25951To James Madison from John D. Heath, 19 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
In acknowledging the receipt of a letter which I had some time since the honor of addressing to your excellency, you were pleased kindly to observe, that I had your “good wishes.” I do not presume that the observation flowed from any other source than your general philanthropy; as you must have been necessarily ignorant (from a want of personal acquaintance) whether I individually merited your...
25952To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 12th. has been duly recieved. I have much doubted whether, in case of a war, Congress would find it practicable to do their part of the business. That a body containing 100. lawyers in it, should direct the measures of a war is, I fear, impossible; and that thus that member of our constitution, which is it’s bulwark, will prove to be an impracticable one from it’s cacoethes...
25953Thomas Jefferson to Edward Gantt, 19 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of Jan. 21. came by our last post, & I have with pleasure forwarded your application to the President . your letter gave me the first information of your removal to the Westward, and I learned from it with real concern the circumstances which had induced it. on my going to live in Washington , my first enquiries were into the mode of practice of the Physicians there, of whom I should of...
25954Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 19 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 12 th has been duly recieved. I have much doubted whether, in case of a war, Congress would find it practicable to do their part of the business. that a body containing 100. lawyers in it, should direct the measures of a war is, I fear, impossible; and that thus that member of our constitution, which is it’s bulwark, will prove to be an impracticable one from it’s cacoethes...
25955Thomas Jefferson to John B. Magruder, 19 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not recieve your letter of Jan. 27. till the 15 th inst. I immediately wrote to mr Perry pressing a performance of his contract without further delay. I inclose you his answer and hope he will do what he therein promises. Accept the assurances of my esteem & respect. PoC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “M r Magruder”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: John M. Perry to TJ, 18 Feb. 1812, not found, but...
25956Thomas Jefferson to Lancelot Minor, 19 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter which you mention to have written about ten days ago has not yet been recieved. that of the 16 th by mr Sea came to hand last night. I will first observe in answer to your enquiries, that the personal property of the estate; and especially that which is liable to waste may, & ought to be sold without waiting the probat of the will. this may be done by any agent of the estate, but...
25957From John Adams to William Eustis, 18 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
Give me leave to enclose to you a Letter from a Gentleman whom I knew in former Life but have not lately seen. I knew his Grand Father, his Father, his Uncle and his Brothers and himself all of genuine old New England Blood You probably know personally more of him than I do. If it should be consistent with the public good in the Presidents opinion and yours I should hear with pleasure of his...
25958To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 18 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
Having been prevented to answer your favours of Dec. 19 Last and Jan. 9 thro Severe head-ache during a forthnight and a Succeeding cold—which is not yet past, I now begin to renew my former course—altho I am compelled to hold in the reins. In the former you insinuated to have Send me by Col. William Stevens Smith two first vol. of Amer. Acad—with the promise of procuring me this Summer the...
25959From François Adriaan Van der Kemp to Abigail Smith Adams, 18 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I presume, it is not abusing your kindness, in addressing you with a few lines, to assure you of mÿ Sincerest thanks for the unexpected gift of Quincÿ Adam’s Lectures—which you have bestowed on me. What enhances the value of this present, is that Seems to have been a mark of filial affection of a beloved Son, now endorsed to me bÿ your own hand. It is mÿ misfortune—Madam! that I can onlÿ...
25960To James Madison from William Lambert, 18 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
In a late conversation with the Secretary of State, he assured me that, in his opinion, the President of the United States was favorably disposed towards me. I am glad to hear that the mean persecution I have met with from others, has not a tendency to lessen me in his estimation. Permit me to state, that I have not only now, but ever had a high respect for your talents and character; and if a...
25961To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 18 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
I had the honour to recieve your polite & friendly favour of the 10th: ultimo & shall do myself the pleasure to write you more at length as soon as I see the Course our public affairs will take after you hear from Europe. My object at present is to mention the death of Judge Bee the Judge of this district, & to recommend John D Heath Esquire to fill his place, a Gentleman of the Bar of this...
25962Thomas W. Maury to Thomas Jefferson, 18 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Excuse if you please, the liberty I take, in introducing to your acquaintance the Bearer Robert N. Smith , who is the nephew & ward of The Hon ble Hugh Nelson , and charged by that gentleman with some communication to you I am very respectfully Sir. RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Feb. 1812 and so recorded in SJL . Thomas Walker...
25963Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 18 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not search for an apologÿ, in sending you included imperfect Sketch of a work , which I ardently wished, to see executed bÿ a masterlÿ hand If to former favours—which can not be obliterated by me—you would join another by condescending to gratifÿ me with your opinion and Strictures I should feel myself ÿet higher indebted to your Patronage—while—I should consider—to have not Laboured in...
25964Enclosure: Francis Adrian Van der Kemp’s Synopsis of a Proposed Book, [ca. 18 February 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
Contemplated work “Moral and Physical causes of the Revolutionarÿ Spirit, in the latter part of the 18 th centurÿ, with their probable issue on both Continents Ardua quæ pulcra ” (Rough outlines dotted) General observations (Preliminarÿ) Previous Station Situation of
25965To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 17 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I began a long & confidential letter to you two weeks ago upon the Subject of one of your late letters, but an unusual pressure of business has prevented my finishing it. Judge of my the nature & extent of my engagements, when I add, that after lecturing twice, and visiting my normal number of patients this day, and entertaining some of my pupils at tea, I have since written six Answers to...
