182281To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Livingston, 5 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Livingston having been informed on his arrival this Evening that the President intended very short to quit the Seat of Government, begs leave most respectfully to solicit that he may be informed whether it will be convenient for the President to grant him a short audience previous to his Departure; it is on a Subject extremely interesting to Mr. L. and which formed the sole motive for his...
182282From Thomas Jefferson to James H. McCulloch, 5 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Being indebted to the representatives of your predecessor 34.30 D for duties & disbursements on some wines & perhaps other articles delivered for me at the port of Baltimore, and not knowing to whom they ought to be paid, I have hoped you would pardon me the liberty of putting under your cover the inclosed draught of the bank of the US. at this place on that at Baltimore, with a request to...
182283To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 5 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
T Munroe contrary to his expectations finds that the $20,000 Drawn 28 ulto. will probably be out on Saturday, in consequence of some large payments which he did not expect would have been called for so soon—He therefore respectfully submits to the President whether it may not be as well to give a warrant for a further sum before his departure, say for $10000. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
182284From Thomas Jefferson to John Murchie, 5 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you an order on Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson for paiment of the two balances due to James & Robert Donald & Co. as follows 15£-14s-1d due on mortgage from Wm. McGehee with int. @ 5. percent from 1772. Nov. 25 15-17-80 due from myself, on dealings with Peter Davis, with int. @ 5. per cent from 1776. Apr. war interest in both cases excepted, and in the first case will pray you to...
182285From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 5 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Apr. 28. came safe to hand with the watch chain and seal, which are entirely to my mind, and I now inclose you an order of the bank of the US. of this place on that at Philadelphia for 20. D. the amount of the two articles. I am now in all the hurry & bustle of preparation for departure this evening if I can be ready, or tomorrow morning at farthest, and having not a word of news...
182286From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In the outset of the business of Detentions, I think it impossible to form precise rules. after a number of cases shall have arisen, they may probably be thrown into groupes & subjected to rules. the great leading object of the legislature was, and ours in execution of it ought to be, to give compleat effect to the embargo laws. they have bidden Agriculture, Commerce, Navigation to bow before...
182287From Thomas Jefferson to William C. C. Claiborne, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The evasions of the preceding Embargo laws went so far towards defeating their objects, and chiefly by Vessels clearing out coastwise, that Congress by their Act of April 25. authorised the absolute detention of all Vessels bound coastwise with Cargoes exciting suspicions of an intention to evade those laws. there being few Towns on our sea-coast which cannot be supplied with flour from their...
182288From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Livingston, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Livingston, and being on his departure and much pressed in finishing sundry articles of business, he finds it impossible to enter on any new subject at this time. it is however the less important, as whatever be the subject of mr Livingston’s application, it goes of course in the first instance to the head of the department to which it belongs, from...
182289To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
If you approve the sentence upon William Hook, gunner of the Chesapeak, will you be pleased to place your signature under the word “confirmed”. I think it ought to be confirmed. I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir y ob S DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
182290To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just finished completing my agricultural designs for this year, leaving the Plantation in fine order, & the crop under good fence having a straight line fence of six feet high for all the partitions on a plan new in this Country, & which will, I hope, prove a profitable example. I shall leave the crop (now planted) in the hands of those who remain, & remove towards Harbour Island...
182291To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Leiper, 8 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to a resolution of the Delegates of the democratic republicans of the City of Philadelphia in general Ward Committee assembled I was appointed to transmit you their address unanimously adopted & signed by them—I have now sir the honor of inclosing it to you. I am with the utmost respect & esteem Dear Sir Your most obedient Servant PPL : Leiper Papers.
182292To Thomas Jefferson from Patrick Gibson, 9 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
We have to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 5th. Inst. inclosing B.notes for Three hundred & fifty dollars—We have paid Mr. Murchie Two hundred & forty three dollars 28 Cents being the Amount of the two sums mention’d in your letter with Int. for the amount paid on Account of McGehee we enclose you Mr M’s duplicate receipt—We received a few days ago advice from Philada. of the Nailrod...
182293To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Murdock, 9 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
having a strong inclination to Join the army of the United States, I some time ago communicated my desires to Mr Dana then a member of Congress with a Letter of recommendation from James Lanman Esq, requesting the privilege of entering as a cadet in the Military establishment at West Point—Mr Dana informed me that it would not be in his power to attend to it himself as he was then on the point...
