601From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 23 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday forwarded to you a letter from Colo. Wood informing you of his situation. That Post has been for some time past pretty regularly supplyed, and I hope will continue to be for some time to come. A Person whose punctuality can be relied on offers to contract for victualling it. If we can agree on terms and the Assembly will strengthen our Hands sufficiently, We think to adopt that...
602From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 3 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to enable you to lay before Congress the account required by law of the application of the monies appropriated to foreign purposes through the Agency of the Department of State, I have now the honor to transmit you the two statements No. 1. and 2. herein inclosed, comprehending the period of Two Years preceding the 1st. day of July last. The first statement is of the sums paid from...
603To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 July 1785 (Washington Papers)
Mr Houdon would much sooner have had the honour of attending you but for a spell of sickness which long gave us to despair of his recovery & from which he is but recently recovered. he comes now for the purpose of lending the aid of his art to transmit you to posterity. he is without rivalship in it, being employed from all parts of Europe in whatever is capital. he has had a difficulty to...
604To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 14 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favor of Apr. 24. and received at the same time mister Bertrand’s agricultural Prospectus. tho’ he mentions my having seen him at a particular place yet I remember nothing of it. and observing that he intimates an application for lands in America, I conceive his letter meant for me as Secretary of state, & therefore I now send it to the Secretary of state. he has given...
605To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have formed an opinion, quite satisfactory to myself, that the adjournments of Congress may be by law, as well as by resolution, without touching the constitution. I am now copying fair what I had written yesterday on the subject & will have the honor of laying it before you by ten aclock. the address to the President contains a very full digest of all the arguments urged against the bill on...
606To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
In the course of the visit we made the day we left Mount Vernon, we drew our host into conversation on the subject of the federal seat. he came into it with a shyness not usual in him. whether this proceeded from his delicacy as having property adjoining George town, or from what other motive I cannot say. he quitted the subject always as soon as he could. he said enough however to shew his...
607To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 1 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of addressing you on the 24th Ult. which I presume you will have recieved at Cambden. the present is ordered to go from Petersburg to Taylor’s ferry. I think it better my letters should be even some days ahead of you, knowing that if they ever get into your rear they will never overtake you. I write to day indeed merely as the watchman cries, to prove himself awake, & that all...
608To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have given you the trouble of more reading on the subject of Major Lenfant’s letter, than you perhaps intended. I have done it from an apprehension that your mind might not be thoroughly satisfied whether he was not equally justifiable in the demolition of mister Carrol’s house, as in the demolition of trees & other obstacles, which he urges in his own justification. the truth is that...
609From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 26 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Questions to be considered of. I. As to France. Shall it be proposed to M. de Ternan, to form a treaty, ad referendum, to this effect. ‘The citizens of the U. S. and of France, their vessels, productions and manufactures shall be received and considered, each in all the dominions of the other, as if they were the native citizens, or the ships; productions or manufactures of that other. And the...
610To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 28 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
I should have taken time ere this to have considered the observations of mister Young, could I at this place have done it in such a way as would satisfy either him or myself. when I wrote the notes of the last year, I had never before thought of calculating what were the profits of a capital invested in Virginia agriculture. yet that appeared to be what mister Young most desired. lest...
611From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 2 May 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honoured with your Excellency’s letter by the last packet and thank you for the information it contained on the communication between the Cayahoga and Big beaver. I have ever considered the opening a canal between those two watercourses as the most important work in that line which the state of Virginia could undertake. It will infallibly turn thro the Patowmack all the commerce of Lake...
612From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of addressing you on the 24th. Ult. which I presume you will have recieved at Cambden. The present is ordered to go from Petersburg to Taylor’s ferry. I think it better my letters should be even some days ahead of you, knowing that if they ever get into your rear they will never overtake you.—I write to day indeed merely as the watchman cries, to prove himself awake, and that...
613From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 9 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the Letter which I had the Honor of last addressing to your Excellency, the military movements in this state have scarcely merited Communication except a very late one. The Enemy after leaving Williamsburg came directly up James River and landed at City point being the point of Land on the Southern Side of the Confluence of Appomattox and James Rivers; they marched up to Petersburg where...
614From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 2 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President has the honor to send him the letters and orders referred to in Mr. Morris’s letter, except that of the 8th. of April, which must be a mistake for some other date, as the records of the office perfectly establish that no letters were written to him in the months of March and April but those of Mar. 12. and 15. and Apr. 20. and 26. now inclosed....
