18181Enclosure: Alden Partridge’s Observations on the Use of Barometers to Compute Altitudes, 20 August 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Extract. The rule for computing altitudes from Barometrical observation is as mathematically demonstrable as those for trigonometrical calculation; the accuracy of the results deduced from either method of calculation must therefore depend wholly upon the accuracy of the data obtained. In order to calculate the altitude of a mountain by trigonometry (where the angle of ascent is not a right...
18182Enclosure: Alden Partridge’s Table of Altitudes of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, [by 5 November 1810] (Jefferson Papers)
Altitudes of the Blue Ridge & Alleghany Mountains , in feet above the level of tide water, in virginia , calculated from Barometrical Observation, by Gen l Jonathan Williams . ( corrected ). 1. The Highest point of the Blue Ridge , near Rock fish Gap 1908.
18183Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 23 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The event which I expected, has terminated the life of my friend Dox , & vacated the office of Post Master in this City . May I now solicit thy aid in obtaining that office for me? I need some kindness very much, having a numerous family to support, & having lately lost a good deal of property. Thy aid would be very grateful to my feelings, & an intimation from thee would ensure me success. I...
18184From John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 22 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the Memoirs of Doctor Price. Though there is little in this Work which was new to me, except the Calvinism of the Doctors Father and Uncle. Yet I love to run over again the Passages of a Life which I esteemed and loved as one of the wisest and most benevolent of the human Race. I Shall not review this Pamphlet, and have nothing to Say in praise or censure of it, except that...
18185From Abigail Smith Adams to Harriet Welsh, 22 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
you do not know how much your company is desired at Quincy. these long Evening we want much, an addition to our Society. you are so well calculated for retirement, parties not being your prevailing passion. you can sit down and with your Book render the Evenings agreable. I read at the expence of my Eyes. Louisa reads, but wants glasses—Susan some times, but her face pains her if she reads...
18186From Abigail Smith Adams to William Steuben Smith, 22 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from Charles, by the hand writing. I received it yesterday, with a Letter from Mrs Adams dated 2 October: they were all well then, but I presume mrs Smith gets Letters frequently—I cover the Letter to your Father to you I wrote him one last week and sent to the valley, not recollecting that he might have left it. if he has not received it, you will be So good as to tell...
18187To James Madison from John Stevens, 22 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is a copy of a letter addressed to the Secretary of war. As I have received no answer to it, I am to conclude that the object is not considered of sufficient importance to attract the attention of Government. Suffer me, however, to say that nothing short of a most thorough conviction of the immense importance of this business could ever have induced me at my advanced age to have...
18188William R. Gray to Thomas Jefferson, 22 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I anticipated the honor of delivering to you, a letter from the President of the United States; but recent information that you were absent from Monticello , and the advanced state of the season, have induced Mrs Gray and myself to defer paying our respects to you, until our return from charleston . as the letter may not be merely one of introduction, I have taken the liberty of enclosing it...
18189From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 21 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your for two Letters from the Valley; one dated October 4th. the other November the first, 1815. The Documents to which you refer are of so much Importance to your Reputation and to mine, that I wish you would depose it, the Sketch you have made of them, somewhere in print. It is at my Age impossible for me to look up the Scattered Volumes in which they are to be found and my...
18190Remission for Philip Russell, 21 November 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Remission for Philip Russell. 21 November 1815. “Whereas it has been represented to me that Philip Russell was some time ago charged with a violation of the Revenue laws of the United States, in selling spirituous liquors in the first Collection District of Pennsylvania, without a license for so doing, and that he has been duly convicted before the District Court of the United States for the...
18191John Vaughan to Thomas Jefferson, 21 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d a letter from Cathalan 8 Sep. & 2 Oct r Mess Peregaux had remitted to M r C. 1056 f s being 5 28 100 per Dollar for Mr Girards credit of 200$ which sum is passed to your credit by
18192From John Adams to Jedidiah Morse, 20 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
The Pamphlet I lent you and the Letters from Governor Mackean you may retain for the time you mention. The Pamphlet I would give you, if I had or could procure another. The rise and progress of that pamphlet is this. On my return form Phyladelphia in November 1774, I found that Mrs Drapers Massachusetts Gazette had been long pouring forth torrents of scurrility against the Whigs, and dreadful...
18193To John Adams from Thomas McKean, 20 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I can now answer the questions in your favor of the 30th. July last, viz. Who shall write the history of the American Revolution &c.? Major General James Wilkinson has written it. He commences with the battle of Bunker’s or Breed’s hill at Boston and concludes with the battle near New-Orleans on the Missisippi, a period of forty years. It will be published in three volumes large octavo, each...
