29451Nicholas Biddle to Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have no apology for the liberty I am about taking, except that it may enable you to render service to a Stranger. Some time since I received thro’ the legation at Paris a letter from a M r Jean Baptiste Lefevre , accompanied by a note from the Marquis de la Fayette . M r Lefevre states that he served during the war in Col. Armand’s regiment; that in 1783 you had the goodness to take charge...
29452Elias Glover to Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 1 t Nov r last I took the liberty of troubling you with a request to favor me with a Copy of a letter addressed to You by Matthew Nimmo Esq r under date of the 28 th Nov r 1806 , on the subject of Burrs late treasonable Conspiracy—Or, if the same was not in your possession, to informe me from what source a Copy might be obtained— To this request no answer has been rec d
29453John Garland Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have for some time past intended to write to you, but have putt it from time to time till the present moment. The desire of retaining unimpaired the regard and esteem of a man whose good opinion wou’d give to my existence additional value, induces me to address to you this letter. In truth I have been apprehensive that a letter written to you some time past upon the subject of which we...
29454James Leitch to Thomas Jefferson, 12 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of M r Barry I enclose you an Acc t he gave me to apply to you for. If you can spare me any 8. 10 & 20 d nails say 100 lb of each you will much Oblige Y r Ob t Serv t RC (
29455From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd: your two letters of the 26. & 30. Ult. The State of Col. Monroe’s mind is very nearly what I had supposed. His willingness to have taken a seat in the Cabinet, is what I had not supposed. I have written to Majr. Neele, according to your suggestion, and shall follow it also as to the distribution of Govr. Lewis’s papers when they arrive. Fayette in a letter to me has been equally...
29456To James Madison from William Bentley, 11 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed Letter I leave with you. It will be seen by no person, till your pleasure be known. It is an exact Copy of Gen: John Stark’s Letter to me, as he dictated it to his Son in Law, B. F. Stickney, in consequence of a Letter I sent him. Once, when I was at the General’s House, his Son Major Caleb Stark was called upon to write a Letter for the General’s Signature. The Major, whose...
29457To James Madison from George Rogers, 11 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Being Enlisted as a Soldier In Your Army the 17th. of last March when In a State of Intocsication the Next Day we were Ordered for the Barracks of Carlisle where I have remaind since. My wife with four Small Children Remaind at Lancaster Penns untill Laterly that want Drave her away from it Expecting if She would Come up to the Barracks that She would be releivd By the Coming of Genl....
29458To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 11 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 December 1809, Washington. Gives details on construction and repairs of the Capitol wings, President’s House, and adjacent roads. Progress on the south wing of the Capitol has been steady, with two capitals finished in the House of Representatives chamber and eight more in advanced stages of completion. A severe hailstorm in June broke “almost all the glass on the south front,” and...
29459Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Chapman, 11 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Nov. 10. did not come to hand till the 29 th of that month . the subject you have chosen for the next Anniversary discourse of the Linnean society , is certainly a very interesting, & also a difficult one. the change which has taken place in our climate is one of those facts which all men of years are sensible of, & yet none can prove by regular evidence. they can only appeal to...
29460Thomas Jefferson to C. & A. Conrad & Company, 11 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 23 d of Nov. in answer to yours of the 13 th of that month . I soon after concluded to write to the President suggesting to him the expediency of his ordering Gov r Lewis’s two trunks from Nashville by the stage to Washington
29461James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly rec d your two letters of the 26. & 30. Ult: The State of Col. Monroe’s mind is very nearly what I had supposed. His willingness to have taken a seat in the Cabinet, is what I had not supposed. I have written to Maj r Neele , according to your suggestion, and shall follow it also as to the distribution of Gov r Lewis’s papers when they arrive. Fayette
29462Thomas Jefferson to John Monroe, 11 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Aug. 1. did not get to my hands till the 7 th of Sep. two long absences from home have prevented my sooner answering it. I took nevertheless an early opportunity of placing your name under the eye of the President in the event of a new appointment of Governor of Indiana taking place. I should suppose however from what I have lately seen in the papers that that is not likely soon...
29463To James Madison from William Pinkney, 10 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your Letter of the 23d. of October reached me on the 25h. of last Month. That of the 23d. of April was sent to me by Mr. Lee as soon as he arrived in England; and was answered on the 19h. of August. I see with great pleasure the Ground taken by the Secy. of State in his Correspondence with Mr. Jackson, connected with the probability that our people are recovering from recent Delusion, and will...
