159101To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your letter of the 26th. inst. enclosing the letters of Judge Campbell & Mr. Jackson,—Judge Campbells opinnion on the subject of thefts, by Indians, is I concieve, in strict conformity with the General principle established by Congress, and peculiarly well calculated for redressing the evils to which it is intended to be applied. Mr. Jackson seems to have taken for...
159102To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 23d and its enclosures were received day before yesterday. A bill shall be prepared for the purpose of carrying the treaty &a. into effect: but neither can you expect that the house will take up the subject before ratification or decide without much debate & opposition; nor is it possible to have the certificates of stock prepared until Baring shall arrive & the form...
159103To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing for your Signature a warrant for $10,000; the balance in my hands, towit about $1000 of the $20,000 heretofore drawn being insufficient to meet the Expenses of the present month which will be demanded in a few days.— I also enclose Sketches of the Expenditures since the Account last rendered , which was up to the first of July.— The Expenses on the Streets will I...
159104Account of Public Expenditures, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Expenditures on the Streets in July 1803 Overseers & Labourers wages in June $763.71 Lumber for trunks &c 53.58 Ironmongery, Blacksmiths work & other small articles 40.94 $858.23 Expenditures on Streets in August 1803 For Overseers & Labourers wages $672.41 Lumber for bridges & trunks 54.77 Carpenters work on Do. 109.92 Bricklayers Do. on Do. and } 64.77 Bricks & Lime for an Arch
159105To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My kinsman James Westwood Wallace proposeth to remove to New-Orleans, invited by the prospect of providing for a numerous and increasing familie there better than he can provide for them here. he professeth medicine. any kind office to him will be grateful to me. adieu. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received 12 Sep. and “Wallace Dr. James for N. Orleans” and so recorded in SJL ....
159106Resolution for Introduction of Constitutional Amendment, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Resolved by the Senate and House of Repr. of the US. two thirds of both houses concurring, that the following amendment to the constitution of the US. be proposed to the legislatures of the several states; which, when ratified by three fourths of the said legislatures shall be valid to all intents & purposes as a part of the sd constitution. Louisiana , as ceded by France to the US. is made a...
159107To Thomas Jefferson from William Bache, 1 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
You will find William G, Garland , a native of Richmond, Northumberland county in virginia recommended to the attentions of Government for an appointment under the approaching regulations of Louisiana. What his expectations are I know not, but his integrity and industry are unquestionable; and if in the management of accounts, or in any labour of that kind a vacancy may happen he will fill it...
159108To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 1 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding it necessary to remove my family from this place for the recovery of thier health, I have concluded to retire about twenty miles into the country, for two or three weeks, and as billious complaints are becoming prevalent in the City, & will probably increase until Octobr. permitt me to advise you not to return until the first of Octobr; your present situation being a high & healthy...
159109From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, 1 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately on the reciept of your letter from New York, I inclosed it to mr Madison to whom the subject of it belonged, in order that he might be able to answer it without any delay. as I presumed you would immediately [set out] from Washington on reciept of his letter, I thought it unsafe to send your certificate there, & detained it the rather as I hoped you would do us the favor of calling...
159110To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Hazard and Anna Void, 1 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am not much used to write to folks like you, and I must own, that I tremble every joint of me, but since I have begun, I may as well go on. You see sir, we are two poor women, both married, and still young; and as we are too lazy to work, being that we can’t get it to do, we thought, as how we might as well tell you, knowing that you are the richest, as allso the greatest Man, in all...
159111To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 1 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
This Letter Will Be Delivered By M. de foncin Whose Abilities as an Engeneer, and Whose personal Character Entitle Him to Your particular Notice—our Acquaintance with Him dates from a time Not Unknown to You When an Enterprise Had Been Made at Cayenne for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery—M. de foncin’s zeal on the Occasion, and His Actual perseverance in the principles of Humanity and Justice...
159112To Thomas Jefferson from William Branch Giles, 2 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Chevalier , the Gentleman who will probably present you this letter, in passing through your part of the Country, is desirous of making his Respects to you at Monticello.—He is the son in Law of Judge Lions, and formerly had some transactions with you as agent for Beaumarchais, although he is doubtful whither they were of such a nature, as to entitle him to your recollection,—Under these...
159113To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 2 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received the enclosed Pamphlet with Letters from my Sons —they closed their Exhibition of the Skeleton of the Mammoth the 18th. of June, and with every exertion have not been able to pay all their expences in London, are gone to Reading, 40 miles distant from London, The Mayor had been so obliging as give them the use of the Common Counsel Hall; prepairing to put up the Skeleton...
