6251To 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...
6252To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel L. Hylton, 8 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Aug. 1791 . On return from Norfolk he found TJ’s of 10th with bank note for 21.25 dollars, an unnecessary trouble to TJ since two days after writing he received £10 from Col. Lewis to pay shipping and other charges on tobacco. Lewis also left £100 to pay Dr. Currie part of an order TJ had drawn. If agreeable, he will pay Currie the amount of the note or apply it as TJ directs....
6253To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 8 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of putting the inclosed into your hands that in case Col: Lee should have left Philada. the contents may find their way to Col: Fisher who is most interested in them. And I leave it open for the same purpose. The Attorney will be a fit channel in the event of Col: Lee’s departure, for conveying the information. You will find an allusion to some mysterious cause for a...
6254To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fay, 9 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Bennington, 9 Aug. 1791 . Has this day received TJ’s of 16 June and cannot account for delay. The maple seed does not mature until Oct. and he will send them at that time. He has examined his young groves since TJ left there and finds “the young Maple very thrifty and numerous, by calculation nearly one thousand to the acre.” He will plant an orchard in regular form next spring, hoping to...
6255To Thomas Jefferson from Moustier, 9 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Berlin, 9 Aug. 1791 . He is infinitely appreciative of TJ’s assurances that his conduct in the U.S. had won the approval of the President. His satisfaction is proportioned to his desire to deserve it. He had hoped that his presence in France at the time his ill health caused him to return would hasten the conclusion of arrangements he had undertaken with ardour to effect for mutual advantage...
6256To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 9 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
With the gazettes sent by the way of Havre, you will recieve the plan of the constitution as submitted to the assembly by the two committees appointed for that purpose. It is at full length in the Logographe, No. 102. Aug. 6. After being printed and distributed among the members, it was begun to be discussed yesterday. As it is for the most part a revision and new arrangement of the decrees...
6257To Thomas Jefferson from Ebenezer Stevens, 9 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 9 Aug. 1791 . He asks pardon for writing, but does so knowing TJ to be “a friend to Mechanical Operations.”—He assisted Capt. John Stone in making the model of the Charles River Bridge, now in TJ’s office. He supposes Stone’s exclusive right died with him. Had he lived, he would have assisted Stevens in building two bridges in New Jersey “over first and second Rivers, between New...
6258To Thomas Jefferson from John Garland Jefferson, [ca. 10 August 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
I flattered myself before this to have received an answer to my last letter , which was written some days before the reception of your favor of Feb. 5; but I was disappointed in my expectation: I do not however consider your omission in not answering my letter, as the effect of neglect, but as an unavoidable consequence of your official duty, which required your attention in preference to...
6259To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 10 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 10 Aug. 1791 . He recognizes the justice of TJ’s reasons given in his of 13 May for not acknowledging his regular communications, yet for want of information (particularly respecting American funds), he is placed in disagreeable situations. He was confident Congress would regulate the consular office at the last session. “Their omitting it has lessened the consequence of their Consuls,...
6260To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 10 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg that you will be pleased to make it Publicly known to the Citizens of the United States, that all the American Shipping carrying Tobaccos &ca. to the Ports of Guernsey and Jersey, are subject to Seizure, under an Act of Parliament in the Reign of Charles the Second, that they may govern themselves accordingly.—I have the honor to assure you that I am with the most perfect Respect Sir...
6261To Thomas Jefferson from Walter Boyd, 11 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 11 Aug. 1791 . When TJ considers importance to a young family settling in America of being known to him, he will pardon liberty taken in recommending his brother-in-law , Mr. Hemmings, to TJ’s protection. They will attempt to settle in Maryland. He is too well acquainted with TJ’s obliging disposition to doubt his readiness to render any service to them in his power. RC ( DLC ); 2 p.;...
6262To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Burwell, 11 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Carter’s Grove, 11 Aug. 1791 . In response to TJ’s of 1st, he is sorry to report failure of scheme to sell timber for Paradise. Wilkinson says sales will be offset by cost of cutting and carrying to market.—Specie value of Paradise’s paper is £968.5.6 ⅓, of which all but £62.8 is in Virginia Loan Office Certificates. In final settlement, he would be obliged to TJ for information about value of...
6263To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Church, 12 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 12 Aug. 1791 . Being greatly alarmed by what he learned on arrival, he expressed his fears in his of the 27th, sent by brig Hetty , Captn. Drinker, for Philadelphia.—This day his fears confirmed by letter from Carmichael, a copy of which he encloses. He is thereby arrested at the threshold, unable to advance or retreat. He cannot in any sense hold TJ responsible, but appeals to him...
