4701From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 17 January 1825 (Adams Papers)
The Laws of descent, & of devisee of intestate are so intricately involved in the case stated by your letter of the 9th. instt. & it may be so much affected by Statutes of the Commonwealth passed since I was in the practice of the Law, that I can only say that I will sanction any act of my father which can dispose of my eventual title to a portion of the estate So far as I understand your...
4702From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Abbot Cummings, 17 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you three days ago, inclosing the catalogues for our schools of Ant t & modern languages and antient & modern history. but it did not occur to me then that I might go somewhat further towards enabling you to begin to prepare a supply for us. the Professor of Law is not yet in place; and altho’ I cannot give you a full catalogue of what his school will call for, I can give a part...
4703To Thomas Jefferson from A. de Letamendi, 17 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding that the University lately organized under your auspices, includes a professorship of foreign languages, I am induced to apply as a candidate for that situation; and being a stranger to you, beg leave briefly to state that I arrived in the United States on the 11 th of May 1823.. with the appointment from the late Constitutional Government of Spain of Consul for the port of S t...
4704From Thomas Jefferson to William Lee, 17 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
We have no funds at present applicable to the purchase of the collection of shells of mr Wyer proposed in your favor of the 8 th and whether we shall have such funds depends on the allowance by Congress of a claim of the state of Virga now depending before them, and a portion of which is given to our Univ y if obtained. until this shall be determ d I can only hold the proposn of your letter in...
4705From Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Smyth, 17 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved 4 proof sheets of your explanation of the Apocalypse, with your letters of Dec. 29. and Jan. 8. in the last of which you request that, so soon as I shall be of opinion that the explanation you have given is correct, I would express it in a letter to you. from this you must be so good as to excuse me, because I make it an invariable rule to decline ever giving opinions on...
4706From Thomas Jefferson to William C. Somerville, 17 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 3 d was rec d a week ago, and this is the 1 st moment I could give to it’s answer. we do not at present possess any funds applicable to the purchase of books, our legislre at their last session made us a donation out of a claim they have ag t the gen l govmt. but whether we shall get it is uncertain; and when ascertained it is appropriated by law to the several objects of a...
4707To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Carrington Cabell, 16 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you sincerely for your favor of 11. inst. I have but little time now to answer you. I am sorry to inform you that the party in favor of the removal of the College have gained ground very much since the date of my last: insomuch that I now have the greatest apprehensions of their success. The combined intrigues of Richmond and the federal party seem too strong for the country. The...
4708To Thomas Jefferson from William John Coffee, 16 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
That no time might be lost I Called on M r Maverick the same day I recivd your favour dated the 5. Jan y which came to hand not till the 14 th I stated to him your wishes and the following in his answer Viz that owing to Ill health his business has out of necesity being neglected, that now they are in hand and will Positiveliy be forwarded to Richmond from this City in the whole of the...
4709From Thomas Jefferson to John Griscom, 16 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you, by this mail, Russell’s book with many thanks for the use of it. indeed it has been of much use to me, as the state and course of education in Great Britain was not well known to me. a bookseller of Philadelphia undertook to import for me a copy, and to have it here by April last. on enquiring of him some time after that period, he informed me his correspondent in London assured...
4710From Thomas Jefferson to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 16 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never been more gratified by the reading of a book than by that of Flourens which you were so kind as to send me Cabanis had gone far toward proving from the anatomical structure of and action of the human machine that certain parts of it were probably the organs of thought, and consequently that matter might exercise that faculty Flourens proves that it does exercise it, and that...
4711To John Adams from William Dabney, 15 January 1825 (Adams Papers)
My respect for you, (altho’ personally unknown) induces me to offer you herein enclosed, and to ask your acceptance of, one right to use for yourself & heirs a right for my Patent Pump for raising water by gravity or Weight, a Patent for which, I have obtained from the United States in November last. This Machine is of cast & wrought iron, and not bulky—is simple in its construction and...
4712From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
I am sorry Mr. Tucker requires time for deliberation. It shews the difficulty in our Country of withdrawing talents from rival pursuits into the service of Education. I do not think he will have chosen the best of literary careers, if he devotes himself to Novel writing. The public taste is nearly satiated with the fashionable, perhaps the best species, in which the success of Walter Scott has...
