156851From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 3 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate John Heard of New Jersey to be Collector of the port of Perth Amboy vice Daniel March deceased. RC ( DNA : RG 46 , EPEN , 7th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by a Senate clerk. PrC ( DLC ). Recorded in SJL with notation “nomn of Heard.” Meriwether Lewis delivered TJ’s message to the Senate on 3 May, the last day of the session. The Senate immediately confirmed Heard’s appointment ( JEP...
156852To Thomas Jefferson from David Austin, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On my returning to New England it would add greatly to the Obligations I am already under to the President, if he would favor me with a small token of his attention so far as relates to an appointment to the Office of Collector for the Port of New London in the State of Connecticutt. The place is but a very short distance from the residence of my father in Law & of Mrs Austin who is at...
156853From Thomas Jefferson to Mathew Carey, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your favor of April 24. and am duly impressed with the truths it contains. I am satisfied that truth & reason can maintain themselves, without the aid of coercion, if left free to defend themselves. but then they must defend themselves. eternal lies and sophisms on one side, and silence on the other, are too unequal. the public mind is neither well enough informed of all facts,...
156854To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Hanson, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
My Friend, Mr. Carr , this moment informs me that you were so obliging as to make enquiry, on my account, respecting the supposed resignation of Mr. Wagner . That report was circulated in this neighbourhood—in consequence of information given to Mr. Saml. Carr by Mr. Henry Brown on Sunday last, who mentioned it as a certain fact. Mr. Brown being a Clerk in one of the offices, the authority was...
156855From Thomas Jefferson to James Jackson, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 1st. inst. it is so essential to the public good, to the credit of the administration and of republicanism itself that the transaction of the public affairs be committed to the best men only, that when a charge is brought openly before the public against one by name whom I have appointed, I think it my duty to look into the fact and correct it if true, or...
156856From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper signed Claudius is so bold, direct & false in it’s assertions respecting the clerks, that it ought really to be contradicted. would it not be worth while to ask of each head of department whether he found any republican clerk in his office & how many, and to state the fact, not naming the authority, but appealing to the notoriety of the fact. perhaps even the names as given...
156857To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry so soon after my arrival here to trouble you with any thing that relates personally to myself, & which I fear will be not less painful to you, than it has been to me. From Mr. Sumter’s first entrance into my family I have treated him with all the attention in my power, I have (as far as he would permit me) introduced him wherever I visited myself, & have extended indulgencies to him...
156858To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John R Leaycraft of New York, & Mr. Drury M. Allen of Buckingham County, Virginia, have been strongly recommended for Midshipmen in the Navy— I therefore do myself the honor to enclose Warrants for them, wc. require your signature, should you concur in their appointment— I have the honor to be, most respectfully, Sir, Your ob servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot...
156859To Thomas Jefferson from John Strode, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
If unhappily for me I am destined to absence as you pass my humble dwelling, pray let not that make any differance with you, or those that are with you. but honor it once more I humbly intreat You with Your presence for One Night . My Little Daughter and every One at the place will be all Obedience & respect With all due regard I am Sir Yr. most Obdt RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “Thomas...
156860To Thomas Jefferson from David Austin, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
At the period of my departure from Washington, in the zeal of circumstances I dropped to the President, a letter containing a statement, wh if memory serves, needs to be corrected. The expressions convey an idea, that there is something ecclesiastical, attatched to the Chair of the United States. The President will scarcly believe this to be an accurate statement; and in his own declaration,...
156861From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment setting out for Monticello, yet the reciept of your favor of Apr. 20. (for 30.) obliges me to scribble a line to explain some ideas which seem not to have impressed you exactly as they exist in my mind. nothing can be farther from my intention than that the observations I made should be considered as menaces. Men will act from their interests. I meant to suggest what might...
156862From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, Henry Dearborn, and Robert Smith, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of the Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary at War & Secretary of the Navy to carry into execution the inclosed resolution of the H. of representatives of May 3. 1802. desiring a statement of expenditures from Jan. 1. 1797. by the Quarter Master Genl. the Navy agents, for the Contingencies of the Naval & Military establishments and the Navy contracts for timber &...
156863From Thomas Jefferson to John Langdon, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment setting out on a short trip to Monticello, but must first congratulate you on the progress of republicanism in your state, proved by your coming so near to your competitor , and by the increased strength in the legislature. ça ira . let me at the same time ask you to recommend to me 4. persons to be commissioners of bankruptcy in Portsmouth, and if you have any other town of...
