fleet. I am therefore, Sir, about to set it up at my own house, as it will be better to keep it going than standing; & shall wait your...
25Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed favour of the 8 th . Your time-piece, agreeably to your desire, I have had set up at my own house, & shall with great pleasure make experiments on its going with the rod-pendulum. This pendulum is at present suspended by a few inches of watch-spring attached to the upper end, as in common pendulums: But M r Adrain , an able mathematician, in...
26Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
It requires an apology that I have not before now sent you the Time-Piece, which has been so long in my custody. The commencement of the late war before the Time-Piece was finished, & the consequent depredations of the enemy on our coast, prevented its being sent before the restoration of peace. When this event had taken place, I perceived that some parts of the veneering were scaling off from...
27Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 October 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 13 th & shall immediately take measures to send on your Time-piece as you have directed. I have had, for some years an artificial horizon , which, by means of a reflecting sextant, answers the purpose of measuring all altitudes of the sun, or any other visible object, from 0 to 90° as well as all depressions not exceeding 50° with great ease &...
28Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The Author of this Synopsis (formerly Secretary of Congress) desires me to send you, by this opportunity, a copy of the work, of which he begs your acceptance; & Requests that you would please to favour him with your remarks on the same RC ( MHi ); dateline beneath signature; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 27 Dec. 1815 “with the clock” and so recorded in SJL ; with...
29Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 28 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
A pretty severe attack of the prevailing epidemic, with a good deal of sickness in the family, must be my excuse for not sending on your Time-piece somewhat sooner. It was, however, last saturday shipped on board the Guinea Hen , &, according to your directions, consigned to mess rs Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond. On examining the pendulum mentioned in my last, & which I proposed to substitute...
30Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 2 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Hassler has just transmitted to the Sec’y of the Treasury , a descriptive list of the instruments which, in execution of his appointment for that purpose, he had procured in Europe , & has lately brought with him to this city. Presuming that you might be pleased to have a copy of this list, I herewith send you one, for your acceptance. M r Hassler ’s circumstances are, at present, somewhat...
31Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
You have no doubt been informed, at least thro the medium of News-papers, of M r Peale ’s complete success in illuminating his Museum with gas - lights , & presuming that it would not be uninteresting to you, I shall do myself the pleasure of giving you a description of his apparatus & process for generating & distributing the gas. It is well known that any substance containing hydrogen will,...
32Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 13 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
A considerable time ago, you made some enquiries relative to a good clock & watch-maker , who, you suggested, might advantageously settle in your neighbourhood. Neither then, nor since, till the other day, could I hear of one that I could recommend, who was willing to make the trial. From the enclosed letter , you will be able to judge whether the persons therein Recommended by m r Hassler ,...
33Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Sometime in the beginning of winter, a young gentleman, M r Trist , I believe, brought me a telescope which he said you had sent to be repaired. He also informed me that you had sent me a letter , but that he had left it, inadvertently, at Washington , with his portmantua & would forward it from N. york where he expected it would be sent. I have not yet, however, received it. The telescope was...
34Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
You are most respectfully requested to accept the accompanying ‘Treatise of practical Arithmetic.’—It is a trifle which can lay no claim to your personal perusal; but if it should be thought worthy of being placed in the hands of any of your grandchildren, the author will be highly gratified. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “ Thomas Jefferson ”; endorsed by TJ as received 11 Mar. 1819 and so...
35Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
In one of this morning’s papers, [The Aurora,] I observe the copy of a letter from you to M r Neville of Pittsburgh “respecting the medals given by Congress to certain officers” .… Now, Sir, as on this subject I can communicate all the information which it is probable may be required, I beg leave to inform you— That while M r Burr was vice President of the U. States , he brought to the Mint a...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 19 July 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 8 th accompanied with a few printed sheets of Extracts from the “Revue Encyclopedique” by M. Jullien, which I laid before our society, at their meeting last evening. This valuable publication is regularly received, & duly appreciated by the society. M r Warden one of our associates in Paris, is, I observe, among the collaborateurs of M. Jullien, &...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 30 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your unexpected & very flattering favour of the 27th. demands my most grateful acknowledgements. My long services in this institution, & the respect I have always experienced both from the trustees & students, so strongly & justly attach me to the seminary, that the offer of a more lucrative employment could not of itself induce me to have it. But, happily, in the present instance, this, as...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 29 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your favour of the 13th. announcing the resignation of Mr. Boudinot, and your pleasure in appointing me as his successor, I entered into a free communication with him on the subject of the mint. He has shown me the most friendly attention, & has formally introduced me to the other Officers of the institution; from whom I doubt not to experience the most cordial co-operation....
