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...
71891From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Coolidge, 12 April 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The arrival of our Professors from abroad has at length enabled us to get our University into operation. their failure to arrive by the day we had announced for it’s commencementt lost us for a while many students, who supposing, with most of us, from the length of time they had been out, that they must have perished, engaged themselves elsewhere. we began on the 7 th of March with between 30....
71892Notes of Cabinet Meetings on Edmond Charles Genet and the President’s Address to Congress, [18 November 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Nov. 8. 93. At a Conference at the President’s where I read several letters of Mr. Genet, on finishing one of them, I asked what should be the answer? The Presidt. thereupon took occasion to observe that Mr. Genet’s conduct continued to be of so extraordinary a nature that he meant to propose to our serious consideration Whether he should not have his functions discontinued and be ordered away...
71893From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Claiborne, 21 February 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved with great pleasure your favor of Jan. 8 . informing me of your return to America, and of the measures you have taken for adding useful arts and inhabitants to our country. The machines which perform the labours of man are peculiarly valuable in a country where there is more to do than men to do it. Perhaps we may not be entirely mature for all the articles of your catalogue,...
71894From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 9 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of submitting to your consideration sundry letters which have passed between Governor Martin, Governor Blount and myself relative to intrusions on the lands of the U.S. in the South-Western territory, and of asking your advice Whether any and what proceedings should be instituted for asserting the rights of the U.S. against the intruders? I have the honor to be with great...
71895From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, enclosing Clark’s Commission, 22 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the pleasure of inclosing you a Brigadier General’s commission. The laws having given us power to appoint a General officer only for special purposes, and not a perpetual one, has obliged us to express the particular occasion of this appointment . Besides this I thought it necessary to give you an exemplification of your former commission which was perpetual. I wish you in every...
71896From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 26 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have heard nothing of you since mr Eppes’s letter dated the day sennight after I left home. the Milton mail will be here tomorrow morning when I shall hope to recieve something. in the mean time this letter must go hence this evening. I trust it will still find you at Monticello, and that possibly mr Eppes may have concluded to take a journey to Bedford & still farther prolonged your stay. I...
71897From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Seymour, 11 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The mass of business which occurs during a session of the legislature, renders me necessarily unpunctual in acknoleging the reciept of letters and in answering those which will admit of delay. this must be my apology for being so late in noticing the reciept of the letter of Dec. 20. addressed to me by yourself, and several other republican characters of your state, of high respectability. I...
71898From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 23 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Before your departure, it becomes necessary for me to sollicit your orders on the Treasury for the third year’s allowance under the act concerning intercourse with foreign nations . This act commenced July 1. 1790. Two years allowance have been furnished and a sum of 500. Dollars over. Nine months of the 3d. year are now nearly elapsed, and according to an estimate I had the honor of giving in...
71899Notes on Travel Distances Between Monticello and Washington, 2 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Sep. 28—Oct. 2. 1808. Monticello Mill 2.62 * Beck’s fork 2.18 Gordon’s 14.43 * Montpelier road 4.99 Montpelier 3.78 28. public road 2.11 Orange C.H.
71900From Thomas Jefferson to William Barton, 26 March 1793 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Barton and informs him that the letter addressed to him was left at the house of Th:J. during his absence, he knows not by whom. a box was left at the same time for the Philosophical society, which he presented at the last meeting. it contained a paste-board almanac only, somewhat in the style of those mr Barton may have seen. the society, desired...
71901From Thomas Jefferson to Caesar Augustus Rodney, 5 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to mr Rodney. he found on his arrival here yesterday his two letters of Sep. 21. & 24. and doubts not mr Rodney has recieved the pardon from the office of State. he returns him the 2. letters of judge Rodney as requested & thanks him for the communication of them. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
71902Thomas Jefferson to John Redman Coxe, 2 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of May 6. covering the 1 st N o of the Emporium of arts and sciences, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. duly impressed with the value of such a work, under so able a direction, I had subscribed to it in April last, under cover to M r de la Plaine , who, I am in hopes will continue to send it to me. the course which you have prescribed yourself for the...
71903From Thomas Jefferson to James Leitch, 18 June 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
9. yds ticklenburg a slip of thread for d o ViCMRL .
71904From Thomas Jefferson to Amos Alexander, 13 June 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of May 26 . was recieved by our last post only, it having [unduly] loitered probably in some of the post offices. I am sorry that the subject of it’s enquiry happens to be less known to me than almost to any other. [a] consciousness of my own inequality to the difficulties of the station which a portion of our fellow citizens seem desirous of assigning to me has rendered it a...
71905Thomas Jefferson to Samuel J. Harrison, 9 April 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Harrison and incloses him two bonds for the 2 d & 3 d paiments for the lands , filled up with the name of the security he proposed to him. he has ex p repared & executed a deed, which yet however wants more witnesses.
71906Notes on Building the Jail, [June 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
Notes for building the jail Walls. to be built of granite 2. f. thick the mortar half of good lime in all the walls half of clean gritty sand in all the inner walls one fourth of clean gritty sand one fourth of fine sifted gravel from the beach of the Potomac } for the outer walls overcast on the outside with plaister of Paris plaistered & white washed within. Roof. to have rafters 9. I....
71907Enclosure: Certificates Received for William Short, 31 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
No. kind principal date of intert. date of transfer signer office. 521. 6. pr. C . 2,800. Oct. 1. 1793. Nov. 18. 93 Jno Co[llins] New York } recd from Patrick Kennon 523. 3.
71908From Thomas Jefferson to William Tunnicliff, 25 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I avail myself with thankfulness of the opportunity your kindness offers of procuring certain articles from London, which I have long wanted, and only waited a special opportunity to acquire. you will find a list of them on the next leaf. I have been less scrupulous in enlarging it because you mentioned it as your wish to bring your property from England in some other form rather than money. I...
71909From Thomas Jefferson to Indian Nations, 31 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have considered the speech you have delivered me, and I will now give you an answer to it. You have told us on former occasions of certain promises made to you at the treaty of Grenville by Genl. Wayne, respecting certain lands whereon you & your friends live. But when we looked into the treaty of Grenville, we found no such promises there; and as it is our custom to put all our agreements...
71910From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 1 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate Robert Williams of North Carolina to be Governor of the Missisipi territory. Daniel T. Tomkins of New York to be judge of the court of the District of New York. RC ( DNA : RG 46, EPEN , 8th Cong., 2d sess.); endorsed by a Senate clerk. PoC ( DLC ); TJ added a check mark at each entry. Notation in SJL : “Nomns. Williams. Tompkins.” On this day, Isaac A. Coles delivered the message to...