158051To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Livingston, 19 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing for your perusal the outline of a plan lately formed in this city for promoting the cultivation of the fine arts. having seen and admired the master pieces they have produced abroad I am sure it will be gratifying to your love of country that an attempt should be made to improve them at home. under this impression no apology I believe is necessary for asking...
158052To Thomas Jefferson from “A Merchant of Charleston”, 19 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of addressing you on a subject which I conceive of consequence; a certain Mr Campbell lately imported into this port a Quantity of Dry Goods from Europe and according to the custom House Rules at this place, lodged his Entry, but with false Invoices to amount of about 3 or 4 thousand pounds Sterling instead of 7 or 8 Thousand pounds with intent to defraud the Revenue of...
158053To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, with Jefferson’s Note, 19 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Letter, to Mr Eustis is proposed in answer to a Letter received from him some time since. I have mentioned four small vessels instead of three —that if it shall be deemed proper to purchase a Zebec, the purchase may be made out of the money that may be appropriated, in pursuance of my Recommendation to Mr. Eustis— I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir,...
158054To Thomas Jefferson from Dr. John Vaughan, 19 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Will Mr. Jefferson be so obliging as to accept the little pamphlet on fever , per mail of the day. The importance of the subject is the best apology the writer can offer for submiting his observations to the better judgements of others. The origin & nature of the malignant disease which has afflicted various parts of our Country for some years, is a common object of interest & inquiry. Be...
158055To Thomas Jefferson from William Helms, 20 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Helms, informs the President of the United States, he cannot accept his invitation, contained in his note of yesterday , to dine on friday. RC ( MHi ); addressed: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ: “Helms J.” TJ’s note of yesterday to the New Jersey congressman is not recorded in SJL and has not been found.
158056To Thomas Jefferson from John Langdon, 20 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed that a statement of the conduct of our Destrict Judge Mr. Pickering has been transmitted to government, by which it will be seen, by intemperence and other causes, it would be highly improper he should be continued a moment longer in his important office, if he is removed and it should be your pleasure to appoint John Sam. Sherburne Esq who is now the Destrict attorney who I...
158057To Thomas Jefferson from John Lithgow, 20 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
although you never Subscribed for the “Temple of Reason” we thought proper to send it forward to you for about 2. years. the Second Vol. is nearly complete and we intend at that period to decline it— We have no claim upon you, & never intended to make any: but as we shall be considerable losers by the undertaking and are determined to fullfil our obligations that the Christians may have...
158058From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 20 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to your notice the bearer hereof, mr Olsen, minister of his Danish majesty residing here. his public and diplomatic character would of course mark him to you as an object of deserved respect and attention wheresoever he may present himself; but his personal character authorises me to assure you you will find him a person entitled to more than formal...
158059From Thomas Jefferson to Peder Blicher Olsen, 21 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to mr Olsen and incloses him a letter for the Governor of Virginia of which he prays him to be the bearer. as a traveller wishes to know what is most worth seeing at any place which he visits, Th:J. informs mr Olsen that at Richmond the objects to be seen, are the Capitol, & it’s model kept at the Governor’s house the Penitentiary, the...
158060To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Carroll Brent, 21 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now enclose you the account and copies of the Contract and Bill of particulars respecting the Jail directed at the last Session of Congress, to be built in this City. Although every effort was made to complete the Plan adopted for the Sum appropriated, it could not be done:—it was then determined to finish only certain parts of the Building, and to keep the amount for such as should be...
158061From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas C. James, 21 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A pressure of business for some days past has prevented my acknoleging the reciept of your favor of the 7th. inst. informing me that at the last annual election of officers of the American Philosophical society, they had been pleased unanimously to re-elect me their President. I beg leave through you, Sir, to express my thankfulness to the society for the reiterated proofs of their good will...
158062To Thomas Jefferson from James A. Stewart, 21 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I send you for Convinence, the Report of the Commitee of Congress, on Countervaling Dutys, on Vessells, & Raw Materials of the United States, this Paper was Printed Yesterday, and its Contents hurt my feelings very much, finding on perusial that a Dedly blow, was struck by the British and French Nations, on the Navigation of the United States. Bred a Mercht. which Occupation I have...
158063To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 22 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a modification of the navy estimates in conformity to the ideas you suggested on the subject of my letter of the 18th instt.—It is extremely desirable that before the subject shall be taken up in the house, every part should be fully agreed on between the heads of the Departments; and I wish you would return the proposed modifications with such alterations as, after conversing with...