182294To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel D. Tompkins, 9 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Having understood that John Jacob Astor Esquire of this city contemplates visiting the seat of Government on business with the Executive of the United States I take the liberty of introducing him to you & of assuring you that Mr. Astor is a Gentlemen of great probity and respectability. I am, Sir, very respectfully Your Obt Servt. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
182295To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 10 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose printed copies of the two last circulars respecting the embargo. The only points requiring your decision which have occurred are the following— 1. Gov. Harrison’s application to rent a lead mine. If acceded to, what must be the terms? On account of the greater distance, those given to John Brown of Kentucky, might not be acceptable to Harrison— 2. The revenue cutter of Savannah has...
182296To Thomas Jefferson from Randolph Harrison, 10 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The pressure of weighty publick business under which you have laboured at Washington, has delayed an application to you for information relating to my own private concerns, which otherwise would have been asked last fall: Nor would I now intrude upon your domestick quiet if I could obtain it from any other quarter. About twelve months ago I purchased at publick sale a tract of 1000 ares of...
182297To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Henderson, 10 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
With considerable reluctance I undertake the present communication, from the consideration of having before troubled You, and also my Knowing that at this momentous crisis, the occupation of your time is required by the Country in affairs of more importance: With these impressions I have for several weeks forborne writing, but finding that there are among us men who would rob you of the good...
182298To Thomas Jefferson from J. Phillipe Reibelt, 10 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous aurez—mon tres venerable Protecteur! sans doute lû dans les papiers publics de la N. Orleans, que et coment ⅔ du Corps Legislatif de Notre Territoire ont dans leur sagesse et Justice trouvèr apropòs, de decreter, sans même vouloir m’entendre, mon deplacement come Juge des Avoyelles, sur les denonciations assermenties d’un Marchand d’hommes noires de la Carol. Nord et de deux nouveau Venûs...
182299To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Bradley, Jr., 11 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The express mail to Detroit will cease in a few days unless orders should be forwarded for its continuance, the 6 months having nearly expired. This mail is attended with a great expence (costing at the rate of fifteen dollars a mile by the year) and it would be desirable to avoid it on that account unless it should be deemed important, for it is difficult to collect money fast enough to meet...
182300To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 11 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Shortly after you set out from Washington, I was called on by Mr. E. Livingston, and requested to be the channel of a representation to the Executive on the subject of the Batture. Without adverting to the nature of the question involved, which connects it rather with the Dept. of Treasury than of State. I did not refuse the request; and recd. from him afterwards the letter and documents...
182301From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 12 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
General Dearborne told me of an oil mill & press near Mr Thomas Moore’s which he said was of the neatest contrivance he had ever seen, & was on the smallest scale. being anxious to erect one for the purpose of making Benè oil, merely for family use, I had intended to go to see it, but was so thronged with business before my departure from Washington that it was not in my power. this lays me...
182302From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 12 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
My journey & two days detention on the road by high waters gave me time to reflect on our Canal at New Orleans, on which I will therefore hazard some thoughts. I think it has been said that the Misipi at low water is many feet lower, opposite N.O. than lake Pontchartrain. but the fact is impossible, being in contradiction to the laws of nature. two beds of dead water connected with the same...
182303To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 12 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
After writing to Thos. Moor in relation to the proposed canal at New Orlians I was informed by Genl. Mason that Moor had lately set out for the Ohio on business relating to the public Road. I enquired of the Genl. concerning Harbans, he gave a very favourable account of him, he is now imployed by a turnpike Company in Maryland, near Frederick Town, the Genl. agreed to write to him and request...
182304To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Rosell, 12 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Humble Petition of Thomas Rossell of the City and County of New York respectfully representeth—that a verdict has been obtained and Judgement given against your Petitioner at a District Court holden in the said City of New York on the Eight day of February last for Four Hundred Dollars with Costs as a fine Incurred for obtaining Twenty Six Jars of Honey from on board the Schooner Betsey...
182305To Thomas Jefferson from William Stephens, 12 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding, that Mr Mounger, Collector of this Port, intends resigning the appointment, I cannot avoid, joining in my recommending, as his successor, Mr Richd. Wall, Naval officer of this Port. Mr. Wall has been near Nine Years, about the duties of the above offices, and in the time of General McIntosh, then Naval Officer, performed the essential part of the duty, and so continued, in his...
