1501To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Williams, 16 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to a Suggestion in my letter to you of the 10th. Ultimo I did on the 1st. instant dissolve the General Assembly. In order that you may be fully informed of the motives and reflections which dictated this measure, I inclose a Copy of my letter to the Secretary of State, in addition to which I will observe, that this did not take place, as long as there was any probability that...
1502From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
It appears that Skipwith did not communicate the Milan Decree; nor is it otherwise authenticated to us than in the Madrid Gazette & the reference in the Spanish decree. It cannot be said, that all ports are forbidden to neutrals except their own. The British decrees permit a trade with Enemy colonies, not forbidden by the mother Countries. The ports of neutrals are also open to each other, as...
1503To Thomas Jefferson from John Clennell, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The attention that you pay to the arts & manufactures of america emboldens me to inclose the small Pamphlet you will receive with this—Honour me so far as to accept it—& should it appear worthy a reprint in america—it may not be unworthy your protection—yrs with the greates respect MHi : Coolidge Collection.
1504To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac A. Coles, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It has long been my determination if ever the U.S. should be engaged in a war to take an active part in it—In a peace Army I would accept of no commission whatever, but if the forces now about to be raised are destined, in the event of a rupture with Great Britain, for the invasion of Canada, there is no situation however subordinate which I would not be pleased to fill. entirely ignorant of...
1505To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you herewith Returns of the Militia of the United States, made from such returns as have been received by this Department. Accept Sir, the assurances of my high respect & consideration DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1506To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears that Skipwith did not communicate the Milan Decree; nor is it otherwise authenticated to us than in the Madrid Gazette & the reference in the Spanish decree. It cannot be said, that all ports are forbidden to neutrals except their own. The British decrees permit a trade with Enemy colonies, not forbidden by the Mother Countries. The ports of neutrals are also open to each other, as...
1507To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved the letter you honored me with of the 21st November, inclosing one for Mr Eccleston, which I forwarded. This Town, so long famed for its immence commerce with the U.S.A., in all probability, is shortly to experience a sad reverse. Last year no less than 489 American ships cleared out at this port with cargoes to an amount far beyond precedent. We have no information later dated than...
1508To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Moore, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Commissioners of the western road will be glad to know as early as circumstances will permit whether they are to resume the business of locating this Spring & what route. T. Moore will wait on the President this evening to know whether he is yet prepared to give any instructions on the subject DNA : RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.
1509To Thomas Jefferson from United States Senate, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Senate resumed the consideration of the treaty between the United States and the cherokee nation of Indians, concluded on the 2d day of December 1807. Whereupon, Resolved, that the further consideration thereof be postponed until the first Monday in December next. Attest, DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1510To Thomas Jefferson from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your Excy the Bearer of this Letter—a Mr. Jesse Brown (an Unfortunate Merchant of my Neighbourhood) who comes to Washington for permission to send a Vessel or Vessels in Ballast to the Island of Martin[ico] for the purpose of transporting Property from thence to the UStates for the payment of his Debts due to Citizens within these States—The lack of his having...
1511To Thomas Jefferson from Willis Alston, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You will oblige me by attending to the enclosed letter from a respectable merchant of the city of New York I am with respect yr mst obt St MHi : Coolidge Collection.
1512To Thomas Jefferson from George Bourne, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been requested to prepare for the press, under the sanction of a variety of most respectable republican friends—the history of the United States during the eight years of your presidency; and the materials and documents being in a considerably forward state of arrangement: those who wish my undertaking success have advised me to rely upon your kindness to procure from you permission to...
1513To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Acts of the last Session of the General Assembly having been just published, permit me to enclose a copy for your acceptance—It is with infinite concern that I invite your attention to the 15th section of the “Act farther to amend the laws respecting the Militia of this Commonwealth. Whatever may be the legal effect of this section upon the powers of the Executive, I am inclined to believe...
1514To Thomas Jefferson from P.A. Guestier, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Il y a environ trois ans, que Monsieur Reibilt, me temoigna, le desir de procurer pour vous, du Bled de turquie ou d’Italie, quelque livres de graines de raves, appelleés raves à huile ou huile Chinoise, et environ Cinquante Livres de graines d’un espece de foin, appellé Sulla. J’écrivis en conséquence, à mes Correspondants en france, et les priai, de me procurer ces objets, depuis l’epoque de...
