29401To James Madison from Cyrus Griffin, 25 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 December 1809, Norfolk. Asks JM to provide for a transfer that would shift his son, John Griffin, “from Michigan to a western or Southern position: he finds the Climate too cold for his Constitution.” Since his son is fluent in both French and Spanish, a judicial vacancy “upon or near the Mississippi” might be “advantageous to the public.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under...
29402To James Madison from Levi Lincoln, 25 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 December 1809, Worcester. Introduces Major Cogswell, a supporter of administration policies, “from whome you may learn the state of the public spirit in this part of the Country.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Amos Cogswell (1752–1826) rose to the rank of brevet major during the Revolution ( DAR Patriot Index , p. 142; Francis B. Heitman, Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army during...
29403Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 25 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Our letters crossing each other on the road have anticipated the grounds of mutual excuse for their being the first which were written. my occupations are now almost entirely without doors, in the farms the garden, the shops E t c. I shut up my room on going to breakfast & scarcely enter it again but to dress for dinner, after which I read little, & never write. this of course withdraws me...
29404Archibald Stuart to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer M r Warrell is a portrait painter who has been introduced to me by Gen l Breckenridge as a man of genius in his profession— He is desirous of being made known to you and of having an opportunity of seeing your paintings—I have taken the liberty to addr of complying with his request and of assuring him that your desire to encourage emprovement in any branch would insure him a...
29405Bernard McMahon to Thomas Jefferson, 24 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
With many thanks I acknowledge the receipt of the fine collection of seeds you were pleased to send me some time ago, and would have done this much sooner, were I not in daily expectation of receiving from London a variety of esculent vegetable seeds, that I wished to send you some of, at the same time. Having received them by the Ship Coramandel which arrived here a few days ago, I do myself...
29406To James Madison from Francis Preston, 23 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
You may remember that about a year or 18 Months ago, I forwarded to you from Richmond some United States Stock in the name of Adam Hope with a power of Attorney to receive the interest thereon. The Certificates I think you informed me last winter you had deposited with Mr Grayham one of the Clerks in the department of State. Mr. Hope has now nominated Mr Sheffey of the house of representatives...
29407To James Madison from William Eaton, 23 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The bearer, Colonel John Eugene, of Leitensdorfer, served with me very faithfully in character of adjutant and inspector general in my expedition on the coast of Barbary, in 1805. He exhibited talents, courage, and perseverance. Before the battle of Marengo he commanded a regiment of Tyrolese chasseurs , He was extremely useful to us in passing the desert, and at Derne. He seeks an asylum in...
29408Reuben Perry to Thomas Jefferson, 23 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I Received yours of the 9 th nov. in which was inclose d Three pounds on acc t of money advance d for nails for you also your directions to have the cellars Clean d out &c by Phill. but as he is to go away at Ch r istmast he will not have the Chance to do it as M r
29409To John Adams from William Plumer, 22 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
I owe you a thousand apologies for not sooner acknowledging your obliging letter of the fourth of November; but it would be more than useless to trouble you with the enumeration. With respect to my intended history, my design is to commence with the discovery of America by Columbus, & bring it down to as late a period as my time & health will permit. I have commenced, but am very far from...
29410To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 22 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Hearing that Mr J. Kilty Smith has been appointed Navy Agent at New Orleans, I think it my duty to state that he was formerly a collector of the internal duties under his uncle Mr Kilty late Supervisor for the district of Maryland; that when he left that office & became a clerk in the Navy department, he was, as appears by the Supervisor’s accounts, debtor to the United States in bonds & cash...
29411To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 22 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Docr Julius R Shumate has been particularly recommended by Mr. Love of the House of Representatives for the appointment of Surgeon’s Mate in the Navy—& his services are now wanted at New orleans. I have the honor to be with great respect sir yr mo ob st. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC in Goldsborough’s hand, signed by Hamilton; docketed by JM. On 27 Dec. JM nominated...
29412From James Madison to the Senate, 22 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 December 1809. Submits for ratification a treaty and separate article concluded on 30 Sept. with the Delaware, Potawatomi, Miami, and Eel River Indians, a convention concluded on 26 Oct. with the Wea tribe, and explanatory documents. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 11B-C1). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. Printed enclosure (8 pp.) is A Treaty between the...
