71841From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Cutting, 18 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of Jan. 26. I referred to the Secretary of the Treasury so much of it as related to your models machines Etc by his answer which I inclose, you will percieve that the laws have not given any exemption from duty to objects of that kind; and we can only execute the laws as they are. To my congratulations on your return to the United states, permit me to add my...
71842To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 3 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
As I know the anxieties you must have felt since the late misfortune to the South, and our latter accounts have not been quite so unfavorable as the first, I take the liberty of inclosing you a state of this unlucky affair extracted from letters from General Gates, Genl Stevens, & Govr Nash, and taken as to some circumstances from an officer who was in the action. another army is collecting....
71843From Thomas Jefferson to the Judges of the High Court of Chancery, 5 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive (on the publick account) are under a Difficulty which will be sufficiently explained by the within Paper. You will perceive by that that we propose to refer the Matter to Arbitration in another State: nevertheless we suppose the only question which occasions a Doubt (that is whether if Mr Nathan took up the Bills bona Fide as he alledges, he is entitled to a paiment in hard Money...
71844From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 23 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 20th. came to hand last night. I sincerely regret that mrs Madison is not likely to be able to come on so soon as had been hoped. the probability of an extensive war on the continent of Europe strengthening every day for some time past, is now almost certain. this gives us our great desideratum, time. in truth it places us quite at our ease. we are certain of one year of...
71845From Thomas Jefferson to John Page, 27 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Resuming the subject of the resolutions of the House of Delegates of Dec. 31. 1800. Jan. 16 1802. and Feb. 3. 1804. I have it not in my power to say that any change of circumstances has taken place which enables me yet to propose any specific asylum for the persons who are the subjects of our correspondence . the island of St. Domingo, our nearest and most convenient recourse, is too unsettled...
71846From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Pigott, [3 June 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Montgomery and his mother seem uneasy that such a sum in cash as 8000£ should be tied up in his hands by the marriage settlement. I apprehend this uneasiness may be removed and your daughter provided for more surely by settling lands of the value of 8000£on her for life (if she survives her husband) and after both their deaths, on the children of their joint bed in such proportions as the...
71847From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Eston Randolph, 22 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
The distress in which I am to meet debts of the most pressing urgency obliges me to remind you of the arrearages due to me on the mill account. according to the account rendered by yourself to the 1 st of last July there was then a balance acknoleged due of 650.09D my acc t made it more. this difference was left to Jefferson to settle with you, and it was agreed between you to arbitrate it as...
71848From Thomas Jefferson to United States Senate, 17 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate John Stephen of Maryland to be Attorney for the US. in the district of Maryland. Peter A. Schenck of New York to be Surveyor for the port of New York Philip De Peyster of New York to be a Consul for the US. in the island of Curaçoa DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
71849Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Provenchere, 8 January 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respectful salutations to Mons r Provenchere , and with pleasure complies with the request of M. Silvestre , with whom he has the advantage of a correspondence by sending him the inclosed letter , lately recieved under cover from M. Silvestre . PoC ( MHi
71850From Thomas Jefferson to Jones & Howell, 2 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of May 27. is recieved and I now supply the omission of my former letter by stating that it is double rolled sheet iron which I have occasion for. I have this moment recieved a letter from my workman at Monticello stating his want of the iron below described. as this want is immediate, I should be glad you could put the iron on board the first vessel going to Richmond. it will be...
71851From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Garth, 7 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation in which I have left Colo. Nichs. Lewis leaves me not without pain and doubt for the event of his disease. I hope the best, but it may turn out otherwise. Besides the general loss which will be sustained by such a death, mine will be particularly great, as I have left all my affairs in his hands. The letters I receive from the President are so pressing to go on to New York that I...
71852From Thomas Jefferson to Philippe Reibelt, 31 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The books mentioned in your letter of Jan. 25. are safely recieved. in your Catalogue No. 3. pa. 25. I observe the following which be pleased to send. ✓ Arabia seu &c } edit. Elzevir in 32mo. ✓ Descriptio Africae ✓ Bohemiae ✓ Galliae ✓ Germaniae ✓ Hungariae ✓ Leudiens
71853From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 25 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. was recieved on the 20th. the post having departed the day before as usual. you ask what shall be done with Shadwell? there was a wish in mr Tom Esting Randolph to have rented it. mr T M Randolph can tell whether he now wishes it. if not, let it to some one tenant, if you please, subject to my approbation which can be asked in a fortnight always. I say to some one...
