1From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 31 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a statement of the expenditure of the monies appropriated to our intercourse with foreign nations to be laid before the legislature according to the requisitions of the law . The account of the Secretary of state commences July 1. 1792. where that rendered at the last session ended; and is brought down to this time. In the two preceding years of this...
2From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, [13 November 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your [… ] with the extracts of Mr. Short’s letter[s] [. . . .] might be advantageous to transfer his pap[er] […] impossible to ask the opinion of a perso[n] [. . . .] However, after having consulted with thos[e] […] made up an opinion on the subject. Th[…] [advan]tageous to have been an original subscriber to […] the commerce in that stock has now brought […] real value,...
3To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 31 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I perceive by the Gazettes, that the Philosophical Society of this City, is required to meet on friday next. I am reminded by it, to ask if the names of Buchan and Anderson have ever yet been proposed as Members? Yours always RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 31 Dec. 1793 and so recorded in SJL . Recorded in SJPL . The advertisement for the 3 Jan. 1794 meeting...
4To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [1 December 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hammond starts three to one against you. RC ( DLC : TJ Papers, 79: 13729); undated; endorsed by TJ as received 1 Dec. 179[1]. Recorded in SJPL under that date. Washington’s note was a commentary on George Hammond’s 30 Nov. 1791 letter to TJ on alleged American violations of the Treaty of Paris.
5Memorandum 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...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Gamble, 14 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Colo. Gamble and takes the liberty of putting under cover to him a letter to Mr. Mewbern of Richmond, with a request to have it handed him if be arrived from London, or if not, to let it lie by, till his arrival. Th:J. thinks he must be arrived as he sailed from London Aug. 30. He has the pleasure to inform Colo. Gamble that after the great rains which...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Edmond Charles Genet, 17 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu la lettre que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 6. de ce mois et Je m’empresse de vous éxprimer toute la reconnoissance que m’inspire les informations qu’elle renferme. Dft ( DLC : Genet Papers); unsigned; at head of text: “Exp.”; above salutation: “Le Cit Genet &c à M. Jefferson &c”; at foot of text in a clerk’s hand: “Translated.” FC (same); in English. Possibly recorded in...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Edmond Charles Genet, 24 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser un éxemplaire des nouveaux congés maritimes décrétés pour nos batiments de commerce par une loi de la Convention nationale en date du 22. Janvier dernier et dont Je Joins également ici un éxemplaire. Le Conseil m’a fait passer avec le modele de ces Congés des modeles de lettres de marque absolument conformes M. à ceux dont J’ai déja eu l’honneur de vous donner...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Edmond Charles Genet, 14 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Il devient éxtrêmement instant que vous ayés la bonté de me faire savoir promptement Si Je puis tirer par anticipation sur les prochains remboursements de la dette des Etats unis envers la france; Nos agens instruits que les fonds qui avoient été mis à la disposition de la Republique en 1793 se trouvoient épuisés ont suspendu leurs fournitures et leurs entreprises Jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Josef de Jaudenes and Josef Ignacio de Viar, 18 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
In addition to the various papers which on different occasions we have had the honor to put into your hands relative to the affairs of the Indians our neighbors and allies, we have now the pleasure to transmit you a copy of extracts concerning this object, which we have lately recieved from the Governor of Louisiana. It’s contents will confirm to you the reason with which we ought to complain...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 8 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Accept my grateful acknowledgements and best thanks for your kind letter of the 5th. instant; which, together with the minutes of a Route and the letters enclosed, came to my hands Yesterday. As a sincere friend, and truly wishing your personal happiness, I cannot but be pleased with your determination to retire from your public station; because I know that a mind like your’s can find more...
12From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 11 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favor of Nov. 20. The paper of which you desire a copy not being in my office, I have inclosed you an authentic printed copy: authentic, I say, because by the public printer and by order of the House of Representatives. Of the difficulties of the business in which you were engaged here I have been fully sensible; and I have no doubt that your most zealous and assiduous...
13From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beleive it will be necessary for us to begin to register our people in captivity with the enemy, in order that we may be enabled on all exchanges to give preference according to turn : which is certainly just whether a person be exchanged as a souldier, a sailor, or a citizen. I therefore have recommended to the bearer John Wood to enter his name with you, time of captivity, denomination...
14From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, 6 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly respects to Mr. Rittenhouse. He has two young ladies at his house whose time hangs heavily on their hands, and the more so, as their drawing master cannot attend them. If Mr. Rittenhouse then does not take his Camera obscura with him into the country, Th:J. will thank him to permit them the use of it a few days, that they may take a few lessons in drawing...
