84851From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 28 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return the day before yesterday I found here your’s of the 15th. as the Russian ships are expected at Philadelphia are connected with the Imperial family, and their report will certainly be made to the emperor, would it not be well for you to write either to mr Gallatin, or at shorter hand, to Muhlenberg to recommend them to his particular attention good offices & indulgence, & those of...
84852From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 24 February 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 16th. my proposition was meant exactly as you supposed, to sell my tobo. for the highest price which shall be given before Oct. 1. on a credit not longer than the purchaser will have for mine. as to it’s being the highest price given on James river or at Richmond , I did not suppose it made a difference. I presume so high a price is given at Richmond as...
84853From Thomas Jefferson to Edmond Charles Genet, 7 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter of June 5th. I had the honor to inform you that the President, after reconsidering at your request the case of vessels armed within our ports to commit hostilities on nations at peace with the united States, had finally determined that it could not be admitted, and desired that all those which had been so armed should depart from our ports. It being understood afterwards, that...
84854From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Rapin, 3 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 17. came to me at Monticello a day or two only before I was setting out on my return to this place; and since my return an accumulation of business has prevented me from sooner answering it. I am very thankful to you for your attention to my want of a servant, and should without hesitation have taken the one you have recommended, but that Mr. Lemaire had engaged one during my...
84855[From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Sim Lee, 14 September 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 14 Sep. 1780 . Anderson Galleries, sale catalogue, 19–20 Jan. 1926 (James H. Manning Sale), lot 861, lists a 1-page A.L.S. from TJ to Gov. Lee of this date announcing recapture of 150 Maryland troops from the British and expressing doubt that the enemy will “risque any naval force at Portsmouth while the superiority of the combined naval power in the American seas is so decided.”...
84856Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 11 December 1785 (Adams Papers)
Expecting Baron Polnitz to call every moment, I have only time to acknolege the receipt of your favor of Nov. 24. and to answer you on the subject of the bill for 319 livres drawn by Mr. Adams in favor of Mr. Bonfeild. I had never heard of it before, and Mr. Barclay calling on me this morning I asked of him if he knew any thing of it. He says that such a bill was presented to him, and he...
84857Thomas Jefferson to William Champe Carter, 27 January 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 22. came to hand on the 7 th inst. I am duly sensible of the confidence you are so good as to repose in me in pro posing that the question of boundary between Col o Monroe and m r Short should be left to my umpirage. but I coul d not trust myse lf with
84858From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Munroe, 8 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Munroe, and is of opinion there can be no doubt of Majr. L’enfant’s title to interest. it was validly engaged by the commissioners, and their offer has been approved by the legislature. PoC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ. Notation in SJL : “L’enfant.”
84859Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 December 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
It is long since I have had occasion to address a line to you, and the present is an irksome one. with all the discouragements I can oppose to those who wish to make me the channel of their wishes for office, some will force themselves on me. I inclose you the letters of several merely to be placed on the file of candidates & to stand on their own ground, for I do not know one of them...
84860From Thomas Jefferson to J. P. P. Derieux, 1 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately on the reciept of your letter from New York, I inclosed it to mr Madison to whom the subject of it belonged, in order that he might be able to answer it without any delay. as I presumed you would immediately [set out] from Washington on reciept of his letter, I thought it unsafe to send your certificate there, & detained it the rather as I hoped you would do us the favor of calling...
84861Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Appleton, 25 May 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
This is merely to convey to you a triplicate of Gwathmey ’s bill on James Hagarty of Liverpool for 369 £–10. s sterling, the 1 st & 2 d of which were sent to mr Williams , of which 444.D. are to be paid on my account to M . & M de Pini , and 1200.D. to be credited by you to the
84862To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I forward to your Excellency, under cover with this, copies of letters received from Major General Greene and Baron Steuben which will give you the latest state of the situation of things with us and in North Carolina. We had hoped to have received by the French Squadron under Mons: Tilly eleven hundred stand of arms which we had at Rhode-Island, but were disappointed. the necessity of...
84863From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 15 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am rendered not a little anxious by the Paragraph of yours of the 7th. Inst: wherein you say ‘it is near a Month since I received any Letter from your Excellency; indeed the receipt of most that I have wrote to you remain unacknowledged.’ You ought within that time to have received my Letter of September 3d. written immediately on my return to this place after a fortnights Absence; That of...