71854From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 26 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved from Genl. Wilkinson, on the 23d. inst. his affidavit charging Samuel Swartwout, Peter V. Ogden, and James Alexander with the crimes described in the affidavit, a copy of which is now communicated to both houses of Congress. It was announced to me at the same time that Swartwout & Bollman, two of the persons apprehended by him, were arrived in this city, in custody each of a...
71855Thomas Jefferson to William J. Stone, 30 May 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 4 th and am sorry that I am totally unable to answer the questions you propose. after a lapse of between 30. and 40. years, during which I have been engaged in such a succession of scenes as occupied my mind for the time exclusively, leaving neither leisure nor occasion to look back and refresh my memory as to what had gone by, I retain not a trace of the...
71856Notes on Conversations with William Strickland, May 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
May. 1795. William Strickland esq. son of Sr. George Strickland of York in England informs me that about 3. years ago he found in the herald’s office in London papers vouching the following facts. That Sebastian Cabot, having grown old, and become poor, petitioned the crown for some recompence in consideration of his voyages and discoveries in America, and was allowed a pension . That a...
71857From Thomas Jefferson to James Dinsmore, 18 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to mr Jefferson, on my arrival here, to forward 1000 ℔ of lead to Monticello, and yesterday I recieved a letter from him informing me he could find but 50. ℔ of lead in all Richmond, & for that they asked 1/. the ℔ considering the price & difficulty of the article, I refer it to your consideration whether it will not be better to have the weights cast here of iron, where they will be...
71858Thomas Jefferson to Christopher Clark, 4 April 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
In the expectation of your being at Campbell superior court I sent a letter there for you, but understanding it is doubted whether you were there I write this by express to your house. the object is to engage your assistance in conjunction with mr M c lealand in obtaining attaining a writ of forcible entry & detainer against Samuel Scott , who has entered on a tract of my land adjoining him,...
71859Jefferson’s Affidavit Concerning Timothy Pickering, Samuel Hodgdon, and Levi Hollingsworth, 4 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Timothy Pickering, Samuel Hodgdon, and Levi Hollingsworth, citizens of the United States of America, having communicated to me their intention of sending agents to Europe to sell certain lands of theirs on Guyandot and Sandy rivers, and desirous that their propositions may stand on fair ground so far as may depend on their personal characters, I have made enquiry into their characters and find...
71860From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Bancroft, 25 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Expecting to receive by tomorrow’s post a letter from Mr. Trumbull announcing an occasion of getting to America, and that I must leave this place in the same instant I have only time to acknolege the receipt of yours of Aug. 21. in due time after it’s date, to recommend to you the saving my credit as to the bill I drew on you, whenever Mr. Paradise’s remittances shall put it in your power and...
71861Proclamation re British Armed Vessels, 2 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
By Thomas Jefferson President of the U.S of America. A Proclamation. During the wars which, for some time, have unhappily prevailed among the powers of Europe, the United States of America, firm in their principles of peace have endeavored by justice, by a regular discharge of all their National & Social duties, & by every friendly office their situation has admitted, to maintain with all the...
71862Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 14 October 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter, dear Sir, of May 6. had already well explained the Uses of grief, that of Sep. 3. with equal truth adduces instances of it’s abuse; and when we put into the same scale these abuses, with the afflictions of soul which even the Uses of grief cost us, we may consider it’s value in the economy of the human being, as equivocal at least. those afflictions cloud too great a portion of...
71863Thomas Jefferson to John Leyburn, 1 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
When I was at the Natural bridge I mentioned to you that I would endeavor to procure a copy of Greenlee ’s survey, to which my patent must yield if there were any difference. I have since recieved a from the Surveyor of Botetourt a certified copy of it, of which I now inclose you an exact copy. you will see by that that Tremble in running my lines followed exactly on those of Greenlee which he...
71864Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Jamieson, 7 November 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Goodman my manager here informs me you will furnish me 20. bushels of salt at 5.½ D. taking a draught on Mess rs Gibson and Jefferson , my correspondents at Richmond . I now inclose you a draught on them for 110. Dollars, which you can have remitted by mail before it will be convenient for me to send for the salt, the greater part of which I have to send for from Albemarle . Accept the...
71865Thomas Jefferson to William A. Burwell, 25 December 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
In the execution of a law for surveying our coast, a mr Hassler was employed, and procured from London in 1815 a set of the necessary mathematical and Astronomical instruments. the survey I am told has been lately relinquished, and possibly the government having no particular use for them, might be willing to accomodate our University with these instruments, at a price reasonable for them and...