18194To James Madison from John P. Van Ness, Richard Bland Lee, and Tench Ringgold, 20 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
Having found it impossible to obtain a supply of a quantity of seasoned yellow pine plank from 2 to 3 inches thick, and the works on the public buildings, being subjected to a suspension in consequence thereof; on being informed that a supply might possibly be obtained at the Navy yard in this City: and inasmuch as it would be in our power to return similar lumber in the spring which might...
18195John Rhea to Thomas Jefferson, 20 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I had proceeded to the Westward beyond Knoxville , and previous to my return came, to the post office there, Your letter of the 22 d of September last inclosing one to M r Correa —Your letter had been some time in the office, and there is reason to believe that M r Correa , if he passed through Knoxville , had gone through, during my absence from that place—I would have wrote to You from...
18196From John Adams to David Sewall, 19 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I am much obliged to you for your favour of the 10th. Your political sentiments, so far as you disclose them, are so nearly my own, that I shall have no controversy with you, upon these Topics. Your account of connections between the Quincy’s Sewall’s and Hull’s is very entertaining to me, and agrees very well, with all I have heard, or known of the subject. Mr Hull who made and executed the...
18197Enclosure: Baring Brothers & Company to John Barnes, 14 September 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
We have duly received your esteemed letter of 28 April, in reply to our respects of 20 Oct advicing you remittance of £400. a 60% on W m Murdock on Account & for the Use of General Kosciusko at Paris which has been accepted—and we have placed the same at the disposition of the General forwarding him at the same time your letter to his address— We beg your reference to our quotations at foot &...
18198From John Adams to John Adams, 18 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I am charmed with the Chirography of your Letter of the Eleventh of September to your Grandmother. If your proficiency in your other Studies is in proportion to your improvement in your hand writing you will soon be a first rate Scholar. Your Account of the Accademy at Ealing is quite Satisfactory. If under Such Masters pursuing Such Studies and Exercises, with Such Companions, you do not lay...
18199Samuel Harrison Smith to Alexander J. Dallas, 18 November 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Samuel Harrison Smith to Alexander J. Dallas. 18 November 1815, Treasury Department, Revenue Office. “On the accompanying representation of Giles Holt, Keeper of the Gull Island Light House, I have the honor to state, for the information of the President, that he now receives four hundred and thirty three dollars 33/100 , which is as large as any allowance made to a Keeper. “The peculiar...
18200John Barnes to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long since, I had the Honor of receiving any of your fav rs (the last of 25 th May .)—situated as the good Gen l then was and unhappy state of public Affairs in Paris , my Anxiety increased on Acco t of my Remittance to him 26 th April via Mess rs
18201Thomas Jefferson to Charles Clay, 18 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I was five days absent in my trip to the peaks of Otter , and have been five days engaged in calculating the observations made. this brings me down to yesterday evening when I finished them. I am going to-day to see mr Clarke at his new habitation, and tomorrow, weather permitting, will pay you a morning visit. in the mean time I send you a note of the result of my ten days labor and some...
18202Horatio G. Spafford to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
A few weeks of ill health have confined me to the house, & prevented my correcting the proofs for the Magazine. Thou wilt find an interesting Biography of Baron Steuben , written by General William North , one of the Baron ’s Aids. The General does not wish to be publicly known as the writer. He is a distinguished Federalist, † I mention this circumstance, because that in doing justice to...
18203Thomas Jefferson’s Labeled Diagrams Related to Calculations of Altitude of the Peaks of Otter, [ca. 10–17 November 1815] (Jefferson Papers)
to obtain the altitude a.b. from 2. stations c. & d. each in the plane of the axis of a mountain a.b. and themselves on an inclined plane. a. the apex, or summit of the mountain. a.b. it’s Axis. b. it’s base in the level of a river. c. the plane of the instrument at it’s 1 st station. d. it’s plane at it’s 2 d station. c.d. the inclined plane measured. de. the same continued to the axis at e....
18204Thomas Jefferson’s Field Notes and Calculations of Altitude of the Peaks of Otter, [10–ca. 17 November 1815] (Jefferson Papers)
Field Notes. 1 st operation. 1815. Nov. 10. went on the top of the sharp or South peak of Otter , & from thence made these observations. ° ′ the meridian altitude of the sun by sextant 71– 8 − error of instrument 1– 30
18205From John Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 17 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your beautiful letter of Sept 11th has given me great pleasure. You are at a very respectable Academy, and have all the means, & advantages for instruction that I could wish for you. You must have made a rapid progress, in your Nomenclature, if in so short a time, you can distinguish the faces, and call the names of 140 out of 275 of your fellow Students I wish I could have the benefit and...
