30101Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Shoemaker, 8 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept by the last post of your letter of the 1 st inst. & in it of 490.D. that is to say a draught on the Philadelphia bank for 350.D. & 140.D. in bank bills. as mr Higginbotham ’s order had been drawn on the rent due the first year, he was, in all justice entitled to the first money recieved and the rather as he had waited with indulgence a twelvemonth. I therefore...
30102From John Adams to Elihu Phinney, 7 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
I received two days ago your favour of July 24th inclosing a of the Otsego Herald and several other printed papers in Prose and verse. I thank you Sir for the amusement you have given me in these Compositions. There is a good deal of Wit and diverting humour in those in Verse. A great mathematical Controversy that once in a Century invariably puzzles Mankind like a Riddle is completely decided...
30103From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 7 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your favour of July 26 and its Enclosures. You have frequently, in a most friendly manner advised me to write my own Life.—I Shall never have Resolution or Time to accomplish Such a Work: but having been called before the Publick most undesignedly and unexpectedly, and excessively reproached with one of the wisest most virtuous most successfull and most important Actions of my...
30104From James Madison to Dolley Madison, 7 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
We reached the end of our journey yesterday at one o’clock; without interruption of any sort on the road. Mr. Coles had been here sometime, one, if not two of the expected dispatch vessels of England, had just arrived, and Mr. Gilston after a short passage from France, entered Washington about the moment I did. You may guess therefore the volumes of papers before us. I am but just dipping into...
30105To James Madison from Philip Freneau, 7 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
The two Volumes of Poems that in April last I engaged to have published, are finished, and will be ready for delivery in two or three days. The ten Setts You subscribed for I am rather at a loss how to have safely transmitted to You at Your residence in Virginia, where, I find by the Newspapers, You mean to continue until the end of September. Will You, on receipt of this, send me a line or...
30106To James Madison from David Holmes, 7 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 August 1809, Washington, Mississippi Territory. Governor Holmes reports his arrival at Natchez on 30 June. The territorial legislature met 3 July to nominate candidates for the legislative council. Holmes became ill and hence was unable to write JM earlier regarding the nominees. The legislators are loyal Republicans so “the business was conducted with great harmony.” Holmes makes four...
30107William Dawson to Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have a suit at Law now depending in the Superiour Court of Loudoun County which Commences on the first monday in September next and my Attorneys informs me it will be tryed at that term, I will thank you to please to advise M r George Jefferson to pay me my fee for the declarations for the Insureing your Mills, and Millers Houses, I left my account with you RC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ as...
30108George Gilpin to Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
A Sense of duty and respect has for a long time urged me to write to & to thank you for a favor which you conferred on me as an individual and also for that Obligation which I lay under with the rest of my fellow Citizens for the great and eminent Services rendered to our country as President of the United States for during the whole time it did appear to me that your desire and constant Aim...
30109Craven Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 6 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have waited this length of time under An expectation of M r John Akers comeing to purchase a part of my Land togethar with yours, you wished me to sell. If he did not come by the last of July I was not to expect him, himself & Lons had fifty Thousand Dollars to lay Out in land, If it is entirely agreeable to you, & it can be done without throwing Any obsticle in the way of Obtaining those...
30110Thomas Jefferson to William C. Rives, 6 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Under the constant hope of an early departure for Bedford , I have been hitherto detained by the prevalence of a disease in our neighborhood, and particularly among my own people. altho’ abated, it still has not left us, and the importance of attention to it, still detains me here and for a time which cannot be ascertained. the expectation that every case might be the last, has prevented my...
30111Thomas Jefferson to Louis Marie Turreau, 6 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to General Turreau, and incloses a letter which came to him under cover from M. de. la Cepede . he is happy in the occasion it furnishes him of assuring General Turreau of his great esteem & respect, and his regret that the distance and infrequency of the posts from this place, will have produced several days delay in the reciept of this. PoC (...
30112To John Adams from Benjamin Rush, 5 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
“salus, honor et bonus Appetitus.” to use the Words of Molière— from Dear sir ever / Yrs MHi : Adams Papers.
30113From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 5 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
I would not come to Town to day because I knew I should only add to yours, and my own agony, my Heart is with you, my prayers and blessing attend you, the dear Children you have left, will be dearer to me for the absence of their parents, and my care whilst, Providence continues to me my faculties, and my Life. If your Father and I Should be removed, they cannot fail of finding Friends and...
