11701To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Rush, 5 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I was made very happy by learning from your letter of the 23rd of April that your disease is less troublesome than formerly. As I know you have no faith in the principles of our Science, I shall from time to time combat your prejudices, and your disease (should it continue) by means of facts . Ever since I began the practice of medicine, I have kept common place books, in which I have recorded...
11702To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 6 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
We received last Evening three letters from you—One to Maria & two to myself—I have been kept in albemarle first by a fever which continued five or 6 days and afterwards by the indisposition of Maria who without our being able to assign any reason for it has had her former bad luck & experienced a mishap—She is now I hope well & we shall set out on Tuesday for the Hundred—I have endeavoured...
11703To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 6 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here yesterday noon having taken time to ascertain the State of Things in the Several States. you are so near Maryland that any remarks are unnecessary. In Delaware the unhappy divisions among our friends will give additional Strength to Our Enemies and we may set down that Tory State lost . The fretful turbulent Disposition which has manifested itself in Pha. originated in some...
11704To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Chas, 7 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
daignés accepter quelques exemplaires du parallele de bonaparte avec charlemagne . L’amour de la verité, et du bien public m’ont dicté cet ouvrage. il y a deja quelque tems que j’ai eu Lhonneur de vous envoyer Le tableau historique et politique des operations civiles et militaires de bonaparte, et trente exemplaires de L’histoire de La revolution de L’amerique Septentrionale. j’ignore si mes...
11705To Thomas Jefferson from Victor Marie du Pont, 7 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Je recois la lettre dont vous m’avez honoré en date du 4 Courrant et je m’empresse de vous envoyer la traite que vous desirez sur Paris—Toute la famille dans l’un et l’autre hemisphere sera toujours reconnaissante lorsque vous lui fournirez l’occasion de faire quelque chose qui vous soit agreable. Les nouvelles de guerre ont un peu suspendu les expeditions par france les assureurs, n’ayant...
11706To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Gregg, 7 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Edward Lynch of the City of Philadelphia wishes an Appointment in the Land Office in the Mississippi Territory, and has requested me to mention his Name to you for that Purpose. This I can do with Confidence because I beleive him very adequate to such an Appointment. He has for some Years past been engaged in Commerce, but the greatest Part of his Time since he was capable of Business was...
11707Report from John Lenthall, 7 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Amount of the Rough stone work to the South wing of The Capitol from April 30th to May 7th 1803 Foundations of 13 Piers up to the offset. } 2350 } Perches 173 to which the Walls were pulled down Work done above the offset on the West } 1933 Front including the Voids of the Arches as solid work for B H Latrobe Surveyor MS ( DLC ); in Lenthall’s hand and signed by him; addressed: “Prest....
11708To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Priestley, 7 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now to acknowledge the receipt of two of your valuable letters , one of them directed to me at Philadelphia, and the other to this place. They give me the more pleasure as I perceive by them that you are not so much occupied by public business, but that you are at leisure for speculation of a different and higher nature, and that you do not think unfavourably of my late tract on the...
11709To Thomas Jefferson from John Langdon, 8 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I pray you to accept my acknowledgement, for the papers sent me. I received last week a pamphlet which is consider’d of great importance, it is now rangg. thro’ the News papers, and will be republished here. We have reports every day that War has been declared between France and great Britain; let this be as it may, I hope America will remain at peace, which will give us great advantages. Our...
11710To Thomas Jefferson from William Bakewell, 9 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your esteemed favor would have been answered immediately, but for the absence of two of our firm. It was not with any pecuniary view that we sent the Malt liquor, perhaps a little vanity might combine with our principal motive, which was to shew that we who have lived under the English Government, (during that Parliament, which in the words of Mr. Fox , “added more to the burthens, & took more...
11711Memorandum from Albert Gallatin, 9 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
House —Master of the revenue cutter at New London vice Hindmen— Note—The commission denotes neither the name of the cutter nor the station; it should be sent from the Comptroller’s office to the Collector of New London with notice that it is intended to supercede Hindmen Osgood—Naval officer for the district of New York vice Rogers Sam. Ward do. for the do of Salem— Story Jeremiah...
11712To Thomas Jefferson from John Mitchell, 9 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the Honor to cover you a Letter from Mr. Livingston and take Advantage of the Occasion to solisit the favor of your Confirming the appointment our Ministers at Paris have made in nameing Me to the Commercial Agency for this place. It is now two years past since I solisited this appointment, and I believe in conformity to my request Mr. Monroe Mr. McKean Govr. of Pennsylvania and...