15Enclosure II: Drawing of the Cotton Gin, 28 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Tr ( GEpFAR : RG 21, U.S. Circuit Court, District of Georgia, Savannah, Mixed Cases); copy made from lost original, with minor copying errors as evidenced by the omission of several reference points in Enclosure I above; certified by Secretary of State James Madison on 27 Apr. 1804 (see note to Enclosure i above). A drawing made at the Patent Office on 18 Mch. 1845 and signed by Commissioner...
16From Thomas Jefferson to —— Myers, 24 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
According to my engagement I now inclose you 186. Doll. thirty six cents = £55–18–3 Virginia currency to be passed to the credit of Mrs. Carr . You will readily perceive that your endorsement on the inclosed bank note will make it cash to any person wishing to remit to Philadelphia. The Custom house officers particularly take up these notes by a general arrangement. I am Sir Your most obedt....
17Memorandum from Tench Coxe, [before 5 February 1793?] (Jefferson Papers)
[…] 10 To abolish the drawbacks of the foreign or impost duty upon all manufactures from grain, upon butter, cheese, wet provisions, oil, whalebone, fish. (Quere, also the manufactures from wood). 11 To abolish the draw backs of the foreign or impost Duty upon all manufactures necessary in the building, equipping, or repairing of merchant Vessels and Ships of war (or at least certain of them)...
18To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 3 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Gibraltar, 3 Oct. 1793 . Having announced in his last their arrival here with the hope of sailing to Alicante with the Portuguese fleet, they have been detained and probably will not leave in less than five or six days. The Portuguese fleet passed through the straits the day before yesterday, part of it coming into this harbor and part falling eastward of the Rock, before taking advantage of...
19Notes of Cabinet Meetings on Edmond Charles Genet and the President’s Address to Congress, [18 November 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Nov. 8. 93. At a Conference at the President’s where I read several letters of Mr. Genet, on finishing one of them, I asked what should be the answer? The Presidt. thereupon took occasion to observe that Mr. Genet’s conduct continued to be of so extraordinary a nature that he meant to propose to our serious consideration Whether he should not have his functions discontinued and be ordered away...
20Enclosure: Certificates Received for William Short, 31 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
No. kind principal date of intert. date of transfer signer office. 521. 6. pr. C . 2,800. Oct. 1. 1793. Nov. 18. 93 Jno Co[llins] New York } recd from Patrick Kennon 523. 3.
21From Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 6 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson has the honor to present his compliments to Mr. Franklin. He is here without furniture, without housekeeper and faisant très mauvaise chere. If Mr. Franklin is disengaged to-day, and will do him the favor to partake of his little meal without ceremony, it will be so much the more obliging. He dines at half past three pretty exactly. RC ( PPAmP ). Not recorded in SJL .
22From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 3 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I received from Mr. Gore by yesterday’s post the evidence on the aggression committed by Mr. Duplaine Vice Consul of France at Boston, and it appears fully to establish the fact against him. I have therefore prepared and countersigned a Revocation of his Exequatur, with letters on the subject to him, to Mr. Genet, and Mr. Morris; as also instructions to Mr. Bankson in what way to make up their...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Edmond Charles Genet, 1[9] November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Le sort des Colonies francoises dans les Antilles est tellement lié avec les intérêts politiques et Commerciaux de la france et des Etats unis que J’ai regardé comme un de mes devoirs depuis que Je suis ici d’instruire et mon gouvernement et le votre de la situation de ces possessions importantes. Je vous ai communiqué précedemment toutes les notions qui étoient parvenues à ma Connoissance, Je...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Edmond Charles Genet, 25 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you the Exequaturs for Messieurs Pennevert and Chervy and to return therewith the original commissions: and am with great respect Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The Min. Pleny. of the republic of France.” FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 59, DL ). Enclosures: (1) Exequatur for Citizen Chervi as French vice-consul at Alexandria, 24 Dec....
25From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur St. Clair, 13 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of Aug. 9. Your having endeavored to avail the public of my agency in convening your legislature needed no apology. I did it with pleasure, as a public servant, and as one willing to serve yourself. Judge Symes however was at a distance, and Judge Turner gone from hence. With respect to the question to whom you should send your observations on the laws relating...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Pinckney, 14 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of Aug. 20 . I inclosed you the 1st. of John Wilcocks’ bill on Messrs. Edwd. Mc.Culloch and Co. of London for £1077–11–9 sterl. (cost here 5000. Dollars) payable to yourself at 60. days sight to be applied to the use of our diplomatic gentlemen abroad. In my letter of the 11th. inst. I inclosed the 2d. and now the 3d. of the same bill. I have also engaged the bank of the US. to...
