184351From Thomas Jefferson to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In the hurry of the approaching close of a session of Congress and of the preparations for my own departure from this place, I must drop you a line by a public vessel going to France, altho’ it can be but a short one. on politics I will say nothing; that being safest for you as well as myself. for those of our own country I will refer you to mr Coles, the bearer of this, my Secretary, who is...
184352To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Lehré, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Some very important news arrived the day before yesterday from England, and Spain, as I wish our Government, to receive the earliest intelligence of what occurs on the other Side of the Atlantic, I have taken the liberty of Sending you three papers of this City, containing the above news.— An Election was held on Monday & Tuesday last, in this City, to fill up two Vacancies that has occured...
184353From Thomas Jefferson to Armistead T. Mason, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much indebted fellow Citizens for your very friendly address, and read with great satisfaction the patriotic sentiments it expresses. The measures lately pursued in preference either to War or an ignominious surrender of our rights as an independent people have undoubtedly produced the beneficial effects of saving our property & Seamen, of lengthening the term of our peace & of giving...
184354To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Emperor of Russia having at different periods indicated sentiments particularly friendly to the U.St. with a wish that a diplomatic intercourse shd. be established between the two Countries; and it being considered that in the relations of Russia to the predominant Powers of Europe must not only give her weight with them according to the visicitudes of war, but that her influence in...
184355From Thomas Jefferson to Quin Morton, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor tendering the service of fifty citizens of Tenissee as a company of volunteer riflemen. there are two acts of Congress which regulate the acceptance of these tenders: that of the last year (1808) is for a service of six months, & authorises the Governor to accept; and that of 1807. for a service of twelve months authorising the President to accept, who has...
184356From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Hempstead, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The approbation which you are pleased to express of my past administration is highly gratifying to me. that in a free Government there should be differences of Opinion as to public measures & the conduct of those who direct them is to be expected: it is much however to be lamented that these differences should be indulged at a crisis which calls for the undivided councils & energies of our...
184357From Thomas Jefferson to Asa Ransom, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The eventful crisis in our National Affairs so truly portrayed in your very friendly address, has justly excited your serious attention. the Nations of the earth prostrated at the foot of power, the Ocean submitted to the despotism of a Single Nation, the laws of nature and the usages which have hitherto regulated the intercourse of nations and interposed some restraint between power and...
184358To Thomas Jefferson from William Penn, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Thou strange inconsistant man! always at variance with Thyself, at one period advocating the utility of our Work Shops in Europe, at another in our own country, thus exposing thyself to the pity & derision of Thy friends & foes, hitherto thou hath been considered the Agent of Napoleon, now some Think thee under the Influence of George for to this man & his cause thou hath done much good, the...
184359To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Randolph has been applied to by the people of the County generally to know if you would have any objection to their meeting you on the road and escorting you to Charlottesville. not only the militia companies but the body of the people. they wish it as the last opportunity they can have of giving you a public testimony of their respect and affection if you will write to him by the return of...
184360From Thomas Jefferson to James Robertson, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your letter covering the resolutions of the Citizens of West Tennessee assembled in the Town of Nashville. every friend of his Country must feel the regret & indignation they so laudably express at the unjust & unprecedented measures adopted by the belligerent Powers of Europe, violating our Maritime rights as a free & independent Nation, & compelling us, for their...
184361From Thomas Jefferson to Caesar Augustus Rodney, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of a consultation with the heads of Depts. tomorrow at 12. Oclock. CtY .
184362From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Emperor of Russia has, on several occasions, indicated sentiments particularly friendly to the United States, and expressed a wish, through different channels, that a diplomatic intercourse should be established between the two countries. his high station, & the relations of Russia to the predominant powers of Europe, must give him weight with them, according to the vicissitudes of the...
