3901To Thomas Jefferson from John Ledyard, [before 3 July 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
When men of genius want matter of fact to reason from it is bad, though it is worse to reason without it: it is the fate of genius not to make, or to misapply this reflexion, and so it forms theories: humble minds admire these theories because they cannot comprehend them, and disbelieve them for the same reason. Simplify the efforts and attainments of all the antient worlds in science and it...
3902To Thomas Jefferson from the Commissioners of the Treasury, 3 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
You inform us in your letter of the 7th of Feby last, that Mr. Ast (Secretary to the Consulate) was at L’Orient; and that, “whether he comes up with the papers of Mr. Barclay’s Office, or sends them, that they shall be received, sealed up, and taken care of.” Though these expressions imply strongly that Mr. Ast will do the one, or the other, yet it does not clearly appear that you have...
3903To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 4 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 4 July 1788 . Introducing a Mr. Cole, to whom he has mentioned his lands in Virginia and his aim as to sales or settlements, “and as he is a residenter, of large property in Germany, from which Country it was the advice of Your Excellency to me to procure Settlers,” Claiborne would be glad to have TJ give Cole his “general sentiments” on such property—his lands are in “Monongalia,...
3904To Thomas Jefferson from John Ledyard, 4 July [1788] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Ledyard presents his compliments to Mr. Jefferson. He has been imprisoned and banished by the Empriss of Russia from her dominions after having almost gained the pacific ocean . He is now on his way to Africa to see what he can do with that Continent. He is ill with a cold and fever or he would have waited on Mr. Jefferson with Mr. Edwards. He is with perfect respect & affection Mr....
3905To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Lee Shippen, 6 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your agreable letter of the 19th of June with the excellent remarks which accompany it, was presented to me 2 days ago only, on the road between Amsterdam and Spa. It had been forwarded by Messrs. Willincks to the Hague at the time when I was coming from that place to Amsterdam and was sent by the banker of Mr. Rutledge to his correspondent at Liege who delivered it to me. Your observations...
3906To Thomas Jefferson from Cordon, 7 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 7 July 1788 . Yesterday, as ambassador of the king of Sardinia, he had his first audience with the king and royal family. RC ( DLC ); addressed; in French; 2 p.
3907To Thomas Jefferson from Foulloy, 7 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 7 July 1788 . Could not call on TJ this morning as promised because he was forced to go to Versailles again, not having finished yesterday with Rayneval; hopes to “see the End of it this time,” and “if Extraordinary affairs do not Happen,” will call on TJ tomorrow morning between ten and eleven. RC ( DLC ); endorsed.
3908[To Thomas Jefferson from Teresa Murphy, 7 July 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
[ 7 July 1788 . Recorded in SJL Index, but not found.]
3909To Thomas Jefferson from James Swan, 7 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of your Excellencie’s favor of the 19th. Ulto. and am fully satisfied as to the Consular business, that it is best for me to wait the establishment of the new Constitution. I think it probable I shall renounce the idea, as I certainly will not go to Marseilles, and my family never would content themselves at Honfleur. With respect to the Contract for Beef &c. the Marqs. la...
3910To Thomas Jefferson from Foulloy, 8 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 8 July 1788 . Since the purpose of his return to England would be in part to enable him to call in the funds owed him by Deane by putting in the hands of the minister the two books he holds as security—an extreme course he views with much repugnance because it might injure his own country; since TJ proposed to write to Congress; and since it is impossible for him to await the reply,...
3911To Thomas Jefferson from Gautier, 8 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Gautier prie Monsieur Jefferson d’agréer ses Obéissances et a l’honneur de lui envoyer le Catalogue des Classiques de Deux Ponts; avec les prix à Strasbourg. Les Negocians qui le lui envoyent lui font espérer la même remise qu’aux libraires, savoir 25 pC., soit ¼ du prix. La collection des Latins, sera bientot complette, celle des Grecs sera continuée, et après Thucydides on donnera...
3912To Thomas Jefferson from William Gordon, 8 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I trouble you afresh from an apprehension that either your Excellency did not receive my letter of February , or that your answer has miscarried. I mentioned in my letter my having delayed to write, till I had gotten forward in printing; and informed you that I had finished the two first volumes, and should be obliged to you for your friendly assistance in the way you had proposed, by...
3913To Thomas Jefferson from John Rutledge, Jr., 8 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your agreeable letter of June 19th: was not received by me untill my arrival at this place. Mr. Willincks who forwarded it says that it reached Amsterdam the Evening of the day on which I left it. I thank you very much and sincerely for the Notes which came inclosed. I prize them exceedingly and am very sensible to your goodness in writing them. The alteration which you propose I shall make in...