1515To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your desire I submit to you an estimate of one intercolumnation as erected on each side of the Presidents house, calculating for a Stone entablature, on the South front,—and also stating the difference if the entablature be of Timber. Should the public offices be accomodated in these rooms, the necessary security from fire might require them to be arched as in the Treasury...
1516To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 14 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 17th. August last year, I had the honor to address Your Excy. expressing my fears that Mr. Hackley would separate from the good understanding with which we began; being very sorry to have to acquaint Your Excy. that such has taken place, proofs of which, and of the unjust principals on which the complaints are founded, I send by this opportunity to the Secretary of State to clear my...
1517To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 13 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Latrobe offers his most respectful compliments to the President UStates & sends his annual report for consideration. It has taken up the whole of his time & attention for the last two months.—The accounts may be perhaps more clearly stated but their result is correct.— Mr L. will have the honor of waiting on the President on Wednesday morning for his further instructions unless it should...
1518To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the 5th. Instant advising you of the death of my esteemed friend J. W. Gurley, Mr. Robertson has consented to act as Attorney General, but with an intention of holding it no longer, that a suitable Character can be selected to fill the office permanently.— If the appointment of Register of the Land office, which is now vacant, should be confered on Mr. Robertson, I am...
1519To Thomas Jefferson from Irenée Amelot De Lacroix, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In a government, as popular as that of the United States, it is of high importance, that every class of citizens should be honestly informed of those things, which involve their dearest interest. The diffusion of knowledge facilitates the arduous task of rulers, who depend so essentially on the spirit of the governed, to bring about those measures, which tend to the preservation of their...
1520To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears from the enclosed extract of a letter from the collector of Wilmington that we have no Marshal in North Carolina; which stops our business and even prevents serving process on a vessel which had violated the embargo. Respectfully Your obedt. Servt. I enclose the letter itself, which be pleased to return. He has been referred to the district attorney for the proper mode to pursue....
1521To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I understand that the part of South America where Mr. Peppin the writer of the enclosed is going to settle for the purpose of superintending a commercial British house is Brasil. The vessel is daily expected & will sail without delay for that country. I have thought that perhaps some use might be made of that opportunity for the purpose mentioned the other day. If Mr P. did not go on British...
1522To Thomas Jefferson from Elias Glover, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The late persecutions which have been carried on against me by Mr. John Smith have been the cause of my being furnished with information of which I should otherwise have remained totally ignorant, & which may be of some utility to the Government. Within a few days past I have received information, (from a source which I believe may be relied on) which may serve as a clue to develope the source...
1523To Thomas Jefferson from William Hull, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heretofore avoided, making any direct communication to yourself, lest it should have been supposed, it was intended to offer some inducement, with respect to my re-appointment, as Governor of this Territory. It was my wish, that nothing but my public conduct should have any influence on that measure. I certainly feel very great satisfaction, that (notwithstanding, the efforts which...
1524To Thomas Jefferson from Caspar Wistar, 12 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I assure you that I did not wait for a second invitation from you—The pleasure of Complying with your wish will ever be a sufficient inducement to take me much further than Washington, if there were no other object, but the examination you propose is very interesting to me, & I am certain of deriving much pleasure from a view of Baltimore & the Federal City with its improvements. My delay has...
1525To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "H. Churchill", 11 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
From circumstances which it is out of my power to controul I am prevented from making a different communication from the present; neither would any other consideration but a sense of Public duty and interests have induced me to intrude upon your Excellency, and which I trust will be thought a sufficient apology. As I am forced to make the present anonymous it is useless to make declarations or...
1526To Thomas Jefferson from Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 11 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with my promise I Take up my pen To write to my Dear Grandpapa. I was disappointed at not recieving a letter from him last post but as I am in hopes I shall get one the next I shall (this being the second week since I have written to you) perform my promise of writing every other post to inform you how we all are I am in a fair way to raise some Bantams as the hen is now setting...
