1To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 20 April 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I saw Mr. Carter on my return who promised that he wou’d leave in your hands a sum of money for me. Be pleased to send me bills upon Philadelphia for whatever sum he intends for me, Mr. Staples receipt will be a sufficient voucher of the payment. I am with great respect Dear Sir your hum. Serv. RC ( DLC : William Short Papers); addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr.”; endorsed by TJ; with receipt...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 4 October 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty to put into the hands of Mr. John Breckinridge a copy of the resolutions that you sent me , he says he is confident that the legislature of Kentucky (of which he is a member) will adopt them. he was very anxious to pay his respects to you but we both thought it was best that he shou’d not see you, as we believed if he did the resolutions wou’d be attributed to you. I...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 20 August 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
A most unfortunate and Melancholy event , makes it necessary that I shou’d go in a few days to Kentucky. I believe you think it proper that the legislature of these two States, shou’d defend the ground that they have taken. if that is still your opinion, and you will put upon paper what you think the Kentucky assembly ought to say, I will place it in safe hands. They now require aid more than...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a conversation with Genl. Sumpter in Genl. terms about his country man P—y . Sumpter says his standing in S.C. with our friends is not good, that he is not respected either as a public or a private man, that he has been made use of by the republicans, and that he has made use of them because they were convenient to each other—the opinion of one man cannot be conclusive, you will...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 24 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
To be remembered by you amidst the pressure of important public concerns, that present themselves upon the new arrangement of the government is to me highly gratifying, it is no less so to find my feelings of personal attachment to you, the warm interest that I take in the success of your administration, and my opinion of the measures that the public good requires, concur in suggesting the...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 18 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish it was in my power to give you the information you want, as to a proper person for collector at the port of Hampton; there has been an entire change of inhabitants in that part of the country since I was there. the person that you mention I am unacquainted with. Col. George Booker of that neighbourhood, is the most influential republican in the County of E. City; I shou’d think his...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 30 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delivered your letter to Griffin , who has been to see your estate since you left Albemarle, from his account of Clarke’s management, I am confident that you will be very much benefited by the change of men; you may expect an increase of crops and a great improvement of your estate, but to effect this you must allow Griffin two years. It gives me great pleasure to hear that there is a...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 26 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your notes of this date, with their enclosures the subject was not acted upon to day, nor do I presume it will be for several days. in the mean time I hope to have the pleasure of conversing with you more fully upon the subject, to which your notes refer. I am Dear Sir with the greatest respect your hum. Servt. The papers shall be returned, as you request. RC...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, [1 April 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to inform you that I have heard some uneasiness expressed at the arrangement of the officers made by the Secy. of War, under the law of this session . It is said that all the field officers are taken from the Eastern States. I am told they stand thus Artillery. Burbeck Col. Freeman Lt. Col. Jackson Majr. Porter ditto, Williams Massachusetts, McRea Virginia, Infantry,...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 14 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It gives me the most sincere pleasure to have it in my power to congratulate you upon the amicable termination of an affair that must have given you great uneasiness. I am sure it ought to be the wish of all parties that it shou’d be consigned to eternal oblivion. permit me however to say that the honorable manner in which you have uniformly asserted the innocence of the lady , and all the...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 31 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had not the pleasure of receiving your favour of the 22d. of Apl. until the day before yesterday. Be pleased Sir to accept my most cordial thanks for the very friendly attention that you have paid to my letter, asking an appointment for the son of my brother and be assured that I wou’d not in his case, or any other propose any person to you for an office, where I believed there was a...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 3 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have reflected much upon the conversation that I had with you, when I had last the pleasure of seeing you, about the power of the government of the U.S. to acquire territory, and to admit new States into the union. Upon an examination of the constitution, I find the power as broad as it cou’d well be made, 3d. sec. art. 4th. except that new States cannot be formed out of the old ones without...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 29 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Rawlins the Gentn. who will deliver you this letter, is anxious to obtain an appointment in the Custom house at New Orleans. This Gentn. formerly lived in Virginia in a mercantile house engaged in extensive business, I have not had such an acquaintance with Mr. Rawlins as woud justify me in asking an office for him, I can only speak of him, as to his having been regularly brought up to the...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 21 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I was yesterday informed by both the Senators from R. Island, that there state was very much discontented; with all the most valuable offices remaining in the hands of Federalist’s; and from recent letters they did fear, that spirit wou’d manifest itself, by a rejection of the amendment to the constitution. the Legislature will meet in a week. I presume the rule that you have adopted of giving...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 2 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
