1To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 6 October 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you a piece to serve as an introduction to the two other pieces which you will receive by the same Conveyance. I observe the Consul Le Brun at the entertainment given to the American Envoys gave for his toast . A l Union de l’Amerique avec les puissances du Nord pour faire respecter la liberté des mers. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 6 Jan. 1801 and so recorded in SJL ....
2To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 29 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you a model of a proposed method of firing Guns from a gun boat; which, if it answers, will encrease the power of a gun boat in nearly the proportion of 20 to 12. Instead of one gun, or one gun at the head and another at the stern, let there be two guns moving in separate grooves which terminate in one at the head of the boat as in the model. The mode of operation will then be, that...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 28 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you a few Observations on the establishment of a Mint. I have not seen your report on that subject and therefore cannot tell how nearly our opinions run together, but as it is by thinking upon and talking Subjects over that we approach towards truth there may probably be something in the enclosed that may be of use. As the establishment of a Mint combines a portion of Politics with a...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 9–15 September 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
That I am a bad correspondent is so general a complaint against me, that I must expect the same accusation from you—But hear me first.—When there is no matter to write upon a letter is not worth the trouble of receiving and reading, and while any thing, which is to be the subject of a letter, is in suspence, it is difficult to write, and perhaps best to let it alone—“ least said is soonest...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 1 April 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I left Paris about ten days ago and came to this place, intending to take passage in the Dublin Packet for New York, but the Vessel being crouded I shall wait another opportunity. Mr. Monroe, whom I left at Paris, intended going by the way of Bordeaux. Four American Vessels have arrived since I have been here. 1 from Savannah, 1 from Charleston, 1 from Wilmington N.C.—and 1 from N.Y.—which are...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 30 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not seen nor heard any thing respecting the subject I wrote to you upon and also to the vice-president after his arrival at Washington. This letter, however, is on a different subject, and which I introduce without meaning that the one shall interfere with the other. The affairs of Europe are now reaching a Crisis that merits and demands the attention of the united states. If ever a law...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 14 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Paine’s compliments to Mr. Jefferson desires to be enformed if he received a letter from him beginning as follows—“I write you this letter entirely on my own account, and I begin it without ceremony.”—The letter then speakes of a Motion made in the Virginia legislature for making an acknowlegement to Thomas Paine for his services during the revolution— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
8To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, [August 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The ratification of the treaty at last gives me another opportunity of writing to you. The coalition of the North has vanished almost to nothing. There is no certain News from Egypt either in france or England. Admiral Gantheame is returned without being able to land in Egypt the reinforcement he took with him. He has taken the Swiftsure an English 74—and another 74 the Hanibal has been taken...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 9 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very friendly letter by Mr. Dawson gave me the real sensation of happy satisfaction, and what served to increase it was that he brought it to me himself before I knew of his arrival.—I congratulate America on your election. There has been no Circumstance, with respect to America, since the times of her revolution, that excited so much general attention and expectation in France, England,...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 18 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I this moment receive yours of the 13 Inst. which being Post night, affords me the welcome opportunity of acknowleging it. I wrote you on the 15th. by post, but I was so full of the thoughts of America and my American friends that I forgot France. The people of this Country speak very differently on the affairs of France. The Mass of them so far as I can collect says that France is a much...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, [on or before 3 November 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here on Saturday from Havre after a passage of 60 days. I have several Cases of Models of Bridges, wheels &c and as soon as I can get them from the Vessel and put on board the packet for George town I shall sit off to pay my respects to you Your much obliged fellow Citizen P.S. I have a letter for you from Mr. Du blois respecting the Consulship of Havre. RC ( DLC ); partially dated;...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 15 June 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
It is difficult to write about an affair while the event of it is depending because prudence restrains a man from giving an anticipated opinion, but as matters at present appear the Construction will take place here. Perhaps the excess of paper Currency and the wish to find objects for reallizing it, is one of the motives for promoting the plan of the Bridge, but I can raise any sum of money...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 16 February 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 23d Der. continued to the 11th of Janry. came safe to hand for which I thank you. I begin this without knowing of any opportunity of conveyance, and shall follow the method of your letter by writing on till opportunity offers. I thank you for the many and judicious observations about my bridge. I am exactly in your Ideas as you will percieve by the following account.—I went...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 25 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 1st. Janry from N. Rochelle and mentioned my intention of spending part of the Winter at Washington. But as the present state of the weather renders the passage of the rivers dangerous and travelling precarious, I have given up the intention Mr. Levy Lincoln and Mr. Wingate called on me at N York where I happened to be when they arrived on their Journey from Washingto the...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 20 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Gentleman (Dr. Romer) to whom I entrust this letter is an intimate acquaintance of Lavater, but I have not had the opportunity of seeing him as he had sett off for Havre prior to my writing this letter, which I forward to him under cover from one of his friends who is also an acquaintance of mine. We are now in an Extraordinary Crisis, and it is not altogether without some considerable...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 15 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
As the circumstances which I supposed would take place on the continent of Europe are already arrived I shall be glad of an answer to my letter of the last days of January. I repeat my wish that you would not delay an answer as the want of it holds me in useless inactivity. Yours in friendship DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
17To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 19 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I mentioned to you that I had some conversation with the Marquis de la fayette respecting the Bridge, and his opinion is that it would be best to make some direct proposition to which either yes or no should be given. My principal object is to get the Bridge erected because until then all conversation upon the subject amounts to but little. My chief expectation as to the money part was on Mr....