159114To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Macon, 3 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with real pleasure, that I inform you, that the Republican cause is daily gaining ground with us, not only the late elections but the candid acknowledgment of many that they have been deceived fully confirm the fact; and this gaining is clearly the effect of observation, on the difference between the present & past times by the people, and it is worthy of notice that the district which...
159115To Thomas Jefferson from Wilson Cary Nicholas, 3 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have reflected much upon the conversation that I had with you, when I had last the pleasure of seeing you, about the power of the government of the U.S. to acquire territory, and to admit new States into the union. Upon an examination of the constitution, I find the power as broad as it cou’d well be made, 3d. sec. art. 4th. except that new States cannot be formed out of the old ones without...
159116To Thomas Jefferson from Philippe Reibelt, 3 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Le devoir, de sauver notre Santè Nous aÿant entre autres principalement et urgement obligè, de quitter la terre Kosciuszko, avec une perte considerable p. E. de doubler fraix de Voyage et cœtera, reduits par çela a tres peu de Moÿens Numeraires; mis par la nouvelle Guerre dans l’impossibilitè, de faire venir des bords du Rhin assez vite des nouvelles remises; donc pour le moment, et qui sait...
159117To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
From Genl Dearborns answer to my letter respecting the gun carriages I find that the War department cannot supply them, and that there are not, as I had imagined, any artificers belonging to that department. I also perceive that the Secretary at War cannot possibly by any means have them built. I have however since the receiving of this answer been making such arrangements that I am enabled to...
159118From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 5 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
About a twelvemonth after we came into the administration we learnt by a letter from mr Simpson that our predecessors had promised to the Emperor of Marocco 100. gun carriages. you have known most of the unlucky circumstances which have baffled our execution of it. the last however is but recently known. we had desired mr Simpson to have them made in Europe, or to offer the value to the...
159119To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 5 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I receive this moment your favour of 30th ulto.—I am very decidedly of opinion that Abraham Bishop ought to be appointed Collector of New Haven. I enclose more letters from Simons on the subject of the infractions committed on our neutrality; but am afraid that he took wrong ground in the case of the “ Cotton planter ,” as it seems she was taken within our own limits, in which case she ought...
159120From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 5 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 31st. came by the last post, and conveyed the first information I had recieved since I left Washington of the progress in the public buildings. I see with extreme concern that we shall not accomplish what was hoped. as nothing is mentioned of the covering of sheet iron being put on either building, I fear it is not done. I am now putting such a cover on my own house, &...
159121From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 5 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 28th. came to hand on the 2d. inst. expecting mr Madison daily , I deferred writing till I should confer with him. this is the first post after his arrival, & I write to Genl. Dearborne to contribute his agency with you in such way as may be convenient for both towards carrying into execution the engagement of our predecessors to furnish the hundred gun carriages to the...
159122The Boundaries of Louisiana: Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
The geographic limits of the purchase of Louisiana were ill-defined. Although Jefferson could rightly rejoice that Americans now controlled the entire Mississippi valley, including of course the prize of New Orleans, little else was known about what bounded the acquisition. The purchase treaty merely quoted the vague language of the Treaty of San Ildefonso, which defined Louisiana by “the Same...
159123I. Chronology of Territorial Claims in Louisiana, on or before 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A Chronological series of facts relative to Louisiana. 1673. Spain declares war against France. 4. Russel’s Mod. Eur. 68. Joliet, an inhabitant of Quebec, & the Jesuit Marquette descended from Canada down the Missisipi to the Arkansas in 33.° & returned to Canada. 8. Rayn. 158. Hennepin N.D: 293. 1675. La Salle goes to France to sollicit authority to explore the Misipi. Joutel xvii 1678. The...
159124II. Examination of the Boundaries of Louisiana, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
An examination into the boundaries of Louisiana. The French having for a century and a half been in possession of Canada, and it’s inhabitants penetrating to the remote waters communicating with the St. Laurence, they learned of the Indians that, in the neighborhood of those waters, arose a great river, called the Missisipi, running due South to the sea, and through a fine country unpossessed...
159125To Thomas Jefferson from DeWitt Clinton, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The appointment of Mr Sandford as District Atty. is universally approbated by our friends here: When the Senate ratifies his appointment, (of which I presume there can be no doubt) he intends to resign his office of Commissioner of Bankruptcy—upon the principle that honorary and lucrative offices ought not to be too much confined to a few: In this event, permit me to recommend to your...
