1To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Runnels & Son, 30 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
When I took the liberty of addressing you on the 5th. Instant, Relative the Captured American Brig, with my Property on board, I could not doubt but that some enquiry would have been made, as to the Propriety of the Capture and the objects either Condemned or Acquitted; it is not necessary to prove that I suffer serious Inconveniencies, and disappointments, by the Detention of my Property (for...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Runnels & Son, 5 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Peculiar disagreableness of the business I am at present entangled in and the Extraordinary chain of Circumstances attending it equally injurious to me and offensive to the Neutrality of this Country, obliges me to seek refuge through your Medium from that Power which dispenses equal justice to all. I beg leave to refer you to the Accompanying Documents for the Particulars of a Capture...
3To Thomas Jefferson from James B. M. Adair, 9 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of receiving your favour in course of post, and as I did not know of any person going to Philadelphia, with whom I could entrust your model, I delivered it to Mr. Remsen, informing of the precautions necessary to be observed in forwarding it, and I hope that before this time you have received it in perfect safety. The greatest care was taken, on board the Ship, to put it into...
4To Thomas Jefferson from James B. M. Adair, [ca. 28 August 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to inform you, that I have just arrived here in the Ship Amsterdam Packet, after a passage of 68 days from London. Mr. Pinckney did me the honour to entrust to my care several packets addressed to you, two of which you will receive by this post, and I also send by the Coach two parcels of Newspapers, from Mr. Pinckney, and one, of which I wish to request his Excellency the...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Adam, 8 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honour to transmit you a Copy of a New Work , of which I am the proprietor, and of which I have already lodged a Copy in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court agreeable to Law. I am Sir, with due Respect, Your Most Obedient And Most Hble Servt., RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); endorsed by Remsen as received 16 Aug. 1791 but not recorded in SJL . The enclosed new work was a...
6To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 11 May 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 25th. of last month, came to my hands Yesterday and I am glad to find you so well pleased with your Retirement. I felt the Same delightful Satisfaction after my Return from Europe, and I feel Still every Summer upon my little farm all the Ardour, and more than all the Ardor of youth: to such a Degree that I cannot bear the thought of writing or reading, unless it be some...
7To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 31 January 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received from our old Acquaintance D’Ivernois the inclosed Volume for you in the Course of the last Week. I consider all Reasoning upon French affairs of little moment. The Fates must determine hereafter as they have done heretofore. Reasoning has been all lost—Passion, Prejudice, Interest, Necessity has governed and will govern; and a Century must roll away before any permanent and...
8From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 5 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Pamphlet and Papers I have received this Week from the Author, with his request to transmit them to you. I have before transmitted in the Course of this Winter, another Packet from the same Writer; but have as yet no answer from you: so that I am uncertain whether you have recd. it. Mr Jays Treaty with Britain is not yet arrived at the Secretary of States Office, though there is...
9From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 4 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Volume was lately sent in to me by a Servant—I have Since heard that the Author of it is in New York. The Book exhibits a curious Picture of the Government of Berne and is well worth reading. I congratulate you on the charming opening of the Spring and heartily wish I was enjoying of it as you are upon a Plantation, out of the hearing of the Din of Politicks and the Rumours of...
10X. John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 29 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday, at Boston, I received your friendly Letter of July 17th. with great pleasure. I give full credit to your relation of the manner, in which your note was written and prefixed to the Philadelphia edition of Mr. Paines pamphlet on the rights of Man: but the misconduct of the person, who committed this breach of your confidence, by making it publick, whatever were his intentions, has...
11To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 21 November 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I am desired by our old Acquaintance Mr. D’Ivernois to transmit you the inclosed Papers for your inspection Opinion and Advice. The poor Fellow has been obliged to fly a Second time into Banishment. The first time, he was driven out as a Democrat: but it is now, Day about, as they Say, in Geneva, and he is compelled to run, as an Aristocrat. Shall We print his History? What Shall We do with...
12From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 29 July 1791 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday, at Boston, I received your friendly Letter of July 17th. with great pleasure. I give full credit to your relation of the manner, in which your note was written and prefixed to the Philadelphia edition of Mr Paines pamphlet on the rights of Man: but the misconduct of the person, who committed this breach of your confidence, by making it publick, whatever were his intentions, has sown...
13From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1794 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 25th of last month, came to my hands Yesterday and I am glad to find you so well pleased with your Retirement.—I felt the same delightful satisfaction after my Return from Europe, and I feel still every summer upon my little farm all the Ardour, and more than all the Ardor of youth: to such a Degree that I cannot bear the thought of writing or reading, unless it be some...
