2931To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 9 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last letter it has occurred to me that it should have contained an idea which I did not express. It is this—that under the circumstances in which the Governours of States, and the Continental Officers were placed, it is reasonable to suppose that however correct the conduct of the former may have been, the opinions of the latter would be unfavourable to them. Indeed, the more...
2932To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Abbot Cummings, 8 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
on the inst. we shipped to the care of Col. Peyton 3 cases Books from England, 1 from France, & 2 from Germany; & yesterday one other case from Germany. These, with what are now on their way from Europe, and the addition of some American works, which have not, as yet been found, will make about the full amount of our commission. We have received by the last arrivals advice of such works as...
2933To John Adams from Charles Francis Adams, 7 May 1826 (Adams Papers)
The warm season has come again and delightful as it is to me, is no doubt also very acceptable to you, Sir. The prevailing rule I believe, is a moderate heat, and one which is perhaps better adapted to afford ease to you than extremes either way. My attachment to warm weather excludes any idea of a medium or rather of what is commonly called so. And it is for this reason that I prefer the...
2934From Thomas Jefferson to J. B. McGruder, 7 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The request, my dear gentlemen; of your letter recieved the day before yesterday, has greater difficulties than you are aware of. whether buildings erected by the public for appropriate purposes, and committed to the trust and safe-keeping of the visitors, can lawfully be applied by them to purposes different from the trust, may well be questioned. another evil is that if once we permit...
2935From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 6 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I return the correspondence inclosed in yours of the 3d. inst. The reluctance of Mr. Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at, nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
2936From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Abbot Cummings, 6 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
As you are occasionally sending supplies of books to your store here, I am in hopes it may not be inconvenient to supply a private application, and in that confidence request you, with your next parcel, to send me on my particular account those below mentioned. if there has not yet been an 8 vo edition of Turner published, I would rather wait than have a 4 to one. I hope our book room and...
2937To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 6 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I return the correspondence enclosed in yours of the 3 d inst. The reluctance of M r Emmett, & probably of his colleagues, to the enlargement of their duties, is neither to be wondered at nor yielded to. You have put the matter on a ground to which I can suggest no improvement. It may be well perhaps that what has passed should not be generally known. With some it might produce reflections on...
2938From Thomas Jefferson to Hezekiah Niles, 6 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been lately engaged in indexing my memorandum book of the last year, I observed your name not to be in it, this first suggests to me that I must have forgotten the annual remittance to you. I therefore now inclose you 10. D. for the past and present dues. my memory fails too much to be depended on; but if you would send a scrip of a note with the paper closing the year, this should not...
2939To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 6 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
It has given me infinite pleasure to hear from you by the letter which you were so good as to send by M r Randolph, dated March 24. He gave it to me a few days ago only, on his return from Boston; having passed through this City without stopping on his way thither. I was indeed very anxious to hear of you & of your health, though unwilling to trouble you with a letter & impose on you the tax...
2940From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 5 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Instructions to mr Brockenbrough. 1. Engage mr Broke to come immediately & put another cover of tin on the Dome-room of the Rotunda, without disturbing the old one. 2. the inside plaistering will then be to be coloured uniform with Whiting. 3. the finishing the Dome room to be pushed by every possible exertion, as also the Anatomical building, by employing all the hands which can be got. 4....
2941From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 5 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
When in conversation with you yesterday, I omitted to recommend what I had intended, that is, considering the difficulties of getting up the Capitels, to get the bases first hauled and set the bricklayers immediately to begin the columns, while about them you can get the Capitels in time. The leaks in the roof we must remedy. as soon as Gen l Cocke comes I will consult with him what is to be...
2942From Thomas Jefferson to Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler, 5 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor on the subject of the mathematical volume you propose to publish is just now recieved. I have no doubt of it’s value for our schools in general, and that as an elementary work for their use it will be clear & easy, as every thing is which comes from you. but to establish it as a text book in that branch of our institution would be beyond my province. our Professors of Mathematic and...
2943From Thomas Jefferson to Jesse B. Harrison, 5 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed that the Professorship of the French and Spanish languages in the Univ y of N.C. is vacant and now to be filled, and that mr Jesse B. Harrison of Lynchbg proposes himself as a Candidate, it gives me pleasure to bear witness to his character as far as known to me. I have had a general acquaintance with him of several years, but a more special one with his pursuits and acquiremts...