615Memorandum to George Washington, 22 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Taking them up in their order, they appear susceptible of answer in the following way. The 1st. and 2d. by a concurrence of sentiment for the maintenance of the constitution, and preservation of peace, and the pleasure with which the President recieves their assurances of support in these objects. 3. Notice of the expressions of their personal respect . 4. Approbation of their expressions of...
616From the Virginia Delegates in Congress to George Washington, 26 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
With the most cordial warmth we recommend our Countryman Mr. Edmund Randolph to your patronage and favor. This young Gentlemans abilities, natural and acquired, his extensive connections, and above all, his desire to serve his Country in this arduous struggle, are circumstances that cannot fail to gain him your countenance and protection. You will readily discern Sir, how important a...
617Memorandum to George Washington, [11 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
To be read at the President’s leisure. Governr. H. Lee’s letter. June 28. concerning supposed pestilential disease in W.I. The Suckey. Th:J’s letter June 26. to Mr. Hammond. Th:J. to Mr. Hammond. June 25. on insinuation concerning Western posts. do. to do. do. developement of order about privateers arming. Philips’s letter June 7. cannot be received as Consul at Curaçoa....
618George Washington to the Senate, with Jefferson’s Note to Washington, 28 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I was led, by a consideration of the qualifications of Patterson of New Jersey to nominate him an associate justice of the Supreme court of the US. It has since occurred that he was a member of the Senate when the act creating that office was passed and that the time for which he was elected had not yet expired. I think it my duty therefore to declare that I deem the nomination to have been...
619Paragraph for George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 4 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Foreigners would suppose from some of our newspapers that there were inveterate political dissensions among us, and even that we were on the eve of dissolving the Union. Nothing is farther from the truth. The people are sensible of the blessings of the general government, and of the prosperous state of our affairs, nor could they be induced to any change. Under a government like ours, personal...
620Memorandum to George Washington, [11–13 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Th:J. has the papers in the following cases which require as early consideration as the President can well give them. Vainqueur de la Bastille. Genet’s letter July 8. and Govr. of Carolina’s June 24. Le Citoyen Genet and prizes. Hammond’s letter July 10. Genet’s letter June 26. covering protests of the Consuls against interference of the Admiralty courts, and expressing very improper...
621Memorandum to George Washington, [29 November 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
A note of subjects, some of which the President may think proper to be mentioned to Congress. The extreme want of a coin: and necessity of pursuing the establishment of a Coinage, and of uniformity in measures, weights and coins. PrC ( DLC : TJ Papers, 59: 10131); entirely in TJ’s hand; undated; brackets in original. Recorded in SJPL under 29 Nov. 1790: “Subjects of speech to Congress.” In his...
622Memorandum to George Washington, [11 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Papers requiring the President’s instant attention. Th:J’s letter to Viar and Jaudenes . } the Courier goes on Saturday. Genet’s communications relative to Spain Little Sarah. the Governor’s letter of June 24 . and Warden’s 1st. report . the Governor’s letter of July 7. x Th:J’s conversation with Genet .
623I: From Thomas Jefferson, 25 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President of the U.S. and subjoins what he supposes might form a proper introduction to the statement prepared by the Secretary at war. the occasion is so new that however short the letter proposed, he has no doubt it will need correction both as to the matter & manner. Sir As the circumstances which have engaged the U.S. in the present Indian war,...
624Enclosure: Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 3 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
To the bill which shall be brought in for continuing the act of July 1. 1790. c.22. ‘providing the means of intercourse between the U.S. and foreign nations’ it is proposed to add the following clause. And be it further enacted that where monies have issued, or shall issue, from the Treasury, for the purposes of intercourse or treaty with foreign nations, under the authority of the said act,...
625Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 22 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
Heads of answer to the Caroline resolutions. Taking them up in their order, they appear susceptible of answer in the following way. The 1st & 2d by a concurrence of sentiment for the maintenance of the constitution, & preservation of peace, & the pleasure with which the President recieves their assurances of support in these objects. 3. Notice of the expressions of their personal respect. 4....
