159001To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, 10 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to your desire I wrote for two pipes best wine for you & one for myself which I am in hopes agreeable to my freinds promise will be of far superior quality to any we have yet had. we have nothing new here no late arivals. the Brittish Creuze of our Coasts impress men & have as I have heard taken some Spanish vessels laden with flour from Baltimore to Havanna. wishing you health &...
159002From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Paine, 10 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. came to hand on the 8th. I shall willingly communicate to you all I know on the subject of Louisania. it is new, and therefore profitable to interchange ideas on it, that we may form correct opinions before we are to act on them. The unquestioned extent of Louisania on the sea is from the Iberville to the Mexicana river, or perhaps the high lands dividing that from the...
159003From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Fitch proposes to set out from hence for the Missisipi about the 1st. of October, and to go by Knoxville & Nashville along the post road. as there is still time enough to recieve an answer from you by post before his departure, the object of this letter is merely to ask if you have any thing to advise him of before his journey which may be useful to him either on the road or preparatory to...
159004To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here after a long & tedious journey & found the yellow fever in the city : I did not stay in it & am in the country two miles from town. I must confess that I do not see the necessity of writing the intended letter to Duane. Unforeseen circumstances may produce alterations in your present view of the subject, & if you should hereafter think proper to act on a plan somewhat different...
159005To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose copies of a letter from the collector of Charleston, and of my letters to him & to the Collector of Beaufort respecting the illegal landing of a number of Africans on the island of Beaufort. The only step which, besides what has been done, could legally be taken on that subject would be to sell one of the three small cutters employed at Wilmington N.C., Charleston,...
159006From Thomas Jefferson to David Jackson, Jr., 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments & thanks to mr Jackson for the pamphlet sent him . the [with which] he has been monarchists and ecclesiastics on the subject of religion he has ever consid ered as the most honourable testimony he could expect from them. they [acknowlege] their apprehension that he would be an obstacle to the alliance between [church] & State which some of them avowedly...
159007From Thomas Jefferson to Étienne Lemaire, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yours of the 6th. yesterday and am happy to hear of your recovery. mr Barnes had informed me of your illness. I freely consent to the absence you desire for the reestablishment of your health, & have no doubt you will make such arrangements as will keep every thing safe at the President’s house during your absence. I shall not be there myself till the 25th. of September, unless any...
159008From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Wagner, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 29th. ult. I recieved from mr Madison a petition on behalf of Saml. Miller under sentence of death and a pardon ready drawn, which I signed and returned on the 31st. with a request that before it should be used the recommendation of the judges should be obtained. that I recieved yesterday, & now re-inclose to be filed. I take for granted the pardon got to hand and has been delivered....
159009From Thomas Jefferson to John Breckinridge, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter, tho’ directed to you, was intended to me also, was left open with a request that, when perused, I would forward it to you. it gives me occasion to write a word to you on the subject of Louisiana, which being a new one, an interchange of sentiment may produce correct ideas before we are to act on them. our information as to the country is very incompleat: we have taken...
159010To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have only time by this days mail, to acknowledge the Receipt of your agreeable favors of the 17th and 18th of July, and to add, that I will with all possible dispatch, give you all the Information I can acquire, in relation to the Province of Louisiana. I pray you Sir, to receive my sincere congratulations on the success of Mr. Monroe’s mission;—The Island of Orleans and the extensive...
159011To Thomas Jefferson from Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Vos recherches su l’éléphant à dents molaires protuberantes, du voisinage de lhoio, ainsi que Celles sur le megalonix , m’ont fourni des objets Comparatifs trés instructifs, sur les restes fossiles des mêmes animaux qu’on trouve sur divers points du globe. J’ai reuni dans un essai de geologie , les materiaux les plus importants a Ce sujet, pour servir de Base a une theorie de la terre; j’ose...
159012To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fay, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed to you by my Father in Law Mr. Broome, with whom I believe you were some time since acquainted in France, he is on his way to pay his respects to the President of the United States, his object is to solicit the appointment of Collector for the Port of New Haven, which has become Vacant by the Death of Mr. Bishop. My connection with Mr. Broome by the Mariage of his daughter...
