1From —— to Madame d’Enville, 8 September 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Ma belle soeur, madame la Duchesse, vient de me mander que son jardinier attendroit le moment où vous seriez à Chaillot pour vous montrer en detail tout ce qui est dans son jardin. La maîtresse de la maison croit vous faire sa cour en ne paroissant pas. Elle m’assure que toutes les personnes que vous voudrez envoyer chez elle seront reçeues à toutes les heures. Recevez avec bonté les...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 25 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have Opposed your Election with all the little power & Influence I had, believeing as I did, and still do, that your Election to the chief Magistracy of the US. wou’d not promote the Interest and happiness of this Country, but that the Riverse wou’d happen, not from any personal Enmity to you Sir, for I can have none, as I have not the Honor of your Acquaintance, but for the following...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, [before 10 September 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
As the Writer wishes the following to meet your attention only in proportion to their merit they are submited to your consideration without comment— first Melitia— Every man ought to serve under penalty of paying fine in proportion to his Riches.—He that owns 100000 is more indebted to Society for protection than he who owns 100—each man ought to be considered as a Capital of $4000— at 5 ⅌...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 1 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A report prevails, that the auditor general, Postmaster-general, Treasurer, and other officers of the general government are about to retire from their several stations—Altho unknown to the president of the United States; He will pardon my calling his attention to Mr. George Biscoe Collector of the Port of Nottingham on Patuxent river; an early, and steady friend to his Country, and firmly...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, [before 5 March] (Jefferson Papers)
Our Country by Your Assistance is happily delivered from King Craft and Priestcraft but it Labours under Lawyers Craft. I mean by Lawyers Craft, their making long Speeches to display their Abilities, and to try to pervert Justice. by this means 2 days are taken up in trying a cause of a trifling Assault, &c. by this means, tryals are put off when witnesses Come and wait att Great Expence, & 2....
6To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 29 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
If you should chance to open this at a time which does not afford leisure to contemplate its contents, be pleased to lay it by, or at least reserve it for a second reading, until such time arives; for it is not a letter of business, which requires immediate attention—Neither, as the author supposes, does it contain a single idea which has not presented itself to you, at some time or other,...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 23 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
We the Cetticences of this territory, the liberty to trouble your Excelince to read these few lines the thing that imboldinges us is from your well known Philinthrophy it is natural for subjects to Pettion their suverion & as much natural for children to Petition their father when agrieved or in want our Grevence At this time is Great Jacibine Plots & Spanish intrigue awats us Daly our sincere...
8To 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...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 17 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It seems right to me to give you the following information, because altho’ my authority is only hearsay [such however as I rely very much in] you will be able to judge correctly o f its truth. Mr: W . is said to be making the use o f your letters, which the most malignant cunning can suggest; including that written in F . and one or more, o f a late correspondence. They are shewn to...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 28 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
As Congress appear to want useful employment I beg leave to recommend the following subject to their consideration. America lost an immense Sum in the course of the last War by Spoliations, and if the System which I am about to recommend had been adopted, the principal part of these losses would have been saved & the Country benefited beyond calculation—The only thing which will make our...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 13 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I now congratulate to you Sir that I am well & I hope you are the same, you dam Son of a Bitch, you Red-Headed Rascal, I understand that you put Samuel Chase out of office you dam curly bugger, I think you out to get a dam kicking you red Headed Son a Bitch, you are a pretty fellow to be President of the United States of America you dirty Scoundral, you will be so good you red headed villian...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 8 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Doctor Buchan says in the Introduction to his Domestic Medicine that “Very few of the valuable discoveries in Medicine have been made by physicians” It has for a long time run strongly in the mind of an old woman that freezing rooms might be constructed where persons might be introduced with good effect in the Malignant or Yellow fever—It is a known fact that nothing but frosty weather stops...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 11 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Louisiana memorial abridged. Power despotic is infernal Freedom is a right eternal. Unchangeable in every time For every people, & for every clime. This truth your ancestors profess’d. And bled to make their Country bless’d. Why unto us the boon denied? Oh spread lov’d Freedom far & wide. Receive us to your arms as Brothers And grant us to make slaves of others . RC
14To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 22 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Again the Citizens of Delaware are in expectation of the removal of Alen McLane from Office, and the appointment of some Republican to succeed him. If in this expectation they are to be gratified; permit One who neither now is or ever hath been an applicant, to make known to you in this way the General Wish of real republicans; viz. “That when the Office is taken from One revolutionary...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, 28 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The following is the State of the Votes in the case of the Judges —Guilty or not guilty— Ayes— Mesrs Hart Noes— Messrs Brady Quid G. Heister Gamble Quid Hartzell Harris Morton. (Son a Prothonotary John Heister Montgomery
16Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel a reluctance in addressing myself to you, which the knowledge of your character will always inspire. For to occupy one moment of your time so well employed in noble pursuits, will I fear be too great an intrusion. But when I behold you in the character of the Father and Protector of youth, I am inspired with a confidence which at once overcomes every obstacle. As an individual you are...
17Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [15 November 1809] (Jefferson Papers)
The nature & importance of the Object of this Prospectus is the only apology I can offer, for an intrusion, that may appear novel & singular. The Preamble as published in the Boston papers , is added, & may give some explanation for me, unnecessary to repeat here—but only add, that this is a proposal for a publication, in which I shall never have any other concern, than as a subscriber, &...
18Samuel Overton to Thomas Jefferson, 14 November 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
What do you think of y e times & c NB—the times are better y n yesterday or y e day before in y e opinion of RC ( MHi ); addressed: “The Late President of US of N AM a Mail”; franked and postmarked; endorsed by TJ as an “insane” letter received 12 Dec. 1810 from an “Illegible” author (see reproduction elsewhere in this volume) and so recorded in
19Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [received 22] November 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
John Polly is a crazy man and wants to see you very much, If you (or any body) who this should fall in the hands of will Make him hold his tongue it is more than any one else can do previous to this. there fore do not trouble yourselves he is a good Democrat and says bonypart Good man therefore you know how he stands I J K L & M for John Polly RC ( MHi ); partially dated; two words illegible;...
20Anonymous (“Goodwill”) to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
You will not doubt the sincerity of the writer when he assures you, that he has been upon his knees before God , during a large part of the night, beseeching the Almighty Soverign to have mercy upon our nation & save our devoted land from the horrors of war, with which we are threatned. If God saved Nineveh when it was threatened, we know not but we may be saved by looking up to his throne of...
21Enclosure: Notes on Tarragon by an Unidentified Author, [ca. 11 May 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
Tarragon is a plant, much us’d in Sallads. it hath a Sharp aromatic taste, and contains many oily exalted part and volatile salts. it Fortifies the Heart and Stomach, creates an appetite, and by its volatile and exalted principles, helps Digestion: it provokes Sweat, urine, and woman’s Terms, by attenuating the viscous and gross Juices, and removing the obstacles they encounter in the small...
22Anonymous ("Goodwill") to Thomas Jefferson, 1 June 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Being retired, as you now are from the affairs of State, you doubtless have much time which you devote to reading. Permit a friend to recommend the writings of Bishop Porteus , the late Bishop of London . Also Dr. Buchanan’s researches in Asia . And should you wish to look at the productions of any Lady I think you would find the writings of Miss Hannah Moore , especially her late work ,...
23Anonymous ("Goodwill") to Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friend, who has been long silent, desires once more to address you. And, as it may be the last time, permit him to do it with plainness & solemnity. Thousands of times your unknown friend, has addressed the Almighty Sovereign in your behalf; praying, thro Jesus Christ , our Divine Advocate, that you may be brought to embrace & enjoy, that holy religion, which is taught in the sacred...
24Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 21 February 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed was written by Judge Innis —after perusing the dispatches of gen l Harrison to gov. Shelby . Does your successor pursue your policy? For Gods sake send your mantle to him—or your party here, is ruined —
25Unidentified Author’s Short Biography of Meriwether Lewis, [before 18 August 1813] (Jefferson Papers)
M Lewis , born August 18, o f 74 in Albemarle . he at first went to common day schools, learning to read, to write & Arithmetic with ordinary facility , he was early remarkable for intrepidity, liberality & hardihood, at eight years of age going alone with his dogs at midnight in the depth of winter, hunting wading creeks where the banks were covered with ice & snow. he might be tracked...
26Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [received 19 November 1814] (Jefferson Papers)
I have looked to your Library as a source from whence the late national loss might be nearly, perhaps fully, supplied with many valuable works not elswhere to be found; permit me to say therefore, that I shall exceedingly regret to hear that it is, at present , placed any nearer within the reach of those modern vandals, who are the enemies of Literature, the Arts and Sciences. Will a remark...
27Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 6 March 1816] (Jefferson Papers)
The hope of giving you some information that my experience and pursuits in life enable me to furnish; and that in your posession may be usefull to the nation, has prompted me to an act of indecorum, in addressing you, without either acquaintance, or business to authorise it. I have read your letter of the 9 th January last to Benjamin Austin Esquire ; and am much pleased with your explanation...
28Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 26 May 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The numerous, vindictve and malicious Aspersions that have appeared in our public papers to lacerate your Character & reputation—by factious Harpies & party Zealots for the last twenty years have fill’d the breasts of your friends with sorrowfull feelings & vexatious indignation and of none more than the person who now takes the liberty of addressing you— it is a Tax laid on superior Talents &...
29Anonymous (Thomas Jefferson) to the Richmond Enquirer, [ca. 29] August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
In compliance with your desire on my departure for the springs I availed myself of a short stay in Charlottesville to enquire into the plan, the progress and prospects of the Central college , which has been sometimes spoken of in your paper. I will give you the result shortly, & so much only as I get from sources to be relied on. A law , it seems, had been past, authorising a board of...
30“Laban Stringfellow” to Thomas Jefferson, [by 19 April 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
This circular which I take the Liberty of addressing to you is the effusion of an old fellow who has like your Honour retired from the world to repose on the Bosom of Literature, and tho: my “ Circular ” will not give me place with Campbell and Tom Moore I dare swear your excellency will agree it is equal to the subject. Before I take my leave allow me in the fullness of my heart to seize upon...
31Enclosure: Poem by “Laban Stringfellow” on a Footrace between William Darby and Joseph Aborn, [by 19 April 1818] (Jefferson Papers)
F or your edification and amusement, I send the following poem , in which my feeble muse endeavors to describe a Match Race , run about the year 1809, at Oppelousas, in Louisiana , between W illiam D arby , Esq. geographer and map maker, and Mr. J oseph A born , deputy collector of the district of the Teche
32Anonymous Republicans in Charleston, South Carolina, to Thomas Jefferson, 16 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing it will give you great pleasure to hear that your old and valued friend M r Charles Pinckney has after much intreating, complied very reluctantly with the wishes of his Republican friends— to become a Candidate in order to keep a very able and popular Federalist General Huger from Representing Charleston in Congress, we have the pleasure to inform you that after the warmest contest...
33Enclosure: “Detector” to Editor of the New York National Advocate, [ca. 20 October 1818], enclosure no. 1 in John … (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately seen the painting by colonel Trumbull , “ representing the Declaration of Independence ,” which is said to contain “ portraits of forty-seven of the members present in Congress on that memorable occasion .” This picture has been drawn by direction of Congress , and is now submitted to public inspection by permission of the government. It is not my intention to examine the merits...
34Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I rejoice to find you engaged in your latter days, in so laudable an undertaking as that of perfecting a system for the education of our youth: an estabilishement much wanted on your side of the mountains: and which must hereafter prove a great blessing to our posterity. But, what has astonished me more than all the miracles of Moses , is, that the birth state of Washington , Jefferson ,...
35Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 19 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Observing in the Enquirer, a Letter from yourself , addressed to “ Charles Pinckney Esqr. ” I concluded to send you a few remarks on certain passages of your Letter; and, believe me Sir, my design is to say say nothing but what has a direct tendency to promote your happiness in this world and the next . I greatly esteem your character Sir, and am thankful to GOD and you for the great Services...
36Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, [between 19 December 1818 and 7 January 1819] (Jefferson Papers)
I feel an increasing concern for your happiness and salvation. Since the enclosed was sealed, the Enquirer again has fell into my hands, in which I find much said in favour of the “ Luminous pen and influence of Thomas Jefferson Esqr.” O! my friend, your Country will never forget you! All ranks extol your character, and praise GOD for your abilities & c But, with the talents of an Angel, a man...
37“Common Sense & Co.” to Thomas Jefferson, 12 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
What can be your thoughts on the distracted Country by your Philosophical arts & intrigues ( Embargoes &c) for if the righteous is scarcely saved where will thee &c appear I wish you a warm reception—as also another whom would be duly gratified within the lower regions & would as a Ferryman of Charons Ferry Boat built on the model of Gun Boat N o 1 I wish that you send me a Commodore worthy of...
38“Zed” (“Franklin”) to Thomas Jefferson, 3 February 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
As the publck has gave you the credit of Drafting the Declaration of Independance, and as you have fill d the greatest office s in the power that the people have to their power give you, which dutis you apear to have Discharg d to their Satisfaction, all this has plac d you on a eminance, that your opinion and good Judgment, or recomendation will go further than any one other Citizeen in the U...
39Enclosure: Anonymous Notes on the Alleged 20 May 1775 “Declaration of Independence” of Mecklenburg County, North … (Jefferson Papers)
N. Carolina , Mecklenburg county , } May 20, 1775. In the spring of 1775, the leading characters of Mecklenburg county , stimulated by the enthusiastic patriotism which elevates the mind above considerations of individual aggrandisement and scorning to shelter themselves from the impending storm, by submission to lawless power, &c. &c. held several detached meetings, in each of which the...
