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...