84864From Thomas Jefferson to Mayer & Brantz, 7 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
In a letter of Jan. 18. 1808. I took the liberty of asking the favor of you to import for me certain books, which you kindly answered that you would so soon as the difficulties of intercourse would permit. but these have certainly not been relaxed. I have now a perfect opportunity (by the public vessel now going to France) to order & recieve them within 4. months, provided you have not given...
84865[From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 5 April 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Marseilles, 5 Apr. 1787 . Recorded in SJL under this date. Not found.]
84866From Thomas Jefferson to John C. Delacoste, 15 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The universal application made to me from all parts of the Union for a concurrence in the institution of schools, establishment of charities, erecting churches & public buildings, and other objects of local interest, & into which I gave for some time, not foreseeing their extent, obliged me at length to adopt it as a general rule to decline every thing of that kind, except in the places of my...
84867From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Bailey, 19 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A gentleman here has given me 40. Balsam poplars to send to Monticello, and mr Randolph’s servant , who was to have returned tomorrow, will be detained till the next day, to carry them. as I set much store by these trees which I have been a long time trying to get to Monticello, I wish them to be carefully taken up & packed in bundles for safe transportation. if it would suit you to come...
84868From Thomas Jefferson to United States Congress, 6 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The depredations which had been committed on the commerce of the US during a preceding war, by persons under the authority of Spain, are sufficiently known to all. these made it a duty to require from that government indemnifications for our injured citizens. a Convention was accordingly entered into between the minister of the US. at at Madrid, & the Minister of that government for foreign...
84869From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 7 August 1782 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters from Colo. Turpin will in some measure explain to you the reason of my troubling you with the present application. On the removal of the seat of government I engaged his house on the hill. A house having been always found for the Governor I took for granted that the rent of that would be considered as a public charge. Tho’ from the nature of my application to Colo. Turpin...
84870From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I received this day Mr. Randolph’s letter of Aug. 31. with the horse, rather thin, having performed his journey in 7. days. However I shall hope to recruit him before I set out. The servant gives a very good account of him. The President sets out the day after tomorrow for Mount Vernon, and will be back about the last of the month. Within 4 or 5. days or a week after his return I can set out....
84871From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 25 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of June the 4th. with Mr. Eppes’ of May 30. came to my hands only the 8th of July. Consequently they must have been all the month of June getting from Eppington to Richmond, from which last place they would be but 8. or 9. days coming. I mention this as an apology for being so late in acknowleging their reciept. Patsy has written me on the subject of a maid also, but adds that it...
84872From Thomas Jefferson to the Board of Trade, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive will not interpose to favor such a commerce (referring to a proposal contained in a Letter from Mr. Thoroughgood Smith of Accomack Mar. 16. 1780 with respect to exchanging Corn for Salt with a Bermudian Vessel) with Individuals as is herein proposed; but as great Quantities of Salt are wanting for public use and an immense Quantity lately required by Congress the Board of Trade...
84873From Thomas Jefferson to William H. Cabell, 19 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the papers recieved in your letter of the 16th. the Secretary of State communicated to me yesterday a letter from mr Erskine containing assurances from Sr. Thomas Hardy that he should carefully abstain from acts of violence, unless he recieved orders from his superiors. altho’ Barclay’s character does not give the same confidence, yet I see no reason to doubt that matters will...
84874From Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong of New York, 29 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Will Genl Armstrong do Th: Jefferson the favor to come & take family soupe with him to-day at half past three? Th:J. will ask the same favor of mr Madison. free conversations with Genl. Armstrong will give him a truer idea of the dispositions of this government towards those of Europe than written instructions can possibly convey. RC ( NBLiHi ).
84875From Thomas Jefferson to John Samuel Sherburne, 29 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The recess of Congress permits me now to acknowlege the receipt of your favor of Oct. 20. and also of the laws of New Hampshire from 1696 to 1773 and from 1776 to 1787. Should there be any other printed laws not in these collections I will avail myself of your kind promise to procure them for the use of my office, as it is very desireable to possess a compleat collection of every law that was...
