1IV. Madison’s Observations on Jefferson’s Draft of a Constitution for Virginia, [October 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
Senate . The term of two years is too short. Six years are not more than sufficient. A Senate is to withstand the occasional impetuosities of the more numerous branch. The members ought therefore to derive a firmness from the tenure of their places. It ought to supply the defect of knowledge and experience incident to the other branch. There ought to be time given therefore for attaining the...
2To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 20 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 31 ult: came to hand yesterday. As the reason which chiefly urged my departure for Virga. has ceased I have been led to protract my attendance on Congress by the interest I felt in some measures on foot, and the particular interest which my Constituents have in them. Two of these were the territorial cession and the permanent seat of Congress. The former was a few days ago...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Walker, 25 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed are part of some papers I wrote in answer to certain queries sent me by Monsr. de Marbois in 1781. Another foreigner of my acquaintance, now beyond the water, having asked a copy of them, I undertook to revise and correct them in some degree. There are still a great number of facts defective and some probably not to be depended on. Knowing nobody so able as yourself to set me...
4Bond to James Currie, 30 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Jefferson of Albemarle in Virginia am bound unto Dr. James Currie of Richmond in the same state in the full sum of four hundred and thirty one pounds fifteen shillings current money of Virginia to be paid to the said James, his attorney, his executors administrators or assigns: to which paiment I bind myself, my heirs, executors and administrators...
5To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 30 September 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was written on the supposition that Mr. Jones and myself would be on our way to Virga. by the middle of Ocr. and that my best chance of an interview with you might be at Alexandria at the time of the races. On further thought I fear that you may be led by that suggestion to suspend your setting out longer than you proposed, and that I may not find it practicable to leave this place...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Archibald Cary, 12 October 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yours by Doctor Currie but to late to send to Mr. Eppes. I am sorry I have not been more attentive to the Waights of Many Wild Anamals for except a Ber; an elk and several Bucks I never waighd any. I saw in England a Panther sayd to be from the Cost of Gania, and a Wolf sayd to be from Germany both full Grown, and I Can assure you I have seen of both Kinds in Virginia much larger; I...
7Benjamin Harrison to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 25 October 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much disappointed in not receiving a letter from you by the last post, as we are all anxious to know where Congress means to fix its permanent residence, reports say it is to be in the woods near Princeton or on the delaware a little below Trenton. I think it impossible that either can be true. If I should be mistaken it will fix this state in an opinion that there is a decided majority...
8Benjamin Harrison to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 30 October 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The two last posts brought no letters from you which I am really sorry for as a full account of the proceedings of Congress on the place of their permanent residence was expected. There are not yet a sufficient number of members to proceed to business. I am &c. FC ( Vi ); caption reads: “Delegates in Congress.”
9From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Zane, 8 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
By Colo. Bland who is returning to Virginia in a carriage I send you a thermometer, the only one to be had in Philadelphia. It appears to be a good one. You must do me the favour to accept of it from me. The following are the observations which I would trouble you to make and transmit to me. The temperature of the cave at different distances from the mouth. The temperature of your ice house....
10From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 10 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place, not hearing till I had almost reached it that Congress had determined to remove for a time to Annapolis. Being engaged in some necessary business and knowing that the first day of the new Congress at Princetown would be emploied in chusing their president and other formalities of no public consequence, I did not join them there till the second day, and that evening...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Reed, [10? November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
The Esteem of the wise and virtuous is the most desirable Acquisition in human Life, but the wise and virtuous as well as weak and vicious are liable to Imposition and Mistake. Considering the active Industry of the Partizans of this City I should not wonder if the many Slanders propagated against me should sometimes have made Impressions. Under this Idea I was induced to publish a small...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Harrison, 11 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 25th. Ult. on the determination of Congress as to their future residence has been duly received. You would doubtless soon after have heard of their subsequent determination on the same subject. As all this had taken place before my arrival I can give you an account only from the information of others. Congress, it seems, thought it best to generalize their first...
13[From Thomas Jefferson to John Key, 11 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 11 Nov. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “J.Key. to provide clothing and blankets.” Not found. On Key see Account Book under date of 24 Sep. 1783: “Agreed with John Key to serve me as steward another year for £80.”]
14Benjamin Harrison to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 14 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have at last received a letter from you which with its important enclosures were immediately laid before the Assembly. They came in the most critical time, the subject of the impost being then under consideration. Mr. Adams’s letter silenced the opposition and I have now no doubt of its obtaining. I earnestly wish Congress had entered into some general recommendations for counteracting the...
15[To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 18 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Bristol [ England ], 18 Nov. 1783 . Entry under 10 Apr. 1784 in SJL reads: “received W. Jones.’ Bristol. Nov.18.1783. Richd. Hanson will bring a letter.” Not found.]