30114Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong, 5 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearers hereof, mr Alexander M c Rae & Major John Clarke proposing to visit France on their private concerns, I take the liberty of presenting them to your notice & patronage. mr M c Rae has been a member of the council of state of Virginia , & Lieut t Governor, highly esteemed for his talents & correctness of principle, moral & political. Maj r
30115Thomas Jefferson to Alexander McRae, 5 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely wish you success in the object of the visit which yourself & Maj r Clarke propose to make to Europe . to your country it promises advantage, & I hope it will yield it to yourselves also. as you seem sensible of the danger to which it will expose you, under the laws of those countries, I need say nothing on that head but that the secrecy enjoined on me shall be observed. the letters...
30116Thomas Jefferson to William Pinkney, 5 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearers hereof, mr Alexander M c Rae , & Major John Cla rke proposing to go to Great Britain on their private concerns, I take the liberty of presenting them to your notice & patronage. mr M c Rae , a lawyer of distinction, has been a member of the council of state of Virginia & Lieut t Governor, highly esteemed for his talents & correctness of princip le moral & political.
30117From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 4 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
ON the 20th of September, 1780, wrote to his excellency Joseph Reed, Esq. President, and the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, in answer to a letter recommending Mr. Searle and his mission, that he might depend upon every civility and assistance in my power, consistent with the duties of the place I was in. Mr. Searle was sent by them to Europe, to borrow money. Such was the distress...
30118To James Madison from Tristram Dalton, 4 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 August 1809, Alexandria. The former Massachusetts senator recommends Edmund Jennings Lee for the vacant District of Columbia judgeship. “I am not capable of forming a correct opinion of his Legal Abilities,” but is certain satisfactory recommendations will be forthcoming “from Gentlemen who are Judges.” Hopes JM “will pardon this freedom.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 1 p.
30119C. & A. Conrad & Company to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As we have just finished an edition of Shakspeares Plays for which your name appears on our list as a Subscriber we have used the freedom to address You requesting that when convenient you would send to the store of Daniel Rapine Esq r of this place for your copy, or point out the manner in which it may be sent to you. We have also taken the liberty to hand you a bill for the Artillerists...
30120From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 3 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
ON the 12th of September, 1780, wrote to Mr. Dana, at Paris. “This will be delivered you by Mr. Samuel Hartley, who is recommended to me by Mr. Diggs and Mr. David Hartley. I should be obliged to you for any civilities you may show him. Mr. Diggs recommends him as an open friend to the American cause. There is no news here but what you will see in the Leyden Gazette, which is my vehicle for...
30121From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1809 (Madison Papers)
Herewith you will receive a packet, which being wrapt up in a large one for me, from the Dept. of State, was taken out of the mail of yesterday, and not observed before the rider had set out. I find myself under the mortifying necessity of setting out tomorrow morning for Washington. The intricate state of our affairs with England produced by the mixture of fraud & folly in her late conduct,...
30122To James Madison from John Graham, 3 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1809, Willtown, South Carolina. Written by “a Sittezan of South Carolina … placed in a State of common Mediocraty,” who has invented a bridge which “may be distroyed whilest an Ennemy is passing, and the opperator … may be at the Distance of from one to four miles from the scene of action,” at a cost that “would not Exceed $50.” The bridge can be erected “in Ten or 20 minuets, and if...
30123To James Madison from George Joy, 3 August 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1809, London. Encloses draft of a memorial to the king of Denmark and Norway protesting Danish depredations on U.S. shipping. These attacks on “no less than fifty four ships” are the latest object of Joy’s attention and diverted him from taking up his post as American consul in Holland. The American minister in London has advised him “to deviate from his intended Voyage [to Holland]...
30124Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 3 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 26 th ult. came to hand by the last post. that of June 23. had been recieved in due time, & I had not adverted to the copy of the order it inclosed respecting Gen l K’s Pensylvania bank stock. I now inclose you an order to recieve it. I am very happy at being released from the bank in a way to incommode nobody. I am distressed by old mr Shoemaker your neighbor, who has rented...
30125James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Herewith you will receive a packet, which being wrapt up in a large one for me, from the Dep t of State , was taken out of the mail of yesterday, and not observed before the rider had set out. I find myself under the mortifying necessity of setting out tomorrow morning for Washington . The intricate state of our affairs with England produced by the mixture of fraud & folly in her late conduct,...
30126Thomas Jefferson to Samuel H. Smith, 3 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter came to hand yesterday by mail after your departure. presuming it could not find you at the President’s , I have thought it best to return it to you at Washington where you will probably find it on your return. I hope mrs Smith & yourself will have performed your journey in good health & without accident, and shall be very happy if you shall have found the same pleasure in...
