10151To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Peters, 14 January 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I waited on you in Consequence of percieving that I am appointed District Judge for this District. Not knowing what is the proper Channel thro’ which I am either to be informed officially or to whom I must make my Intentions known I wished your advice as a Friend. It is a sudden Thing and the Members of the Senate wish me to stay with them as long as I can. I therefore wished to delay my...
10152To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Baldwin, 20 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 7th of Feby., with the enclosure from Mr. Fanning, was duly received. In the letter to Mr. Fanning, which I do myself the honour to enclose, I have given him all the information he will need for the security of his surveys. It must undoubtedly have occurred to you, Sir, that the present unexplained state of our southern and western boundary must have rendered it improper for...
10153Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 16 November 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honour of sending you mÿ last letter , I reviewed mÿ Sketch and discovered, that I did neglect a rich mine, which he, who intends, to execute this plan, must have previouslÿ explored. After the General Sketch of Europe from the invasion of the Northern Nations ought to be inserted “Value and necessity of Studÿing the Annals, Records, Ballads, Romanzas and other writings of the...
10154To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Carrington Cabell, 8 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be delivered to you by my servant Archer, who comes down with the Horse you were so good as to lend me. I took the liberty to keep him longer than I promised, because on getting to Col. John Cole’s, I found both himself & his brother Tucker, together with their families, were setting out to see Lady Skipwith, & all their riding Horses, seemed to be in requisition. I shall remain at...
10155To Thomas Jefferson from John Norvell, 9 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Some benevolent writer observes, that happy is the person who has an instructor to point out to him those books which ought, and those which ought not to be read, and the manner in which they ought to be read. Feeling the force of the observation, and believing that you would take pleasure in giving good advice, I take the liberty to ask your opinions respecting some subjects, of which no...
10156To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 13 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to you a letter addressed to me by the British Consul residing at Norfolk with an Affidavit enclosed therein. The subject to which they relate will no doubt receive the Consideration of the President of the United States. I have the honor to be sir with the sentiments of the most perfect respect your ob: ser RC ( DNA : RG 59, LGS ); in a clerk’s hand, with...
10157Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 4 [May] 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I embrace every opportunity for presenting my respects, constantly wishing thee all possible heath health & happiness. This Work has long been wanting, & for years I have been urged to undertake it. I am pretty well satisfied with the plan of it, & hope it may meet thy approbation. May I be permitted to solicit from thee something for it? It is designed for general circulation, & I shall spare...
10158To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I saw Col. Barbour yesterday, as I intended. He remains decided ag st relinquishing his Judgeship without a previous experiment of the chair in the University. He feels evidently a strong attraction towards it; and I think a growing one. It is quite possible that the experiment he is making of his Judicial duties, carrying him as they will beyond the Mountains, will diminish his preference of...
10159To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 9 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Having fully ascertained the fact that I cannot continue my residence in the Southern Territories of the United States without abandoning the endearing Society of a beloved Wife and five promising children, or tearing my bosom-companion, invincibly reluctant, from her numerous relations deservedly dear to her, I earnestly request leave to resign my commission as Surveyor of the lands of the...
10160Jerman Baker to Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Having left this place on the 17 th Ult o in consequence of a severe attack of the Influenza, I had not the pleasure of receiving your favor untill the 2 Ins t previous to which the Committee for Courts of Justice had made a favorable report on the Petition of Cap t Miller . The subject is now before the House in the shape of a bill & of its final passage I entertain no doubt—I shall take...
10161To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 10 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose the Moniteur of the 6th inst containing the new Organization and have the honour to remain with much respect your humble servant RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Oct. and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Gazette Nationale ou le Moniteur Universel , 18 Thermidor Year 10 (6 Aug. 1802), containing the text of the sénatus-consulte organique of 16 Thermidor (see...
10162To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 27 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived yesterday and have made my visit to day, and been very politely received by the Marquis, but of this more hereafter. This is devoted to a smaller subject. Upon Enquiry I find that I cannot be exempted from paying duties upon my Wines, because no foreign Minister is, except for a less quantity than I have of the best qualities in my Cellar at the Hague, so that I must stop all that I...
10163John Quincy Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 29 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to transmit to you the enclosed Commission for the Sieur Sagrenet at the port of in France , which the President has executed, leaving a blank for the name of the port, which he says you will be so good as to fill, as you are apprized of it, and it has escaped his recollection. Upon your doing this I have to request that you take the additional trouble of returning the...