626Memorandum of Thomas Jefferson, 22 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Note on the subject of vacant Consulships. Lisbon. Candidates. Edward Church. his case is known to the President. John Telles of Philadelphia. his papers inclosed. Samuel Harrison. see Colo. Humphrey’s letter to the President. John Cowper. (Virginia) recommended by Josiah Parker. Cadiz. the former candidates not approved, & no new offer. it is very desireable we should have a consul there....
627Memorandum of Thomas Jefferson, 7 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
North Carolina. District judge. Colo. Davie is recommended by Steele. Hawkins sais he is their first law character. Brown sais the same. Samuel Spencer. Steele sais he is a good man, one of the present judges, not remarkeable for his abilities, but deserves well of his country. Bloodworth sais Spencer desires the appointment. but sais nothing of him. John Stokes. Steele names him at his own...
628Memorandum of Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
The discussions which are opening between mister Hammond & our government, have as yet looked towards no objects but those which depend on the treaty of peace. there are however other matters to be arranged between the two governments, some of which do not rest on that treaty. the following is a statement of the whole of them. 1. The Western posts. 2. the Negroes carried away. 3. the debt of...
629Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 28 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
I now lay before you, for your further information, some additional advices, lately received, on the subject of the hostilities committed by the Chuckamogga towns, or under their name and guidance. The importance of preventing this hostile spirit from spreading to other tribes, or other parts of the same tribe of Indians, a considerable military force actually embodied in their neighborhood,...
630Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
Demarara. Samuel Cooper Johonnet of Massachusets to be Consul for the U.S. at the port of Demarara and for all parts under the same allegiance in America as shall be nearer to the said port than to the residence of any other Consul or Vice Consul of the U.S. within the same allegiance. Malaga. to be Consul for the U.S. at the port of Malaga in the kingdom of Spain, and for such other parts of...
631Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 13 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President of the U.S. and sends him the letter he has prepared for mister Hammond relative to his Commercial commission. he also incloses the rough draught of the one he has prepared on the subject of the treaty of peace, with the documents he proposes to communicate in support of the facts. the 1st of these (the Substance of the Conference &c.) is...
632Thomas Jefferson’s Memorandum on a Treaty with Algiers, 10 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
If the President should enter into a Provisional convention with the government of Algiers for a sum not exceeding 40,000 dollars, will the Senate advise & consent to it’s ratification, the government of Algiers being made clearly to understand that we are not to be bound by the treaty until it shall be ratified? If this sum appears too high, what lower limit would the Senate approve? If the...
633II. Report of Secretary of State on the Case of Thomas Auldjo, 22 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of state having recieved information from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed Vice consul of the United States at Cowes in Great Britain, that his commission has not been recognised by that government, because it is a port at which no foreign Consul has been yet recieved, and that it has been intimated to him, that his appointment to the port of Poole and parts nearer to that than...
634Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 11 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
to be read at the President’s leisure. Governr H. Lee’s letter. June 28. concerning supposed pestilential disease in W. I. The Suckey. Th: J’s letter June 26. to mister Hammond. Th: J. to mister Hammond. June 25. on insinuation concerning Western posts. do to do do developemt of order about privateers arming. Philips’s letter June 7. cannot be received as Consul at Curaçoa. Chiappe’s letter...
635Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 18 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson on examination of the subject finds that the resolution for restoring or compensating prizes taken by the proscribed vessels was agreed to by the heads of departmts & Attorney Genl on the 5th. there was a difference of opinion how far it should be communicated to mister Hammond; the President was pleased to call at the office of Th: J. and to decide in favor of a full...
636II. Thomas Jefferson’s Questions for the Supreme Court, [ca. 18 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
✓ 1. < Are we free, by the treaty , to prohibit France from arming vessels within our ports to cruize on her enemies? > 2. If we are free to prohibit her, are we, by the laws of neutrality, bound to prohibit her? agreed. 3. What are the articles, by name, to be prohibited to both or either party? 4. May the prohibition extend to the use of their own means e.g. mounting their own guns,...
637Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Qu. 1? What sacrifice may be made to retain mister Johnson in the office of Commissioner for the federal territory? Answ. for such an object it is worth while to give up the plan of an allowance per diem, to give, instead of that, a sum in gross, and to extend that sum to 500. Dollars per annum, and expences; the latter to be rendered in account. If mister Johnson persists in resigning, as it...
638Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
Department of State, to wit: The requisites of the Law having been complied with on the part of the Ship Canton fitted out from the port of Philadelphia, on a voyage to India, Hugh Alexander Makee Master thereof became entitled to a passport in the usual form, which was this day granted. (N.B. The above passport is one of the six which were signed by the President previous to his departure for...
639Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 11 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
Papers requiring the President’s instant attention. Th: J’s letter to Viar & Jaudenes. } the Courier goes on Saturday. Genet’s communications relative to Spain Little Sarah. the Governor’s letter of June 24. & Warden’s 1st report. the Governor’s letter of July 7. x Th: J’s conversation with Genet. x Th: J’s opinion against firing on the Little Sarah. Rawle’s letter. July 9. Genet’s letter....
640George Washington to the Provisional Executive Council of France, [24 May 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The citizen Ternant has delivered to me the letter wherein you inform me that yielding to his desire to serve his country in the military line, you had determined to recall him from his mission as your Minister plenipotentiary to the US. His conduct during the time of his residence in this country has been such as to meet my entire approbation and esteem; and it is with great pleasure I render...
641Notes on Arthur Young’s Letter to George Washington, 18 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Notes on Mr. Young’s letter. pa. 3. Is the labour (of negroes @ £9. sterl.) to be commanded in any amount?—If taken by the year it may be commanded in any amount: but not if wanted on particular occasions only, as for harvest, for particular dressings of the land &c. pa. 4. The labour of a negro Mr. Young reckons cent per cent dearer than the labour of England.—To the hirer of a negro man his...
642III: From Thomas Jefferson, 4 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Constitution has declared that “Representatives & direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers,” that “the number of representatives shall not exceed one for every 30,000, but each state shall have at least one representative; & until such enumeration shall be made, the state of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse 3. Massachusets...
643Thomas Jefferson’s Second Opinion on a New Foreign Loan, 17 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
I cannot see my way clear in the case on which the President has been pleased to ask my opinion, but by recurring to these leading questions. Of the 7,898,999.88 D. borrowed, or rather of the 7,545,912. D. nett proceeds thereof, how much has been applied to the payment of the foreign , & purchase of the general , debt? To the balance thereof, which should be on hand, & the 2. millions of...
644Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Proceedings to be had under the Residence act. a territory not exceeding 10. miles square (or, I presume, 100 square miles in any form) to be located, by metes and bounds. 3. commissioners to be appointed. I suppose them not entitled to any salary. [If they live near the place they may, in some instances, be influenced by self interest, & partialities: but they will push the work with zeal. if...
645Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 11–13 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
Th: J. has the papers in the following cases which require as early consideration as the President can well give them. Vainqueur de la Bastille. Genet’s letter July 8. & Govr of Carolina’s June 24. Le Citoyen Genet and prizes. Hammond’s letter July 10. Genet’s letter June 26. covering protests of the Consuls against interference of the Admiralty courts, and expressing very improper principles....
646II. The Opinion of Thomas Jefferson, 3 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The accounts of the souldiers of Virginia and North Carolina having been examined by the proper officer of government, the balances due to each individual ascertained, and a list of these balances made out, this list became known to certain persons before the souldiers themselves had information of it, and those persons, by unfair means, as is said, and for very inadequate considerations...
647Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on a Conversation with Edmond Genet, 10 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of Treasury having communicated to Genl Knox & myself that he had been informed that the Little Sarah had much augmented her arms, and was greatly advanced in her preparations, we concurred in opinion that the Govr should be desired to have a reexamination of the fact. it was done & a Report made that she had entered the port with only 4. guns, & now had 14 &c. the next day,...
648Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Objects which may merit the attention of the President at George T. The Commissioners to be called into action. deeds of cession to be taken from the land holders. site of the Capitol & President’s house to be determined on. Proclamation completing the location of the territory, & fixing the site of the Capitol. town to be laid off. squares of reserve to be decided on for the Capitol,...
649Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
Mr Genet’s declaration to the President at his reception, that France did not wish to engage the U.S. in the present war by the clause of guarantee, but left her free to pursue her own happiness in peace, has been repeated to myself in conversation, & to others, and even in a public answer, so as to place it beyond question. Some days after the reception of mister Genet (which was May 17.) I...
650Enclosure: From Thomas Jefferson, 7 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State having understood from communications with the Commissioners of his Catholic Majesty, subsequent to that which he reported to the President on the 22d of Decembr last, that though they considered the navigation of the Missisippi as the principal object of negociation between the two Countries, yet it was expected by their Court that the conferences would extend to all...