159013To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fay, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Refering you to my letter of this day to be handed you by Mr. Broome, permit me to add my Congratulations on the most important Events of the Nation; the late fortunate Treaty with France in obtaining the complete Cession of Louisiana goes far towards silencing the opposition to the present Administration. Rely upon it my Dear Sir, that you stand on very high Ground in the hearts of the great...
159014To Thomas Jefferson from David Gelston, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letter was this day handed to me by Capt. Blagge. I observe by the bill of lading, “no freight to be paid by desire of the captain”— I shall direct the chest to be lodged in the Custom House, and the duties, and charges to be paid—and presuming it will be your wish to receive it at the City of Washington, I shall ship it in the first Vessel bound from this Port, to Alexandria or...
159015From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to send me by the first boat 4. bottles of Hamilton’s elixir , which is I presume to be bought in Richmond? the cask of oil was found, as you conjectured, in mr Higginbotham’s cellar. all the other articles arrived safe & soon after the date of my letter. I am now expecting to arrive with you, for forwarding, 4. cases of wine, some bar iron , & some boxes of window glass...
159016From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 13 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a petition from Aaron Goff of Vermont praying the release of his son under age. the fact of infancy being established, the discharge becomes a matter of right. I have the pleasure to inform you that William Clarke accepts with great glee the office of going with Capt Lewis up the Missouri. in the moment of my departure from Washington mrs Madison informed me you had a thought...
159017To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 13 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day received your favour of the 8th instt. My knowledge of the duties required from a neutral on the particular point in question is not sufficient to throw any light on the subject. It is important to confer any thing in the shape of an obligation on the first consul; it is much more important to commit no act which may justly be considered as a breach of neutrality; for, from...
159018From Thomas Jefferson to Aaron Goff, 13 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your petition praying for the discharge of your son Jehiel Goff from military service on the ground of his being under age; and have forwarded it to the Secretary at war to have the fact enquired into, and to order a discharge if found true. I think it proper to inform you also, that the discharge in such a case does not rest on the will of the military alone, but that on your...
159019From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 13 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday the inclosed letter & papers from Governor Mercer, requesting my approbation of the relinquishment of a part of their claim to bank stock in England in order to obtain the residue. this it seems is required by an act of the legislature of Maryland, but with what view, or to what end I am unapprised, never having seen the act. it cannot certainly be with a view to raise any...
159020To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 13 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My arrival here was delayed till monday evening last; first by the completion of the business depending at Washington, and then by the breaking down of my carriage just after I had set out which detained me three days. I found at the post office your letter covering the pardon for miller, which was forwarded by the ensuing mail, with the intimation to Wagner which you wished. Yesterday I had...
159021From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel D’Oyley, 14 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 25. found me at this place, where I habitually pass the two months of August & September, to avoid the bilious diseases then prevailing on the tidewaters. I thank you for the pamphlet it covered, and which breathes the genuine sentiments which separated us from Great Britain. I lament that so many of the worthies of your state, who went well with us through the revolution,...
159022From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund J. Lee, Cuthbert Powell, and Archibald McClean, 14 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival here I recieved from the person I had employed for that purpose, copies of the acts respecting the town of Alexandria, which had been selected from my collection of the printed laws. although I have not had time to examine & compare them myself, the correctness of the transcriber on former occasions gives me entire confidence that these are correct. I now inclose them, & beg...
159023From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 14 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 2d. inst. has been duly recieved. I have altogether declined my journey to Bedford, and therefore am in no danger of being absent when yourself & family shall render us the kindness of a visit. as all roads appear bad to the traveller, and he is liable to be ill-advised in the choice of them, I take the liberty, on my own knolege of the routes from Richmond here, as well as on the...
159024From Thomas Jefferson to John Vaughan, 14 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken in procuring a copy of Dr. Priestley’s harmony, yet fear at the same time we may have disfurnished him of the one retained for his own use. I expect that mr John Barnes of George town is at this time at Philadelphia at mr Bissel’s 19. South 3d. street. if he is he will take charge of the book and bring it with him to Washington. if not...
159025To Thomas Jefferson from James Bankhead, 15 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
This opportunity by Mr. Jos. Monroe, enables me to make a request, so early, that no other can have anticipated me in it; which may secure what I request should there be no other considerations—I have presumed, from report and other circumstances, that Mr. James Monroe will continue in Europe as resident Embassador, and should I be correct in the presumption, it is my ardent wish, to be placed...
