158651To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Tiffin, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a certified copy of some Resolutions which passed the General Assembly of this State, and which I have been requested to forward to you. with due respect I have the honor to be Sir your obt Servt RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 10 May and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Resolutions of the Ohio General...
158652From Thomas Jefferson to Louis Philippe Gallot de Lormerie, 16 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to M. de Lormerie, and regrets that it is not in his power to accept the proposals he is so kind as to make him on the subject of his tapestry. circumstances in his own situation render it neither prudent nor practicable on his own private account, nor has he any authority to do it for the public. he is in hopes some of the rich persons in & near the...
158653To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Coffin, 17 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty to Address a few Lines to you to enquire after your welfare I had the Honour to be Introduced to your Excellency last February by my Friend Doctor Logan when I was at the City of Washington with a Petition to Congress from our Town; I have been again Elected a Senator in our State Legislature for this County—My Friend Matthew Barney one of the Society Called Quakers a...
158654To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, on or before 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Supposing the Muse requested to be informed, of the Presidents Birth day—Would She not justly be Spurned at, for obtruding Herself—On the other hand, the muse will be concious she merited such treatment, And will not dare to think hard—but still, While you protect her Liberty, will determine to be greatfull—application was made at the office of the aurora for the above, and a very polite...
158655To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days ago I received a letter from Mr. John Vaughan from which the following is an extract, “I am desired by a person in the District of Maine Kennebeck River, to enquire as soon as may be of Mr. Ellicott the cost of a Box , with the sextant , and portable horizon , and a place for an Arnold watch , (such as Mr. Ellicott describes in the 5th. Vol. of the Phil: Trants.,) we have the Watch,...
158656Remarks on Observations with a Sextant, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By a practice of more than twenty years, I have constantly found water preferable to any other fluid for an artificial, or portable horizon.—The reflection of the Sun from the water it is true, will be fainter than that from the specula, unless the Telescope of the Sextant be directed nearly off the foliated part of the horizon speculum.—This direction can be easily given to it, by a screw for...
158657To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I found on my return home after an absence of several weeks, that your quarterly account had not as usual been forwarded. You will now find it inclosed, observing a balance in favor of G. & J. of £29.16.6 The amount which you had directed to be paid to Moran, had been paid to his order a few days previous to the receipt of your letter giving information of the error in his account. it was paid...
158658From Thomas Jefferson to João, Prince Regent of Portugal, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 26. of October last in which your Royal Highness has been pleased to communicate to me, that the Princess of Brazil, your much loved Spouse, had that day happily increased your Royal Family by the birth of a Son. Participating in all the events which may increase your happiness, we offer you on this joyous occasion our sincere congratulations, and we pray you...
158659To Thomas Jefferson from John Millar, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In the year 1797 having occasion to investigate the means of subuing and preventing Contagious Fevers , that which had proved so fatal to the Citizens of Philadelphia, became of course, a subject of consideration. The Book was sent to Dr Rush by Mr Perry and I have observed that he had in some subsequent publications retracted some opinions he formerly held on that subject, and with great...
158660Preparations to Negotiate an Alliance with Great Britain: Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
On 8 Apr., the president posed a question to the four heads of departments and the attorney general: was it time to make “overtures to England” to ensure American access to the Mississippi River waterway? The French government had not given Robert R. Livingston assurance that the 1795 treaty between the United States and Spain—particularly those sections that pertained to American commerce...
158661I. Commission for Minister Plenipotentiary to Great Britain, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To Greeting: Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in Your Integrity, Prudence and Ability I have appointed you the said Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States of America at the Court of His Britannic Majesty, authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office do...
158662II. To George III, King of Great Britain, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made choice of one of our distinguished citizens to reside near your Majesty, in the quality of Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America. He is well informed of the relative interests of the two Countries, and of our sincere desire to cultivate and strengthen the friendship and good correspondence between us; and from a knowledge of his fidelity, probity and good...
158663III. To Napoleon Bonaparte, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Circumstances rendering it expedient that Robert R. Livingston who has for some time past resided with you as our Minister Plenipotentiary should be in a situation to render other services to his Country, we have authorized him to take his leave of you, embracing that occasion to assure you of our friendship and sincere desire to preserve and strengthen the harmony and good understanding...