1527To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 11 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Marine Militia Bill has had a fair & full discussion this Day & yesterday. And on a motion to postpone until the first Monday of December, all the Senate except Seven rose in favor of the Motion—So that the principle of the Bill may be Considered as virtually rejected— No Reliance ever Can be placed in a similar Bill ever obtaining —Our Reliance must in my Opinion be placed in a Land Army...
1528To Thomas Jefferson from William H. Cabell, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
When Major Newton commanded the Militia in Norfolk, some letters were sent to him by Sir Robert Laurie, for the purpose of being delivered to the British Consul who, I presume, was charged with the distribution of those addressed to different persons in the United States. These letters, being all under seal, could not be delivered; and Major Newton did not think it proper to send a flag for...
1529To Thomas Jefferson from John Cockle, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I crave your reference to the annex’d Copy of my last respects to you of the 9th Ulto to which I have not been honor’d with a reply. I have only to repeat the same anxiety & to request your Excellency will under the Circumstances of the case, give it Consideration— With Sentiments of perfect Respect, I remain Sir your Ob Hble Sevt MHi : Coolidge Collection.
1530To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
An act to extend the terms of credit on certain revenue bonds, which passed both houses nine days ago, should be sent immediately to the collectors. But on application to the office of Secy. of State, it was answered that it had not yet been deposited there. I wish also to have the new supplementary embargo act as soon as it is signed. It would save time if it was sent to me to be transcribed...
1531To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 7th. inclosing 425$:— Colo. Monroe is now in Albemarle. so soon as he returns, he shall be paid as you direct. The two boxes from Alexandria have not yet arrived. I am Dear Sir Yr. Mt. humble Servt. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
1532To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Mentor Johnson, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Having understood that George M Bibb has lately resigned the office of atto for the District of Kentucky, I deem it proper to Speake of some of those Gentleman, of whom it is probable a Selection will be made for that office, which is peculiarly important in this distracted situation of the State of Kentucky—Living in a few miles of Frankfort, which is included in the district I represent—I...
1533To Thomas Jefferson from John Milledge, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately received the inclosed papers from Capt. Putnam of Georgia, with a request that I would lay them before you. Very respectfully—Your Ob Svt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1534To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Smith, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
There is a small matter that has gave me some exersise & it opened in my mind to ask thy advice altho’ it may seem too little for one in thy station especiall now when the hapiness of our Country demands so much of thy attention, but I think if thee can give a little room in thy mind at some times to attend to little matters that are useful thy mind may return with more vigor to the more...
1535To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
From Mr. Tazewells letter it appears that the Evidence addresd in these trials will not soon be transmitted to us. When received it will be forwarded you. Then you will be enabled to judge of the propriety of the several Sentences of the Courts Martial—Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
1536To Thomas Jefferson from Raphael Drury, 9 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Undersigned Citizens of the County of Randolph in the Indiana Territory Respectfully approach the first Magistrate of their Country—and beg leave to recommend to his patronage Elijah Backus Esquire to fill the place of Thomas T Davis deceased—This Appointment is highly interesting to your petitioners—Not only as it relates to the necessity of having an able and enlightened Judge—but that...
1537To Thomas Jefferson from Jones & Howell, 9 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your esteemd Favor of 7th Int Covering Bank Check for 140 47/100 Dollars in full for Sheet Iron Sent Decer. last. we also recd on the 11th Ulto A Check for 111 34/100 Dollars. Inclosed in Your favor of the 7th. of Same month which we are apprehensive we did not acknowledge the reciept of at the time or if we did have omitted to mark it as being done we are respectfully Yours MHi : Coolidge...
1538To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 8 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
This application being made under the proviso of the 2d Section of the act to prevent intrusions, the spring can be rented only to the actual settler; & there being no competition, we may fix the conditions & price of salt, but not rent to the lowest bidder. It is useless in this instance to fix the price; for the spring is too weak to supply one thousandth part of the demand; nor are there...
1539To Thomas Jefferson from John le Tellier, 8 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will excuse the liberty I take of writting to your excellency I should have cald on you before I left the City of Washington but I was informed you was indisposed wich I was very sorry to here I wish to inform you that I have invented the plan of a Platform for a fort which will secure the men from the enemys fire with four thirty two pounders placed on it. which may be worked with...