3914[To Thomas Jefferson from Van der Schreul, 8 July 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
[8 July 1788. Recorded in SJL Index, but not found.]
3915To Thomas Jefferson from Etienne Clavière, with Enclosure, 9 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ay l’honneur de vous envoyer les tableaux relatifs à l’extinction de la dette américaine en profitant de l’avantage des rentes viagéres. J’ai cru que si une telle affaire pouvoit avoir lieu ce ne seroit jamais que par un marché précis où toutes les chances douteuses seroient rendues certaines. C’est là proprement le métier de la Compagnie d’Assurance sur la vie. Je ne sai si vous jugeres que...
3916To Thomas Jefferson from La Lande, 9 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Pardonnés si j’abuse encore de votre indulgence et de votre politesse pour obtenir un Eclaircissement qui interesse un de mes parens: M. De Meurnand, qui a servi les etats unis, m’a chargé de sa procuration pour recevoir la rente qui lui est due. M.de Bouvignon lui a ecrit que vous esperiés recevoir des ordres pour faire payer ces interets dans ce mois-ci. Souffrez que je vous supplie de me...
3917To Thomas Jefferson from Grand & Cie., 10 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 10 July 1788 . Acknowledge receipt from TJ of reimbursement of 2400,₶ advanced to Paradise on TJ’s order, by draft on Willink & Van Staphorst of 2 July 1788 for ƒ2291.13.8 Banco. RC ( DLC ); endorsed on recto by TJ: “Paradise John. Note of June 24. 1788. for 2400.₶” and, on verso, “Mr. Grand’s receipt for 2400.₶” This receipt is written on verso of Paradise’s acknowledgment, of which...
3918To Thomas Jefferson from George Wythe, 10 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The books , which you sent last september did not arrive here until this day. They shall be distributed according to your appointment. For my part of them i owe many thanks but indeed, my good sir, such presents are too costly. P. Carr still attends me daily. I think him well advanced in the greek and latin languages. Your directions for prosecution of his studies will be profitable to him and...
3919To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Sr., 11 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
An Algerian Privateer having been distroy’d by a napolitan man of war, 2 Months ago, at the due distance from the land out of Toulon, the Crew Went on Shore, and all the Services in that occasion were rendered to them. Notwithstanding that, the recqsur Capn. being returned to Algiers, has declard that the man of war was a french one, and our Scadron of observation crusing out of algier, the...
3920To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, 11 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to congratulate you upon the adoption of the new national constitution of our country by the State of South Carolina. I cannot ascertain the precise numbers of the Convention, but the main question was carried by a majority of sixty six members, not without warm debate. I have mutilated a couple of newspapers which contain nothing beside the intelligence stamp’d on the columns cut out....
3921To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 11 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have your two Letters, of the 29th. June (enclosing Mr. Grand’s letter of Credit on Mr. Lewis Tessier for Eighty pounds Stg. which I have this day receiv’d and given duplicate Receipts for) and of 2d: July. The Carriage I had agreed for was sold before I got your answer: but I have good hope of meeting as good a bargain before Mr. Parker goes again to Paris.—Lackington had only Alfred’s...
3922To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Vaughan, 11 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I request the favor of your attending to the interest of Mr. James Rumsey of Virginia, who wishes to obtain patents for a new boiler to the steam engine and for the application of steam to the purposes of navigation. These patents he wishes to be separate; and to have a caveat entered through your means, or such other steps taken, as shall prevent any person not duly authorized by him from...
3923To Thomas Jefferson from Dugnani, 12 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I think you doubly, and to the book, what you have pleas’d to send me, and to the Eagerness, with which you have writ to Havre de Grace for find the letter, what I have speak you before. When the first volume will be reprint, be very glad if you procure me a Copy. I hope so as to packet to have got my aim by your goodness. I would will to know my duty for pay him immediately. I make bold to...
3924To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, [12 July 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
I thank You, My dear sir, on the Good News You Give me from S. Carolina . I Hope Virginia will not fail. Every thing Goes on well But the Point Relative to the Presidency which You and I Have at Heart. I Confess this Makes me Uneasy. Will the General Agree with You. The Moment He Adopts our Opinion, My fear is Gone. Our Internal trouble did take a decided turn. The late Arrêt du Conseil Missed...
3925To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 12 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho I am persuaded you will have received the proceedings of our convention upon the plan of government submitted from Phila. yet as it is possible this may reach you sooner than other communications I herewith enclose a copy to you. These terminated as you will find in a ratification which must be consider’d; so far as a reservation of certain rights go, as conditional, with the...
3926To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Lee Shippen, 12 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you have the goodness my dear Sir to excuse the very great trouble I am giving you? In the middle of an inland journey I find a long letter filled to my father, and fear that if I let it go on, it will become too large for the Post to carry. In this emergency I know no way in which to ensure for my letter a safe and speedy conveyance but by sending it to you, and that is the only excuse I...