158064Estimate of Navy Appropriations for 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Estimate of the Secretary of the Navy Proposed Specific appropriations Objects Amount of specific appropriations Vessels in commission six frigates & a schooner Vessels in ordinary seven frigates Half pay to officers General contingencies Store rent commissions, freight travelling expenses Total
158065Memorandum for Henry Dearborn, 22 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Observations on mr Hawkins’s letter of Dec. 22. 1802. Our proceedings on the subject of the deed by the Speaker of the Creeks to mrs Darant should be decisive, prompt and exemplary. if she be an Indian (which I should not expect as she is the sister of Mc.Gillivray) we cannot punish her. if she be an American citizen, the Attorney of the US. in the Missisipi territory might be instructed to...
158066From Thomas Jefferson to John Avery, 23 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
General Varnum has delivered to me your letter of Nov. 20. together with the maps which the Legislature of Massachusets has been pleased to destine for me. I pray you to deliver my respectful acknolegements to them for this mark of their attention, and to accept my thanks to yourself for the trouble you have been so good as to take, as well as assurances of my respect and consideration. PrC (...
158067To Thomas Jefferson from Peder Blicher Olsen, 23 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Not being able to leave my room I am reduced by necessity to returning you in writing my humble thanks for Your Note of yesterday and for the letter to the Governor of Virginia. The box that has been delivered, contains 12 bottles of Hungarian Wine—three large, with a piece of white tape tied round the neck are a dry wine , From upper Hungaria of very superior quality—three other large,...
158068From Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 23 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 17th. is recieved. certainly mr Harvie would have needed no advocate with me, for the appointment suggested, had such an one been to be made: but you will have seen Colo: Monroe, and learnt that as he is joined to the legations at Paris & Madrid to each of which secretaries are attached, none has been thought necessary for him. indeed it seems likely that we shall be obliged to...
158069Order on John Barnes, 23 January 1803 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Pay to the driver who carried mrs Randolph and mrs Eppes to Virginia twelve dollars for value recieved on account of Your humble servt RC ( MLexSC ); at foot of text: “Mr. John Barnes Georgetown”; endorsed by Barnes; signed by Joseph Dougherty acknowledging payment.
158070From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 23 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for mr Rembrandt Peale’s pamphlet on the Mammoth, and feeling a strong interest in his succesful exhibition of the Skeleton, shall be very happy to hear he has the great run of visitants which I expect he will have. I was struck with the notice in the papers of mr Hawkins’s physiognotrace, of the work of which you send me some specimens, which I percieve must have been taken from...
158071From Thomas Jefferson to the President of the Senate, 23 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
As the files of the Senate seem to be the proper depository for the inclosed papers, I take the liberty of handing them on to you and of assuring you of my high consideration and respect. RC ( CtY ). PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President of the Senate.” Recorded in SJL as a letter of 22 Jan. Enclosure: John Caldwell, clerk of the Delaware House of Representatives, to the President of...
158072From Thomas Jefferson to John Reich, 23 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations & thanks to mr Reich for the Masonic medal he was so kind as to send him, and which is another proof of the superior talents of mr Reich in that art. what may be the destinies of the Mint is yet unknown: but he will be very happy to see mr Reich’s skill find full emploiment either privately or publicly in the US. PrC ( ViW : Tucker-Coleman Collection);...
158073To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a copy of a letter written by me to Cap Tingey on the 21st ins—and a letter from him in reply thereto—which I have the honor respectfully to submit. I am with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir, your mo ob sr RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 24 Jan. and “Tingey....
158074From Thomas Jefferson to William Tazewell, 23 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to Doctor Tazewell for his Medical Vademecum. it has really brought the whole science of diseases & remedies within the shortest compass possible, and, not meddling with the details of the science himself, it presents exactly such a general view of every part of it, as he often wishes to take. he presents to Doctr. Tazewell his respectful salutations. PrC ( MHi...
158075From Thomas Jefferson to Dr. John Vaughan, 23 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments and thanks to Doctr Vaughan for the treatise on fever he has been so obliging as to send him, and which he shall peruse at the first leisure moment with pleasure. PrC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. treatise on fever : see Vaughan to TJ, 19 Jan.
158076To Thomas Jefferson from H. Bredaugh, 24 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson I thing that you are not acting wright about Orleans the Cittizens would certainly all love & esteam you much more If you wold only give them leave to take that place because if the French Comes there and takes possesion the will always be sparing with us but only give us leave and we will take it without the least Hesitation only think the Back Countries will become fit for...
