159051To Thomas Jefferson from David Austin, 20 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very civil method of receiving former communications induces me to address the President once more: not so much in view of a commission to go abrod, as in view of liberty to serve the public at home.— But before I open exactly my object, I beg leave to interpret to the President my former views by present events.—I foresaw that another convulsion was to arise in Europe unless the tempest...
159052To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 20 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my last , I have received the enclosed: although I presume that application supported by proper recommendations has been made to you, I send Mr Granger’s letter which was not personally delivered on account of sickness in his family. Great apprehension is entertained at Philadelphia that John Leib the lawyer should be appointed Clay’s successor as one of the board of...
159053To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 16th. with the accompanying papers. The communications &c. recd. since my last are enclosed. The letters from Paris are important, but I do not see in them the Wish of the F. Govt. to retract the bargain with our Ministers, so much as an anxiety to secure its execution agst. the intrusions of G.B. and to feel thro’ their pulse, whether we were or were likely to be in...
159054From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Wagner, 20 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Wagner and will be obliged to him to have put into the National Intelligencer an advertisement for the purpose of obtaining the information desired in the inclosed letter. he supposes no names need be mentioned but that of Francis Serraire & his father, and that the request may be to give the information to the department of state. RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
159055To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 21 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 18. with inclosures has been recd. I must write to Wagner for Livingston’s Cypher, before I can return the letter from him. I have with me Monroe’s Cypher only. The letters sent you by last mail from those Ministers probably contain the information in cyphered passages of the letter in my hands. The subject of Duane’s letter being somewhat delicate & important, under several...
159056To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Willson, 21 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with surprise that I observe the friends of Government destitute of a Coffee House or Hotel to assemble at, on Capitol Hill, at a period when the opposite party are supporting the only House with energy & spirit. I have formed the plan of opening a National Coffee House and Hotel, on the Hill for the entertainment of the Republican friends, and my finances having continued totally...
159057Proposal for a National Coffee House, 22 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Subscriber observing with surprise the want of a House of entertainment on Capitol Hill, for the reception and deliberation of the friends of administration, at a period when the only House is supported by the Minority with energy and Spirit, he proposes opening the National Coffee House & Hotel on Capitol Hill, to be in readiness on the day Congress Shall convene, and being inadequate to...
159058To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 22 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the death of the late Collector of the district of New Haven, Samuel Bishop Esquire being Announced, my friends there, advised me to apply for An Appointment to fill the Vacancy, in consequence Whereof, I waited on several of my friends in New York Vizt. Samuel Osgood, DeWitt Clinton, John Broome, Daniel Phœnix, Joseph Fay &C. all of whom knowing my standing in New Haven, recommended it to...
159059To Thomas Jefferson from Nicholas Fitzhugh, 22 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr John Thompson Mason informed me that on hearing of Mr Marshals intended resignation as assistant Judge of the District of Columbia he had nominated me by a Letter as a proper Successor—presuming it would be agreable to me to live in Alexandria The difficulties I have experienced in procuring Teachers for my Children render it proper for me to settle in some Town and I know of none where so...
159060To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 22 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having heretofore transmitted for your consideration several communications respecting certain infractions of the Act of Congress of last session & of the State laws which forbid the importation of Slaves, I now do myself the honor of enclosing a letter from the collector of Charleston & copies of a correspondence between him & the collector of Beaufort on the same subject. I have the honor to...
159061From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of Aug. 13. and 15. were recieved yesterday. the appointment of a successor to Samuel Bishop must await our re-assembling at Washington. I inclose you the late letters of Livingston & Monroe, for consideration, & to be returned to me when perused. you will find that the French government, dissatisfied perhaps with their late bargain with us, will be glad of a pretext to declare...
159062From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from mr Simpson to mr Madison shewing very clearly that our plan of having the gun carriages for the Emperor of Marocco made in Europe, cannot take place. to cut short all further delay on this subject, I think we must furnish them from hence. you observe they must be of the very best & fitted for land service. if we have such, really good, tho’ wanting for our own...
159063To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
During the late War between England & France—England levied a Convoy Duty of ½ ⅌C: on Goods exported from G.B. to any Port in Europe & One ⅌C: to all other Countries—for which difference there was some pretext—Neutrals as well as National Ships were Charged therewith—On the Peace this Convoy Duty was Changed to a Duty on Export, and the U.S. were thus subjected to double the Duty paid by other...
