168351Jerman Baker to Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 26 Ult o came to hand yesterday After an absence of several weeks from my Seat in the house in consequence of indisposition, I returned on Monday last & found to my very great surprise that Co l Yancey availing himself of the absence of M r Maury M r Thweatt
168352Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Cutting, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 18. was long on the road, as happens often with our winter mails; and altho’ it has been some days at hand, incessant occupations have put it out of my power sooner to answer it. I look back with great pleasure to the times of our early acquaintance, now nearly 30. years past, and I bear fully in mind the services you rendered our country in the Consulate at Havre ; and...
168353Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Humphreys, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 2. did not come to my hands until the 5 th instant. I concur entirely in your leading principles of gradual emancipation, of establishment on the coast of Africa , and the patronage of our nation until the emigrants shall be able to protect themselves. the subordinate details might be easily arranged. but the bare proposition of purchase by the United states generally would...
168354Thomas Law to Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to request your attention to the enclosed—I have endeavored to convey my sentiments with perspicuity & energy—The subject is a most important one, & I obeyed the impulse of duty—Conscious how much prejudice I have to encounter, I hope that some abler pen, will strengthen what is weak & enlighten what may be obscure— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 16 Feb. 1817 and so recorded...
168355Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In a late letter from mr Spafford of Albany I received the inclosed with a request that after perusal I would forward it to you, adding a desire that, when read, you would address it under cover to him, as he sets some value on the possession of it. his object in desiring making the communication to either of us is not explained, but perhaps it may be understood by you. your frank on a blank...
168356Thomas Jefferson to John F. Oliveira Fernandes, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have read with pleasure and edification the pamphlet and documents you were so kind as to send me. the attempt seems really extraordinary, in this age and country, to sieze on private and voluntary funds under spiritual authority. and it is a novelty in any country to impose a teacher against the will of the employers. I have always supposed it as a principle of every church that endowment...
168357Thomas Jefferson to John H. Peyton, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have built, as you perhaps know, very expensive manufacturing and grist mills on the Rivanna river , near this place, the canal to which alone has cost me 20,000. Dollars. the Rivanna company claim a right to use this canal for navigation, independently of my permission, and of the regulations necessary to prevent obstruction to the operation of my mills. this obliges me to bring a suit in...
168358Thomas Jefferson to Josephus B. Stuart, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 26. reached me two days ago, and I am glad to see that our merchants, as well as our rulers, are at length looking to principles of navigation which, as Secretary of state, I submitted to them in a Report of Dec. 1793 .— the crew of the Armstrong have also my sincere prayers for indemnification either thro’ our government or from it: for a more gallant conduct than theirs...
168359Thomas Jefferson to John L. Sullivan, 8 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan. 17. is just now recieved. I readily see how desirable it is that the steam-boat, hitherto confined to ti de waters, should extend it’s benefits to the river navigation of the upper country; and I shall with pleasure communicate the prospect of it which the letter you have favored me with gives, to the circle of society around me. but, dear Sir, this is small; I am grown old,...
168360Thomas Jefferson to James Baker, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding that you keep supplies of Codfish and of Tongues and sounds, I have to ask the favor of you to furnish me with a Kental of good dumbfish , and a keg of tongues and sounds. mr Gibson my correspondent in Richmond , will be so good as to recieve & forward them and to pay you the amount on presenting him this letter Accept the tender of my respect PoC ( MHi ); on verso of portion of...
168361Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The petition of Count Barziza was rejected some time past in the House of Delegates I have kept a watchful eye on the Turnpike Bill to which you desired me to attend. M r Thweat has shewn a very friendly anxiety on the occasion. I spoke to several of my friends in the low House of Delegates , to cooperate with him. M r Maury has been ill nearly the whole of the session. But an agreement has...
168362Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas G. Dufief, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your two favors of Jan. 30. and all the books have been received as stated in your account . I have now to request you to send me a copy of your dictionary; let the 1 st vol. come first as being most immediately wanting. I have no doubt you are correct as to the 31.D. and that mr Gibson is so also. he has probably charged me on ordering payment, and his correspondent in...
168363Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved in December from M r Dufief of Philadelphia a letter of the 16 th of that month informing me he had not recieved a sum of 31.D. which I had notified to him that you would be so kind as to remit him. I immediately inclosed him the sum in bank notes. a few days short time after this, say Jan. 19. your favor of the 16 th came to hand inclosing my account, in which I found the...
