501To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Dans le même temps que j’avois l’honneur d’écrireà Votre Excellence la mienne du 12e., Elle me favorisoit de la précieuse sienne de même date, que j’ai bien reçue en son temps. J’ai cru devoir en communiquer tout de suite le contenu vraiment important, consolant, encourageant, d’abord à mon digne ami Mr. van Staphorst à Amsterdam; et puis aussi à Mr. Luzac à Leide en le priant néanmoins de ne...
502To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Coffyn, 17 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your Excellencys letter of 8 inst. I have the honnor to inform him that Allexander Cross [Gross] hostage for the ransom of the sloop Charlotte of Southampton McGriger master taken by the privateer Countess Davaux in february 1782, is still confined in the prison of this Town. Agreable to your Excellencys request I have made all possible inquiry respecting the cause of the hostages...
503To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Grand, 23 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 23 Sep. 1785 . Thanks TJ for communicating the contents of Adams’ letter on the payment of interest on the Dutch loan. Grand forwarded to Messrs. Willink & van Staphorst a letter from the Commissioners of the Treasury and asked them to notify him if it contained “an order to remit me against the Payment to be made in 9bre. to the Treasury … as I had been several times apply’d to, on...
504To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Hawkins, 9 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
By the june Packet I have the happiness of complying in a great measure with my promise of the eighth of march. Finding that I had lost most of my plants through the inattention or ignorance of the Captain who had the care of them from North Carolina although I made repeated trials and the last with giving particular directions on the proper method of treating them. And fearing that similar...
505I. David Humphreys to Thomas Jefferson, [4 April 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
‘I have made no contracts for the other four , viz. for Genl. Washington’s on the evacuation of Boston, for Morgan, Washington and Howard on the affair of the Cowpens, because the designs for them have not been in readiness for execution until the present time. Nor can that for Genl. Morgan be commenced without farther information of the numbers killed, prisoners &c in the action to be...
506To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 6 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The Project of a new Constitution, has Objections against it, to which I find it difficult to reconcile my self, but I am so unfortunate as to differ somewhat from you in the Articles, according to your last kind Letter. You are afraid of the one—I, of the few. We agree perfectly that the many should have a full fair and perfect Representation.—You are Apprehensive of Monarchy; I, of...
507To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Moore, 28 September 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you a Letter that came by the Rosamond from Boston. I have this day shipped on the Garrick Capt. Turner bound to Virginia Two Cases of Porter and two baskets of Cheese, directed agreeable to your Note. It was not in my power to send you stilton Cheese as there was none to be got in London that woud have kept the Passage. I have therefore sent half dozen of very...
508To Thomas Jefferson from Mainville, [ca. July 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Orléans, ca. July 1787. ] Cabarrus, Peyrinnaut & Cie., merchants of Edenton, N.C., issued two notes in favor of Jacques de Mainville, Jr., of Orléans, totalling 12,741₶ and payable in two and three years respectively; both were dated 24 Feb. 1785 and both were payable at Orléans. The first, maturing last Feb., was protested for non-payment. To avoid similar difficulty when next falls due, he...
509To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Joseph de Beaulieu, 17 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ose prendre la liberté de demander a Votre Excellence, a L’effet de la supplier, de vouloir bien me faire passer un Certificat de Vie pour une pension de Cent Dollars que L’honnorable Congrés ma accordé en recompense de mes blessure, etant Echue le 15. novembre 1785, en ayant deja reçu un L’année derniere de Mr. frankelin. Je supplierai, Votre Excellence, de vouloir bien m’instruire, si...
510To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 27 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honor’d with your favor of the 17 Instant also with the Observations of Monsieur St. Victouer, to the Contents of both I shall pay every attention. If the Cases arrive the next month they will be in time to go by the Ship Comte d’Artois bound to portsmouth and will be a perfect good safe conveyance. I have to Acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 24 January, buissness having soon...
511To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson, 3 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I was very sorry to see by your letter To Mr. Short that your return would be put off, however I hope of not much, as you must be here for the arival of my sister. I wish I was my self all that you tell me to make her, however I will try to be as near like it as I can. I have another landskape since I wrote to you last and began another peice of music. I have not been able to do more having...