1540To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Minor, 8 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Perhaps you will be suppriseed to receive a letter from one that you probaly never heard of before, but when you come to know the nature of my business, I hope will Pardon me for my boldness! I will relate to you my unfortunate situation in a concise manner as possible. I was born at Lexington in Kentucky of Poor but honest Parents had a tolerable education for my rank in life, as my mother...
1541To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Pinckney, 8 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Our latest intelligence from Europe & Washington inducing an opinion that the Embargo will not soon be taken off, & possibly that a rupture will soon take place with Great Britain, I consider it as my duty to state that our Legislature adjourned in December long before we knew of the Embargo or the receipt of the Blockading Decrees of the belligerent powers & of course made no provision but...
1542To Thomas Jefferson from Fulwar Skipwith, 8 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall make no apology for addressing to you with this a paper which has lately been received by me through the post office, with a few lines from an anonymous hand, together with a copy of a Note which that paper has induced me to address to his Excelcy. the Minister of Exterior Relations.—I am ignorant whether this paper will not soon, or may not already have been Communicated to you in a...
1543To Thomas Jefferson from John Watkins, 8 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I know not in what light my conduct or character may at the present moment be viewed by the Government of my Country. I flatter myself however that I have some claim to its good opinion and conscious of having done much to merit it, I take the liberty of solliciting of its Chief Magistrate a favour which if accorded will be a test of my Countrees confidence & a mark (a flattering one indeed)...
1544To Thomas Jefferson from John Coulter, 7 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Perceiving that our Government are about Extending to Citizens having property abroad the liberty of dispatching Vessels to return therewith, and having now in the port of Havanna property to a large Amount am induced to request your Excellency may be pleased, should the measure be approved, to grant me the permission of dispatching to that Port a Vessel for the purpose of obtaining my funds,...
1545To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Henderson, 7 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Well Knowing, from the important situation which both to the honor and advantage of your country you fill; that your time must be occupied with concerns of much greater moment than can come from so inconsiderable an individual as my-self: Yet from the circumstance of my having during the progress of the late conspiracy, communicated to you what came within my Knowledge and observation...
1546To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Olmsted, 7 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty to inclose a pamphlet as it may be Deverting to read at a leasure hour in looking back, 30 years at the tyme your Ex y were in Congress I think it must be a pleasure that the Honorable Congress got a long as well as thay Did when the Legislator of one of the states had it in thare power to Debas the Congress of the UN States doing justis to thare Cittizens— Sir with grate...
1547To Thomas Jefferson from George Poindexter, 7 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
G Poindexter, takes the liberty to enclose for the Consideration of the President of the United States, a Memorial, from the old officers of the first Regiment of Militia in the Mississippi Territory; other information has been received, in the letters, forwarded, by this days mail, from the Territory, on the subject mentioned in the memorial, which will be furnished, if necessary. G P....
1548To Thomas Jefferson from John E. Rigden, 7 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to remember that I carried to England a Gold watch for Mrs. Randolph to be repaired, I was so pinched for time a few days prior to my sailing for this Country that I had not time to examine my bills from some houses.—I observe that I have been charged for the repairs of that watch £14. Sterling, this is evidently an error, & I suppose they have omitted to credit the Gold in...
1549To Thomas Jefferson from Peregrine Williamson, 7 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The 4 Pens with calendar cases which you sent for, I have prepared with all possiable Speed and Sent you each in a Separate wooden case as You requested. at the time your letter came to hand I had not any of the cases of the discription you Sent for and therfore had to make them which alone occasioned the delay of them. the price of the 4 cases with pens $20 I am very glad that the half dozen...
1550To Thomas Jefferson from William Johnson, Jr., 6 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honor to transmit to the President a few Remarks on the Bennè Plant hastily thrown together at the President’s Request. I had flattered myself that I should have been able to return to Carolina early enough to transmit a quantity of the Seed by the Way of Norfolk or Baltimore. Finding that the Setting of the boat was likely to be protracted much beyond its ordinary Time, I...