If the most ardent hopes and wishes of your countrymen, cou’d have availed you wou’d have been spared that most cruel affliction that has fall upon you; you so fully command their affections that they participate most warmly in every thing that can interest you. in you their best affections and dearest hopes are concentrated. If the condolence and sympathy of a friend can in any manner...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here on friday last, after all the information I have been able to collect I have determined to accept the place of collector of this port. I have had very great doubts whether I ought to do it, or not, there are strong reasons why I shou’d not, but it seems to be thought, by the republicans that I shou’d be able to do some service to the cause and I am sure if I do not, you wou’d be...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 21 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
When I accepted the office of Collector of this port, I was very much influenced by a wish to save you the necessity of deciding between the number of persons who I knew had applied for the office. More reflection wou’d have convinced me that I only delayed and did not obviate the difficulty of deciding between the rival candidates. Since I have been in the office I have had full time to...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 23 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The character of the republicans’ party in this place is not easily understood by persons who have not been admitted behind the scenes, it is divided into two grand divisions, and into as many subordinate ones, as can be created, by interest, jealousy, and intemperance. The grand divisions, are composed of moderate men, and violent; the first think it the interest of the community, and of this...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 14 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last mail I had the pleasure to receive your favour of the 6th. instant. I feel myself very much embarrassed how to act; I have not considered myself at liberty either to communicate my intentions of resigning, or to take such measures in the office for closing my business as wou’d discover that intention. Being obliged to be at home early in Jany. I fear it wou’d be impossible for me...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 10 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I was very much mortified on my return to this place to find the inclosed in my desk, in a letter written at the moment of my departure, I suppose in my hurry I had put it there instead of sending it to the post office. I beg you Sir, to pardon this seeming inattention to your request & that your letter to Col. Newton shou’d be returned immediately. The business of my office is in such a train...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 4 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I last night had the pleasure to receive your favour of the 26th. of march, your letter was delivered to Col. Newton this morning. he accepts the appointment. I this day write to Mr. Gallatin to request that I may be permitted to resign, and that my resignation may take place the 26th. of this month, by that time the business of the office will be as nearly up, as it is possible it ever shou’d...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 29 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to request that the appointment of my successor may be made as soon as possible, believing that it wou’d be perfectly convenient to you, to make the appointment before that time, I had fixed my departure from this place for the 26th. and made several appointments that require me to be in Albermarle as early as possible. and I do not think it wou’d be proper, either in respect to the...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 21 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the pleasure of seeing you I forgot to deliver the inclosed. I wou’d not give you this trouble at a moment that I know you must be very much engaged, if it was not important to Mr. Randolph to be able to command all his resources, under his present circumstances. I am Dear Sir with the greatest respect & regard your hum. Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
24To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 24 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with great regret that I intrude upon you at a moment when I know you are very much en gaged, I hope you will pardon it. It appears to me, that I have no right to demand the balance that is due upon the enclosed paper unless it is assigned to me. The engagement of Messrs. Pendleton & Lyons, is to you and Mr. Short, which is transferred by you to the U.S. I presume the money will not be...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 2 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 24th. instant has impressed me beyond measure. I feel with its utmost force the obligation that every man is under to render service to his country, and permit me to say my devotion and attachment to you are such, that it wou’d be with the utmost reluctance I wou’d with hold my services when called upon by you. For wou’d I do it, but for considerations that I am sure you...