1Levi Lincoln’s Opinion on the Betsy Cathcart, [3 July 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The prize Ship Betsy Cathcart, in June 1796, with a British cargo on board, in her passage from one British port to another, being captured by a French privateer duly commissioned, was in distress brought into an American port. liberty to sell on repeated applications, by the captors, was refused on the part of the U.S. For the purpose of necessary repairs the cargo was permitted to be...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 6 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by a member of Congress from the State of Massachusets. Mr. Bidwile’s character and merits, are too well known to need any recommendation. Equally conspicuous for political information, talents and industry as for a republicanism unalloyed by personal attachments to federal friends, or local prejudices, he has been a uniform & warm supporter of the measures of the...
3IX. Lincoln’s Remarks on the Draft, 25 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
+ considering the great captiousness of the opposition, I respectfully, suggest for consideration whether the following alteration, would be of any advantage viz—after the word, Yet , in the ninth line of the first paragraph , to insert, our revenues are . – Instead of the word fiscal , in the last line of the same paragraph, to use the word, needless , or unnecessary , to guard against a...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 23 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Newspaper accounts of the proceedings of the Legislature of Mass., during the present session, must have prepared you & the nation for results similar to the enclosed. It is not for me to assign reasons for such extraordinary conduct, different from the objects and the motives avowed. There is nothing concealed. The facts and their tendencies are on the face of the transactions and cannot...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 10 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yours of August 22 while attending the Council at Boston. I possessed previously a general knowledge of the regulations adopted by the general Government to supply the deficient states with flour for their own consumption and to prevent an evasion of the embargo restraints. My impressions were that there had been great abuse of the indulgencies granted to the citizens of...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 26 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
with the letter, and the associated papers from Mr Porter, and three from Gent. in Alexandria recommending Capt Moore as register of wills in that district, I take the liberty of submitting to your inspection a letter of a more private nature just recd. from Boston—By it, my friends, it is easy to be perceived, have agreed to confuse. Explanations, it is to be hoped will remove the...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 17 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have in vain searched, and untill wearied with the pursuit, for some authority from the acknowledged law of nations, which would justify or condemn belligerents impressing or taking from a neutral vessel, at sea , its own subjects whether passengers or a part of the crew—It is clear, having on board such subjects, can by law, be no cause for the bringing too, & boarding. But the question is,...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 1 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your pleasing favor of March 23 reached me last evening, by the way of Boston. I was prepared to expect every thing mean, malignant, and false, at the approaching elections from Pickering, and his coadjutors, irritated by disappointments, before the explosion took place, produced by his pitiful letter. you over rate its effects, if you judge from the repeated bold & false assertions contained...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 2 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
We are now reposing from our electioneering conflict. The struggle has been, in general, severe & spirited, and on the part of the federalists, bitter in the extreme. Their frauds, falshoods, and force have secured to them a Governor, Senate, council, and house, in this State. By force I mean an intolerant and oppressive violence towards labourers, tenants, mechanics, debtors, & other...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 15 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
It is from duty and inclination that I now write. After some accidental & unexpected delays on the road, I reached this place in health. Through the upper parts of Maryland & Pennsylvania, it is obvious that the federal cause is considered by it’s leaders as ruined, the sentiments of the people as changed & fast changing, in favor of the new order of things; and that these leaders from a...
