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...
49231From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 27 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By last night’s mail I recieved information from mr Griffin that 19. hhds of my tobo. were already at Richmond, and that the two remaining ones would go immediately. he also inclosed me the manifests of the 19. which I herein inclose to you and on the next leaf you will see a list of the numbers & weights, making in the whole 36,509. ℔. in the 21. hhds. I wish it to be sold as soon as you...
49232To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin H. Latrobe, 27 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I judged very ill in going to Thornton . In a few peremptory words, he, in fact, told me, that no difficulties existed in his plan, but such as were made by those who were too ignorant to remove them and though these were not exactly his words,—his expressions, his tone, his manner, & his absolute refusal to devote a few minutes to discuss the subject spoke his meaning even more strongly and...
49233From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 27 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Latrobe promised a few days ago to write to you to have me furnished with a polygraph of two pens, and that his experience would enable him to give some directions about it which would be useful. he was to desire particularly that there should be a drawer in each end, without any partitions in the drawers, because I would have them made here to suit my own convenience. I should also prefer...
49234Petition from Washington Inhabitants , 27 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The petition of the Subscribers , Inhabitants of the City of Washington, respectfully represent That great hardships and inconveniences have resulted to many of your petitioners, and a considerable check to the increase and population of the Metropolis of the United States, has arisen from the continuation of the restrictions and regulations respecting buildings and improvements in the said...
49235To James Madison from William C. C. Claiborne, 26 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
The mail due on last evening from the northward arrived, but brought me no official dispatches. I fear the post has become an uncertain conveyance, and under this impression I shall cause duplicate copies to be taken of all my official communications to you, and will forward them by Mr. Isaac Briggs, who will leave this city for the seat of Government in two or three days. No unpleasant event...
49236To James Madison from James Monroe, 26 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. several letters of late from some of our friends, who complain of the arrangment or rather provision made in the treaties with France for American creditors, to whom they intimate an attention was paid wh. may embarrass our treasury. It is presumeable that we might have plac’d them on any reasonably satisfactory ground that we wod. have proposed; but as the payment of no part of...
49237To James Madison from John J. Murray, 26 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 February 1804, Glasgow. “However reluctant to me, I am nevertheless obliged to request leave of the President to return home in all this year—the climate ⟨o⟩f Scotland disagreeing much with the health ⟨o⟩f my family—& the manners of the people, amongst whom we live, differing so widely from what we have been accustomed to in America—that it would seem too great a sacrifice for my family to...
49238From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 26 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A thousand joys to you, my dear Maria, on the happy accession to your family . a letter from our dear Martha by last post gave me the happy news that your crisis was happily over and all well. I had supposed that if you were a little later than your calculation, and the rising of Congress as early as we expected, that we might have been with you at the moment when it would have been so...
49239From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 26 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
You are so much the best judge of the propriety of adding 25. D. to the salary of the light housekeeper at New London that whatever you determine thereon I will approve. is a vault necessary to keep oil which is not to be eaten? usage must have settled this point. the building a wharf meerly to land their oil at would seem to be the fore horse of a very long team. how many places are there in...
49240To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 26 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
This Letter will be delivered By M. Petry Secretary to the french Legation—He is well known in America and will, I Hope, Be there welcome—The Sentiments He Has Expressed to me are Such as Cannot fail to be pleasing to the United States Your friendly favor, Nov. the 4th, is the Last I Have Received—I Heartily thank you for the Regret you Express that I was not on the Spot to Be Honoured with...
49241From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin H. Latrobe, 26 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I think you were so good as to say you would desire mr Peale to furnish me a double penned writing box, with some particular directions which experience had pointed out to you. a drawer at each end is indispensible, or if this cannot be, it should open on the left. the principal inconvenience I find in yours, proceeds from the unequal pressure of the copying pen, which I ascribe to unevenness...
49242To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin H. Latrobe, 26 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received Your note of this morning, and am very happy imperfect as it is, that the Polygraph is not useless to you. I wrote to Mr Peale two or three days ago giving him the necessary directions & particularly describing the manner of making two drawers, one on each side instead of one. If Mr. Foxall makes the plate, he should also polish or scour it. I have another idea however on this...
49243To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Lincoln (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed, received by the last evening’s mail, from its extraordinary contents, I have felt myself constrained with reluctance to communicate. The deep confidence imposed by its nature is dispensed with, only from a belief, that it is of very great importance, you should be informed of every transaction, involving the welfare & reputation of the General Govt—the political state of Rhode...
49244To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 26 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Such Instruments as we are daily in the habit of using should be made as perfect as possible, or as human invention can make them, not only the facility of use but also their durebility must constitute a great part of their value in the economy of time, (so precious to a thinking man) that a moderate expence of first cost, will weigh light in comparison with the estimate of a constant saving....
49245John Adams to John Quincy Adams, 25 February 1804 (Adams Papers)
I will write to you, if it be only for the Pleasure of giving you a Proof under my hand, that I am alive.— We have had no Topicks this Winter but Banks, Insurance offices, Toll Bridges and Turnpike Roads, till lately a Manifesto has appeared of the Republican Democrats against Governer Strong, made up partly from Dallas’s and partly from the Connecticutt one which Mr Tracy answered. Your...
49246John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 25 February 1804 (Adams Papers)
I received last Evening yours of the 11 th: inst t: — You cannot employ your leisure more charitably , than in writing me these long letters— They give me some of the sweetest of my enjoyments, and comfort me amidst the thorns and briars of the path I am travelling. I shall endeavour to complete your set of the journals; but I am not sure that I can get spare sheets of all the numbers you...
49247Nathaniel Pendleton’s Memorandum on a Conversation between Alexander Hamilton and Ebenezer Purdy, [25 February 1804] (Hamilton Papers)
On Saturday the 25th of february 1804 I went with General Hamilton to the lodgings of Judge Purdy in Albany who was at home. General H. said that he had called on Mr. Purdy, supposing he had had sufficient time for reflection, to know who was the person alluded to in the conversation he had had with him a day or two before when Mr. Kane was present. Mr. Purdy said he had thought of it, but had...
49248To James Madison from James Monroe, 25 February 1804 (Madison Papers)
The king has been several weeks and still continues to be dangerously ill. The report of his phisicians has been latterly favorable to his recovery, but the result by those who pretend to be best informed considered doubtful. No communication on the subject has been made to Parliament, nor will be while it can be avoided. It is said that the house of commons has been well attended lately in...
49249To James Madison from William Eaton, 25 February 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
25 February 1804. “As I have it in contemplation to publish the statement and document submitted to the committee of claims, accompanying my petition, I request you will be pleased to give it your perusal and signify to me whether it contains any thing improper to be laid before the public. “The solicitude I feel to be relieved from the state of suspense and accumulation of expenses which I...
49250To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 25 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Isaac Briggs and Mr. Robert Williams are now in this City, and propose taking their passage (by Water) for the Seat of Government in two or three Days. I cannot omit so favorable an opportunity to write you an unofficial and private Letter.—The causes which induce these Gentlemen to leave Natchez, they will themselves explain. I do sincerely regret the excuse for their departure, but under...