1To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Baptiste LeRoy, [30 April 1789] (Jefferson Papers)
Pardonnez, Monsieur, Si je n’ai pas répondu plutot à la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire; mais n’ayant pas été à l’Académie, samedy dernier, je ne Savois pas si les propositions de M. Rumsay y avoient été renvoyées par M. De Villedeuil. J’y ai été hier, et J’ai trouvé sur le régistre du sécrétaire qu’en effet ces propositions y avoient été envoyées, et que J’avois été nommé un...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Rodolphe Tillier, May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Berne, May 1789 . Had delayed thanking TJ for kindness to him on passing through Paris “with Mrs. Tillier and Son in Law C. Penrose” because a friend who wanted to apply to TJ for information “about a family de Graffenried settled in Virginia … has detained me.” But he “will not wait longer to present my best ofers of services and Mrs. Tillier, and her sons most dutifull respects” to TJ and...
3To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 1 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to beg your forgiveness for having so long omitted to write you—but a proof accompanies this that tho silent I have not been negligent:—Mr. Mason takes charge of your trunk, which I hope you will receive in a few days, and find made according to your Orders. I shall make up your account in a few days. In the mean time, for this and all my delays, I have one excuse to offer: extream...
4To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 2 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 2 May 1789 . The ship Le Couteulx , 32 days from Norfolk with 875 hhds. tobacco, brought the enclosed. “She left the Capes the 26 March.” He gave to Short a packet of newspapers addressed to TJ: Short says they “are of old date say 9bre. or Decembre.” They hope for arrivals of wheat and flour from America: “They retard and the wants are Urgent.” American advices say “wheat is very...
5To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 2 [May] 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment come to my banker to enquire if the post of this morning brought me any letter from you. I find that it did not and as it left Paris on wednesday last, I take it for granted you will not write to this place by any post posterior to that. My letter from hence desired you would direct to me post restante at Nantes as late as the 4th. I set off for that place tomorrow morning...
6To Thomas Jefferson from D’Anterroches, 3 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Puydarnat, 3 May 1789 . Introduces “Mr. Paul Cahierre an intimate friend of mine, who is sailing for america (where he hath resided for sometime already).” He was a merchant at Rouen and Paris for many years: “having taken a fancy for our Continant, [he] is going with his Lady to settle there.” As they are going to “Elizabeth Town and New york, be so kind as to deliver the letters” sent...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Gaetano Drago, 4 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Genes, 4 May 1789 . It is due to repeated urging of Richard Codman, merchant of Boston, during his stay here that he has decided to submit to “L’Illustre Congrès des treize Provinces unies” the humble petition of which he encloses a copy. A glance will reveal his object. He has tried to accompany it with recommendations that will be useful. Yet, even though unknown to TJ, he dares to appeal to...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Price, 4 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed that you intended in the last month to sail for America, I am doubtful whether these lines will ever find you. Supposing it however possible that you may not yet have left Paris, I cannot help taking the opportunity now offer’d me to acknowledge the reception of the letter with which you honoured me February last and in which you have been so good as to give me an account...
9To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 4 [May] 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Rochefort, 4 Apr. [i.e. May] 1789 . Wrote Saturday from Bordeaux, and learned after posting letter that “the great opening of the States general would be on Monday the 11th, that it would be public &c. &c.” Will make “a push in hopes of arriving in time,” but this will mean giving little time to places en route and possible arrival late Sunday night. If he has been mistaken as to the opening...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 4 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Amsterdam, 4 May 1789 . Having received no reply to theirs of the 16th ulto. enclosing remittance of £15,500 to enable TJ to fulfill contract for dies, and expecting one by return of post, they are “apprehensive for its safety, which induces us to transmit a duplicate,” an acknowledgment of which they request by return post. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, but signed by the members of the firm....