2944To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell Rives, 5 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure of recieving your letter of 22 nd ult. some days ago; but unwilling to vex & tire you with the repetition of unsatisfactory communications, I have forborne to reply to it, until I could communicate something decisive upon the subject of the duties. I have now the satisfaction to inform you that the Bill, for remitting them, has this day passed the House of Representatives, &...
2945From Thomas Jefferson to F. H. Wright, 5 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very thankful to you for your friendly letter of Apr. 15. after so many years of reflection & experience it is consolatory to me to learn that a f. c. still continues to approve of the line of my conduct in the transaction of the public affairs. with respect to my own embarrasmts, when I see so many persons failing who are so much better qualified for private business then I am, and so...
2946To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 4 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I write to you by a special influence while standing at my Desk, I was looking around the world to see if I could find one man, who had arrived, to a state of compleat happiness, eather in the abundance of riches or honour, in those two pursuits most of men, are engaged. while looking for the man of honour, I could think of no man who had arrived to so complete a state, as your self—this leads...
2947To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 3 May 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have percieved in some of our Professors a disinclination to the preparing themselves for entering on the branches of science with which they are charged additionally to their principal one. I took occasion therefore lately to urge one of them (Dr. Emmet) to begin preparations for his Botanical school, for which the previous works necessary furnished unoffensive ground. His answer confirming...
2948From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn, 3 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Apr. 26. came to hand on the 1 st instant, and I answer it by our first mail. it really took me by surprise. our bond was payable in 8. months, and our record tells us it was signed on the 4 th of October, which would have carried the payment to the 4 th of June. I now suppose that altho not signed till the 4 th of October, it may have been dated at some earlier day. but for...
2949To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 3 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of some military friends, and in compliance with a desire which I have for several years entertained, I am preparing a second edition of my fathers memoirs of the Southern war—with his own M.S. corrections, with the advantage of various suggestions from Col. Howard & with such additions and explanations as my own acquaintance with the subject will enable me to furnish. In this...
2950From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 3 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have percieved in some of our Professors a disinclination to the preparing themselves for entering on the branches of science with which they are charged additionally to their principal one. I took occasion therefore lately to urge one of them (D r Emmet) to begin preparations for his Botanical school, for which the previous works necessary furnished unoffensive ground. his answer confirming...
2951From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 2 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I was just getting on my horse to see you when some members of Congress arrive and keep me at home. I am obliged therefore to request you to come to me , as it is of great necessity I should see you to-day if possible. we are called on by the Collector of Boston for immediate payment of our bond, due, as he says, the 6 th instant. I must answer him by tomorrow’s mail. ViU : Thomas Jefferson...
2952From Thomas Jefferson to John Patten Emmet, 2 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The difficulties suggested in your favor of the 28 th ult. are those which must occur at the commencement of every undertaking. a full view of the subject however will, I think, solve them. In every meditated enterprize, the means we can employ are to be estimated, and to these must be proportioned our expectations of effect. if, for example, to the cultivation of a given field we can devote...
2953To Thomas Jefferson from Dabney Carr Terrell, 2 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Very soon after the death of my friend, the late M r Gilmer, M r Davis made known to me your wish that I should fill the vacancy thereby occasioned in the law department of the University of Virginia; and four days ago a letter from him informed me of the choice made by the Visitors at their late meeting. I hasten to avail myself of the first interval of ease which an acute, tho’ I hope...
2954To Thomas Jefferson from Ferdinand Rudolph Hassler, 1 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Circumstances induce me to attempt the publication of the courses of analytical trigonometry which I had planed in 1806 and used at the Military Academy of West point, and adapted peculiarly to the habitual mode and order of studying elementary mathematics in this country. Supposing the Knowledge of the most elementary Books of Euclid, and the simplest Algebra, till quadratic equations...
2955James Marsh: NY subscription list to aid TJ financially, 1 May 1826, 1 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The Subscribers, being desirous of aiding Thomas Jefferson, the Author of the Declaration of American Independence, and late President of the United States, from pecuniary difficulties, attributable in a great degree to his devotion to the public service, do contribute the sums set opposite their respective names, towards that object. Which sums are to be placed at the disposal of the General...