6264To Thomas Jefferson from Delamotte, 12 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Havre, 12 Aug. 1791 . He has little to add to what he wrote on the 25th, of which he encloses a copy. This goes by Minerva , Capt. Wood, together with public papers sent by Short and another by himself. Le Jeune Eole will bring a clock for TJ which he has just received and did not have time to put on Minerva. —TJ will see that the constitution has been presented to the King and it is said...
6265To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 12 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Charlottesville, 12 Aug. 1791 . Knowing that TJ will be interested, he informs him of the good news in the last letter from Mde. Bellanger enclosed in his to Mr. Randolph, which informs him that M. Le Roy of Bordeaux had died and left him a legacy of 15,000₶. This makes him happy once more and he hopes the measures he will take will provide a solid establishment. In her letter of 14 Apr. Mde....
6266To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Greenleaf, 14 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 14 Aug. 1791 . Encloses a copy of “Blessings of America” of which the notice of copyright had been inserted in the enclosed “paper four separate Weeks.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); 2 p.; endorsed by Remsen as received 22 Aug. 1791 but not recorded in SJL . Enclosures: (1) William Linn’s Fourth of July sermon, The Blessings of America (see note to Linn to TJ, 18 July 1791 ). (2) Copy of...
6267To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 15 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond ,] 15 Aug. 1791 . Mr. Ross and himself, in pursuance of TJ’s proposals for a western post, dispatch his brother to “form Contracts and Arrangement to the North Fork of Holston agreable to your Plan.” He has also set on foot a subscription among merchants, hoping “some Man of enterprize … may be dispos’d to engage in pushing the Matter as far as possible.—This will probably produce a...
6268To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 17 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 17 Aug. 1791 . Spanish decree against foreigners mentioned in his of 6th he has now seen in house of British consul, with a great company present. Though expressed in general terms, it seems aimed at French. Retailers, barbers, surgeons, shoemakers, &c. already there must take oath of allegiance to carry on trade. They are mainly French. Several diplomats are said to have protested to...
6269To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 18 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 18 Aug. 1791 . He writes chiefly to send duplicate of resolution of States General concerning tea.—Spanish decree respecting strangers so vague three different constructions said to have been given by Spanish ministry. Recently several foreign mechanics have applied to him about going to America and possibility of success there. On threshing harvest in Portugal, wheat crop is much...
6270To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Banneker, 19 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I am fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom which I take with you on the present occasion; a liberty which Seemed to me scarcely allowable, when I reflected on that distinguished, and dignifyed station in which you Stand; and the almost general prejudice and prepossession which is so prevailent in the world against those of my complexion. I suppose it is a truth too well attested to...
6271To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 19 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Cassenave who means to establish a commercial house at Alexandria in your State will have the honor to present you this Letter. He is strongly recommended to me by the House of Messrs. Drouillet Capital Banquers here and who have always been disposed to render me and every American who has come hither every service pecuniary or friendly in their Power. I flatter myself that you will favor...
6272To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 19 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 19 Aug. 1791 . While waiting for the National Assembly to act on all of the articles of the French constitution, he encloses documents concerning the pacification in the North. He will see in them the arguments of Britain and Prussia answered by the Empress of Russia, who has more spirit than the cabinets of those two powers combined. Her request for the bust of Fox, to be placed...
6273To Thomas Jefferson from David Rittenhouse, [ca. 20 August 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
If we consider the same thing in the manner following we shall immediately perceive that the proposition is not new. Since the hole in the vessel may be of any size it may be equal to the intire bottom. The vessel then becomes a Cylinder and the problem is reduced to this, To find the lenghth of a perpendicular Cylinder in which a fluid will descend from the top to the bottom in a given...
6274To Thomas Jefferson from James Cole Mountflorence, 21 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
A Coachee sets off from this City on Tuesday for Staunton; I think it would be a convenient and quick Conveyance for Dispatches to Governor Blount, especially as Mr. Peter Heiskell of Staunton is directed to transmit to Capt. Craig, Abington, Washington County Virginia all Letters and Packets which may come to his hands directed to Govr. Blount, by the Travellers from that part of the Country...
6275To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 21 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
At eight o’clock A:M tomorrow, I set out for Mr. Powells farm, to see the operation of Colo. Anderson’s threshing machine .—I Breakfast, you know, at half past Seven; if it is convenient to take that in your way, I should be glad to see you at it. When you have read the enclosed letters I will converse with you on the subject of them.—I am always yours, RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”;...