16From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 18 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9th . came to hand yesterday and relieved us from the fear that sickness or some other accident had detained you. I am very particularly obliged to you for the attention you have been so good as to pay to my accomodation; several circumstances had prevented my taking measures for this purpose so early as I wished. I had ultimately relied on Mr. Carrol, who left this place two...
17Oliver Pollock to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 20 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inclosed Copy has no less Astonished than Chagrined me. Indeed it has been almost more than I could support and has required the whole of my fortitude and resolution particularly when received at the time I am surrounded by my Creditors as you will find by the sequal. The only consolation that I have now left is that (thank Heaven) I have all the orriginal Bills at new Orleans, where I...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Harrison, 21 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for your favor of the 11th. instant. It very fully explains the views and interests of the several states as to the future residence of Congress, tho’ it is to be lamented that either should have any weight against the justice due to the whole confederation, which calls on them to fix on the most central place that can be made convenient which is certainly at or near...
19[From Thomas Jefferson to John Key, 26 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 26 Nov. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “J.Key to sell grey horses for £50. and give me notice. Use of books to Mr. Madison.” Not found.]
20[From Thomas Jefferson to Jacquelin Ambler, 27 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Nov. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Jaquel. Ambler. Mad’s bill—impost—cession—meeting and separation of Congr.” Not found.]
21[From Thomas Jefferson to Mann Page, 27 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Nov. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “M. Page. Meeting and separation of Congr.—cession without alterations.” Not found.]
22[From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 27 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Nov. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “W. Short. Foreign arrangement—Skelton’s affairs—Martin—Western cession—importance of establishing interest in Congress-residence of Congress-instructions on that head—Patsy’s situation.” Not found.]
23[From Thomas Jefferson to John Tyler, 27 November 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Nov. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Speaker H. D. Impost. Western cession. Seat of Congress. Instructions to require cession from others.” Not found.]
24Francis Hopkinson to Robert Bremner, 28 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 28 Nov. 1783 . “Mr. Jefferson of Virginia” having consulted Hopkinson “respecting the Importation of a Harpsichord for his Daughter,” the matter is referred to Bremner’s judgment and care. “He wishes to have an Instrument of the very best kind—a double Harpsichord with Merlin’s forte-piano Stop and such other modern Improvements as you may think advantageous … also all necessary...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 28 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
After four days journey I arrived here without any accident and in as good health as when I left Philadelphia. The conviction that you would be more improved in the situation I have placed you than if still with me, has solaced me on my parting with you, which my love for you has rendered a difficult thing. The acquirements which I hope you will make under the tutors I have provided for you...
26I. Notes by Madison, [October 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Permanent seat of Congress North River—recommended for the permanent seat of Congress chiefly by its security against foreign danger. Falls of Potowmac—By 1. geographical centrality—2. proximity to western Country already ceded—3. inducement to further Cessions from N.C. S.C. and Georgia. 4. remoteness from the influence of any overgrown commercial city. Falls of Delaware—By 1. centrality with...
27II. Notes and Calculations by Jefferson, [November? 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
1. It requires 9. states to appropriate money, and only 7 to adjourn. There cannot therefore be buildings erected at Georgetown without the concurrence of 9 states, a number [whic]h I fear we shall never obtain. Yet if the buildings were erected, 7 could adjourn us there, and this number is within [hope], but not within certainty. Obj. it is then but a speculation by which the state may throw...
28III. Analysis of Votes of 7 October 1783, November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Absent N. Hampshire and Georgia N. Hampshire } for any place in preference to Philadelphia. the further North however the more agreeable to them. Massachusets Rhodeisland Connecticut New York. for the most Northern situation New Jersey. the same. Pennsylvania. for Germantown, next Lamberton Delaware. for Wilmington. but for Georgetown in preference to Lamberton or any other situation which...
29IV. Comparative Table of Distances, [November–December? 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
Phila Trenton George Town. 146 from P. N. Hampshire 429 399 575 Massachusets 365 335 511 Rhode island 317 287 463 Connecticut 245 215 391
30VI. Resolution on the Privileges and Immunities of Congress, [ca. November–December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
1. Resolved that the object of the several states in appointing delegates to meet in General Congress being that they may therein transact for the good of the Union in general and their State in particular those matters which the Confederation has submitted to the direction of Congress, the said delegates ought to be invested in the place where they may be sitting with such privileges and...
31[From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Carr, 4 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 4 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Carr. A.S.J. Pats. [i.e., Anna Scott Jefferson, TJ’s sister, and Patsy, his daughter].” Not found.]
32From Thomas Jefferson to George Rogers Clark, 4 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I received here about a week ago your obliging letter of Oct. 12. 1783. with the shells and seeds for which I return you many thanks. You are also so kind as to keep alive the hope of getting for me as many of the different species of bones, teeth and tusks of the Mammoth as can now be found. This will be most acceptable. Pittsburg and Philadelphia or Winchester will be the surest channel of...