14From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 21 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
I am desired by our old Acquaintance Mr D’Ivernois to transmit you the inclosed Papers for your inspection Opinion and Advice. The poor Fellow has been obliged to fly a Second time into Banishment. The first time, he was driven out as a Democrat: but it is now, Day about, as they Say, in Geneva, and he is compelled to run, as an Aristocrat. Shall We print his History? What Shall We do with his...
15From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 6 April 1796 (Adams Papers)
Since my Receipt of your favour of the 28 of February I have call’d on the Auditor and had some Conversation with him and with The Secretary of The Treasury and with The Secretary of State upon the Subject of Accounts and they think that some Regulation may be made by Congress which will reach the Cases without any formal Memorial on our Part and indeed without mentioning Names. The Secretary...
16To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 5 February 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Pamphlet and Papers I have received this Week from the Author, with his request to transmit them to you. I have before transmitted in the Course of this Winter, another Packet from the same Writer; but have as yet no answer from you: so that I am uncertain whether you have received it. Mr. Jays Treaty with Britain is not yet arrived at the Secretary of States office, though there...
17To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 4 April 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Volume was lately sent in to me by a Servant. I have Since heard that the Author of it is in New York. The Book exhibits a curious Picture of the Government of Berne and is well worth reading. I congratulate you on the charming Opening of the Spring and heartily wish I was enjoying of it as you are upon a Plantation, out of the hearing of the Din of Politicks and the Rumours of...
18From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 31 January 1796 (Adams Papers)
I have received from our old Acquaintance D’Ivernois the inclosed volume for you in the course of the last Week. I consider all Reasoning upon French affairs of little moment. The Fates must determine hereafter as they have done heretofore. Reasoning has been all lost—Passion, Prejudice, Interest, Necessity has governed and will govern; and a Century must roll away before any permanent and...
19To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 6 April 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my Receipt of your favour of the 28 of February I have call’d on the Auditor and had some Conversation with him and with The Secretary of The Treasury and with The Secretary of State upon the Subject of Accounts and they think that some Regulation may be made by Congress which will reach the Cases without any formal Memorial on our Part and indeed without mentioning Names. The Secretary...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Adams, 26 December 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I Received your Favor of the 18th. of this month and note the Contents. Upon Examining the Records, I find I was mistaken in the Information, I gave Mr. Skipworth in Respect to Mr. Shorts Judgment. Indeed at any Rate, I think the prospect I mentioned is so distant and uncertain, that I believe there is very little hope of obtaining any thing from that Quarter, I shall therefore decline it on...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Auguste Adet, 9 September 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
J’esperois avoir L’honneur de vous Remettre moi-même La lettre que vous trouverés ci-jointe, et dont le professeur Pictet de genêve m’avoit Chargé avant Son départ de paris. Mais les affaires dont je Suis accablé ne me laissent pas de Relache, et Semblent s’accroitre pour m’enlever le Seul bonheur dont je fusse jaloux, celui d’offrir mes hommages au premier philosophe du nouveau monde. J’ose...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Aitken, 22 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed piece for the Philosophical Transactions, ordered to be printed end of Vol. 3—It has been unfortunately gnawed by mice. As you are acquainted with the performance —perhaps you will do me the kindness to Supply Some defects in the reading—I cannot, with propriety make it out as it now stands. I am Sir Your Most Obedt. & humble Servant NB I will Send for it to morrow. RC ( DLC ); at...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Caleb Alexander, 20 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Mendon, Massachusetts, 20 Feb. 1793 . In compliance with the copyright law he sends a copy of his book, “A Grammatical system of the English language: comprehending a plain and familiar scheme of teaching young gentlemen and ladies the art of speaking and writing correctly their native tongue.” Before publication the book was properly entered by Mr. Goodale, clerk of the Massachusetts district...
24Memorandum from Eli Alexander, [ca. December 1794?] (Jefferson Papers)
A computation of the corn it will take for the stock from now till April 1 or for one Hundred days. Corn 6 plough Horses from this till April the first or for one Hundred days when ploughing aught to have 2 gallons a day Each, suppose 40 ploughing days, which amounts to bushels 60 corn the same Horses when not in service one gallon of corn a day Each for 60 days is 45 bushil 45 4 breding...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Eli Alexander, April 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
The scantling for the harow I would wish to be 4 inches wide and 3 inches thick about 31 feet in shuch lengths as will cut six pieses five feet long 25 teeth a 11 inches long the size of the pattren if the irons is done. For the small plough I would be oblige to you if you would send Davy over in order to assist me to make the plough amediatlly. I am Sir your Humble Svt. RC ( DLC ); unaddressed.
26Memorandum from Eli Alexander, [1794–1795?] (Jefferson Papers)
A Method for preparing buck wheat for table use first to fan it out from the chaff and then tak it and put it into a bag and tramp it well then Run it through the fan the second time then grind it Seperate from the Corne then put one forth Corne Meal and bolt it together and it is fit for use. MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 235: 42204); possibly in Alexander’s hand; undated, but probably belonging to...