168364Thomas Jefferson to Chapman Johnson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I now send you a copy of my bill and of the documents which I have been longer getting ready than I expected. there is still a document N o 6. wanting. this copy of both bill & documents is prepared for your use and that of mr Peyton also engaged in the cause, but when that is done I will ask the return of both, as I ought to preserve them among my papers. the bill is long, and perhaps too...
168365Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
In 1806 an act of the Virginia General Assembly established the Rivanna Company in order to improve the navigation of the Rivanna River between Milton and Charlottesville . This section of the river included property owned by Jefferson. After receiving title to this tract under his father ’s will, he spent many years and thousands of dollars building a canal, mills, and a dam along the Rivanna...
168366Thomas Jefferson’s Bill of Complaint against the Directors of the Rivanna Company, [by 9 February 1817], document 1 in a … (Jefferson Papers)
To the honorable John Brown , Judge of the Superior court of Chancery holden at Staunton. Humbly complaining sheweth unto your Honor your Orator Thomas Jefferson of the county of Albemarle that Peter Jefferson father of your orator was in his lifetime seised and possessed as in feesimple of a certain tract of land called Shadwell , on the North side of the Rivanna river , and adjacent thereto...
168367Extract from Minutes of the Directors of the Rivanna Company, 12 September 1810, document 2 in a group of documents on … (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Directors of the Rivanna company at Shadwell mills on Wednesday the 12 th Sep. 1810. present W m D. Meriwether , Nimrod Bramham , John Kelly and Dabney Minor . Upon taking a view of
168368Peter Minor to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1810, document 3 in a group of documents on Jefferson’s Lawsuit against the … (Jefferson Papers)
I submitted the Indenture I recieved from you to the Directors at a meeting which they held a few days ago since, when all were present. tho’ none of them had attempted a similar instrument, it was generally determined that yours, in several parts, was exceptionable. I was instructed to draw up one from yours, according to their ideas of what would be right; which I now inclose together with...
168369Extract from Minutes of the Directors of the Rivanna Company, 8 January 1811, document 4 in in a group of documents on … (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Directors of the Rivanna company at Charlottesville on Tuesday 8 th of January 1811. present William D. Meriwether , Nimrod Branham , Dabney Minor and John Kelly . Upon further consideration the Directors resolve to carry the navigation thro the bed of the river, and not through
168370Peter Minor to Thomas Jefferson, [15] January 1811, document 5 in a group of documents on Jefferson’s Lawsuit against … (Jefferson Papers)
By the above extract you will see the course which the Directors have determined finally to pursue. this may surprise you perhaps after the last conference which you held together, as they then thought the canal would afford the best course, and seemed to accede to the propositions you made. but upon further consideration of all the circumstances, the responsability which would attach to them...
168371Statement of the Dispute by the Directors of the Rivanna Company, [ca. 15 January 1811], document 6 in a group of … (Jefferson Papers)
Statement. The legislature passed an act 1. see Session acts of 1794. in 1794 . authorising those who would subscribe money for that purpose, to open the navigation of the Rivanna river , from the highest point capable of being made navigable to the town of Milton . under this act subscriptions to a large amount were obtained, and commissioners chosen to ascertain the highest point of...
168372Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Virginia Statutes for Clearing the Rivanna River, 27 December 1816, document 7 in a group of … (Jefferson Papers)
1816. Dec. 27. The act of 1816 . Feb. 13. c. 46. having been passed since the date of the preceding letter , it may not be amiss to bestow some thoughts on the present state of the subject. What is the line of discrimination between the waters which may be exclusively private property, and those on which the public may have some claim? by the common law of England it is that at which the...
168373Joseph Milligan to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 27th ult has been with me three or four days the 20 Dollars which it Contained are at your Credit for which accept my thanks this day fortnight I sent you the third proof which has not yet been returned and it is ten days since the fourth proof was sent off and it has not returned I delayed answering two or three days in hopes that they might be with me in that time and that I...
168374Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Nelson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor covering the letter from mr Sullivan and have addressed the answer to himself directly. if his plan of applying the steamboa d t to the upper navigation succeeds it will be of great advantage to us. For political news we look to your quarter, and our neighborhood offers nothing worth communicating. we have had near a month of very hard weather, the thermometer...
168375William Sampson to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very obliging and interesting letter was sent after me from New York . I cannot thank you enough for so great a favor. I hope I have not transgressed in Suffering a part of it to be published in the national intelligencer where it will appear tomorrow. It was done at the desire and upon Consultation with some that respect you most, The time pressed and the accession of force to what I may...
