11To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, 3 September 1770 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yours of July 15th a few days past, and Immediately communicated your Sentiments and my own relative to the Suit of Tuckers Creditors vs his Executors to the persons concerned and endeavoured to enforce what you recommended which was Intirely agreeable to my own Opinion. I also recommended the Joining Creditors to undertake all the Enquiries at their common Expence and to average...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Mrs. Drummond, 12 March 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry to say, by this Man, who is come down so late that all the valluable fruite, and flower roots, cannot be medled with, and I can procure nothing [w]orthy of the Acceptance of my Amiable freind, except four Apricot Trees, one Medler […] and some pumgranuts. I am promis’t but every thing, of the flower roots in Octbr. all freinds that I’ve applied too, declairing the roots now, wou’d...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, [ca. April] 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been labouring to prevail on Tuckers Executors to come to a Speedy trial of the Cause, but without Success. Mr. Taylor seems determined to remove it by if possible, and even Mr. Wallers advice to the Contrary Seems to have no Effect on him. I fear we must have recourse to an Injunction unless It may be your Opinion that if ever Mr. Hunt Subjects the lands we shall be able to recover...
14To Thomas Jefferson from James Ogilvie, 26 April 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
Though I have wrote you and Mr. Walker twice, yet I am at a loss to know whether any of my letters have come to hand or not as I have never heard from Virginia, but once since I left it which was a letter dated last Novr. from my young freind at Belvidere . I have the pleasure however to inform you that I have got into deacon’s Orders by the Bishop of Durham, independant of Horrocks by means...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, 10 May 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I omitted giving the Treasurer my Bond for things purchas’d at the Palace Amount £8:18:6. Indeed it ought to have been Cash, but as I hope it will make little difference I shall take it as a favor if you would do it for me, and this shall indemnify you. I am Your hum Servt, RC ( NjP ). Addressed: “To Thomas Jefferson Esqr in Williamsburg. Favr. Mr Barrett.” Endorsed: “T. M. Randolph” (not in...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, 10 July 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I have at length prevailed on Mr. Taylor to answer a Bill in our Court spedily, and I here inclose you a Draught of what I purpose filing which you will please return with your remarks and Improvements. We purpose not Coming into Court untill all our papers are ready and then to set it for hearing immediately. If the Decree here be in our Favor we are to give him Security for performing it and...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Skipwith, 17 July 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
This I have left at the Forest to remind you of your obliging promise and withal to guide you in your choice of books for me, both as to the number and matter of them. I would have them suited to the capacity of a common reader who understands but little of the classicks and who has not leisure for any intricate or tedious study. Let them be improving as well as amusing and among the rest let...
18To Thomas Jefferson from John Ogilvie, 19 July 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
Though the distance at which we are removed deprives me of the benefit of personal acquaintance with a Gentleman whose character I so highly esteem, yet I cannot omitt this opportunity of expressing that esteem, and of making my acknowledgments for the generous friendship you have shown to a Brother whom I love as my own heart. From me, any encomium on him would lye open to an imputation so...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, 19 August 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I have your Favours of June and July 20th the first dated from Albermale the last from Williamsburg. I wish I had the Pleasure of Conferring with you when you were down but my business so Interposed it was not in my Power. The case of Plume vs. Portlock was thus, A Warrent of the Peace was Obtained vs. Plume, upon hearing the Court Continued the Recognizance. Costs Consequently accrued. Plume...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Skipwith, 20 September 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to my general fate I could not get here until some time after your departure. It is hard indeed that I should be continually disappointed of the company I delight in and which one would suppose I had the best opportunities of enjoying. Your obliging letter I have received and am much pleased with your deviation from the plan I proposed in the formation of a catalogue of books and am...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Burke, 24 September 1771 (Jefferson Papers)
I have long laboured to do something with Mr. Taylor but almost in vain. Altho the Question is undoubtly of greatest Importance to him Viz. whether Colo. Tuckers Assets shall be legally or Illegally administered there is no Possibility of awakeing him to his Danger. All I have been able to do is to get a faint Consent from him to use his Name in Obtaining the Injunction or Interpleader. I have...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander McCaul, 8 July 1772 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yours of the 7th of Septr. last only the 10th of June last, and where it had been wandering all that time I am at a loss to know, but no doubt you would think me negligent not to answer you in course. I have not yet been able to procure for you a Gardiner, but have made application to a friend in the East Country and have little doubt of getting one for you to send you in our own...
23To Thomas Jefferson from John Lewis, 4 October 1772 (Jefferson Papers)
Have received yours by Col. Lewis’s Man, and find he has not deliver’d my mesage as I directed, should have wrote to you had I bin accquainted of his going, but happen’d to find him in his journey to you, and deliver’d this mesage—to ask you if you had taken Mr. Carrs, and Mr. Jno. Woodsons, diposisions, as I have formerly requested, being at so great distance from me which made it...