159064To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Austin, Jr., 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledge with the greatest pleasure your polite Letter of the 18th July. On a subject so important, intelligence from such a source is greatly satisfactory.—I would not Sir presume to expect a Correspondence too highly flattering, but under existing circumstances, I feel myself under Obligations for your friendly notice.— The political controversy I expect will increase in its violence...
159065To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My Letter of the 12th Instant, acknowledged the receipt of your agreeable favours of the 17th & 18th of July;—Since which I have turned my attention, to the several subjects embraced in Queries relative to Louisiana, and I now lay before you, the result of my inquiries and reflections— 1st. What are the best Maps general or particular of the whole or parts of the Province? Copies of them if to...
159066From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favors of the 18th. & 20th. were recieved on the 21st. the letters of Livingston & Monroe are sent to mr Gallatin as you proposed. that of Simpson to mr Smith for the purpose of execution. all of them will be returned. Thornton’s, Clarke’s, Charles Pinckney’s, Graham’s, Appleton’s, Davis’s, Mitchell’s, Newton’s, & Derieux’ letters are now inclosed. with respect to the impressment of...
159067From Thomas Jefferson to John F. Mercer, 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of the 6th. inst: I forwarded that to mr Pinckney with the papers accompanying it to the Secretary of state who has, with my sanction, written to mr Pinckney to conform to your wish and forwarded your letter & papers to him. Accept my friendly salutations and assurances of my high consideration & respect. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Govr. Mercer.” i forwarded :...
159068To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your truely friendly Letter & was determined to set out yesterday, following the directions therein: but Mrs. Page could not be prepared for the Journey ’til to-day; & unfortunately early this morning a Diarhea attacked me so smartly, that I fear I shall not be able to venture out til to-morrow or next day; nor even then, unless it should go off as happily as two similar cases did....
159069To Thomas Jefferson from Craven Peyton, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Johnson who tends your lower feald in corn this year, was to see me for the purpose of putting all the feald in wheat & to pay one fourth. the land is much exausted. & on a supposition it woud meet your approbation, I toald him that I expected he might undar certain restrictions, the kind of wheat & the time of seeding woud be requird. Sheckle who occupies your uppar feald I think ought not to...
159070From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your servant finds me just mounting my horse on a call to mr Lilly’s. I have only time therefore to say I must leave the renting &c to yourself entirely, only guarding against repetitions of corn planting so as to injure the fields. I am sorry I have not 10. D. by me. I depend on exchanges with the sheriffs, who collect little. Accept my best wishes. RC ( MA ). Not recorded in SJL .
159071To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fay, 25 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Broome having defered his Visit to your Excellency until your return to the seat of Government, has requested me to forward the enclosed to aid the other documents which he has already transmitted. I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Very Humble Servant RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received 31 Aug. and “Broome Saml. to be Collector N. Haven” and so recorded in SJL...
159072To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I just now received your letter of the 19h instant the articles mentioned have been received are now in the public store and will be held there untill an opportunity shall offer of sending them to Washington or Alexandria I have the honour of being with very great consederatn your most Obedient & most humble servant. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ...
159073To Thomas Jefferson from William D. S. Taylor, with Jefferson’s Note, 25 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Presumptuous as an epistle from one entirely unknown to your Excellency may generally be considered, yet conscious that I am addressing our common Father,—The friend and patron of liberty and liberality—I am induced to become a petitioner. Before I state my wish to your Excellency, I will give you as good an account of myself as I possibly can. Being blessed with an indulgent Parent, He gave...
159074To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Thacher, 25 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The subscriber takes the liberty, in the most respectful manner, to solicit the honor of being permitted to present to the President of the United States the oration which he now presumes to enclose to him. Sir, may a private individual, be allowed, with sentiments of profound veneration to embrace the Father of his country, & be indulged in the freedom of communicating to the President the...
159075To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Wagner, 25 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
J Wagner presents his best respects to the President of the United States and encloses an application for a pardon by Thomas Hutchings and John Hopkins . A blank pardon accompanies the papers, which were put into J.W’s hands by direction of the Marshal, with a request that it might be intimated to the President that one of the applicants ( which is not stated) is labouring under a fit of...
