52351From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Dowse, 19 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I now return the sermon you were so kind as to inclose me , having perused it with attention. the reprinting it by me, as you have proposed, would very readily be ascribed to hypocritical affectation, by those who, when they cannot blame our acts, have recourse to the expedient of imputing them to bad motives. this is a resource which can never fail them; because there is no act, however...
52352To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin H. Latrobe, 19 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to save the postage of the enclosed packet, containing the drawings & sections of the foundation Walls of the S. Wing of the Capitol,—I have taken the liberty of addressing it to you, and if there be no impropriety in my giving you the trouble I should beg leave to send further packets by the same means, as most of them will be very heavy.— As soon as I can move my family I shall...
52353From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 19 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you the Attorney general’s opinion on so much of the act concerning the city of Washington as relates to the monies allowed to it’s officers. you will percieve that he thinks the appropriation for yourself the only one limited to a particular period of time, viz from July 1. 1802. to Dec. 31. 1803 that the time for which the other appropriations are made is undefined, and the monies...
52354To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Willson Peale, 19 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
At last I have received Letters from my Sons in London—their neglect of writing, as I expected, was in part caused by an unwillingness to give me uneasiness at their want of success in their exhibition —but having lowered the price of 2/6 to one shilling for each Visitor, their income is greatly increased; nearly tribled, and some Gentleman who had visited their Room twice since the date of...
52355From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston and James Monroe, 18 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
A month having elapsed since the departure of M Monroe it may be presumed that by the time this reaches you communications will have passed with the French government sufficiently explaining its views towards the United States and preparing the way for the ulterior instructions which the President thinks proper should now be given. In case a conventional arrangement with France should have...
52356From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston and James Monroe, 18 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
The reasonable and friendly views with which you have been instructed by the President to enter into negociations with the French Government justify him in expecting from them an issue favorable to the tranquillity and to the useful relations between the two Countries. It is not forgotten however that these views, instead of being reciprocal, may find, on the part of France, a temper adverse...
52357To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 18 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous faire part verbalement de la conduite que le commandant de la frégate Anglaise le Boston avait tenue en rade d’Hampton, envers le navire français l’anne le 1er. d’Avril. Je joins ici copie littérale de la lettre du Capitaine de ce bâtiment au Commissaire de la République à Norfolk, d’après la quelle vous pourrez voir, Monsieur, jusqu’a quel point ces procédés...
52358From James Madison to Albert Gallatin, 18 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 April 1803, Department of State. “In answer to your letter of the 12th. inst.… I approve of the House of Sir F. Baring & Co. as Bankers of the monies to be remitted to London for objects connected with the Department of State, so long as they remain the bankers of the Treasury Department in their general transactions. The accounts of former reimbursements for the expense of prize-causes, in...
52359To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 18 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 April 1803, Málaga. Transmits a copy of his last letter, dated 31 Mar. , with copies of its enclosures. On 8 Apr. Captain Campbell in the Adams “gave a call here on his way up the Mediterranean, with a Convoy of Seven Merchant Vessels”; he departed on 9 Apr. intending to stop at Alicante and Barcelona to offer escort to vessels bound for French and Italian ports. Commodore Morris in the New...
52360To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 18 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I take the liberty of handing you inclosed, a Copy of my last Letter under date of the 31 Ultimo, of Mr. OBrien’s to me of 16 do. and of the return of Importations & Exportations from, and to the united States, by American Vessels, from the 1 January 1802 till the End of last month. On the 8 inst, Capt Campbell gave a call here in the Frigate Adams, on his way up the Mediterranean, with a...
52361To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, on or before 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Supposing the Muse requested to be informed, of the Presidents Birth day—Would She not justly be Spurned at, for obtruding Herself—On the other hand, the muse will be concious she merited such treatment, And will not dare to think hard—but still, While you protect her Liberty, will determine to be greatfull—application was made at the office of the aurora for the above, and a very polite...
52362To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A few days ago I received a letter from Mr. John Vaughan from which the following is an extract, “I am desired by a person in the District of Maine Kennebeck River, to enquire as soon as may be of Mr. Ellicott the cost of a Box , with the sextant , and portable horizon , and a place for an Arnold watch , (such as Mr. Ellicott describes in the 5th. Vol. of the Phil: Trants.,) we have the Watch,...
52363Remarks on Observations with a Sextant, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
By a practice of more than twenty years, I have constantly found water preferable to any other fluid for an artificial, or portable horizon.—The reflection of the Sun from the water it is true, will be fainter than that from the specula, unless the Telescope of the Sextant be directed nearly off the foliated part of the horizon speculum.—This direction can be easily given to it, by a screw for...