4713To James Madison from William Dabney, 15 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
My respect for you, (although personally unknown) induces me to offer you herein enclosed, and to ask your acceptance of, one right for yourself and heirs, to use my Patent Pump for drawing water from Wells and other places the propelling power being gravity or weight, for which I have obtained a Patent from the United States in November last. The Machine is entirely of Cast & wrought iron, of...
4714To James Madison from Robert Taylor, 15 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
Immediately after my return from last Madison court, I wrote you that I saw Harrison, and that he would not consent to accept the principal of his claim, but insisted also for interest. He at length agreed to accept Mr. Cowherds order for the principal and leave the question of Interest to reference, provided you would agree to pay the cost of suit. He positively refused to submit the whole...
4715To Thomas Jefferson from Va., Citizens of Lynchburg, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Pursuant to sundry resolutions, adopted by the citizens of Lynchburg, at a meeting, held at the Franklin Hotel on Friday the 20 th Dec r last, the undersigned bring a committee of correspondence, appointed for that purpose, have the honor to transmit you, the annexed memorial. We trust Sir that the views of our citizens as set forth, in the said Memorial, may meet your approbation, and we beg...
4716From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Coolidge, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I owe you many thanks for the two last books you have been so kind as to send me. I have derived a great deal of information from Russel for the use of our University. I had only a borrowed copy, and had been disappointed in getting one from England: Bosworth is a treasure of Anglo-Saxon learning. there is much in him valuable, and new to me. he treads indeed in the footsteps of D r Hickes and...
4717Thomas Jefferson’s Notes within Joseph Bosworth’s “Elements of Anglo-Saxon Grammar,” ca. 15 Jan. 1825, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
THE ELEMENTS OF Anglo-Saxon Grammar, WITH COPIOUS NOTES, ILLUSTRATING THE STRUCTURE OF THE SAXON AND THE FORMATION OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: AND A Grammatical Praxis WITH A LITERAL ENGLISH VERSION: TO WHICH ARE PREFIXED, REMARKS ON THE HISTORY AND USE OF THE ANGLO-SAXON, AND AN INTRODUCTION, ON THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF ALPHABETIC WRITING, WITH CRITICAL REMARKS BY THE REV. CHAS. O’CONOR, D.D....
4718From Thomas Jefferson to James Leitch, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
2. Canteens French brandy ViCMRL .
4719To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry M r Tucker requires time for deliberation. It shews the difficulty in our Country of withdrawing talents from rival pursuits into the service of Education. I do not think he will have chosen the best of literary careers, if he devotes himself to Novel writing. The public taste is nearly satiated with the fashionable, perhaps the best species, in which the success of Walter Scott has...
4720To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Martin, 15 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I suggest for your consideration the necessity of the state of Virginia laying off a scite for a large City near to Norfolk in which no slaves shall reside then connect the waters of Albemarl Sound with the Waters of the Mississippi le a ving it near where the southern line of. Tennessee. Stretch it then you will have a counterpoise to New York without this she will swallow up everything the...
4721From John Quincy Adams to George Washington Adams, 14 January 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 1st. instt. (dated by mistake 1824) with the quarterly account enclosed, which I suppose is correct, and all the particulars of which I approve—It should have been signed with your name at bottom, with the addition of the words “Errors excepted” and dated—You will remember this, in the rendition to me of your next account, and remember it also, in all your...
4722From James Madison to John Hanbury Dwyer, 14 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
With your letter of the 23 of Decr. I have recd a copy of your “Essay on Elocution” of which you ask my opinion. I have not found it convenient to give the Work a critical examination. But a Cursory one has satisfied me that its explanations, its precepts, and its exemplifying selections, justly class it with the books useful both to Teachers & pupils, of the branch of Education on which it...
4723From James Madison to Henry Lee, 14 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. Sir yours of the 6th. inst. and have looked over the printed Sheet inclosed in it. Of the literary character of the paper, I may express a laudatory opinion, without risk of contravening that of others. As a political disquisition, it embraces questions both of magnitude and of nicety, on which opinions may be various, and of which a critical review does not lie within the compass...
4724From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Abbot Cummings, 14 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
We had hoped to have opened our University on the 1 st of Feb. but as yet only two of our Professors are in place, those of antient and modern languages. three, who were engaged abroad, have for some time been hourly expected, and, on their arrival, those engaged at home will repair to their stations also and the institution be opened. the exact day depends therefore on the arrival of the...