71866From Thomas Jefferson to Turner Southall, Robert Goode, John Banister, William Call, and William Greene Munford, 15 … (Jefferson Papers)
For the future protection of the Stores and Country on James River it has been thought necessary to erect a defensive work at Hood’s. Among other requisites forty labouring Slaves are wanting for two months. After trying the exertions of the ordinary Officers to procure them we have been able to procure 13 only, who are to be at the place on Monday next. I must therefore resort to the aid of...
71867Thomas Jefferson to David Bailie Warden, 15 July 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
My distance from the seat of gover n ment and ignorance of safe conveyances to Paris have occasioned me to be late in acknoleging your favor of Oct: 27. that of Jan. 19. is lately recieved. with the former came the Memoires d’Agriculture, the map of M. Komarzewski, and with the latter the seeds from the national garden. will you do me the favor to make my just acknolegements to those to whom...
71868Thomas Jefferson to Lewis D. Belair, 27 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the books on the catalogue you were so kind as to send me I have noted the underwritten which I should be willing to procure at suitable prices. will you be so good as to drop me a line stating their prices and formats. in the mean time, & without waiting a further order, be so good as to send me the Dictionary Gr. & Fr. of Planche , and Cortez’s correspondence . the former being but an...
71869From Thomas Jefferson to William Harrison, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Lieutenant Bradford brings out three hundred thousand Pounds for you. Two hundred thousand had been sent by Captn. Cherry to Genl. Clarke just before. Whether he will be able to spare any of that to you I know not. We had it not in our power to send more at this time. I had inquiry made at the Auditors Office whether Captn. Berry had obtained any Warrant for Money there and found he had not. I...
71870From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 14 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A collector for the port of Hampton is wanting in the room of mr Kirby, removed for gross delinquency. Mount E. Chisman has been proposed. can you inform me of his character & circumstances? or can you recommend any better person? I must ask your answer without any delay, as I believe the case presses. indeed I am not certain if it’s pressure may not oblige the Secretary of the Treasury to...
71871From Thomas Jefferson to Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 6 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with yours of Mar. 31. Mine to yourself and Dr. Bancroft will already have answered so much of it as relates to Mr. Paradise. The idea suggested of his going with me to America, was intended chiefly as a threat against the refusing creditor. It could only have been carried into execution in the case of that creditor’s continuing obstinate. The propositions he has since made were...
71872Thomas Jefferson to Nicolas G. Dufief, 11 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Dufief to inclose a copy of the Commentary on Montesquieu published by Duane in 1811. to mr Adams at Quincy Mass. charging it to Th:J . he salutes him with friendship & respect. PoC ( DLC ); on verso of a reused address cover from
71873From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 25 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Lawson writes me word that he can march 1000 men to-day or to-morrow to reinforce Genl. Greene if he can be aided with arms. I inclosed you yesterday a letter from Colo. Banister informing me there were 400 good Continental arms at Petersburg, of which he seemed to wish about 150. The state stock being already exhausted, I could only inform Genl. Lawson that I would take the liberty of...
71874From Thomas Jefferson to Jonathan Thompson, 30 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
You will by this time I hope have recieved from Col o Peyton the sum of the freight duty & charges for the 6. boxes of marble recieved from Mr Appleton on my own private account. this you will observe covers the new as well as the old duties, as to which I make no demurrer in what concerns my six; and I wait only your answer to mine of the 13 th on the suspension of the new duties as to those...
71875From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 6 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letter to you was of the 24th. of August. A gentleman going from hence to Cadiz will be the bearer of this, and of the newspapers to the present date, and will take care that the letter be got safe to you if the papers cannot. Mr. Mangnal, at length tired out with his useless sollicitations at this office, to obtain redress from the court of Spain for the loss of the Dover Cutter, has...
71876Thomas Jefferson to David Bailie Warden, 27 February 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of Dec. 29. 13. since which I have recieved your’s of May 5. and July 25. with P.S.S. of June 18. & Aug. 1. these gave me the first information of your being under any difficulty with our government, and I lost no time in writing to the President & Sec y of State , sending the statement you inclosed. the plain and direct narrative of this paper I did not doubt would impress...
71877From Thomas Jefferson to André Limozin, 9 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor with my account, balance 180.₶ 7s which shall be paid to your order. I observe it supposed with you that the differences between the courts of London and St. James are nearly settled. But be assured on the contrary that no accomodation is expected, and that war is as certain as it can be, without being actually commenced or declared. There remains indeed a...