52364To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I found on my return home after an absence of several weeks, that your quarterly account had not as usual been forwarded. You will now find it inclosed, observing a balance in favor of G. & J. of £29.16.6 The amount which you had directed to be paid to Moran, had been paid to his order a few days previous to the receipt of your letter giving information of the error in his account. it was paid...
52365From Thomas Jefferson to João, Prince Regent of Portugal, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of the 26. of October last in which your Royal Highness has been pleased to communicate to me, that the Princess of Brazil, your much loved Spouse, had that day happily increased your Royal Family by the birth of a Son. Participating in all the events which may increase your happiness, we offer you on this joyous occasion our sincere congratulations, and we pray you...
52366To Thomas Jefferson from John Millar, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In the year 1797 having occasion to investigate the means of subuing and preventing Contagious Fevers , that which had proved so fatal to the Citizens of Philadelphia, became of course, a subject of consideration. The Book was sent to Dr Rush by Mr Perry and I have observed that he had in some subsequent publications retracted some opinions he formerly held on that subject, and with great...
52367I. Commission for Minister Plenipotentiary to Great Britain, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To Greeting: Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in Your Integrity, Prudence and Ability I have appointed you the said Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States of America at the Court of His Britannic Majesty, authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office do...
52368II. To George III, King of Great Britain, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made choice of one of our distinguished citizens to reside near your Majesty, in the quality of Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America. He is well informed of the relative interests of the two Countries, and of our sincere desire to cultivate and strengthen the friendship and good correspondence between us; and from a knowledge of his fidelity, probity and good...
52369III. To Napoleon Bonaparte, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Circumstances rendering it expedient that Robert R. Livingston who has for some time past resided with you as our Minister Plenipotentiary should be in a situation to render other services to his Country, we have authorized him to take his leave of you, embracing that occasion to assure you of our friendship and sincere desire to preserve and strengthen the harmony and good understanding...
52370IV. Commission for Minister Plenipotentiary to France, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States of America, To Greeting: Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in Your Integrity, Prudence and Ability I have appointed you the said Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of France, authorizing you hereby to do and perform all such matters and things as to the said place or office do appertain, or as...
52371To Thomas Jefferson from Hugh Williamson, 18 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Some days ago a gentleman from Rhode Island Mr Forster who was making some enquiries concerning Florida told me that he had heard you speaking to a gentleman from New Orleans concerning the prospects of making the Iberville navigable. As the navigation of our western waters is become an object of great concern to every man who has the entiriety & prosperity of the United States at heart I deem...
52372To James Madison from Levett Harris, 17 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Being scrupulous of troubling you farther on the subject of my late letters, I requested a friend I had at Washington to enquire of the practicability of the change, in relation to which, I have had the honour to address you: And I learn that some doubts have arisen in the department of State, of a Consul from this Country being received at St. Petersburg. (I have the authority of an...
52373To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 17 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Petry having been detained, I have an opportunity to give you a relation of what has passed Since my letter of the 13th. On the 14th I called upon Mr Munroe to present him to the Minister who had upon my application fixed 3 O’clock that day for his reception. Before we went we examined our Commission in which there are two circumstances with which I am not quite Satisfied—one indeed of...
52374III. From Levi Lincoln, 17 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
From the perusal, & reperusal of your Instructions for Capt. Lewis nothing of importance has suggested itself to my mind which has not been particularly attended to. I consider the enterprise of national consequence, and, to a degree, personally hazardous, to the projectors, & individual adventurers. In the perverse, hostile, and maligent state of the opposition, with their facility, of...
52375To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Coffin, 17 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty to Address a few Lines to you to enquire after your welfare I had the Honour to be Introduced to your Excellency last February by my Friend Doctor Logan when I was at the City of Washington with a Petition to Congress from our Town; I have been again Elected a Senator in our State Legislature for this County—My Friend Matthew Barney one of the Society Called Quakers a...
52376To Alexander Hamilton from John Hamilton, 16 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
I take the liberty to introduce to your acquaintance, personally, the Honourable Captain John Murray of His Majesty’s Navy, third Son of the Earl of Dunmore, in whose favour I beg leave to request your particular Civilities; assuring you that you will find him perfectly to merit whatever attention and good Offices you may have the kindness to render him during his visit to New York. I remain...