84876From Thomas Jefferson to Thevenard, 13 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a letter from Mr. Barré some time last winter expressing your desire to have a copy of the picture of General Washington. I informed him that I had two pictures of him by different hands; the one by Peale, better painted; but the other by Wright, more resembling the general; that you should be perfectly welcome to have a copy of either; that if you preferred Peale’s, it might be...
84877From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Worthington, 3 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to Colo. Worthington & will take it as a great proof of his kindness if he will call on him as he passes any time to-day or tomorrow. Catalog--Christie’s, American and European Manuscripts and Printed Books.
84878[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. E. Betsy—Congratulations on daughter—P. A. on marriage—health better—hair-powder.” Not found.]
84879From Thomas Jefferson to James Dinsmore, 3 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Mahogany forwarded to Monticello by mr Oldham f I 43— 4 of St. Domingo wood. 31÷ 8 of Bay do. 1 ½ I. 75— 0 The two planks for tables measure 27. I. at one end and 26. I. at the other by 10. f. 3 I. long. I could not possibly find any wider; & supposed this could be made to answer. it is very nice & solid. there is very little of St. Domingo wood made use of here. The 1 ½
84880[From Thomas Jefferson to the Speaker of the Senate, 11 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 11 May 1784 . Entry in SJL , written immediately below that for the letter to the Speaker of the House of Delegates, reads: “Speaker Senate. Do.” Not found.]
84881Thomas Jefferson to LeRoy, Bayard & Company, 28 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
A journey of considerable absence, from which I am just now returned has prevented my earlier informing you that I am not unmindful of the approaching term for paying the 1 st instalment of the debt which the indulgence of Mess rs Vanstaphorst and Hubard has so long left in my hands. on a view of the time necessary to get our produce to market in the spring season, for selling it, and...
84882From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 9 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night the inclosed petition from the Walleboght company to build a bridge across the pond of our navy yard at New York, to which they ask a prompt answer. will you be so good as to state to me your opinion to enable me to answer them. in general I think it just and useful for the General government to give all possible facilities to state accomodation. I would consider too the...
84883Thomas Jefferson to William J. Coffee, 6 September 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve your’s of the 1 st just as I am setting out for Bedford . I sent a servant instantly to Milton and he brings me the inclosed answer. I have written to Capt Bernard Peyton requesting him to explain either to you or myself, so that enquiry may be made for the box. in great hurry I salute you with friendly esteem and respect. PoC ( MHi ); on verso of reused address cover of otherwise...
84884From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 14 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 7th. of May, being immediately on my return from England; and have lately received your favor of June 5. and thank you for the intelligence it contains. Every circumstance we hear induces us to beleive that it is the want of will, rather than of ability, to furnish contributions which keeps the public treasury so poor. The Algerines will probably do us the favour to produce...
84885To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 14 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of state, to whom has been referred by the President of the United States the Report of the proceedings in the Executive department of the North Western territory, for the month of July 1791, made by the Secretary of the said territory, thereupon Reports That the letter of July 12. 1791. therein entered, having been already communicated to the legislature of the United states,...
84886From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 24 July 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
In hopes that Mrs. Madison and yourself and Miss Madison will favor us with a visit when Colo. Monroe calls on you, I write this to inform you that I have had the Shadwell and Secretary’s ford both well cleaned. If you come the lower road, the Shadwell ford is the proper one. It is a little deepened, but clear of stone and perfectly safe. If you come the upper road you will cross at the...
84887To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 23 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
Yours of the 17th. was recieved on the 21st. I consider Armstrong’s letter as giving us the result of the two inte[r]mediate letters of Monroe not recieved and that we may anticipate the effect of his mission. On it’s failure as to the main object, I wish he may settle the right of navigating the Mobile, as every thing else may await further peaceable proceedings. But even then we shall have a...
84888From Thomas Jefferson to Louis of Parma, 25 February 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter with which your Serene Highness honored me, bearing date the 30th. of March 1798. did not get to my hands till the 18th. of August. I was then at my residence in Virginia, and the inhabitants of this place were disposed in all directions to avoid the malignant fever which had visited the city. nothing therefore could be done for you till my annual visit to this place, which took...
