1From Thomas Jefferson to Moses Coates, 10 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 3d. and am glad that a workman has been with you to enable himself to build a sawmill for me on the model of yours. he is employed by a person who is to rent the mill of me. I have no doubt of the excellence of the plan. I have not yet seen your paring machine but will call at the patent office for that purpose. should I like it, where nearest could I...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 10 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The appointment of Tucker Howland to be keeper of the Light house near Georgetown S.C. is approved RC ( DNA : RG 26, MLR ); addressed: “The Secretary of the Treasury”; with Gallatin’s note on address sheet to John Brown, a clerk: “Please to give immediate information both to him & to the Superintt. A.G.”; endorsed by a clerk. Not recorded in SJL . On 12 Mch., Gallatin signed letters to tucker...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hanson, 10 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding that there is a bill in the Senate which contemplates the creation of an additional Auditor , I beg leave, in case the bill pass into a law, respectfully to solicit the appointment. Of my competency to the discharge of it’s duties, it does not, perhaps, become myself to speak. Nor should I be induced to do it, but from the necessity of obviating an inference that may, to the prejudice...
4Preface to a Manuscript on Bacon’s Rebellion, 10 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Original Manuscript, of which the following is a copy , was communicated to me by Mr. King, our late Minister Plenipotentiary at the court of London, in a letter of Dec. 20. 1803. the transaction which it records, altho’ of little extent or consequence, is yet marked in the history of Virginia as having been the only rebellion or insurrection which took place in the colony during the 168...
5To Thomas Jefferson from John Woodbridge, 9 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
May it Please your honor I beg your honor will Excuse me in writing to the prsedint but am under A Disseagreeable situation I have been very unfortinate For this five or six years past by losses at Different times At sea I was taking by the french once and Carred into Godalupe and lost all I had and the winter before last I was Cast Away on mount Desert Iland and like to have perrished and...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 9 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The propriety of appointing Tucker Howland Keeper of the light house near Georgetown S. Car. is respectfully submitted—He had been recommended by Stevens the Superintendt. of light houses The enclosed letter to Mr Huger must, I presume, be returned. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); undated, but see enclosure; written on address sheet of the enclosure; endorsed by TJ: “Howland Tucker. to be Keepr. Lt....
7To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 9 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I found Maria on my arrival here free from fever and sitting up—She has no complaint at present but weakness—Her appetite is improving daily and I have no fear but that in a short time she will be restored to health—Her child is well also from the kindness of Patsy who has nursed it with her own—Maria during her illness has lost her milk entirely, and although she expects its return I fear we...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Nehemiah Knight and Others, 9 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
We take the Liberty to inclose a Letter this moment received from the Executive of our State . with the Greatest respects we are yours &c RC ( DLC ); addressed: “President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from Knight on 9 Mch. and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure not found, but see below. executive of our state : Rhode Island governor Arthur Fenner probably forwarded news of...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 9 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Peale. he recieved last night his favor of the 5th. he will leave this place for Monticello a fortnight hence, and will be absent 5. or 6. weeks, which he mentions now because as the Polygraphs will arrive after his departure his acknolegement of their reception and his return of Brunelle’s cannot be till his return to this place in May. RC ( TxU )....
10From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph T. Scott, 9 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 5th. inst. and I hasten to assure you that neither Doctr. Leib, nor mr Duane have ever given the least hint to me that yourself or your associates of the St. Patrick’s society meditated joining a third party; or schismatising in any way from the great body of Republicans. that the rudiments of such a 3d. party were formed in Pensylvania & New York has...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Butler, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Before entering on a subject, to the merits of which I must beg leave to solicit your Excellency’s attention; it will be necessary to state, as a data, that on the 4th. inst., the Honble the Secretary of war, honored me with a conversation in his office respecting my late trial .—After his having expressed much surprise why the commanding general had so long withheld the promulgation of the...
12To Thomas Jefferson from George W. Erving, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have deferred the gratification of acknowledgeing the rect of the letter with which you honord me on the 10th of July, only till I shou’d be able to dispatch the remainder of the books for the national library ordered from Mr. Johnson;—I am concerned to find that they coud not have been sooner collected, & even now, that there are some deficiences which you may consider important;—I can...