11XV. Levi Lincoln’s Remarks on the Message, [ca. 27 November 1801–8 December 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The Address. relieved from the danger— 2 page—3 line Quere—if the word from had not better be inserted as the word commerce understood is the object on which the verb seems immediately to operate Page 3d. — Quere, whether postage on newspapers had not better be added to the list of duties to be suspended. The means of instruction and of spreading knowledge are generally in all the States, not...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 15 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Major Brocier a Gent. of this town is, this moment with me, on the wing for the city of Washington, as an amusement & to witness the inauguration of our great & good friend Mr Madison. Permit me to introduce him, & refer you to him, for information respecting the situation of parties in this section of the Union. I think the opposition has been over rated with you, & its character & object...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 13 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
By the chronicle, received yesterday, we have learnt the fate of Mr Morton’s motion in the legislature of Massachusetts. If the only object was, to obtain an address, the measure was certainly ill-concerted, they ought first to have known their numbers. It is apparent that the friends to the motion did not expect to carry it, but meant it, as a measure to effect future elections. The inclosed...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, on or before 5 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The names, agt Worcester, in the memorandum were intended for commissioners of bankruptcy;— Vaughan I think was designed to supply the place of one who had not accepted, Cohen , I have no recollection of— Hull was named , altho the commission was considered as full, to quiet his feelings, which appeared to have been very much hurt, from an idea of his having been neglected—As the...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 12 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of stating my ideas on the subject submitted to my consideration by your favor of yesterday. The Courts of the Columbia District, are national ones created by statute. Their powers are merely judicial, unless in particular instances particularly expressed, or necessarily implied. The mere establishment of these courts did not of course include, a particular extent of...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 31 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reception of your note yesterday, I waited on Mr Gallatin with the inclosed. He was so unwell, as to think, he should not be able to be out this day, but wishes to see you, before you give in your nominations . If you should judge it expedient to remove Watson , Warren is generally thought of as his successor— I am Sir most respectfully yours RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “President of...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 24 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been gratified by the reading of the abstract of those Ethical and religious doctrines, which by peculiar indulgence have been submitted to my perusal . Accept, Sir, of my sincere thanks, for this token of confidence & attention, to me so personally pleasing & flattering. It was impossible, from the examination to repress the wish of having a copy of the valuable compendium. Supposing...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 7 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot deny myself the pleasure of congratulating you on the result of our late election. My motive is to releive you from the possible solicitude, that the numberless misrepresentations, circulated in our federal papers may have excited in your mind on that subject. I know you have more confidence in history, than in political prophecy, especially when the foreteller is inspired with a zeal...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 8 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I omitted to mention that there was a mistake in making out the commission for Ray Greene of Providence. the design was, to appoint him to the office of a district Judge, the commission to him is, as judge of the circuit court—he has sent it back, & wishes to have it rectified. It is probable that Bourn was the judge of the district court. when the appointment was made—of course there was no...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 9 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In my endeavours to forget my friends at Washington, & to transfer and fix my attention to objects within the reach of my influence and agency nearer home, I fear you will think I have succeeded too well. This is the first letter I have directed to the seat of Govt since I left it. A few days after my arrival at Worcester, where I met my family and friends, generally, in health & spirits,...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 25 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have examined the questions referred to my consideration by your note of yesterday —By the Constitution of the US. offences against it and the laws made in pursuance thereof are cognizable by the federal Courts—All crimes or misdemeanors, which are not such by this constitution, or to which the jurisdiction of the federal Courts, is not by law, expressly extended, are, it is conceived...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 2 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
After the utmost attention which I have been able to pay to the questions , respecting the northwestern territory, which you did me the honor of submitting to my consideration there is a difficulty in giving a decisive answer. I can find no grounds, or principles for a very confident decision in, or out of the ordinance for the establishment of that Government. Nothing can be collected to aid...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 15 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last , has been received your’s of the 26th & 28 of August. The former was read with great pleasure, and the subject matter of the latter had been previously attended to—I lately spent several days in Boston, find the sentiments and feelings of the opposition, much as I have heretofore stated. The republicans in spirits, the federalists depressed, and the lower classes of them, are...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 29 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Letter from Mr. Callender inclosed to me by Morton as also Mr Morton’s I do myself the honor to forward; I mean to follow them, in eight or ten days, if the situation of my family will permit. They are getting better exerpt my youngest whose situation appears to be critical. It not being probable, that any new commissioners of bankruptcy will be appointed in Boston immediately I shall not...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 16 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of recg. yours of the 10th, this morning. It is much to be regreted, that Mr Madison indisposition continues. The public have much to expect from his abilities, and his Patriotism. The two returned Commissions are recorded, with blanks left for the names and dates —These will be necessary to complete the record. Joseph Clay jr. declines accepting his commission, as judge of the...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 25 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
There can, I think, be but little difficulty in determining on the theory and general principles applicable to the subject matter of your communication , which I had the honor of receiving the last evening. “Taking a part in a war against a nation in amity with us’ or any way to interfere, and favor one party more than the other, must be agreed to be inconsistent with a fair construction of...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 28 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Deeming it of importance that you should know, as fully as possible, the state of the public mind; and the feelings, and opinions of the people, which you are obliged to meet, and to manage, especially, in that difficult part of the Country, of which I am an inhabitant, I have thought proper to submit to your inspection the inclosed letters— They prove, what I am sure has taken or will soon...