159076To Thomas Jefferson from Augustus B. Woodward, 25 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the happiness to transmit to the president, by mister digges, a paper entitled “memoir addressed to the president of the united states on the colonization of louisiana,” unaccompanied by my signature. Without a comparison of sentiments, the views of different minds are sometimes so dissimilar on the same subject, and so extremely divergent, that it is not without considerable diffidence...
159077From Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Bradley, Jr., 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having carried most of my maps to Washington I find myself much at a loss here for one of the US. if any more are in hand of those made (by yourself I believe) for the Post Office, I should be thankful to receive one by post. I should prefer one in simple sheets pasted together but not on linen. Accept my salutations & best wishes. PrC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Abraham Bradley esq.”; endorsed...
159078From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from mr Jackson of Tennissee, formerly a Senator from that state on the subject of Colo. Butler. he is a man of great integrity and respectability; carried sometimes beyond strict reason by an overwarm and excellent heart. another from judge Campbell on the subject of Doctr. Vandyke. I also return the one from him to you covering mine. on the subject of the robbery...
159079To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Kennedy, 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Without ceremony, I have made free enough to address you on a subject of a private nature.— On returning from Cumberland a few days ago, I found (my wife’s brother) Francis Thomas considerably alarmed about some reports that he was informed were circulating in George Town respecting his leaving the Naval service, he told me that he had wrote to you stating his case and requesting a pardon; No...
159080To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Jones Monroe, 26 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosure is a letter from my friend & relation Mr James Bankhead of Westmoreland. Understanding I was on my way to the upper Country & might probably see you before my return he requested me to deliver it to you in person. I regret that owing to forgetfulness I did not comply with his wishes. I have the honor to be with the highest respect yr: mo: ob: St RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR );...
159081To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander White, 27 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am inclined to believe that those in power at the close of the former administration, did not attach much merit to the preparing the permanent Seat of Goverment for the reception of Congress; otherwise the man who had promoted that measure by seven years assiduous and successful attention , would not have been entirely overlooked, when the good things which the institution afforded were...
159082To Thomas Jefferson from John Wilson, 27 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Necessity has so far overcome the delicacy of easier circumstances that I can no longer refrain from taking a liberty, which, I hope, may not be uninteresting—even to a person of your superior station and influence: For it is from a Character so honorable and exalted, that even good men are apt to shrink:—And I must acknowledge the awe that pervades me, on writing to ask your interference: At...
159083To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 28 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived last evening from Bath, where I had been twelve or fourteen days,—on my way home I received a packet from Mr. Wingate inclosing your two letters of the 8th. and 13 Inst.—at Hagerstown, I met with Mr. Pechon with whoom I spent a day, in the course of conversation, I observed to Mr. Pechon that I had been informed by gentlemen from Baltimore that Young Boneparte had announced himself...
159084To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 28 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The address from Kaskaskias and the petition of Aaron Goff have been duly received.—Mr. W. Clark, having consented to accompany Capt. Lewis, is highly interesting, it adds very much to the ballance of chances in favour of ultimate success.— If any considerations whatever would induce my family to make a Journey, it would be that of visiting Monticello, and especially after the friendly &...
159085To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 28 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I can now speak with confidence on the subject of a Collector at New Haven. I am fully convinced that evry republican in the State who is not himself a Candidate ardently wishes that Abm. Bishop may be appointed—Indeed I should not have beleived that any man for any Office could have united so generally the wishes and feelings of the People— There are a number who would be fond of the Office....
159086To Thomas Jefferson from Ephraim Kirby, 28 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days since I had the pleasure of an interview with Mr Granger—He being acquainted with the fact of the Blank Comn. of Register being confided to me, we conversed on that subject. It appears that two young Gentn. of about twenty five or thirty years, both Lawyers, the one from the State of New York, and the other from the State of Connt. are desirous to establish themselves in that part...
159087To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 28 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recd. your two favors, one of the 24th. instant the other covering the letters from Mr. Gallatin, & Barnes now returned. I had thought it might be best not to answer Thornton’s letter because in some parts his manner did not deserve it, because he speaks without the known sentiments of his Govt. and because the Minister of higher grade expected , will be likely to give a more eligible...
