1To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 10 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Not untill two late on friday last to answer by that days mail, did I receive your much esteemed favour of the 23rd. Ult, in it you have thought proper so far to honour me with your confidence, as to express a wish that I should accept the place of your private Secretary; I most cordially acquiesce, and with pleasure accept the office, nor were further motives necessary to induce my...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 3 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place on the 1st. inst., a few hours only after your departure, Mr. Rapin presented me your very friendly letter of the 31st. ult., and in complyance therewith I have taken up my lodgings in the President’s house, where I feel myself much pleased, and extreamly gratifyed with the attention paid, as well by the Steward, as your other domesticks, to all matters which regard my...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 10 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed is a letter which was this morning handed me by the Secretary at War. Genl. Smith arrived last evening, his election has succeeded without opposition. There not being any thing material to detain me longer at this place, I shal set out for Virginia the 12th. inst.: my horse from his lameness is unable to travel, I shall therefore take the advantage of the stage as far as Richmond;...
4Levi Lincoln’s Opinion on the Betsy Cathcart, [3 July 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
The prize Ship Betsy Cathcart, in June 1796, with a British cargo on board, in her passage from one British port to another, being captured by a French privateer duly commissioned, was in distress brought into an American port. liberty to sell on repeated applications, by the captors, was refused on the part of the U.S. For the purpose of necessary repairs the cargo was permitted to be...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 31 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I was a few minutes since with Mr. Glendy : on saturday last he was attacked with a violent bilious disorder which has since confined him to his bed: he laments much that his indisposition prevents his keeping the appointment he had made to preach in Charlottsville on Thursday next: he requested me to give you this information as early as possible, and to offer the violence of disorder, as his...
6Statement of Account with Meriwether Lewis, 21 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Thos. Jefferson in Act. with M. Lewis 6th. 1802. £ s d 1802 £. s d. Nov. 17th. To ferriage at Georgetown 6 Nov. 16th. By Cash of
7Meriwether Lewis: Estimated Costs of Missouri River Expedition, 18 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Recapitulation of an estimate of the sum necessary to carry into effect the Missie. expedicion.— Mathematical Instruments $217.– Arms & Accoutrements extraordinary 81.– Camp Ecquipage 255.– Medecine & packing 55.– Means of transportation 430.– Indian presents 696.– Provisions extraordinary 224.– Materials for making up the various articles into portable packs } 55.– For the pay of hunters...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 20 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
With a view to forward as much as possible the preparations which must necessarily be made in the Western country previous to my final departure, as also to prevent the delay, which would attatch to their being made after my arrival in that quarter, I have taken the following measures, which I hope will meet your approbation; they appear to me to be as complete as my present view of the...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 27 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Joseph Ellicott, being about to visit the City of Washington I have taken the liberty of introducing him to your acquaintance—he is a brother of Mr. Andrew Ellicott, your old friend and acquaintance of this place; a judge, and resident of the western part of the State of New York—he is a good republican, and a man of good information and reputation.— I am with much respect Your Obt. & very...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 14 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In your instructions to me you mention that the instruments for ascertaining by celestial observations the geography of the country through which I shall pass, have been already provided : I shall not therefore purchase any articles of that discription untill I hear further from you on this subject. Will you be so good as to inform me what instruments have been provided? and where they are?—it...