1Enclosure: William Cranch to William Thornton, 9 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Greenleaf will sell the domestic roving & spinning machine which he purchased of Barret for the same he gave for it, which is 50 Dollars—it has 12 spindles—he will have it put in order—and it may be pack’d in the same case in which it came. He wishes you, when you send for it, to send a person to pack it—and to pay the money to me. It will be ready to some time next week. RC ( MHi );...
2From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 3 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns the patents signed, to Doctr. Thornton with his respectful compliments and salutations. RC ( CtWMHi ).
3From James Madison to William Thornton, ca. 18 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 18 July 1810. Acknowledged in Thornton to JM, 27 July 1810 . Encloses a letter to be forwarded to Daniel Eccleston.
4From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 11 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson, with his compliments to Dr. Thornton returns him many thanks for the device of the Mace; and still more for his dissertation on the elements of language which he had read in manuscript with great satisfaction, but shall do it with more in print. RC ( DLC : Thornton Papers); addressed: “Doctr. Thornton.” PrC ( DLC ); on same sheet as PrC of TJ to William Stokes of this date. Tr (...
5From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 17 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Dr. Thornton, and sends for his perusal a book lately procured, and which may furnish some amusement to mrs Thornton & himself. RC ( DLC : William Thornton Papers). Not recorded in SJL . Enclosure not found.
6From George Washington to William Thornton, 7 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
Genl Washington presents his compliments to Doctr Thornton. Mrs Washington recollecting her promise of saving him a few of the Spanish Chesnuts, some are now sent. They are immediately from the tree, & should, without delay, be planted where they are intended to remain—or put into a box with earth, otherwise they will soon get hard and worm eaten, & the vegetation be prevented. AL , DLC :...
7From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 11 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Doctr. Thornton & his thanks for the opportunity of examining Molina’s book now returned. he finds it is the book of which Miranda gave him the original, & made it the subject of his jesuitical letter for blinding his followers. Privately owned.
8From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 12 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favour of Dr. Thornton & family to dine with him on Saturday 15th ., at half after three The favour of an answer is asked. DLC : William Thornton Papers.
9From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 14 February 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Doctr. Thornton. he has recieved his friendly invitation to pass the evening on Monday next; but for 10. years past he has been in the habit, from considerations of health, of never going out in the evening. his friends have been so kind as to indulge this habit, & he is sure Dr. Thornton will accept it as an apology. RC ( DLC : William Thornton...
10From George Washington to William Thornton, 16 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 5th instant came duly to hand. Mr Blagdens last call for $1000 is, I must acknowledge, sooner than I had contemplated; but I will make arrangements with the Bank of Alexandria to meet it by the first of next month. If his progress in the buildings, & faithful execution of the work, keep pace with his demands (and this is all I require) he shall have no cause to complain of my...
11Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 23 July 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you Janes’s description of his loom with many thanks for the communication of it. the improvement for the moving the treadles without using the feet is highly valuable, inasmuch as our weavers are for the most part women. it appears too to be sufficiently simple for country use. the winding up the cloth is also useful, & not complicated. I do not well understand the mechanism for...
12Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 9 February 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to thank you for the drawing of the beautiful hydraulic machine with which you favored me in yours of Jan. 11. in simplicity and effect it promises to go far beyond Montgolfier ’s hydraulic ram. I have endeavored to constitute a supply of water at Monticello by cisterns for recieving and preserving the rain water falling on my buildings. these would furnish me 600. gall s of water a...
13From George Washington to William Thornton, 18 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 13th inst: came duly to hand. I am now making arrangements at the Bank of Alexandria for obtaining money. When this is accomplished, I will forward a check, on that Bank, for the $1000 required by Mr Blagden, & hope it will be in time to answer his purposes. I have no objection to Mr Blagden’s frequent calls for money; but I fear the work which is not ennumerated in the...
14From George Washington to William Thornton, 7 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 5th instant was received last night. Not sending up to the Post Office every day, is the cause of its not getting to hand in time for my answer by the Mail of this day. Enclosed is a list of such fruit Trees as my Gardener has chosen. Be so good as to have them sent to the care of Colo. Gilpin in Alexandria, who will receive—take care of—and give me notice of their arrival:...
