49181From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The account of your illness my dearest Maria was known to me only this morning. nothing but impossibilities prevent my instant departure to join you. but the impossibility of Congress proceeding a single step in my absence presents an insuperable bar. Mr. Eppes goes off, and I hope will find you in a convalescent state. next to the desire that it may be so, is that of being speedily informed...
49182From Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho it is long since I recieved your favor of Oct. 27. yet I have not had leisure sooner to acknolege it. in the middle & Southern states as great an union of sentiment has now taken place as is perhaps desireable. for as there will always be an opposition, I believe it had better be from avowed monarchists than republicans. New York seems to be in danger of republican division. Vermont is...
49183To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to enclose a letter which I should have forwarded some time since had not an embargo which has existed for some weeks prevented—The bundle of books which Mr V— intended should accompany his letter I have put on board the Bordeaux Packet bound to Philadelphia and have requested the Collector of the Port to forward them to the seat of Government.— With great respect I have the...
49184Proclamation to Pardon Deserters in Louisiana, 3 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas it is represented that sundry persons formerly engaged in the Military Service of the United States and having deserted from the Same, have become inhabitants of the Territory of Louisiana lately ceded to the United States, have establishments of property and families therein, and are in such habits of industry and good conduct as to give reason to believe they will be orderly and...
49185From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 2 March 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
If our correspondence does not terminate with your letter of the 29th. of February, received yesterday, I wish it to be understood that it proceeds merely from the desire of removing all ambiguity from a transaction, in which my character may be materially interested. It is perhaps the natural inference from what you have stated, that nothing took place on your part, to sanction or corroborate...
49186To James Madison from James Monroe, 2 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you several letters on subjects wh. are explained by the parties, better than I can otherwise do. That of our friend La Fayette is no further material than as it mentions his not having recd. the copy of the grant by Congress. You will return it to me when we meet. Respecting those of Mr. Forbes I can only say that I think him a worthy man, very attentive to the enterest of his...
49187To James Madison from William Blackledge, 2 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1804, Washington. “The Act which has passed this Session amendatory of the Acts heretofore passed for levying & Collecting a direct tax, injoining certain duties to be performed by the Collectors in a short time after the ratification of the Act, & inflicting heavy penalties for a failure; it is much to be wished that it should be published as early as possible. Thinking it probable...
49188To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 2 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1804, New Orleans. “The northern mail arrived on last evening, but brought me no official letters from the Seat of Government. “Perfect tranquility continues to prevail here; but really the burdens of the temporary Government are at present peculiarly hard upon me; and are becoming more so every day. “I am compelled to exercise more authority than I had contemplated. I fear my Decrees...
49189To James Madison from William Riggin, 2 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1804, Baltimore. “On the 14th. January I had the honour to communicate to you my intention of returning to Trieste by the first convenient opportunity. Here is now a vessel loading for that place direct to sail in 6 or 7 days, on board of which I purpose taking my passage and come now to solicit the instructions you were pleased to say should be forwarded to me as soon as I was ready...
49190To James Madison from James Simpson, 2 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 March 1804, Tangier. No. 74. “I have now to advise that all the Stores shipt on the Schooner Citizen for His Imperial Majesty have been landed in safety, but one Truck, which thro’ the negligence of the Moor Boatmen was lost overboard. As this was no fault of the Master of the Schooner, I gave him Certificates of the entire Delivery. The Rice was found of so very bad a quality it could not...
49191To Thomas Jefferson from Félix Varleta, 2 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Los positivos deseos de conocer á V.E. y de postrarme á sus Pies, me hace ser atrevido poniendo en sus poderosas manos, estas mal formadas Letras suplicandole se sirva concederme licencia; pa. pasar á sus dominios a ponerme en su Real presencia á ofrecerle á V.E. mi persona Junto con mis cortos averes; y asi mismo á exponerle mi solicitud, la qual no dudo con seguir de sus piadosas manos. Yo...
49192To Thomas Jefferson from Wheeler Martin, 2 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
you will please to excuse me for taking the liberty to inform you that the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the US. has passed the Senate of this State Uniamous, and in the House of Representatives yesterday 5 of PM by a majority of twenty four. You Sir will believe me to be your real friend and Humble Servant in every Sentiment of Respect RC ( ViW : Tucker-Coleman Collection); at...
49193To Alexander Hamilton from Rufus King, 1 March 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my letter of the 24th. I have recd. yrs. of the same date; and after maturely reflecting upon the subject, and consulting one or two of our friends here I am confirmed in the Sentiment that I ought not to consent to be a candidate for the Govr. shd. the federalists think of offering me. This being my determination, it is right that I shd apprize you of it, in order that our friends may...