6276To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 22 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 22 Aug. 1791 . Reports say a courier has arrived today from Paris with news King of France has declined to accept the constitution, because, though it might be very good, he was deprived of all counsel and could not act on it.—King of Sweden is said to have written very spirited letter to National Assembly, declaring Fersen acted on his orders to effect escape of King. Thus royalty...
6277To Thomas Jefferson from James Maury, 22 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Liverpool, 22 Aug. 1791 . In response to his application to the Treasury in behalf of vessels mentioned in his last letter, he has received and encloses their decision.—[P.S.] 9 Sep. 1791 . Morning’s post brings London Gazette with information dated at Petersburg 17 Aug. of signing of preliminaries of peace between emissaries of Empress and King of Sweden, the only condition being that the...
6278To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 22 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I can give you no account of the objects of our mutual affection later than the 15. of this month when I left every thing well at Monticello. I came down principally to give my vote in the County of Henrico to my Father who is candidate for a place vacant in the Senate of Virginia. I had made a disagreeable mistake with respect to the day of the election and should have returned immediately if...
6279To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas FitzSimons, 23 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Report Appears so Correct that Nothing Important Occurred to me to Add to it. The few Observations I have made are of very Little Consequence. One of the Great Evils experienced by the Americans in their intercourse with Great Britain is on Account of the Seamen. The line of Naturalization drawn by the British exclude a Great No. of the persons employd in our Navigation and indeed Little...
6280To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, Jr., 24 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Norfolk, 24 Aug. 1791 . The justices there desire to know how to “proceed when call’d on by the British Consul for Warrants to Apprehend Sea Men who quit their Ships, and whether they have power to Commit them to Gaol or send them on board their Ships.” Some think they have no power to do it, others that it should be done. This day a Capt. Stuport brought in a seaman who had not signed...
6281To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Randolph, 24 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Hopewell, New Jersey, 24 Aug. 1791 . Having for some time had an inclination to come to Philadelphia concerning “any place in either of the Departments over which you preside,” he has conferred with his friends, particularly the bearer, Dr. Rogers, whom he hopes TJ will confer with on the subject.—“I have likewise indulged myself with some incouragement from your Excellency’s Interest;...
6282To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 24 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The assembly have continued since my last deliberating on the plan of constitution submitted to them. They have made no material alterations, but have referred two or three questions to be decided after the others—one of them is that for augmenting the property of electors and abolishing the marc d’argent hitherto decreed for the members of the legislature—and another is the condition of the...
6283To Thomas Jefferson from Joel Barlow, 25 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I should not take the liberty of commending to your notice and protection my excellent friends Mr. and Mrs. St. John were it not that their merit entitles them to more than I can otherwise do for them. Mr. St. John transfers a considerable property to our country with an intention to devote that and himself wholly to Agriculture, of which his accurate intelligence in every part of rural...
6284To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 26 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond , 26 Aug. 1791 . He acknowledged TJ’s polite and friendly letter and wrote again by Lewis Burwell. Now writes at request of Col. Harvie to say that he received TJ’s letter about “ some papers (respecting lands) to be obtained from Colo. N. Lewis” before setting off with other James River Canal Commissioners to examine the river “and try to let out the clearing a part of it … in which...
6285To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, 26 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the Secretary of State. He returns the draft of Ratification with some alterations to conform more accurately to the fact which are submitted. The Secretary of State will recollect that there is another loan (the contract for which was also forwarded to him) concluded by Messrs. Willinks & Van Staphorsts and of which likewise a...
6286To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, [before 26 August 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
I will make no appology for this intrusion on the first hours of your leisure; for you are no stranger to my zeal in the service of that Country, to whose prosperity you have devoted your own labours. It is therefore proper to consult You in what concerns the National wellfare; and certainly it is of great moment to bring speedily forward, the arrearages of Virginia on the score of its...
6287To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Harwood, 27 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Annapolis, 27 Aug. 1791 . Acknowledging TJ’s of 22d, he is extremely sorry to say he is not at liberty to make any advance for the public buildings until 1 Jan. next, when he expects “the Funds will be productive.” He has so informed the commissioners. RC ( DLC : District of Columbia Papers); 2 p.; endorsed by TJ as received 30 Aug. 1791 and so recorded in SJL .
6288To Thomas Jefferson from Harry Innes, 27 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I did myself the pleasure of acknowledging your favor by Mr. Brown in June. His leaving the District to return to Philadelphia presents so favorable an opportunity of writing again, that I cannot omit it and am encouraged by your invitation to a correspondence. Your ideas of the impropriety of attacking the Indians by Regular armaments I think will be justly verified by comparing the bad...