158664IV. Commission for Minister Plenipotentiary to France, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To Greeting: Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in Your Integrity, Prudence and Ability I have appointed you the said Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of France, authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office do appertain, or as...
158665V. To Napoleon Bonaparte, 19 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made choice of one of our distinguished Citizens, to reside near the French Republic in quality of Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America. He is well apprized of the friendship which we bear to your Republic, and of our desire to cultivate the harmony and good correspondence so happily subsisting between us. From a knowledge of his fidelity, probity and good...
158666VI. To Charlotte, Queen of Great Britain, 20 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have named Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to your Royal consort. My knowledge of his good qualities gives me full confidence that he will so conduct himself, as to merit your esteem. I pray therefore, that you yield entire credence to the assurances, which he will bear to you of our friendship; and that God may always have you, Madam, our Good friend, in his...
158667To Thomas Jefferson from Hugh Williamson, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Some days ago a gentleman from Rhode Island Mr Forster who was making some enquiries concerning Florida told me that he had heard you speaking to a gentleman from New Orleans concerning the prospects of making the Iberville navigable. As the navigation of our western waters is become an object of great concern to every man who has the entiriety & prosperity of the United States at heart I deem...
158668From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Dowse, 19 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now return the sermon you were so kind as to inclose me , having perused it with attention. the reprinting it by me, as you have proposed, would very readily be ascribed to hypocritical affectation, by those who, when they cannot blame our acts, have recourse to the expedient of imputing them to bad motives. this is a resource which can never fail them; because there is no act, however...
158669To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin H. Latrobe, 19 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to save the postage of the enclosed packet, containing the drawings & sections of the foundation Walls of the S. Wing of the Capitol,—I have taken the liberty of addressing it to you, and if there be no impropriety in my giving you the trouble I should beg leave to send further packets by the same means, as most of them will be very heavy.— As soon as I can move my family I shall...
158670From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 19 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the Attorney general’s opinion on so much of the act concerning the city of Washington as relates to the monies allowed to it’s officers. you will percieve that he thinks the appropriation for yourself the only one limited to a particular period of time, viz from July 1. 1802. to Dec. 31. 1803 that the time for which the other appropriations are made is undefined, and the monies...
158671To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 19 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
At last I have received Letters from my Sons in London—their neglect of writing, as I expected, was in part caused by an unwillingness to give me uneasiness at their want of success in their exhibition —but having lowered the price of 2/6 to one shilling for each Visitor, their income is greatly increased; nearly tribled, and some Gentleman who had visited their Room twice since the date of...
158672Petition from Citizens of Portland, Maine, before 20 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The subscribers, citizens of the town of Portland in the District of Maine, respectfully represent, That they have understood from unquestionable authority that Nathaniel F. Fosdick Esqr. late Collector of the United States for the District of Portland & Falmouth, has been removed from office:—that there has been such a mistake in the name of the person who was probably intended to be the...
158673From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 20 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The writer of the inclosed letter, James Dinsmore, is an excellent young man from Philadelphia, who has lived in my family as a housejoiner 5. or 6. years. I have great confidence in his recommendations making due allowance for the connection in this case. of his brother John Dinsmore I know nothing. but as he resides near the Natchez, should you have occasion for him, you can learn his...
158674To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 20 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 25th. Ultimo , together with a Report of a Committee of Congress, which accompanyed it . So far as may depend upon my Agency, no exertions shall be wanting to carry into effect in this Territory, the Militia System adopted by the National Legislature, “and in a manner the best calculated to insure such a degree of military discipline...
158675To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 20 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
With a view to forward as much as possible the preparations which must necessarily be made in the Western country previous to my final departure, as also to prevent the delay, which would attatch to their being made after my arrival in that quarter, I have taken the following measures, which I hope will meet your approbation; they appear to me to be as complete as my present view of the...
158676To Thomas Jefferson from Pierce Butler, 21 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter must plead my apology for troubling you—I know Mr. Fitzpatrick to be a good, and prudent Man, who may be made useful in a Young Country—He is possessed of good property— I have the honor to be with great Consideration Yr Most Obedt RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received 3 June and “Fitzpatrick Thos. to office in Missipi” and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure not...