15From James Madison to William Thornton, 5 May 1796 (Madison Papers)
I put a few lines into the hand of Mr. Volney, rather that he may be the bearer of my friendly respects, than that he needs any introduction to you, who are always so much disposed to do justice to merit, & who are already so well acquainted with his. He is on a ramble Southwardly, & will make your nascent metropolis a resting place of his observations for a few days. I hope he will carry from...
16From George Washington to William Thornton, 29 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 24th instant, enclosing a note from Mr Blagden, came to my hands on thursday last; the next day I sent up to Alexandria to see if a Painter could be had to execute the Painting of my houses in the City, and on what terms. The principal Painters in that place, Messrs McLeod & Lumley, promised (one or the other of them) to repair to the buildings the next day (yesterday) and...
17From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 10 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 8th. was recieved yesterday. by that I learn that on my letter to mr Munroe , referring to himself and mr Mason to consider whether the sale of mr Stoddert’s lots might be postponed for some time without injury to the public, they had been of opinion it could, and had accordingly postponed it to the 25th. of Oct. the same reasons being in favor of the indulgence you ask. I...
18Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 20 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you three days ago thro’ the post office, but by an unfortunate change of our post days, I expect my cart will convey this sooner still to it’s destination. the object of that letter was to explain the delays which had taken place in sending for the Spinning machine; the present is to request you to have it delivered to the bearer, Davy , who carries a cart for the purpose. instead of...
19Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, [29] January 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 9 th was 19. days in it’s passage to me, being received yesterday evening only. and now that I have recieved it, I wish that I could answer it more to your satisfaction. I must explain to you my situation. when I retired from office at Washington my intimacy with my successor being well known, I became the center of application from all quarters by those who wished...
20Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 27 July 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 20 th is recieved, and I take up my pen merely to assure you I had not mentioned the return of the paintings from any hurry to recieve them, but merely to make known a safe occasion of sending them if done with. I thank you for the offer to place a copy of one of them here in oil; but Stewart ’s original takes as much room on the walls as the thing is worth. with respect to...
21From George Washington to William Thornton, 1 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
In replying to your favor of yesterday’s date, I must beg leave to premise that, when I left the Chair of Government it was with a determination not to intermeddle in any public matter which did not immediately concern me; and that I have felt no Disposition since to alter this Determination. But as you have requested that I would give you my Ideas on a certain point, which seems to have...
22Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 24 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of May 7. & 10. are both recieved, and with them came the figs in perfect condition. on my proceeding to plant them in the same places where I had planted those you were so kind as to send me the last year, & reopening the holes, to my great astonishment I found a young bud putting out from the root of every one. they had been long on the road, were planted late, & this succeeded...
23From George Washington to William Thornton, 8 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
For the communications contained in your letter of yesterday, I thank you. As a citizen of the United States, it gives me pleasure, at all times, to hear that works of public ⟨uti⟩lity are resolved on, and in a state of progression—wheresoever adopted, and whensoever begun. The one resolved on between the Chesapeake and Delaware is of great magnitude, and will be, I trust, the Precursor of...
24Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 3 July 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
My spinning machine is safely arrived, and also your letter of the 27 th covering the drawings now returned. they served to instruct us compleatly as to the spinning part of the machine, which is now at work; but not as to the Feeding frame, marked G. in the drawing. the written specification says ‘it recieves motion in the same manner and performs the same service as in the common roving...
25From George Washington to William Thornton, 7 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Walker, a very respectable Gentleman of this State, will hand you this letter. He, with Mr Nelson, who married his Grand daughter, are on a visit to the Federal City, and propose to view the Canals & Falls in the Potomack before they return. Colo. Walker is well acquainted with Mr White, but as the latter may be absent, I take the liberty of soliciting your civilities in shewing them...
26Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 24 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 8 th and 9 th arrived here just after I had set out on a journey to Bedford from whence I am but just returned. I accept with great pleasure the offer of the machine of Barrett made for mr Greenleaf , and I now inclose you a fifty dollar bill, the price stated: and my spinning works having been some time and still continuing suspended till I get this machine, a cart will be...
27From George Washington to William Thornton, 26 December 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 4th of the present month came to my hands in the usual course of the Post; but a pressure of other matters at that time, prevented my acknowledging the receipt of it at an earlier period. As you seem sensible of the propriety of the Commissioners residing in the City, with the concerns of which they are intrusted, I have not the smallest doubt of your removing thither as...