11713To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to present for your approbation, Pascal Paoli Peck , of Rhode Island, James Marshall of Virginia, & Robert Gamble of Pensya. to be Midshipmen in the Navy.— Mr. Peck is highly recommended by Governor Fenner and others; Mr. Marshall, by Colonels Taylor & New, and Mr. Gamble, by Capt. Jones, Mr. Muhlenburgh, Mr. Beckley and other Gentlemen of Phila.— Should you approve of these...
11714To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph H. Nicholson, 10 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg Leave to enclose you a Letter which I received a few Days past from Capt. Jones of Philada. In this I have no Authority from him, but as it may throw some light on a Transaction with which I believe you are already partially acquainted, I have no Doubt he will pardon me. It will discover to you the Reason why you did not receive from the Pennsylvania Delegation , a written Communication,...
11715To Thomas Jefferson from Volney, 10 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Votre lettre du 6 fevrier dernier me fut remise il y a quelques jours par Mr. Mounroe avec les deux volumes dont Vous avez eu la bonté de l’accompagner; celui des transactions est arrivé à tems pour me donner des idées nouvelles sur la topographie des florides ; quant a l’autre qui enseigne les règles de l’art important de delibérer, cela est désormais considéré comme livre revolutionaire ,...
11716To Thomas Jefferson from Hugh Williamson, 10 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of 30th ult: conveys the most agreeable information for which I give you my cordial thanks. I had suspected and I think it is generally believed that East and West Florida had been ceded to France as appendages of Louisiana. It was even asserted that the French had already taken possession of St: Augustine and I confess that I had painful presages from the circumstance of our fellow...
11717To Thomas Jefferson from James Burnham, 11 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Cutler has informed me that you intimated a wish, to purchase some Ticking in the course of the Summer ensuing. I have sent some to Mr Lewis Deblois of Washington for Sale, & among them two pieces of superfine, about enough for five beds, which I have directed him not to sell until you have seen them.—I have also sent a piece of coarse printed cotton, designed for the wear of laboring...
11718To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 12 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Permettez moi de féliciter les Etats Unis et Vous sur la Sagesse avec laquelle, résistant à la guerre qui aurait jetté votre Nation dans les bras d’un Allié redoutable, vous avez acquis sans répandre de sang un Pays décuple en étendue et en fertilité de celui même que vous désiriez. Vous êtes surs à présent, non seulement du débouché nécessaire à vos Etats de l’Ouest, mais de les étendre sans...
11719To Thomas Jefferson from Rufus King, 12 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not been able to obtain the consent of the Sierra Leone Company to receive the Slaves which the State of Virginia might be willing to send to that settlement. My Correspondence on this Subject has been closed by a Letter from the Chairman Mr. Thornton which states that the Company are in Treaty with Government to receive the Colony under its exclusive control. The fact I understand to...
11720To Thomas Jefferson from John H. Barney, 13 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the Honour of sending herewith two Books which I reced. from my brother Joshua Barney some few days since, as also a Letter accompaing them. Yr. Ob. St. RC ( MHi ); at head of text: “Thos. Jefferson President of the U.S.”; endorsed by TJ as received 13 May and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: probably John Dawson to TJ, 4 Mch. Upon his retirement from the French naval service, joshua...
11721To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, with Jefferson’s Note, 13 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 8th. and in return to communicate Intelligence no less pleasing. yesterday our Legislature assembled at the City of Hartford . The Votes for Govr . were—for Trumbull something over 14,300. for Kirby 7,848. last year Trumbull had over eleven Thousand and Kirby 4,523. The Increase of votes in our favor Since the last Struggle is...
11722To Thomas Jefferson from Lacépède, 13 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Je m’empresse d’avoir l’honneur de vous remercier de la lettre que vous avez bien voulu me faire parvenir par M. Monroe. Cette lettre, Monsieur le président, est une marque de votre estime et parconséquent un titre très honorable pour moi. Je la conserverai, d ailleurs, comme un monument pour l’histoire. Il est si rare de voir le premier magistrat d’une grande nation, allier les lumières et...
11723To Thomas Jefferson from James Lyon, 13 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
J. Lyon presents his respects to the president and takes the liberty of enclosing a letter and an address “to the public ”; to shew what is doing (and what is necessary to be done) towards the accomplishment of an object which it is conceived must be in some measure interesting to every citizen. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 13 May and so recorded in SJL . Enclosures: (1) Lyon to the...
11724To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Claiborne, 14 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take a pleasure in informing you that my experiments here, of the Duck’s Foot Paddle , as far as the single stroke, have been attended with entire success,—and I am about to experience the contributions of my acquaintances and other gentlemen of Alexandria, to enable me to prosecute the invention to the double stroke. In the mean time I have another machine going on under the patronage of...
