1To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving a Letter from General Greene dated High Rockford february 29 (probably march 1) who informs me that on the night of the 24th Colo. McCall surprized a subaltern’s guard at Hart’s mill, killed 8 and wounded and took 9 prisoners, and that on the 25th Genl Pickens and Lieutenant Colo. Lee routed a body of near 300 Tories on the Haw river, who were in arms to join...
2To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing your Excellency a copy of a letter from Genl Greene with some other intelligence received, not doubting your anxiety to know the movements in the South. I find we have deceived ourselves not a little by counting on the whole numbers of militia which have been in motion as if they had all remained with Genl Greene, when in fact they seem only to have visited &...
3To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letter will inform you of the arrival of a British Fleet in Chesapeake Bay. The extreme negligence of our stationed expresses is no doubt the cause why as Yet no authentic account has reached us of a general action which happened on the 15. instant about a mile and a half from Guilford Court House, between General Green and Lord Cornwallis. Captain Singleton an intelligent Officer...
4To 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...
5To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 23 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
On the 18th instant the enemy came from Portsmouth up James river in considerable force, tho’ their numbers precisely are not yet known to us. they landed at Burwells ferry below Williamsburg & near the mouth of Chickahominy above it. this latter circumstance obliged Colo. Innes who commanded a body of Militia stationed on that side the river to cover the country from depredation, to retire...
6To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 9 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since the Letter which I had the Honor of last addressing to your Excellency, the military movements in this state have scarcely merited Communication except a very late one. The Enemy after leaving Williams burg came directly up James River & landed at City point being the point of Land on the Southern Side of the Confluence of Appamattox & James Rivers; they marched up to Petersburg where...
7To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 28 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I make no doubt you will have heard before this shall have the honour of being presented to Your Excellency of the junction of Lord Cornwallis with the force at Petersburg under Arnold who had succeeded to the command on the death of Major General Philips. I am now advised that they have evacuated Petersburg, joined at Westover a Reinforcement of 2000 Men just arrived from New York, crossed...
8To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 28 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I hope it will not be unacceptable to your Excellency to receive the congratulations of a private individual on your return to your native country, & above all things on the important success which as attended it. great as this has been however, it can scarcely add to the affection with which we had looked up to you, and if in the minds of any the motives of gratitude to our good allies were...
9To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having lately received a call from Congress to pass the Atlantic in the character of one of their ministers for negotiating peace, I cannot leave the Continent without separating myself for a moment from the general gratitude of my country to offer my individual tribute to your Excellency for all you have suffered & all you have effected for us. were I to indulge myself in those warm effusions...
10To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 8 April 1791 (Adams Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the Vice-president of the U. S. and has the honor to inclose him the copy of a letter from the President, just now received. MHi : Adams Papers.
11To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1791 (Adams Papers)
I have a dozen times taken up my pen to write to you & as often laid it down again, suspended between opposing considerations. I determine however to write from a conviction that truth, between candid minds can never do harm. the first of Paine’s pamphlets on the Rights of man, which came to hand here, belonged to mr Beckley. he lent it to mr Madison who lent it to me; and while I was reading...
12To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1791 (Adams Papers)
I received some time ago your favor of July 29. and was happy to find that you saw in it’s true point of view the way in which I had been drawn into the scene which must have been so disagreeable to you. the importance which you still seem to allow to my note, & the effect you suppose it to have had tho unintentional in me, induce me to shew you that it really had no effect. Paine’s pamphlet,...
13To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 14 November 1791 (Adams Papers)
I have now the honour to inclose you a Report on the petition of John Mangnall, and of expressing to you the sentiments of perfect esteem & respect with which I am Sir— / Your most obedient / & most humble sert DNA : RG 46—Records of the U.S. Senate.
14To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1791 (Adams Papers)
Supposing that the first Consular convention agreed on with France, and not ratified by Congress, may explain as well as account for some articles in that which was last agreed on & ratified. I take the liberty of inclosing, for the members of the Senate, copies of the two conventions as they were printed side by side, to shew where they differed. These differences are not as great as were to...