11To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 5 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return to London (yesterday) I found the enclosed letter for your Excellency at my lodgings which I now forward as it doubtless contains advices of a public nature. I have received others from my friends of the most pleasing kind. Our public affairs in America are certainly in a most propitious way.—State of votes known in New York March 1: Washington Adams New Hampshire 5 5 Unanimous...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Hastings Marks, 5 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 12th. July last are now before me. It affords me great satisfaction to be assured that my intermarriage with your Sister meets your approbation; and believe me Sir, it has (if possible) increased her affection for you. My first aim and wish is to make her life happy, the second to procure your esteem, both of which shall be my constant care to effect, which if my conduct...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 5 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour to acquaint you that the Books you wished to have, have gone for a great deal more then your Excellency marked them down in your list. The 8656 Epistola Veterum exceeds 4s more then you marked it at. The price you fixed it at, was 7/6. Would you chuse to have it? If you do not wish to have it, Mr. Robson desired I would tell you. Your Excellency was at full liberty to refuse...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Jerningham, 6 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am encouraged by Mrs. Cosway to Beg you would favor me with the Acceptance of my poem on Enthusiasm. If it should meet with any part of the Approbation of so enlighten’d a Judge I should be highly gratified. When I was at Paris last summer, I wished very much to be Introduced to you, And Mr. O Dunn promised to procure me that Honor, I left Paris with regret at not having accomplished my...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Louis de Pontière, 6 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
A la fin, devant succomber faute de Moyens et de ressource, abandonne des personnes meme qui m’avoit jusqu’ici entretenu, Et N’osant plus me rendre plus longtems à Charge, j’ai prit le parti dans le moment meme de la plus grande Necessite de vous ecrire pour la premiere fois et Vous demander Votre protection afin que Nous Soyons payé. J’ai ete obligée comme vous scavez de m’entretenir et de me...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Vaughan, 7 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty pursuant to the desire of the author and your kind offer (though only a general one) of services, to address to you 400 copies of a French translation of a book on trade, of which I remember to have sent you a copy in English . These copies are to be distributed wherever they may be most useful in France, but especially among the members of the Etats Generaux. They are...
17From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 9 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last was of the 29th. March. A few days ago I had the pleasure of yours of the 12. Jany. I thank you for your attention to the works of the Abbè Barthelemy and the Marquis Condorcet, And wish much that your attempts to procure me a genuine copy of the King of Prussia’s may succeed. I send you herewith the first No. of the Congressional Register, which will give you some idea of the...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 9 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the liberty I took of writing to your Excellency last I have been informed, that you are about to return to America. It is with sincerity that I offer you my best wishes, and I hope that you and your Family, may experience good health, and a safe and pleasant passage. I take infinite pleasure in congratulating you upon the lately adopted Federal Constitution, and hope you will find it...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Grand & Cie., 9 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 9 May 1789. Grand & Cie . present their compliments and ask that TJ permit them to trouble him with “une affaire assés importante,” concerning which they desire him to obtain information when he arrives in America. For this purpose they enclose a copy of certificate of deposit made with the secretary of the consulate at Philadelphia 14 Sep. 1779 of 149 loan office certificates totalling...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Grand & Cie., [9 May 1789] (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, [ 9 May 1789 ]. They enclose a memorandum on the subject of Mr. Barclay. This is not the only claim they have for credit extended in America, and Mr. Williams, among others, has owed them 80,000₶ for 6 years “dont ils desespèrent de rien retirer et qu’ils lui prêterent au moment où ils le savoient dans l’embarras et hors d’etat de satisfaire à ses engagemens.” If Grand had not given aid...
21To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 9 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
My last was of the 29th. March. A few days ago I had the pleasure of yours of the 12. Jany. I thank you for your attention to the works of the Abbè Barthelemy and the Marquis Condorcet, and wish much that your attempts to procure me a genuine copy of the King of Prussia’s writings may succeed. I send you herewith the first No. of the Congressional Register, which will give you some idea of the...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Nicholas Hubbard, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Amsterdam, 11 May 1789 . Is honored by TJ’s “highly respected favor of 3rd. Instant” which merits his “most sincere warm Acknowledgments.” He hopes his new establishment will furnish “frequent Opportunities to render … usefull or agreeable Offices” to TJ. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; MS slightly mutilated. Recorded in SJL as received 17 May 1789.