3927To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 13 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreable to the desires expressed in the Letter your Excellency hath honored me with on the 11th instant, I have sent directly one of my head Clarkes with a beseech to the Master of the Post office to examine thoroughly if no Letters from america directed to his Excellency Count Dugnany archibishop of Rhodes and Nuncio of the Pope at the Court of Versailles were left in his office. The Said...
3928To Thomas Jefferson from Madame Brissot de Warville, 14 July [1788] (Jefferson Papers)
Arnouville près Gonesse, 14 July [ 1788 ]. Asks TJ to forward by a safe hand the enclosed letter to her husband. RC ( DLC ). Enclosure not found.
3929To Thomas Jefferson from Maria Cosway, 15 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Is it possible that I write another letter before I have My answer from My two last! What can be the reason? It is either obstinacy, or Constancy in Me: but what does your silence Mean My dear friend! It seems that opportunities absolutly force themselves on you to recal me to your remembrances, should I have otherwise so much Courage or should I be so bold as to insist in a corrispondance!...
3930To Thomas Jefferson from Schweighauser & Dobrée, 15 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
We recieved in course your Excellency’s obliging letter of the 27h. of last month and are very thankful for its contents. We immediately communicated it to Mr. Minier one of the partners of the late house (en Comandite) of Puchelberg & Co. in L’Orient and he shares our gratitude for your kind endeavours of bringing the affair of the Alliance to a final settlement. After many interviews and...
3931To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Appleton, 17 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Rouen, 17 July 1788 . Director of customs at Rouen has ruled that “refin’d Spermacœti could not be refus’d” under second article of Arrêt, but that “he Conceived it impossible Candles could ever be included” and that, “as having never been particulariz’d in any previous arret they must be” subject to the 5% ad valorem duty levied on all foreign merchandise not enumerated. On examining candles,...
3932To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 17 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The last Letter I received from you is dated Augt. 1st. 1787 and my last to you April 6th. 1788. I have a pretty large Collection of News Papers for you, waiting a convenient opportunity. Mr. Tillier, who takes this, goes from hence to New York to embark for France. I could not ask him to take Charge of the Papers as they are too bulky: but I have made up a Package of Publications, which I...
3933Swan’s Proposals for Supplying American Beef, &c. to the French Government, 19 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 19 July 1788 . “ Jam’s. Swan de Boston En faveur d’une association dans les Etats-Unis de l’Amérique ,” submits proposals for furnishing to the government of France a quantity of salt beef and pork, livestock, and butter from America for the troops and vessels of the king, in the colonies in America as well as in Europe as follows: Ten to forty, or fifty, thousand barrels of beef of a...
3934To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 20 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very thankfull for the Contents of the Letter your Excellency hath honored me with the 16th instant which did not reach me before yesterday. Before to make any application in my behalf for the Consularship, I should be very glad to Know if your Excellency would approve my Steps for that purpose: for I should be very sory to do the least thing which should not be agreable to your...
3935To Thomas Jefferson from John Polson, [ca. 20 July 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
When I had the honor of being Introduced to your Excellency at Paris in May 1785, you were so good as tell me that you would write to some Gentlemen in Virginia to know whether the Lands that were Granted to me as the Representative of my Brother William Polson Deceased (being 6000 Acres, he being a Lieutenant in the Virginia Troops before the Battle of the Meadows in the year 1754,) were...
3936To Thomas Jefferson from Angelica Schuyler Church, 21 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I send my dear Sir the little urn so long promissed and so long delayed, and hope you will accept the gift for the sake of the giver; it will sometimes at Monticello remind you of your friend.—Madame de Corny tells me you are going to America next spring. I shall also make that desired voyage, and see what my family and friends are doing. If I should meet you their I should be so happy to see...
3937To Thomas Jefferson from George Mason, 21 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote You on the 26th. of May last, by my son John, Via Bourdeaux; to which I beg Leave to refer. I intended to have given You the fullest Information in my Power upon the present gloomy State of American Politics, but the Ship, this Letter goes by, sails to-morrow; and I have had so severe an Attack of the Gout in my Stomach, for two or three Days past, that I have not been able to sit up,...
3938To Thomas Jefferson from Grand & Cie., 22 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 22 July 1788 . Enclose Trumbull’s receipt for £80 paid him by Tessier, who charged them, with expenses, £2037.3s.; they have debited TJ’s account with this amount. Have had no advice yet on draft for £50 at 90 days deposited by TJ and forwarded by them for acceptance, but they will credit his account with proceeds. RC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ: “Grand’s 1re. That the £80 were paid to...