15To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 9 December 1791 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed information relative to ransom & peace with the Algerines, being newly come to hand, I take the liberty of communicating it to you, & through you to the Senate. it concurs in some facts and opinions with what we had before learnt. thro other channels, and differs in some others, so as, on the whole, to leave us still in considerable uncertainty as to interesting points. I have the...
16To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 1 March 1793 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the information I received from you on the first Wednesday in January that the list of votes for President & Vice President were received at the seat of government from all the states except that of Kentucky, I sent a special messenger to the District judge of Kentucky for the list of the votes of that state lodged in his custody, and by the return of the messenger received...
17To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 16 December 1793 (Adams Papers)
Having, according to a resolution of the House of Representatives of February 23. 1791. given in to that House a Report on the privileges and restrictions on the commerce of the United States in foreign Countries, I think it my duty to lay a Copy of it before the Senate, and have the honor of being with the most perfect respect / Sir / Your Most Obedient / and Most humble Servt. DNA : RG...
18To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 25 April 1794 (Adams Papers)
I am to thank you for the book you were so good as to transmit me, as well as the letter covering it, and your felicitations on my present quiet. the difference of my present & past situation is such as to leave me nothing to regret but that my retirement has been postponed four years too long. The principles on which I calculate the value of life are entirely in favor of my present course. I...
19To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 6 February 1795 (Adams Papers)
The time which has intervened between the receipt of your favor, covering D’Ivernois’ letter, and this answer, needs apology, but this will be found in the state of the case. I had received from him a letter similar to that you inclosed. as the adoption of his plan depended on our legislature, and it was then in session, I immediately inclosed it to a member with a request that he would sound...
20To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1795 (Adams Papers)
I inclose you a letter from our friend D’Ivernois according to his request expressed in it. our geographical distance is insensible still to foreigners as they consider America of the size of a garden of which Massachusetts is one square & Virginia another. I know not what may have been your sentiments or measures respecting the transplantation of the science of Geneva to this country. if not...
21To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1796 (Adams Papers)
I am to thank you, my dear Sir, for forwarding M. D’Ivernois’ book on the French revolution. I receive every thing with respect which comes from him, but it is on politics, a subject I never loved, & now hate. I will not promise therefore to read it thoroughly. I fear the oligarchical executive of the French will not do. we have always seen a small council get into cabals & quarrels, the more...
22To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
The public and the public papers have been much occupied lately, in placing us in point of opposition to each other. I trust with confidence that less of it has been felt by ourselves personally. In the retired canton where I am, I learn little of what is passing: pamphlets I see never: papers but a few; and the fewer the happier. Our latest intelligence from Philadelphia at present is of the...
23To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 24 May 1797 (Adams Papers)
The Senate of the United States request you to accept their acknowledgments for the comprehensive and interesting detail you have given, in your speech to both Houses of Congress, on the existing state of the Union. While we regret the necessity of the present meeting of the Legislature, we wish to express our entire approbation of your conduct in convening it on this momentous occasion. The...
24To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 17 January 1801 (Adams Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President of the US. and will have the honor of waiting on him to dinner on Thursday next NHi ; NNGL .
25To John Adams from Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1801 (Adams Papers)
Th. Jefferson presents his respects to Mr. Adams and incloses him a letter which came to his hands last night; on reading what is written within the cover, he concluded it to be a private letter, and without opening a single paper within it he folded it up & now has the honor to inclose it to Mr Adams, with the homage of his high consideration and respect. MHi : Adams Papers.
26From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Waterhouse, 9 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Legerat hujus Amor titulum nomenque libelli. Bella mihi, video, bella parantur, ait. So Ovid introduces his book Remediorum amoris, a lecture against tobacco was calculated to excite a similar alarm in a Virginian, & a cultivator of tobacco. however being a friend neither to it’s culture nor consequences, I thank you for the pamphlet, and wish a succesful opposition to this organ of Virginia...