49194From James Madison to Thomas M. Willing and Thomas W. Francis, 1 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14th. ult. requesting that the bonds you exicuted as sureties for Mr. Cathcart as Consul of the United States at Tripoli, and for Mr. Wollaston as their Consul at Genoa may be cancelled. The Offices of both those Gentlemen have ceased: Mr. Cathcart has rendered his public accounts from time to time but they are not settled, tho’ no doubt is entertained that...
49195From James Madison to Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 1 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have laid before the President your letter of the 23d Ult, in which the United States are called upon, in the name of His Catholic Majesty, to control the commerce of their Citizens, in provisions of every sort, with Negroes of St Domingo, in rebellion against the French Republic; with an intimation that in this demand His Catholic Majesty will be supported by some of the first powers of...
49196To James Madison from Arthur Campbell, 1 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
In a late publication I have read with delight the following Sentiment of the President of the United States. “Sensible as we are of the superior advantages of civil life, of the nourishment which industry provides for the body, and Science for the mind and morals, it is our duty to associate our Indian neighbours in these blessings, and to teach them to become fit members of organized...
49197To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 1 March 1804 (Madison Papers)
Having understood that there were several Parishes or Districts in Louisiana, whose former Commandants had declined acting under the American Government; that the inhabitants were becoming discontented and in some instances that disorders had ensued, I deemed it adviseable immediately to appoint the necessary Civil Officers, and by some verbal communications to endeavor to impress the minds of...
49198From James Madison to Tench Coxe, 1 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 March 1804, Department of State. “On the receipt of the proceeds arising from the sale of the guns and other articles lately made thro.’ Messrs. Pettit and Bayard, you will be pleased to account with and pay over what may remain, after deducting the expenses, to the Treasury.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 1 p. This is a clerk’s error for “gums” (see Coxe to JM, 3 Feb. 1804 ,...
49199To James Madison from William Lee, 1 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 March 1804, Bordeaux. “I have the honor to transmit you ⟨enc⟩losed the returns of the Vessels which have entered ⟨an⟩d cleared at this Office from the 1st. July to 31 Decr 1803. “The numerous and heavy failures in this City have ⟨c⟩aused great distress among the Americans at this ⟨p⟩ort, the Custom house having seized several of their ⟨C⟩argoes which were in the hands of the Bankrupt...
49200To James Madison from John Robertson, 1 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 March 1804, Antwerp. Encloses a copy of his 11 Nov. 1803 dispatch as well as (1) “a report list of the american Vessels enterred & cleared at this port from the first of July last to the 31st Decr: 1803” [not found]; (2) “Original Interrogatories relative to the Suspected Embezzlement on board of The Ship Mary of Cohasset in December last & the Brig Cherokee of Boston in February”; (3) a...
49201To James Madison from Carlos Martínez de Yrujo, 1 March 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 March 1804, Washington. JM’s letter of today in reply to his of 23 Feb. obliges him to make some reflections on the points to which JM refers. Observes that his own letter must have been very badly translated, as only this can explain those of JM’s observations that are difficult, if not impossible, to apply to the object and expressions of his own letter. The first inaccuracy he observes is...
49202From Thomas Jefferson to Nicoll Fosdick, 1 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long since I recieved your favor of Nov. 12. and although business has prevented my answering it sooner, I have not been unmindful of the favor of the information it contained, and of the kindness of the communication. after the clamor which had been raised against me on account of a former letter written to the same person & published by him, I had imagined he would be more circumspect...
49203From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 1 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor of the 26th. and thank you for the pen accompanying it, which seems to perform well. I had written to you on the 27th. Ult. on the subject of the Polygraph. the reduction of the size which you propose for a future trial would certainly be a great improvement; it’s present bulk being disagreeable. I observe too that after one has adjusted the pens by the gage,...
49204To Alexander Hamilton from Oliver Wolcott Junior, [February 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
By Letters lately recd. from Albany, by Gentlemen interested in the Merchants Bank, we are informed, that a meeting of political characters connected with the Legislature, has been held, and that it has been resolved at all events to suppress this Company. This violent decision was altogether unexpected, as from prior intelligence, it appeared that several influential characters of the ruling...
49205To Alexander Hamilton from George Clinton, 29 February 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
This is the first moments leisure I have had to answer your Letter of the 27th Instant which was handed to me yesterday. I have carefully perused the Papers it inclosed under the signature of Mr. James Kane and find the statement of the transaction aluded to as admitted by Judge Purdy to be correct as far as my Name is implicated, and I believe it contains as reduced by Judge Purdy the...