159026To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Corny, 15 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
M. Wilks de new yorck s’est charge en fevrier dune lettre pr vous mon cher monsieur, je vous y comptois une lamentable histoire, celle d une chutte affreuse il y aura un an demain et je ne puis encor ni monter ni descendre lescalier ni croiser ma jambe ni me chausser. chacun de ces mouvements me donne une douleur vive. la marche seul gagne chaque jour et aussi la boiterie qui diminue...
159027To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 15 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Foncin retourne dans Votre Pays, et je suis très jaloux de son sort. Il va vous redemander du service; et j’espere que vous lui en accorderez de nouveau, parcequ’il est très bon homme et très bon Officier, dans un genre qui est une Science et qui par conséquent demande à être cultivé pour sa défense propre, chez la Nation même la plus pacifique. Il a vu nos mœurs nouvelles et il n’a pu s’y...
159028To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 15 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The above was delivered by Mr Broome the brother of him who was the republican Candidate for member of congress for the city last year. He has resided these twenty years in New Haven & its vicinity & is recommended by Mr Osgood . With respect & attachment Your obedt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 22 Aug. from the Treasury Department and “Broome Saml. to be collector Newhaven v....
159029To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Bishop, 16 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 7. instant my respected father, the late Collector of this district, deceased, by which event the duties of his office have devolved on me as his deputy. Sickness in the family, which has terminated the life of my only brother and threatened that of my only child , has delayed for a few days my giving notice of the Vacancy in this district. I am desirous of being appointed to succeed my...
159030From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 13th. came to hand yesterday. I now return Paine’s Duane’s, Lear’s, Simpson’s & Toulman’s letters, and the two protests on impressment by a British and a French armed vessel. I am glad of the latter, as it will serve as a set-off against French complaints on the British trespasses on us. but the former is an afflicting subject. with every disposition to render them all...
159031From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 16 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson salutes mr Smith and incloses him a letter from a mr Nichols of Massachusets desiring to be a midshipman, of whom he knows nothing but what is contained in the letter. health & happiness. PrC ( DLC ). Enclosure: John H. Nichols to TJ, 8 Aug. 1803 (recorded in SJL as received from Charlestown on 15 Aug. with notation “to be Midshipman,” but not found).
159032From Thomas Jefferson to John Breckinridge, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 12th. inst. on the subject of Louisiana, and the constitutional provision which might be necessary for it. a letter recieved yesterday shews that nothing must be said on that subject which may give a pretext for retracting; but that we should do sub silentio what shall be found necessary. be so good therefore as to consider that part of my letter as confidential. it...
159033To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of Paying you my Respects on the 31st. May & 12th. July ulto.—I hope the Provisions I sent you, will now soon reach you;—I will not forgett, before next winter & by the first opportunity, of Sending you an other Invoice for what you are still in want of; I have now the honor of advising you, that at Lenght, I have duly Received my Exequatur, signed by the First Consul, at...
159034To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Clark, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving this day your Letter of the 17th. July, to which I shall pay the strictest attention, and without waiting till the whole List of Queries proposed can be answered, shall by each successive Post forward such information as it is possible to procure, in obtaining which I rely greatly on the friendly dispositions of the Officers of the Spanish Government. I have by...
159035From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 8th. inst. yesterday I recieved your two favors of the 11th. there ought to be no further hesitation with E. Livingston. the importation of negroes from the French islands ought to be vigorously withstood: but I think we should not tread back our steps as to the reduction of the size of our revenue cutters on bare supposition that they will be resisted. when such a...
159036To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Messrs. Dickson & Jackson do not agree on the proper person to fill the office of Marshal for West Tenessee . A court will be held on the fourth Monday of November, at which time it is desirable that a new Marshal might act, as Mr Hays has given fresh proofs of unfitness by drawing again on me for one thousand dollars more than was due to him. I do not like, on that account, to remit to him...
159037To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Henley, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am inspired by God; Almighty; I am now at Mr William Burks ;—in Marys Ville; I am taking a large quantity of Arsneck daily. it is in your power to releve me from my Situation the United States will be all ruined, if they do not desist—from such wicked practices, it is in your power to Order me to the General Government; when that takes place I am ready to obey your Commands. should you Hang...