25966From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 17 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I was not long at the Adelphi, but soon removed to private lodgings, which by the way were ten times more public, and took apartments at Mr. Stokdale’s, in Piccadilly, where Mr. Laurens had lately lodged before me.Here I had a great opportunity of learning, for Dr. Bret was at the next door, the state of the current literature of London. I will not enlarge upon this subject at present, if...
25967From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 17 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
There are two vessels up, one for St Petersburgh & one for Gottenburgh. by both of which I propose to write. My last Letter was dated in Jan’ry No 1, and the last received, from you then, was of Sepb’r but yesterday Commodore Bainbridge arrived, and forwarded your Letters of October 2d a press coppy of No 25 not yet arrived, and an original of october, 24 & 25—No 26—your Father will write, and...
25968From Abigail Smith Adams to Hannah Phillips Cushing, 17 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have been contemplating writing to you for Several weeks past to inquire after your health & that of your Family through the winter but I have delayd it untill the call of Friendship bids me unite my Sympathy with the bereve’d Sisters and Relatives over the brave youth who has fallen in defence of the honour justice and Rights of his Country. How beautifull is death when earned by virtue....
25969To James Madison from William Eustis, 17 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1812, War Department. Presents for consideration “a system of field exercise and manoevers of Infantry, adapted to the militia and regular troops of the United States, conformable to a resolution of the house of Representatives of the 17 Decr. 1811.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p. Enclosure not found, but see n. 1. The resolution requesting the president to have...
25970To James Madison from Harry Toulmin, 17 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1812, Fort Stoddert. Is uncertain whether he has deviated from “etiquette” in addressing a public letter to JM personally, rather than to the secretary of state. “The idea … was suggested by a friend, and there was not time enough then to avail myself of it without losing another week.… I feel that I have lost too many weeks already, occasioned at first by a total ignorance of the...
25971John Harvie to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The dreadful blow which has thinned my family has occasioned a remissness in my writing to you; but your goodness, I know, will forgive the omission in the cause, which has produced it. Perhaps this letter will not reach you by the time that your that is claim against me is due. I hope however that a short procrastination of payment will occasion you no sensible inconvenience I have written to...
25972Thomas Jefferson to Harmer Gilmer, 16 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been for some time desirous of getting a few particular plants from mr M c Mahon , the gardener, of Philadelphia , which can only be removed at this season, & by the stage, as no other conveyance is quick enough. but without the care & patronage of some passenger they would never get to me. understanding that you will be returning to our neighborhood immediately, & by the stage, I...
25973Thomas Jefferson to Bernard McMahon, 16 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
In your letter of March last , as on various other occasions, you were so kind as to offer to supply my wants in the article of plants, and in my answer of April 8. I mentioned a few articles, as also the mode of conveyance, which could not occur till about this time. an opportunity now presents itself of the most fortunate kind. mr Harmer Gilmer , a student of medecine now in Philadelphia ,...
25974Thomas Jefferson to John M. Perry, 16 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
M r M c Gruder has written to me urgently on the subject of the plank due him: I must therefore press you to execute that contract immediately, that I may at length be done with it. he says he is ready to return the money on recieving the plank, and as I presume, on his recieving the stocks from you, as he is to do the sawing himself. be so good as to let me know what I may say to him. Accept...
25975To James Madison from John Cox, 15 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having an unexpected call for more money to day than I have by me, will you allow me to ask you for the loan of fifteen Hundred Dollars until this day week when it shall be Returned to you without fail. With much respect Your ob st RC ( NN ). Undated; date assigned here on the basis of the endorsement at the foot of the page. Below the signature is the following note: “Geo: Town Saturday Feby...
25976To James Madison from George Joy, 15 February 1812 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed will shew you the cause and the sole cause, of my continuing ’till this time in England. The magnitude of the object and the encouragement of some friends have induced this attempt, against my own opinion of any advantage being derived from it. And to the general discouragement, arising from the prejudices complained of therein, I have an addition in a note this moment received...
25977To James Madison from William Eustis, 15 February 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 February 1812, War Department. Transmits a “general return of the Militia of the United States, taken from the latest returns received by this Department from the several States and Territories” [not found]. Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). 1 p.
25978John B. Chandler to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I Rec d a Letter from M r Shoemaker Stating that thay Beeing som miss under Standing in the Settelment of your accounts I Cant Say what entreys mought Be in the Books but I Can Say that in the whole Time I was employd in M r Shoemakers Business I Kneaver Knew any thing But Carcet Entrey in his Books I Shold be in in the Spring and If a berth cold be procourd in you mills I Shold be wondres...
25979Thomas Jefferson to James Leitch, 15 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Cloaths for the bearer Burwell , such as he shall chuse. RC ( ViCMRL , on deposit ViU : TJP ); dateline beneath signature; written on a small scrap; adjacent to signature and dateline: “M r Leitch.” Not recorded in SJL . Burwell Colbert (1783–ca. 1862), butler, painter, and glazier, became one of TJ’s most trusted slaves. When and how he acquired the surname Colbert, which TJ seems never to...
25980From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 14 February 1812 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Thaxter was at last dispatched with all our letters and papers; and in due time we received from him the following letter: To the ministers plenipotentiary of America for making peace. L’Orient 20th Sept. 1783. Gentlemen—I have the honor to acquaint you that I arrived here in the morning of the 18th inst. and had the mortification of finding that the packet in which I was to have taken...