10164To Thomas Jefferson from Paul Babcock, 1 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
We the Undersigned beg Leave to Recommend Mr. Samuel Sheffield the first of Westerly In the County of Washington And State of Rhode Island, as a Suitable person to take Charge as Keeper of the light house Now Erecting On Watch Hill Point In the State of Rhode Island. he is a person of good Character and has a large family to Support and we are fully of Opinion that he will be faithfull to the...
10165William G. D. Worthington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 [February?] 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I presume to offer to your perusal a Speech—in which I have spoken of the late President of the U.S—with my sincerest and warmest feelings— I regret it is not in my power to present you with something more worthy of your attention—But I trust—that if it should not please, yet it will not offend you— RC ( MoSHi : TJC-BC ); probably misdated; addressed (torn): “ Thomas Jefferson Monticello...
10166To Thomas Jefferson from J. Phillipe Reibelt, 7 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Venant d’apprendre qu’on est a renouveller l’Ameublement du Palais Presidential—j’ose Vous prier, d’y recevoir de mon Magazin (parceque çe seroit la meilleure exhibition) quelques echantillons d’une nouvelle invention d’un peintre çelebre a Bâsle, de copier les principaux Ouvrages des Anciens d’une manière aussi parfaite, qu’il est même aux Connaisseurs difficile, de distinguer ces Copies de...
10167To Thomas Jefferson from Burrill Carnes, 15 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to the honor of your Letters 31st. Ultimo 3d and 6th Insts., I immediately communicated to the Merchants of this City the Letter and arret relative to American Commerce which appears very favorable, and by some French Merchants, that part which respects the East Indies they think too much so for their Interest, supposing that what is meant by the same priviledges as are allow’d the...
10168Hugh Nelson to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 28 h Ulto was receivd this morning. I must apologise for the liberty of detaining your manuscript so long: but it was done upon the presumption that you wou’d not want it, during its ditention detention ; and that if any effort shou’d be made in Congress a recurrence to the manuscript wou’d be of importance to myself, in combating M r L—s pretension before the legislature of...
10169To Thomas Jefferson from John Shee, 9 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored by your letter of the 29th. past—and ever gratified in complying with your desires. Enclosed you have bill lading for the articles received here by the ship Fabius the cost as by the annexed account $42.78 added to the two sums you mention, making $52.68. With the most respectful Consideration; I have the honor to be Sir Your Obedient humble Servant Statement of Charges vizt...
10170To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Everett, 10 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Allow me to ask your acceptance of an address lately pronounced by me, and to renew to you the assurance of my profound Respect.— P.S. I have lately seen in our Newspapers your letter to Major Cartwright, on the question “whether Christianity be a part of the Common Law.” I am ashamed to say the whole Enquiry was new to me, & that I know nothing of the subject but what I learn from your...
10171To Thomas Jefferson from Caleb P. Wayne, 17 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed you will receive Proposals for publishing by Subscription, a History of the late General George Washington; your presenting it to any of your friends, will greatly oblige me, and should you think proper to sanction it with your own name , it will be duly appreciated By Sir, Your most obedient Servant, RC ( DLC ); printed, with date and signature in Wayne’s hand; endorsed by TJ as...
10172From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 14 March 1803 (Madison Papers)
You will find in the gazette of this morning the letter from d’Yrujo, which he wished to be printed, and which will I hope do good. Pichon has also written a strong letter to the Govr. of Louisiana, summoning him on his responsibility, to see that the Cession of that province to France be not affected, nor the amicable relations of the Republic to the U. States, be endangered, by a...
10173To Thomas Jefferson from Patience Wright, 14 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure to hear that my son Joseph Wright had painted the best likeness of our HERO Washington, of any painter in America; and my friends are anxious that I should make a likeness, a bust in wax, to be placed in the state-house, or some new public building that may be erected by congress. The flattering letters from gentlemen of distinguished virtues and rank, and one from that...
10174Archibald Thweatt to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Am I right or wrong? P.S. I am informed that Mr Wayles had an interest in Byrd s Lottery, and that if his papers were examined, we perhaps might find documents to enable us to recover many lots. Is it worth while for me to make the search? Say in what years RC ( ViU: TJP-ER ); dateline between signature and postscript; addressed: “ Thomas Jefferson Esq: monticello Post office— Milton v a ”;...
10175John Strode to Thomas Jefferson, 12 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer of this M r James M c Kinney has been informed that you are in want of a person well qualified to take charge of your Mills as a Miller and has askd of me to give Him Such character or commendation w h I may Consider He deserves—in consequence I beg leave to Assure that during the time He has been in my employment, nearly a year that is thro’ one Crop He has conducted Himself very...
