31To Thomas Jefferson from William Harris Jones, 22 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
W m Harris Jones presents his most respectful Compliments to M r Jefferson, & begs the favour, (if Mr J’s health will permit), of his viewing the fine paintings by Van Derlyn, which W. H. J. has brought up to Charlottesville As they have stood the test of criticism in Paris—as well as in most parts of the Union W. H. J. is sure M r J would be much gratified by the inspection—M r Van Derlyn...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Robley Dunglison, 21 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
When I requested the catalogues from you, I was not the least aware, that the Boxes, in the University, could be considered the property of M r Hilliard, but such being the case it would, of course, be the height of imprudence to meddle with them. I regret this the more inasmuch as those who attended my lectures last year will find that we possess no additional advantages this—& the two first...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 20 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the drouth our well have most all given out and our pipes are so much decayed that we can’t get a supply from the Mountain without going to a considerable expence in renewing them and consequently we are put to considerable inconveniance for the want of a sufficiency of water—The well have also declined in Charlottesville——The people of Charlottesville have proposed that we...
34To Thomas Jefferson from John Henri Isaac Browere, 20 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
As the poet says, “there are strings in the human heart, which once touched will some times utter dreadful discord.” Per the public vehicles of information the expresident has perceived the very illiberal manner in which my character & feelings have been treated; and that of those of his honor have been unintentionably wounded, mine have b een publickly assaulted, & lacerated?—why?—Because...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Robley Dunglison, 20 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the pleasure of seeing you yesterday, it escaped my memory to beg of you an inspection of the Bill of Parcels of the unopened Boxes of Books now in the University. I will therefore feel obliged by your sending them to me by the Bearer to the end that I may take out some works essentially necessary for me in the present department of my course—leaving the remainder in their places so...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 20 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 17th: is now before me. Your Tobacco from Bedford I have never yet heard from; I have rec d from Albemarle, since last fall, 430 Blls Flour on your a/c, and finding no prospect whatever of selling it here, to advantage, ship d it long since to the Eastward, where I hope it will yield you a better return than could possibly be anticipated here, if indeed a sale of it could have...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 18 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you, on the proper feeling for your long life of meritorious service that seems to pervade every part of our country, and I anticipate from it, in every way, a result such as your friends would wish, and ought to expect. May the attachment of your fellow citizens render the close of your useful life, equally comfortable and honourable. I should not trouble you now with a letter,...
38To Thomas Jefferson from James Barbour, 16 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a letter some time past from M r Madison advising me of the arrival of a box of seeds, sent from France, addressed to him as President of the A. A. Society; and which he turned over to me—I immediately wrote to the French Consul of France requesting him to consign it to M r Allen of Fredericksburg or Moncure Robinson & Pleasants of Richmond—since which I have heard nothing of it—I...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler, 16 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 5 th inst t has again highly obliged me by the kind interest you always take in what concerns me and Your subscription to my trigonometry if I can bring it to light in which the book sellers here are not very liberal in lending a hand, so that perhaps I may have to send it to a friend in London for publication. Upon Your account of the Professors of Virginia University and...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Clay, 13 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Madison has transmitted to me the enclosed letters respecting a box of seeds sent from the Museum at Paris—Altho’ I do not think that I have any thing to do with it. I have nevertheless complied with his suggestions in requesting Mess rs Mackay and Campbell to forward it for the use of the University of Virginia, to which I understand is attached a Botanical Garden: and I have taken the...
41To Thomas Jefferson from John Patten Emmet, 13 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received your letter of yesterday. I need not assure you that it will give me very great pleasure to promote your wishes. Immediately after we visited the ground I wrote a note to the Proctor requesting Laborers and carts. I have not yet, even received an answer from him, which is much to be regretted as the season is far advanced & there will be necessity to change the surface of...