184363To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of returning enclosed, the letter, covered by your note of this date—but cannot discover the one wanted on a careful examination of every file in which it would probably be placed. I am with perfect respect and esteem Sir Your Ob: Sevt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
184364To Thomas Jefferson from Clotworthy Stephenson, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope your goodness will Excuse this intrusion, I reques you will inform me of the result of the documents and claimz for Services at the Marine Barrack which you were so obliging as to take into your possesion, I am Sir with Sentiments of respect your Hbl Sert MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
184365From Thomas Jefferson to David Stone, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Capt Isaac Lane offering the service of 35. men as volunteers, but not specifying whether under the law of 1807. or 1808. the former being for 12. & the latter for 6. months. if under the latter, the law has authorised the Governors to accept; if under the former, the authority given to the President to accept, has been by him delegated to the Governors. your...
184366To Thomas Jefferson from William Garner, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Records of Antiquity exhibit innumerable Instances of wicked Men aided by the Evil Spirit, who, after artfully acquiring public Confidence, trampled upon the Equal Rights of their Species and converted the power with which they were entrusted for the public Good to their own Aggrandizement and Emolument.—Power thus acquired continued to accumulate untill the Rights of the people were...
184367From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel D. Tompkins, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a few days ago your Excellency’s favor of the 9th. inst: covering the patriotic Resolutions of the Legislature of New York of the 3d. the times do certainly render it incumbent on all good citizens, attached to the rights & honor of their country to bury in oblivion all internal differences, and rally round the standard of their country in opposition to the outrages of foreign...
184368To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Bradley Varnum, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letter came under cover to me, with a request, that it might be immediately delivered.— I am very respectfully Sir Your Obedt. Servant DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
184369To Thomas Jefferson from Caspar Wistar, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer Mr. H. Toland Junr is a very interesting young Gentleman & Son of a very worthy Citizen of Philadelphia—I could not let him go to Washington without giving him an opportunity of paying his respects to you— Jefferson is very well employed, and in good health— With the greatest regard, I beg leave to Subscribe myself your obliged friend DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
184370From Thomas Jefferson to Collins & Perkins, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of Messrs. Collins & Perkins to send him a copy of Smith’s abridgment of John Bell’s Principles of Surgery. if sent by the mail it will reach this place before Th:J. leaves it. he incloses the price announced in a bank bill of this place, the only means of making so small a remittance MHi : Coolidge Collection.
184371From Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas Douette-Richardot, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14. May 1808. & with it the favor of two Copies of your valuable treatise on the practise of Agriculture. One of them has according to your request been deposited in the library of Congress, where it’s members will have opportunities of being benefited by your experience; the other, by your permission, will be carried with me into that state of retirement to...
184372To Thomas Jefferson from William P. Gardner, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The St. Tamany Society, or Columbian Order of the City of Washington in full council assembled have unanimously agreed to present to you an address on your retiring from Public Life.— As Grand Sachem of that society, I am directed to request the favour of you to say at what time it will be convenient for you to receive the same.—With sentiments of the highest Respect and Esteem, I remain, Sir,...
184373From Thomas Jefferson to Henri Grégoire, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received the favor of your letter of Aug: 17. and with it the Volume you were so kind as to send me on the literature of negroes. be assured that no person living wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a complete refutation of the doubts I have myself entertained and expressed on the grade of understanding allotted to them by nature, and to find that in this respect they are on a par...
184374From Thomas Jefferson to Tadeusz Andrzej Bonawentura Kosciuszko, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by Mr. Coles the bearer of Public dispatches by an Aviso, who has lived with me as my Secretary, being one of my wealthy neighbors. I will say nothing to you on the Situation of our country, because his intimate knowledge of our Affairs, & the unreserved confidence you may repose in him, will enable you to learn from him whatever you desire. he is worthy your friendly...
184375From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L’Escallier, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I received duly your letter of Sep: 11. and with it a copy of your valuable Vocabulaire de marine for which I pray you to receive my particular thanks. I recall with pleasure the transient gratification I had in your company here, and am happy that the short stay you made among us has impressed you favorably for our country. we are a peaceable people, and have sacrificed much to remain at...
184376To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Beekman Livingston, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I had this day the honor to receive your favr. with the enclosures I had sent you. My services were not tendered from any “fondness” or “familiarity” with scenes of successfull warfare might have inspired me with: But from an Idea perhaps foolishly immagined that I might be servissable at a critical juncture which I have been induced to beleive more from the testimonials I have produced than...