27Memorandum from Eli Alexander, 10 January 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
January 10th 1795 MS ( MHi ); in Alexander’s hand; endorsed by TJ: “Stock. Shadwell Christmas 94”; notation on verso, by TJ: “delivd. 8 hides 171 Ib soal,” which refers to hides for shoe leather (see Betts, Farm Book Edwin M. Betts, ed., Thomas Jefferson’s Farm Book , Princeton, 1953 , 41).
28To Thomas Jefferson from D. Alexandre, 5 June 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ay Bien recue la Lettre que vous m’aves fait l’honneur de m’ecrire avec l’aret du Conseil qui Concerne les huilles des Etats unis, dont j’ai fait Part à Notre Commerce, qui Languit un Peu avec les 13 Provinces, et [à] qui vous devriez, Monsieur, donner vos ordres et vos avis de frequenter plus souvant Notre Port de Bayonne, à Cause que le Commerce, et les autres Ports de France ce plaignent...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Alexandre, 28 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Bayonne, 28 Oct. 1791 . Two years ago he wrote a letter to TJ describing the opposition to continuation of American free port privileges at Bayonne. Now the opponents of these privileges want to persuade the French government to abolish them on the grounds that they are detrimental to French manufacturing.—The municipal government of Bayonne favors these privileges.—He asks TJ, “Comme vous...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Jacquelin Ambler, 10 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Last Evening I received the letter you honored me with, dated the 13th. Ulto., and this Morning I have paid ten thousand Dollars, in part of the second instalment of the Monies voted by our Assembly towards the public Buildings at the Seat of Government of the United States: the residue will be paid, as soon as the state of our Treasury will enable me. I am, with very great esteem & respect,...
31To Thomas Jefferson from the American Philosophical Society, 7 January 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
We have the Pleasure of informing You, that, at the annual Election of Officers of the American Philosophical Society for promoting useful Knowledge, held at Philadelphia, on the 6th. Instant, You were chosen President of that respectable Institution. The Society, Sir, cannot soon forget the Loss they sustained by the Death of the late worthy and ingenious D. Rittenhouse; but, after expressing...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Fisher Ames, 4 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to lay before you the Letters from Captn. Stevens a prisoner in Algiers, with Letters from Mr. Bond of Boston. I will do myself the honor to wait upon you speedily on the subject. The petition alluded to in Mr. Bond’s Letter is not before Congress, nor does Mr. Gerry know anything respecting it. The Letter from Mr. Cooper Town Clerk of Boston is also inclosed.—I am, Sir, with great...
33To Thomas Jefferson from James Anderson, 29 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Tho’ I have not the honour of being acquainted with yourself, I am acquainted with your writings; and the pleasure these afforded, gave a desire of a more intimate correspondence. In the undertaking in which I am about to engage, I am not a little ambitious of its attracting the notice of worthy men; and I should think myself fortunate if the plan so far met with your approbation, as to induce...
34To Thomas Jefferson from James Anderson, 3 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I did myself the honour of writing to you a great many months ago, in answer to your very obliging letter accompanying the treatise on weights and measures which you was so obliging as send me—which I read with great pleasure and improvement—and for which I did return my best thanks, and now repeat them lest that letter should have been lost. Along with this I send the 7, 8th, 9th, 10th and...
35To Thomas Jefferson from James Anderson, [before 30 June 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
I was honoured with your obliging letter of the fifteenth of Septr. last accompanied with your valuable paper on uniformity of weights and measures which I have perused with much pleasure and instruction. It is the more valuable to me at this time, as my son is just now composing a book on weights, measures, monies coins and exchanges, in every part of the world, and he wishes to have the most...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Anderson, 23 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Nantes, 23 Aug. 1793 . Last night he arrived here from Paris, from which he traveled as cheaply as possible, and has been appointed consul for this port by Fenwick pending TJ’s approval, which he earnestly solicits in the event Carnes does not return to France. Nearly a year ago he wrote to TJ, upon Major Mountflorence’s recommendation, soliciting the appointment at Le Havre, which he...
37To Thomas Jefferson from James Anderson, 28 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
By the recommendation of Major Mountflorance I am induced to address you. I am a native of Charles town South Carolina, and not unknown to The Honble Mr. Bingham, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Hayfeild Connyingham, and many other Gentlemen in Philadelphia, and to whom I have already wrote, requesting of them to procure for me an appointment in France, under the government of the United States of America....