18To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 25 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you on the birth-day of the New Sun , now called christmas day; and I make you a present of a thought on Louisana— RC ( DLC ); undated, date supplied from contents and endorsement; addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 25 Dec. and so recorded in SJL . Preceding three words interlined.
19To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, May 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your saying last evening that Sir Isaac Newtons principle of Gravitation would not explain, or could not apply as a rule to find the quantity of the Attraction of cohesion, and my replying that I never could comprehend any meaning in the term “Attraction of cohesion,” the result must be, that either I have a dull comprehension, or that the term does not admit of comprehension. It appears to me...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 4 October 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I understand there is an Article in the Treaty to the following purport, that the duties payable upon Articles brought from America into france shall not go to the revenue, but shall be appropriated as a fund to pay such of the condemned Cargoes as shall be proved to be American property. If you should be in the Chair, but not otherwise, I offer myself as one upon this business, if there...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, [after 3 July 1788?] (Jefferson Papers)
Explanatory Circumstances 1st. The lost dispatches are dated Octr. 6th. and Oct. 7th. They were sent by a private hand—that is, they were not sent by the post. Capn. Folger had the charge of them. They were all under one cover containing five separate Packets, three of the Packets were on commercial matters only. One of these was to Mr. R. Morris, Chairman of the commercial Committee, one to...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 15 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
By some accident, your favour of the 23d July did not come to hand till a few days ago. It had lain at Mr. Claggets in America Square. On my return to London Mr. Morris and Mr. Parker were sett off, the former for France, the latter for Holland. They are both expected to return here in a few days. My Bridge goes excellently on, and my Partners (the Walkers) who are at all the expence, except...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 18 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the Book you are so kind to send me. The second part of your letter, concerning taking my picture , I must feel as an honor done to me, not as a favour asked of me, but in this as in other matters I am at the disposal of your friendship. The Committee have among themselves finally agreed on their report which I saw this morning. It will be read in the Academy on...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 12 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I will be obliged to you to send back the Models , as I am packing up to set off for Philadelphia and NYork. My intention in bringing them here in preference to sending them from Baltimore to Philadelphia, was, to have some Conversation with you on those Matters and others I have not informed you of. But you have not only shewn no disposition towards it, but have, in some measure, by a sort of...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, spring 1788(?) (Jefferson Papers)
After I got home, being alone and wanting amusement I sat down to explain to myself (for there is such a thing) my Ideas of natural and civil rights and the distinction between them. I send them to you to see how nearly we agree. Suppose 20 persons, strangers to each other, to meet in a Country not before inhabited. Each would be a sovereign in his own natural right. His will would be his Law,...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 8 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 21st. Jany I presented a Memorial to Congress, and after waiting a considerable time and hearing nothing of it, I wrote to George Clinton Junior who presented the Memorial to Congress desiring some information of it. In his answer of March 19 he says, “I am desired by Mr Holmes Chairman of the Committee of Claims to inform you “That the business, on the Memorial, is progressing and that...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, [16 October 1800] (Jefferson Papers)
As the wind at one time and the tides at another prevented the Commissioners sailing at the time they intended it gives me the opportunity of sending you an addition to the other pieces.—We have nothing new since the date of my last . I send you a paragraph from a paper of yesterday. 15 Ocr—23 Vendre. The arrangement between Denmark is but tempory—the first Article is The question respecting...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 20 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by Captain Dominick who was to sail from Havre about the 20th of this month. This will probably be brought you by Mr. Barlow or Col. Oswald. Since my letter by Dominick I am every day more convinced and impressed with the propriety of Congress sending Commissioners to Europe to confer with the Ministers of the Jesuitical Powers on the means of terminating the War. The enclosed...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 25 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I write this merely to say there is nothing new to inform you of. Mr. Dawson whom I saw this Morning when I gave him my letter on Machanics for you, tells me that the treaty is not ratified, and that he should send off the Sloop the next day.—you will easily conclude from this delay in the ratification that something is the cause of it. It is however time the vessel should depart. If she lose...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 23 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favours of the 10. & 18 Ult. reached me at this place on the 14 Inst, also one from Mr. Madison . I do not suppose that the framers of the Constitution thought anything about the acquisition of new territory, and even if they did it was prudent to say nothing about it, as it might have suggested to foreign Nations the Idea that we contemplated foreign Conquest. It appears to me to be...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 30 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I write you this letter entirely on my own account, and I begin it without ceremony. In the year 84–or 5 A Motion was made in the legislature of Virginia for making an acknowlegement to me for voluntary services during the revolution. The bill, as I am informed, for that purpose, passed two readings and was lost on the third reading by three votes. The acknowlegement proposed to be given was a...