39To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 23 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your favour of the 16th. inclosing a method of finding the longitude without a time piece by Mr. Moore; on which, as well as on other methods for the same purpose, suggested by yourself, & sometime ago shewn me by Mr. Freeman, you are pleased to ask my opinion. It is scarcely necessary to remark that all the methods here proposed are strictly true in theory; and...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 14 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A Committee from the Directors of the Bank of the United States have represented to me, as Director of the Mint, that, in order to prevent, as much as possible, the exportation of Spanish dollars, so injurious to the general interest of the country; it is their wish, as well as perhaps that of most of the other Banks in the United States, to send this species of money, of which there are now...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 16 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Theodolite, which by advice from Mr. Freeman I purchased of Mr. Biggs, is carefully packed up, & put on board, a sloop for Georgetown—The bill of lading is here inclosed—The draft for 54 dolls was this day recd. & paid to Mr. Biggs—I have taken the liberty of enclosing, for Mr. Freeman, a Formula for solving a problem in practical Astronomy which I concieve may be of some use in his...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 30 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Some years ago, I remember to have laid before you a scheme of secret writing , which you were pleased to honour with a friendly notice: And relying on your well-tried patience; I would again take the liberty of submitting a few further remarks on the same subject. That scheme, in common with all others heretofore practised, had one defect, which it is the object of the present attempt to...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 3 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to former practice, I have the honor, at the commencement of the present year, to lay before you a statement of the Issues from the Mint of the United States, and the Expences of the Institution, during the past year: and conceiving, that it might not prove unacceptible, the Treasurer has, at my request, drawn up, and exhibited, in one comprehensive view, (Schedule No. 4) a Statement...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 3 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your notice Mr. Hassler, a Gentleman lately from Switzerland. He is a man of science & education; and, as will appear from the inclosed paper, written by himself at my request, was a character of considerable importance in his own country. It is his wish to obtain some employment from the United States, which would require the practice of surveying or astronomy. He...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Chandler Price, 8 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed Mr Patrick Ysnardi Son of Joseph Ysnardi Esqr. American Consul at Cadiz, is now on his way from Charleston to the City of Washington. with a view to solicit the Consulship for Havanna which I understand now is or very soon will be vacant by the resignation of Mr Hill— With Mr Ysnardi I have been intimately acquainted several years—in my opinion he is well qualified to fill the...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer, Mr. Alexr Stuart, is about to remove from this city to the Havanna in the line of mercantile business. His moral character, as well as reputation in his profession, so far as I have learned, stand fair with all such as know him; And it is confidently believed, that any appointment which you might please to give him, as agent or Consul in that city, would be ably & faithfully...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 4 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of the author, I have the pleasure of transmitting you the enclosed pamphlet, which you will find to be an ingenious performance, though somewhat deficient in point of perspecuity. From the author’s known abilities, and indefatigable application, there can be little doubt that the work he is about to publish will merit the public attention— I am, Sir, with sentiments of the...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 14 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Adam Eckfeldt, being a skilful mechanic, was employed by Mr. Rittenhouse, when director of the mint, to harden the dies; with a compensation for this service alone of 500 dollars per annum. Shortly after Mr. Boudinot was appointed director, rightly judging that the whole time and labour of so able an artist as Mr. Eckfeldt would be useful to the Institution, he accordingly employed him, in...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 21 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I have sent you by post, N. As. for 98. 99. 06. 07. & 08 The two first have seen service and bear the usuel marks. English Almanacs for .09 & 10 may be had, but our own will soon be published, and will be preferable in many respects. Of the above five, two only have been purchased $2.50—the others are duplicates which I can spare without the least inconvenience. I...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is subjoined, by way of appendix to the 1st vol of an American edition of Adams’s Philosophy, the proof sheets of which I examined, making a few occasional notes & corrections. As the Author frequently alludes to the principles of modern chemistry, but without sufficiently explaining them, this outline , it was presumed, would not be unacceptable to the reader. My aim has been to...