1To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 1 February 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding that the gallows would not shut down on the Ink holders I therefore cut some of it away, and a jointed piece which I suppose you had made to rest the pens on, was liable to fall and cause a derangement of machinery, to prevent such an accident I have put a piece of spring to keep it up untill wanted—a very little work put the parralels in order, and the supporting springs shortened, or...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 9 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made all the haste I could to get your pens for your Polygraph, for I well know the uses of that machine, as it has long been my practice to keep copies of letters, because I have desired to leave to my family as full a knowledge of my transactions as possible, consistent with my other labours—but that you may know why I have been more solicitous on this score, know that after the death...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 30 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
When I received your Polygraph, I repaired the springs, then made an essay to write with it, found it stiff—but on putting oil to all the joints, it preformed much better. so that my conclusion was that you neglected to give it oil occasionally. My next opperation was to take the parralells apart in order to examine all the joints—and it does not appear to have worn the pin-holes, indeed I...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 10 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
It has for some time past that I have promised myself the pleasure of paying you a Visit, yet the situation of my family and the interests of the Museum has not allowed me that indulgence. My Son Titian has not only great skill in preserving all kinds of Animals, but also he has acquired an abundance of knowledge in Natural history, I mean of animated nature. And my Son Franklin is possessed...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 2 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
It was my intention to have paid you a visit when I left Philad a I had proposed to myself to commence this journey in the first of May as the better season, but my youngest son Titian was so much indisposed that he could not attend to the business of the Museum, and another call for his improvement now obliges me to return to Philadelphia. A gentleman from England by the name of Cha s...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 25 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Although it is a long time since I have wrote, yet be assured that I very often think on the favors you have confered on me at various periods, and could I have been so fortunate as to think I could add a moment of pleas ure to you. I should have embraced the occasion, But absorbed in the various labours of the Museum, the attentions of duty to a large family, that look to me for aid on every...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 8 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Herewith I send your silver springs for your Pollygraph according to my promise in my last letter, I do not know whether they are of the proper length, but I know your talents to render them what they ought to be. By the public papers I find the accident you meet with in a fall, I hope by this time that a cure is made of your arm. and, I have read with pleasure your letter to M r Adams in...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 29 October 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 22 d instant I received yesterday, and devolving in my mind what I could best do to serve you , determined to take the springs from my traveling Poligraph, made of Brass wire, which perhaps are better than those made of Silver, unless the silver should have considerable of Alloy, and the wire drawn very hard. I believe I have some of the Wire left of which your springs are...
9Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of 28 th Ul t received, yesterday, and coming home last night, I thought of my small Polygraph, which was made for a traveling conveniency, I find are exactly what you want, therefore it gives me pleasure to send them. I have long thought on the means to preserve health, and have made many experiments to assertain what would be the best food, as well as drink—and as I enjoy perfect...
10Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 3 July 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
In the hope, my dear Sir, of giving you some little amusement on what I concieve an interresting subject, which my Son Rembrandt has very nea r ly completed for the Public Eye, Therefore I have made a Sketch of his Picture , enclosed, and trouble you once more with my address and a description of “ Peale ’s great Moral Picture of the Court of Death . ”
11Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 10 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been Dear Sir long oppressed under duty, respect and friendship, in having omited to write to you about the Plow which you so obligingly sent me. The principle on which the form is given is undoubtably excellent, as the action is by strait lines, yet without a proper length is given to the mould board, all its advantages are lost. I made repeated tryals of this Plow by an expert...
12Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
on the receipt of your letter I hastened to the City to seek the Inkstand you wanted, I believe no nearer to your direction could be had in the City , than I have sent, I put two of them in one package and delivered it at the Post office, directed to you at Montecella . That most likly to answer, probably may be sunk deeper by cutting out some of the wood beneath, and a little grinding down of...
13Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
soon after my arrival here I wrote to inform you of my object in visiting this place, with the hope that my scribling might not be a burden on your precious moments, and as I had said that I would give you some account of my Portraits, Since I begin to think I shall paint only one or two more at the present time, I will enumerate them. Viz t The President , M r Calhoun , M r Adams , M r Crawford ,
14Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 25 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Some time past I meet with a gentleman in the Museum who informed me of your extreme indisposition, and from his account of your complaints, I dispaired of ever writing to you another letter, while painting the Presidents Portrait I received the pleasing intelligence of your restored health. Your emminant Labours for the good of mankind will endear your memory to future ages. I will give a...
15Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 2 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I sensibly feel for your privations and sufferings, and hope and beg that my corrispondance may not add to affections, therefore let me intreat you, not to write to me, unless you think I can render you some service, in which case, I wish to receive your commands, and assure you that any thing in my power to perform will be executed with pleasure. It might not be necessary to write this, since...
16Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
there is very little probability that I can give you any information on what may be termed improvements made in Europe , your acquaintance with learned men in every quarter of the World, and your exalted knowledge of Science and arts in every department, and with all your fondness for the promotion of all useful discoveries that promise any benefit to mankind, I believe never escape your...
17Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Although very unwilling to give you the least trouble in the epistolary line, yet I feel a desire to communicate what I consider a cricis of my labours on the Museum —beleiving that you esteem it a work of importance to the enlightning of the Public mind. Envy of some men and self-interest in others have made them active, to get the Museum remooved from the State-House , and the City being...
18Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In several visits I made to Philad a after receiving your statement concerning young M c elhany, my inquiries about him was fruitless, at last I meet with him at a Watch -makers who had promised me notice when he should be found in the City. M r M c elhany seemed much confused when he spoke to me, on my asking him why he did not call on you before he left Charlotteville —he told me that he...
19Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Calling on a Watchmaker to day, he told me of a young man who is an excellent artist, that is now in Virginia , I do not recollect at what place, but I believe I was told at Petersburgh , that he did not like the place—I then waited on his brother son of M c M r M c ilhany —who has promised me to write by tomorrows post to his brother and request him to call on you at Monticella
20Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Last evening I received your letter of the 17 th Instant, and I suppose before this time you have received one from me dated the 9 th & 13 th in which I stated that the young man I had spoken to, had gone to the neighbourhood of Bethlehem —I have been with several Watch-makers in the City since I wrote, who all have promised me notice if any discreet young man offers—within two days I shall...
21Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 9 August 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
some time past I thought that I had found a young man in the Watch making line, that would have gone to settle as you proposed, but I have since heard that he has gone towards Bethlehem —and I have requested several Watch makers in the City to make inquiries for me by which means I shall have a chance of hearing if any young Man can be found suitable to recommend to your notice, I have...
22Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 7 July 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
By my inquiries amongst the Watch-makers in the City, I have found a young man of good Character, just out of the His apprentiship, who seems disposed to go into Virginia , I have read to him, the contents of your letter on that subject—and I have left some him time to make up his mind, probably he will give me his Answer, when I go into the City ; a few days hence—and then I will write again...
23Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 23 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
It is my wish to communicate to you whatever I think has a chance of being novel and interresting. I have just seen a Machine for sowing grain in drills, of the most simple construction of any I have seen before— A mechanic was making it from one which he had seen at Doct r Logans lately brought from England . Like the Perambulator it has a Wheel and a handle to push it along. but as I mean to...
24Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 18 June 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last to you I have conversed with a few friends on the disposial of the Museum, M r Vaughan thinks that by a Tontine it might be sold most readily, the high interest it would give in a few years he considers a temptation to subscribers—I never relished the Idea of the gain by the death of others— And most probably I shall apply to the Legislature to obtain an act to dispose of it by a...
25Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 2 May 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the March 21 st came in due time— and a rainy day now gives me leasure to write, to thank you for your interresting letter, abounding with useful information to the farmer and Mechannic. You observe that the winter has been hard.—the Spring appears to be backward, I hope it will be favorable to our fruits, the last year gave us but li t tle. My small green House accidently...
26Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 14 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
When we beleive that we have made any discovery that offers somthing for the benefit of man, no time should be lost to communicate it to our friends, that they may give it to others if the communication will of be of any importance. some time past I had a well dug in a situation to give Water to my Cattle &c The Ingenious Isaih Lukens made me a small brass cylender and Boxes to form a pump and...
27Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long indeed since I have intended to answer your letter of April 17. , at first I wished to finish my Corn-fields according to your directions, and after that I wanted to hear the observations of my Neighbours—and I must say that every one with whom I have conversed acknowledge the improvment of making hilly ground equally advantagous as level fields. your letter came to me at the proper...
28Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 19 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
A rainey day, this you think should be a day of leisure with a farmer, such and sundays for letter writing—but I contrive to have the first, a busy days, with my men; to make posts for fencing; handles for spades shovels and hoes; also plaining boards and other carpenters work, besides making and mending different sorts of harness. besides my attention to this, I have occasionally watch work &...
29Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 2 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
In a former letter I stated to you my folly in attempting to eradicate weeds from my farm by cuting them down with a briar-hook, by which exertion I had almost lamed my right arm—by using it only in light work ef the effects at last are almost whooly removed, and I have learned that the best mode to free land from weeds, is to plow late in the fall and early in the spring; to manure and sow...
30Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 3 August [October] 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my last letter to you , I have visited a small farm in my neigbourhood, belonging to Doct r Beneville , the culture of which, has pleased me much. part of the land had been swampy, so much so, as to mire his Cattle, and often times put them into to the trouble of draging them out—it is a flat rich bottom of a good many acres extent. The Doct r has now reclaimed it, or rather has...
31Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 9 September 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I most chearfully accept your kind invitation of a renewal of corrispondance; tho’ with very little expectation that I shall be able to add to your stock of Information in your favorite occupations, however with this pleasing hope, that as my subjects must necessarily be on the culture of the Earth, I must shall get instruction in my new occupation, that of a farmer, which thus may be difused...
32Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 25 June 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Randolph took his passage in the New Castle line of Land and water Stages on Wednesday last, since which we have received the inclosed letter to him. And the enclosed bill of lading will shew that I have sent by the Schooner Liberty , Capt n Lewis two Boxes & one Trunk, directed to the care of Mess rs Gibson & Jefferson at Richmond
33Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In the report by M r Cuvier on the fossil bones which you presented to the National Institute I find the committee have given the name Mastodonte to the animal which we commonly call Mammoth . How well this name may accord with the Skelleton I have, I can better judge off after hearing the deffinition by the learned in Languages, It is pleasant however to have a name by which we may know it...
34Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It was my intention in this to have given you the particulars of expenditures for & to M r Randolph at my settlement with him on his departure, but I have a variety of bussiness that engrosses my whole attention at this moment, in my next I will do it. I write now only to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 10 th Instant inclosing one hundred & fifty Dollars for the use of M r...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
It was my intention in my last letter to have mentioned to you my equiescence in your retaining the Polygraph last sent you instead of yours sent to be repaired. There is convenience of having those Machines of a small size for traveling, but the use of a larger kind is more pleasant to write with. I now send you a Picture by this Stage as a small pledge of my esteem, it will I hope be long in...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 8 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received yours of the 6th. Instant enclosing fifty Six Dollars for the use of Mr. Randolph &c. It is not to be wondered that you should desire the calm of the rural abode and the enjoyments of your improoved Montecella. Will you not want to purchase sundry articles to supply the several tradesmen, which, I presume you chuse to employ on so extensive a farm? besides the wants common to...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 10 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desirous to made enquiry of the Merchant about the Packet which carried your Lamp & Bridle-bit before I wrote, I cannot be certain of the Captns. Name and the Bill of lading is mislaid or I should have had recouse to it, I hope to be able to find it by a general search amongst my different deposits within a few days. I have received your favor of the 7th. instant enclosing fifty Dollars...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 23 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It is to be regreted that you had not sent sooner, when we might have sent you some of Coll. Humphreis’s Cloath, I could not find either Cloath or Cordduroy. but I have sent by this days Mail as ⅌. enclosed Bill, and Buttons made at Trenton. If you think the Stuff fine enough for your use, it will be necessary in the present season to use flannel Drawers. I have prefered sending two patterns...