18206From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 17 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I have received your pleasing letter of Sept. 12. Your Situation is indeed delightful: But I hope you think more of the Musick of the Swan of Thames, than of the house of Dr Todd or the Miss Porters. Twickenham and Chiswick deserve your respect. Richmond Hill is familiar to me. There I visited Governor Pounall and Mr Richard Penn. M.P. I rambled about the place and Saw its beauties. But I...
18207Joel R. Poinsett to James Monroe, 16 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have received by a friend from Rio de Janeiro accounts from the river of Plate to the first of August. Shortly after I left Buenos Ayres, Posadas withdrew from the command, and Dn. Carlos Alvear was appointed Supreme Director. At this period the Expedition under Murillo was hourly expected on the shores of La Plata, and all parties united in the common defence. The undisguised ambition, and...
18208James Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 16 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to present to your acquaintance & to that of your family m r Gray & his Lady of Boston . M r Gray is the son of the late L t governor of Mass : who is so well known to you for his patriotism, & attachment to the republican cause. He is on a visit to the southern states, & from motives of respect, is particularly desirous, of being made to
18209To John Adams from Jedidiah Morse, 15 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I acknowledge my fault this day. I have two of your valued letters, of Sep. 11th. & Nov. 2d. now before me unanswered. My absence a part of the time, since they were recd. & continual & very pressing engagements the rest of the time, have occasioned the delay. The enclosures in yours of the 11th. of Sept. were to me very interesting & acceptable. I am extracting from them the information...
18210From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, [15 November 1815] (Madison Papers)
Mr. Gray, son of Mr. William Gray so distinguished for his wealth & his patriotism, wishing with his lady to pay their respects at Monticello, I can not do less than favor the opportunity by a line of introduction. I am unacquainted with him, otherwise than by his introduction thro’ a friend here; but doubt not that he will be found worthy of your civilities which will be acceptable to his...
18211To James Madison from John Vaughan, 15 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
Mr Ticknor who has in charge the purchase of Books for Mr Jefferson in Europe & M Everitt, selectd for a friend of their’s in Boston a Number of Valuable Books of the Best Editions, rarely met with in America. Their friend a Bookseller & man of Letters means to Sell these at Public Sale on 20 Dec in Boston. I will not apologize for the liberty I have taken in Sending a Catalogue, meaning to...
18212John Taliaferro to James Monroe, 15 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
I address you at this time on a subject to which I pray your attention. My friend Josiah Simpson who through your good offices was appointed a Judge in the Mississippi Territory, came to Virginia last Spring in pursuance of a previous engagement of long standing & was married to a Lady in Fredsbg. His intention at the time he left the Territory was to return, & to continue to officiate as...
18213James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Gray , son of M r William Gray so distinguished for his wealth & his patriotism, wishing with his lady to pay their respects at Monticello , I can not do less than favor the opportunity by a line of introduction. I am unacquainted with him, otherwise than by his introduction thro’ a friend here; but doubt not that he will be found worthy of your civilities which will be acceptable to his...
18214Enclosure: Resolution by the Historical and Literary Committee of the American Philosophical Society, 30 October 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
American Philosophical Society In Committee of History, the moral Sciences & general Literature. Resolved: That the Corresponding Secretary be authorized to correspond with and invite Com s from such persons either in or out of the State, that may be capable and disposed to forward the views of the Committee , and that he communicate the Correspondence from time to time to the Committee . Jn...
18215To James Madison from Jesse Cross, [ca. 14 November 1815] (Madison Papers)
The Petition of Jesse Cross humbly sheweth, That your Petitioner has been convicted, at the present term of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia for the County of Washington, of having stolen a horse, the property of one Henry Clarke, in October last: Your Petitioner acknowledges that the horse was taken by him, but denies the intention of stealing, having taken him while in a state...
18216Peter S. Du Ponceau to Thomas Jefferson, 14 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
It is a duty no less pleasing than honorable to me, to address you on behalf of the Historical & literary Committee of the American Philosophical Society , in the Capacity of their Corresponding Secretary. You have, no doubt, been informed of the recent establishment of this Committee, & of the views & objects for which it has been instituted. If not, you will receive full information on the...
18217From John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
The fundamental Article of my political Creed is, that Despotism, or unlimited Sovereignty, or absolute Power is the same in a Majority of a popular Assembly, and Aristocratical Counsel, an Oligarchical Junto and a Single Emperor. Equally arbitrary cruel bloody and in every respect, diabolical. Accordingly arbitrary Power, wherever it has resided, has never failed to destroy all the records...
18218To James Madison from the Burgomasters and Senate of Hamburg, 13 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
The blessings of Peace having been restored to the world and Hamburgh having resumed her pristine liberty and independence, it was amongst our foremost and most ardent wishes not only to renew our friendly intercourse with the Government of the United States, but if possible to make it more intimate and extensive. It is with a view of expressing these sentiments that we take the liberty of...