42To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell Rives, 13 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the satisfaction to inform you that the Bill, for remitting the duties demanded of the university, has passed the Senate, & has probably, by this time, received it’s consummation as a law by the signature of the President. The committee of the Senate, to which the Bill was referred, reported it with an amendment, the object of which was to provide for another case supposed by the...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Jared Sparks, 13 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your kind favor of 8 th ult o reached me in Raleigh, and I write to thank you for the willingness you express to promote my project of a history of the Revolution. As my tour has already been much longer in duration than I expected, and as pressing duties at home demand my speedy return, I am compelled for the present to deny myself the pleasure of the visit to Monticello, which I...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Hezekiah Niles, 12 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
It was with great pleasure that I rec d your favor of the 6 th inst. because it furnished evidence of your health—for my prayer is joined to that of grateful millions that you may live long & happily. But I will not trouble you with the reading of a long letter, however much I am disposed to write one. I thank you for your kind recollection of me & the little matter that was between us, the...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Littleton Waller Tazewell, 11 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
An accident prevented the receipt of your letter of the 25 th of November last, for so long a period after its date, that I then thought it better to postpone writing to you in reply, until I could communicate some intelligence in relation to the subject to which it refer’d—The delay of the House of Representatives to pass the bill which M r Rives had introduced into that body, until a few...
46To Thomas Jefferson from John Moody, 10 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have observed a Lottery advertised to be Drawn sometime hence from a Train of Ill Luck or something Else—I am Reduced to Straitend Circumstances perhaps I might have some good fortune after a Long train of Bad—will you be pleased to send as a present 2 or 3 tickets as an old friend and acquaintance which will be Esteemed a particular favour Indeed and more Ensured from my Heart if you comply...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 9 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last letter it has occurred to me that it should have contained an idea which I did not express. It is this—that under the circumstances in which the Governours of States, and the Continental Officers were placed, it is reasonable to suppose that however correct the conduct of the former may have been, the opinions of the latter would be unfavourable to them. Indeed, the more...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Abbot Cummings, 8 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
on the inst. we shipped to the care of Col. Peyton 3 cases Books from England, 1 from France, & 2 from Germany; & yesterday one other case from Germany. These, with what are now on their way from Europe, and the addition of some American works, which have not, as yet been found, will make about the full amount of our commission. We have received by the last arrivals advice of such works as...
49From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I return the correspondence inclosed in yours of the 3d. inst. The reluctance of Mr. Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at, nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
50To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the correspondence enclosed in yours of the 3 d inst. The reluctance of M r Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
51To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 6 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
It has given me infinite pleasure to hear from you by the letter which you were so good as to send by M r Randolph, dated March 24. He gave it to me a few days ago only, on his return from Boston; having passed through this City without stopping on his way thither. I was indeed very anxious to hear of you & of your health, though unwilling to trouble you with a letter & impose on you the tax...
52To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell Rives, 5 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of recieving your letter of 22 nd ult. some days ago; but unwilling to vex & tire you with the repetition of unsatisfactory communications, I have forborne to reply to it, until I could communicate something decisive upon the subject of the duties. I have now the satisfaction to inform you that the Bill, for remitting them, has this day passed the House of Representatives, &...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 4 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I write to you by a special influence while standing at my Desk, I was looking around the world to see if I could find one man, who had arrived, to a state of compleat happiness, eather in the abundance of riches or honour, in those two pursuits most of men, are engaged. while looking for the man of honour, I could think of no man who had arrived to so complete a state, as your self—this leads...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 3 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of some military friends, and in compliance with a desire which I have for several years entertained, I am preparing a second edition of my fathers memoirs of the Southern war—with his own M.S. corrections, with the advantage of various suggestions from Col. Howard & with such additions and explanations as my own acquaintance with the subject will enable me to furnish. In this...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Dabney Carr Terrell, 2 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Very soon after the death of my friend, the late M r Gilmer, M r Davis made known to me your wish that I should fill the vacancy thereby occasioned in the law department of the University of Virginia; and four days ago a letter from him informed me of the choice made by the Visitors at their late meeting. I hasten to avail myself of the first interval of ease which an acute, tho’ I hope...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler, 1 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Circumstances induce me to attempt the publication of the courses of analytical trigonometry which I had planed in 1806 and used at the Military Academy of West point, and adapted peculiarly to the habitual mode and order of studying elementary mathematics in this country. Supposing the Knowledge of the most elementary Books of Euclid, and the simplest Algebra, till quadratic equations...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 30 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here this morning from New York. Every thing is now ready to commence the sale of the tickets. But a movement has taken place in New-York promising some thing more in its effects than any thing of the kind heretofore. a meeting has been called (in pursuance of the request of individuals) by the mayor to be held to morrow to take the subject in to consideration. I had an interview...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 29 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have employed V. W Southall Esqr as counsel for the University and now send you his opinion on the several subjected submitted to him, for your perusal, after which be pleased to return it that I may lay it before the Faculty at their meeting on monday evening—With respect to Mosby & Droffin, on monday next is the day for renewing their licenses, the court will no doubt refuse them ordinary...