11725Report from John Lenthall, 14 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Rough Stone work done at the Capitol from 7th May to 14th Foundations of seven Piers flushed to the offset and a new founded wall in the recess on The East Front } 1460 } 230 perches Work above the offset on the South Front, incuding the Piers of the internal Arches.—The 7 Arches, as solded work. } $ 4242 for B H Latrobe MS ( DLC ); partially dated; in Lenthall’s hand and signed by him;...
11726To Thomas Jefferson from Meriwether Lewis, 14 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In your instructions to me you mention that the instruments for ascertaining by celestial observations the geography of the country through which I shall pass, have been already provided : I shall not therefore purchase any articles of that discription untill I hear further from you on this subject. Will you be so good as to inform me what instruments have been provided? and where they are?—it...
11727To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 15 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
D’après les informations que j’ai prises des principaux negocians de cette ville, il parait certain qu’il ne partira point de Bâtimens pour France d’ici à un mois au moins—Et comme deux occasions se présentent à la fois pour Hambourg, j’ai cru qu’il vaudrait mieux profiter d’une des deux pour y envoyer la lettre que vous m’avez confiée que d’attendre peut-être inutilement pendant longtems—...
11728To Thomas Jefferson from DeWitt Clinton, 16 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Major Fairlie a respectable Citizen of this State will write to you in behalf of his brother-in-law William Yates who is a Lt. in the Army. The situation of this young Gentleman’s Health is such as will render it necessary for him to resign if the order for him to repair to Tenessee shall be persisted in: After apologising to you for this intrusion upon your valuable time, permit me to add...
11729To Thomas Jefferson from John F. Mercer, 16 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have submitted to the Council the result of the conversation which I had the honor of holding with you on the Application which the Executive of Maryland were directed to make to you on the subject of the Stock of this State in the British Funds .—I have stated to them the Measures which you have directed in conformity with the views and wishes of this Legislature in which they have...
11730To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Sansom, 16 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
With all the respect due to thy public character, I take the liberty to address thee on a subject familiar to a Man of taste and virtu: When I was in Europe I caught the usual passion of Travellers to possess some of the interesting objects of art with which that part of the World abounds; and had formed the Plan of a Private Cabinet; but my views and avocations have changed since my return;...
11731To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 16 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Jeffn.—ansr. his last —mention my lands—shall request Mr. G. Jeff. to advertise them—shall endeavour to return to Virgia. Springs—uncertain if I shall find him at Mont. if [so shd.] be happy to see him there once more—Taylor to recieve the 500 a month—as to the political part of his letter—always my opinion on this subject—founded on my knowlege of the Spa. Govt—happy in the result—do not give...
11732To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The accompanying statement No 2—exhibits a view of the exact state of the Navy appropriations on this day. Presuming that it will be agreeable to you, I shall in future lay before you, similar statements weekly . I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir, yr mo ob st RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President United States”; endorsed by TJ...
11733To 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...
11734To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 17 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce to thee my youngest brother, Joseph Briggs, who is going with me to the Mississippi Territory, and whom I mean to employ as a clerk. I enclose a copy of a letter which I wrote to thee from Philadelphia, lest the original should have miscarried. I must have misunderstood Henry Voight, or he must have deceived himself, in the probable time when my Transit Instrument would...
11735To Thomas Jefferson from James Fairlie, 17 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Lieut: William Yates —of the Artillery is ordered by the War Department, to proceed to Tenessee with Captn: Izard’s company— Application has been made to the Secretary at War, to dispense with that order, on Accot of certain family circumstances, as well as the bad state of this young Gentleman’s Health. As the last hope on this Occasion Sir, I have presumed to request your interference in his...
11736To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel L. Holmes, 17 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
For some time past I have been endeavouring to find out some method by which I might obtain Learning At length I have (as I knew not of any so likely method by which I could acquire it) to write to you. Sir—In the first place I will give you a short detail of the Circumstances of myself and then the reasons which induced me to take the Liberty of writing to you. 1stly. My Father is poor; and...
11737To Thomas Jefferson from John Irvin, 17 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On perusing a Law of the last session of Congress, I observed that provisions were made for establishing a Land Office at the Town of Zaneville. should a Register not be appointed to that Office, I beg leave to offer myself as a candidate, and should it be concieved proper to confer that office on my self, it shall be my constant care, and greatest Pleasure, to discharge the duties...
11738To Thomas Jefferson from Lafayette, 17 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Joy of my heart I congratulate you on the happy arrangement which has Lately taken place—The occupation of Louisiana by the French Governement was big with Evils—I doubly felt them—Now I see for the United States noble boundaries, and for that Vast Country the insurance of Liberty and republican Union—How happy I am in that transaction I want Words to Express With respectful and...
