1Enclosure I, 15 October 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee appointed to Report on Mr. Jefferson’s Letter Delivered in the following report, which was agreed to, and the President was requested to furnish the Vice president with a Copy to be delivered to Ralph Izard Esqr. The Committee to whom was referred a Letter from the Honorable Thomas Jefferson Esqr. requesting information relative to the products, Exports, Imports and other...
2Enclosure II, 31 December 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
To form a general Idea of the Trade of South Carolina it is necessary to have a retrospect of what that Trade was before the Revolution, from which view a conclusion may be drawn of what it may be again, when the Country comes to be fully peopled. During the course of the War upwards of 20,000 Negroes were carried away by the British or died of the Small pox, Camp Fevers &ca. within their...
3Jefferson’s Advertisement of Hopkinson’s Invention, [ca. February? 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
An improvement in the manner of preparing musical instruments which are keyed and quilled. The present mode of quilling a harpsichord is subject to this great inconvenience that some of the quills will after a little use, crack and lose their elastic spring, whilst others retain their full vigour, thereby rendering the touch unequal and some tones full and loud whilst others are so faint and...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Anthony Garvey, [ca. February? 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
I received the letter your Excellency honored me with of 29th. December; the China ware is arrived here Some time. The Cases being Plumbed stopped their Expedition, as there was no Cocketts. I wrote some time ago to Mr. Barclay for them. As soon as I receive some, shall load the Ware on the first boat to your Excellency’s address and advise you of the departure; I was afraid if delaying longer...
5To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 25 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure to find by the public Gazettes that your passage to France had been short, and pleasant.—I have no doubt but that your reception at the Court has been equally polite and agreeable. I have the honor to inclose you the copy of an Act which passed the assemblies of Virginia and Maryland at the close of their respective sessions; about the first of last month.—The circumstances...
6From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 1 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Adams and Doctr. Franklin and sends them his notes on the treaty with Prussia. He prays Mr. Adams, when he shall have perused them to send them to Dr. Franklin and proposes to meet them on the subject at Passy on Thursday at 12. o’clock. He sends the Prussian propositions, Mr. Adams’s and Dr. Franklin’s notes, and the former project and observations which...
7Proposed Changes in Translation of the Treaty with Prussia, [ca. 1 March? 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
We submit the following passages to the consideration of the Baron De Thulemeyer, collating the English expressions, the French translation and the changes which we think should be made to yeild the true sense. English expression Passages in the translation where the sense seems changed Corrections hazarded Art. X. shall succeed to their said personal goods succederont à leurs biens...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Geismar, 3 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
An unfortunate change in my domestic situation by the loss of a tender connection who joined me in esteeming you, occasioned me to wish a change of scene and to accept an appointment which brought me to this place and will keep me here some time. Since your departure from America I have been altogether uninformed of your subsequent history. I am sure I need not tell you that the regard I...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Henley, with a List of Books, 3 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
An expectation of having the pleasure of seeing you myself in England has for a considerable time since my arrival in Europe prevented my writing to you. This expectation having rather lessened, I take the opportunity of sending you this by a gentleman who promises to enquire your residence, and to have it safely delivered. After your departure from Virginia, Mr. Madison, being authorised by...
10De Thulemeier to the American Commissioners, 4 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Les Ordres du Roi dont je me trouve actuellement muni, me mettent à même de répondre plus amplement à la lettre dont Vous m’avez honoré, Messieurs, en dernier lieu, et dont je Vous ai accusé l’entrée par la mienne du 11. Février. Sa Majesté Se persuade que l’établissement d’un ou de deux ports francs seroit absolument inutile, d’après la réflexion très juste que Messieurs les Plénipotentiares...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Thomson, 6 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favour of Novr. 11, with the pamphlets, for which I return you my hearty thanks. The report on animal magnetism gave me great satisfaction. Before I had heard of these experiments and of this report, I was greatly at a loss what to think of the matter. The Marqs. de la Fayette had come over quite an enthusiast in favour of it. He had got a special meeting called of the...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Moore, 10 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the pleasure to write you the middle of last month , a very particular friend of mine the Revd. Henry Robinson has applyd to me for an introduction to you in case your arrangements should bring you over here. He has some very considerable property in Virginia and I believe the revolution has made it rather precarious. I have used the freedom to give him a line to you and he will...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Clouet, [11 March 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu Monsr. la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire et je differois d’y repondre en attendant toujours l’arrivée de la caisse renfermant le portrait du Genl. W. afin que je puisse en meme tems vous en annoncer la reception. Je commençois de craindre que quelque malheur l’avoit rencontré chemin faisant, lorsque y reflechissant hier au soir il m’a venu dans l’esprit qu’il...