168376Thomas Jefferson to Smith & Riddle, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to ask the favor of you to procure for me from your correspondents in Boston the following window glass of the best quality 50. panes 12. I. square. 50. d o 12. by 18. I. 10. d o 24. by 18. I. M r Gibson my correspondent in Richmond will do me the favor to pay the amount on delivery, and presenting to him this letter. Accept the tender of my respect. PoC
168377Thomas Jefferson to John Wood, 9 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 2 d is recieved, and you are welcome to the use of my sextant for the rest of your survey. My grandson Francis Eppes is now here, learning Spanish. we expect he will be so far advanced in a couple of months as to be able to go on by himself. he will then be to go to some school, to a carry him on in his Latin & Greek, in the former of which he is has still much to learn, in...
168378Francis Hall to Thomas Jefferson, 10 February [1817] (Jefferson Papers)
From the best Information I can procure here The Composition for lining Cisterns consists of ⅕ German Terrace or Cement (an imported Article) mixed with ⅘ of Lime. This mixture is said to be perfectly insoluble, and even to harden in water. I regret that this trifling piece of Information is the only method I have of evin c ing my grateful sense of your kind hospitality, and of the essential...
168379Samuel L. Mitchill to Thomas Jefferson, 10 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I forwarded to you a few days ago by the mail, a print of the characters distinguishable on the Chaldean bricks , lately brought to New york . It did not seem likely at that time, I should trouble you so soon again. But the request of Richard C. Derby Esq. to carry a note of introduction to you, determines me to put pen to paper sooner than I expected. This gentleman informs me he intends to...
168380William Canby to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
an Accurrence took place som time past, w h caused a desire to write to thee, hoping som imbecility of a mind frequently weak, need not always separate friends, to wit Reading our friend Ch s Thomsons Synopsis on the Evangelists, a thing New to me. & agreeable, particularly a Note appearing to Reconcile the apparently different genealogies, of the Lord Jesus , given in Matt w & Luke.—for th’o...
168381Madame de Staël Holstein to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
je ne Saurai vous dire my dear Sir, combien une lettre de vous me cause d’émotion il me Semble que c’est vraiment d’un autre monde qu’il m’arrive une voix Si pure et qui parle de Si haut— Souvent les larmes me viennent aux yeux je ne Sais pourquoi, Seulement parce que notre pauvre france est Si loin de tout ce que vous rèpandez de lumieres autour de vous— Serons nous libres une fois dans ce...
168382Patrick Gibson to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of the 9 th Ins t and am sorry to find that M r Dufief had not received the money you directed to be paid to him thro’ the agency I had directed, and more particularly so, as I apprehend that another small sum, which was to have been paid to the Collector is in the same situation—Not having myself any transactions with Philad a I applied, on the receipt of your...
168383Charles Yancey to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
we are yet in Session & I am truly tired of debating I have waited thus long before I have acted on the Contemplated turnpike from Rockfish Gap to Lewis’s ferry the people of Charlottesville have directed me to fix a Deposit at Lewis’s ferry for them as a place lower down would Subject them to additional expence we have talked of turnpiking to each each ford but as the An Road to Secretaries...
168384Philip I. Barziza to Thomas Jefferson, 14 February [1817] (Jefferson Papers)
Your Kind Letter was sent to me at Richmond where I was gone with my guardian M r M c Candlish , in hope of hearing a favourable decision of my cause from the General assembly and for the purpose of endeavouring to make fall the thick veil under which my affairs Lay conceald. In the first place, Sir, I render you my most sincer and greatful thanks for the goodness which you had to recommend me...
168385John H. Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter post marked the 8 th of Feby did not arrive here till last evening which will account to you for the delay in my reply.—I hasten now, to comply with your request by enclosing a Spa in chy vs the directors of the Rivanna company —As you appear to be anxious that this Spa Should be immediately served I have caused it to be directed to the Sheriff of Albemarle to be executed.—Such...
168386James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I rec d yesterday yours covering the letter of M r Spafford , which was forwarded to him as you suggested: His object in communicating it I collect only from its contents. He probably exhibited it as a proof of the spirit and views of the Eastern States during the late war. As with you the weather here has of late been remarkable both for the degree & continuance of Cold, and the winter...
168387Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 16 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, mr George Flower , is an English gentleman farmer, was the companion of mr Burkbeck in his journey through France , and is the person to whom the dedication of that book is addressed, he came over on behalf of his own family and that of mr Burkbeck , to chuse a settlement for them. having made the tour of the temperate latitudes of the US. he has purchased a settlement near...