18219To James Madison from Michel Regnaud de Saint-Jean-d’Angély, 13 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
J’Esperois presenter moi même à Votre Excellence Les Deux lettres que J’ai L’honneur de lui adresser, mais mon voyage à Washingthon a été Retardé par l’attente Des Lettres de ma nombreuse famille. J’en ai recû Et Elles sont si peu rassurantes sur le païs & Sur les Individus, que Jusqu’à Ce que J’en aie recu De nouvelles, Je ne m’Éloignerai pas Du lieu ou Elles doivent m’être adressées....
18220John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The fundamental Article of my political Creed is, that Despotism, or unlimited Sovereignty, or absolute Power is the Same in a Majority of a popular Assembly, an Aristocratical Counsel, an Oligarchical Junto and a Single Emperor. Equally arbitrary cruel bloody and in every respect, diabolical. Accordingly arbitrary Power, wherever it has resided, has never failed to destroy all the records...
18221From John Adams to George Washington Adams, 12 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
Every one of your letters has given me great pleasure, and none more than No. 6. Aug. 15 just received. I am much pleased with the progress of your studies especially in the language of the Muses. When you are Master of the Greek all other Tongues Arts and Sciences you may want, will be easily in your power. You ought also to bestow Some of your attention upon Numbers and Figures as well as...
18222From John Adams to Richard Rush, 11 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
To your studies in Jurisprudence, I wish all the success, which you can possibly wish for yourself; but you must collect yourself & remember that Intemperance in the pursuit of knowledge, is not less dangerous than in that of pleasure. Your favour of the third has afforded me much amusement, though a dozen years ago & more I was convinced that mr Cooper was a man of talents and Science; yet at...
18223From James Madison to Daniel D. Tompkins, 11 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. a letter from Genl. La Fayette from which the inclosed is an extract, recommending, as you will see, the bearer, Mr. Surville, as possessing talents which may be usefully employed in this Country. I am persuaded that without a real merit such a recommendation would not have been received from that quarter; and I could not but take a pleasure in promoting an object, which combines...
18224To James Madison from Lafayette, 11 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
Amidst the services I would be happy to render to the U.S. I set in the first rank an acquisition so precious, that America is the only Country upon earth which I cannot grieve to see benefitted by the loss of France. General Bernard whom the Polytechnic School glories to have possessed, has so eminently distinguished himself in the Corps of Engineers, namely on the fortification of Antwerp,...
18225To James Madison from John P. Van Ness and Richard Bland Lee, 11 November 1815 (Madison Papers)
We are happy in being able to advise you that the Fire proof apartments at the west end of the Treasury Office are in a state fit for immediate occupation; the plastering being well seasoned and every part of the building completed. We may add that we have the best reason for believing that the War Office will be ready for occupation by the first of January next and the Treasury Office in all...
18226Transfer of Naval Appropriations, 11 November 1815 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ Transfer of Naval Appropriations. 11 November 1815. “In pursuance of the authority vested in the President of the United States, by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d: day of March, 1809, entitled ‘An Act further to amend the several Acts for the establishment and regulation of the Treasury, War, and Navy Departments,’ I do hereby direct, that out of the balance of the Appropriation for...
18227From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 10 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
May your anticipations of another Visit to Quincy be reallised! Much good may your Theological Studies do you! I have been reading an Abridgment of Scheffmachers Demonstration of the necessity of a Sovereign Judge of the Faith upon Earth from the Doctrine of the Trinity. He Says the New Testament flatly contradicts itself: affirming with equal perspicuity and Energy that J. C. is, and that he...
18228To John Adams from David Sewall, 10 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
I was much gratified with the reception of yours of Novr. 4th. Current And if it were in my power to communicate the Strength of Nerve, Which by the indulgence of Providence I am permitted to enjoy, It would spedily and with great pleasure be afforded.—I now & then peruse the last Chapr. of Ecclesiastes—which is supposed, a description of Persons in advanced periods of life—some of Which, such...
18229Henry Jackson to Thomas Jefferson, 9 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Your note covering the letter for M r Cathalan has been received, and the request it contained immediately complied with.— M r Cathalan has not yet had time to acknowledge its receipt.— From the tenor of the note it would appear to be the second time you had requested my Services—This however is the first application that has reached me.—suffer me, sir, to assure you that during my stay in...
18230To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 9 November 1815 (Adams Papers)
Musing on Molière, the last precious gift of de Gyzelaer, which I received this summer, I was as usual diverted from him to you, recollecting your kindness. My own health is improved, my old enemy raps only now and then a lady’s knock at the door; though I am not always permitted to say not at home, our pour parler does not last long. I shall go to-night to make a party of Quadrille with my...