14John Jay to the American Commissioners, [11] March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 7 May 1784 Congress was pleased to Resolve “That Treaties of amity and Commerce be entered into with Morocco, and the Regencies of Algiers Tunis and Tripoly, to continue for the Term of ten Years or for a Term as much longer as can be procured.” They also resolved “That their Ministers to be commissioned for treating with foreign nations, make known to the Emperor of Morrocco the great...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Holker, 12 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Youl be surprised their is no doubt not having heard from me Since my last, the Reason was that the Vessel on Board your Box , was only arrived at this port this Morning, and having a favourable occasion to forward it you, I appleyd to Our directure of the farms, to deliver it me which he has don, and send it by my friend Mr. Guilboud who will deliver it, and a letter he has got under my Sons...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza House Trist, 12 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
In a very few days, I expect to leave this country having nearly compleated my business, tho not so advantageously as I had reason to expect. Owing to the paper currency, I shall be obliged to give seventy five pr. Cent to get it exchanged into silver, but this loss I must submit to. There is not the most distant prospect that the situation of affairs will be better in the course of another...
17American Commissioners to De Thulemeier, 14 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
We had the honor of receiving your letter of Janry. 24. covering a translation into French of the Draught of a treaty proposed between his majesty the King of Prussia and the United States of America, together with answers to the several articles. We have considered them with attention, and with all those dispositions to accomodate them to the wishes of his majesty which a respect for his...
18To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 15 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting to you, herewith enclosed, an Extract from the Journal of Congress respecting your Appointment to represent the United States at the Court of Versailles as their Minister. On which be pleased to accept my sincere Congratulations. The next Packet will bring you a Letter of Credence, and such other Papers as this Appointment may in the Opinion of Congress render...
19To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 15 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you many Thanks for your Letter and much valued Packet by Col. Le Maire. I am the more obliged to you as I am conscious I so little deserved your Attention, but I hope when I shall have more Leisure I shall be able to apologise for a long seeming Neglect, give you some Satisfaction respecting several Matters you may wish to be informed of, and demonstrate to you that I can never...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Chevallié, 17 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai vû avec reconnoissance dans les deux lettres que vous avez Ecrit à Mr. Bn. Franklin les 25. 9bre. et 1er. Xbre. dernier, Et que ce Ministre Plénipotentiaire des Treize Etats unis a eû la bonté de me transmettre, à la suite de la Dépêche dont il m’a honnoré le 26 fevrier dernier, tous les renseignements Sur l’objêt de mes demandes auprès de l’Etat de Virginie Et que vous paroissez tenir de...
21American Commissioners to John Jay, 18 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
We received by the last Packet the favor of your letter of Janry. 14. in which we have the agreeable information of your having accepted the appointment of Secretary for foreign Affairs. Besides the general interest we feel in this event as members of the Union which is to [be] availed of your services, we are particularly happy that a channel of communication is opened for us with Congress in...
22From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 18 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was dated Dec. 8. Since that yours of Feb. 1 . has come to hand; and I am in hopes I shall shortly receive from you the history of the last session of our assembly. I will pray you always to send your letters by the French packet which sails from N. York the 15th. of every month. I had made Neill Jamieson my postmaster general there, who will always take care of my letters and...
23From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 18 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by the packet which sailed from hence in Feb. and then acknoleged the receipt of yours of Dec. 14. which came by the packet arriving here in Jan. That which sailed from N.Y. in Jan. and arrived here in Feb. brings me no letter from any body except from Mr. Jay to Mr. Adams Dr. F. and myself jointly. Since my last the rumour of an exchange proposed between the Emperor and El. of...
24[From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Moore, 19 March 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 19 Mch. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: “Alexr. Moore. Lond. Desire him to give me notice before he goes to Virga.—my ill health—introduce Bolling.” Not found.]
25[From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Tracy, 19 March 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 19 Mch. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: “N. Tracy. Letters received by Pickman and West. Intelligence from Marocco. He may give substance of it and say it comes from us, but not print extract verbatim. Compliments to Jackson and Temple. Communicate intelligence to Martin and Shore.” Not found. The letters “by Pickman and West” have not been identified.]
26John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I went early this morning to Versailles and finding the Ct. de Vergennes unembarassed with company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the honour of a conference, in which I told him that my colleagues were very sorry that indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in person, and obliged them to request me alone to...