182306To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Claxton, 13 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed you will find a letter from Mr Munroe which will explain to you his remarks better than I could detail them in my letter With respect to this business Sir, I acted in the most candid manner—I was the first who discovered that the appropriation for the Deficit was short of its object—This circumstance, Sir, I mentioned to you, when you were pleased to remark that the estimate being...
182307From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 13 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the groceries I sent round from Washington, I omitted the Syrop of punch or Center, which is important in the country where we cannot get fruit. Will you be so good as to send me about two or three dozen bottles, by the first boat, well secured by package against plunder. I salute you affectionately MHi : Coolidge Collection.
182308To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 13 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Out of the $30,000 Drawn on your warrants of 2d & 5th Instant, on acct of the Deficit in previous Appropriations, provided for by the Act of last session of Congress I have paid the following claims vizt Brought up— $ 14033. 11 Thomas Rayner 242.
182309To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 14 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the decision of the Commissioners appointed at Boston to appraise the value of a site for a battery near the water’s edge, and one for an enclosed work on the highest part of an Island, called Governor’s Island between the Town of Boston and Fort Independence.—The high part of this Island over looks Fort Independence, (which is on what is called, Castle Island) and has an old...
182310To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas Douette-Richardot, 14 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
La protection Spéciale dont jouit l’économie rurale dans les Etats-Unis, m’impose le devoir Sacré de vous faire hommage de mon Traité de la Pratique de l’Agriculture . Cet ouvrage en le résultat d’Expériences constamment suivies pendant plus de 20 ans, dont le succès reconnu a été couronné par plusieurs sociétés savantes et honorablement accueilli par le gouvernement Français. J’ai osé croire,...
182311To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Jackson, 14 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 20th. ultimo, I wrote you, enclosing a statement made by William Meadows relative to the depredations lately committed by the indians on our frontier—and a large party of the Creeks apparently hostile, who occupied the South bank of the Tennessee—I then Stated the Substance of my orders to the several Brigadeer Generals, Issued on that occasion, and my Special order to Genl. Johnston...
182312To Thomas Jefferson from John Langdon, 14 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your letter of the 6th. Inst, the day before yesterday I shall with pleasure attend to giveing Certificates to such Merchants who may wish to import flower from the middle or southern States; We are almost, wholely dependant, with the other, Towns around us, for flower, on the southern States, a little or no wheat is raised near the sea coast. We had no Idea here...
182313To Thomas Jefferson from James Lyle, 14 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad to hear of your safe arival in good health at Monticello. I now enclose a state of our affairs, a continuation from that sent you in 1800. On examination I hope you will find it right, it is intended to be so; if any errors or omissions, you will please notice them. I give credit for the sums at the times I recd. them from Mr. Clark, the interest he recovered on the bonds sent him...
182314To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Belding, 15 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I Joshua Belding have had the Opportunity of Reading my two Books which I Put-out for Public Benefits June 10 AD 1807 Which was taken away from me Unjustly to the first Copy wanted some Regulating I have done it & I find by the Honorable Proceedings of Congress They have Granted me a Copy-right of both Copy’s Mr Jefferson President of the United States of America Your Honor will find one Copy...
182315From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 15 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday the inclosed letter from a mr Wood of New York. I should suppose the fruits of Europe stood nearly on the ground of the Dry goods of Europe, not tempting evasion by exorbitant prices, nor defeating the object of the embargo in any important degree, even if a deviation should take place. I send it to yourself for decision and answer, in order that there may be an uniformity...
182316From Thomas Jefferson to Gustavus B. Horner, 15 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I found here a small remnant of the Benni seed I had sent on to be sown, which enables me to fulfill my promise to you. open light furrows with a plough, 3 ½ or 4 f. apart, drop a very few seed every 12. inches along the furrow. when up, thin them to a single plant at each 12. inches, and when advanced in growth draw a little earth to the roots. they need little culture. when the leaves fall...
182317To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I got home on friday night, by taking my carriage to pieces & making three trips with it over Porter’s mill pond in something like a boat, and swimming my horses. I found the roads over the flat lands much better than I had hoped. Having been once dry and smoothed, the rains did not penetrate and left them very passable even where slightly covered with water. I was glad to learn that you had...
