1To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 19 July 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 8 th accompanied with a few printed sheets of Extracts from the “Revue Encyclopedique” by M. Jullien, which I laid before our society, at their meeting last evening. This valuable publication is regularly received, & duly appreciated by the society. M r Warden one of our associates in Paris, is, I observe, among the collaborateurs of M. Jullien, &...
2Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
In one of this morning’s papers, [The Aurora,] I observe the copy of a letter from you to M r Neville of Pittsburgh “respecting the medals given by Congress to certain officers” .… Now, Sir, as on this subject I can communicate all the information which it is probable may be required, I beg leave to inform you— That while M r Burr was vice President of the U. States , he brought to the Mint a...
3Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
You are most respectfully requested to accept the accompanying ‘Treatise of practical Arithmetic.’—It is a trifle which can lay no claim to your personal perusal; but if it should be thought worthy of being placed in the hands of any of your grandchildren, the author will be highly gratified. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “ Thomas Jefferson ”; endorsed by TJ as received 11 Mar. 1819 and so...
4Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 23 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Sometime in the beginning of winter, a young gentleman, M r Trist , I believe, brought me a telescope which he said you had sent to be repaired. He also informed me that you had sent me a letter , but that he had left it, inadvertently, at Washington , with his portmantua & would forward it from N. york where he expected it would be sent. I have not yet, however, received it. The telescope was...
5Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 13 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
A considerable time ago, you made some enquiries relative to a good clock & watch-maker , who, you suggested, might advantageously settle in your neighbourhood. Neither then, nor since, till the other day, could I hear of one that I could recommend, who was willing to make the trial. From the enclosed letter , you will be able to judge whether the persons therein Recommended by m r Hassler ,...
6Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 20 June 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
You have no doubt been informed, at least thro the medium of News-papers, of M r Peale ’s complete success in illuminating his Museum with gas - lights , & presuming that it would not be uninteresting to you, I shall do myself the pleasure of giving you a description of his apparatus & process for generating & distributing the gas. It is well known that any substance containing hydrogen will,...
7Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 2 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Hassler has just transmitted to the Sec’y of the Treasury , a descriptive list of the instruments which, in execution of his appointment for that purpose, he had procured in Europe , & has lately brought with him to this city. Presuming that you might be pleased to have a copy of this list, I herewith send you one, for your acceptance. M r Hassler ’s circumstances are, at present, somewhat...
8Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 28 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
A pretty severe attack of the prevailing epidemic, with a good deal of sickness in the family, must be my excuse for not sending on your Time-piece somewhat sooner. It was, however, last saturday shipped on board the Guinea Hen , &, according to your directions, consigned to mess rs Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond. On examining the pendulum mentioned in my last, & which I proposed to substitute...
9Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The Author of this Synopsis (formerly Secretary of Congress) desires me to send you, by this opportunity, a copy of the work, of which he begs your acceptance; & Requests that you would please to favour him with your remarks on the same RC ( MHi ); dateline beneath signature; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 27 Dec. 1815 “with the clock” and so recorded in SJL ; with...
10Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 October 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 13 th & shall immediately take measures to send on your Time-piece as you have directed. I have had, for some years an artificial horizon , which, by means of a reflecting sextant, answers the purpose of measuring all altitudes of the sun, or any other visible object, from 0 to 90° as well as all depressions not exceeding 50° with great ease &...
11Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 25 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
It requires an apology that I have not before now sent you the Time-Piece, which has been so long in my custody. The commencement of the late war before the Time-Piece was finished, & the consequent depredations of the enemy on our coast, prevented its being sent before the restoration of peace. When this event had taken place, I perceived that some parts of the veneering were scaling off from...
12Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed favour of the 8 th . Your time-piece, agreeably to your desire, I have had set up at my own house, & shall with great pleasure make experiments on its going with the rod-pendulum. This pendulum is at present suspended by a few inches of watch-spring attached to the upper end, as in common pendulums: But M r Adrain , an able mathematician, in...
13Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your time-piece has been packed up, ready for shipment, in the manner you directed, for a considerable time. But as soon as our river was had been rendered navigable, by the breaking up of the ice, it was again stoped & still continues to be so, by a British fleet. I am therefore, Sir, about to set it up at my own house, as it will be better to keep it going than standing; & shall wait your...
14Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
This day I had prepared to ship your Time-piece &c on board the Happy Return , Capt Hand , for Richmond , to be addressed to M r Gibson , as you direct in your favour of the 27th Ult . But our river is now frozen over, & we must wait for an opening, when the shipment will be made:— The pendulum has a compensating thermometer attached to it; the invention, I believe, of M r Rittenhouse , and...
15Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
At length M r Voigt has finished your timepiece. The delay, notwithstanding repeated solicitations to the contrary, has been shamefully long; for which no apology can be made but the common one among Mechanicks—a great pressure of business. The workmanship, however, appears to be well executed. A week or so will be necessary to regulate the pendulum; after which it shall be shipped for...
16Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d & read your interesting communication of the 10 th Nov r with great satisfaction, and have laid the same before the Committee appointed on the subject of your former communication; who, I am sure, will give it that consideration which it so highly merits. In the meantime, Sir, you will permit me to make a few observations, which may not, however perfectly agree with the ideas...
17Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 11 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that you may not as yet have seen a little tract, by Doctor Buchanan , on “Christian Researches in Asia ,” lately republished in Boston ; and not doubting that you would find it highly interesting, I have taken the liberty of sending you a copy, of which I most respectfully request your acceptance. Some time ago, inclosed I believe in A Nautical Almanack for the year 1813, I returned...
18Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 23 September 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Some days ago, I received your favour of the 11 , with the French poem on Astronomy. The Society had rec d a copy of the same work from the Author , & therefore they wish me to return your copy. They have eagerly embraced your proposal respecting the universal standard of weights and measures , and have referred the subject to a Committee who earnestly solicit, not merely your co-operation,...
19Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your desire I send herewith Garnetts’ Nautical Almanacs for the years 11. & 12—& shall not fail, life remaining, to forward those for succeeding years as soon as published. I have lately added to the common artificial horizon, (the polished plane surface adjusted by a spirit-level) a very simple appendage, by the aid of which any altitude of the sun &c may be taken, on land, from...
20Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I am directed, by the Philosophical Society , to acknowledge the reciept (under cover from you) of a paper from M. Du Jareau of New Orleans , on the construction of a saw-mill to be worked by a horse. This paper, according to the usage of the society, was referred to a committee , who have reported, in substance, —That the paper does not appear to be intended by the Author as a communication...
21Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 6 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you, that the people of Passamaquoddy are now furnished with a new object of pursuit— gold finding . There was yesterday brought to the Mint , as a deposit, part of a grain or lump of native gold , weighing 14 oz 7¼ grs which was lately found, by a little boy, on Sewards neck beach , in the town(ship) of Eastport , near the mouth of the bay. This piece of gold ,...
22Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 10 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My younger son, Robert Maskill , having gone thro the usual course of collegiate studies in our Seminary , and of medical studies under D r Barton , and obtained degrees both in the Arts & in medicine; has devoted the last twelve months chiefly to the study of mineralogy under M r Godon ; in which, it is said, he has made considerable proficiency. He has a strong desire of visiting some parts...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 26 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
With most respectful compliments, I would request your acceptance of the inclosed pamphlet—a Discourse lately delivered by the Pastor of the church to which I belong. It contains many sentiments and observations relative to the present circumstances of the nation, which, I presume; will meet with your approbation. With sentiments of the greatest respect & esteem I have the honour to be your...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 6 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your desire, your letter of the 30th. Novr. last, directed to the Vice Presidents of the American Philosophical Society, was laid before them, and by them, before the Society, at a stated meeting, on the 2d of Decr. and again, on the afternoon of this day, at thier annual meeting for the election of officers. The Society, as such, have had no opportunity of expressing their...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 2 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor, once more, of laying before you an Annual Report of the operations of the Mint. From the Treasurers statement, herewith transmitted, it will appear, that during the last year there have been struck at the Mint, 1,368,600 pieces of silver coins, amounting to 684,300 dolls. 58,288 pieces of gold coins, amounting to