27To Thomas Jefferson from James Buchanan and William Hay, 20 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The active part which you took before your departure from Virginia, as a director of the public buildings, leads us to believe, that it will not be now unacceptable to you, to cooperate with us as far as your engagements will permit. We foresee, that in the execution of our commission, the Commonwealth must sustain a heavy expence, and that we can provide no shield so effectual against the...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, with Enclosure, 20 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Favour of the 11th Novr. came to Hand not long since, for which I thank you. I had, much about the same Time, written to you giving an Account of my further Improvement in the Method of Quilling a Harpsichord and enclosed a Model in my Letter. My Harpsichord quilled in this Way has been freely used by myself and Daughters since its Arrival last fall and not one Quill has failed, the Touch...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Price, 21 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I received with peculiar pleasure the favour of your letter by Dr. Bancroft, and I return you my best thanks for it. Your favourable reception of the pamphlet which I desired Dr. Franklin to present to you cannot but make me happy; and I am willing to infer from it that this effusion of my zeal will not be ill received in America. The eyes of the friends of liberty and humanity are now fixed...
30To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 22 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The Packet being still here, I have the Honor of transmitting to you herewith enclosed your Commission and Letter of Credence. Mr. Randall who goes as a Passenger in the Packet has my other Letters, and will be the Bearer of this. Permit me to recommend him to your Attention. I have the Honor to be &ca., FC ( DNA : PCC , No. 80); in clerk’s hand, signed by Jay. Entry in SJL of its receipt on 2...
31Jefferson’s Attestation of Depositions, 22 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Passy in the Kingdom of France to Wit. In obedience to the Commission hereto annexed (in the absence of Thomas Barclay esq. therein also named), I have diligently examined his Excellency Benjamin Franklin, LeRay de Chaumont and Bouchault on their respective oaths first taken before me on the interrogatories to the said commission annexed, and reduced the said examinations to writing in the...
32[From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Holker, 24 March 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 24 Mch. 1785. Entry in SJL reads: “John Holker. Rouen. Answer to his letter of Mar. 12. accompanied by letter to Prothonotary of Pennsylva. and depositions.” Neither letter nor—with the exception of document preceding—accompanying papers found.]
33Dorset to the American Commissioners, 26 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Having communicated to my Court the readiness you express’d in your Letter to me of the 9th. of December to remove to London for the purpose of treating upon such points as may materially concern the Interests both political and commercial of Great Britain and America, and having at the same time represented that you declared yourselves to be fully authorized and empowered to negotiate, I have...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Abiel Foster, 26 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The Honble: Mr: Cook a Member of Congress from the State of Connecticut, from the good opinion he has concieved of Capt. John Lamb, wishes me to enclose a Letter of recommendation address’d to me by my worthy friend Genl. Parsons, at the time Mr. Lamb produced his other credentials to Congress. The Honble. Mr. Jay has so fully stated the opinion of Congress to the Commissioners respecting...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Anthony Garvey, 26 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Having received from Mr. Barclay the necessary Cockets for the expedition of your China, I retired same out of the King’s Stores, and loaded your three Cases to your Excellency’s address on board the Dilligence boat Capt. Edme, conducted by Thiebault who parted from this the 24 Inst. I hope you’ll receive same in good order; Mr. Barclay has desired I would pass the expences to his account. I...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Siot de St. Pol, 26 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Voici L’expedition Du proces verbal de prestation de serment pour L’affaire De M. Guillebaud et Compagnie. Je suis tres flatte que cette circonstance me procure Lhonneur de vous presenter Les sentimens respectueux avec lesquels jai celui D’etre De Votre excellence Votre tres humble et tres obeisst. Serviteur, RC ( DLC ); without indication of addressee. Enclosure: Copy of the proceedings of 22...
37American Commissioners to Vergennes, 28 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
We have the honour to enclose an extract of a letter from the Commissioners of the United States of America to your Excellency dated Augst. 28. 1778, Copy of Your Excellency’s answer dated 27 Septr. 1778. and copy of M. de Sartine’s letter to your Excellency of the 21st. of Sept. 1778 all relative to a proposed negotiation with the States of Barbary. Not having any particular authority or...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Geismar, 28 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ettais on ne peut pas plus flatte Mon Cher Ami de Votre Souvenir par la Votre dont Vous m’honnorés le 3 du Courrant et que je ne tiens que depuis quelques Jours. Je savois par les Gazettes qu’il y avoit un Ministre des Etats d’Amerique qui portait Votre nom à Paris mais j’ignorais si c’ettait Vous; et j’en fus seulement persuadé il y a quelques Semaines par un Baron de Waltersdorff...