13Enclosure: Invoice for Books Ordered for the Library of Congress, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
G W Erving Esqr. Bought of J Johnson 1 Wards History of Laws of Nations 2 V 18.— 1 Rymers Fœdera 10 Vols 15. 15.— 1 Brokes Abridgment 14.— 1 Pickerings Statutes 43 Vols 36. —— 1 Berthelson’s Danish Dicty. 2 V 3. 3.— 1 Swedish & English Dicty 3. 3.—
14To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a letter from Mr Briggs. I think his leaving the territory without leave of absence extremely wrong; and Mr Williams ought also to have staid. They will arrive after the adjournmt. of Congress, and there is now a bill before Congress embracing every amendment which they had suggested . That board is altogether deficient; and their decision not to take up any claims until after they...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Collectors are not supplied with seals at the public expense—Most of them have none; those of the important sea-ports generally have. Respectfully your obedt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as a letter of 8 Mch. received from the Treasury Department on 7 Mch. and “seal for Custom H. N.O.” and so recorded in SJL . seals : in October 1803, Hore Browse Trist consulted with TJ on the design and...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Michael Leib, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of Mrs. Heister, I send you Gros’s moral philosophy. This work was transmitted to Genl. Heister by the author, with a request, that he would deliver it to you; but death rob’d him of this pleasure. Last night he departed this life. As Mrs. Heister is preparing to depart for Hagar’s town with her husband’s remains, she wished this work to be immediately forwarded, & I have taken...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Spero che Le sarà pervenuta per mezzo di Mr. Yeardsley, Capno. del bastimento Hannah, partito ⅌ Filadelfia da Livorno sul principio del mese passato, la mia precedente cominciata il 25 8bre e terminata il 27 Gennaio. Questa venrà sul bastimento Bulah, Capn. Gardener, che è d’imminente partenza per Boston. Sono circa 2 anni, che Le scrivo quasi continovamente sull’articolo dei Consolati degli...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Israel B. Parshall, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I would not address your Excellency if I had not hopes of Your complying with the Petition of A Poor Mechanic in Distress as I am at Present. I will Just state To Your Excellency my Situation, Viz I Began Business in New York in the Shoemaking line, about the Middle of July last, and was doing Tolerably Well, but the Epidemic Coming on the 1st of August Put everything to a Stand in this City...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 2d. my dear Martha, which was not recieved till the last night has raised me to life again. for four days past I had gone through inexpressible anxiety. the mail which left you on the 5th. will probably be here tonight, and will I hope strengthen our hopes of Maria’s continuing to recover, and mr Eppes’s arrival which I presume was on the 6th. will render her spirits...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Littleton W. Tazewell, 8 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Assurance you give me relative to Mr. Welch’s claim is perfectly satisfactory, and confident that you will bear it in mind, I shall not trouble you again upon this subject— You ask me what is the opinion of the Mercantile Men in this quarter relative to the present order of things—I feel much difficulty in resolving such an inquiry, notwithstanding I am in the habit of much and free...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 7 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The within extra-account of E. Burroughs for building the light houses seems proper, being clearly work which was not contemplated by the contract. But as this is not an item of repairs, but in fact an addition to the contract for building which was approved by the President, no alteration can legally be made without his approbation. The propriety of allowing the account is respectfully...
22From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 7 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to pay Colo. Harvie on account of John Rogers 41. D 10. c. I now inclose you 40. D. for this purpose which I will pray you to deliver him, adding thereto the fraction which cannot be remitted in paper. I shall shortly send from here a number of packages, to be forwarded to Monticello. they will be chiefly of groceries for my use there, as I shall make a short visit there as soon as...
23To Thomas Jefferson from William J. Lewis, 7 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope no apology is necessary for sending to you as President of the Philosophic society some articles which are either curious in themselves, maner of discovery, or as tending to elucidate phenomena perhaps hitherto veiled in obscurity. Wraping No. 1. contains a bone found in sinking a shaft for Water, about seventy five feet below the surface of the ground, growing in a specious of quortose...
24From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 7 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I communicate to Congress an Extract of a letter from Governor Claiborne to the Secretary of state, with one which it covered, for their information as to the present state of the subject to which they relate. RC ( DNA : RG 46, LPPM , 8th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by a Senate clerk. RC ( DNA : RG 233, PM , 8th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by a House clerk. Recorded in SJL with notation...