26To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 29 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
A balance of 125 cents has long remained in my hands for the purchase of a Nautical Almanac for the year 1810, which I now send you. That for 1811 Mr. Garnett will soon put to press, with sundry improvements; Particularly, the moon’s right ascension will be calculated to hours, minutes & seconds of time, as that of the sun & stars has usually been. The moon’s passage over the meridian will...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
At the commencement of the present year, I have the honour of laying before you a report of the operations of the Mint during the last year. From the enclosed statement of the Treasurer, it will appear, that during that period there have been struck at the Mint; gold coins, to the amount of four hundred and thirty seven thousand, four hundred and ninety five dollars, silver coins, to the...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 24 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I regret exceedingly that I have not been able to procure a translation of the two little Arabic manuscripts you were pleased to send me for that purpose. Capt. Obrien, though he understands the oral, has no knowledge at all of the written language. I have shown the papers to a native of Smyrna, Mr. Sennup? , now in this city—He says “they are written in one of seven of the Arab dialects,...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 6 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to solicit your acceptance of another morsel of nut-shell philosophy , in the form of a “collegiate examination”. I have aimed at nothing more than a systematic view of the subject, in as small a compass as was consistent with any degree of perspecuity; believing that something of this kind might not be a useless accompaniment to the larger treatises which are commonly put into the...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 3 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
With your approbation, I have employed Mr. John Reich as an Assistant Engraver in the Mint, at the annual salary of 600 dolls. He has covenanted “to execute any work, in the line of his profession, that may be required of him, either by the director or chief engraver, whether for the immediate use of the mint, or for that of the U. States, when ordered by any special resolution or act of...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The prospect of full employment at the mint still continues, and is likely to increase. It is probable that in the course of the present year we shall strike to the amount of not less than a million of dollars. Our present Engraver, Mr. Scott, though indeed a meritorious and faithful officer, is yet so far advanced in life, being I believe upwards of seventy, that he cannot be expected very...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 7 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The American edition of the nautical Almanac for the year 1809 being just published, I have the pleasure of sending you a copy; as also a copy of Garnetts Requisite Tables. In these you will find several valuable additions & improvements not to be met with in the English edition—and I have little doubt that these Almanacs & Tables will in a short time supercede the necessity of importing the...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 1 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
At the commencement of the present year, I have the honour of laying before you a Report of the operations of the Mint during the last year. From the Treasurer’s annual statement, it will appear, that during this period there have been struck at the mint, gold coins to the amount of 324,505 dollars, and silver coins to the amount of 471,319 dollars; making the total amount 795,824 dollars, and...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is subjoined, by way of appendix to the 1st vol of an American edition of Adams’s Philosophy, the proof sheets of which I examined, making a few occasional notes & corrections. As the Author frequently alludes to the principles of modern chemistry, but without sufficiently explaining them, this outline , it was presumed, would not be unacceptable to the reader. My aim has been to...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 21 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I have sent you by post, N. As. for 98. 99. 06. 07. & 08 The two first have seen service and bear the usuel marks. English Almanacs for .09 & 10 may be had, but our own will soon be published, and will be preferable in many respects. Of the above five, two only have been purchased $2.50—the others are duplicates which I can spare without the least inconvenience. I...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 14 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Adam Eckfeldt, being a skilful mechanic, was employed by Mr. Rittenhouse, when director of the mint, to harden the dies; with a compensation for this service alone of 500 dollars per annum. Shortly after Mr. Boudinot was appointed director, rightly judging that the whole time and labour of so able an artist as Mr. Eckfeldt would be useful to the Institution, he accordingly employed him, in...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 4 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