158077To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 24 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It appears to me that a compliance with this request would amount to a fraud on the Govt. of that country to which the vessel was bound. If a Collector of Natchez is permitted to clear a vessel lying at N. Orleans as if she was sailing from Natchez, he may with equal propriety clear for London a vessel lying at Havannah giving her papers as if she had sailed from the american territory. Will...
158078From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 24 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
If we can do any thing ourselves in the case of the from the Missisipi, let us do it. but if any thing has to be done by Congress I think the merchants had better be left to get it brought forward in their own way, and leave us free to modify. it is a question of some nicety whether in the seasons when exportations are strong, we might moor a in the river opposite or near N. Orleans, and keep...
158079To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel McFetrich, 24 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
With diffidence and respect I address a gentleman far superior in rank and understanding, well knowing that the person I write to is not fond of being flattered not wanting the applause of an individual, or a few, but to prove by his actions that he is worthy of the exalted situation which the true friends of the people have placed him in. As the revilers of Republicanism, have hitherto held...
158080From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 24 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I transmit a report by the Superintendant of the city of Washington, on the affairs of the city committed to his care. by this you will percieve that the re-sales of lots prescribed by an act of the last session of Congress, did not produce a sufficiency to pay the debt to Maryland to which they were appropriated: and as it was evident that the sums necessary for the interest and instalments...
158081To Thomas Jefferson from William H. Beaumont, 25 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
During the presidency of Mr. Washington, I commenced a Newspaper in the interior of Pennsylvania—Its tendency was by no means pleasing to the adherents of his successor Mr. Adams—The persecution of such Editors as dared to profess principles hostile to their views, became general throughout the United States. I among the rest, being pointed at as a disorganiser and consequently a dangerous...
158082To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 25 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Je viens enfin de recevoir une partie de mes livres. quelques uns de ceux que vous m’aviez demandés s’y trouvent— La riviere qui est prise, ne me permettant pas de vous les expédier par eau, Je me vois forcé, pour le faire, d’attendre que la Navigation soit libre—En attendant je vous envoye les trois seuls volumes des moralistes qui me sont parvenus; il parait que cette Interessante collection...
158083From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Hanway, 25 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 23. covering an address on the subject of the suspension of our right of deposit at N. Orleans was recieved on the 8th. inst. before that event took place I had taken measures for placing our rights on that river on a more secure footing, and immediately on hearing of the suspension, we set on foot such other measures as were most likely to remove it amicably and without...
158084From Thomas Jefferson to Lewis Harvie, 25 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor on the subject of Colo. Monroe’s mission came to hand the day before yesterday. I had, that day answered P. Carr on the same subject, which doubtless he has communicated to you, and you will also in the mean time have seen Colo. Monroe. as he was joined to the missions of Paris & Madrid, to each of which a secretary was already attached, the giving none to him specially was...
158085To Thomas Jefferson from John Langdon, 26 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honor’d with your favor of the 12th. Inst with one hundred dollars inclosed for the distressed sufferers by the late fire in this Town, this sum has been enter’d on our books from a friend, your name has been omitted, agreably to your directions; I pray you Sr. to Accept of my thanks in behalf of the sufferers for this generous donation, which shall be faithfully appropriated, to the...
158086To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Leslie, 26 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 10th inst. I took the liberty of troubling you with a few observations on the proposed dry Docks, at your City, at which time I was not certain, but suspected what I supposed a considerable defect in the plan offered by Mr Latrobe. I have since been informed that my conjecture was right, which was that all the twelve ships ware to be in one Dock, which I supposed to be a great...
158087Plan of a Dry Dock (Jefferson Papers)
Discription of the Drawing A The wet Dock, B twelve dry Docks, each to contain one Ship, C the upper Lock, by which the Ships are to pass in and out of the wet Dock, F the Canel to supply the Docks with water, E a branch of it leading into the wet Dock, D two other branches which surrounds the dry Docks and by gates opening into each, any one of them can be filled without the others. The water...
158088From Thomas Jefferson to William Hill Wells, 26 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favour of The Honble. Mr. Wells . to dine with him on Friday next, the 28th. Instant at half after three, or at whatever later hour the house may rise. Wednesday January 26th. 1803. The favour of an answer is asked. RC ( PHC ); printed form, with blanks filled by Meriwether Lewis reproduced in italics; addressed by Lewis: “The Honble. Mr. Wells”; endorsed by Wells....