52377To Alexander Hamilton from Philip Schuyler, 16 April 1803 (Hamilton Papers)
Every letter of yours affords a mean of consolation, and I am well aware that nothing lends so much [to] the alleviation of distress, as the personal intercourse with a sincere friend, and the endearing Attentions of children. I shall therefore delay no longer than is indispensibly necessary my visit to you—my trial has been severe. I have attempted to sustain it with fortitude. I have I hope...
52378To James Madison from Seth Lewis, 16 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
16 April 1803, Natchez. Has determined to resign as chief justice of the Mississippi Territory as of 15 May. Asks JM to convey this to the president and to acknowledge receipt of this letter “as early as possible.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, LRD , filed under “Lewis”). 1 p. Docketed by Jefferson. Printed in Carter, Territorial Papers, Mississippi , 5:215.
52379From Thomas Jefferson to Louis Philippe Gallot de Lormerie, 16 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to M. de Lormerie, and regrets that it is not in his power to accept the proposals he is so kind as to make him on the subject of his tapestry. circumstances in his own situation render it neither prudent nor practicable on his own private account, nor has he any authority to do it for the public. he is in hopes some of the rich persons in & near the...
52380From James Madison to Robert Purviance, 15 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 12th inst. respecting the communication made to you by the Consul at London, that Captain Lewis of the ship Birmingham left two destitute seamen behind, whom he was directed to take on board and transport to the United States according to law. If the dispositions of Captain Lewis and one of the seamen of the vessel furnished a less satisfactory exculpation,...
52381To James Madison from James Monroe, 15 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I informed you from Havre on the 9th. of my arrival there the day before, and that I should set out the day after for Paris. On the 12th. I arrived here, and on the 13th. was announced by Mr. Livingston to the Minister of foreign Relations, who received me yesterday in a Manner which was perfectly satisfactory. He said that the first Consul was much gratified by the disposition which our...
52382From James Madison to Robert Gilmor, 15 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 April 1803, Department of State, Washington. “Agreeably to your request, I enclose the answer to Mr. Bingham’s letters respecting the judgment obtained against him in Massachusetts by the owners of the Pilgrim privateer.” RC (Bibliothèque Municipale, Nantes); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). RC 1 p. In Wagner’s hand, signed by JM. The enclosure was probably JM to William...
52383To James Madison from Richard Harrison, 15 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
15 April 1803. Requests the dates of the commencement and termination of Moses Young’s services as secretary to the U.S. minister at Madrid and asks what, if any, allowances are to be made to him for contingent expenses, including compensation for a translator. “The inclosed Accot. [not found] exhibited by Mr. Beckley will shew, the Amot. claimed under each head by Mr. Young himself.” RC ( DNA...
52384To James Madison from John Stevens, 15 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 April 1803. Mentioned in William Thornton to Stevens, 29 Apr. 1803 (listed in the preliminary volume of Calendar of the Stevens Family Papers [Newark, N.J., 1940], item 244), as dealing with Stevens’s boiler invention. In 1996 the New Jersey Historical Society was unable to locate Thornton’s letter. On 11 Apr. 1803 a patent for “a new and useful improvement In producing...
52385From Thomas Jefferson to William, Benjamin, and W. L. Bakewell, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Feb. 8. came to my hands only a few days ago and yesterday the barrel of ale therein mentioned was delivered here. I am to return you thanks in the first place for the indulgence with which you view my character & administration, and the dispositions you express in favor of those political principles which have made this country what it is, & the abandonment of which, whenever...
52386To Thomas Jefferson from Seth Hunt, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It has been suggested to me that a Minister Plenipotentiary, is shortly to be appointed to succeed Mr King at the Court of St. James, should that appointment take place and a Secritary to the Embassy be required, I request the favour of beeing considered as a Candidate & should feel myself highly distinguished in beeing selected by the Executive for that sittuation—should I be found upon...
52387From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund J. Lee, Cuthbert Powell, and Archibald McClean, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to the request in your letter of Dec. 30. when at Monticello the last month, I examined my collection of the Virginia laws and found in it those below mentioned which [related] to Alexandria & were not noted in your catalogue of those you possess. I delivered the volumes, with the list of the acts to a person who will copy them carefully & forward them to me. when recieved they shall...
52388To Thomas Jefferson from Louis Philippe Gallot de Lormerie, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
L’introduction dans les Etats unis des Arts qui peuvent seuls Civiliser les Mœurs, Consoler les hommes de la méchançeté humaine, et prévenir ou Guèrir les maux inseparables de la Vie soçiale, semblent appartenir a votre Administration. Vous savés trés bien qu’on les a Calomniés; mais qu’on a Confondu L’abus avec Lusage. L Art du Dessin ètant la Bâse de toute Perfection, même dans les métiers...