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 2 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a letter for Mr. Breckenridge, but as I know not his residence in Kentucky, I will be obliged to you fill up the direction and forward it to him after putting a Wafer in it. I send it to you open as it relates to the order of the day, Louisania. I know not what are your Ideas as to the mode of beginning Government in the ceded country; but as we have thought alike on several subjects...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 13 July 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not yet received any answer to my two last, the one by Msrs. Parker and Cutting, the other by Post with the particulars of Ledyard’s death, from Sir Joseph Banks and Mr. Beaufoy. The Msrs. Walker’s and I have agreed on a plan and terms for executing and erecting a Compleat Br[idge] which we hope to finish by Octr. Several Bridges are wanted but as every one waits for some one to begin...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 10 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
As far as my Judgement extends I think you cannot do better than send Commissioners to Europe; and so far as the freedom of Commerce may become a subject of Conference it ought to be done. It may be a means of terminating the war for it is necessary that some power should begin. England is in a wretched condition as to her Manufactures and her public and private credit. The combined Armies...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 20 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on 1st. Janry from N. Rochelle, mentioning my intention of spending part of the Winter at Washington; but the severity of the Winter and the bad condition of the roads and rivers prevented me, and I stopped at N. York. I wrote you from that place a second letter of more than nine pages on a variety of subjects accompanied with a Hamburgh Gazette and a letter from a revolutionary...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 1 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have some thoughts of coming to Washington this winter as I may as well spend a part of it there as elsewhere. But lest bad roads or any other circumstance should prevent me I suggest a thought for your consideration, and I shall be glad, if in this case as in that of Louisana, we may happen to think alike without knowing what each other had thought of. The Affair of Domingo will cause some...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 16 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by Mr. Quesney. I also wrote you a long letter of (I believe) 14 or 16 pages, enclosing a Philadelphia News paper with the account of the Procession on the 4th. of July. I requested Mr. Bartholemy to enclose it in his dispatches which he promised me to do. This is about ten weeks ago. I was then setting off to the Iron Works in Yorkshire to execute a small Bridge. The work goes on...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 17 June 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your last to the 21st. May. I am just now informed of Msr. Parker and Cutting setting off tomorrow Morning for Paris by whom this will be delivered to you. Nothing new is stirring here. The trial of Hastings, and the Examination of evidence before the house of Commons into the Slave Trade still continue. I wrote Sir Joseph Banks an account of my Experiment Arch. In his answer he...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 18 June 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last night by Mr. Parker. I this Morning received the following from Sir Joseph Banks “Sir Jos. Banks presents his compliments to Mr. Paine and has the honor for his and Mr. Jefferson’s information to inclose the particulars of Mr. Ledyard’s Death which have been received by the Association for investigating the interior of Africa.” Soho Square } June 18th. 1789 Mr. Beaufoy...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 1 October 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you from Havre by the Ship Dublin Packet in the year 1797. It was then my intention to return to America, but there were so many british frigates cruising in sight of the port, and which after a few days, knew that I was at Havre waiting to go to America, that I did not think it to trust myself to their discretion, and the more so, as I had no confidence in the Capt. of the Dublin...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 15 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
As I cannot get any letters from you I think something must be the matter, and I shall be exceedingly glad to be informed what letters you have received from me and whether any. I wrote you one letter by Mr. Quesney and another a long letter of 14 or 16 pages which [I] requested Mr. Bartholemy to take charge of, and left it with him, this was in Sepr.—I was then going to the Iron works in...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 13 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Kenedy who brings this to N York, is on the point of setting out, I am therefore confined to time. I have enclosed six Copies of my work for your self in a parcel addressed to the President, and three or four for my other friends, which I wish you to take the trouble of presenting. I have just heard of Govr. Morris’s appointment. It is a most unfortunate one , and as I shall mention the...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 14 May 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you by the Ship Dublin Packet—Capt. Clay, mentioning my intention to have returned to America by that Vessel, and to have suggested to some Member of the house of Representatives the propriety of calling Mr. Monroe before them to have enquired into the state of their Affairs in France. This might have laid the foundation for some resolves on their part that might have led to an...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 17 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you while Mr Dawson was here that I would wait the arrival of the Frigate that was to bring Mr Livingston , and return by it to America, in preference to the Maryland which you offered me; but the frigate being ordered to the Mediterranean prevented me that opportunity. As it is now Peace, though the definitive Treaty is not yet signed, I shall sett off by the first opportunity from...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, [May? 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you a Problem not about Bridgs but Trees, and to explain my meaning I begin with a fountain. The Idea seems far fetched, but fountains and Trees are in my walk to Challiot. Suppose Fig. 1st a fountain. It is evident 1st. That no more water can pass thro the branching Tubes than pass thro the trunk. 2d. That admitting all the water to pass with equal freedom, the sum of the squares of...