512To Thomas Jefferson from John Polson, [ca. 20 July 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the honor of being Introduced to your Excellency at Paris in May 1785, you were so good as tell me that you would write to some Gentlemen in Virginia to know whether the Lands that were Granted to me as the Representative of my Brother William Polson Deceased (being 6000 Acres, he being a Lieutenant in the Virginia Troops before the Battle of the Meadows in the year 1754,) were...
513To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 11 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your enquiry in your letter of the 4th. inst. I can only say that I knew Mr. Matzei at Paris and that he made long journeys. But in what stile he lived and at what expence he travelled I know not. He always made a genteel appearance without any unnecessary show, and kept good Company wherever he went. I observed this in Paris and heard of it in Holland. In Italy it could not be...
514To Thomas Jefferson from John Ledyard, 7 February 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
A gentleman in this town informs me that the Indians who have been asked their opinions about those large bones found in America, say, that tho they had never before seen such bones or an Animal large enough to have them, yet all the indians knew their fathers had seen such bones and the very animal itself but that it had always been found dead. They called it the mole because like the common...
515To Thomas Jefferson from William Gordon, 24 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
In a late letter to the Marquis de La Fayette I mentioned my design of writing soon to your Excellency. The reason of my having been so long silent was, that I might be able to acquaint you, that the second volume of the History was printed, which I can at length do. You was pleased generously to offer me your friendly assistance for the procuring a similar consideration for an early copy of...
516To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Lafayette, 28 [August 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Mde. De La Fayette, desire bien vivement de se dedomager du plaisir dont La timidite de Melle. Jeffersson La prive pour demain, et elle a bien de Lempressement de se rendre a Linvitation de Monsieur Jeffersson. Elle sera charmee d’avoir lhonneur de faire connoissance avec Mr. trumbull, et d’admirer des ouvrages, du merite desquels elle a deja entendu parler, et dont Les sujets, et Lauteur,...
517To Thomas Jefferson from John Paradise, [ca. June 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, ca. June 1788 .] In answer to TJ’s note , he states that the “true form of addressing a letter to his daughter is A Madame la Comtesse Barziza née Paradise a Bergame par Milan ”; Count Barziza and others “give her the title of excellency to which she has no right, until her name be enrolled in the golden book.” As to the marriage settlement, he refers TJ to Mrs. Paradise’s letter. RC...
518To Thomas Jefferson from Chenier de St. André, 26 November 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Chenier de St. André a l’honneur de présenter ses complimens à monsieur jefferson. Il le prie d’etre persuadé que ce n’est ni par négligence ni par oubli qu’il a passé si long-Tems sans aller le voir, et le remercier de ses politesses. Il a été un mois à la campagne; il n’en est pas revenu bien portant; et il loge dans le quartier de Paris le plus éloigné de Monsieur jefferson. Il compte...
519To Thomas Jefferson from Lanchon Frères & Cie., 14 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
L’Orient, 14 Mch. 1788 . Their enquiries to TJ in December were promptly answered by the government’s decree on trade with the U.S., except for information concerning the price the farmers-general are required to give for tobacco; without a set price the resolve is of little avail. “The promises Contained in Mr. Lambert’s Official letter of the 29th. Decr‥‥ has suggested the idea to some of...
520To Thomas Jefferson from Maria Cosway, [27 November 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Ho scritto due volte senza aver ricevuta una lettera da lei doppo la prima quale trovai all mio arrivo qui, e quale mi prometteva il piacere d’una piu frequente corrispondenza: Ogni giorno di posta o aspettato con inquietudine. Temo che il suo braccio sia peggio, ma anche questo non l’impedirebbe scrivermi. Prendo questa occasione di mandarli due linee per domandarli se a ricevute le mie...
521To Thomas Jefferson from Beesly Edgar Joel, 15 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
You will pardon the liberty I take in addressing your Excellency, when you are informed of the necessity that forces me to it. Your Excellency can be no stranger to my situation in Virginia ; to the ardor with which unrewarded I acted in her service, or to my distresses, from which only the hospitality of Virginians would have relieved me. Anxious of once more seeing my friends, I have waited...