28VII. Levi Lincoln’s Remarks on the Draft, 10 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have perused, and reperused with increased satisffaction the proposed message which you did me the honor of submitting to my inspection. Was I obliged to maintain an exception to any part of it, I should select for that purpose, the close of the last paragraph but one . Would not the sentiment present itself more formidable to foreign nations, & less exceptionable to many of our citizens, if...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 17 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By the inclosed, from Mr Russel you will perceive the situation in which he places himself—I have written him no answer. Nothing of importance has ocurred in the city since you left it—The maritime court have closed their enquiries into the conduct of Commodore Morris . The result altho but on a part of his conduct, from a deficiency in the evidence, will undoubtedly prove useful to Govt.—The...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 9 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On examining the charges against Governor St. Clair, and his defence, unaccompanyed with any documents, I some time since wrote the inclosed, & delivered those papers to the secretary of the navy. I have perused the vouchers which were put into my hands yesterday, in support of the charges, and find nothing, which changes the opinion which I had formed on reading the defence, excepting that...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 31 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The day before yesterday, I took the liberty to write to the Secy of the treasury respecting the situation of the Collector’s Office in this town, and that it was then my opinion, that if things were not prematurely pushed by our friends here, difficulties would be adjusted, and the embargo law be complied with. Beyound my expectation, this desirable event is already taking place. The...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 28 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By yours of the 12th mentioning a former letter which I have since had the honor of receiving, I was put into a state of some anxiety. The one of the 11th from some circumstance or another did not come to hand untill several days after the one of a later date. It is said by the Worcester post-Office tht. it went on to Boston & afterwards came back. On its reception, not suspecting it had been...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 13 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of communicating to you the result of an examination of the documents submitted to my consideration, respecting the conduct of the commanders of those british ships of war, which lately stationing themselves in the port of New York, cruised on our coasts, and imbarrassed our commerce. To determine the character of their various acts, it seems necessary to establish, or assume...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 30th ulto. was duly recd. I have to reproach myself with a neglect in not having written. My journey from washington to worcester was rather fatiguing. The weather was extreamly hot, & the roads dusty. I was melted with the one, & actually buried by the other. Their joint effects greatly injured my eyes. They have become stronger; It has been with difficulty, that I have...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 23 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since mine of the 10th. I Recd from Govr. Sullivan a letter of the same date, on the subject of the importation of flour. The following is an extract, & the whole touching that matter. “My son having communicated to me the contents of the letter you shewed him on Friday last, I have concluded to inform you that the authority I recd. from Mr Jefferson was accepted under an engagement to...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 6 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last mail I recd. letters from two very respectable Gent. in the county of Essex, to whom I had written, respecting the political Conduct of Mr Whettimore the Surveyor of Gloucester . As I assured them no use should be made of their names, they are not mentioned. From one of these letters the following is an extract—“I have made particular enquiries respecting Mr Whittemores political...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 5 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your notice the bearer Coll. Hatch from this state. He is a gent of reputation and of attachment to the Genl. Govt. and waits on you to submit to your inspection and consideration, an apparently formidable military contrivance which he calls a floating castle. He expresses confidence in it; and if the project in practice, will perform the one half, that it has...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 11 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is a poem spoken by my 2d son on the last commencement at Harvard College—The Presidt of the College objected to the latter part, said it would give offence, and refused to approbate it. The author told him he would not alter it—He was directed to give a copy & consider further of the matter—It was spoken—the circumstance shews the spirit of the governors of that Seminary, altho...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 13 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It is to be feared, that I shall be too troublesome. But deeming it of importance tht. the feelings, spirit, and measures of the people, especially at the head quarters of opposition principles , should be seasonably and correctly known, I am induced to ask your perusal of the inclosed. I should have personally waited on you, but from an idea, that at the present time, it would have been...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 30 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your interesting favor of the 19th. ult. It came safely & duly to hand. The confidence and esteem evinced by its contents demand renewed expressions of gratitude and respect. I had early learnt from a common friend, now in Europe, that the only matter urged by our enemies, which can possibly cause you a moments attention, to be precisely as you have stated it. I...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 30 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Lincoln’s best respects to the President. he has no doubt of the propriety & utility, as it respects Stevens for Whittemore, & Story, for Pickman—but as to the successor of Fosdick , he is unable to determine—Mr Lincoln will have the honor of dining with the President on tuesday next— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 30 Jan. and “nomns. Stevens Story Illsley” and so recorded in SJL ....