33[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 4 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 4 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. E. Pats.—Bets.” Not found.]
34[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 4 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. E. State of Congr.—Rise of tobo. in Engld.—Martin.” Not found.]
35[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Coleman, 5 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 5 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Saml. Coleman. About tobacco due him.” Not found.]
36[From Thomas Jefferson to James Currie, 5 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 5 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Dr. Currie. Study of law.—Settlement in Alb[emarle].—Health.” Not found.]
37Benjamin Harrison to the Virginia Delegates in Congress, 5 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
The last post brought no letter from you which I am really sorry for as the definitive treaty which we hear is certainly arrived is much wanted by the assembly and would perhaps prevent some steps being taken that may be contrary to it. Do Congress mean to take no measures to counteract the designs of the British respecting our trade ? If they do it must be immediately to have any effect here...
38[From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel House, 5 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 5 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. Hou. enq. pri. copg. mach.” Expanded, this probably means “enquiring the price of a copying machine.” Since this is the earliest allusion to TJ’s interest in mechanical copying devices, it is most unfortunate that the letter has not been found. Samuel House, son of the Mrs. House with whom TJ lodged in Philadelphia in 1782 and 1783, and...
39[From Thomas Jefferson to Gabriel Jones, 5 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 5 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “G. Jones. Money.” Not found, but see TJ to Gabriel Jones, 29 Apr. 1779 .]
40From Thomas Jefferson to Marbois, 5 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very obliging letter of Nov. 22. was put into my hands just in the moment of my departure from Philadelphia, which put it out of my power to acknolege in the same instant my obligations for the charge you were so kind as to undertake of presenting a French tutor to my daughter and for the very friendly dispositions and attentions you flatter me with. The same cause prevented my procuring...
41[From Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Stuart, 5 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 5 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Arch. Stewart.—Convention—secretary to delegation—state of Congr.” Not found. See TJ to Madison, 7 May 1783 .]
42[From Thomas Jefferson to Eliza House Trist, 5 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 5 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Tr.—Mad[ison].—Annap.—Mr. Tr [presumably Nicholas Trist, Mrs. Trist’s husband, who is listed in Ford, British Officers , as a lieutenant in 1775]. Mr. Hou.—Browse [Mrs. Trist’s son, Hore Browse Trist].” Not found. There are no further entries in SJL between this date and 11 Dec.]
43To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza House Trist, [ca. 8 December? 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
I am greatly indebted to worthy Mr. Jefferson for his polite and friendly letter. I wish I cou’d express my greatful feelings in language suitable to what my mind suggests. I can and will say that you are incapable of esteeming me more than I do you. I cou’d give as many reasons were I to enumerate your Virtues as wou’d fill a Volume folio. Your caracter was great in my estamation long before...
44To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 10 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
My journey from Annapolis was so much retarded by rains and their effect on the water courses that I did not complete it till the ninth day after I left you. I took Col. Mason in my way and had an evening’s conversation with him. I found him much less opposed to the general impost than I had expected . Indeed he disclaimed all opposition to the measure itself but had taken up a vague...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 11 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose for you under cover to Mr. Madison a copy of Homer. I am anxious to hear from you, to know how your time is employed, and what books you read. You are now old enough to know how very important to your future life will be the manner in which you employ your present time. I hope therefore you will never waste a moment of it. You may be assured that nothing shall be wanting on my part...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 11 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by the post this day fortnight, since which I have received two letters from you. I am afraid that you may not have sent to the post office and therefore that my letter may be still lying there. Tho’ my business here may not let me write to you every week yet it will not be amiss for you to enquire at the office every week. I wrote to Mr. House by the last post. Perhaps his letter...
47From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 11 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
Your determination to avail yourself of the fine weather proved I fear a very unfortunate one. I pitied your probable situation in the tempestuous season which immediately succeeded your departure. It is now above a fortnight since we should have met, and six states only appear. We have some hopes of Rhodeisland coming in to-day, but when two more will be added seems as insusceptible of...
48[From Thomas Jefferson to James Maury, 11 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 11 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Jas. Maury. What ports [posts?] would prefer—whether like the footing.” Not found.]
49[From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 11 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 11 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “P. Mazzei. Account of my transactions for him—how my own time filled up in his absence.” Not found.]
50From Thomas Jefferson to Eliza House Trist, [11 December 1783?] (Jefferson Papers)
Availing myself of the place in P’s letter where a postscript should be, I take the liberty of adding my wishes for your health and happiness, and assurances that I feel myself much interested in those events which may affect either. I hope the day is near when Mr. Trist’s return will make amends for the crosses and disappointments you complain of, and render the current of life as smooth and...