184377Notes on a Cabinet Meeting, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 25. prest. Secy. State, Treasy. Navy, Atty Genl. What orders shall be given as to English & Spanish ships attempting to pass N. Orleans for Baton rouge? Ans. English ships have been hitherto prohibited, that being the highest port of entry. Spanish ships have been permitted to go up, except when having slaves on board. let things continue so till Congress rises, when their proceedings...
184378From Thomas Jefferson to Claude Alexandre Ruelle, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favors of May 29. & July 11. & with this last a copy of your constitution with the new augmentations. Our usages not permitting me to present it formally to the Legislature of the Nation, I have deposited it in their library where all it’s Members will have an opportunity of profiting of it’s truths, and it will be, as you desire, in a depot beyond the reach of...
184379From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before Congress a statement of the militia of the United States, according to the latest returns recieved by the Department of War DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
184380To Thomas Jefferson from Sebly Tillet, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Poor and disalute and have no way of main Tain ance I would thank you to give me somthing To help me if you Please I have a young Child To take care of if you well have Compasion on me and help me my Prayrs shall be offerd up to heven for while I live— MHi : Coolidge Collection.
184381To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel D. Tompkins, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
About the period of Mr Gansevoorts nomination to the Office of Brigadier General he mentioned to me the circumstance of his having received a letter from the Secretary at War on that subject & of his having returned an answer declining the appointment. After a lengthy conversation with him and considerable solicitation on my part he was prevailed upon to change his determination provided...
184382From Thomas Jefferson to David Bailie Warden, 25 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of July 16. since which I have received your several favors of May 25. Jun. 12. July 22. 24. & Sep. 2. & as in the last you mention that you had never received mine of May 1. 1808. I inclose you a copy with the expression of my sincere regrets that the Acknolegements of your favors contained in it should have been so long unreceived. Mr. Humboldt’s work is also received & in...
184383To Thomas Jefferson from William Hickman, 26 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by Dick, who takes down Dusty-Miller. On Friday last was handed to me, the enclosed account of a very extraordinary Phenomenon, seen, as you will know, at your Horse-shoe Farm opposite this place: As it offers to the Philosopher and the Astronomer a subject of curious speculation, and as it will find you in the focus (allow me the expression) of knowledge; I do myself...
184384To Thomas Jefferson from John Hollins, 26 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In reply to your esteemed respects of the 23d., the Cotton seed shall certainly be used agreeably to your directions—Mr Brown tells me there is no charge on it I thank you very kindly for your polite invitation to Monticello, & you may be assured it will add much to my pleasure, & that of my family, to see you there, shd. they or I have occasion to visit your neighbourhood— With sincere...
184385To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Mentor Johnson, 26 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose for your consideration, the case of the unfortunate Richard Berry, as Stated by Mr Rowan—& which Statement has been confirmed, by letters, I have received from individuals; particularly Rh: M: [Gario] a friend & acquaintance of mine, whose veracity cannot be doubted but which letter has been mislaid, or it Should be enclosed for your perusal—The Statement of this case, as to its...
184386From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As the two cooks which are here, will take the place of Peter Hemings in the kitchen, it will be necessary that one of them should have his room next the kitchen, and that it should be vacant on their arrival. I would wish you therefore before your departure to let him make choice of any one of the log-houses vacant, on the Mulberry row, and to direct your people to proceed immediately to fix...
184387From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Lewis Bankhead, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed will, I presume, inform you that all are well at Edgehill. the family will remove to Monticello on the 9th. or 10th. of March. I am in hopes to join them, about the 15th. or 16th. I imagine you will be in motion by that time, the roads permitting. Would it not be better for you, instead of going by Fredericksburg, to find the best road to Anderson’s bridge on the North Anna, which...
184388To Thomas Jefferson from John Boyle, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to your request I send the inclosed note for the information of the Executive in relation to the appointments in the Illinois Territory—Besides Mr Priestly I could have named other gentlemen in Kentucky who would accept of the appointment of judge & discharge the duties of the office with great propriety but I have forborn to do so from the consideration that it would perhaps be...