29464John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been looking with great anxiety for some time for a letter from you—My own situation has been such that I have not had a moment to devote to any purpose— You left me almost on the bed of sickness— So soon as I was able to perform the journey I went with M rs Eppes to Carolina and my Journey was so long delayed that I did not return to Eppington until the 20 th of November — On the 21 st my
29465To John Adams from William Cunningham, 9 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
I am indebted to you for your favour of the 29th. ult. If you will compare your Letters of the 23d. of Oct. and the 15th. of Nov. with the one I am now answering, you will perceive, I think, that you have given me some occasion to suspect, that you distrust my qualifications for public employment. But as such a suspicion is irreconcileable with the character of your communications; and as I...
29466From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 9 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
Thursday the 30th of November was our thanksgiving day. I was not able to go to meeting owing to my eye, which I regretted very much, as our good minister is always excellent upon particular occasions, I am told he was upon this At dinner I looked round, I hope with a thankful heart, but alass! how many of my dear children were absent, not one of them to give pleasure to the festive table, for...
29467From Abigail Smith Adams to Caroline Amelia Smith De Windt, 9 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
Thursday, 30th November, was our Thanksgiving Day; I was not able to attend church, owing to my eye, which I regretted: our good minister is always excellent upon particular occasions; I am told he was upon this. At dinner I looked round, I hope with a thankful heart, but alas! how many of my dear children were absent, not one of them to give pleasure to the festive table; the young shoots and...
29468From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 9 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 25th Oct. afforded me much pleasure by the information it gave of the success with which you prosecuted your plan of enlightening your countrymen on the subject of sheep & wool, and of aiding them in the manner of increasing & improving both. I sincerely wish your example may be duly felt in all the states adapted to those objects, and I believe this is the case with all that...
29469To John Adams from Jonathan Webb, 8 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
Agreeable to your request I have considered the Substance of Mr. Dearborns letter— And hereby inform you what little I know respecting the several enquires therein mention’d. This Town abounds mostly of boot & shoemakers there appears to be about 20 shops employing from 80 to 100 hands, can be carried on with a small capital— It is not so good as it has been, no doubt the interuption of our...
29470From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 8 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
AMSTERDAM, May 27, 1781—wrote to Congress: “In the assembly of the States General, the following report has lately been made: Messrs. De Linden, De Hemmen, and other deputies of their High Mightinesses, for maritime affairs, have in consequence of the commissional resolution of the twenty seventh of last month, examined a letter of the directors named in commission by the respective chambers,...
29471To James Madison from William Duane, 8 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
I took the liberty of placing before you some few ideas on the subject of an application of the principle of a security in land for an investment of cash in Bank stock, at a reduced interest. It has since occurred to me, that as the impost may probably fall short of the sum requisite for exigency, that a resort to an investiture of land to cover a public loan, would not only enable the...
29472To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 8 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Docr. Fraser of South Carolina, whom I take the liberty of mentioning to you for nomination to the Senate as Surgeon in the Navy, is personally known to me, as a gentleman of great professional merit—& his services are now required at Charleston S. C. I have the honor to be with great respect sir yr mo obt. RC ( DLC ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ). RC in Goldsborough’s hand, signed by...
29473To James Madison from Alexander McRae, 8 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Major Clarke and I had the honor some time ago to receive thro’ our friend Mr. Wirt, letters from you, addressed to the American Ministers at London and at Paris. These letters (which I now have with me) were delivered to me sealed, and I am consequently ignorant of their contents; but recollecting as I do the purport of Mr. Wirt’s letter addressed to you in our behalf, I presume we were both...
29474To James Madison from Alexander McRae, 8 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Al: McRae returns his respects to Mr. Madison. As it will be known on Al: McRae’s arrival in Europe, that he passed thro’ Washington about this period, he cannot help thinking that letters bearing this date, will be more to his advantage, than letters in the very same words but bearing a much earlier date could be. He therefore avails himself of the permission granted by Mr. Madison, to return...
29475From James Madison to William Pinkney, 8 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The Bearer Mr. McRae, heretofore Lieutenant Governor of Virginia is represented to me as about to visit Europe with views not only creditable to himself, but promising advantage to his Country. I have so far therefore departed from a general rule, as to give him this introduction to you, not doubting that he will receive whatever patronage he may satisfy you, his objects merit. I only add a...
29476Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 8 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I should sooner have informed you of Francis’s safe arrival here but that the trip you meditated to N. Carolina rendered it entirely uncertain where a letter would find you. nor had I any expectation you could have been at the first meeting of Congress till I saw your name in the papers brought by our last post. disappointed in sending this by the return of the post, I avail myself of General...