168388Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your fav or of the 7 th and in it the following certificates of stock in the name of Gen l Kosciuzko , to wit, D C US. Certificate N o 90. for 11,363. 63 six per cents of loan
168389Peter S. Du Ponceau to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the letter which you have done me the honor to write to me on the 26 th ult o . It would have done great pleasure to the Historical Committee to have contributed to the restoration of the interesting MS. of which your letter gives an account; but the one in their possession, and which, by their order, I have the honor to enclose, is entirely different from that which you...
168390Thomas Jefferson to Fernagus De Gelone, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved a copy of a catalogue of books which you announce for sale, and ask the favor of you to send me a little note of information as to the following. Column 1 st Papers found in Robespierre ’s house. in what language size & price? 3 d Peyrard ’s Archimedes . in what language? what size, & price? 5 th Correspondence of Cortez with
168391Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 13 th came to hand last night, and confirms what I had not doubted that the error stated by mr Dufief had happened at Philadelphia . if the same has taken place with mr Steele the collector I shall be happy that it be corrected; because I feel much obligation to the Collectors for their kindness respecting these parcels. I should not have troubled you with this but that I...
168392George Washington Jeffreys to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
A Society has been established at this place for the promotion of Agriculture and rural affairs A Book entitled the ‘Arator’ by Col o Taylor of Caroline V a has awakened us to a sense of the importance of the subject and has shown us how little we knew of a pursuit on which not only our own individual comfort depends, but also the prosperity and independence of our country. A few spirited...
168393Thomas Jefferson to Mr. Logan (of Staunton), 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have transcribed and send you according to promise a copy of my Equation of time adapted to the present state of the heavens, and which will not be sensibly variant for a great many years to come. this will enable you to ascertain the defaced figures in the round one I gave you, suited to the form & size of a watch paper. when engraved, a half dozen copies for the use of our family will...
168394Charles K. Mallory to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the 1 st of Sept r last I do myself the pleasure to inform you that there have arrived here, via Charleston , consigned to my care, two cases of Tuscan wine sent to you by our Consul at Leghorn in the Brig Saucy Jack, which, according to your directions, I shall have forwarded by the first good opportunity to Mess rs Gibson & Jefferson...
168395Thomas Jefferson to Simeon Theus, 17 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter of Oct. 20. from mr Appleton our Consul at Leghorn I am informed that he had shipped on board the brig Saucy-Jack , Cap t Humphreys for Charleston S.C. 2. cases containing together 87. bottles of Florence wine, consigned to you the Collector of Charleston . being in the practice of importing my wines & some other articles from annually from Marseiles &
168396Jerman Baker to Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I take pleasure in communicating to you the fate of the Bill incorporating a Company to Turnpike the Road from Rock Fish Gap to Moore’s Ford , A motion was made by M r Thweatt this morning to postpone it indefinitely which succeeded, a similar motion was made by me some days since but was lost by a small majority Be pleased Sir, to present my affectionate regards to M rs R — & family— & be...
168397Joseph C. Cabell to Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bill respecting the Turnpike from Rockfish Gap was this day postponed indefinitely in the House of Delegates . Col: yancey , as I am informed by M r Thweat , did every thing in his power to push the Bill thro’ the House , after having consented to lay it on the table for the Balance of the session. The Bill for calling taking the sense of the people as to the expediency of calling a...
168398Richard Rush to Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
There are so many motives for visiting Monticello , that it is no wonder all are ambitious to do so. M r Derby , a gentleman of Boston and greatly in esteem among those who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, desires to pay his respects to you, and I know how largely I shall promote his gratification in thus affording him an opportunity. Inducements more than common, operate with M r Derby...
168399William Thornton to Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been waiting till this Day to obtain a Copy of the List of Patents, and lose not a moment in writing to you.— Colonel Trumbull has been here some time, & has expressed satisfaction on viewing the Copy I made of your Portrait. I have placed it in the Congressional Library , in a very superb gilt Frame, that when the members view the works by w ch the inside of your head was so well...
168400Thomas Jefferson to Samuel L. Mitchill, 20 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to D r Mitchell for the print of Asiatic antiquities he has been so kind as to send him, which, however unintelligible to him, is still a curiosity. he is happy in the occasion it has presented of a mutual recognition of former fellowship in service, and of renewing to him the assurance of his constant esteem & respect. RC (Christie’s, New York City, 1992);...