24To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles, 20 October 1772 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favour by […]st and thank you for the various intellig[ence. The?] Genl. Courts determination concern[ing] the devise of slaves must be attended w[ith] Mischievious consequences. I have hea[rd] nothing about dear Patty since you left this place. Our sale of Slaves go[es] on Slowly so ’tis uncertain when we shall be down but I suppose before the Rebel party leaves town. I am...
25To Thomas Jefferson from the Rev. James Madison, [1773?] (Jefferson Papers)
I know not in what Manner sufficiently to thank you for your kind offices . It is happy that Circumstance was mentioned, as it is probable it might otherwise have been of much Prejudice. Mr. Henley proposes going with me this Morning to Most of the Visitors, which with the Assistance of your previous Application and a Recommendatory Line from Mr. G——n I flatter myself, will ensure success. I...
26XIII. Farell & Jones to Thomas Jefferson, 30 July 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with great concern we have heard from Mr. Evans of the Death of our worthy Friend Mr. Wayles. We wrote him by the Virginian Capt. Emmes with a Copy of his Account Current but we find he died before that Ships arrival. As we apprehend you are Executor to his Will, we shall hope to hear from you soon and that the same Friendly and uninterupted Correspondence will subsist between us, as...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Charles McPherson, 12 August 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
I regret, exceedingly, that I have at this distance of time to answer your very polite letter of the 20th February. I only received it about the end of last month. It came under cover of a letter from Mr. Ninian Minzies, dated the 20th. May. I recollect, with pleasure, the acquaintance which I had with you in Virginia. I enjoy the thoughts of renewing that acquaintance; and I am much indebted...
28To Thomas Jefferson from James Taylor, 20 August 1773 (Jefferson Papers)
There is no Such Will as Joseph Smiths Recorded in the County of Orange. I am Sr. Yr. Hble Servt., RC ( MHi ). Addressed: “To Thomas Jefferson Esqr. In Albemarle.” James Taylor was clerk of Orange co., 1772–1798 (Frederick Johnston, Memorials of Old Virginia Clerks , Lynchburg, 1888, p. 271).
29To Thomas Jefferson from John Blair, 2 March 1774 (Jefferson Papers)
I have noted the Time of your Petitions coming into the Office, which will give them Priority when the Land Office is open. There is an Order of Council (but seldom I think complied with) that every Order for Land shall be entered in the Auditor’s Office, and he is to indorse on it that it is so. This was to be done previous to the surveying; I conceive, therefore, that if the Land be already...
30To Thomas Jefferson from John Hook, 12 May 1774 (Jefferson Papers)
I sent a Message to you by Mr. Steptoe offering you a small tract of Land laying between your Old and new tracts in this County, it was formerly the property of Saml. Brown, at £100 payable as follows, £40 to be paid [at the?] ensuing June or July Meeting of the Merchants in [Wil]lmsbg. and the Remainder by XMass or Aprl. 1775. Since then I have determined to write you by Mr. Ross , that I may...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Ebenezer Hazard, with Jefferson’s MS Memoranda, 23 August 1774 (Jefferson Papers)
As the Collection, mentioned in the Proposals annexed, is a Matter of Importance to the Colonies in general, and may answer valuable Purposes, I flatter myself you will think it not unworthy of your Patronage;-and therefore take the Liberty of soliciting your kind Assistance by favouring me with the Use of such suitable Papers, relating to your Colony, as it may be convenient for you to...
32To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 5 April 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not know that the terms on which the crown engaged to grant the lands in Virginia are contained in any other charter than that by Car. ii. the 10. of Oct. 28 of his reign. The original, I believe although the seal is not now to it, I found in my office; and I understand it is recorded in the Secretary’s office. A copy of it I now inclose to be sent by the first opportunity. In the mean...
33To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 6 April 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of yesterday, I have looked cursorily over all the charters in my office. Of those sent by Mr. Montagu the three which seem to concern the matter you are considering are the same that are in the appendix to Mr. Stith’s history and the other which is all that I have of them besides is an ordinance relating to the appointment of a council in England for the affairs of the colony....
34To Thomas Jefferson from St. George Tucker, 8 June 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I must apologize to you for the Liberty I take in addressing you as a Member of the General Congress , but the Importance of the Occasion I hope will excuse it. I shall therefore without further prelude proceed to the Occasion of this Letter. The Island of Bermuda, by it’s detached Situation, by the Number of it’s Inhabitants, by its inconsiderable produce, and by the small progress made there...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Ebenezer Hazard, 30 June 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very obliging Letter of 30th. April did not come to hand before a few Days ago, or it should have been answered sooner. I am happy that you coincide with me in Sentiment respecting the Utility of my Undertaking, and, judging of the whole from the Materials I am already possessed of, I cannot help thinking the Collection will be vastly more important than I at first imagined. The polite...