156864From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am within a few minutes of setting out on a short visit to Monticello, and must therefore be very short. 20 years of intimate acquaintance with M. Dupont de Nemours has given me an unlimited confidence in him. his dispositions in favor of this country as well as France are unquestionable, and his talents so well known that I presume his opinions will have great weight with the French...
156865From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I think it is dean Swift who says that a present should consist of something of little value, & which yet cannot be bought for money. I send you one strictly under both conditions. the drawing was made by Kosciusko for his own use, and the engraving also I believe. he sent me four copies, the only ones which have come to America. the others I give to my family, and ask yourself & mrs Madison...
156866To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Patton, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Patton presents his compliments to the President of the United States & begs leave to inform him that, he has received his note , enclosing a letter for Mr. Dupont, which shall be delivered immediately on his arrival in this City. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 13 May and so recorded in SJL with notation “Patten PostM Phila.” TJ’s NOTE to Patton has not been found but it enclosed...
156867From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am this moment setting out on a short visit to Monticello, but a thought coming into my head which may be useful to your son who is carrying the Mammoth to Europe , I take time to hint it to you. my knolege of the scene he will be on enables me to suggest what might not occur to him a stranger. when in a great city, he will find persons of every degree of wealth. to jumble these all into a...
156868From Thomas Jefferson to John Smith, 5 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your Latin grammar, by post for which I pray you to accept my thanks. my occupations will probably not permit me immediately to have the satisfaction which I have no doubt I shall derive from the perusal of it: but I am pleased with every effort to facilitate the acquisition of the Greek & Latin languages. I do not give into the modern doctrine that the time...
156869To Thomas Jefferson from John Churchman, 7 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty to send herewith a copy of an improved Variation Chart , hoping it will be received as a token of Respect, together with a Sheet of Letter Press as published in the third Edition of the Magnetic Atlas , It contains Actual observations by which the Variation has been found at Sea— The Chart has had of late a very extensive Circulation, particularly in these Eastern States, &...
156870To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 7 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I this day recd. a letter from Mr. Holt storekeeper at New London, informing me there is reason to believe the Negroes in that quarter have it in contemplation to possess themselves of the Arms at that place, notwithstanding the small guard which is station’d there—considering the expence of a larger guard and a Storekeeper, and the impropriety of having our public arms kept at a place not...
156871To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 7 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Lear arrived here the day before yesterday a few minutes after your departure. He confirms the information as to the imprisonment of Capt: Rodgers & Davidson . Inclosed is a copy of le Clerc’s explanation on the subject, of my letter to Pichon with his answer, and of a letter to Mr. Livingston which I shall forward to Philada. this evening, that it may overtake the despatches already in...
156872From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 7 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The operation which Congress has [performed] in the [...] the custom house officers [...] was expected. from that at Petersburg particularly they have taken only the salary of 250. D. which they have given to Richmond. consequently the emoluments will be as represented in the paper sent you, only deducting the 250. D. this I think will make it about 750. D. a year more than mr Gallatin then...
156873To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose Warrants for Jno. N. Canon—Boatswain & David Loring—Gunner— Should you approve their appointment these Warrants will require your signature— These gentlemen have been in the frigate President, her last cruise—& are highly recommended by Commdre. Dale & Capt. Barron. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, your most obt servt. RC ( DLC ); in a...
156874To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Story, 8 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In my former letter I announced my intention of resigning my ministerial function, which has since been effected—in a most amicable manner with my people.— I feel now desirous of some honorary appointment in the civil line; for it is my earnest wish to be of public benefit; so long as I exist, however easy my outward circumstances may be.— By reading the public prints, I find, in the judiciary...
156875To Thomas Jefferson from John Vaughan, 8 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor enclosing D. Griffith on Longitude was recieved, & the acknowledgement for it is now enclosed—we have been attentive of late to make the acknowledgement immediate. We are very desirous of possessing, for the Society, Copies of the two enumerations or Census, & know not how to do it but through your kindness; I would further take the liberty of enquiring whether the Insertion of them...
156876To Thomas Jefferson from "A Lover of his Country," 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Some Time in February last I wrote to You —to which I beg Reference concerning the Opinion I then entertained of You and your proceedings—Since then I have waited with Impatience for either a private or public Declaration of what You and your Tribe of foreign Outcasts really had at Heart—but that Declaration has not yet appeared—but you and your jacobinic-Democratic Tribe of Sycophants still...