84889Thomas Jefferson to Thomas P. Jones, 13 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 5 th is recieved. the act of our legislature to which it alludes has by no means the effect of hastening the open g of our University . it authorises it only the running to run further in debt for the completion of the buildings by another loan, which as well as a former one is to be repd still out of the annuity formerly given to the
84890[From Thomas Jefferson to Lucy Necks, 18 April 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
[ London, 18 Apr. 1786 . An entry in SJL under this date reads: “Lucy Necks. See copy.” Not found; but see TJ to Francis Eppes, 22 Apr. 1786 .]
84891Thomas Jefferson to Cérès de Montcarel, 29 November 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Mad e Montcarel , and on the subject of the University proposed to be established near Charlottesville he must refer her to a report of Commissioners to the legislature which will probably be published on their meeting. by that she will percieve that the institution not being yet definitively decided on, the persons of course, are not yet appointed to...
84892Thomas Jefferson to Peter Walsh, 27 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho’ not personally known to you, I am probably so by name and character, & therefore take the liberty of addressing you directly— mr Warden , now going as our Consul general to Paris , will be the bearer of this letter, and as you may have official relations with him, I shall take a pleasure, in the letter to him which covers this, to make you known to him. I some time ago recieved from you...
84893From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 7 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President the draught of a letter to Mr. Genet, in pursuance of the opinion of Saturday last approved by the President. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed: “The President of the US.”; endorsed by Tobias Lear. Tr ( Lb in same, SDC ). Not recorded in SJL . Enclosure: TJ to Edmond Charles Genet, 7 Aug. 1793
84894Thomas Jefferson to David Gelston, 14 November 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to mr Gelston, & his thanks for his statement of the tonnage of steamboats now actually employed. he has no doubt that this invention will materially improve the condition of our country. he avails himself of this occasion of assuring mr Gelston of his constant esteem & respect. RC ( NNGL , on deposit NHi ); dateline at foot of text; lacks address cover....
84895Thomas Jefferson to Paul A. Clay, [ca. 12 July 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
1. never spend your money before you have it. 2. never buy what you don’t want, because it is cheap: it will be dear to you. 3. take care of your pence . the pounds will take care of themselves. 4 3. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst and cold. 5 4. never put off to tomorrow what you can do to-day. 6 5. never trouble another for what you can do yourself. 7. never do a good thing by...
84896Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 12 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall leave this place tomorrow on my return to Monticello from which I have been absent ever since the date of mine of Oct. 28. so that if you have favored me with any line since that time it will be unrecieved until I get back. some necessary plantation demands have oblige me to draw on you this day in fav r of A. Robertson for 112.65 which I do with reluctance but of necessity .
84897Parole to Philip Dejean, 19 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Williamsburg ] 19 Oct. 1779 . Parole accepted and signed by Philip Dejean, prisoner with Henry Hamilton. Identical in text with parole offered to Hamilton and others, printed under date of 1 Oct. 1779, above. MS (Brit. Mus.: Add. MSS 21,885); in a clerk’s hand; 1 p. Signed at foot by TJ.
84898From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 9 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Barnes & myself have been long sensible that the passing my pecuniary affairs through his hands gave him a great deal of trouble, and at the same time increased mine. it sometimes too occasioned delays, he being very far from the US. bank here, and I close by it. we have at length therefore ceased that circuity and I have opened a direct intercourse with the bank. I consequently this day...
84899Notes on the Hessian Fly, [1–15 June 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
June 1. Mr. Williams brought several stalks with the Chrysalis of the Hessian fly in them, most were of the flaxseed colour, one only was pale green. 5. a fly is found hatched in the morning. qu. how long at 9. aclock laid eggs. 14. 3. do. hatched 15. 1. do. Tipula. < Tipu? > Bibio. Hessian fly L. palpi. 2. Enc palpi. 2. palpi. nulli
84900From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 26 October 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
The day after you left us , I sat down and wrote the petition I mentioned to you. it is not yet correct enough, & I inclose you a copy to which I pray your corrections, and to return it by the next post, that it may be set in motion. on turning to the judiciary law of the US. I find they established the designation of jurors by lot or otherwise as now practiced in the several states; should...