10176To Thomas Jefferson from William B. Underwood, 10 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will pardon me for the liberty I take in thus addressing you, when you learn, that nothing but real necessity compels the writer to ask the favor. To be short; it is a loan of Fifty Dollars . With this money, sir, I wish to pay in part, a debt which I necessarily contracted when I first commenced the printing business in this place; and which from the small support I have met with,...
10177To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Spencer, 9 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Wife of the above unfortunate Petitioner begs leave to add that we are entire Strangers in a Foreign Country without Money and without Friends except the Charitable and Humane and but for them must have perished—I am lately delivered of an Infant Child I have fortunately got a Situation as a wet nurse. but find my Sallary totally Insufficient to support myself and two Children and am...
10178Francis C. Whiston to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I am unable to decide whether it is a trait of catholic superstition, or something more laudable, that has produced in my mind a strong admiration of those great and important events, which appear like promontories in the history of the world, and a sacred veneration for those who have been conspicuous instruments in their accomplishment; but whatever may be the source of this principle the...
10179To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 27 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears by a letter of the 16th: instant, that the Light house at Smith’s Point is completed: the Contractor has left a young man on the spot to take care of the buildings; and as he will probably make a charge for his attendence, the propriety of appointing a Keeper is respectfully submitted. As a supply of Oil was ordered from Nantucket in November, it has probably already arrived at...
10180William Plumer (1789–1854) to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 13 th instant on the subject of my Agricultural Address. I perceive from your letter that you supposed yourself writing to my father . It is perhaps vanity, as much as a sense of justice, which prompts me to disclaim the praise thus intended for another. I cannot however suffer the opportunity which it affords me of again...
10181To Thomas Jefferson from David Hartley, 6 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
May I beg the favour of you to give me your assistance officially, and as an old friend, towards obtaining letters patent in the united states of America, for the improvement of one of the most universal and important manufactures for the uses of life, that can exist in any country in the world; I mean the manufacture of all edged instruments of steel; than which none is more extensive or...
10182To Thomas Jefferson from James Ogilvie, 11 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
You will not I hope think me chargeable with impertinence or presumption when I take the liberty to request your attention to a subject, which altho’ in a great measure of a personal nature, may not in its consequences be altogether unconnected with social happiness.—You have probably heard of an academical institution , which is about to be organised in S. Carolina.—I have announced myself to...
10183To 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...
10184To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 26 November 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Your much esteem d of the 21st. is now before me, & contents observed— I rec d a letter some days since, from mr Gilmer, at New York, saying he had given the professors, expected out in the next ship, letters of introduction to me, & consigned the packages &C:, intended for the university &C: &C:, also to me, without however saying whether they would arrive at Rich d direct, or where, I learn...
10185William A. Burwell to Thomas Jefferson, 4 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been informed by the Secretary of War , that the Government will not Sell at this time the Instruments procured by Mr Hasler — I should have given you this information earlier, but have been waiting in the daily expectation, to hear from D r Jackson — Mr Crawford has promised to furnish me with the paper the moment it arrives, when it shall be forwarded without delay. RC ( DLC );...
10186To Thomas Jefferson from United States Senate, 28 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Senate resumed the consideration of the message of the President of the United States, of 23d Dec. last, and the nomination of J.W. Gurley and J. Griffin contained therein; Whereupon, Resolved, that the Senate do not advise and consent to the appointment of J.W. Gurley. Ordered, that the further consideration of the nomination of J. Griffin be postponed. Jan 30. 1806 On motion, Ordered,...
10187Statement of Account with Thomas Carpenter, 26 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
1802. Thomas Jefferson Esq. October 14th. To Thomas Carpenter Dr. To a fine flannel under waistcoat $2. 25 Decr. 1. To 4 suits of winter Clothes (Livery) @ 28 $ 112. To a Blue waterproof Coat Steele Buttons &c. 21. 50 To a Buff Waist—shawl pattern, pearl Buttons 8. 25 To a dove coloured Do —— Do —— 8. 25
10188To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 23 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
G Granger presents his Compliments to the President and informs him that Marbell Camden was the last Postmaster at Milton—his resignation was lately received. G Granger does not recollect the name of the Gentleman proposed for that office and prays the President to be kind enough to send the name by Bearer. RC ( DLC ); partially dated. MARBELL CAMDEN assumed the office of postmaster at Milton...