29413Thomas Jefferson to Eli Alexander, 22 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
When I met with you on Lego the other day I had not been on the lands before for 9. years, and was not from recollection of the ground perfectly possessed of the questions between us. I have since rode over them again & again with care. it will appear to any person on view of the ground, 1. that you have not cleared an acre; the distinction between clearing & belting being too familiar to...
29414Peter V. Daniel to Thomas Jefferson, 22 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In the character of a representative of the People I have been applied to in a case which indeed has entirely enlisted my feelings, and in which with no small satisfaction I have been told you may probably be of service. I have adventured in behalf of suffering merit—let this excuse my freedom towards yourself. The case as furnished from the party applicant is as follows.— John Stadler was a...
29415George Richardson to Thomas Jefferson, 22 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter Came to hand the 6 th of this Month and I have Viewed the Contents & Return you a Thousand thanks for your attention to my Farther & my self as we are Living in a strange Cuntrey I am at a Loss to find a way to Communicate to my Brother Richard If not too Troublesome to you I will Be Verrey Thankful if you will Rite me and state to me the way that I Can Communicate to my Brother by...
29416From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 21 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for the pleasing account of your Family in your favour of the 5th. As I take a lively interest in their Prosperity and Felicity, your relation of it gave me great Pleasure. We have Letters from our Colony navigating the Baltic, dated at Christiansand. They had been so far as prosperous, healthy and happy as such Traveller’s could expect to be. Pope said of my Friend General...
29417To James Madison from Christopher Ellery, 21 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
One of the justices of the supreme court, U. S. has this day, left this town on his way to the seat of government, and, as is understood, with the intention of resigning his place on the bench. That such is his intention there is, indeed, no doubt; nor can it be expected that the old gentleman will be diverted from his purpose, so difficult is it to concieve of a motive by which any one could...
29418To John Adams from Ignatius Thomson, 20 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter of the Sixth of September which I read with pleasure and thank you for the freedom you have manifested in disclosing your thoughts on the subject. To err in judgement is an infirmity to which the wisest of men are liable, but I sincerely hope that our rulers will be endued with that wisdom that which is profitable to direct in this day of peculiar trial and the liberties...
29419From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 20 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
AMSTERDAM, June 5, 1781, wrote to congress. “The deputies of Middleburg in the assembly of the states of the province of Zealand, on the 14th of May, consented to the petition, for granting larger bounties to those who shall engage in the service of the republic by sea. This advice has been given in this manner. The gentlemen, the deputies of Middleburg, have said, that they were authorized by...
29420To James Madison from Caleb Atwater, 20 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Much has been said about the triumph of Federalism in this State, both in and out of it. Having lived in the state a great number of years and having formed a very extensive acquaintance with men belonging to both parties, I think myself qualified to judge pretty correctly in matters relative to our state affairs. And of all the causes which have produced the present disastrous situation of...
29421To James Madison from Benjamin Joy, 20 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Fully persuaded that it is your desire to promote Justice and equity throughout the United States, I beg leave to lay before you the inclosed printed copy of a memorial which has been committed in the House of Representatives to the committee of Claims. I have taken this liberty Sir presuming you would be willing to have a copy by you to refer to when convenient & that you would have the...
29422From Abigail Smith Adams to Catherine Nuth Johnson, 19 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of writing to you, I have received further accounts from our Children, which I hasten to communicate to you, knowing from my own feelings, what a cordial for low spirits agreable news from a far Country is. The Letter from my Son is written at sea, and is a continuation of that which we before received from the Banks of Newfoundland. he writes, that after leaving the...
29423To James Madison from Jeremiah Morrow, 19 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 December 1809, Senate Chamber. Encloses a letter from William Sprigg recommending John Coburn for governor of the Louisiana Territory. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Coburn”). RC 1 p. Enclosure is Sprigg to Morrow, 3 Dec. 1809 (2 pp.). Morrow was the Republican representative from Ohio, 1803–13. JM received at least one more letter on Coburn’s behalf, from...
29424From John Adams to Benjamin Waterhouse, 18 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of Nov. 20th and regret very much that your Employments would not allow you to Spend a Night with Us. I did not before know but you was one of those respectable People who do not read the Patriot. I must be cautious of Affectation: and not go out of my Way to introduce Things. When I come to mention the sailing of the South Carolina, I Shall mention Some of the...
29425To James Madison from David Bailie Warden, 18 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor of sending you a file of newspapers which contains an acct. of the late wonderful events that have taken place on the Continent. Spain is to be attacked with an army of nearly 200,000 men, and will probably be subjugated. Holland is to become a province of france, and the prediction of Smith, in his Wealth of Nations, will doubtless be realised. If the Republican form of Govt....