159126To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Brown Cooper, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A Letter has bin forwarded me from Eggharbour, requesting a Solicitation, (to you) for Joseph Whinner to the Office of Collector of the Port of Egg Harbour, in the room of A Freeling that has latterly taken to drink, this change will be highly recommendable in the neighbourhood of Egg Harbour and by the Republicans of the County at Large tho at this critical time in consiquence of the...
159127From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now return you the proceedings of the courtmartial held at Fort Jay with an approbation of the sentence against Lt. Van Renslaer, & a remission of the corporal punishment of Ferguson & Rush as you advised. I am sensible of the risque we run in returning to Washington before the commencement of the [frost?] but the collection & copying of documents & other preparations for the meeting of...
159128To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu de Mr. Wagner La Lettre dont vous avés bien voulu m’honorer le 1er. de ce mois en me remettant le Certificat que j’avois pris la Liberté de vous communiquer. Je suis aussi sensible que reconnaissant aux marques des bontés que vous daignés me donner, en me permettant d’aller vous presenter mon respect; C’est un Empressement que j’aurois craint de satisfaire malgré toutte la...
159129From Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 3d was delivered me at court: but we were much disappointed at not seeing you here, mr Madison & the Govr. being here at the time. I inclose you a letter from Monroe on the subject of the late treaty. you will observe a hint in it to do without delay what we are bound to do. there is reason, in the opinion of our ministers, to believe that if the thing were to do over again,...
159130From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now send you the deed, and a copy of the Virginia law made by D. Carr, which will serve to instruct your agent in Kentucky what is to be done. I think it should be made the interest of Fontrees to stay in Kentucky till a court sets, before which mrs Henderson may appear & acknolege the deed, or the witnesses be summoned & prove it. the deed being proven, he should bring it back to have it...
159131To Thomas Jefferson from Craven Peyton, 7 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Fantress will set out the last of this week. I have not the smalest doubt but he will have the deed Proven as directed. he will inform the Family of the situation of the present mill, & if I new what you woud be willing to give for the mill House with all the works belonging to it I think he might make the purchase of all the shares of those liveing there. & by that means she might be set to...
159132To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 8 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 12th. of the month just past, I arrived at Natchez;—on the day following I waited on Governor Claiborne, who had provided for me an office in this place, and from whom I have experienced the highest proofs of friendship. In a few days after my arrival here, I was attacked with an intermittent fever; a greater prostration of strength, than I ever remember to have felt, was the...
159133To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 8 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not untill 7 O’Clock on the morning of the 31st. Utmo. that my boat was completed, she was instantly loaded, and at 10. A.M. on the same day I left Pittsburgh, where I had been moste shamefully detained by the unpardonable negligence of my boat-builder. On my arrival at Pittsburgh, my calculation was that the boat would be in readiness by the 5th. of August; this term however elapsed...
159134From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 8 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot consider the mill as worth either to the proprietors or myself more than the [price] of stone & the because they can never again make and I consider should not. her position, construction & condition makes her unworthy of being set to work for the dam is taken down, which will be from this time. it will till her condition is seen to be. by the [. . .]. that they will muster [more...
159135To Thomas Jefferson from James Iddings, 9 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
From a confidence in thy friendly disposition, though personally unknown to each other, I feel no embarrassment in addressing thee, in the language of a friend—and fellow mortal: inasmuch as I owe nothing to the president of the United States and to his administration, but cordial friendship and unaffected love—and which has ever been my inflexible sentiment since thy appointment, although it...
159136To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Wagner, 9 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Lest the annexed may not come to your hands in original, via Orange Ct. house, as soon as by this direct address, I have thought it best to avail myself of it. With perfect respect I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most humble servt. (copy) Por medio del Embaxador del Rey mi amo en Paris ha llegado a su Rl. noticia, que aquel Govierno ha vendido al de los Estados Unidos la provincia de la...
159137To Thomas Jefferson from John Breckinridge, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 12. & 18. ulto. came safe to hand three days ago, for which be pleased to accept my best thanks.—Never came any information more welcome. The scanty information I had been able to collect respecting the cession, & of your ultimate views, added to a report in circulation here, that an exhange of Louisa. for the Floridas was projected, had created in me a distressing anxiety....
159138To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 30th ulto. was duly recd. I have to reproach myself with a neglect in not having written. My journey from washington to worcester was rather fatiguing. The weather was extreamly hot, & the roads dusty. I was melted with the one, & actually buried by the other. Their joint effects greatly injured my eyes. They have become stronger; It has been with difficulty, that I have...