2956Jefferson: Lottery Ticket, Apr. 1826, April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
state of virginia. JEFFERSON LOTTERY. Register No. managers. John Brockenbrough , Philip Norb. Nicholas , Richard Anderson . Combination Nos. This Ticket will entitle the holder thereof to such prize as may be drawn to its numbers in the JEFFERSON LOTTERY. Richmond , April , 1826. For the Managers, Yates & M
2957From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 30 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very glad you have engaged mr Southall to assist us in the affairs of the Univ y and following his and mr Carr’s counsel implicitly you cannot go wrong. accding to the opn of these gent. the one in writing the other expressed to me verbally I observe that the following proceedings may be instituted against Mosby & Draffen, if they have license 1 . prosecute them for the forfeiture of 30.d...
2958To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 30 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here this morning from New York. Every thing is now ready to commence the sale of the tickets. But a movement has taken place in New-York promising some thing more in its effects than any thing of the kind heretofore. a meeting has been called (in pursuance of the request of individuals) by the mayor to be held to morrow to take the subject in to consideration. I had an interview...
2959"Amicus": Notices Concerning Subscriptions for Thomas Jefferson, ca. Apr. 1826, 30 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
A public meeting will be held at the Exchange Hall on Thursday evening next at oclock for the purpose of adopting measures for the relief of Thomas Jefferson by a general subscription. The meeting will be addressed by some of the gentlemen, who will explain more fully the objects of it. It is confidently hoped that all liberal men of all parties will attend. The rich and the poor, the humble...
2960To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 29 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
I wrote before I left Roxbury expressing as I really felt my deep regret that I could not see you before I set out for this place—for the first since the 28’ of Jany I tried my strengh on Sunday last, but a ride of a mile wch I endured with wch the hope I should be able in the course of the week to have reachd Quincy, but the next day Tho’ Alken injured his hand so much as to render him...
2961Appointment of Harrison Blanton and Jacob Swigert as Attorneys for Stock Transfer, 29 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
Know all men by these presents that I James Madison of the County of Orange & State of Virginia, do hereby constitute & appoint Harrison Blanton & Jacob Swigert or either of them, my lawful Attornies for me & in my name to sell assign and transfer to Mrs. Lucy Todd of the Town of Frankfort & State of Kentucky ninety nine shares of the Stock of the Frankfort Bridge Company now standing in my...
2962To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 29 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have employed V. W Southall Esqr as counsel for the University and now send you his opinion on the several subjected submitted to him, for your perusal, after which be pleased to return it that I may lay it before the Faculty at their meeting on monday evening—With respect to Mosby & Droffin, on monday next is the day for renewing their licenses, the court will no doubt refuse them ordinary...
2963Notes on Frankfort Bridge Company Stock, [ante 29 April 1826] (Madison Papers)
The D. of Trust—to J. M. witht. nam[in]g Heirs or Exor [Executor]; Can attorney be made to Exec: the instrnts—sue for them—& proceed to enforce the Mortgage. The trust being power to Will can that vary or explain its import. How divided between Wife & Children? if will be in those vague terms! What the character of the assignment of it—according to Statemt. in Mrs. Ts letter if proved—what if...
2964To John Adams from R. Riker, 28 April 1826 (Adams Papers)
The Corporation of the City of New York have caused medals to be struck, to commemorate the completion of the Erie Canal which unites the great Western Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. The Corporation, influenced by a deep and profound respect for those memorable and patriotic citizens who affixed their names to the Declaration of Independence, and pledged in its support “their lives, their...
2965From James Madison to Bernard Peyton, 28 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd yours of the 24. with the articles referred to in it. Subjoined is a list of what you will be kind eno’ to send by the bearer. I am not sure that some of them may not be out of the range of your plan of business. In that case you will not be again troubled with such. I return the rect for the last load of Tobo. and wish you to retain the ensuing rects. I am sorry to find the...
2966From James Madison to Martin Van Buren, 28 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favour of the 22d. and at the same time, under another cover, the paper containing your observations on the depending modification of the federal Courts. The Judicial Department is evidently not a little difficult to be accomodated to the territorial extent to which the Legislative & Executive may be carried, on the federal principle. To prevent the gradual departure from...
2967To James Madison from Richard Riker and Others, 28 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
The Corporation of the City of NewYork have caused medals to be struck to commemorate the completion of the Erie Canal which unites the great Western Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. The Corporation influenced by a deep and profound respect for those citizens who by eminent public services have secured the confidence of our Country, and attained the highest office in the gift of the Republic,...
2968To Thomas Jefferson from John Patten Emmet, 28 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received your letter in relation to the Botanic garden, accompanied by suggestion, as to its economy, from the late Abbé Correa. I need not say how much I approve of those Suggestions, as they obviously comprehend the most philosophical rules for making Botany as useful, & therefore important, study, and for freeing it from its present immense and cumbersome dress of...