52389To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Dopo la mia dei 6 xbre 1800 (che Ella ricevè) Le scrissi il 5 Febb., il 2 e il 30 Luglio, il 28 7bre, e il 15 9bre 1801. Il 28 7bre Le mandai in un sacchettino dei noccioli di pesche di varie qualità. Al principio Apr. 1802 mi pervennero da Milano coll’istesso corriere le 2 sue dei 29 Ap. 1800, e dei 17 Marzo 1801. Le risposi subito il 10 Aprile, sul punto della mia partenza per Pietroburgo;...
52390To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Munroe, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
From the Presidents message to Congress of the 24th January last, concerning the affairs of this City, and also from Conversations which I had with some of the Members of the Committee to whom that Message was referred, I had no doubt that the Act of Congress, passed in consequence thereof, entitled “ An Act concerning the City of Washington ” was intended to be retrospective to the 1st. June...
52391From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. was recd on the 7th. & that of the 12th. last night. as you had informed mr Barnes not to write to you to New York after the 4th. and me, that you would notify me of your arrival in Philadelphia, I was awaiting that to answer your letter. I now do it at hazard & shall address it to you at Philadelphia to be kept in the post office till called for. I have not time at this...
52392To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Tiffin, 15 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a certified copy of some Resolutions which passed the General Assembly of this State, and which I have been requested to forward to you. with due respect I have the honor to be Sir your obt Servt RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 10 May and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Resolutions of the Ohio General...
52393From James Madison to William Bingham, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
Your two letters respecting the Brig Hope, for the proceeds of whose cargo certain persons in Massachusetts have obtained a judgment against you, have been referred to the Attorney General: but his present opinion is in unison with the former that the United States are under no engagement to indemnify you from the effects of that judgment. Even did such an obligation exist, as no legal...
52394From James Madison to Samuel Chase, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you, in answer to your letter of the 11th. Instant, that the latest Intelligence received from Mr. King concerning the Maryland Bank Stock is of the 28th. Jany. last and of the following substance—That Lord Hawkesbury some weeks before had sent an Instruction to the Attorney General for effecting a transfer of this Stock to the King, in order that His Majesty might...
52395From James Madison to William Eaton, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your several letters of the 5. 7 & 9th. August 12th. September 9. 13 & 22d. October, 9 & 12th Novr. 13 & 20th. Decr. 1802. The Dey of Algiers having urged several objections to receiving Mr. Cathcart as Consul in the room of Mr. OBrien, the President has determined to appoint another; thus yielding to the usage, which admits of the refusal of a Consul for reasons peculiar to...
52396From James Madison to J. H. C. Heineken, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th. of the present month stating that the Batavian East India Company were injured by the conduct of two citizens of the United States, one of whom has embezzelled a cargo belonging to them and the other departed from Batavia leaving considerable debts behind. The facilities afforded by the East India company to the American...
52397From James Madison to David Humphreys, 14 April 1803 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letters of the 29th. Ult and 4th. Inst. and the letters and accounts of Messrs. John Bulkeley & Son, which it enclosed. The latter have been adjusted at the Treasury, and 37.841 Milrees found due which will be remitted thro’ London to those Gentlemen of which in due time, they may expect to hear from the Bankers of the Treasury Department at that place. From a change,...
52398Memorandum to Thomas Jefferson, [14 April] 1803 (Madison Papers)
1t. Quer. if the laws give any authority at present beyond the limits of the U. S? 2 “This Mission having reference to the Commerce”—may repell, more than the expression used, the criticism of illicit principal objects of the measure. 3 “including the fish” 4. if practicable he might note occasionally the variations of the Needle. RC ( DLC : Jefferson Papers). Undated. Docketed by Jefferson,...
52399To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 14 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to propose the following persons for appointments in the Army of the United States (Viz) Henry B. Jackson to be 2d Lieut. of Artillerists Samuel W. Sayre Ensign of the 2d Regt of Infty Louis C. Bayly ditto William P. Clyma ditto Julius F. Heileman Cadet of Artillerists William McRea Ditto
52400To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 14 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at Monticello the day after you set out for Washington. Had I supposed you would have delayed your journey I should certainly have returned earlier— Mr. Hancocke promised to forward your shrub & if you have not already heard from him you may calculate on hearing in a few days— I attended the Albemarle election the result of which you have heard—Cabbell is extremely irritated at the...