27Editorial Note: Report on Commerce (Jefferson Papers)
Jefferson’s report on commerce was his last effort as Secretary of State to achieve his longstanding goal of fundamentally reordering the new republic’s political economy by lessening American economic dependence on Great Britain and fostering closer commercial ties with France. Based upon almost two decades of study and practical experience, it reflected Jefferson’s vision of the United...
28From Thomas Jefferson to John Langdon, [11 September 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
P.S. Since writing this letter, I receive one from Mr. Carmichael at Madrid informing me that by letters from Cadiz and Algiers he is advised that five American vessels had been captured by the Algerines. Portugal is arming powerfully against them. It seems probable that Spain will buy their peace. I am in hopes we shall be able to stop their depredations on us. I beg leave to renew my...
29To 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...
30Note from Edmond Charles Genet, [ca. 30 October 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Note particuliere. Les français du Canada, des Illinois, de la nouvelle Orléans n’attendent que l’Instant où les américains prendront une attitude digne d’un peuple libre pour s’unir à eux et pour Consacrer ce vaste Continent au Culte de la Divinité qui regnera bientôt sur le monde entier. Les adresses cijointes les ont instruits des dispositions de la france, des agens Surs les ont repandus...
31To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 1 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Is there no clue to Mr. Morris’ meaning respecting Monsr. Merlino ? The next paragraph of his letter is enigmatical to me, from the want of my recollecting perfectly the subjects alluded to. What are the orders given him which he will implicitly obey, and which were, according to his account, received so very opportunely? Has not a letter of his of subsequent date to that laid before me...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Thomas, 10 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Please to furnish Capt. Markham for the use of the brig Jefferson with twenty three fathom of seven inch rope, six coil of spunyarn, 150 ℔. seine twine, six coil of 2½ inch rope, three coil of 2.I. do. and one coil of 3½ I. do. six hanks of Marline six do. of Housline two coil of Hamberline. RC ( PWacD : Feinstone Collection, on deposit PPAmP ); at foot of text: “Capt Thomas”; with notations...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Bankson, 11 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson will be obliged to Mr. Bankson as soon as he has finished the letters left with him yesterday, to go on with the Duplicate of those Aug. 16. and 23d. to Mr. Gouverneur Morris and the documents, taking therein the assistance of the other gentlemen. The press copy is to be sent to Mr. Morris, that on writing paper being wanting for another purpose . When it is ready, Mr. Bankson...
34From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 2 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I overtook the President at Baltimore, and we arrived here yesterday, myself fleeced of seventy odd dollars to get from Fredericksburg here, the stages running no further than Baltimore. I mention this to put yourself and Monroe on your guard. The fever in Phila. has so much abated as to have almost disappeared. The inhabitants are about returning. It has been determined that the President...
35From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 2 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President has the honor to inclose him three copies of the Proclamation and of the Rules. Having only heard the speech read, he cannot recollect it perfectly enough to decide by memory what documents it requires from his office, and therefore is obliged to ask of the President if any more be requisite? RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed: “The Presid[…]”;...