23To Thomas Jefferson from Jan Ingenhousz, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty to recommend to your care this three Copies of the II volume of my work on vegetables , one for Dr. Franklin, one for the Philosophical society and one for M. Sam. Vaughan junior. I begg the favour of you to accept the fourth as a remembrance of mine. An other volume will soon appear, it being allmost out of press. I should have pay’d you my respects a long while ago, but I...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Souche, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Deux Messieurs de votre Connoissance etant arrivés dans Cette ville sont venus me trouver de votre part pour me Charger de vous faire faire un modele de la Caffetiere de Celle du Cabinet de l’accademie. Je n’ai pas manqué de suite de le faire faire. J’espere que vous Serés Content puisqu’elle est mieux faite que l’autre. Je l’ai mise hier à la messagerie à votre addresse, et Si je ne vous l’ai...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Van Staphorst & Hubbard, 11 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Amsterdam, 11 May 1789 . Acknowledge TJ’s letter of advice of 3 May concerning his draft in favor of Van Damme, “which shall be discharged on presentation,” and also TJ’s “Remittance ƒ237.6 on Messrs. Willinks and ourselves,” which they declared to be “exactly the Balance of your private account now closed.” RC ( DLC ); entirely in Hubbard’s hand; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 17 May...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Claude de La Métherie, 12 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
J’aurai bien desiré pouvoir soumettre à vos lumieres le projet de constitution que je presente aux etats generaux. Mais, craignant que vos occupations ne vous le permissent pas, je n’ai point osé vous le demander. Cependant si vous avies quelques moments libres que vous puissies m’accorder, je serai bien flatté de converser avec vous de ces objets. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre tres...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 13 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I received Just now the Inclosed Letter for your Excellency from England. It has been unsealed I don’t know where. I inclose you the Cover , which was also unsealed, Just as I received it. I have only taken out the paper unnecessary . This Letter has been unsealed Just as all those comming from Levant or Turkey are by the Mails via of austria. I hope you will have received in time my last...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Vernes, 13 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Depuis la lettre que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire, Il n’est point arrivé de nouveau bâtiment d’Amerique. Mais je viens d’apprendre que L’Abigaïl, Capne Bela Bacchus , lequel se trouve actuellement au Havre, doit ou en repartir directement pour Boston ou venir à Lorient prendre un chargement de Sel. Je sais que c’est un grand bâtiment, très solide, très commode, sur lequel vôtre Excellence...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Fitz-Gerald, 14 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 14 May 1789 . Had called to announce his audience last Tuesday with their majesties and the royal family as minister plenipotentiary of his Britannic majesty. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; in French. Not recorded in SJL .
30To Thomas Jefferson from John Churchman, 15 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Thy favour of the 8th. of August 1787 came safe to hand, in which I am informed that the Royal Academy of Sciences had received my memorial concerning the magnetic variation, and that they had made an entry on their Journals to preserve my claim to the original idea; I shall take it as a particular favour if I could obtain by the first opportunity a Copy of the minute on this Business properly...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 15 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Since, I had the honour of writing to your Excellency, I have heard a piece of News which is that Paul Jones has been disgraced by the Empress of Russia for a Crime he Committed upon a Young Girl of Nine years of age. It is true, As a very particular Friend of Mine received a Letter from Russia acquainting him of it. The next is that Baretti died on Tuesday last after only two days Illness. I...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Grand & Cie., 18 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 18 May 1789 . They send the “notte de l’Equivalent” requested by TJ: “237.6s. florins courant font à l’agio de 3% 230.7.6. florins de Banque, et ceux ci, au change de 54¼, £509.10.7. argent de France.” DC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ: “1789. May 17. 509.₶10.7 = 237ƒ.6 draught Willinks V. Staphorst & Hubard.” Not recorded in SJL . TJ’s request may have been in writing; it has not been found...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Vernes, 18 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire le dernier courier et de vous prévenir que le Navire Américain L’Abigaïl , Capne. Bela Bacchus , attendu du Havre en ce port où il vient prendre un chargement de Sel pour Boston, étoit d’une grandeur et d’une construction qui le rendent très propres à vous transporter commodément en Amérique. J’ai le praisir d’annoncer à Votre Excellence que ce bâtiment est...
34To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 22 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 22 May 1789 . Is again in Europe after voyage of six weeks from South Carolina. Is rejoiced that TJ has not gone to New York. Hopes to be in Paris in a fortnight. Asks TJ to forward enclosed letters to Rutledge. Is exhausted with fatigue. If he can get baggage through customs early enough, will enclose a few newspapers by next post. Remains with “unabated attachment” and sends...
35To Thomas Jefferson from James Rumsey, 22 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The first leasure have I had, after my return from paris to london, was Employed to find out a person that would advance some money for the Tooth drawers, (that I had the honour of receiving from you) for the use of the inventor of them. Several persons seemed willing to give something for them, provided that they would answer the purpose well on Experiment, and wanted me to put them into...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Vaughan, 22 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 17th: instant and take the first opportunity of acknowledging it, in order to inform you that the Report of the Privy Council on the slave trade, (which forms a folio volume,) in part I under the head of produce , speaks of Rice growing on a dry soil, “not like that of America,” which is very hearty food, and supposed (by the parties) the best rice in the...
37From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
This will I expect be handed you by a young gentleman, Mr. Colden, the son of an amiable lady of that name within the circle of my acquaintance in this place. I need not apprize you that the family, of which Governour Colden is the Ancestor, is a respectable one. The young gentleman has been in Scotland for some years, pursuing his education, and with the approbation of his friends proposes to...