158089To Thomas Jefferson from Christopher Ellery, 27 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
C. Ellery has the honor to present to the President of the United States the petition of Nathaniel Ingraham —to which he begs the attention of the President—C. Ellery will be happy to furnish every information in his power, at any moment; confident that the petitioner is a real object for mercy— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 27 Jan. and “Ingraham’s petn.” For earlier correspondence...
158090Petition of Nathaniel Ingraham, 27 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The humble petition of Nathaniel Ingraham Mariner of Bristol in the County of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, Sheweth That in January in the Year of our Lord 1801, an action was brought against your Petitioner in the District Court for Rhode Island District by John W. Leonard, who sued as well for the United States as for himself, to recover certain penalties...
158091From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 27 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing is so pleasing as to find that what we have done is so exactly what is approved by the friends whose judgment we esteem. not a tittle of what you recommend has been omitted; and it has been in train from June last. one article only varies. the situation of fort Rosalie, now the Natchez, being less favorable for a fort, one of the best on the Missisipi, which happened to be very near...
158092From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Leslie, 27 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 10th. came to hand in due time. the construction of the dry dock is laid aside for the present, from a cautious prudence not to undertake new expences, till experience fully establishes the state of our finances. I had contemplated the subject a great deal without foreseeing any thing which I thought could defeat it’s effect. my curiosity therefore, as well as my concern, is...
158093Petititon of William Mattox, with Jefferson’s Order, 27 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Humble Petition of William Mattox Shewith that your Petitioner was convicted at the last Court held for the County of Washington in the district of Columbia—of Gambling for which he was fined to the amount of Fifty pounds Maryland Currency & cost. and is tharfore Committed to Jauil that your petitioner is a young Man and altho without any Family is unable to pay his fine and fees. that he...
158094From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 27 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The last post-days have slipt away from me without adverting to them till too late. I learnt by a letter from Maria that you all got home safe, after a very disagreeable journey. indeed I suffered for you in imagination beyond any thing I had long felt. I found the road, in the short distance I went with you, so much worse than I expected, that I augured a dreadful journey, and sincerely...
158095From Thomas Jefferson to John Campbell White, 27 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr White. he has read with satisfaction the plan of Doctr. Kirwan ; and does not doubt it’s excellence for the country under his contemplation, or any other, under a single sovereignty. but the complicated form of our government would not admit of it. the constitution of the US. has not given to the general government the powers over the soil, nor the...
158096To Thomas Jefferson from John Conrad Lange, 28 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Hitherto I have hoped in vain for an answer respecting my deceased uncle, the merchant Adam Lange in Charleston, South Carolina. As my circumstances oblige me to return to Europe, I have given a regular power of attorney to Mr. Caspar Semler, near the 3 mile-stone, for the further prosecution of the business. I have therefore humbly to beg your Excellency to send the ultimatum, or at least the...
158097To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 28 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Physiognotrace invented by Mr. Hawkins is made strong, because subject to be handled by all sorts of People that visit the Museum—The enclosed drawing and explanation of it, is rough, but correct—and I hope will give you a perfect Idea of all the essential parts of it. Mr. Hawkins has also contrived another Index, which is designed to give the lines of a ¾ face; the lines of the hair,...
158098Description of the Physiognotrace (Jefferson Papers)
Explanation of Mr. Jno. I. Hawkins Physiognotrace A is a board that mooves up and down in the frame B, B. which is fastened to the wall with brackets C, C,— This moovement is convenient to suit the heigth of different persons, and it is secured to its place by means of a screw on the back part,—D, is a hollowed board projecting 2½ Inches, to allow the Pentagraph to moove behind it. The person...
158099To Thomas Jefferson from Peter Carr, 29 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be presented by Mr William Brockenbrough , who is on a visit to Washington for a few weeks. A member of the Executive Council of Virginia, you will find in him, a man of real talents, and very great worth. This will be a sufficient recommendation, to your civilities and attention. Your letter of the 21st. was duely received. I communicated the contents of it to Mr. Harvie, and he...
158100To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 29 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a recommendation for the office of “Surveyor of the port of Nixinton in the district of Camden” (N.Ca.) and of “inspector of the revenue for the same port.” The office has long been vacant; but we had waited, for the meeting of Congress, for better information. Both Mr Stone and Mr Wynnes concur in approving Mr Brewer . [The] last gentleman lives not far from the [port] The corrected...