159038From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you two letters from Rob. R. Livingston. that of the 2d of June is just intelligible enough in the uncyphered parts to create anxieties which perhaps the cypher may remove. I communicate them for your information, & shall be glad to recieve them decyphered. I infer that the less we say about constitutional difficulties respecting Louisiana the better, and that what is necessary for...
159039To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recd yours of the 13. covering the papers from Govr. Mercer. The act of Maryland is I believe in the Office of State, having been sent thither by the Govr. after his return to Annapolis. The object of it in requiring the sanction of the President to the measures of the Ex. of the State, was I believe, to prevent an interference with national measures, as well as to be a check in...
159040To Thomas Jefferson from François Navoni, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Cagliari, Sardinia, 18 Aug. 1803. Navoni tells TJ that he has sent him several letters, the last one dated 3 (i.e. 5) June, asking for a commission as consul general of the United States in Sardinia, but has not received any response. He reminds TJ of his long-standing assistance to the U.S. Navy and his numerous activities with the chamber of commerce. He was overjoyed to hear that Commodore...
159041From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Paine, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 10th. inst. I wrote you on the subject of Louisiana, and mentioned the question of a supplement to the constitution on that account. a letter recieved yesterday renders it prudent to say nothing on that subject, but to do sub silentio what shall be found necessary. that part of my letter therefore be so good as to consider as confidential. Accept my friendly salutations & assurances of...
159042To Thomas Jefferson from Felix Pascalis, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I Venture with diffidence to offer a few observations on the Subject of Louisiana; and I hope that your Excellency will forgive the liberty I take, on accout of the free access with which our fellow-Citizens may be permitted to adress their first Magistrate. The territory of Louisiana was never well explored during the Successive dominion of the French and of The Spaniards.— Dupratz , in 1774,...
159043To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon my return to Balt. last Evening I found your favor of the 8th. and hence it is that I have not had the honor of answering it sooner. The two schooners equipped at this place have sailed some days since. The frigate Philadelphia left the Capes of Delaware on the 27h. of last month. The other frigate the Constitution, according to the information that has been conveyed to me, ought to have...
159044To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Baptiste Ternant, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to join some of your old friends, in an earnest recomendation of Col: foncin already known to you by his recent services in America.—Considerations relative to the actual State of things in france, and an enlightened partiality to the constitutions of the united States, having induced him to prefer the latter to the former, for his permanent residence, he is now going back, with a...
159045To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Wolcott, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Office of Collector of the district of New Having being, by the death of Mr Bishop, now vacant, I take the liberty of expressing my opinion that the appointment of his son Abraham Bishop to the office, would be as gratifying, I believe more so, to the people of this state, than the appointment of any other man. I am with perfect respect Sir your Obedt. Servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); in...
159046To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Doctor Lattimore , having it in contemplation to pass thro’ Albermarle, on his way to the Seat of Government, I have taken the liberty to introduce him to your Acquaintance;—You will find the Doctor a well informed, modest man—his political principles are purely republican, and his firmness may be relied upon.— I will refer you to Doctor Lattimore for the State of Affairs in this...
159047To Thomas Jefferson from William Dunbar, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of receiving yours of the 17th & 18th. July . I rejoice exceedingly at the confirmation of the highly important intelligence of the Cession of Louisiana. This Event will form a grand Era in the annals of the U.S: After the attainment of Independence, all other incidents recorded in our history dwindle into nothing, in the presense of an object of such magnitude & so highly...
159048From Thomas Jefferson to David Gelston, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 12th. and thank you for your attention to the wine & nuts, as well as your purpose of forwarding them on to Washington which is exactly what I wish. being a stranger to the ceremonies requisite from the owner on an importation, I shall be ready to comply with all requisite formalities on your being so good as to inform me what they are, as also to have...
159049From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Cathalan of Marseilles has shipped for me by the ship Fair American of Bath, Capt Spear, bound to Boston, 10. packages, cost there 667. francs, and containing olive oil, olives, capers, dried & preserved fruits & nuts. as I could not foresee to what port of America he might find a conveyance, I desired him to address them to the Collector of the customs of whatever port the ship might be...
159050From Thomas Jefferson to James Mease, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 9th. and proceed to answer the two enquiries made in it on the subject of the Mould board. the 1st. indeed as to the modifications of the simpler form of mould board, is answered in the passage of the Philos. transactions where they are mentioned. these modifications are there described, & the reasons are stated which render them necessary. as to the 2d....