At the desire of the author, I have the pleasure of transmitting you the enclosed pamphlet, which you will find to be an ingenious performance, though somewhat deficient in point of perspecuity. From the author’s known abilities, and indefatigable application, there can be little doubt that the work he is about to publish will merit the public attention— I am, Sir, with sentiments of the...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 25 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer, Mr. Alexr Stuart, is about to remove from this city to the Havanna in the line of mercantile business. His moral character, as well as reputation in his profession, so far as I have learned, stand fair with all such as know him; And it is confidently believed, that any appointment which you might please to give him, as agent or Consul in that city, would be ably & faithfully...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Chandler Price, 8 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed Mr Patrick Ysnardi Son of Joseph Ysnardi Esqr. American Consul at Cadiz, is now on his way from Charleston to the City of Washington. with a view to solicit the Consulship for Havanna which I understand now is or very soon will be vacant by the resignation of Mr Hill— With Mr Ysnardi I have been intimately acquainted several years—in my opinion he is well qualified to fill the...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 3 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to introduce to your notice Mr. Hassler, a Gentleman lately from Switzerland. He is a man of science & education; and, as will appear from the inclosed paper, written by himself at my request, was a character of considerable importance in his own country. It is his wish to obtain some employment from the United States, which would require the practice of surveying or astronomy. He...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 3 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to former practice, I have the honor, at the commencement of the present year, to lay before you a statement of the Issues from the Mint of the United States, and the Expences of the Institution, during the past year: and conceiving, that it might not prove unacceptible, the Treasurer has, at my request, drawn up, and exhibited, in one comprehensive view, (Schedule No. 4) a Statement...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 30 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Some years ago, I remember to have laid before you a scheme of secret writing , which you were pleased to honour with a friendly notice: And relying on your well-tried patience; I would again take the liberty of submitting a few further remarks on the same subject. That scheme, in common with all others heretofore practised, had one defect, which it is the object of the present attempt to...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 16 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Theodolite, which by advice from Mr. Freeman I purchased of Mr. Biggs, is carefully packed up, & put on board, a sloop for Georgetown—The bill of lading is here inclosed—The draft for 54 dolls was this day recd. & paid to Mr. Biggs—I have taken the liberty of enclosing, for Mr. Freeman, a Formula for solving a problem in practical Astronomy which I concieve may be of some use in his...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 14 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A Committee from the Directors of the Bank of the United States have represented to me, as Director of the Mint, that, in order to prevent, as much as possible, the exportation of Spanish dollars, so injurious to the general interest of the country; it is their wish, as well as perhaps that of most of the other Banks in the United States, to send this species of money, of which there are now...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 23 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your favour of the 16th. inclosing a method of finding the longitude without a time piece by Mr. Moore; on which, as well as on other methods for the same purpose, suggested by yourself, & sometime ago shewn me by Mr. Freeman, you are pleased to ask my opinion. It is scarcely necessary to remark that all the methods here proposed are strictly true in theory; and...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 29 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
On the receipt of your favour of the 13th. announcing the resignation of Mr. Boudinot, and your pleasure in appointing me as his successor, I entered into a free communication with him on the subject of the mint. He has shown me the most friendly attention, & has formally introduced me to the other Officers of the institution; from whom I doubt not to experience the most cordial co-operation....
47To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 30 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your unexpected & very flattering favour of the 27th. demands my most grateful acknowledgements. My long services in this institution, & the respect I have always experienced both from the trustees & students, so strongly & justly attach me to the seminary, that the offer of a more lucrative employment could not of itself induce me to have it. But, happily, in the present instance, this, as...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 18 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding from the Secretary at War to Dr. Hunter of this expedition is fitting out for the purpose of exp of the rivers &c of Louisiana, I hope it will not be as officious in me to recommend to your notice a ge ntleman, who I am persuaded would do no dishonour to any appointment which you might think proper to give him, either in this or in any other similar undertaking. The gentleman I...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 18 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recommended to Capt. Lewis, the use of a statistical Table , in which to set down his Astronomical observations, in the course of his intended expedition; as an expedient that would save a great deal of time, and be productive of many other obvious advantages. I had proposed to draw him out a sketch of such a table, but an unusual hurry of business prevented me, while he was in the city—I...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patterson, 15 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your favour of the 2d. and thank you for your confidence, which I will never abuse—I am preparing a set of astronomical formulæ for Mr. L. and will, with the greatest pleasure, render him every assistance in my power—I take the liberty of subjoining the formula which I commonly use for computing the longitude from the common lunar observation, illustrated by an...