29477Erastus Granger to Thomas Jefferson, 8 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
having had the honor of receiving from you the appointments of Collector of the revenue for this district, and that of Indian agency to the six Nations ; I take the liberty (as a small testimony of respect) of enclosing for your amusement, two Indian speeches, dilivered on different Occasions.— I have every reason to believe the speech of Farmer’s Brother was dilivered by him, as now...
29478Thomas Jefferson to Randolph Jefferson, 8 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I send by Squire the Gigg harness, and shall be very happy if after your return, instead of sending it you would avail yourself of it to pay us a visit here with my sister . she promised me a visit in the spring but the distance is too short to be require it to be put off to so remote a period. perhaps too you might find an absence from home during winter less inconvenient than after the...
29479William Lambert to Thomas Jefferson, 8 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith, two astronomical tables; one for computing the Moon’s longitude, latitude, Etc. for every hour, and the other to find the Moon’s hourly velocity at any intermediate time between 0 and 12 hours, by which the motion for a given number of minutes and seconds between the hours, may be accurately obtained. The table which I formerly presented to you, was...
29480To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 7 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter is from Father Richard, the Director of a school at Detroit; & being on a subject in which the departments both of the Treasury & War are concerned, I take the liberty of inclosing it to yourself as the center which may unite these two agencies. The transactions which it alludes to took place in the months of Dec. & Jan. preceding my retirement from office, & as I think it...
29481To James Madison from Joseph Joshua Dyster, 7 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1809, Washington. Tells of his invention, a method “to propel Ships and Vessells of any description up Navigable rivers … by means of Steam.” His steamboat, however, uses no paddle wheels or oars and makes no “impulse whatever … on the Water.” Sends this letter by Gideon Granger and seeks an appointment with JM so that “arrangements perhaps may be formed, for carrying this important...
29482To James Madison from Henry Brockholst Livingston, 7 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 December 1809, New York. Introduces William Cutting, “a gentleman of the first respectability & connections in this city.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Livingston was an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, 1807–23. William Cutting (1773–1820) married Gertrude Livingston (Henry Brockholst Livingston’s second cousin) in 1798 (Florence Van Rensselaer, comp., The Livingston Family and Its Scottish...
29483Randolph Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson, 7 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I would Esteem it as a singular favour of you if you would be so Good as to lend us your Gigg harness to go as fare as charlotte as one of my wifes brothers lays like to dye and she has a Great desire to Go and see him and they shall be reternd safe back a gane as soon as she gits back which will be in seven or Eight days my wife Joins with me in love to you and family. RC ( ViU : TJP-CC );...
29484Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 7 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter is from Father Richard , the Director of a school at Detroit ; & being on a subject in which the departments both of the Treasury & War are concerned, I take the liberty of inclosing it to yourself as the center which may unite these two agencies. the transactions which it alludes to took place in the months of Dec. & Jan. preceding my retirement from office, & as I think...
29485To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 5 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
Philadelphia Decemr: 5th: 1809 I picked up some time ago a magazine in which I met with a revival of the Old controversy concerning the divine Origin of Episcopal and Presbyterian Ordination carried on by Dr Hobart and Dr Mason of New York. After reading a few pages of it, I threw down the magazine with disgust, and committed the enclosed thoughts upon that Subject to paper. The partiality you...
29486To James Madison from William Duane, 5 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have revolved for some time in my mind the ideas which in a crude form I have taken the liberty of addressing to you. I presume not to set any higher values on them than liberal intentions and an enthusiastic devotion to the principles and durability of Republican Government, may give them. I neither look for any answer nor do I wish for any thing more than, the gratification of endeavoring...
29487To James Madison from William Lambert, 5 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
As the inclosed letter to bishop Madison, contains the principles of an useful method, not generally practised, to promote the geography of the United States, permit me to request that you will be pleased to read it with some attention, before you transmit it to him under your frank. I take this opportunity of acknowledging with gratitude and respect, the favors I have already received from...
29488Account with William Thornton, [5 December] 1809 (Madison Papers)
Account between the Honble. James Madison—and Mr. Thornton. William Thornton Dr: 1806 Augst. 4. To a Loan of one hundred and fifty Dollars $150.— 1807— To Interest one year on the above 9.— To Interest on fifty Dollars till 1809 from Augst. 4th: 1807 till Decr. 1809. 2 yrs: 3 months 7.50 1805 Octr. To 120 Bushels of Coals at 28 Cts. ⅌r: Bushell 33.60 March 18. To 196 Bushs: of Coal at 28 Cts....