184389To Thomas Jefferson from John Boyle, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr James Priestly of Kentucky has signifyed his willingness to acept of the office of judge in the Illinois Territory—I have not an intimate personal acquaintance with Mr Priestly but from his character & the little I know of him personally I have no hesitation in saying that he would fill the office with propriety & would be a great acquisition to the territory—As to his literary & scientific...
184390From Thomas Jefferson to James Dinsmore, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 24th. is recieved, and I will send a bunch of good bell wire by the waggon. I would wish the Piazza to be plaistered as soon as the weather will permit. it is not to be white washed. I have given directions through mr Bacon to mr Watkins as to the manner of finishing the stone house now building, to wit, with a roof hipped every way, so that there will be no pediment. he was not...
184391To Thomas Jefferson from Jesse Franklin, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
We the undersigned take the liberty of recommending the Honr Marmaduke Williams for the appointment as a Judge in the Mississippi Territory, to fill the Vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Bruin— We are Sir with due respect yours &c DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
184392To Thomas Jefferson from James Jay, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you on the approaching period when you are to exchange the busy anxious cares and labors attached to the high office you hold, for the easy, placid Scenes of philosophic retirement. Yet I cannot but regret that you should quit the helm of State before the Storm is over: and this I do from a full persuasion that the Event would prove highly honorable to yourself, and advantageous...
184393To Thomas Jefferson from John Littlejohn, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Republican Mechanicks of the Town of Leesburg & its vicinity, held in Leesburg on the 27th. of February, 1809, for the Purpose of tendering to the P. of the U.S. an address approbatory of his conduct as Chief Magistrate.— John Littlejohn Esqr. was appointed to the Chair & John Newton Secy. whereupon Messrs John Littlejohn, John S Cranwell & John Newton, being chosen a...
184394To Thomas Jefferson from James Mease, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Ronaldson called on me a few days since to Shew me some Specimins of wool one of which was from your ram, imported from Spain by the late Robert Morris, & supposed by you to be of the Merino breed. I had no hesitation in pronouncing my opinion, that the ram from which the Specimen shewn me, came, was not of that breed, and I gave Mr. R: a small lock of one of my Merino Ewes to send you, in...
184395From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Latham Mitchill, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to Doctr. Mitchell, & on behalf of mr Thomas M: Randolph, asks the favor of him to take charge of the inclosed letter. presuming that mr Barker will forward it by the Mentor, I suppose it will be early enough when Doctr. Mitchell returns himself. Privately owned.
184396From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 17th. and 24th. are both recieved. Beverly T. Randolph called at the hour at which I had rode out, & left your letter of the 17th. Taking for granted he was to stay a day as you mentioned, I wrote an invitation to him the next morning to come and dine with me. but he had already gone on. he called in like manner on his namesake Beverley here, who being out did not see him....
184397To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 27 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
J. Smith has the honor to state in reply to the President’s note, this moment received, that Mr. Moultrie’s christian name is James, and that his warrant was made out and forwarded to him at Charleston on the 23d. Inst. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
184398From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Bacon, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In writing to you yesterday I forgot to send you the inclosed letter to Doctr. Wallace at Fauqr. C.H. he has promised me a pair of wild geese, a pair of Summer ducks & some other things, which are at some little distances from there. by delivering him this letter as you come by Fauqr. C.H. he will have them all ready in place by the time you get back there again, so as not to detain your...
184399To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "Cassandra", 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I address you without apology a few words on a subject of magnitude. You have brought the government to the jaws of destruction. I do not undertake to say whether by supineness, timidity, or enthusiasm. The effect is certain. On the cause I cannot pronounce. Sedition & Treason have prowled abroad in the glare of day. They have scorned concealment. They have gloried in their turpitude, and...
184400From Thomas Jefferson to Eleuthère Irenée Du Pont, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of the 11th. inst. mr Gallatin undertook to write to mr Gelston Collector of N.Y. that we consented to the Mentor’s recieving and bringing for you the Merino Sheep which were the subject of that letter. it followed that you would have to make your arrangements with the Captain as; by his contract, the benefit would be his. I am sorry the pressure of business did...