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 20 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I most anxiously hope the almost unanimous wish of your country men, may induce you to consent to serve another term, I expressed my wishes to you upon this subject before the last election. I have seen most of the occurrences take place that I expected wou’d render it necessary for you to make a further sacrifice of your inclinations, to the public good. The reasons for your continuing in...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The present is the most critical state of our affair that has existed since you came to the administration. In every aspect in which it can be viewed, the questions which present themselves are the most solemn and interesting. War or national degradation seem to be inevitable, for I do not believe there is the least reason to expect G.B. will make reparation for her offences in any way that...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 18 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you Mr. Quincy’s Speech. In the anxiety that I feel upon the subject I mentioned to you last night, I beg you to be assured I am influenced by personal considerations towards you as well as considerations of public welfare; indeed I have always considered the public weal, and your popularity as most intimately connected; perhaps in my solicitude for both I annex more importance to...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 23 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of several of the most respectable people of Kentucky I take the liberty to mention Mr. Fortunatus Cosby, as a person every way qualified to fill the Office of Judge in the Indiana territory I am informed Mr. Cosby is a most respectable man and a good lawyer. I am not not myself acquainted with this gentn. Mr. Pope, can give you full information of his character and...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 5 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I find from a conversation with Mr. John Montgomery, that it wou’d be very grateful to him, to receive the appointment of collector of the port of Baltimore. The soundness of Mr. M— political principles his honor and integrity as a man, are without blemish. Other considerations you can appreciate better than I can. I am with the greatest respect & esteem Your most humble Serv. DNA : RG...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 19 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. William Robertson a very respectable gentn. has been advised to go to Europe for his health, the embargo has made this difficult, he wishes to avail himself of a public visit, or of any vessel that may be sent by the government in the course of a month or six weeks. I take the liberty to ask the favour of you to inform Mr. Robertson, if it is expected a vessel will be sent in the course of...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 20 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Most sincerely do I wish, both for the public interest and for your sake, either that our countrymen had more public spirit, or that the occasion called for the exertion of less. At a moment when we are beaten and buffetted by foreigners, our people very valiantly turn from their enemies, and wage a cruel war upon their best, their only friends. When I compare the real state of things with the...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 5 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I last night received the enclosed, It is a subject that I am incompetent to give an opinion upon. I am with the greatest respect & esteem Your most hum Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
34Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 25 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had a severe attack of the rheumatism, which has prevented my going to Washington , I am now better and I hope in four or five days to be able to set out if there is a necessity for my going. Will you do me the favour to give me your opinion as to the probability of the duration of the present session? It does not seem to me that any legislative measure wou’d now be necessary or proper...
35Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 18 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
But for Macon , who thinks no man honest or independent, who does not abuse his friends, the law to permit letters from you to be franked wou’d have had an unnanimous vote, notwithstanding his opposition the vote was nearly so. There was no opportunity to mention the prosecutions while I stayed in Washington , I had several conversations with Granger , his recollection of the circumstances did...
36Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 4 February 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I was excessively mortified two days ago, to find in my possession a letter written on the 20 th of Dec r in answer to your favour of the 16 th of that month . I am the more distressed lest you shou’d suppose from my silence I had not received as I ought the reproof it contained. Admonitions from you, I shall ever consider as proofs of your friendship and I beg you to be assured, there does...
37Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 1 July 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I expected for some time past to have the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow, but I cannot venture from home, until I have securd my wheat. I shou’d have finished my harvest yesterday but for the wet weather last week. I have yet 150 acres to cut. I suspect nine or ten shillings a bushel has been given for wheat to be delivered early. wou’d it not be well for us to embrace that price? I shou’d...
38Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 8 November 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much obliged to you for allowing me to read your letters to M r Eppes . I have done it with great satisfaction and attention. Your letters contain the ablest system of finance that I believe cou’d be devised, if the U.S. were now to commence their financial operations, with all the powers of the State and Gen l Governments and we were free from prejudices against paper money and the...
39Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 14 July 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Most unexpectedly to me, my son Robert , writes me from Washington , “ that he had received such proposals in Baltimore , as induced him to determine to go immediately to Leghorn & to settle at that place. He says “it wou’d add very much to my prospects to be appointed Consul for the U.S. at Leghorn .” will you my Dear Sir, add to the obligations that I am under to you by interesting yourself...
40Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 15 th of July by my servant messenger. Circumstanced as you were and indeed as M r Appleton , is, I regret extremely that I gave you the trouble of the application I made . I am sure you will believe I cou’d have had no wish that a deserving man shou’d be removed from office to make way for my son , and that the last thing that I cou’d have expected or wished was...
41Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 6 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment heard that the doctor, who attends your brother left his house last night, under a belief he cou’d not live many hours. It is reported he has lately made a will; by which he has given the whole of his property , except, about six hundred acres of his back land, and eight or ten negroes to his wife in fee simple. I thought I owed it to you to give you this information as it...
42Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 16 February 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Large appropriations have been made for internal p improvements & I expect the literary fund will be increased several hundred thousand dollars. I am sure the application of public money to these objects will meet your approbation. You are made one of the Directors of public works . I took the liberty (thinking it cou’d not be agreeable to you to serve) to suggest it was unreasonable to impose...
43Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
With the most anxious desire to serve my country I fear my ability will not be commensurate with my wishes. The last assembly , had as little mercy in the labour they assigned me, as they showed discernment in the selection of an agent. There are some of the duties I have to perform, that, I feel myself entirely incompetent to and shou’d be quite in despair, but for the hope of obtaining your...
44Wilson Cary Nicholas’s Circular to the County Courts, 12 May 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The “ Act to provide an accurate Chart of each County and a general Map of the Territory of this Commonwealth,” directs the Executive “to cause such surveys to be made of the exterior boundaries of the Commonwealth, as may be necessary to ensure greater accuracy in the details of the preceding Charts where they present the boundaries of adjacent States, and to cause such surveys to be made of...
45Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 30 September 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel great reluctance at asking of you what from its nature I fear cannot be very agreeable. I am confident I ought not to impoze so much trouble upon you. I trust however you will pardon me if it shou’d not be agreeable to you to interest yourself for a family, with which I am nearly connected. my Eldest sister you know married M r Norton & had the fairest prospects in point of fortune. The...
46Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 18 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that you are appointed one of the Visitors of the Central College in Albemarle , and to forward you the enclosed commission . It is hoped that it will not be inconvenient for you to undertake the execution of this office. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Nicholas ; at foot of text: “ Thomas Jefferson , Esq.”; endorsed by TJ as received 31 Oct. 1816 and so...
47Enclosure: Commission Appointing Central College’s Board of Visitors, 18 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Virginia , to wit:— Whereas, by an Act of the General Assembly , Passed the 14 h day of February 1816, intitled, “An act for establishing a College in the County of Albemarle ,” it is made the duty of the Governor for the time being, as Patron of the said College , to appoint Visitors thereof—Therefore, I, Wilson C. Nicholas , Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia , do, in pursuance of the...
48Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation that I have been in for some time past has prevented my answering your last letter and making my acknowledgements for your friendly attention to M r Armistead . I have the pleasure to inform you, your application procured M r A. an appointment that if he is prudent will enable him to support his family. A long and intimate acquaintance with you has given me a thorough knowledge...
49Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 2 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have written to M r Harrison for his permission to print the work of Col. Byrd , that I Sent you, I have no doubt he will consent to it, I am satisfied your wishes will be conclusive, & that the family of Col. Byrd will be highly gratified. When I received your answer to my application about the consulate at Leghorn for my son, I at once abandoned all thoughts of it, as nothing can induce me...
50Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 16 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
As soon as I came to Richmond , after receiving your letter of the 19 th of march , in which you express a wish to have that part of Col Byrd ’s journal printed that I sent to you, I applied to M r Thomas Taylor , the agent & friend of the family, to obtain the permission, he promised to do so and there was no doubt it wou’d be readily given. In consequence of your letter of the 10 th instant...