30127Josef Yznardy to Thomas Jefferson, 3 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Muy S or mio, y de todo mi Respecto; Aunque V.E. ha sesado de ser Presidente de los Estados Unidos , no lo han mis obligaciones de tener presente las distinciones de amistad que siempre usò conmigo, y menos las obligaciones en que me considero de haserlas vinculos perpetuos para que le suplique lo entìenda asi para mandarme en quanto guste. El dador de la presente serà el Cavallero secretario...
30128Margaret Bayard Smith’s Account of a Visit to Monticello, [29 July–2 August 1809] (Jefferson Papers)
After a very delightful journey of three days, we reached Monticello on the morning of the fourth. When I crossed the Ravanna , a wild & romantic little river, which flows at the foot of the mountain, my heart beat, when for I thought I had now entered as it were the threshhold of his dwelling, & I looked around every where expecting to meet with some trace of his superintending care.—In this...
30129To John Jay from William Wilberforce, 1 August 1809 (Jay Papers)
Though so many Years have passed since We saw or heard from each other, I hope I do not deceive myself when, I presume that we continue to retain each other in friendly Remembrance, not without taking a real Interest in each other’s Well-being— Such at least, I can truly declare, are my own Sentiments & feelings in relation to you; and embracing every Opportunity of inquiring after you, I...
30130John Monroe to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me, an individual to approach you Sir, in your retreat from those toils and labours in which you have been for some time past so arduously engaged: and which have promoted the happiness, secured the freedom, and increased the prosperity of your country. Difficult and dangerous were the times of your Administration; but your mind perceived and your wisdom avoided the dangers. It was for...
30131Jonathan Shoemaker to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Supposing from what the said when I Saw the at Monticelo it would be an accomadation I Send inclosed a Check on the Bank of Pensylvanie for 350$ and in bank notes 140$ with respect to higenbotoms draught on me I can’t at Present Conveniently pay before the 1 t Octo as the funds of the General Post Office are so low they Can’t pay a Dollar in advance, & with dificulty their bills when due, the...
30132Account with St. Mary’s Seminary, [ca. July 1809] (Madison Papers)
1809 College charges as Specified in the Prospectus. June 7. Washing two Quarters 9. Mending linen and Stockings 3. Doctor’s fees and Medicines 4. Paper, Slates, Quills &ca 3. Postage and Penny post Com” 1 31 Six months Board and Tuition 115. 135 31. Decembr. 16. Ross Grammar
30133From John Adams to William Cunningham, 31 July 1809 (Adams Papers)
I received in season your favour of the 30th June as well as that of July 24th, and thank you for both. The first is full of the candour and frankness of true friendship, and deserves my mature consideration. I have not been able to answer it, for I have been very busy, and my son’s destination and preparations for departure, have claimed all my attention. It is an heartrending stroke to me. I...
30134From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 31 July 1809 (Adams Papers)
On the 24th of August, 1780, transmitted to Congress, by another conveyance, duplicates of the declarations of Sweden, Denmark, &c. relative to the maritime confederation. September 4th, wrote to Congress, news that the outward bound West-India fleet of 52 sail, and five East-Indiamen, on the 9th of August, fell in with the combined French and Spanish fleets, about sixty leagues from Cape St....
30135From Abigail Smith Adams to John Quincy Adams, 31 July 1809 (Adams Papers)
My consolation is, that you cannot go “ where universal love smiles not around Sustaining all yon orbs, and all their Suns From seeming evil still educing good” your Mothers Legacy May a blessing accompany it— MHi : Adams Papers.
30136To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received your’s of the 28th. Your return here still appears to me necessary. On the effect of the refusal of the B. Govt. to ratify Mr E.’s agreement, on the revival of the non intercourse, you can alone decide, as there may be a difference of opinion on the Subject. Mr Erskine announces this day officially to the Secy. of State that refusal; & if according to law the non intercourse is...
30137To James Madison from Daniel James, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I Have made free as an Individual, to rite a few lines to you on the Subject of the Negociation between us and great Britton. Whether you think their is a probable chance of the same taking place, or whether we are to have no trade at all with them; our corps of wheat are uncommonly Good, this year. And we Know not what to be at for the best; if it is not too much trouble to your Excellency to...