156877From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The road through Ravensworth is rendered absolutely impassable for a four wheeled carriage by a single change made lately by one of the mr Fitzhughs in his plantation. you must not therefore attempt it, but go on to Fairfax C.H. & there turn off to Songster’s. Bull run is now passed at an excellent ford, and the hills by a great deal of work have been made quite good. the road between Elkrun...
156878From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here yesterday & shall stay here a fortnight only. on my return to Washington I shall have to appoint Commissioners of bankruptcy for the several states. in this I propose to appoint 4. for Richmond & Manchester, and 4. for Norfolk. do you think those of Richmond could serve for Petersburg, or had I better appoint 4. there also. I wish 2. to be lawyers & 2. merchants, tho they might...
156879From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sumter, Sr., 9 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I omitted before the rising of Congress to enquire for proper characters to appoint in South Carolina as Commissioners of bankruptcy. mr Calhoun too, best acquainted in Charleston was gone; and if there, he has not the same determination which I have against appointing a single federalist until the two parties have their due proportion of office, and especially in this case where the federal...
156880To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 10 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
May this meet you amidts the social scene of Domestic happiness!—Contrasted, with the late trying perplexeties—of disappointed Ambitious Men—are disquietudes inseperable with your preeminent station—though shielded by the most Virtuous Actions.— I judge it, necessary to inform you, that my Note in favr of ML ., was unsuccessfull at B. of C. thro. the want of B. paper to draw upon—This resource...
156881To Thomas Jefferson from Charles W. Goldsborough, 10 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed exhibits a view of the deposits made with the Treasurer of the Navy —the drafts upon him, & the balance in his hands of monies subject to the orders of the Secretary of the Navy: for the week ending 8 instant. I have the honor to be Sir; your mo: ob: servt. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45 , LSP ). Recorded in SJL as received from the Navy Department on 13 May and “Warrants.” Enclosure not...
156882From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, [10] May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here the day before yesterday on a visit of one fortnight [only and am] in hourly hope of seeing my groceries [arrive] from mr Barnes as well as a quarter cask of wine from Robertson [and Brown] of Norfolk. I have never heard yet from Bedford [whether my tobacco is] down or not. on my departure from Washington I [desired] mr Barnes to remit you 300. dollars on my account. accept...
156883To Thomas Jefferson from Étienne Lemaire, 10 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Je prend la libertez l’honneur de vous Saluer pour prevenir, que Cremer est party apres a voir Engager Ses Enfeant, Et a leser Sa n’ouvel fâme vûe qu’il, ne pouvoi, pas vive Ensenble. Je Vous previens Mr. N’eyant pas d’ant Se moment personne pr., aider a Ebrame ou a Nétoÿer l’a maison Vottre Encien portiez Edward Etant Bien fachez de vous avoir quiter dant le tant, plutot par Etour deri que...
156884List of Vaccinations, 10 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
1802 Vaccinations with the thread . May. 10. < John Hemings .> failed John Perry < his apprentice .> failed < Henrietta .> failed 19.
156885To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Dougherty, 11 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg Leave to inform your Honour that last Sunday John Kramer went from here for and on the account of his new Wifes ignominious behavior. Edward Maher is taken in his place. If he is continued Sir you may rest assured that his stay wont. be more than two or three months Moreover you know Sir that he is a verry Disagreeable Man in a family although he is a good Servant Sir My house is rented...
156886To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 11 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I ask pardon for not furnishing you sooner with the method I use for calculating the rising and setting of the heavenly bodies. In almost every one of our popular books of navigation, we find the declinations of the principal fixed stars, with that of the sun for every day in the year, and a table of logarithms, which is all that is necessary for calculating the semi-diurnal arcs. The rule is...
156887To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 11 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed to you by Mr. Dinsmore , who was several years our Agent in the Cherokee nation, the duties of which he performed with singular reputation; and to his exertions in a great measure, is owing the introduction of some of the arts among that people—He has lately been appointed by the Secretary of War agent to the Chocktaws, among whom I have no doubt he will be found extremely...
156888To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 11 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your last letters the one to Maria by the way of Colesville & the other to me by City point have been received. I am sorry it is not in our power to join you at Monticello—The trip requiring four horses renders it impossible to draw them from their work at this season without a sacrifice of our crop. To keep four horses for that trip only for all others we can perform without extra horses...