36To Thomas Jefferson from the Continental Board of Admiralty, 19 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed that arms and other warlike stores are preparing to be sent via the Head of Elk and Cheseapeake Bay into the State of North Carolina for its immediate defence, the board beg leave to solicit your Excellencys complyance with the enclosed requisition. The Vessels expences while upon this Service, is to be defrayed by the United states. For the Accomplishment of this Service,...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Runnels, 1 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I thought I had clearly and sufficiently answered your former application, by telling you personally, as I did also to Mr. Soderstrom, Consul, that, by the laws of this country, the Judiciary was the branch charged with the care of redressing wrongs of the nature that you complain of, our courts being open to nations at peace, tho’ they cannot interpose between those at war: and wherever the...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Cutting, 20 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Capt. Cutting, and informs him that the President counts on him in the matter spoken of . The article of money shall be arranged. RC (Thomas A. Lingenfelter, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 1992); addressed: “Capt Cutting”; endorsed by Cutting. Not recorded in SJL . The matter spoken of : Cutting’s appointment as David Humphreys’s secretary for the latter’s...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson, Potts & Easton, 1 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President having referred to me your petition on the capture of your vessel by the French privateer the Sans pareil, I consulted thereon with the Attorney general, well knowing that if the laws of the land give you any redress at all, it will be surer and quicker than any by negociation. The advice given you by Mr. Lee appears to be perfectly solid, and if you were in time in pursuing...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 31 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to enclose three copies of the Statement and Report on your account, with the account of the Bank of the United States with your department, and to be with perfect respect, Sir, Your obedt. Servt. One of the copies not being at present compleated, will be sent in the course of the morning. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Wolcott; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, [17 December 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Coxe has the honor to inform Mr. Jefferson, that the silver crown of six livres Tournois is worth in the French W. Indies nine livres of the Colonies and that the livre Tournois according to the par of french coins is deemed conformable with that fact—that is 30s. of the Colonies are worth 20s. of France. Mr. C. will read the letter with care and have the honor to return it in person to...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Edmond Charles Genet, 18 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have laid before the President your letter of the 16th. instant, and in consequence thereof have written to the Attorney General of the US. a letter of which I have the honor to inclose you a copy, and to add assurances of the respect with which I am Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt RC ( DLC : Genet Papers); at foot of text: “The Min. Pleny. of the Republic of France.” PrC ( DLC ). FC...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Church, 25 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 25 Sep. 1793 . He wishes to provide a more authoritative account of two actions between the French and the Spanish that his accompanying letter of 22 Sep. mistakenly described as having taken place near Perpignan. On 28 Aug. General Dagobert’s army surprised and defeated a Spanish force of about 3,000 men, commanded by General La Penha and camped near Montlouis, killing 700 to 800 of...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Edmond Charles Genet, 14 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Je crois devoir vous communiquer la copie d’une lettre que Je viens d’écrire au procureur gal. des Etats unis pour lui demander que M. Jay et Mr. King l’un premier Juge et l’autre senateur des Etats unis qui ont publié dans les gazettes un libelle contre moi soient traduits à la Cour federale. Je n’ai rien négligé Jusqu’à présent pour démentir les impostures perfides auxquelles ces Messieurs...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 18 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has inclosed to me the copy of a letter of the 16th. inst. which he addressed to you, stating that some libellous publications had been made against him by Mr. Jay, chief Justice of the US. and Mr. King one of the Senators for the state of New York, and desiring that they might be prosecuted. This letter has been laid before the President, according to...
46To Thomas Jefferson from James Currie, 9 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of troubling you with this line by Mr. Greenup just to remind you of (as soon as matters of more consequence will permit) my affair with Griffin, to have it if possible brought to a speedy and favorable issue, being much afraid that some Chicanery has, or will be, practised, to defraud me of justice ultimately I conceive Your particular enquiry […] which you was kind enough...
47Report on Edmond Charles Genet and Gouverneur Morris, 11 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President doubtless recollects the communications of Mr. Ternant expressing the dissatisfaction of the Executive council of France with Mr. Morris our minister there, which however Mr. Ternant desired might be considered as informal: that Colo. Smith also mentioned that dissatisfaction , and that Mr. LeBrun told him he would charge Mr. Genet expressly with their representations on this...
48To Thomas Jefferson from the Virginia Delegates in Congress, [ca. 10 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[…] [ap]plication […], […] with no Difficulty in arbitrating [the?] dispute, as he admitted the Facts stated [as?] agreed between you; and acquiesced in the Gentleman proposed; but contrary to our Expectation we received a Letter from him a Copy of which is inclosed and also our Answer to it. You [will] see by these Letters the Turn this affair has taken; and we must wait your further...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Pinckney, 12 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The George Barclay has fallen down the river before I had notice she was about to sail: I have therefore only had time to send out and get the inclosed bill of Mr. John Vaughan on Messrs. Bird, Savage & Bird of London for £13–13 the amount of the model of the threshing machine you were so kind as to send me. It is gone on from New York to Virginia without my having seen it. Accept many thanks...
50To Thomas Jefferson from La Luzerne, 4 June 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Des causes inévitables ont empeché l’envoi de notre Seconde division pour l’epoque à laquelle on avoit projeté de l’expédier. Je ne puis entrer ici dans le détail des raisons de ce Changement dans nos mesures; mais j’en ai Fais part au Congres et ce senat, malgré le préjudice qui en résulte pour les opérations, n’a pu S’empecher de rendre justice a la sagesse et à la prudence du Roi dans le...