39To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 29 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor to receive your Letter of the 30th. Jany. the 14th. of Feby. As it was sent me from the Secretary of States Office I presume it came by a Courier from the Ct. D’Aranda. I am happy it passed thro that channel, as the information it contained must have had a good Effect on the Ministry. I easily saw that it had been read from a conversation which I had with the Ct. de Florida...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Holker, 29 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I Received the pleaseur of yours of the 24 past which I only got yesterday, am most Sencibly obliged for the affaire you have don for Mr. Guilboud, and shall think my Self happy If ever I may have it in my power to Render you any servis in theise parts, and beg youl most freely command me. The Caise must be arrived, and youl soon see If your affects air in it. If not you must let me know by...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Henry, 30 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
You will see by the inclosed Advice of Council the nature of the business which I have committed to Mr. Barclay. I could have wished that the Sum to be laid out had been more adequate to our Want of arms. But the pressure of our Debts and the Circumstances of our Country seem to forbid for the present its encrease. However I am to hope that the great Business of laying up arms and military...
42From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 2 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from l’Orient. When are we to see you? Your letters leave us in doubt whether you mean to protract this odious term of the 4th. of April, or to return to your quarters then and be content to go on with your French at leisure. I am in hopes this will be your choice. You lost much by not attending the Te-deum at Notre dame yesterday. It bids defiance to description. I will...
43To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 4 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 29th. Ulto. I had the honor to address you by an expeditious conveyance. Since which I have received the Inclosed paper which may throw some light on the Nature of the presents made to the cheifs of the Piratical States. You will please to observe that as these People are not delicate in their choice the Articles mentioned in the List are generally remnants of unsaleable effects. I...
44To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 6 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 6 Apr. 1785. Introducing John Cooper of North Carolina, who intends establishing himself in commerce in London or at the Hague. He was introduced to Monroe by “the gentleman of the No. Carolina delegation and Mr. Hardy as a person of note and probity in his line.” RC ( DLC ); 2 p.; endorsed. Entered in SJL as received 23 Sep. 1785, “by W. Short.” Enclosed in John Cooper to TJ, 2 Aug....
45Lafayette to the American Commissioners, 8 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
In Consequence of Your desire, I Have Endeavoured to Collect informations Relative to the presents which the African powers Usually Receive from European Nations. By the inclosed Summary, You will get Every intelligences I Could obtain of what Has been done by Holland, Sweden, danemark, Venise, Spain, Portugal, and England. The Returns Nos. 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, are Minuted Accounts of the...
46Notes on Presents made by Foreign Powers to Algiers, [after 8 April 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
France Livres Algiers. Every French Consul at Algiers. His present on reception 20,027 = 834 Louis Tunis, on treaty of peace, the king 80,000 mercht. 12,000 To the Ambassador 38,840 130,840 = 5451 Louis Morocco, on treaty of peace, to Emperor
47[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Barclay, John Bondfield, and James Carmichael, 10 April 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 10 Apr. 1785 . Joint entry in SJL under this date reads: “Mr. Carmichael at Havre. Mr. Barclay. l’Orient and Nantes. Mr. Bonfield. Bourdeaux. Whether any vessels going to Virga. before middle of May or when? To Mr. Barcl. I acknoleged receipt of China. Whether a gentleman with valet could get passage.” None of these has been found.]
48To Thomas Jefferson from the Rev. James Madison, 10 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Mazzei affords me an opportunity of expressing the real obligation I feel myself under for the Letter and Packet you were so kind as to favour me with by Col. Le Maire. Nothing can be more desireable to us here than such literary Communications. It is certainly of great Importance to us to know what is done in the Philosophical World; but our Means of Information are confined almost...
49To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 12 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last I have received yours of the 11th. of Novr. and 10th. of Decr., the former by Col. LeMaire, from whom however I did not receive it altho’ I saw him, nor untill after his arrival nearly a month and then I believe by post from Phila. I have had the same difficulty with the cypher but from a different cause. The copy of that I sent by Mr. Short I left in Virga. when I sate out for...
50American Commissioners to John Jay, 13 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Our letter to you the 18th. day of March with those preceding that period which had been addressed to the President of Congress have conveyed exact details of our transactions till that time. Since the making out of that dispatch the following proceedings have taken place. The letter No. 1 from Mr. Carmichael to Dr. Franklin dated Feby. 27. 1784 (instead of 1785) will apprize you that there is...