156889To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 11 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Elections of New York State have gone agt. us for Congress. all is not right I will write fully frm. New York the mail is waiting Yours RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 13 May and so recorded in SJL . I WILL WRITE FULLY : see Granger’s letter to TJ from Philadelphia on 14 May .
156890To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have nothing new since my last either from Europe or the W. Indies. The elections in N. York are not yet finally known. It is suggested that the efforts of the minority have prevailed beyond the apprehensions of the majority. Cabot accepts his mission on the terms proposed to him. I have just recd. letters from Erving shewing the turn which the affair took in London, to be such as was...
156891To Thomas Jefferson from Michael Weyer, 11 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I Consider it a Just duety to inform you, that I Last wiek have got on the track of a valuable Silver mint, of which I have had a pice of ore in my hands, and I am by it Persuated that it is a valueable one, and that I would be Rewarted for the Discovery there of Sir I am your very Humble Sarand. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Most Honourable Thomas Jefferson President”; endorsed by TJ as...
156892To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 12 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Je reçois vos lettres à tems et avec un grand plaisir. Vous ajoutez beaucoup à ma reconnaissance, rien à mon Zêle qui ne pouvait augmenter, peu à mes moyens d’exécution. Les motifs, les raisons, les inductions, les prévoyances, vous me les donnez: je les ai dans la tête et dans le coeur. Les facilités doivent être augmentées et hôtées. Les aspects déterminans doivent être présentés promptement...
156893To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Fenner, 12 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you Coll Henry Smith the bearer of this Letter. He is a Gentleman of Respectable Character in this State, much esteemed by the Citizens of the Town of Providence in which he was Born and now resides He has expressed a wish of being made known to your Excellency. Coll Smith can inform you of the result of our late Election — I pray you to accept assurances of my high...
156894To Thomas Jefferson from "A Sybilline Voice," [before 13 May 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
tow circumstances, are frequaintly laid hold, on, And eagerly represented, as objects of complaint. One is our Ships being up, and rotting in harbour, the oather is, the defenceless state of the Nation, owing to the discontinuence, of the Military astablishment, the first seems to be look’d upon as a greavence, among many Republicans, the sourse, of the last may be easyly treased—Steady! Keep...
156895From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 14 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 10th. and am sincerely concerned at the disappointment at the bank of Columbia. this proves farther the propriety of my curtailing expences till I am within the rigorous limits of my own funds, which I will do. in the mean time I must leave to your judgment to marshall our funds for the most pressing demands, till I can be with you. mr Jefferson has sent...
156896From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 14 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 7th. and entirely approve your proposition to remove the arms from New London . I suppose it would be generally a good rule to break up all the small deposits and carry them to the great magazines where they may be kept in order, guarded, & always ready. health & affectionate salutations. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Secretary at War.” Recorded in SJL...
156897To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 14 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
From Letters recd. here yesterday it appears that the elections in New York are not as bad as heretofore represented. Col. Thomas is elected not Williams —Van-ness has lost his Election— Col. Burr will be sorry for this. It is doubted whether Mr: has lost his Election. It is certain the Republican Tickets for their State Legislatures have succeeded in the Counties which compose the District...
156898To Thomas Jefferson from John Langdon, 14 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I was honor’d the last evening with your highly esteemed favo’r of the 5h. Inst. pray you’ll accept my thanks for your kind congratulations on our late Republican struggle in this State, our success has been greater then I had a right to expect, considering the Malice and Violence of the Tory Federalists both in and out of Office, who have used their utmost influence, spreading their falshoods...
156899From Thomas Jefferson to Étienne Lemaire, 14 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your’s of the 10th. of May: and am not sorry for the departure of Kramer; as, tho’ he had several good qualities, he was awkward & ignorant. but I think it better not to take Edward. he is a very capable servant, but stands too much on etiquette. I like servants who will do every thing they are wanted to do. he is moreover so fickle that he has served all the masters in...
156900From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 9th. but whether the new post had got into motion at that time I know not. it related chiefly to the road. yesterday I recieved your’s of the 7th. & 11th. it really seems doubtful whether the conduct of Le Clerc proceeds from the extravagance of his own character, or from a settled design in his government. so many things lately wear the latter appearance that one cannot be...