158677From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 21 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The act of Congress 1789. c. 9. assumes on the General government the maintenance & repair of all lighthouses, beacons, buoys & public piers then existing, and provides for the building a new lighthouse . this was done under the authority given by the constitution ‘to regulate commerce,’ was contested at the time as not within the meaning of these terms, & yielded to only on the urgent...
158678From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, 21 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In some of the delightful conversations with you, in the evenings of 1798. 99. which served as an Anodyne to the afflictions of the crisis through which our country was then labouring, the Christian religion was sometimes our topic: and I then promised you that, one day or other, I would give you my views of it. they are the result of a life of enquiry & reflection, and very different from...
158679Doctrines of Jesus Compared with Others, 21 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Syllabus of an Estimate of the merit of the doctrines of Jesus, compared with those of others. In a comparative view of the Ethics of the enlightened nations of antiquity, of the Jews, and of Jesus, no notice should be taken of the corruptions of reason, among the antients, to wit, the idolatry & superstition of their vulgar, Nor of the corruptions of Christianity by the over learned among...
158680From Thomas Jefferson to DeWitt Clinton, 22 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 12th. was recieved in due time, and I had immediately a consultation with mr G . on the subject. he explained to me the circumstances, with which I had only been partially acquainted before, and as he shewed every disposition for indulgence which his position would admit, I engaged him to write to you, as he could better explain his views of the case than I could. to that then I...
158681From Thomas Jefferson to Hammuda Pasha, Bey of Tunis, 22 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Eaton, who has resided at Tunis for some time past, in the character of our Consul, having requested leave to return home to visit his family and to attend to his affairs, I have yielded to his request and appointed Mr. James Leander Cathcart to fill the vacancy which will be left. Mr Cathcart, who possesses such good qualities, as I hope will recommend him to your notice and esteem, is...
158682From Thomas Jefferson to Lewis Harvie, 22 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my return to this place I have been in the daily expectation that the stage of the day would bring back Capt Lewis, and that then within a few days he would set out on his Missisipi expedition. it was only the day before yesterday I learned that he had been detained at Harper’s ferry a month instead of a week, and that he is probably but about this time arriving at Philadelphia, where...
158683From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 22 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 14th. is recieved, and every thing you have done in the affair therein mentioned meets my approbation & thanks. I reserve details until I can see you. the offices filled & to be filled under the Missisipi law, are a Register for the Eastern & another for the Western district at 500. D. a year. a Reciever of public monies for each district. two Commissioners for each district at...
158684From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn and Levi Lincoln, 23 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A promise to a friend sometime ago, executed but lately, has placed my religious creed on paper. I am desirous it should be perused by three or four particular friends , with whom tho’ I never desired to make a mystery of it, yet no occasion has happened to occur of explaining it to them. it is communicated for their personal satisfaction, & to enable them to judge of the truth or falsehood of...
158685To Thomas Jefferson from John Goddard, 23 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In obedience to your pleasure made known to me a short time since by Mr Cutts of the US. Legislature, I beg leave to observe, that the address communicated through him recommending Mr Steele as a candidate for the office of district Judge for this district was dictated, as I believe by no other motive than a sincere regard for the republican cause, the honor of your administration & the...
158686From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin H. Latrobe, 23 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter for mr Lenthall was recieved last night & will be delivered this morning. thinking the demolition did not go on with spirit enough I sent for him 2. days ago. he assures me the foundation will be down this week, and the rebuilding begin on Monday. from that day to the end of September, by which time the stone work to the top of the basement should be compleat, we have 23. weeks. I...
158687From Thomas Jefferson to Meriwether Lewis, 23 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been able to hear any thing of you since Mar. 7. till two or three days ago, Lieutt. Wilson told me you would leave Frederic the 18th. inst. & that you had been detained till then at Harper’s ferry, where Capt Murray also told me he had seen you. I have no doubt you have used every possible exertion to get off, and therefore we have only to lament what cannot be helped, as the delay...
158688To Thomas Jefferson from John F. Mercer, 23 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been frequently flatterd with the expectation of seeing you at Annapolis or West River, & I had as frequently indulged the hope of paying my respects to you at the City—circumstances not under my controul have hitherto prevented my gratifying my own wishes on this subject.— On my way to Virginia I hope to see you in Washington on the 28th. when I may offer you what I believe is...