522To Thomas Jefferson from Lucy Paradise Barziza, 15 March 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Ce n’est pas de ce Moments que je vous dois la plus forte reconoissance pour les bienfaits que ma famille a toujours recu de vous. Mon Père jouisse de son état par vôtre ouvrage, et n’avons personne au Monde que nous soyons si redevables comme à vôtre Excellence. Les dernieres traites de bonté, que vous avez eut, en recommendant aux états Units de L’Amérique Mon Père, avec des expressions si...
523To Thomas Jefferson from Fanny Delagarde, 13 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
By the liberty you gave me I send you hear inclosed a letter that I have wrote to my mama to give her the conveyance of her letters to me as you was so kind as to offer me and mine to my friends. I beg Sir you will except my sinscer thanks for your goodness, and am very sincible of your kind wishis towards my wellfare. I was very happy to hear that the fire happened in the south end of the...
524To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Carr, 22 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Eppes has this morning received yours of Dec. the 11. and poor Dear Polly has been in tears, tho after much ado she is so far pacified as to wipe her eyes and set down to write to you. We have endeavoured to amuse her by every little account of what children look upon to be Luxurys, and tell her they are to be found in France, but to all She turns a deef Ear. Her avertion to going is such...
525To Thomas Jefferson from Béthune-Charost, 25 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Chateau de Beauménil, par Bernay, 25 Mch. 1789. Reminds TJ of their earlier correspondence about Martel’s bill of credit on the United States. As advised, Martel will entrust the matter to someone in America, but Béthune wonders what effect the organization of the new government will have, and asks TJ to protect Martel’s interests and to give him letters of recommendation. RC ( DLC ); in...
526To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 14 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Mis. De la Fayette a l’honneur de faire ses compliments à Monsieur Jefferson et lui envoye la lettre de Mr. Le Cte. De Florida Blanca. Il verra que dans ce tems l’article des Limites avoit été différemment reglé que les prétensions Espagnoles ne semblent l’annoncer. L’original de cette lettre fut envoye dans le tems au Congres. Une Copie remise à Mr. Jay mais il n’y eut rien de plus de fait...
527To Thomas Jefferson from Malesherbes, 15 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Je ne suis, Monsieur, presque Jamais à Paris. J’ai profité d’un seul Jour où J’y ai été pour aller vous faire mes remercimens de la prodigieuse quantité de Graines de Cedre rouge que vous m’avez envoyés, et Je n’ai pas été assez heureux pour vous trouver. J’espere être plus heureux la premiere fois que J’irai, mais Je ne veux pas attendre Jusques là à vous exprimer ma reconnoissance. Ces...
528To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hardy, 21 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed you will receive a Cypher which Colo. Monroe requested me to transmit you. He together with Mr. Lee and Mr. Gerry sat out yesterday to Georgetown. We thought it expedient that the Committee should proceed in order to turn the view of the Continent to that place as the spot where Congress may perhaps ultimately fix. Since your departure we have done nothing. Congress have been involved...
529To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Dessin, 29 April 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Conformement à la promesse que je vous en ai faite, J’ai L’honneur de vous informer que vos quatre caisses sont parties ce matin pour Paris par le voiturier Algoult qui doit les rendre sous 10 jours moyennant 6₶-10s du Cent pesant; Elles pesent ensemble 889 ℔. Elles sont plombées et accompagnées d’un acquit à Caution en destination pour la Douane de Paris. Permettés, Monsieur, que Je vous...
530To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Blair Thompson, 10 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Two years last summer I experienced a sever mortification; that of not seeing my old friend, and acquaintence Mr: Jefferson, when he did me the favor of calling: my stuped servant ought to have told you that I was confined up stairs with a little one, (I had just lost,) instead of saying I was not at home: that Captn. and Miss Thompson was not is true; but had I known you was in the house, I...
531To Thomas Jefferson from John and Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 10 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Bergamo, 10 Oct. 1788. Is grateful for TJ’s favors to himself and his family; their trip was “prosperous” and they found their “friends in perfect health and completely happy.” Awaits the arrival of William Short. Was “under a necessity of using Mr. Grand’s letter to the banker at Lyons,” and is thus accountable on demand to TJ for thirty Louis d’or. [ Beneath Paradise’s signature, in the hand...