29426To James Madison from Oliver Whipple, 18 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 December 1809, Washington. Has come to Washington from the District of Maine seeking an appointment and has references from prominent New Englanders, including former president John Adams who has recently declared himself to be JM’s “Friend, and the Friend of your Administration, with the most prompt and decided Approbation of your measures.” Mentions his support for the administration and...
29427Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Thweatt, 18 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
According to promise I wrote to the clerk of Goochland for a copy of Reuben Skelton’s will. his answer is that there is no such will recorded there, that no administration was granted there, & therefore it is presumed that he was not a resident of that county. I know however that he was a resident of the county at the time of his death. his mansion house was at Elkhill on the Goochland side of...
29428To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 17 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 December 1809 , “ Near New Orleans .” Informs JM of the death of his second wife from yellow fever. Requests permission to be absent from his post between May and November or December of next year in order to attend to his accounts and to preserve his health. Believes that the territorial legislature will dispatch “all the public Business” within two months of their meeting in January....
29429From James Madison to James Dinsmore, 16 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
In your letter by Mr. Gooch, You suggestd. it as proper not to open a door from the Center room to admit a communication with the Kitchen. As that room will not probably be a permanent Dining room, it was not my intention that such a door should be opened, tho’ I forgot to mention it to you. The width of the Sheets of Iron, is 18 inches or so near it as that you may proceed on that...
29430From James Madison to Congress, 16 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1809. Transmits report of the surveyor of public buildings. RC and enclosure, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). Each RC 1 p., in a clerk’s hand, signed and dated by JM. Received, read, and tabled by the House on 21 Dec. and by the Senate on 22 Dec. ( Annals of Congress Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the...
29431From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 16 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1809. In response to a 13 Dec. House resolution, transmits extracts from the correspondence of the U.S. minister at London. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed and dated by JM. Enclosures (21 pp.) are a “Brief account of an un-official conversation between Mr. Canning and Mr. Pinkney on the 18th. of January 1809, continued on...
29432From James Madison to the Senate, 16 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1809. In response to a 15 Dec. Senate resolution, transmits copies of the president’s correspondence with the governor of Pennsylvania concerning the case of Gideon Olmstead. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E2). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed and dated by JM. Enclosures (6 pp.) are copies of Simon Snyder to JM, 6 Apr. 1809 , the Pennsylvania “Act...
29433To James Madison from Buckner Thruston and John Pope, 16 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1809, Senate Chamber. Encloses recommendations on behalf of John Coburn for the position of governor of the Louisiana Territory. They have also received letters in favor of John Allen for the same position and concur in recommending both men. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Coburn”). RC 1 p. Enclosures (4 pp.) are two letters signed by citizens of...
29434To James Madison from an Unidentified Correspondent, 16 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 December 1809, Portland. JM’s remarks in his annual message to Congress regarding the militia prompted this letter, which might have been sent to Ezekiel Whitman, the Maine district congressman, but “he might not be so sensible of the importance of the subject as you appear to be.” Every man should attempt to qualify himself for militia duty, but there is an aversion stemming “from the...
29435Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 16 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you the Agricultural catalogue . I do not know whether I have made it more or less comprehensive than you wished. but in either case you can make it what it should be by reduction or addition. there are probably other good books with which I am unacquainted. I do not possess the Geoponica, nor Rozier’s dictionary. all the others I have & set them down on my own knolege, except...
29436Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Catalogue of Books on Agriculture, [ca. 16 December 1809] (Jefferson Papers)
Catalogue of books on Agriculture. Geoponica Cassiani Bassi . Gr. & Lat. there have never been but 2. editions published, one by Needham at Cambridge in 1704. 8 vo the other by Niclas , at Leipsick in 1781. 2. v. 8 vo
29437From John Adams to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 15 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind Letter of 28. of November and another Some time ago that I have not answered. I rejoice with you in all your Prosperity, particularly in the happy Marriage of your Son; and sympathize in all your Sorrows, more especially in the Misfortune of your son Friend Vreede, whom I remember well. Happy are you in your various Learning and the Enjoyment of your Books. I can read...
29438To James Madison from William DuBourg, 15 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Master Todd having communicated to me Mrs. Madison’s request that He should visit her at christmas, I have anticipated by a few days that period, in order to give him sufficient time to enjoy himself in his family and be returned for the 27th., the day appointed for our Commencement . Had my health permitted, I would gladly have accompanied him to pay in person to Yr. Exc. the tribute of my...