158689From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, 23 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly letter of Mar. 12. was recieved in due time and with a due sense of it’s value. I shall with confidence avail myself of it’s general prescription, and of the special should the state of my health alter for the worse. at present it wears a promising aspect. At length I send you a letter, long due, and even now but a sketch of what I wished to make it. but your candour will find my...
158690From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Harrison Smith and Margaret Bayard Smith, 23 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favour of mr and mrs Smith —to dine with him on Tuesday next (26th.) —at half after three, and any friends who may be with them . Apr. 23. 1803: The favour of an answer is asked. RC ( DLC : J. Henley Smith Papers); printed form, with blanks filled by TJ reproduced in italics; addressed by TJ: “Mr. Samuel H. Smith”; endorsed by Smith.
158691From Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 24 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 14th. came to hand last night, and I am glad it was written before mine of the 13th. could have been recieved, because that might have delayed the expression of your convenience. the 400. D. shall be remitted to G. Jefferson the first week in May for you. I remit it there because it appears that the conveyance by post between that place & you is too tardy & unsafe to be relied...
158692From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 24 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to procure from old mr Collins or any other faithful seedsman 1. gallon of earliest Frame peas and 2. gallons of Dwarf marrow fats and send them addressed to Gabriel Lilly at Monticello. I have recd yours of the 18th. informing me that you have sent on 9. doz. hams. on conferring with my steward I find he has now on hand 4. doz. which with the 9. doz. coming on he thinks...
158693To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 24 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been gratified by the reading of the abstract of those Ethical and religious doctrines, which by peculiar indulgence have been submitted to my perusal . Accept, Sir, of my sincere thanks, for this token of confidence & attention, to me so personally pleasing & flattering. It was impossible, from the examination to repress the wish of having a copy of the valuable compendium. Supposing...
158694From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Priestley, 24 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heard that you have left Philadelphia, and altho’ it was not said for what place, yet I presume for Northumberland, and consequently that we are not to have the pleasure of seeing you here. I am almost persuaded that were you to try the difference between 41.° and 38.° of latitude you would find the genial effects of the latter towards that happiness which arises from sensation, and...
158695From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel J. Cabell, 25 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have have been instrumental Randolph my son in law, with you, . I assure you on my honour it is without foundation. the first idea I ever had of his offering himself was on my arrival at his house the 11th. of March, when he had already been acting some days in it, & when probably it was known to yourself, and the only conversation I ever had with him on the subject was one in which I...
158696To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 25 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to propose John Livingston for the appointment of 2d. Lieut. in the Corp’s of Artillerists, to take rank as such from and after the 30th. day of the present month. Accept Sir, the assurances &c. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 107, LSP ). john livingston was among the military nominations TJ sent to the Senate in his message of 18 Nov. 1803. For his earlier appointment as a cadet, see...
158697From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 25 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A promise made to a friend some years ago, but executed only lately, has placed my religious creed on paper. I have thought it just that my family, by possessing this, should be enabled to estimate the libels published against me on this, as on every other possible subject. I have written to Philadelphia for Dr. Priestley’s history of the corruptions of Christianity , which I will send you, &...
158698To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 25 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter , my dear and much respected Friend, was handed to me at Richmond, after 9 O’Clock at night, at the instant of my return from my sad visit to my dying Brother. I should have acknowledged the receipt of it on the following Morning, had I not been so much indisposed, by taking cold in walking the night of my Journey over much of wet bad roads, to be scarcely able to perform the...
158699From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 25 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A promise made to a friend some years ago, but executed only lately, has placed my religious creed on paper. I have thought it just that my family, by possessing this, should be enabled to estimate the libels published against me on this, as on every other possible subject. I have written to Philadelphia for Doctr. Priestley’s history of the corruptions of Christianity, which I will send you,...
158700To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Turner, 25 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received from the Comptroller of the Treasury two Commissions with your signature annexed to each, conferring on me the office of Collector of the Customs, & Inspector of the Revenue for the District of Brunswick. Permit me, Sir, to assure you that I shall exert myself not to disappoint the confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me; that I am happy in the opportunity which...