159088To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23d enclosing Mr. Simpsons letter to Mr Madison I have received. I am extremely sorry to find that the plan of having made in Europe the gun Carriages for the Emperor of Moracco cannot take effect. I am yet satisfied that the plan was at the time proper. Subsequent events, it seems, have rendered it impracticable. I am also much distressed that Mr Simpson did not deem it...
159089To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Appleton, 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am well aware that in addressing you by letter, I am deviating from the usual mode of Application, but the great distance at which I am placed, and the uncertainty of every other avenue to convey to you my request, will I presume testify, they have been the alone motives for prefering the one I have adopted.— this being at once Sir my apology and my Reason, suffer me in a few words to state...
159090To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Bradley, Jr., 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 26th instant is received & agreeable thereto I have forwarded a map of the United States. The great alterations which have taken place in the U.S. since my map was first published have rendered it of little use & I have for sometime suspended the sale. I intended to have published a new map this summer, but fear it cannot be accomplished as all the good engravers are engaged...
159091To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
N’ayant reçu aucune réponse a La Lettre que je pris la Liberté de vous ecrire en arrivant a New-york, j’ai lieu de craindre que la personne a qui je la confiai, ait négligé de la mettre a la poste, car la fievre qui régnoit des-ja dans cette ville m’empecha de quitter le Batiment. Si cependant elle vous etoit parvenue, et que ce fut L’indiscretion de mon importunité qui m’ait privé de...
159092From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last post I recieved & forwarded your letter to Duane, in which there was nothing but what was safe and proper. Duane is honest, & well intentioned, but over zealous. these qualities harmonise with him a great portion of the republican body. he deserves therefore all the just & favorable attentions which can properly be shewn him. by the same post I recieve from the collector of Norfolk...
159093From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Morris, 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved two days ago your favor of the 25th. and should have been glad to accommodate your son as desired but that my particular situation has required me to make special provisions of his wood & lumber to ensure a perpetual supply. with this view I have purchased at different times the whole of the mountain adjoining the one I live on, & above the level of the gap uniting them. this...
159094Amendment for Annexation of Louisiana and Florida, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Amendment to the Constitution. Louisiana, as ceded by France to the US. is made a part of the US. But as to the portion thereof lying North of an East & West line drawn through the mouth of Arkansa river, no new state shall be established, nor any grants of land made, other than to Indians in exchange for equivalent portions of land occupied by them, until authorised by subsequent amendment to...
159095From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 20th. & 22d. came to hand yesterday, and this will go by return of post tomorrow. I now return the letters of Symonds & others on the smugling of negroes into Georgia. his letter to Payne of the revenue cutter will bring to issue the resistance apprehended, and if it be found too great, we must strengthen her. should the Enterprize return here to be refitted, which she...
159096From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter came to hand by yesterday’s post. you will be sensible of the circumstances which make it improper that I should hazard a formal answer, as well as of the desire it’s friendly aspect naturally excites that those concerned in it should understand that the spirit they express is favorably viewed. you can judge also, from your knolege of the ground, whether it may be usefully...
159097To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Cession of the Island of New Orleans, and of Louisiana to the United States, is the most important event that has taken place since the establishment of the Federal Constitution. It will not only give us weight in the Commercial & political scale of European Governments, but, that of national Character and respectability in all the world. It will preserve peace and harmony among ourselves,...
159098To Thomas Jefferson from John Vaughan, 30 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of 14 Augt. I have recieved, & beg leave to repeat what I suggested on a former occasion, that I was so sensible of your important avocations; that I should (except where absolute necessity required it) avoid writing, if I concieved it would always involve you in the trouble of a reply—The Book was forwarded before your letter was received by a regular Washington trader, thro’ the...
159099To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I again take the freedom to address your Excellency, on the Subject of my application for an appointment to the Collectorship for the district of New Haven, Vacant by the Death of Samuel Bishop Esquire. I am confident, your Excellency is desirous to appoint a person, that would give the greatest satisfaction, to the Citizens, I am confident there is not a Merchant of any description there, who...
159100To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I herewith enclose the proceedings of a Genl. Court Martial which require your approbation, as relates to the sentence respecting Lt. Van Ransselear , and the pardon of Benja. Furgason so far as relates to corporal punishment. I enclose a letter from Genl. Muhlengburg soliciting the remission of the corporal punishment which Lewis Rush is sentenced to receive—I can discover no reasonable...