532To Thomas Jefferson from Lavoisier, 3 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai été pénétré de reconnoissance en recevant avec la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré Le Diplôme qui me donne le titre de Membre de la Société Philosophique de Philadelphie. Un Zèle ardent pour tout ce qui peut contribuer à la destruction des Erreurs et aux progrès des connoissances humaines; Une grande vénération pour Les grands hommes qui ont rendu La Liberté aux habitans d’une des plus...
533To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 15th. came to my hands the 22d. at the moment the Governor and some other company came in. I can do no more at present than to acknowledge the receipt of it, but will take the first leisure moment to write fully to you on the points it contains. Capt. Barney informs me that he has two packages on board, from the Marqs. de la Fayette; the enclosed to him contains a request to...
534To Thomas Jefferson from Marbois, [10? February 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. De Marbois presents his compliments to Mr. Jefferson and begs the favor of a communication of the Constitutions of the thirteen States if Mr. Jefferson has got them. RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 30). TJ’s draft of the Virginia deed of cession is on the verso of Marbois’ letter. TJ must, therefore, have received this letter sometime before 13 Feb. It may have been written on Tuesday, 10 Feb. 1784;...
535To Thomas Jefferson from Dangirard & De Vernon, [ca. 20 August 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur Jeffersonne peut il procurer a M.M. Dangirard et De Vernon une lettre de recommandation pour Mr. Barnister a qui çes M.M. écriroient alors sous les auspiçes de Monsieur L’ambassadeur. M. Barnister pourroit il se charger de la procuration de ces M.M. et Monsieur Jeffersonne veut il bien nous faire passer la note de ses noms de baptême qualité et demeure. La somme principale duë...
536To Thomas Jefferson from the Abbé Morellet, [11? January 1787?] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. de Crevecoeur m’a dit hier que dans la lecture plus suivie que vous avez faite de notre traduction vous aves eté mécontent de quelques articles où je vous ai mal entendu et de l’insertion que j’ai faite dans votre texte des notes de Mr. Thomson et peut etre de quelques autres points. Je vous prie de m’envoyer les corrections que vous croires necessaires. Je ferai faire des cartons . Quant...
537To Thomas Jefferson from Dugnani, 13 [October 1788?] (Jefferson Papers)
Agréez, Monsieur, mes remercimens les plus sinceres de la peine, que vous avez bien voulu vous donner de me procurer des nouvelles informations au sujet de l’heritage de Mde. Kingston. Je me flatte, de vous les renouveller demain de vive voix à Versailles. Je ne vous repond pas en Anglois pour ne pas faire attendre votre domestique, Soyez persuadé que personne n’est plus que moi avec un tendre...
538To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Doradour, [12 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
Vous serés bien etonné Monsieur de ce que Mr. Doradour ne part pas avec Mr. Adams, mais la voëture ne peut porter qu’une malle, et mon mari ne peut pas s’en aller sans effets. II est dezollee de ce contre tems, mais il est impossible dy parer; il partira par le paquebot de juin; j’ai renvoyée le cabriollet à Mr. Adams. Mr. De la fayette ne m’a pas envoyée de lettre; avés vous eu la bonté de...
539To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 7 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
En réponse aux 3 honorées vôtres du 30 et 31 du passé, j’ai écrit à Mr. Luzac, pour qu’il expédie sans faute dès demain, selon les ordres de Votre Excellence, et à l’adresse indiquée, de Mr. le Comte Diodati, 2 Exemplaires de sa Gazette et Supplément, à commencer par les feuilles du 25 Juillet et suivantes, que je dois supposer vous manquer, et la suite chaque jour de Poste, jusqu’à la levée...