25From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 6 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In my note of yesterday I forgot a sum of 41. D 10 c which I had promised to remit to Richmond this week for the use of John Rogers , which I must therefore pray you to enable me to do. Your’s affectionately RC ( ViU ); addressed: “Mr. Barnes”; receipt added to foot of text by Barnes and signed by Joseph Dougherty for $50 received on 6 Mch.; endorsed by Barnes. TJ’s note of yesterday has not...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Frignet de Fermagh, 6 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Un mal’heureux Français père de famille, artiste et ayant tout perdu, S’adresse à vous pour lui procurer de l’emploi conformément a son état et le mettre a même d’exister. Je suis connu dans ce quartier pour avoir operé aux nivellemens de votre Cité, et par plusieurs Mrs. comme Carolle, Laws, Gl. Masson &ca. mon nom est Frignet; daignez prendre des informations sur ma conduite, mes mœurs et...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 6 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper got mislaid by accident so as to escape my earlier attention. I do not know how far the office of a director of the bank is compatible with mr Nourse’s official duties, or the general spirit of our laws. I leave it therefore altogether to your judgment, only observing that if these admit his acceptance, I believe the bank cannot associate to themselves an honester man. RC (...
28To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 6 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
You will receive inclosed a bill of loading for 400 bushels of Coal. the freight you will observe is high, being as I am told 2 or 3 Cents more than is generally charged in the summer. You will of course determine whether it will not be best for you to lay in a sufficient supply in future, in that season of the year. I have as yet done nothing with your Tobacco, 40/. being the most I have been...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Hore Browse Trist, 6 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Lewis by letter from Massac under date 10 November last, informed me, that he had address’d to my care at Fort Adams three Boxes , requesting two of them to be forwarded you, and the other to Mr Peale in Philadelphia. Immediately on the receipt of this letter, I wrote my Deputy at Fort Adams enjoining his strict attention to the subject, and also mentioned it particularly at Natchez to...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 5 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
We have just heard of the calamitous event of Norfolk . I have not heard whether any persons are named to recieve donations for the relief of the poor sufferers, and therefore take the liberty of inclosing two hundred dollars to you, & of asking the favor of you to have it applied in the way you think best, for the relief of such description of sufferers as you shall think best. I pray not to...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 5 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 27th. Ult. and 1st. Instant I have received.—A Polygraph with the alterations you desire, and also Brunelle’s, which I have borrowed for your inspection, will both be sent by a Packet, said to sail on wednesday next. The defects of the Pens in that which Mr. Latrobe lent you, I can readily account for, therefore it is easily cured. I have much to say on this subject, and doubt not...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph T. Scott, 5 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I find that it has been asserted in Washington City, by Messrs. Duane and Leib , in the presence of several members of Congress that the St. Patrick’s society or naturalized are going to join the third party. As I have the honor of preciding at that society, it is a duty which I owe not only to myself; but to the society to declare to you most solemnly that the assertion is absolutely false I...
33To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Briggs and Mr. Williams of whose arrival in this City, I informed you in my last , have been detained longer than they had calculated on; they will however, sail on tomorrow in a Vessel bound for Philadelphia, but the Captain has promised to land them at Charleston if the wind should admit of it. I think it probable that these gentlemen will reach the seat of Government early in April....
34To Thomas Jefferson from Alexandria Republicans, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Relying with confidence on your favorable reception of every communication, which will convey to you without the trammels of form, the real sentiments of any portion of the community over whose destinies you preside, we feel authorised in offering to you our sentiments on an interesting subject— In the exercise of your constitutional functions we are well satisfied that the Public interest has...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Moses Coates, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It is from the Generous affability and freedom Which I Discovered in the Agreeable Plainness of thy Conversation and Deportment When in thy Company, And perceiving the scientific, and superior Machanical Powers Which thou Possess, of Course a Wellwisher to the advancement and Encouragment of the Arts in our Country, that Excuses me (altho I feel my inferiority) in attempting to Adress thee on...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
On the vacating of Judge Pickering’s office I shall be obliged to nominate another before the rising of the Senate. J. Langdon has recommended Sherburne . a much more powerful representation is made against him and in favr. of Jonathan Steele. tho’ it is probable the witnesses attending the impeachment from that state may have been prepared to give particular opinions, yet perhaps in a free...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The account of your illness my dearest Maria was known to me only this morning. nothing but impossibilities prevent my instant departure to join you. but the impossibility of Congress proceeding a single step in my absence presents an insuperable bar. Mr. Eppes goes off, and I hope will find you in a convalescent state. next to the desire that it may be so, is that of being speedily informed...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho it is long since I recieved your favor of Oct. 27. yet I have not had leisure sooner to acknolege it. in the middle & Southern states as great an union of sentiment has now taken place as is perhaps desireable. for as there will always be an opposition, I believe it had better be from avowed monarchists than republicans. New York seems to be in danger of republican division. Vermont is...