30138To James Madison from John Porter, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
From our former Correspondence by Letters while you was a Member of Congress I have Reason to believe you are a friend to Every good Citizen and perticular the old Soldiers therefore I take the Liberty to write you once more Requesting yer Advice on the Subject I will Endeavour to inform you as I wish to know if my Situation does not Entitle me to a pention Agreable to a bill passed in...
30139To James Madison from Robert Smith, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 27h. It would seem that Mr Erskine has taken great liberties with his instructions. Of this I had not the slightest suspicion when I was writing my two last letters. And a knowledge of this diminishes the necessity of your return or of the Call of Congress. One of his reasons for not Communicating in Extenso this instruction is now apparent. It was a...
30140Jonathan Brunt to Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I was at your house at Monticello the latter end of September, 1807, where I was treated by your Excellency with Christian hospitality—in order that you may, sir, recollect my person the better, I had on a blue coat & old white wool hat, and was on my way to Lynchburg , to get employment in the printing-office there, where I worked 1½ day, the owner of which paid me liberally: I then started...
30141William W. Hening to Thomas Jefferson, 31 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 25 th Inst. has just come to hand; and, for your attention to my request, be pleased to accept my thanks. Of the MSS. received from you, those containing the laws from 1639 to 1660 inclusive, were deficient, except the acts of a few Sessions: contained in the MS. procured from the ex rs of M r Bland — I had no difficulty, however, in supplying the defect, having procured...
30142From John Adams to Boston Patriot, 30 July 1809 (Adams Papers)
Though I thought I was negociating for peace , to better purpose in Holland than I could in France, yet as I could not be responsible for that, I was obliged to depart. The adventure of a journey, which, in the hands of Sterne, would make a sentimental romance, are of no importance here. On the 7th day of July, 1781, I wrote the following note to the Comte de Vergennes. Versailles, July 7,...
30143From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 30 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
Since my last I have recd. yours of the 26th. If the sketch of Erskine’s instructions be faithful, ⟨it⟨ shews as clearly that Canning was determined to prevent an adjustment, as that Erskine was, to effect it. The proof is the stronger of C.s insidiousness, as he must have known from the answer of Mr. Pinkney to the expedient which wd. substitute the capture of our trade under our laws for...
30144John W. Campbell to Thomas Jefferson, 29 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I avail myself of this method of making a proposition to you, respecting the publication of a complete Edition of your different writings, as far as they may be designed for the public; including the, “Notes on Virginia .” The work should be executed in Philadelphia , by the best publisher in the city, & in a stile, not inferiour to any prose work yet published in our country. Should the...
30145Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 29 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof, mr Smith , is the son of Gen l Smith of Baltimore , whose revolutionary services, as well as his civil station among us, that of a Senator, & a distinguished one of the United States , cannot be unknown to you who have taken so long, & so friendly an interest in whatever regards, or is done in the US . his son , who wishes to qualify himself to be useful to his country...
30146Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith (of Maryland), 29 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last post I inclosed you a letter for S t Petersbg and promised by this something for Paris . The Secretary of State’s letters will ensure every thing with Gen l Armstrong . the people of the world with whom I was formerly acquainted are all swept off the stage. my correspondents there are with literary characters chiefly, few of whom I personally know. I have selected
30147From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 28 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. yours of the 24th. The conduct of the B. Govt. in protesting the arrangement of its Minister surprizes one in spite of all their examples of folly. If it be not their plan, now that they have filled their magazines with our supplies, and ascertained our want of firmness in witholding them, to adopt openly a system of monopoly & piracy, it may be hoped that they will not persist in...
30148To James Madison from John G. Jackson, 28 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I shall set off this morning for Clarksburg, not however without the expectation that your proclamation will soon reach me for convening Congress. The british perfidy has kindled a flame throughout the Country, & if the Prest. assume the responsibility of doing, or forbearing any thing he may incur much censure. I write to you my dear Sir freely. You know me I trust perfectly, & will...
30149To James Madison from William Kilty, 28 July 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 July 1809, Annapolis. The chancellor of Maryland recommends Alexander Scott for the vacancy on the District of Columbia circuit court [on which Kilty himself had served as chief judge]. RC ( DNA : RG 59, Letters of Application, 1809–17). 2 pp.
30150Leonard Jewett to Thomas Jefferson, 28 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
You will probably think it it very extraordinary in an individual unknown to you, to take the Liberty of addressing a Letter to you—Nothing but the importance of the enquiry, & the Confidence I have in your Judgement, to answr it would ever have induced me to take the Liberty—The Subject on which I crave your Opinion is simply this— Have the Judges of our high Judicial Courts the right of...