29489To James Madison from Willie Blount, 5 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 December 1809, Knoxville. Encloses a letter from John Dickinson of Nashville, who seeks the position of attorney for the district of West Tennessee. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1809–17, filed under “Dickinson”). RC 2 pp. Enclosure is Dickinson to Blount, 26 Nov. 1809 (2 pp.). Willie Blount (1768–1835) served three terms as governor of Tennessee between 1809 and 1815.
29490To James Madison from the Mississippi Territorial Legislature, 5 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 December 1809. Petition requests the appointment of a brigadier general of militia for the Mississippi Territory. Asks that JM name an officer “with as little delay as is consistent with attention to objects of more pressing importance.” RC , two copies ( DNA : RG 107, LRRS , H-542:4); FC ( Ms -Ar). 1 p. Signed by Speaker Ferdinand L. Claiborne and council president Alexander Montgomery;...
29491John B. Colvin to Richard Forrest, 5 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 December 1809, Washington. Provides Forrest with the statement he requested that Forrest had supported JM’s election in 1808, that he had assisted Colvin in publishing the Washington Monitor , and that he had written articles for that paper in support of the Embargo. RC ( DLC ). 1 p. Docketed by JM. On 22 Dec. 1809 JM nominated Forrest to be consul at Tunis. The Senate postponed the...
29492Richard Barry to Thomas Jefferson, 5 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of the 30th Nov r in which you mention that M r Leitch required payment of you in 30 days for the am t ballance due by you of my account I can assure you Sir, it was contrary to my wishes . I met M r Leitch in this City on his return from Baltimore
29493Joseph Dougherty to Thomas Jefferson, 5 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
yours of the 30 Nov. I rec d the 3 rd of this month and delivered the inclosed, to M r Barry . Sir I expect expect that you have so many applications for the breed of your shepherds dog, that it is no use for me to say any thing to you about them, however, if you should have any to spare, I would be verry thankful to to you for one. before this reaches you, you perhaps may have heard of a duel
29494William Lambert to Thomas Jefferson, 5 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledge with sincere gratitude and respect, the receipt of your obliging note , inclosing a vote of thanks from the American Philosophical Society for a table of the Moon’s motion, transmitted to you, some time since, as their President. Truly sensible of the instances of friendship with which you have been pleased to favor me, I shall endeavor to reciprocate, so far as I may have it in...
29495From John Adams to Henry Dearborn, 4 December 1809 (Adams Papers)
In undertaking to give you an account of the Manafactories in this neighbourhood I am apprehensive, I have, engaged more than I shall be able to perform to your satisfaction. From my earliest Recollection, it has been a common observation that within two or three years, after a general Peace in Europe, American Commerce has declined to such a degree as to introduce Distress among the People...
29496From James Madison to Lafayette, 4 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
I recd. your two favors of June 12. & Sepr. 17. & am extremely concerned that I cannot give you more satisfactory information as to the state of your locations, on which you are about to found such important arrangements. In so distant a situation, delays were always to be counted on. But they have been prolonged by several supervening casualties; and finally by a miscarriage of the particular...
29497From James Madison to William Pinkney, 4 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 19. came duly to hand, and I tender my thanks for it. I have very little to add in return for your acceptable observations, especially as the opportunity, happens to be reduced to a very few minutes. Mr. Smith will send you the communications to Congs. with whatever else is important. The career of Mr. Jackson, has been equally short & singular. His correspondence as far as...
29498To James Madison from Paul Hamilton, 4 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The death of Mr Keith Spence, late navy agent at New Orleans, having been duly notified to this Department, the public interests require that an immediate appointment be made to that vacancy; and as in that distant agency it is peculiarly necessary that the officer should possess a thorough knowledge of the business which will be confided to him, I beg leave to recommend, to be nominated to...
29499To James Madison from Nathaniel Vollintine, 4 December 1809 (Madison Papers)
The high estimation in which I have ever held your Character has induced me to Christen a Child by the Name of James Madison. The town in which I live has for many years till the last been in the federal Interest, but by the extra exertions of a few republicans they have a[t] length Obtain’d a Majority. I am induced by no other motive to give you this information, then as a evidence of the...
29500From James Madison to Congress, 4 December 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 December 1809. Transmits report of the secretary of the navy referred to in the annual message of 29 Nov. RC and enclosures, two copies ( DNA : RG 233, President’s Messages; and DNA : RG 46, Legislative Proceedings, 11A-E7). Each RC 1 p., in a clerk’s hand, signed by JM. House copy dated by JM; Senate copy undated. Received by both houses on 5 Dec. Senate copy read and tabled; House copy...