49206From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 29 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr Fitzsimons of Philadelphia, on behalf of those interested in the ship New Jersey has requested me to recommend their case to your attention. This vessel was condemned in the course of the late war by an Agent of France residing at the City of St Domingo and it is the expectation of the applicants by obtaining a revocation of the condemnation to qualify their claim for adjustment by the...
49207To James Madison from Cato West, 29 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 February 1804, Mississippi Territory. “I take leave to request that the Laws of the United States, Pass’d at the Several Sessions of Congress, since the year 1800, may be furnish’d, for the use of the Judges, and other officers of this Government. None of those Acts, except a very few of the Last Session, have been receiv’d to my Knowlege. “Permit me Sir, to Suggest the propriety of...
49208From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Some compliment being proper for the militia of Tennissee who went to Natchez under the command of Colo. George Dogherty may not something like the following be said on the part of the President in a letter from the Secretary at war to Colo. Dogherty or to the Governor of Tennissee? ‘the President has seen with great satisfaction the willingness with which the militia under your command [or...
49209To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin H. Latrobe, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of Mr. Lenthall as Clerk of the Works at the Capitol and Presidents house, combines, the duties formerly performed by seperate persons. For instance, Mr. Williams was employed to collect materials at 800 Dollars pr. annum,—Mr. Blagden measured and superintended the Stone work at 3$. 66 Cents pr. day;—the Carpenter at 2$. 33 cts., the Sculptor or Carver at 3$,—each kept their day...
49210From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Miller, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to the revd mr Miller for the copy of his Retrospect of the 18th. century which he has been so kind as to send him , and shall with pleasure avail himself of his first leisure to read it. he salutes him with respect & friendship. RC ( NjP : Samuel Miller Papers); addressed: “The revd. Samuel Miller New York”; franked; postmarked Washington. PrC ( DLC ). to send...
49211From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I communicate for the information of Congress a letter stating certain fraudulent practices for monopolising lands in Louisiana which may perhaps require legislative provisions. RC ( DNA : RG 46, LPPM , 8th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by a Senate clerk. RC ( DNA : RG 233, PM , 8th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by a House clerk. Recorded in SJL with notation “land-frauds in Louisiana.” Enclosure:...
49212Resolution on Land Titles in Louisiana (Jefferson Papers)
Whereas there is reason to believe that during the time which intervened between the date of the treaty of St. Ildefonso alienating the colony & province of Louisiana with all the rights & interests held by Spain in or over the same, & the transfer & delivery thereof to the US. frauds of great extent & enormity have been practised, & numerous fabrications & devices contrived, by various...
49213To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 29 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A great anxiety prevails amongst the republicans of Ohio to have removed Z. Biggs receiv. pub. monies at Steubenville. His office has been extremely well kept, owing, it is said to the talents of his deputy Beatty whose politics are as obnoxious as those of Biggs. The letters to be returned RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); undated, but see below. Enclosures: (1) John Sloane to Thomas Worthington,...
49214To Alexander Hamilton from James Kane, [28 February 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Attach’d to this You have the Purdy Statement, which I am very Clear is in substance Correct. If you deem it very important that I should make affidavit of what is Here related—I will do it. At the same time I must acknowledge I shall have some difficulty in bringing my mind to it. My pride & Delicacy being in Opposition &c. With much respect & Esteem I remain Dr Sir &c ALS , New-York...
49215Enclosure: [Statement of Ebenezer Purdy], [28 February 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
Some time in the month of January last, I call’d on Jacob Snell, a member of the Council of appointment, where I found Ebenezer Purdy Esqr together with a Mr. Hughes and one or two other Gentlemen whose names I do not recollect (being Strangers to me). Mr Purdy immediately ask’d me if I had any objection to hear an oration read, that was delivered on the 4th. July, by a young irishman who, if...
49216To James Madison from James Simpson, 28 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 February 1804, Tangier. No. 73. Received the original and duplicate of JM’s letter of 31 Oct. 1803 with postscripts of 4 and 10 Nov. The original was delivered on 22 Feb. “by Mr William Thom, together with Charter party of the Schooner Citizen and Bill of lading for One hundred Gun Carriages by that Vessel, destined as a Present from the United States to His Imperial Majesty Muley Soliman.”...
49217To Thomas Jefferson from William Henderson, 28 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I congratulate you upon the Session of the Louisiana Country to the United States, we are informed that it will be divided into two Teritorial destricts, I suppose each destrict will have a Governor and am apprehensive that Andrew Jackson of this State has by some of his friends & connections been recommended to you as a proper person to fil One of those important Offices As I have some...