2969To Thomas Jefferson from R. Riker, 28 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
The Corporation of the City of New York have caused Medals to be struck, to commemorate the completion of the Erie Canal which unites the great Western Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. The Corporation, influenced by a deep and profound respect for those memorable and patriotic Citizens, who affixed their names to the Declaration of Independence, and pledged in its support “their lives, their...
2970To James Madison from Nathan Sanford, 27 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
Jeromus Johnson, Bartow White, Nicoll Fosdick and Henry Ashley, members of the house of representatives from the state of New York, are about to visit Virginia; and they propose to do themselves the honor of waiting upon you. I beg leave to present them to you, in this manner. They are gentlemen distinguished equally, by their personal merits and their public stations. With perfect respect, I...
2971From Thomas Jefferson to John Patten Emmet, 27 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
It is time to think of the introduction of the school of Botany into our Institution. not that I suppose the lectures can be begun in the present year, but that we may this year make the preparations necessary for commencing them the next. for that branch, I presume, can be taught advantageously only during the short season while Nature is in general bloom, say, during a certain portion of the...
2972To Thomas Jefferson from Jesse B. Harrison, 27 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you will believe me sincere when I assure you that it is with the greatest reluctance that I intrude on the quiet of your calm retreat, at an age when exertion must be irksome; yet when I reflect that there is a motive which has ever been more powerful with you than even the love of philosophie ease, the love of active kindness, I am emboldened to beg a few moments of your time. Having...
2973From James Madison to Chester Bailey, 26 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have just recd. yr. letr. of 12. postmarked 22. It is proper that I sd acknowledge the friendly views you have mingled with the other considns. which led to the painful communication it makes. I shall write to yr. debtor, & press on him the immediate return you advise & promise to promote. Shd. the want of a sum for his travelling expences be an obstacle, you will oblige me by advanci[n]g as...
2974From James Madison to Robert Y. Hayne, 26 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
J. Madison presents his respects to Mr. Hayne with many thanks for his politeness in forwarding the copy of his Speech on the “Mission to Panama.” The subject appears to have been discussed with great ability on both sides; and the Speech is of high rank among the ablest on the side which it espouses. Draft ( DLC ). Robert Young Hayne (1791–1839), a Charleston, South Carolina, lawyer, served...
2975From James Madison to John Payne Todd, 26 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I will not attempt my dear Payne to express what you have added to our preceding distress by disregarding your mother’s last letter inclosing the means for your immediate return. You have not even mitigated her feelings and gloomy conjectures, by acknowledg. the rect. of it. And I now hasten to a subject which if disclosed to her, would but inflict new tortures. I learn that the arrears for...
2976To Thomas Jefferson from E. Copeland, Jr., 26 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your esteemed fav of the 18 th Inst t —I rec d this morning a letter from M r Peyton stating that it was impossible for him to obtain a Bank check on this City, & therefore he desired me to draw on him at sight.—I have done so this day thro’ our Branch of the U.S. Bk, the Cashier of which obligingly offered to collect it for me at par, when he understood from our...
2977To Thomas Jefferson from William Cabell Rives, 26 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
You will perceive from the enclosed letter of Mr. Lambert that he has presented to the University of Virginia, thro’ me, a printed copy of the calculations made by him to ascertain the longitude of the Capitol in this City. I beg leave to commit these calculations, together with the letter which accompanied them, to your guardianship, that you may dispose of them in such manner as is most...
2978From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 25 April 1826 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 21st. The refusal of the offer to Mr. Wirt, inviting as it was, does not surprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that Mr. Lomax takes so well with everybody. I hope his success will make some amends for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recomended in...
2979To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to remind you that the bond for the marble capitals will be due the 6th. of may next. If Congress does not exempt the capitals from duty, before that time, I have given this notice, lest the time, when the bond becomes due, should escape the recollection if the Board of Overseers, who, no doubt, wish to be prepared to take up the bond at its maturity. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
2980To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 25 April 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
I have rec d yours of the 21 st The refusal of the Offer to M r Wirt. inviting as it was. does not suprize me. It is very gratifying to learn that M r Lomax takes so well with everybody, I hope his success will make some amends. for the delay in filling the Chair which is to receive him. I have made a beginning with Capt. Peyton as the consignee of my business at Richmond, as recommended in...