11739To Thomas Jefferson from Edward Lynch, 17 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Not having the honor of being personally known to you and being desirous to offer myself a Candidate for an Appointment in the Land Office established by an Act of Congress of the last Session “Regulating the grants of lands &ca. South of the State of Tennassee” I beg leave to lay before you the inclosed letter of introduction from Andrew Gregg Esqr.— Should this Application be in time and so...
11740To Thomas Jefferson from “A Republican”, 17 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
That you are a damned Scoundrel is the opinion of your former friend but present ennemy a If you can justify yourself please to write me what reason you had for getting Jno. Burnet turned out of the Post Office at Newark & address yr letter to Jno. H Williams Junr: New York RC ( DLC ); addressed: “His Exleny Thomas Jefferson Prest. of the United States Washington City with request to forward...
11741To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 18 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to propose Doctor Joseph Macrary for a Surgeons Mate in the Army of the United States. Accept Sir, the assurances &c. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 107, LSP ). macrary : probably Joseph McCreery (Macrery) of Delaware, who had been recommended to TJ in 1802 for appointment to the marine hospital at New Orleans. Upon receiving his commission, he was ordered to Washington in the...
11742To Thomas Jefferson from John A. Houseman, 18 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The confidence I take in presenting these few lines to your view, will, I hope be excused by the cause that enforces me to it. I have a Sister by name Sally Houseman living in your House. She has been ill used by one of your Domesticks ( Abraham Golden ) and knocked prostrate on the floor; and that without any assault from her side. Since she hath no Friend nearer related than myself she...
11743To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 18 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In my communications to Mr. Madison publick & private which you would see, I have been so full, that it seemed as if I shod. only trouble you by a repetition of the same ideas in writing you. I most earnestly hope that what is done here, and may be done in Spain, will not only prove an ample vindication of the measures of yr. administration during the last Session of Congress, when contrasted...
11744To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 19 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Le petit Livret que vous trouverez ci inclus m’a été donné, & moi je l’envoye à celui à qui il doit naturellement appartenir. L’homme de Goût qui a fait la collection intéressante qui s’y trouve, a voulu qu’on dise de son travail Finis coronat opus , en placant ce qu’il y a de meilleur à la fin. C’est en y lisant la traduction d’une partie d’un Sublime Discours, sur lequel tout ce qui pense en...
11745To Thomas Jefferson from James Wallace, 19 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having but lately arrived in this Country, and therefore being a stranger to most of its customs as well as to its Inhabitants; and having through propensity of Genius made Mathematics my pursuit for some time back, I have, I believe, happened to discover some new hints, relative to Natural Philosophy: which might be of considerable advantage in this Science no less than in Natural &...
11746To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen R. Bradley, 20 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have Just learnt that James Elliot has resigned as a Commissioner of Bankruptcy and to my surprise that he has recommended his Brother to succeed him—The recommendation of his Brother is an injudicious one, his brother I understand is a young man reading law as a Clerk in an office and has removed to live in the State but a Very Short time I am convinced his appointment would be viewed...
11747To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Burrall, 20 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Note of the 10th Inst, covering two letters, one for Mr Skipwith, & the other for Mr Barnet both of which I forwarded by the Brig Henry, Capt Sherman that sailed on the 12th Inst for Bourdeaux. There being no prospect of a conveyance direct for Havre, I thought it advisable to send both letters by Capt Sherman.— I am Sir with great respect...
11748To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 21 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose Govr. Claiborns letter on the subject of a Brigadier Genl. may it not be prudent to consult Govr. Claiborn on the effect which the appointment of his brother as Majr. Genl. would probably have in the Territory, previous to making any appointment of Genl. officers. RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the War Department on 21 May 1803 and “Brigadr. Genl. for Missipi”...
11749Report from John Lenthall, 21 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Rough Stone & Brick work done to the south wing of The Capitol from May 16 to 21st Stone work on the West front, and the return Racks, North end of do, and in the Arches up to the Cellar window sills, on the south front, about 2314 Cubic feet or 93 perches Brick Work 7 Beds or soffeits of Reversed Arches, on the South front, prepared with strong Gravel cement, and the Arches turned to support...
11750To Thomas Jefferson from John Mitchell, 21 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of addressing You the 9h. instant solisiting to be Confirmed in Appointment of Commercial Agent for this place.—Which I beg leave to repeat. It affords Me great pleasure that My first official Act should be the sending on Mr. Hughes charged with despatches of such importance to My Country;—and am very happy that Under your Administration so great an Aquisition has been Made to...