1Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 30 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is a copy of a paper which was some time in your hands, which you turned over to the treasury & it was afterwards assigned to me. In an attempt to s ettle with Robinson ’s estate they claim a credit for £396.10 said to be paid to Gibson & Jefferson in Nov r 1800. G & J. say they received the money & gave you credit for it. I was only disposed to admit a credit for the three sums...
2Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 20 September 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the bond executed by me . you may rely with the most absolute certainty upon me to prevent your having to advance any thing. I will take care to pay the interest which being done regularly I understand the principal will not be demanded but at the periods that the money will be due for my property. It is to me the most afflicting thing of my life, that I shou’d have involved you above...
3Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 17 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the mortification to inform you, that the information I gave you of the consent of the Bank to let my paper continue with your endorsation alone, was a mistake . I was lead into this error by the information of two of the directors and it wou’d have been so I have no doubt, but unfortunately the Va. Bank , after giving every other accommodation that I asked as to time &c required...
4Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 5 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with the greatest pain & mortification I communicate to you that I was obliged to suffer a protest the day before yesterday. Until within a few days of its happening I was under no fear of it; I made every effort in my power to prevent it but without effect. The people who have money think they can not get its value, & those who have it not in hand, will not make engagements for money....
5Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 28 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
The misfortunes of our friends in Baltimore , and the dreadful state of commerce all the world over, has determined my son to break up his establishment at Leghorn , & return to the U.S. as soon as he can wind up his business which he expects to be able to do in a few weeks after he gets there. He expects there will be a considerable Naval depot at Pensacola , where he is disposed to settle....
6Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 1 June 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose two notes which I beg the favour of you to endorse for me & return by the first mail. I ought to have done it by the last mail but it escaped me. Two of my daughters & my grandchild will leave this for Milton the first good day. What can or ought to be done to alleviate the distress of the country at the present moment? Is the question asked by every man I see, but no man answers it....
7Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
On account of the uncertainty of what cou’d be gotten from the Banks, after writing to you , I advised M r Gibson , to apply at the U.S.B so as to take the chance at both. your note was done there for one half the sum, on that day it wou’d not have been done for any other man for any part, but it was done with the understanding it wou’d be paid when due. On account of that circumstance, I...
8Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Gibson has stated to me your wish to obtain a loan from the Bank of the U.S. (at this place) of an additional sum. From particular circumstances there is a great unwillingness at this moment to make loans for a longer period than sixty days. I have therefore advised him to let the application be made at the Farmers Bank , where my brother thinks it wou’d be obtained without any difficulty....
9Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter will be delivered to you by M r Arthur Brockenbrough , who I anxiously hope you will be able to employ on some terms or other, I wish it most on your account, as I am sure he wou’d save you much trouble & vexation. I enclose two notes which you will be so good as to endorse & return to me by the mail. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 31 Mar. 1819 and so recorded in SJL . RC (...
10Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 13 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been able to see M r Brockenborough , but expect M r Garret , will carry you a communication from him. I am very anxious you shou’d get him on every account, but particularly on your account. If you have not such a man your trouble will be endless, and after all I fear even if you go there every day, the work will not be done in a manner satisfactory to you, & I fear too at a...
11Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just heard that M r Arthur Brockenborough , is willing to engage with you to do the carpenter’s work at the University & wou’d undertake the superintendence of all your work of every sort at that place. M r Brockenborough is the brother of the Doctor & the Judge , & like them is a man of excellent character. He is a compleat workman himself and is moreover said to be more scientific...
12Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 25 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
You have heard I know, that your College is made the University of Virginia . I call it yours, as you are its real founder, its commencement can only be ascribed to you, to your exertions & influence its being adopted can only be attributed. The object was always dear to me, it is doubly so, as it is now so compleatly identified with your fame. The sum given is too small but it will be...
13Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The first of the two notes you were so good as to endorse for me will come round by the time I get to Richmond . I enclose two others which you will be pleased to endorse. RC ( DLC ); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 13 Nov. 1818 from North Milton and so recorded in SJL . Enclosures not found.
14Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 14 September 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I was sincerely concerned to hear of your indisposition: On saturday it gave me infinite pleasure to hear you had recovered. Will you pardon me if I take the liberty to entreat you, to spare your self the fatigue & exposure you so frequently encounter. Your life is too precious to be risqued. But for your indisposition, I wou’d last week have sent you the enclosed with a request that you wou’d...
15Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, [received 3 July 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
Under cover to M r Dandridge I enclose two notes which you will be so good as to endorse, and after sealing my letter, you will be pleased to give it the earliest conveyance by the mail to Richmond . In renewing this kindness to me, be pleased again to accept the strongest assurances, that whether I live or die, you nor yours, shall never receive the slightest inconvenience from your goodness...
16Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 19 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I am about to take a liberty with you, that I hope you will pardon. Before I do, I beg you to understand, it is sincerely my wish, that you shou’d not comply with the request, I am ab o ut to make, if it shou’d be either inconvenient or unpleasant to you, in any respect. I want the use of a sum of money for a short time, I can obtain it from one of the Banks, but to do so, I Must have an...
17Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
My first impression after receiving your letter , in answer to mine about M r Coffee , was that I wou’d not let him go; on account of your reluctance, but upon more reflection, I determined otherwise. I had experienced that he did not give much trouble, I was sure he wou’d give an excellent likeness , and was satisfied it wou’d be a great gratification to thousands of your country men to...
18Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the 26 th instant . I have mentioned to as many of the directors as I have seen, your wish to obtain a further accommodation at our office of $3000. It is their opinion as well as mine, that it will give the board pleasure to comply with your request. Much country paper (I mean exclusively) has been done, it is however contained . but how long this...
19Wilson Cary Nicholas to Thomas Jefferson, 9 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
a M r Coffee , a sculptor of great eminence who is here, is very anxious to go to your house to take your Bust: I have promised him I wou’d make his wishes known to you. He is said to be a master in his art: Your friends feel a solicitude you shou’d indulge him . nothing can be more acceptable to the american people, than the preservation of the likeness of those of our Citizens, most...
20Wilson 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...
21Wilson 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...
22Wilson 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...
23Wilson 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...
24Enclosure: 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...
25Wilson 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...
26Wilson 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...
27Wilson 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...
28Wilson 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...
29Wilson 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...
30Wilson 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...
31Wilson 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...
32Wilson 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...
33Wilson 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...
34Wilson 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...
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, 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...
37To 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.
38To 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...
39To 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...
40To 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...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To 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...
46To 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...
47To 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.
48To 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...
49To 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...
50To 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...