4725To Thomas Jefferson from John Farrar, 14 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Thinking that the accompanying Report must contain something of interest to you in the organization of your university I take the liberty to forward it to you DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
4726To Thomas Jefferson from Honoré Julien, 14 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the pleasure of writing You these few lines to inquire of the state of your health which I hope is perfect & to wish you & your family a good & happy New Year great prosperity with a long & happy life. I thought I would take the pleasure of sending you a few pair of canvass backs but seeing no opportunity offered I fear that they would miss getting safe if I should send them by the mail...
4727To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Smyth, 14 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Smyth has now the honor to enclose to M r Jefferson the last proof sheet of the explanation of the Apocalypse, and hopes to receive, within 8 days, M r Jefferson’s opinion of the work. MoSHi : Thomas Jefferson Collection (formerly Bixby).
4728To Thomas Jefferson from Alexander Smyth, 14 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
An essay toward a Glossary of the words used in a figurative sense in the Apocalypse. Some of the words are also used in the proper sense. Blood . A soldier or executioner, Ch 6v12 Soldiers 8v7, 8.—11v6—14v20—16v3—19v13 Babylon . Byzantium, 14v8—17v5—18v2—10v21—16v19. Earthquake A revolution; on the death of Commodus 6v12; on the death of Pertinax 8v5; on the death of Didius 11v12; on the...
4729From James Madison to William J. Coffee, 13 January 1825 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your letter of Jany. 1825. on the subject of a life-size Statue of Mr. Jefferson in Plaster, to be placed in the Library of the University. How far the consent of Mr. Jefferson may be attainable or not I can not pretend to say. But on the supposition of his yielding it, I should be chargeable with a want of candour if I witheld the remark that there could not be a time more...
4730To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Walker Gilmer, 13 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have deferred writing to you, with the daily expectation of setting out to see you. My strength after so long a confinement naturally returns very slowly, and even now it would fatigue me too much to travel by the stage to Albemarle, nor can I consent to accept the private carriages which have been offered me. I am very desirous to see you, & to report to you fully my conduct, opinions &c....
4731To Thomas Jefferson from L. Huenefeld, 13 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
As a long time past I read the news of your Excellency having established a University at Monticello and making overtures to several men of learning to assist at the same as Teachers. Then already I formed an idea of troubling your Excellency with a letter in that part of the globe for whose development and welfare you are so much concerned, desiring you to have the goodness to inform me, if...
4732To Thomas Jefferson from George Long, 13 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Long thanks Mr Jefferson for the Newspapers he left with him. Some of them he is sorry to find have been misplaced by some accident which cannot be accounted for—If they are recovered they shall be carefully returned— MHi .
4733To Thomas Jefferson from John Watson, 13 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearer M r Edward Watson has come with a View, of becoming a Student at the university any Information you can give him as to its opperation and commencement will be thankfully rec d by him; and confer an obligation MHi .
4734To James Madison from William J. Coffee, [ante–13] January 1825 (Madison Papers)
Your goodness I hope will excuse the Present freedom on account of the subject on which I am writing and in which I very much wish I could engage your intrest. It is in its Nature to me very Imposeing and as I have not before in any shape troubled you with Papers I somehow think you will condecend to give me your good Opinion. I have a great desire to model a small whole Length Statue of Mr....
4735To Thomas Jefferson from W. Froelich, 12 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
As soon as I read in the news-papers, that the University of Monticello, established by Your Excellence, did invite from foreign empires and countries learned men in all sciences, to settle themselves in America, I was the more resolved upon profiting this possibility of becoming an inhabitant of this happy land of liberty, as I am an independent man of thirty yet unmarried and full of the...
4736To Thomas Jefferson from Frederick Winslow Hatch, 12 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
A class in preparation for the University, commences its studies with me tomorrow: should you require any attention to James, either in Arithmetic or Prosody I shall be happy in seeing him at the School room as soon as convenient—The regular course of my School will be resum’d on Monday next .—The charge for James will be only for the time he attends, before going to the University. MHi .
4737From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Carrington Cabell, 11 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
We are dreadfully non-plussed here by the non-arrival of our three Professors. we apprehend that the idea of our opening on the 1 st of Feb. prevails so much abroad (altho’ we have always mentioned it doubtfully) as that Students will assemble on that day, without awaiting the further notice promised. to send them back will be discouraging, and to open an University without Mathematics or...