182318From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 16 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my letter of yesterday I have prepared the draught of a circular to the Governors not before addressed, under which I mean to cover the printed copies of that of May 6. which I have requested you to send me. this draught I inclose for your perusal. I salute you affectionately. NHi : Papers of Albert Gallatin. The numerous & bold evasions of the several embargo laws threatened...
182319To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 16 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose the application of Fanning, Coles & others to send a vessel in ballast on account of a new question on which I have doubts. Those gentlemen have with much perseverance & enterprize discovered a large quantity of Sandal wood on one of the Friendly islands in the Pacific Ocean. One cargo they took to China & have brought the proceeds within a few days. They had previously heard from...
182320To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 16 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding on my return from a little ride, that the post was here without my having recd a key to the mail, I thought it best to have a link of the chain taken off, rather than take the alternative. Hence the mail goes open; but I am enabled to send the letters addressed to me for your perusal. There are letters from Erving but old & not worth forwarding, In fact I take all of them to be...
182321To Thomas Jefferson from James Thompson, 16 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding that Major Swan has resigned the Office of Pay Master General to the Army, to take place at the end of the present quarter, I have presumed to address you as a Candidate for that appointment—Having acted as Pay Master to the Marine Corps for eight years, and discharged the duties of that Office to the satisfaction of all above me, I trust I shall be found competent to that of the...
182322To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Thorn, 16 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The presidents proclamation was received in this quarter on the 29th, of last month by express from Albany, notwithstanding which a greater number of rafts, bbls. of provisions, potashes &c have since passed thro’ Lake Champlain to Canada, than from the breaking up of the Lake to that period, I am an advocate of the Laws and wish to see them carried into effect—They have been grossly violated...
182323From Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Bradley, Jr., 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 11th. I think the present state of affairs admits the discontinuance of the express mail to Detroit, and therefore on account of it’s expence, advise it’s being put down. Mr. Shoemaker’s rider did not get here till in the night last night, instead of being here by 9. or 10. aclock which (from Gordon’s) he might easily be, if he left that at day-break....
182324To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Commons, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Exelency will pardon my boldness of my undertaking, as I find myself under necessity to apply to your Exelency. I was by a bad sett poeple persuadet & forced to inlist in the Service of the United States, and if I would not comply with there desire, they would flog me ecct; I am in the Service here in the Artillerie in Captn. Coxs Compagnie, and I do not know how long I must Stay. I would...
182325From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 12th. was recieved last night. I presume we must employ Herbaugh at N. Orleans, on the recommendation of others, not knowing him ourselves. the sooner he goes the better. You will be so good as to use your own discretion as to the sending a vessel to Passamaquoddy. the special license is not signed by me: and as I do not know the particular course pursued, I have requested mr...
182326From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 16th. came to hand last night. as the lead mines do not press in point of time, I would rather they should be the subject of a conversation on my return. it is not merely a question about the terms we have to consider, but the expediency of working them. as to the Savanna revenue cutter I approve of the proposition in your letter or whatever else you may think best to be done. the...
182327To Thomas Jefferson from William Waller Hening, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Perceiving from the public prints, that you have lately left the seat of Government on a short visit to Monticello, I am desirous of arranging with you, while there, the materials for the edition of the Statutes at Large which I am about to publish.—I shall take the stage next week, for Albemarle, in order to confer with you on the subject; and should you contemplate an absence from Monticello...
182328To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Lee, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
your Excellency will permit Me to inform you of a young Man, who has gone to Washington for the purpose (as he says) of causing a repeal of the several Acts (passed the last session of Congress) laying an Embaro—He has thrown out several threats on the road—particularly against your Excellencies life—I have this moment heard of his arrival in Washington and that he is preparing to proceed to...
182329From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 11. 15. & 16. came to hand last night. the request of Turreau to be allowed a vessel to carry home another cargo of French citizens is admissible according to our former practice, only observing that the size of the vessel be proportioned to the number of passengers. I think also that Michaux, the botanist, may be allowed to go in our vessel, on the known usage of civilized...
182330From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 13th. was recieved last night, and really presents a painful state of things. However our object now can be only how to meet the new deficit, with the least injustice. Your statement is as follows— Debts paid by mr Monroe 28,107. 74 by mr Claxton 5,403. 76