10189Patrick Gibson to Thomas Jefferson, 20 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I had dated and prepared to put in your note on Wednesday the 22 nd but by the advice of Col l Nicholas did not offer it until yesterday, when it was discounted, I cannot however make use of the proceeds, not having yet received the necessary check from M r T. J. Randolph , it will fall due on the 21 /24 th June . Our flour market continues to decline, the present prices are 8
10190To Thomas Jefferson from Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency Copy of a Letter I have just received from General Greene . The absolute necessity of supporting him and consequently of calling out the Militia makes me extremely apprehensive that it will prevent the drafting the Recruits. The time fixed for this is the 10 of March. Before this time there may be a necessity of ordering out a part of every County....
10191To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 7 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
On the subject of the memorial from sundry persons in the 2d. Legion of Militia in the District of Columbia, on which you have been pleased to request my opinion, I take the liberty of submiting the following observations. The laws of the United States providing for the organization and government of the Militia of the District of Columbia having provided suitable tribunals for the trial of...
10192To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Waterhouse, 28 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment taken your letter of the 14th. inst. from the Post-office, and have step’d into the first house to write a line, and pray you to excuse me untill I return home before I can answer it properly. I congratulate you, Sir, in having produced the true disease, of which I have little or indeed no doubt . I hope Dr. Wardlow will inoculate from the part affected as soon as he finds a...
10193To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Stearns, 28 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Taunton, 28 Jan. 1793 . He encloses a copy of the Free Mason’s Calendar , asking that it be deposited according to the copyright law, and that a receipt be given to William Foster, the bearer. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); 1 p.; addressed: “Hon. Thomas Jefferson, LL.D. Secretary of State, Philadelphia Honrd. by the Hon. Mr. Foster”; endorsed by George Taylor, Jr., as received 11 Feb. 1793. Samuel...
10194To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 15 May 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Being prevented by the unexpected arrival of company to day, I have it in my power to write but a few lines to my Dearest Father while the rest of the family sleep. to repeat what he so well knows allready how tenderly loved how anxiously expected he is by every member of the family they are all unwell at present with colds so bad as to create suspicions of the hooping cough particularly the...
10195Nicolas G. Dufief to Thomas Jefferson, 1 September 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Il m’a été impossible, Jusqu’à présent, de vous procurer l’ouvrage d’Evans . Je continuerai mes recherches. Vous avez du recevoir le 1 er & 2 d vol. de mon dictionnaire & l’histoire des Shakers Plusieurs Personnes Sont venus me trouver, d’après vos lettres, pour me prier de leur compter les petites Sommes qui leur sont dues J’ai promis de les leur envoyer dès que M r Gibson (a qui J’ai ecrit...
10196To Thomas Jefferson from William Bradley, 4 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
This represents an unfortunate Mechanic confined in Washington Goal—the Tale is plain & simple—& Testimony of the Truth may be fully substantionated at the Moment He is now under durance relative to a Building He has erected in the Vicinity of the West-Market—the Subject in some degree may be familiar to Your Ear—He has only to say the Confinement adjudged to Him He suffers with Patience, He...
10197To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 12 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
You will observe from your acct which I forward herewith, that you are not charged with the 50$: which I some time ago paid for you; this I omitted because I did not like there should be any appearance of mystery in pecuniary matters betwixt us. The order therefore I return inclosed. If you do not choose it should remain until I have the pleasure of seeing you—it will not now be inconvenient...
10198Samuel Kercheval to Thomas Jefferson, 27 April 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
A friend of mine, who is now engaged in erecting considerable buildings, and has requested me, to apply to you, for information how to make, fire proof cement. He states to me that he has been lately informd; that you can furnish the information he desires, and that with your permission he will cause it to be made public, for the good of society. Pardon the liberty I have taken, and accept...
10199To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 17 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Laselles may be intitled to notice for his services as by himself related, but he is mistaken in the fact relative to Genl. Waynes return, the Genl. did return to Philadelphia after the Treaty of Greenville and afterwards joined the western Army and was at Detroit where he received an order to attend a Court of enquiry at Pittsburg, and died on his way at Presqu Isle. The Genl of course...
10200Robert Saunders to Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Having made an Examination and Settlement with M r Bracken as the Admor of the late Charles Bellini under the Authority granted to me by your Letter of Attorney of the 25 th of december last , I now cover to you a statement of the account , an exact Copy of that left in M r Bracken ’s possession, annexing thereto my account shewing the balance to be received by your Constituent, together with...