4738From Thomas Jefferson to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 28. is duly recieved. it gladdens me with the information that you continue to enjoy health. that is a principal mitgation of the evils of age. I wish that the situation of our friend M r Adams was equally comfortable. but what I learn of his physical condition is truly deplorable. his mind however continues strong, and firm, his memory sound his hearing perfect, and his...
4739From Thomas Jefferson to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 9 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
University of Virginia Some Professors of the University, and of important branches of science, being not yet arrived, altho’ they have been, for some time, hourly expected, the public are notified that as soon, as they arrive, an early day will be fixed on for opening the Institution, and notice thereof published with such details of information as may be necessary to be known to parents and...
4740From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac A. Coles, 9 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the curious record inclosed in yours of the 29 th Ult. I did not before know that there ever had been a regular trial for Witchcraft in Virginia, and am glad it was in a county court. an irregular case of the kind I had before known. I dare say you know Greenleaf who keeps the ferry ove Ja s river, near the natural bridge. his grandmother was suspected of being a witch. the...
4741From Thomas Jefferson to David Hosack, 9 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve with due thankfulness the proof which your letter conveys of the mark of attention shewn me by the N. York horticultural society by electing me an honorary member of their society. I love the art, but age has taken from me the power of proving it by any services I can render them in return for the honor done me. with my best wishes for their success and the expressions of my thanks...
4742From Thomas Jefferson to John Minor, 9 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 2 d has been recieved. all the professorship of the University are engaged, so that there is no opening in it for any new candidate. we now await the arrival fo 3. of our professors who were to embark from London for Norfolk in October; and have therefore been for some time hourly expected. the moment their arrival is known the public will be notified of the day for opening...
4743From Thomas Jefferson to John L. Thomas, 9 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
We have as yet no library nor consequently employment for a librarian. and when we need one we propose a compensation of 50. D. a year only, counting that some one of the professors will undertake it for that, the fact is also that a librarian must ever be a aman of a high order of science and able to give to enquirers an account of the character and contents of the several books under his...
4744To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 8 January 1825 (Adams Papers)
It is long since I have written to you. this proceeds from the difficulty of writing with my crippled wrists, and from an unwillingness to add to your inconveniences of either reading by the eyes, or writing by the hands of others. the account I recieve of your physical situation afflicts me sincerely. but if body or mind was one of them to give way, it is a great comfort that it is the mind...
4745To John Adams from Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward, 8 January 1825 (Adams Papers)
The respects of the undersigned await on President Adams. He has to acknowledge the reception of his kind letter of November 17th: 1824. The steady hand of time; which, while it eviscerates truth, also, fortunately, assuages animosities; will render justice to the pure fame of the venerable President. That his remaining days may be blessed with peace, health, and felicity, is, I cannot...
4746From Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams to Johnson Hellen, 8 January 1825 (Adams Papers)
I have been prevented from writing to you a long time my dear Tom first in consequence of ill health and since because I thought it would be better to await your return to College than to address to Exeter where I hope you have been happy among your respectable old friends— It gives me great pleasure to learn from Mary that you have become more satisfied with your situation and now I have only...
4747From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 8 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long since I have written to you. this proceeds from the difficulty of writing with my crippled wrists, and from an unwillingness to add to your inconveniences of either reading by the eyes, or writing by the hands of others. the account I recieve of your physical situation afflicts me sincerely. but if body or mind was one of them to give way, it is a great comfort that it is the mind...
4748To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Hue Girardin, 8 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Since Gen l Lafayette left Monticello, I have had several times the pleasure of conversing with him, and very agreeably felt the effect of Your kind recommendation. He has placed in my hands several valuable documents, and promised me more, from which I shall derive the greatest advantage for the new edition which I am preparing. On the 27 th of Dec r last, after the masonic dinner, the...
4749To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 8 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Edward Wyer, a friend of mine purchased in spain the last year, a cabinet of Conchyology and mineralogy, which is said by those who are good judges to be valuable—He wishes to dispose of this collection and thinking it might be wanted at your Institute, I have taken the liberty to mention it to you as I presume it can be had cheap. D r Wallace of Virginia is here & desires me to say that if...
4750From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 8 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I returned the 1 st vol. of Hall by a mail of a week ago and by this shall return the 2 d we have kept them long; but every member of the family wished to read his book, in which case you know it had a long guantlet to run. It is impossible to read thoroughly such writings as those of Harper and Otis, who take a page to say what requires but a sentence, or rather who give you whole pages of...