540To Thomas Jefferson from Antoine-Félix Wuibert, 26 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Cape Français, Santo Domingo, 26 Dec. 1785. This letter is a duplicate of Wuibert’s earlier letters to TJ of 5 and 12 Dec. 1785 ; see the summary printed above under 5 Dec. RC ( DLC ); 6 p.; in French. TJ’s record in SJL under 31 Apr. 1786 of receipt of a letter from Wuibert dated “16” Dec. 1785 is probably an error for the present letter. Enclosures: See the note to Wuibert to TJ, 5 Dec ., above.
541To Thomas Jefferson from M. Amoureux, 3 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
L’Orient, 3 Oct. 1788. Has postponed replying to TJ’s letter of 29 July last because he hoped from day to day to dispose of the small items belonging to John Paul Jones which remained unsold. This trifle has kept him from closing the account and informing TJ of the net result; just as soon as “ces petits objets” can be sold he will make a report and will remit the balance due when the term of...
542To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 5 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the advices I had the honor to transmit you the 15. ulto. I have received Eighteen Cases Arms from the manufactory at Tulle Nos. 51 to 68 with a Certificate from the Inspector General, the whole in good Order. In mine of the 15th. I mention’d to you the difficulty I met with from the Intendant. I applied yesterday at the Intendants Office. The Subdelegate informd me that he could not...
543To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 12 February 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
J’apprends avec le plus grand intérêt, que très probablement Votre Excellence fera dans peu un voyage dans ce pays. Au milieu de tous les ennuis et chagrins qui m’obsèdent et me tuent, ce sera depuis bien longtemps le premier plaisir que je serai capable, et qu’il me sera permis, grace à Dieu, de goûter, que d’avoir le bonheur de connoître personnellement Votre Excellence, et de l’accompagner...
544To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 23 Oct. 1787. Thanks TJ for his intercession with the ministers of The Netherlands and Prussia; hopes they will keep their promises and that his situation will be improved out of respect for the government he represents. His only crime is his support of the principles of civil liberty, having for twelve years furthered the friendship between The Netherlands and the United States;...
545To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 23 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of Dec. 11 came to hand a few days ago. Those sent by the Mr. Fitzhughs of August 30th. and September 22d. are not yet arrived. I am sorry you are so desirous of having Polly sent to you as I am certain nothing but force will now bring it about. We have try’d every argument we are capable of in order to enduce to agree to it. I have told her you wou’d meet her in Philadelphia and...
546To Thomas Jefferson from Sarsfield, 26 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris ], 26 Apr. 1789 . Sends compliments, and expects to come wish him bon voyage, hoping to be more fortunate than last time he came for that purpose.—Begs TJ to make note of his promise to report to him the debates of all “ les Provinces relatifs à l’Etablissement du Congrès Excepté celui de Massachusets bay parce qu’il l’a,” even of those that have not acceded, especially of Rhode...
547To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 9 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
L’Orient, 9 July 1785. He sailed from New York 17 June and arrived in L’Orient this day. “I have with me so many bundles of letters and other papers for you as to cost you perhaps 30 louis, were the whole to be sent by post. Mr. Short could perhaps have his for 60 or 70 francs. I cannot get to Paris before the 21st or 22nd of this month; nonetheless I esteem it proper to bring all of it...
548To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 22 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Le Havre, 22 May 1787 . Transmits account of expenses “for the 12 large Boxes Cartouch Boxes” shipped on the Portsmouth , Captain Oldner, for Norfolk. The whole amounts to £ 588–17–6, which has been debited against TJ’s account. “Mr. Rucker, residing in London, of the House Constable, Rucker & Co. of New York, hath found himself in the most cruel Situation to leave London because he could not...
549To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 21 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for your favor of the 11th. instant. It very fully explains the views and interests of the several states as to the future residence of Congress, tho’ it is to be lamented that either should have any weight against the justice due to the whole confederation, which calls on them to fix on the most central place that can be made convenient which is certainly at or near...
550To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 25 February 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Give me Leave to introduce to you Mr. Samuel Hartley a Relation of the late Minister at Paris. He has Business at Paris which he will explain to you, whether you can be of any Service to him in that or not, your Civilities will be very agreable to him and oblige Dear Sir your most humble Servant, RC ( DLC ). Noted in SJL as received 31 Apr. [1 May?] “by Mr. S. Hartley and Colo. Jas. Hartley.”