36To Thomas Jefferson from George Gilmer, [26 or 27 July 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 5th Inst. this instant came to my hands in our encampment in Wallers Grove , the account of the battle at Charles town is pleasing, I wish it is true. It appears astonishing to me that some armed Vessel has not attempted to bring in powder &c. it certainly is practicable and wants proper encouragement only to put it in execution. Do order some of those Privateers to all the...
37To Thomas Jefferson from St. George Tucker, 12 August 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Were I certain that a Letter I addressed to you a few Weeks ago, by way of Virginia had been delivered to you, I should not have intruded on Business of greater Importance in which you may be at present engaged, a second Time. But lest any Accident should have happened thereto, I take the Liberty of enclosing you the Plan for continuing the Exports from America to foreign Markets, which I...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 31 August 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
No new Occurrence at Cambridge can justify an Intrusion on the well-employ’d Moments of a Delegate. I must, however, urge you, to assign a Reason for the Supineness of Virginia, amidst the Robberies, and other Violations of private Property, said to have been committed by Lord Dunmore. He plunders Custom-Houses, and reviews his Body-Guard at Gosport, unarrested. What is the Conclusion from...
39To Thomas Jefferson from John Randolph, 31 August 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved ten Guineas of the Treasurer and have left the Violin with Mr. Cocke of Wmsburg. I wish I had had a Case for it. Tho we may politically differ in Sentiments, yet I see no Reason why privately we may not cherish the same Esteem for each other which formerly I believe Subsisted between us. Should any Coolness happen between us, I’ll take Care not to be the first mover of it. We...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Walker and Others, 13 September 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
After a very disagreeable, wet and fateagueing Journey, we got here on the 10th Inst. the day appointed for opening the Treaty, but found scarcely any Indians here. We have dispatched runners to meet them and hope they will be in soon. We are told that the Shawnese and Delawares are on their way, but can not hear a tittle of the Wiandotts, from which circumstance ’tis feared that they have...
41Commission as Lieutenant of Albemarle, 26 September 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
The COMMITTEE of SAFETY for the Colony of VIRGINIA To Thomas Jefferson Esquire By Virtue of the Power and Authority invested in us, by the Delegates and Representatives of the several Counties and Corporations in General Convention assembled, we, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, do, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to...
42To Thomas Jefferson from John Walker, [ca. October 1775] (Jefferson Papers)
I am thus far on my way to attend the Business of my Indian department at Salisbury and have just recollected a duty I owe a very worthy Man; the case in short is this. Mr. John Gibson a very worthy and clever Man, the man thro’ whom Lord Dunmore hoped to have carryed on a Correspondance with the Indians in the middle district and who nobly disdaining any such dirty business immediately...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, 31 October 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Pleasure of yours of the 17th Instant last night by Post, am much obliged to you for it. As well as yourself I am much at a loss why Gage &c. should be sent for, and cannot judge whether it Augurs Good or Evel; but my Fears are that no Good Can Happen to America from any Orders of Those in Power on the other side the Atlantick. I think very much depends on the Success of the...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Carter Nicholas, 10 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I was favour’d with your Letter the other Day by Mrs. Randolph . We had before her Arrival heard of the death of our worthy Friend. The great Load of Business I have had on Hand ever since the Convention obliged me to confine my Correspondence to him, knowing that he would communicate my Letters to the rest of the Associates. The infamous Practice of opening all Letters passing thro’ the...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 10 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I was so much ingaged last week in watching the motions of his Lordships Tenders, that I was depriv’d the pleasure of writing to you, three of which came up the length of James Town, and were haild by some of our riflemen, and not answering were fired upon by them, another report says the Tenders fired first, and attemted to and some men, but were prevented by eight rifle men, for there are no...
46To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 11 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank God I am now so well that I could venture to write you a long Letter if a Multiplicity of Business did not render it impossible. But I will make the best Use of my Time and scribble you some fugitive Sentences. I wrote to Col. Nelson and you by the Post before the last, giving some Account of the Norfolk and Hampton Affairs. I can assure that our young Soldiers behaved extremely well,...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 16 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Former labours in Various Public emploiements now appear as recreations compared with the present, which affords a scanty allowance for food and sleep; I mention this as an Appology to you and my other freinds for not having wrote more frequently. The Committee having now Adjourned for a fortnight, I am at home and mean to write for Next Post as I set out on a small mountain excursion...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Lynch, 20 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I receiv’d your favour dated Philadelphia Oct. 26th by the Express. In answer thereto I assure you I have not the least doubt but we shall be able to procure that Necessary article of Salt Petre if Attended to. I find Gentlemen here loath to risk as much cash as wou’d Make the Necessary preperations. I have been kept back my self by sickness in my famely, and have been much indispos’d my self....