28From George Washington to William Thornton, 21 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 19th is before me, and for the details it contains respecting my buildings in the City, I thank you. As I do for directing the exterior door Cills thereof to be made of Stone. I never attended so closely to the specification of the work, as to know they were, originally, intended to be of Wood; On the contrary, as the Frontispiece was to be of Stone I took it for granted that...
29From George Washington to William Thornton, 28 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I would thank you for requesting Mr Blagden to give me as early notice of the time, and amount of his next call upon me, as he can, that I may prepare accordingly. With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr most Obedt Servt ALS (photocopy), NjP . Presumably GW intended to write “Sir.” GW on 30 Aug. wrote William Herbert, president of the Bank of Alexandria, that he wished to extend the...
30From George Washington to William Thornton, 8 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States is much obliged by Doctr Thornton’s polite attentions, and prays him to accept his thanks for the Treatise on the Elements of written language. The President is sorry to hear of the Doctors indisposition. A speedy and perfect recovery is wished. AL , DLC : William Thornton Papers. Thornton’s Cadmus, or A Treatise on the Elements of Written Language...
31From George Washington to William Thornton, 26 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
For, and on account of Mr Blagden, I enclose you a Post note of the Bank of Columbia, for ninety three dollars forty three cents, and a check on the Bank of Alexandria for nine hundred and six dollars and fifty seven cents. Together, amounting to one thousand dollars, requested by Mr Blagden. With esteem and regard I am Dear Sir Your Obedt Humble Servt Let me request the favour of you to...
32From George Washington to William Thornton, 10 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 6th & 8th instant have both been received, and I pray you to accept my best thanks for the rare & valuable present you have made me. Being the produce of your own Estate renders it more acceptable, and nothing will add more to the go’vt of it, than your coming sometimes to parcipitate in the taste—fog, or no fog. I have no doubt but that the section of Square No. 21 is...
33From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton and Others, 12 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favor of Dr. Thornton, Mrs. Thornton and Mrs. Bridau ’s company to dinner tomorrow at three oclock. RC ( DLC : William Thornton Papers); probably in Meriwether Lewis’s hand; addressed: “Dr Thornton.” Not recorded in SJL . Dr. Thornton, Mrs. Thornton and Mrs. Bridau : William Thornton, his wife Anna Maria Brodeau, and his mother-in-law Ann Brodeau, a former...
34From George Washington to William Thornton, 30 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 28th instant, enclosing Deeds for my Lots in the Federal City—and Messrs Blagden & Lenthals estimate and drawing of the Windows—dressed in the manner proposed—came to my hands yesterday. The drawing sent, gives a much handsomer appearance to the Windows than the original design did; and I am more disposed to encounter the difference of expence, than to lessen the exterior...
35From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 6 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Could you do me the favor to come a quarter or half an hour before the company, say at three a clock & bring with you the plans of the Capitol , on which & the avenue I wish to consult you? RC ( DLC : William Thornton Papers); partially dated; addressed: “Doctr. Thornton.” Although William Thornton’s original plans of the capitol had been modified, he continued to discuss the construction of...
36Tobias Lear to William Thornton, 13 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President directs me to inform you, that, upon the best consideration the pressure of public business will allow him to give the subject, he thinks the most likely way to accommodate the differences respecting the plan of the Capitol, by satisfactory explainations, will be for you to have a personal interview with Mr Hoben on the subject, in presence of the best and most skilful Architect...
37Enclosure: Walter Janes to William Thornton, 12 [July] 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved your Letter dated July 1 st yesterday, enclosing a line from M r Jefferson , proposing certain questions relative to my Patent Loom, to which you request of me specific answers—and first he enquires to know if “the treadles and shuttle are compleatly worked by the stroke of the Batten ” —I answer they are—“Is it of such simplicity as that it can be made by our Country workmen, and...
38From George Washington to William Thornton, 20 December 1798 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a check on the Bank of Alexandria for five hundred Dollars, to enable Mr Blagden, by your draughts, to proceed in laying in Materials for carrying on my buildings in the Federal City. I saw a building in Philadelphia of about the same front & elevation that are to be given to my two houses, which pleased me. It consisted also of two houses united, Doors in the centre—a pediment in...