42To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 20 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In the hasty consideration, which I have been able to give to the verbal communication which I had the honor to receive from you, my first impressions in favor of making a request on the Executive of Virginia have been confirmed. By the Sec. 2. Art 4 of the Const. “The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the priviledges & immunities of citizens in the several states .”—And if a...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 27 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter, by the last evening’s mail, covering the inclosed from a young friend its author, he says, he transmits one copy of an address for my perusals, with a few more, which if it should be thought proper, I might present to such of my friends as would honor them with an acceptance. Mr Brazer is a young man of talents, of firmness, of zeal in the republican cause, and deserves the...
44III. From Levi Lincoln, 17 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
From the perusal, & reperusal of your Instructions for Capt. Lewis nothing of importance has suggested itself to my mind which has not been particularly attended to. I consider the enterprise of national consequence, and, to a degree, personally hazardous, to the projectors, & individual adventurers. In the perverse, hostile, and maligent state of the opposition, with their facility, of...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 21 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to your acquaintance Mr. Jonathan Russell of Providence, whose name I have frequently mentioned to you with pride & pleasure. I know of no man in the state of Rhode Island to whom republicanism has been more indebted, & whose abilities exertions & uniformity of conduct claim greater respect from the friends to our national Govt. You may recollect a July oration which I...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 21 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have thought it my duty to submit to your consideration two letters, addressed to the Secretary, containing the application of Major Thomas A Dyson, for the office of marshal of this District of Columbia, as also Stephen Moylan’s letter of congratulation. Mr Gelsten’s having in view similar objects, is also submitted. The office, is informed by a letter from Mr Sitgreaves, that he declines...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 6 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter which I recd some time since respecting the continuence of Mr Smith as a marshal of the district of Pennsylvania — In looking into the act, to amend the judicial system , which passed the last Session, and compareing it with those, with which it connects, I do not find the reappointment of the marshals, which you mean to continue, absolutely, necessary; but...
48IV. From Levi Lincoln, 1 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Sir I have carefully considered the subject you did me the honor of submiting to my attention. The people of the five N England Governments (unless Rhode Island is an exception) have always been in the habit of observing fasts and thanksgivings in “pursuance of proclamations from their respective Executives.” This custom is venerable being handed down from our ancestors. The Republicans of...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 10 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I ought to dismiss all scruples, and apprehensions respecting the constitutionality of the proposed bargain with France , when Gentlemen much more capable of viewing the transaction in all its various bearings have satisfied themselves on the subject. The importance of New Orleans and the Floridas, with the unimpeded navigation of the Mississippi to the U.S., to their peace and prosperity, is,...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed, received by the last evening’s mail, from its extraordinary contents, I have felt myself constrained with reluctance to communicate. The deep confidence imposed by its nature is dispensed with, only from a belief, that it is of very great importance, you should be informed of every transaction, involving the welfare & reputation of the General Govt—the political state of Rhode...