49To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 24 [November 177]5 (Jefferson Papers)
I was not a little disappointed to find that you still complain of my not writing to you, when I have written twice since the Norfolk and Hampton Affairs. Your not mentioning those Letters greatly discourages me—not that I care who sees what I write, but that I stil should write and write again And you of my Neglect complain. The Affair of Princess Ann mentioned in your joint Letter to our...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 4 February 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I had written to you soon after the repulse of our Troops at Quebec, giving you, as I thought, a true state of that unfortunate affair; but upon comparing it, (altho I had my information from a person who pretended to know a good deal of the matter) with one that I saw afterwards, I found they differ’d so materially that I burnt my Letter and determin’d to leave you to the News papers for your...
51To Thomas Jefferson from James McClurg, 6 April 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
If this should find you at Congress, when the business it relates to is undetermined, I hope you will use your Influence in favor of your humble Servant. It is believ’d here that a Physician will be appointed to the Continental Troops in this Colony; an office that I desire Exceedingly, as it would gratify at the same time my passion for Improvement in the profession I am destined to, and my...
52To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 6 April 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish you would use your Interest in behalf of Dr. McClurg. He offers his Service as Physician to the Continental Forces in Virginia. Such a Person is much wanted. Col. Grayson who behaved admirably well at Hampton and who has taken great Pains to improve himself in the Military Science intends to offer his Service to the Congress. He is highly deserving of Encouragement. Do introduce him and...
53To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 26 April 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I have snatched a few Moments to scribble you a few loose Thoughts on our present critical Situation. I think our Countrymen have exhibited an uncommon Degree of Virtue, not only in submiting to all the hard Restrictions and exposing themselves to all the Dangers which are the Consequence of the Disputes they are involved in with Great Britain, but in behaving so peaceably and honestly as they...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 24 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Edmd. Pendleton to Thos. Jefferson , Esqe. I am conscious of a large Arrears of debt to you for favor received before you left Congress in the Winter, but your return to Virga. and my continued hopes of the pleasure of seing you, postponed my writing ’til I heard you had resumed your charge in Congress and I will now endeavor to pay some of the debt. I am sorry to hear your pleasure at home...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 27 May 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I writ to you the 22d. Inst. by Miles Taylor and inclos’d you £4.16.0 continentle money to buy me some articles that are not to be bought in this part of the world. We have been in dayly expectation of seeing Mrs. Jefferson for some time past, but she is not yet arriv’d, nor have I been able to hear from her since my last, but hope by next post to inclose you a letter from her. On the 22d....
56To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Pendleton, 1 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged by the intelligence inclosed in your favor of the 21st . All the circumstances which have occurred in America, seem to confirm the Account, as Cornwallis is said to be arrived at Cape Fear, and his troops from 3 to 4000. We must defend our selves as well as we can. I am concerned to find there is danger of disunion at such a crisis, as that only can give Success to our...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 3 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my writing to you last I have had the pleasure of hearing that Mrs. Jefferson and your family are well. This we herd from Mr. Hylton who sent one of his servants up to your house. She at that time intended to be at Mr. Hyltons last Friday. If she came we shall see her in a few days. Lord Dunmore and his motly crew have taken up their Quarte[rs] at Gwins Island in Gloucester county. I...
58To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 15 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your favor by the post, and beg you will be so obliging as to repeat it, whenever you have leisure. The news from Canada which I fear is too true, is very discouraging, tho’ I am not without hope that things will take a favourable turn in that quarter. A letter I have seen from general Washington seems to cherish it. Military operations in the southern department seem for the...
59To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 22 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
I, being inform’d that the post is to set out in an hour, have just left the committee appointed to prepare a form of government to give you a summary of their proceeding. The inclosed printed plan was drawn by Colo. G. Mason and by him laid before the committee. They proceeded to examine it clause by clause, and have made such alterations as you will observe by examining the printed copy and...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 23 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Gilmer, not being able to attend the Convention the other Day, when the Delegates were chosen, sent a Memo. to me, to press your Non-election. I urged it in decent Terms: but stirred up a Swarm of Wasps about my Ears, who seemed suspicious, that I designed to prejudice you. However, fortunately for my Credit, your Letter to the President was yesterday read to the House, confirming, What I had...