38To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Anderson, 11 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Genet the french Embassador left this place this morning for Philadelphia. I think it probable that he may come on some terms with the President, for the payment of our debt to france in the Shipment of wheat flour &c, and that an Agent here will be wanting. I have therefore to request the favor of you to Mention me, If you think me worthy of the Appointment. I have one American Ship, and...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Anderson, 26 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your Esteemed favor of the 19th Current, and return you my Sincere thanks for your friendly disposition to Serve me, which encourages me to make a further request, that is to give me your Opinion from time to time of the Neutrality of the United States of America, in the present European War, As I have lately Ventured to lay out a large Sum of Money in two American Ships, and...
40To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anmours, 24 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Full of confidence in the marks of friendship I allways received from you, I beg leave to introduce to the honour of your acquaintance, M. Auguette, a Captain of dragoons in the regiment de la Reine , of the french army. He travels this continent with a view to add to a Stock of knowledge which study and former voyages on the other have rendered more than Sufficient to make him a very...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Charles François d’Anmours, 29 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Baltimore, 29 Apr. 1791 . Introducing and recommending to TJ’s “special protection” M. Pierre Zacharie of Lyons, an “ingenious mechanician of a family that has produced many men of merit in the mechanical branch of mathematicks, and who have received … several rewards and privileges.” He is the inventor of a machine to clean harbors, found on examination there to be superior to a number of...
42To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anterroches, 3 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Puydarnat, 3 May 1789 . Introduces “Mr. Paul Cahierre an intimate friend of mine, who is sailing for america (where he hath resided for sometime already).” He was a merchant at Rouen and Paris for many years: “having taken a fancy for our Continant, [he] is going with his Lady to settle there.” As they are going to “Elizabeth Town and New york, be so kind as to deliver the letters” sent...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Appleton, 12 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 12 Dec. 1790 . From late arrangements made relative to the manufactory at Rouen, his residence there in future will be unnecessary. He requests TJ’s support in his application as consul at Lisbon. “The great commerce which exists between the United States and Portugal has Decided my establishment there (if the appointment can be obtained). The position Appears the most eligible and the...
44To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbés Arnoux and Chalut, 20 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Notre legislature tant attendue, tant desirée et à la fin obtenue, tend à sa fin, notre cher Monsieur, et notre Constitution est presque achevée. Le mois de juillet prochain verra la fin et l’achevement de l’une et de l’autre, et dans ce meme tems la nouvelle legislature succedera à l’ancienne. Si notre constitution n’est pas parfaite, le tems, l’experience, la reflexion et de nouvelles...
45To Thomas Jefferson from James Arthur, 9 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish to inform you that i have Secured Some of the Best mechanicks on the Continent in the mashiene making line for water or weft Spining of Cotton or worsted. Like wise i think we Can make a cotton Gin that will feed it Self to go by water or horse which i conceive will Be of greate utility to the Sotherin States. I could wish to Spend this winter in this town to Prove the Buisness. I am so...
46To Thomas Jefferson from William Frederick Ast, 20 December 17[93] (Jefferson Papers)
Pray accept my warmest Thanks for Your kind wishes and good Counsels which Your very polite and esteemed favor of 14. Ulto. conveys to me. I shall esteem myself ever happy to cultivate so valuable an Acquaintance as Yours and use my utmost Endeavours to merit Your friendship. Should it ever lay in my power to be of Service to You I shall consider that as one of my happiest Moments. I have...
47To Thomas Jefferson from William Frederick Ast, 6 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I am ashamed that I have let so many Year’s pass without doing myself the honor to write to You. Persuaded of Your kindness and when You consider the hurry and bustle I have been in these Six years with my business and the Trouble the Revolution in France caused me I hope You will be so good to pardon my Silence and not attribute to neglect. You know that I settled and established a Mercantile...
48To Thomas Jefferson from William Frederick Ast, 1 February 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honour to send You herewith a Copy of my Insurance Plan for Your perusal and beg to be so kind to make such Observations for Amendments as You think may be necessary. As we do not begin till we have three Millions of Dollars in property subscribed which will take on an Average about 2000 houses then if each house Owner advances one Guinea will raise about 10000 Dollars, which...
49To Thomas Jefferson from William Frederick Ast, 10 October 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
The Insurance having begun with those that have paid their premiums; I am therefore surprised that you have not yet sent in your declaration for assurance . By applying to your good self he will get it made out for you. A building not insured is no real property, because in a few hours it may be in ashes; you stand therefore at present in the precarious situation, that should you meet with an...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Atkinson, 21 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Being inform’d that there has been Orders by official Authority, for some Enquiries to be made, whether any Manufactories are establish’d in this State? what Progress are already made in them? and whether there is any probable Prospect of their being carried on to any Advantage? I was peculiarly pleas’d with the Information from the satisfaction it afforded me (as a warm Advocate for extending...