159139To Thomas Jefferson from Philippe Reibelt, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai l’honneur, de Vous informer, que je viens de trouver parmi mes livres un Duplicat de la Superbe edition Suisse de l’homme des Champs par l’Abbè delille, 1802 in Gr. 4. avec Notes et 4 Gravures; et qu’elle est à Vos ordres, si elle ne se trouve pas encore dans Votre Bibliotheque. Je Vous prie d’agreer les Assurances de mon plus profond Respect. Votre Excellence Tr. humble et tr. Obst. Str....
159140To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23d Ult informed me that the disposition manifested by the French Government had rendered it necessary that we have a public armed ship ready to sail on the 31st. Oct to carry the ratification and if possible the Stock to France and at the same time suggesting the expediency of employing the last of the small vessels in this service. At the time of my receiving these...
159141To Thomas Jefferson from Philip R. Thompson, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Doct. James W. Wallace having occasion to go to Charlottesville, I do myself the honor to mention him to you as a gentleman of great private worth and professional ability—I have taken the liberty to advice him to avail himself of this opportunity to make his respects to you at Montecello.— I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, Yr mo: Obt and most humble Sert RC ( DNA...
159142To Thomas Jefferson from La Valette, 11 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Je ne veux point Laisser echapper L’occasion que me procure Mr. Wheaton negt. de La Nvelle. angleterre, je la saisis avec Empressement pour me rappeller a votre souvenir et vous assurer que les bontés et temoignages d’amitié que vous m’avés donnés pendant Le sejour que vous avés fait a Baltimore et a Paris sont et seront toujours presents dans ma memoire et burinés dans mon coeur. Jai bien...
159143To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln, 11 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is a poem spoken by my 2d son on the last commencement at Harvard College—The Presidt of the College objected to the latter part, said it would give offence, and refused to approbate it. The author told him he would not alter it—He was directed to give a copy & consider further of the matter—It was spoken—the circumstance shews the spirit of the governors of that Seminary, altho...
159144Poem by Daniel Waldo Lincoln, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
—————“Homo sum. Nil humani a me alienum puto .” Benevolence Ere any social intercourse began, Ere arts subdued, or culture modelled man; Ere law had learnt his fierceness to restrain; Ere the rude savage stooped to wear a chain; He roamed the desart, trod the pathless wild, And nature catered for her simple child. With tigers fell he shared the rocky den, Or chummed with serpents in the...
159145To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recd the letters sent me by the last mail under two covers, and return those belonging to your own files. I inclose herewith also the communications last recd from the office of State . I can not without losing the present opportunity make comments on any of them. A few only invite them. Yours with respectful attacht. Docr. Wallace in whose behalf the letters from Mr. Brent & Mr Thomson...
159146To Thomas Jefferson from John Monroe, 11 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Unaccustomed as I am to solicit an office, I am almost detered from any application to those who have the power of giving. I have neither the pretensions of exalted talents, or overawing popularity to enforce my request: and be assured, I shd. have remained forever quiet on this Subject, and rejoiced at the success of men better qualified than myself; but for the unhappy state I am at present...
159147From Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Bradley, Jr., 12 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Bradley and asks the favor of him to let nothing be sent for him to this place after the mail which leaves Washington on Friday the 16th. PrC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
159148To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 12 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to make many Apologies, for addressing your Excellency so often, on my private Concerns, but having a desire to be appointed Collector for the District of New Haven, I think it proper to make my Standing in Society known, on a determination to offer myself as a Candidate for Said office, I wrote to several friends, amongst the number is the Hon’ble Elbridge Gerry Esqr with whom I have...
159149To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 12 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Ci-Joint est le Prospectus de l’ouvrage que vous avez si puissament encouragé par vos lettres flatteuses du 9 Janvier 1800 et 15 November, 1803. J’ai taché, du mieux qu’il m’a été possible, de reconnaître devant le Public, les Obligations que je vous ai. J’eusse certainement soumis mon Prospectus a votre Jugement éclairé, avant de le livrer à l’impression, Sans l’idée que je devais respecter...
159150To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 12 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. last night the inclosed letter from Yrujo. Mr. Wagner informs me that a copy was sent directly to you by the same mail, but as a further security for your receivg the communication without delay, I take advantage of the present oppy. for forwarding the original. It is a curious circumstance that near three months after the sale of Louisiana, the French Ambasr. should have given the...