71878From Thomas Jefferson to John Marshall, 2 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desired two or three days ago to sign some sea letters to be dated on or after the 4th. of Mar. but in the mean time to be forwarded to the different ports; and I understood you would countersign them as the person appointed to perform the duties of Secretary of state , but that you thought a reappointment to be dated the 4th. of March would be necessary. I shall with pleasure sign such...
71879Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 24 March 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16 th is recieved informing me you had then on hand 370.D. for which I could draw. accordingly on the 21 st I drew on you for 215.33 in favor of James Leitch , and on the 22 d for 150. in favor of
71880Thomas Jefferson to John T. Barraud, 25 December 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents mr Barraud his respectful salutations, and his thanks for the pamphlets from mr Warden which have come safely to hand. he has no reason to believe any letter accompanied them, as he had before recieved a letter on their subject from the Abbé Rochon author of them. with his acknolegements for mr Barraud’s kind care of them he prays him to recieve the assurance of his...
71881From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin H. Latrobe, 23 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Latrobe, and recommends to him, in passing through Baltimore, to examine the covering on the flat part of Genl. Smith’s house. it is with sheet iron in gutturs, is the first & only example yet executed, and may furnish us, by the manner of it’s execution, information both as to what succeeds, and as to what may not succeed & therefore is to be...
71882From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Parr, 26 April 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
A letter addressed to you from a perfect stranger, undoubtedly requires apology. this I can only find in the character of the subject producing it a subject cherished in every literary breast. the state of Virginia, of which I am a native and resident, is engaged in the establishment of an University on a scale of such extent as may give it eminence on this side of the Atlantic . I am...
71883From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Bloomfield, 10 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Having, a few days since, recieved through you an Address from the Legislative council and General assembly of the state of New Jersey, I beg leave, through the same channel to return the answer now inclosed, and to add the assurances of my high consideration & respect. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
71884From Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Ellicott, 25 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not seen the publication by the National institute of the documents proving the falling of stones from the Atmosphere; but I have read Izam’s lithologie Atmospherique, an 8vo. vol. which is an industrious collection of all preceding facts of the same nature, and, of all the testimony in favor of the recent fact, & I doubt not it contained the documents you allude to, tho not having the...
71885Notes of a Conversation with George Mason, 30 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Gunston Hall. Sep. 30. 92. ex relatione G. Mason The constitution as agreed to till fortnight before the convention rose was such a one as he could have set his hand and heart to. 1. The president was to be elected for 7. years, then ineligible for 7. more. 2. Rotation in the senate. 3. A vote of ⅔ in the legislature on particular subjects and expressly on that of navigation . The 3. new...
71886From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 4 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
My last to you was of the 25th. of December. Tho’ the establishment of packet boats with you, and suppression of them with us, puts it in your power perhaps to give me better details of American affairs than I can you, I shall nevertheless continue to communicate to you what I know, persuaded it is better you should hear a thing twice than not hear it at all. I mentioned to you in my last that...
71887From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received a confirmation of the arrival of a hostile fleet consisting of 19 ships, 2 brigs, and 10 sloops and schooners. The advance of the fleet were yesterday morning in Warrasqueak bay, and just getting into motion up the river with a favorable wind and tide. Their destination from the intelligence of deserters and some captured mariners whom they put on shore is some...
71888From Thomas Jefferson to David Leonard Barnes, 24 February 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the trouble you have been so good as to take in Ingraham’s case. it has given more than I had meant, as I should have been perfectly satisfied with your opinion alone. I now return the letter which you desired to have again. I have ordered a pardon as to whatsoever appurtains to the US. leaving the interests of the prosecutor untouched. accept my respectful salutations and...
71889Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 1 June 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
For want of time to consult you on it, I have taken a measure of great responsibility on my self as to Francis , for your pardon for which I must rely on the motives, and what I hope will be the effect of it. French is become the most indispensable part of modern education. it is the only language in which a man of any country can be understood out of his own; and is now the preeminent...
71890From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 8 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 25th. Apr. came to hand only yesterday. I am contented with the sale of my tobacco at 41/. but am uneasy at the account given me of it’s quality by mr Craven. if you think it’s quality was such as ought not to have commanded the price, I authorise you to make whatever abatement you think just to the purchaser. you are to place 19,000. ℔ of the tobacco made here by Craven at...