27From Thomas Jefferson to William Wood, 9 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been so closely engaged through the day that it has been impossible till this moment to open your letter. the matter which is the subject of it belongs to the department of the treasury the Secretary of which alone can inform you of the terms & conditions on which the lands of the reserve can be disposed of. I must therefore refer you to him, and should any circumstance require it he...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Appleton, 10 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 24. is recieved. Mr. Latrobe superintendant of the public buildings having occasion for a good carver in stone, I have recommended him to mr Mazzei whose acquaintance in Florence will enable him to procure one who may suit us; and I have undertaken to assure mr Latrobe that if he will make the necessary arrangements for money paiments respecting the workman, with you, & for...
29From Thomas Jefferson to William C. C. Claiborne, 10 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Being in the moment of my departure for Monticello where I shall be one month, I take time barely to write you on the subject of La Fayette’s lands. Congress have passed a law which requires that he shall take his grant in portions of not less than 1000 acres each. by your letter of Dec 22 & the plan it seems that the vacant lands on both sides the Canal of Carondelet may amount to not more...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 10 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of July 1. came to hand Oct. 24. and gave me the hope I should soon recieve your instructions as to the location of your lands in the territory of Orleans. nothing however has yet been recieved from you on that head. in the mean time by an act passed this last session of Congress you will be obliged to take it in parcels of not less than 1000 acres each. these are adjacent to the...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 10 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you the letter for mr Appleton which covers one for mr Mazzei according to promise. I have considered the case of mr Lenthall according to your letter of Feb. 29. 04. and to the statement you put into my hands the other day, and I approve of your allowing him three dollars & two thirds a day. pressed with business before my departure I can only add my salutations and assurances...
32From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 10 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Mazzei desires me to send him an authenticated certificate of the death of Bellini, with the seal of the state. will you be so good as to get one for me, and further to say whether there will be any property remaining after his debts are paid, and of what value? Accept my affectionate salutations. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
33From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 10 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Latrobe, superintendant of the public buildings having occasion for a stone carver, capable of carving the Capitel & frize of a Corinthian order. I have taken the liberty of addressing him to you to seek a proper character, he arranging with mr Appleton to recieve the person on your recommendation & to pay whatever monies may be necessary. we want a mere workman, but of real proficiency in...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Adrienne-Catherine de Noailles, comtesse de Tessé, 10 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of April 10. & Aug. 17. were not received till autumn. that of Aug. 17. only the 1st. of November. immediately on reciept of the former I wrote to a friend in Philadelphia to make the enquiries you desired respecting the affairs of M. de Noailles. I inclose you his answer, on which much reliance may be placed. I detained this in expectation of sending it early in winter with...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Crowninshield, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to mr Crownenshield, and presuming on his kindness formerly experienced asks the favor of him to procure for him a kental of the best dumb-fish to be forwarded to Gibson & Jefferson at Richmond for Monticello. It is intended for use in August & September. Th:J. leaves Washington the day after tomorrow, and will be back about the middle of...
36From Thomas Jefferson to John Hawkins, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Hawkins & his thanks for the trouble he has taken in proposing to him the purchase of the pair of elks: but having no inclosure for confining such animals, nor expecting to have one for several years, he is obliged to decline it. MHi : Coolidge Collection.
37From Thomas Jefferson to John Langdon, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 25th. is recieved as is one also from your nephew at Boston inclosing a bill of lading for the 3. casks of perry; which I doubt not will arrive in due time. permit me now to inclose the cost 16. D. in such bills as I can get, which I am in hopes can be passed with you. I am just setting out for Monticello where I propose to pass three or four weeks in order to recruit after...
38From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
James Wilkinson of Maryland Governor of the territory of Louisiana from & after the 3d. of July next for the term of 3. years then next ensuing, unless sooner Etc. Joseph Browne of N. York, Secretary of do. from and after Etc. * Return Jonathan Meigs of Lousiana } to be judges of the court of the territory of Louisiana from & after Etc. * John B. C. Lucas of Pensylvania Rufus Easton of New...