29439To James Madison from Thomas Gholson, Jr., 15 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
My limitted circumstances and the claims of an encreasing family, united with a perfect knowledge that the District I represent would not supply my place with any other than an undoubted republican, having induced the determination of my retiring from the Legislature, at farthest, after the expiration of my present term; I was prevailed on by the suggestion of my friend Col: Goodwyn, to tender...
29440To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 15 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The alterations which you have been pleased to make in the report submitted to you by me, will be attended to, and fair copies one for the Senate, another for the House of Representatives will be transmitted to You on Monday morning. These copies it has been usual with the late President to send to the house of Congress by a Message. In respect to the more detailed Specification of the...
29441To James Madison from John Wayles Eppes, 15 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 December 1809. Encloses a letter from James P. Preston of Virginia and recommends him for the position of Indian agent in the Louisiana Territory. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Preston”). RC 1 p. Enclosure is Preston to Eppes, 29 Nov. 1809 (2 pp.). St. George Tucker also wrote to JM on Preston’s behalf on 20 Dec. 1809 (ibid.).
29442Thomas Jefferson to Charles Clay, 15 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by my son in law, mr Randolph with the integrity & honor of whose character you are already acquainted. an urgent occasion to raise a considerable sum of money in the course of a year, and a part of it (2000.D.) within the month of January, has induced me to propose to him the curtailing the outskirts of my Poplar Forest lands, as the most probable means of effecting...
29443Thomas Jefferson to James Martin, 15 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your letter of the 2 d inst. of the two offers there made for my lands on Ivy creek , I do not hesitate to prefer that which proposes to pay the whole £1200. at three paiments of £400. each beginning on the 1 st day of April next . even this does not come up to my terms fully, as it offers the 1 st paiment on the 1 st of April , instead of in hand
29444Authorization to Thomas Mann Randolph to Sell Land, 15 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, Thomas Mann Randolph is authorized by me to make sale of any portion of my Poplar Forest lands, and I oblige myself to confirm the same and to convey a title accordingly. Given under my hand at Monticello this 15 th day of December 1809 . PoC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ: “Randolph. TM. Dec. 15. 09.” Not recorded in SJL . Randolph faced a financial crisis caused by his own debts,...
29445Thomas Jefferson to James Steptoe, 15 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A matter of business calling my son in law, mr Randolph to Bedford , I take the occasion of introducing him to your acquaintance. the excellence of his character being known to you by reputation, I shall, in confirmation of that only assure you that the integrity & honor of his character are entirely equal to the good sense & information which will at once shew themselves to you in his...
29446From John Adams to Joseph Ward, 14 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
I must, though much against my Inclination agree in your opinion expressed in your kind Letter of the 27th. of Nov. “that it will be a long time before, the Evil of a Paper Medium will be corrected.” your Reasons for this opinion, and your Judgment of the ill Effects of this Swindling System are infallible— The Article “Foreign Relations” in the Patriot was not from me. Nothing from me has...
29447From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 14 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
The messages from the Governor of the island of Bornholm, which I mentioned in my last were sent and received, in the midst of a brisk gale of wind, while we were stretching to and from the shore of the island, under close reefed top-sails—Close under the high lands of the Coast, the boats were able to come out to the ship, but she could not lay to there without drifting beyond the length of...
29448To James Madison from the Georgia General Assembly, 12 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The foundations of the National Government being laid in the people—the intimate connexion between the people in a Republican Government and their public functionaries—The deep and solemn affection of a people for the Government of their choice—the proud Independence of freemen disdaining a quiet submission to repeated injuries—the long continued outrages and insults which have characterised...
29449From James Madison to the House of Representatives, 12 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1809. Transmits a “copy of a paper purporting to be a Circular letter from Mr Jackson to the British Consuls” and a paper “purporting to be a copy of a despatch from Mr Canning to Mr Erskine of the 23d Jany last,” as they appeared in public prints. Both are submitted in response to a House resolution of 11 Dec. RC and printed enclosures ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages). RC 1...
29450To James Madison from David Gelston, 12 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 December 1809, New York. Has delivered pipe of brandy to Mr. Forrest and paid the enclosed waybill for $54.11. The Phoenix Insurance Company was consignee. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). RC 1 p. Enclosure 1 p.