39From George Washington to William Thornton, 5 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Not sending to Alexandria every day, letters sometimes lye longer in the Post Office than they otherwise would do. This is the reason why your favour of the 1st instant has not been acknowledged sooner. If Mr Blagden would be at the trouble of chusing the Ironmongry himself and pay ready money for it (thereby providing it on the best terms) I had rather he should get it than I because he would...
40Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 24 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Having accidentally mentioned to my former servant Joseph Dougherty my misfortune in losing both my big-tailed rams, he, in his zeal for whatever concerns me, took the liberty of mentioning it to you & informed me you were so kind as to offer to supply my loss with one from your farm. by the cart which now goes to bring it, I take the occasion of returning you my best thanks for your kindness,...
41From George Washington to William Thornton, 24 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 18th instant a day or two ago, previous to wch, I had desired Colo. Lear to remain in the City as long as he could derive benefit from your friendly prescription to his Understanding. It, or more properly they, stand so much in need of skilful assistance, that an entire derangement may take place without it. Enclosed is a letter (put under this cover for surety of...
42From James Madison to William Thornton, 19 August 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have not been able to find a purchaser for Childers nor an opportunity of exchanging him with any other person than myself for other horses. In part from my own stock, and in the other part by a purchase from a neighbour I have made up a pair, which I consider as equivalent to the rate you affixed to Childers, and which if regarded in the same light by you, I am willing to give for him. My...
43From George Washington to William Thornton, 1 October 1799 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are Messrs McLeod and Lumleys prices for painting my Houses in the City. Theirs, as you will perceive, is extended in Virginia currency; that mentioned by you, I presume, is Maryland; and if so, the prices are nearly the same. Wherefore, if the Painter in the City will—finding all materials—do the Windows & Cornice, & Doors, in short all the exterior of the Buildings, the roof...
44From Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton and Others, 23 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favor of Doctr. & Mrs. Thornton & Mrs. Breadeau to dine with him on Monday next, the 26th. Inst. at half after three oclock.— The favor of an answer is asked. RC ( DLC : William Thornton Papers); in Meriwether Lewis’s hand; addressed: “Doctr. Thornton.” Not recorded in SJL . William Thornton, his wife Anna Maria Thornton, and her mother Ann Brodeau were frequently...
45From George Washington to William Thornton, 2 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 25th has been received; but you have mistaken the case entirely with respect to the Asses who were sent to my Jacks; charging you nothing for the services of the latter, was not designed to lay you under obligation, but a feeble effort to repay the kindnesses you have heaped upon me. Colo. Gilpin has forwarded the wrong box of glass to Baltimore, and soon will, I hope,...
46Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 9 May 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Apr. 18. was duly recieved, and the two drawings were delivered here by mr & mrs Madison in perfect good order. with respect to Ciracchi ’s bust, any artist whom you may dispose to do so shall be welcome to come and make a cast of plaister from it. we have always plaister at hand. We are commencing here the establishment of a college , and instead of building a magnificent house...
47From George Washington to William Thornton, 1 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I shall be obliged to you for letting Mr Blagden know, that I forsee nothing, at present, that will prevent my being at the Union Tavern in George Town on Monday next (the 5th instant) by eleven Oclock. When & where, if he will attend I shall be provided with, & ready to pay him, a thousand Dollars in Columbia Notes. I thank you for the information, & sentiments given in your last favour of...
48From George Washington to William Thornton, 11 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
The 20th of this month—when Mr Blagden would require an advance of a thousand dollars—being near at hand—and Mr Peter affording a good and safe opportunity to remit it—I enclose for this purpose, a check on the Bank of Alexandria, to that amount. Mr Peter informs me that his brother has Ironmongery of a good quality, which he wants to dispose of, and would sell cheap. I pray you therefore to...
49Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 27 [June] 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
A Your letter of the 8 th was duly recieved, & I have to return you thanks for the kind offer of Barbary sheep as a mixture with the Merino. I will state to you the stock from which I propose to breed. one of Robert Morris’s captains about the year 1792. brought him a pair of what he said were Merino sheep which he smuggled from Cadiz . the ewe died, & he gave me the ram. I bred in & in from...
50From George Washington to William Thornton, 20 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote to you the other day, I expected to have settled matters with the Bk of Alexandria so as to have been enabled to have sent you, for Mr Blagdens use, a check thereon for $1000—But not being well enough acquainted with the rules of the Bank, I suffered what are called discount days, to pass over before I applied; for which reason the business there must remain over until after...