39From Thomas Jefferson to James Mease, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am indeed a most unpunctual correspondt but it is not from unwillingness to attend to those who favor me with their letters, but from the pressure of calls not admitting delay. since the reciept of your favor of Nov. 20. I have not lost sight of the subject, but I meant to answer you by sending a model of the sharp, as well as square toed mouldboard. that required that I should be half a day...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Moore, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his salutations to Mr. Robert Moore & his acknowledgements for the Jerusalem wheat he was so kind as to forward him from his relation in Ireland. he prays him to be the channel of communicating his thanks to that gentleman and his assurances that the talent shall not be hidden in a napkin. the good men of the world form a nation of their own, and when promoting the...
41From Thomas Jefferson to James Oldham, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I received in due time your letter of Feb. 4. and immediately sent to mr Andrews’s to get the information you desired, but he was gone to New York. I waited supposing he might return and being just now on my departure for Monticello, I sent to his house again to-day, but he is not returned, nor expected under a month. any thing however can be done in his absence where they have the moulds: but...
42From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of Feb. 14. & 26. are now before me, and answering first to the former, I inclose you a copy of the cypher as well as of the cyphered letter therein referred to. I have examined the two statements of our account. the first is perfectly intelligible, & right in principle. I have not attempted to examine the calculations, being on the point of departure for Monticello, & not doubting...
43From Thomas Jefferson to John Strode, 11 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing is so common as to see men value themselves most for what they know least about. in truth ignorance is always the parent of vanity. this accounts for my valuing myself on the invention of a mould-board for a plough and venturing to submit it to your judgment. in a small box which went by my cart from hence two days ago I sent you two models, and the block to shew how they were made. I...
44From Thomas Jefferson to John Abernethie, 12 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
On the reciept of your letter of Dec. 1. I referred it to the Secretary of the Treasury for information, sending him the inclosed loan-office certificate, his answer is that if the certificate be genuine it might have been funded under the funding act, until it became barred by the act of limitation of Mar. 3. 1795. & that act having been further suspended till the 12th. of June 1799 in favor...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Allen, 12 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Being in the moment of my departure for Monticello to take a short respite after our winter campaign, I have barely time to acknolege the reciept of your favor, and to thank you for the friendly dispositions it manifests. the last thirty years are probably more pregnant of instruction to mankind than any equal period which history furnishes. our portion of it will certainly exhibit what will...
46From Thomas Jefferson to George Blake, 12 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you an application for pardon from a person of the name of John Southark, who says he is now in Boston jail under sentence for forgery, having been confined there already 22. months and having still 14. to remain, & a sum to be paid. considering the judges who sit in a cause, & the Attorney who tries it as possessed of those circumstances which may decide whether any & what...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 12 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I think the cases both of Caston and Hibbs are within the spirit of our promise, altho’ they both happen to be out of the letter of it. they have substantially fulfilled the object of the government; and could such cases have been stated to us before hand we should have offered the reward. should you be of this opinion I should approve of giving them the reward as if they were within the...
48From Thomas Jefferson to John Gassaway, 12 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved a letter, which I presume I may consider as coming from yourself—proposing that your son, of 4. years old only may recieve the appointment of a Midshipman. after acknoleging my sense of the kind disposition manifested in the name given him, it is my duty to observe that the earliest period at which midshipmen are recieved is about 10. years of age, when they have learned to...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Hiester, 12 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your favor of the 4th. inst. and thank you for the friendly expressions it contains. I see your retirement from the public councils with sincere regret, having always considered your conduct there as disinterested, moderate and conscientious. you can still however be useful in promoting at home a spirit of sound republicanism, and in healing those schisms which seem to threaten...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Abner Ritchie, 12 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Having referred to the Superintendant your letter of Feb. 9. I have recieved from him the answer of which the inclosed is a copy. it appears, as I conjectured in my former letter, that the US. have no interest in the question between the representatives of Byrne. & Beatty, should not intermeddle, but to leave to them to settle their right to the money in their own way. Accept my salutations &...