38To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 23 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Bordeaux, 23 May 1789 . Eight vessels have arrived from America within “these few Days”: 3 from Georgia and Carolina with rice, tobacco, and skins; 2 from Virginia with tobacco and flour; and 3 from Maryland with wheat, flour, and tobacco. Wheat and flour much wanted. More cargoes daily expected. Want of shipping will retard them, “but these supplies will serve to prevent appearances too well...
39To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 23 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
This will I expect be handed you by a young gentleman, Mr. Colden, the son of an amiable lady of that name within the circle of my acquaintance in this place. I need not apprize you that the family, of which Governour Colden is the ancestor, is a respectable one. The young gentleman has been in Scotland for some years, pursuing his education, and with the approbation of his friends proposes to...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Jacob Vernes, 25 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Je ne puis partir que Mercredi ou Jeudi matin. Ma voiture que vous pouvez prendre est une diligence françoise bleue, doublée de jaune avec un siege et des harnois, qui est encore chez mon Sellier nommé Chezelles, rüe Bourbon-Villeneuve . Il la delivrera sur l’ordre ci inclus et je prierai Vôtre Excellence de lui payer, s’il le demande, le remisage depuis le mois de Xbre. dernier que M. Berard...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Lucy Ludwell Paradise, 26 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
All the Books at Pinellis Sale went extremely high; you have four only out of all your catalogue. I am Sorry you Could not have had them all. Had I been unincumbered, Your Excellency should have had them. It is now Six weeks Since I heard from Mr. Paradise. I have written twice to him since his last Letter of April the 8th.—I am desirous to be informed by your Excellency if he is well, and the...
42To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 26 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot express how much I am flatterd by the proposal which you have had the goodness to make in your Letter of the 21st.—Such a testimony of the friendship and Confidence of a Man whom I have so many reasons to respect gives me the highest pleasure:—and you will give me leave to say that if it could be consistently with my great pursuits, no situation in life could be so agreeable to me as...
43From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 27 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Since my last which was written on sunday last and included an introduction of young Mr. Colden who is to be the bearer of it from Scotland where he now resides, I have had the pleasure of yours of March 15. My former letters will have made known to you the obstacles to a licence for your visit to America. The new authority has not yet taken up your application. As soon as the auxiliary...
44To Thomas Jefferson from La Brissanne, 27 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 27 May 1789 . “Le Bailli de la Brissanne” called to inform TJ that, on the day before, he had had his audience with their majesties and the royal family as “ambassadeur Extraordinaire de Malte.” RC ( DLC ). Not recorded in SJL .
45To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 27 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last which was written on Sunday last and included an introduction of young Mr. Colden who is to be the bearer of it from Scotland where he now resides, I have had the pleasure of yours of March 15. My former letters will have made known to you the obstacles to a licence for your visit to America. The new authority has not yet taken up your application. As soon as the auxiliary...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Parent, 27 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Beaune, 27 May 1789 . Is grieved that he cannot have the pleasure of seeing TJ in Paris this month: he has injured his leg and cannot leave Beaune before the 15th or 20th of June.—Having received TJ’s letter of the 7th, he should have been pleased to tell him of his son’s capabilities: “D’écrire aussy bien que moy au moin, et il peut faire les quatre Regle pour la Chiffre, mais point de...
47To Thomas Jefferson from De Lormerie, 28 May [1789] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris ], 28 May [ 1789 ]. Encloses a packet “qui contient des Papiers interéssans pour le Genèral Washington,” which he requests TJ to put in his trunks and by the same vessel that takes him to America.—He would call to pay his respects but for fear of importuning TJ “dans ces derniers moments, où je pars moi meme pour la campagne. ”—Asks him to let him know if the packet “pour le Genèral...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Peter Carr, 29 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two letters of August 10. 87 and August 6th. 88 came to hand some time in November last; they should have been immediately answered, had not a long and severe indisposition prevented me: When my health would have permited, the season was so far advanced, that I thought it better to wait till this time. The spring vacation at Wm. & Mary has given me an opportunity of spending some time...
49To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 29 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Diligence which leaves this tomorrow morning will bring your books and pictures.—I was prevented sending them on thursday.—A Duplicate of your Account with the Bills &c. will come by Mr. Broome if I have a moment to prepare for him. Your A——Letters I shall have an opportunity to send to Boston in a few days—there is no other conveyance for some time, except the exceptionable one. I am Dr...
50To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 29 May 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote three lines by this day’s post to advertise you of your pictures and Books. Mr. Broome whose progress will be somewhat slower is to good to take charge of this, with which I enclose the Bills and Receipts relating to your last Account; of which you will also find a duplicate.—If you find any Error, you will point it out to me. When I was with you last, you remember I promis’d to send...