6289To Thomas Jefferson from John Ross, 27 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I shoud take pleasure in communicating any information in my power Respecting the Commerce of a favourable prospect to America, but find I can add nothing to what you have already obtained. Nor can I say much of the Danish Trade, having had but little intercourse with Danmark in my commercial pursutes. Their Trade in that Kingdom depend principally on India, their own West India Islands and on...
6290To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 29 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed for Mr. Young , I pray you to put under cover to Mr. Johnson—the other for Mr. Vaughan may go in like manner, or otherwise, as you may think best;—both however by the Packet. The letter for Mr. Carroll I also return—besides which, were you to write a line or two to Mr. Johnson, addressed to the care of the Postmaster in Baltimore, it might be a mean of giving him earlier notice of...
6291To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 30 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you very fully six days ago by the way of Havre—this letter will be sent to London to be forwarded by the English packet which sails next week—it incloses one for the secretary of the treasury. The assembly have at length completed their charte constitutionelle . In abolishing the requisite formerly decreed for members of the legislature they have augmented somewhat that of electors...
6292To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 31 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The foregoing is a copy of my last respects covering a report of the vessels that entered and cleared from this port the first six months of the present year, copy of which is also inclosed. The political situation of France is at present an obstacle to the commercial intercourse with America. The difficulty of procuring specie, its high price, the very low exchange with the neighbouring...
6293To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Hamilton, [31 August 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hamilton presents his compliments to the Secretary of State. He would think the turn of expression on the whole safer, if instead of what follows the words “depreciated medium” the following was substituted—“and that in the final liquidation of the payments, which shall have been made, due regard will be had for an equitable allowance for the circumstance of depreciation.” RC ( DLC :...
6294To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 31 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 31 Aug. 1791 . The enclosed papers reveal that the report of Louis XVI’s rejection of the French constitution, mentioned in his last letter, is premature. The Gazettes from France that arrived tardily yesterday were probably delayed in Spain. The Gazettes of Leyden forwarded with this letter were delivered by sea to save postal expenses. The two English packets that arrived here late...
6295To Thomas Jefferson from Peyton Short, 31 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I am a brother of Mr. W. Short, the Gentleman whom you have so long honored with your friendship and patronage.—My great Anxiety to obtain some intelligence respecting him, induces me to impose so far on your goodness of heart as beg the favor of you to acquaint me with the latest Advices you have received from him. Has he ever forwarded to your Cover any Letters for me?—Will you suffer me to...
6296To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 31 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by the English packet. This inclosing a letter for the Secretary of the treasury, will be delivered to you by a M. de Barth, son to the person of that name who is gone to settle in the western country. I have not seen him, but have promised his brother who seems to be a worthy to introduce the bearer to you. You will see in the gazettes sent, as low...
6297Legal Opinion of Edmund Randolph, [ca. August 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
The question is, whether any punishment can be inflicted on persons, treating with the Indian tribes, within the limits of the United States, for lands, lying within those limits; the preemption of which is vested in the United States? Extract from Edmund Randolph to George Washington, 12 Sep. 1791 ( DLC : Washington Papers). The provenance of this document is necessarily a matter of...
6298To Thomas Jefferson from William Barton, 1 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia ], 1 Sep. 1791 . The suit of Currie v. Griffin, an action of attachment, was begun at the July term of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the sheriff has now attached the goods of Isaac Hazlehurst, Matthew McConnell, William Shannon, Richard and James Potter, and Robert Morris as garnishees. Currie will be entitled to judgment at the January term of court and interrogatories may...
6299To Thomas Jefferson from George Clymer, 1 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have obtained from a gentleman much engaged in the trade to the Danish west Indies, the inclosed list of duties, but can learn little of the home regulations, scarcely any intercourse subsisting between Denmark and America.—It is said that Governor Walterstroff is returned to Santa Croix from Denmark, with a new sett of colonial regulations, favourable to the Island trade, by which a trade...
6300To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Smith, 1 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Southwest Territory, 1 Sep. 1791 . Enclosing proceedings of Gov. Blount. Suggests official seal be prepared for Gov. Blount at public expense to replace private one thus far used in the territory. RC ( DNA : RG 59, SWT , M–471/1); 2 p.; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Oct. 1791 and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Journal of Executive Proceedings of the Southwest Territory, 7 Mch.-26 July 1791...