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 12 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I was in the country when your note encloseing a Check for fifty Dollars, for the use of Mr. Randolph, arived at the Musm. or I should have acknowledged it immediately. I shall keep a faithful account of the receipts and also of his expenditures as far as comes to my view. I do not discover the least turn of extravagance in him, on the contrary he conducts himself in every respect with...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 15 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received one hundred Dollars inclosed in your favor of the 12th. Instant, and with pleasure will exercise a parental care for your Grandson Mr. Th. Jefferson Randolph— Mrs. Peale will be prepaired to receive him at the expected time— I am at a loss to know which Poligraph has the fault of bad wrighing at the top, but suspect it is a small one. that for writing on foolscap paper I...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 1 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
It will give me pleasure to meet your wishes in every thing which may tend to the benefit and happiness of your grand Son as far as our little means will admit. We do the best we can to train in a good course our several children, & like Randolph, one of them about the same age, whose destiny will depend much on the turn of mind he takes from this period. Mrs. Peale is of a mild & indulgent...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 21 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am pleased that I can announce to you what I esteem an important improvement of the machinery of the Polygraph. Thinking on the subject the other day a thought occured that if the arm that connects the two pen-arms had a length nearly equal to the length of the Pen nib from the center of motion it would equalize the moovment. In short the longer the arm that joints with the connecting bar,...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 20 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
with great reluctance I wrote my last letter to you, for I hold the military profession as the most debasing of human Nature of all other Professions, therefore to recommend a deserving young man was very repugnant to my feelings, independant of my desire to intrude on your precious moments on such a triffling occasion. yet I hope when the passion for a military Coat is worn off & he feels the...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 11 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer Mr. James Chalmers is desireous to enter into the Army. he is of a very respectable family, and he is I believe a discreet young man, with amiable manners; has been breed to the mercantile business but at this time prefers a military life, yet does not ask for a higher office than that of Lieutenancy, I have no doubt that he will merrit promotion when he has been due time in...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 21 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of the 6th. Instant, containing Lieut. Pikes communications, and since the Bears have been exhibited have found their manners correspond with his account—Therefore I shall not hesitate to put them together in a large Cage without being chained, as well to see how large they may grow as to experiment on their propagation. My Son Rembrandt, not satisfied with very great...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 29 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bears I received today, in good health, and tomorrow we shall give them a more spacious Cage. Finding they have a division between them in their present Cage, leads to a suspition that they do not harmonize together, which I should hope is not the case, therefore on changing their habitation, I shall take the precaution of Chaining them untill we can know their dispositions. If they can be...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 7 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
It will be very interesting to see the Grisley-Bear brought to his full growth, one of the Skins which Govr. Lewis had appeared to me enormously large, should these bears preserve their health in confinement, which ought not to be in a small Cage, there is a good chance of their giving produce, and thereby making them happy in their situation, especially if well fed. this charge I will...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 2 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
It is evident that many Persons who has had what is termed a classical Education, have so little of the dead languages remaining with them a few years after they have left School, as to be of very little use to them. It is like reading the suppliment of Book, wanting the details, leaves no impression on the readers mind. a small part of Mr. Ogilvie’s Rhetoric would be sufficient I doubt not to...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 30 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreable to the request of Govr. Lewis I have prepared one of the heads of the American Argali (big horns) to be placed in your Hall at Monticello, it will be put on board the Schooner Jane Captn Jackson on tomorrow, And said to sail on tuesday next. It is packed in a Box directed to the care of Mr. George Jefferson at Richmond. The skin on said head cannot be eatten by Insects, & the Eyes are...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 12 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
every object which can add to the comforts and conveniences of life are important to us, none more so than that respecting our sight. I know you have improved the frames of Spectacles, and Mr. Mccallister tells me he has sent you a number of Glasses fitted to some of your improved frames—This induces me to write to you on this subject to offer some Idea’s which may have escaped your notice, I...