59To Thomas Jefferson from John Patten Emmet, 28 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received your letter in relation to the Botanic garden, accompanied by suggestion, as to its economy, from the late Abbé Correa. I need not say how much I approve of those Suggestions, as they obviously comprehend the most philosophical rules for making Botany as useful, & therefore important, study, and for freeing it from its present immense and cumbersome dress of...
60To Thomas Jefferson from R. Riker, 28 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The Corporation of the City of New York have caused Medals to be struck, to commemorate the completion of the Erie Canal which unites the great Western Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. The Corporation, influenced by a deep and profound respect for those memorable and patriotic Citizens, who affixed their names to the Declaration of Independence, and pledged in its support “their lives, their...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Jesse B. Harrison, 27 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will believe me sincere when I assure you that it is with the greatest reluctance that I intrude on the quiet of your calm retreat, at an age when exertion must be irksome; yet when I reflect that there is a motive which has ever been more powerful with you than even the love of philosophie ease, the love of active kindness, I am emboldened to beg a few moments of your time. Having...
62To Thomas Jefferson from E. Copeland, Jr., 26 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your esteemed fav of the 18 th Inst t —I rec d this morning a letter from M r Peyton stating that it was impossible for him to obtain a Bank check on this City, & therefore he desired me to draw on him at sight.—I have done so this day thro’ our Branch of the U.S. Bk, the Cashier of which obligingly offered to collect it for me at par, when he understood from our...
63To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell Rives, 26 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
You will perceive from the enclosed letter of Mr. Lambert that he has presented to the University of Virginia, thro’ me, a printed copy of the calculations made by him to ascertain the longitude of the Capitol in this City. I beg leave to commit these calculations, together with the letter which accompanied them, to your guardianship, that you may dispose of them in such manner as is most...
64From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 21st. The refusal of the offer to Mr. Wirt, inviting as it was, does not surprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that Mr. Lomax takes so well with everybody. I hope his success will make some amends for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recomended in...
65To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to remind you that the bond for the marble capitals will be due the 6th. of may next. If Congress does not exempt the capitals from duty, before that time, I have given this notice, lest the time, when the bond becomes due, should escape the recollection if the Board of Overseers, who, no doubt, wish to be prepared to take up the bond at its maturity. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
66To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 21 st The refusal of the Offer to M r Wirt. inviting as it was. does not suprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that M r Lomax takes so well with everybody, I hope his success will make some amends. for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recommended in...
67To Thomas Jefferson from William Matthews, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a subscription paper which has been presented to a number of the students at the University and a sufficient number has subscribed to enable me to commence the school, at the time specified. A difficulty presented itself to me a few days since, which causes me to address you.—The time which I have to drill and instruct the students, has to be so early in the morning...
68To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have returned thus far on my way home and can yet report nothing definitively some feeble attempts have been made here and in Boston to raise money by subscription. they have neither succeeded or failed. the extreme pressure of the money market will I think prevent any thing being done at present in that way. altho it will not prevent the sale of tickets. persons do not like to subscribe ten...
69To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell Rives, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance Messrs. Johnson, , & Ashley, members of the House of Representatives from the State of New-York, who, in a visit they are about to make to Virginia, are desirous of paying their personal respects to you. You will find them gentlemen of great respectability, & of liberal sentiments.—I take the occasion to renew to you the expression of my grateful &...