40From Anonymous (Eunice Huntington Stanley) to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Do I presume to far in placing implicit reliance on the well known generosity and philanthrophy of your heart to pardon the presumption of a Stranger who through the medium of pen and paper thus ventures to introduce lay before you the situation of her family to solicit for them pecuniary aid and yet withhold her name permit me sir to say with D r Cotton in the introduction to his visions Let...
41Account of a Visit to Monticello and Montpellier by “W.” (possibly George Watterston), [before 15 August 1820] (Jefferson Papers)
You request me to give you some account of my late excursion to Virginia . I comply with the request, but am sorry to observe, that the time occupied in making it was too short to enable me to take those views of the country through which I passed that are necessary to render any description pleasing or satisfactory. The observations, however, I had the power to make, in my rapid journey, I...
42“A Republican of 98” to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho you are advanced in life—yet your Vision is clear—& Judgment sound—therefore justice must be felt—& patriotism yet uppermost in your Consideration,—an old personal friend—has made up his mind—to say a few words—on the Subject of our next president—Altho’ Strange as it may appear—the present one has just entered on the last term—but such is the State of man—such his activity in the...
43Anonymous to Thomas Jefferson, 20 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Excuse me of taking the liberty to send you one of the papers inclosed within concerning the African Abolition of Slave Trade RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as an anonymous letter from “a person of colour” concerning “toasts” received 29 July 1821 and so recorded in SJL ; with unrelated calculations by TJ on verso. James Madison received a similar letter in the same hand also dated 20 July 1821...
44Enclosure: Anonymous Description of “Celebration of Freedom” by African Americans in Boston, 16 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
ON Monday the Africans, and descendants of Africans, in this town , held their annual commemoration of the commencement of measures for the abolition of the Slave Trade. A respectable procession passed through many streets, ( which were nearly as much thronged as they are on Election and Independent days, or as when President Monroe , and some of our Naval Worthies passed them in procession)...
45“The Ghost of Franklin” to Thomas Jefferson, 25 July 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Jefferson —will be happy to learn that great progress is making here in gett g suitable (not Tracts and Bibles ) books for each Ship & Vessel.— we are patronized by the wise and patriotic,— we are gett g up an extensive Library for the Forecastle of the Franklin (74) which Ship is getting ready for a 4 Years cruise—how delighted we should be to have a
46“Publick Good” to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Probably you are not aprised of the unparalleled conduct of certain men in this city in traducing, in a new way, men of honorable standing to overthrow the Godly fabrick of philanthopy—: That God created all men at least politically equal, is a principle for which they labor day and night. Aristocracy never was more alive and allert than it is at this time, in this part of the country; the...
47“James Otway Crump” to Thomas Jefferson, 26 December 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with much reluctance that I take the liberty of addressing you, particularly upon such a subject.—To not keep you in suspense, I have, partly by indiscretion, & partly by unavoidable accidents, lost all my estate; & myself and Wife (the daughter of W m Clark , Powhatan ,) are reduced to hard labour to support ourselves and four children. I removed from the state of Alabama last Fall,...
48“X.Y.Z Cosmopolite” (Christian Schultz) to Thomas Jefferson, [30 December 1821] (Jefferson Papers)
My apology for addressing to you the inclosed extract from a manuscript volume of 300 pages and now in my possession, is, that fame has given you credit for cherishing sentiments too liberal for the age we live in. If this should be the case, and you think the enclosed extracts worthy of your notice, I shall be gratified with your permission to send the whole work for your private perusal— at...
49“A Native Born Virginian” to Thomas Jefferson, [received 10 January 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
Without pretensions to the weight of character, that would justify the appearance of my signature, I have attempted to explain to the people their real situation.—Amendments in the Constitution of the state , (amounting almost to a radical change) has become absolutely necessary. The Aristocratic few, who rule, need these amendments, as well as the majority who obey submit; but a love of power...
50Enclosure: “A Native Born Virginian” to the People of Virginia, [before 10 January 1822] (Jefferson Papers)
To the PEOPLE of VIRGINIA , WHO ARE BOUND TO PAY TAXES! WORK ON THE HIGHWAYS!! AND FIGHT FOR A COUNTRY THAT DENIES THEM A VOTE , THE NATURAL RIGHT OF FREEMEN!!! IN addressing you on a subject, of all others the most important of the earthly concerns of the human family, it may be proper to speak of myself and the motives which have induced this undertaking. MY love for Virginia will bear a...