39To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a letter which I should have forwarded some time since had not an embargo which has existed for some weeks prevented—The bundle of books which Mr V— intended should accompany his letter I have put on board the Bordeaux Packet bound to Philadelphia and have requested the Collector of the Port to forward them to the seat of Government.— With great respect I have the...
40Proclamation to Pardon Deserters in Louisiana, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas it is represented that sundry persons formerly engaged in the Military Service of the United States and having deserted from the Same, have become inhabitants of the Territory of Louisiana lately ceded to the United States, have establishments of property and families therein, and are in such habits of industry and good conduct as to give reason to believe they will be orderly and...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Félix Varleta, 2 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Los positivos deseos de conocer á V.E. y de postrarme á sus Pies, me hace ser atrevido poniendo en sus poderosas manos, estas mal formadas Letras suplicandole se sirva concederme licencia; pa. pasar á sus dominios a ponerme en su Real presencia á ofrecerle á V.E. mi persona Junto con mis cortos averes; y asi mismo á exponerle mi solicitud, la qual no dudo con seguir de sus piadosas manos. Yo...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Wheeler Martin, 2 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
you will please to excuse me for taking the liberty to inform you that the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the US. has passed the Senate of this State Uniamous, and in the House of Representatives yesterday 5 of PM by a majority of twenty four. You Sir will believe me to be your real friend and Humble Servant in every Sentiment of Respect RC ( ViW : Tucker-Coleman Collection); at...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Nicoll Fosdick, 1 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long since I recieved your favor of Nov. 12. and although business has prevented my answering it sooner, I have not been unmindful of the favor of the information it contained, and of the kindness of the communication. after the clamor which had been raised against me on account of a former letter written to the same person & published by him, I had imagined he would be more circumspect...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 1 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 26th. and thank you for the pen accompanying it, which seems to perform well. I had written to you on the 27th. Ult. on the subject of the Polygraph. the reduction of the size which you propose for a future trial would certainly be a great improvement; it’s present bulk being disagreeable. I observe too that after one has adjusted the pens by the gage,...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Some compliment being proper for the militia of Tennissee who went to Natchez under the command of Colo. George Dogherty may not something like the following be said on the part of the President in a letter from the Secretary at war to Colo. Dogherty or to the Governor of Tennissee? ‘the President has seen with great satisfaction the willingness with which the militia under your command [or...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin H. Latrobe, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of Mr. Lenthall as Clerk of the Works at the Capitol and Presidents house, combines, the duties formerly performed by seperate persons. For instance, Mr. Williams was employed to collect materials at 800 Dollars pr. annum,—Mr. Blagden measured and superintended the Stone work at 3$. 66 Cents pr. day;—the Carpenter at 2$. 33 cts., the Sculptor or Carver at 3$,—each kept their day...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Miller, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to the revd mr Miller for the copy of his Retrospect of the 18th. century which he has been so kind as to send him , and shall with pleasure avail himself of his first leisure to read it. he salutes him with respect & friendship. RC ( NjP : Samuel Miller Papers); addressed: “The revd. Samuel Miller New York”; franked; postmarked Washington. PrC ( DLC ). to send...
48From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I communicate for the information of Congress a letter stating certain fraudulent practices for monopolising lands in Louisiana which may perhaps require legislative provisions. RC ( DNA : RG 46, LPPM , 8th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by a Senate clerk. RC ( DNA : RG 233, PM , 8th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by a House clerk. Recorded in SJL with notation “land-frauds in Louisiana.” Enclosure:...
49Resolution on Land Titles in Louisiana (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas there is reason to believe that during the time which intervened between the date of the treaty of St. Ildefonso alienating the colony & province of Louisiana with all the rights & interests held by Spain in or over the same, & the transfer & delivery thereof to the US. frauds of great extent & enormity have been practised, & numerous fabrications & devices contrived, by various...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A great anxiety prevails amongst the republicans of Ohio to have removed Z. Biggs receiv. pub. monies at Steubenville. His office has been extremely well kept, owing, it is said to the talents of his deputy Beatty whose politics are as obnoxious as those of Biggs. The letters to be returned RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); undated, but see below. Enclosures: (1) John Sloane to Thomas Worthington,...