3939To Thomas Jefferson from the Commissioners of the Treasury, 22 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
We have the honor of transmitting to you enclosed, a certified Act of Congress of the 18th. Inst., relative to the papers belonging to the late Office of the Commissioner of Foreign Accounts. It is of great moment to the public that all these papers should be forwarded safely and without delay: we must therefore request your immediate attention to this Business. Amongst the papers belonging to...
3940From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 24 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
Your two last unacknowledged favors were of Decr. 20. and Feby. 6. They were received in Virginia, and no opportunity till the present precarious one by the way of Holland, has enabled me to thank you for them. I returned here about ten days ago from Richmond which I left a day or two after the dissolution of the Convention. The final question on the new plan of Government was put on the 25th....
3941To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 24 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I received this day from Mr. Young Your Excellency’s letter of the 3d Ultimo. The detention of that Gentleman on the road was much longer than he expected. I am happy to find that you have succeeded in making arrangements for our future support. As soon as I have examined the State of my accounts with Congress, I shall transmit to you the Amount of the ballance due me and draw in the manner...
3942To Thomas Jefferson from Giuseppe Chiappe, 24 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Dans ma derniere du 24e. May que J’ay eû l’honneur d’êcrire à Votre Excellence, Je me proposois de l’informer ensuite de tout ce qui se passeroit à la Cour et dans le Paÿs à l’égard principalement des Anglois, et des Hollandois, et de la gite de S.M.I. au Nort a ses Provinces avec tant de Troupes qui faisoient soupsçonner une particuliere expedition. Je m’en aquitte avec bien du plaisir pour...
3943To Thomas Jefferson from John Brown Cutting, [ca. 24 July 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last which Col. Trumbull had the goodness to inclose and superscribe I have been confined by severe indisposition; otherwise I shou’d have informed You by the last post that New Hampshire had adopted the new constitution by a large majority on the 24th of June. Altho I have not learned the particulars as to numbers &c. the fact may be relied upon. Beside the attestation of Capt....
3944To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai vu la Lettre que votre Excellence a écrite dernierement à Mr. Luzac , et Elle aura vu par son Supplément du 22, No. LIX, qu’il en fait fidele usage. Je lui avois déjà témoigné mon mécontentement sur l’insertion de la Lettre malintentionnée , prétendue de N. York du 26 Avril, tirée de certaine Gazette du 24 Juin, et copiée dans son Supplément No. LIII, et prié de se tenir en garde contre...
3945To Thomas Jefferson from Amand Koenig, 24 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
En execution des ordres renfermés dans l’honneur de votre lettre du 29 Juin, je vous ai envoyé aujourd’hui par incluse de Mr. Prevost, Libraire, les livres et la notte ci contre, dont je vous souhaite bonne reception. Demetrius Phalereus et Aesopi fabulae gr. lat. Haupmanni me manquent. Je ne pus non plus trouver ce dernier chez un de mes confreres. Quant au montant du petit envoi présent,...
3946To Thomas Jefferson from James Madison, 24 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two last unacknowledged favors were of Decr. 20. and Feby. 6. They were received in Virginia, and no opportunity till the present precarious one by the way of Holland, has enabled me to thank you for them. I returned here about ten days ago from Richmond which I left a day or two after the dissolution of the Convention. The final question on the new plan of Government was put on the 25th....
3947To Thomas Jefferson from John Bondfield, 25 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Brig Missoury arrivd yesterday from Philadelphia I received Letters from our friend Mr. Barclay with instructions to facilitate all in my power Mrs. Barclays return to America. I write this Post to Mrs. Barclay advising her the arrival of the above ship and transmit her a remittance to discharge her engagements and defray her Expences to this Post where I shall retain the Vessel and...
3948[To Thomas Jefferson from Grand & Cie., 25 July 1788] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 25 July 1788 . Recorded in SJL Index, but not found. It clearly was a covering letter for the return of the protested draft for £50 on Alexander Willock; see Grand & Cie. to TJ, 22 July, and TJ to Banister, 27 July 1788.]
3949To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 25 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency the 20th instant. Captn. Koen is arrived from Amstl. with your China &c. That Master being chiefly loaded with East India Goods fitt for the Guinea trade which must be transboarded on Guinea Ships without being landed, being prohibited, the Custom house officers have kept a Steady Watch on that ship, therefore being no possibility to comply with...
3950To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Appleton, 26 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I receiv’d the letter which you did me the honor to write of the 20th. and have agreeably reship’d the candles. The Captain of the Vessel immediately upon his Arrival in Port enter’d his Cargo at the Custom House in which was included the Case. Altho’ I knew this circumstance Yet as it had it not been landed, I concluded no duties would be demanded indeed the officer coincided with me in...