49218From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 28 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 23d. was recieved last night and I have this day desired mr Barnes to get a bushel and a half of clover seed for mr Craven to be forwarded to you from this place or Philadelphia without delay. although the 400. bushels of coal desired from you would last through the summer, yet I would rather recieve from you double that quantity than be obliged to buy here, where indeed it is not...
49219From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin H. Latrobe, 28 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorry the explanations attempted between Dr. Thornton & yourself on the manner of finishing the chamber of the house of representatives have not succeeded. at the original establishment of this place advertisements were published many months offering premiums for the best plans for a Capitol and President’s house. many were sent in. a council was held by Genl. Washington with the board of...
49220To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin H. Latrobe, 28 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The circumstances that attend the conflict between my wish to promote your views respecting the Capitol, and my conviction of the necessity for forming a plan different from that which is now said by Dr. Thornton to be the plan approved by General Washington are among the most unpleasant which I have ever had to struggle with.—It cannot in my opinion be stated that any plan,—that is any...
49221To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Purviance, 28 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I herewith transmit a Letter receivd this day from Samuel Coleman Master of the Schooner Fame of Nantucket, accompanied with a small Bundle, which he receivd from the Captain of one of their Ships that had lately arrived from the South Seas. I have the honor to be Sir, Most respectfully Your Obed. Servant RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as...
49222To Thomas Jefferson from William W. Woodward, 28 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken a liberty, which I should not have done, had I not felt confident of your approbation—In a package, which I send by this mail, you will find a Sheet and Proposal of Dr. Scotts’ highly improved and admired edition of the Holy Bible—the first Volume of which will make its appearance the last of next month—and the others to be published as fast as they can be received from Europe. I...
49223From Alexander Hamilton to George Clinton, 27 February 1804 (Hamilton Papers)
It is now a long time since a very ⟨odious⟩ slander has been in circulation to the prejudice of my character. It has come to my ears in more than one way, but always ’till lately without the disclosure ⟨of⟩ any source to which I could resort for explanation or detection. Within a few days, Mr. Kane of this City related to me a story as coming from Judge Purdy, in substance very similar to the...
49224From James Madison to John Cotton Smith, 27 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 23d. inclosing Mr. Eaton’s petition with sundry documents respecting the subject of it. The inclosed copies of two letters from this Department to the Auditor of the Treasury, and of those to which they are answers will manifest the course which the three items of his claim now in question have heretofore taken in the Executive Offices. It...
49225To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne and James Wilkinson, 27 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
Since our last of the 14 current, of which a Duplicate was forwarded by the last Mail; the French national Brig the Argo has dropped down the River, to Placquemines, for the Purpose, as we understand, of taking on Board the People, who came in the Brig Express from St. Nicholas Mole, and proceeding to France. We hope in Consequence thereof, to be relieved from the accumulating Embarrassments...
49226From James Madison to James A. Buchanan, 27 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1804, Department of State. “Your letter of the 15th. inst. has been duly received together with the papers it enclosed, respecting the capture of the Brig Lear and the proceedings exercised against her at Antigua. Should the event of a condemnation take place, it will be advisable for you to appeal to England, since the doctrine of the blockade of Martinique is [ sic ] announced by...
49227To James Madison from Peder Pedersen, 27 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1804, Washington. “I have received by the Brig Saunders from Madeira arrived at Philadelphia, 1½ pipe of Madeira Wine, and now herewith beg leave, Sir, to request, that you will desire the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States to direct the Collector of duties at the port of Philadelphia to grant a permit for the landing of the said 1½ pipe of Madeira Wine; agreeably to...
49228To James Madison from Joseph Pulis, 27 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 February 1804, Malta. On the return of Mohammad Elfi, bey of Cairo, to Malta from London after the completion of his affairs there, Pulis paid him a courtesy visit during which the bey stated that after he achieved his independence from the Porte, he wished to establish a close and lasting friendship with the U.S. As soon as he arrived in his dominions he would write to the U.S. about the...
49229To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 27 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I am here, with Robert Williams, on my way to the seat of Government. We expect to sail for Baltimore, within three or four days, in the Schooner Experiment, being the first vessel that offers. She is said to be a swift sailer; our hopes are therefore sanguine that we shall arrive in Washington before the end of next month. On the 10th. instant, by the mail, I wrote to the Secretary of the...
49230To Thomas Jefferson from Christopher Ellery, 27 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not the confidence requisite for the frequency of applications which it seems to become my duty to make to the Executive—Indeed I address the President by letter, rather than in person, merely because I would be as little troublesome as possible— The inclosed letters, relative to the character & qualifications of Mr. Sterry, came under cover from him to myself, accompanied by one to the...