70To Thomas Jefferson from Martin Van Buren, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Mr Ashley—a representative from N York with three of his colleagues Mess rs Johnson & are induced by the respect they bear for your character and principles to visit Monticello and I take the liberty of introducing them to your politeness & hospitality. NNPM .
71To Thomas Jefferson from Bernard Peyton, 22 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The balance of Trade being in favor of the North at present, we cannot obtain dfts: in that direction, I have however written to M r E. Copeland J. of Boston, to draw on me at sight, for the acc t you specify, on ℀ Messrs: Dodge & Oxnard of Mersailes, which will no doubt be very satisfactory to him. MHi .
72To Thomas Jefferson from E. Watts, 22 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Jefferson will please say, whether he wishes the plates of Nicholson’s Encyclopedia to be bound at the end of each vol. or in a Seperate one—I have bound Several copies, and the owners prefer the latter. When a subject is 20, 30, or more pages & reference is frequently had to the plates it is considered more convenient to have them Seperate from the work MHi .
73To Thomas Jefferson from Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward, 21 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose an explanation of the chrestomathie system of Jeremy Bentham, esquire, of London. M r Bentham was, formerly, in the habit of communicating to you his publications; and may have forwarded his “Chrestomathia.” I transmit twelve seeds of the indigenous orange of Florida. I flatter myself with the happiness, soon, of a personal interview in Albemarle. DLC : Papers of...
74To Thomas Jefferson from James Heaton, 20 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit a plain man, a native of Virginia, an admirer of your character, who feels an interest in your fame, and who always has eagerly laid hold of every thing, that he thought ever escaped your pen, as political and moral perfection; I say, permit such a man, to occupy a few minutes of your precious and remaining time—It has for many years been conjectured, that you would favor the world, at...
75To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 18 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Mess rs Dinsmore & Neilson is pressing me very hard for money they want about $4000—by refering to a statement of the Funds sent you up to the 31 st March, you will find we have but little money except the annuity—unless some arrangement has been made I do not know, how the wants of Dinsmore & Neilson are to be supplied—The expences of the Transportation of the Marble from Richmond is heavy &...
76To Thomas Jefferson from John Threlkeld, 18 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
will you permit me to Introduce to your acquaintance & Patronage M r Charles Potton, the Bearer he is a young Gentleman from Louisiana, and has resided at the Jesuit Colledge of George Town for some time has made Great Proficiency in his studies, is a young man of reading & Observation of strict honour & Propriety, his leaving this is from some Misunderstanding with the Superiors, from his not...
77From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 17 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of March 25th. has been a cordial to me, and the more consoling as it was brought by your Grandsons Mr. Randolph and Mr. Coolidge, every body connected with you is snatched up, so that I cannot get any of them to dine with me, they are always engaged—how happens it that you Virginians are all sons of Anak, we New Englanders, are but Pygmies by the side of Mr. Randolph; I was very...
78To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 17 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of March 25 th has been a cordial to me, and the more consoling as it was brought by your Grandsons M r Randolph and M r Coolidge. every lady connected with you is snatched up, so that I cannot get any of them to dine with me, they are always engaged—how happens it that you Virginians are all sons of Anak, we New Englanders, are but Pygmies by the side of M r Randolph; I was very...
79To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Abbot Cummings, 17 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
We received yours of the 9th inst. & regret to hear that any indisposition should have prevented your devoted attention to the object, which has already received so much of your fostering care, & which must, in no considerable degree, feel the want of its continuance. The order for the periodical works, will be immediately forwarded to England & the continent, as also that, for the Tables of...
80To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Bonnycastle, 16 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter which I received from England I have been informed that the warehouse in which part of the apparatus for my department had been deposited, previous to its being shipped, has been destroyed by fire; & that the instruments were consumed with it. I trust that this is not the case, or that the loss was not extensive. My informant, who had only heard of the circumstance accidentally,...