1Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 18 February 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I do not search for an apologÿ, in sending you included imperfect Sketch of a work , which I ardently wished, to see executed bÿ a masterlÿ hand If to former favours—which can not be obliterated by me—you would join another by condescending to gratifÿ me with your opinion and Strictures I should feel myself ÿet higher indebted to your Patronage—while—I should consider—to have not Laboured in...
2Enclosure: Francis Adrian Van der Kemp’s Synopsis of a Proposed Book, [ca. 18 February 1812] (Jefferson Papers)
Contemplated work “Moral and Physical causes of the Revolutionarÿ Spirit, in the latter part of the 18 th centurÿ, with their probable issue on both Continents Ardua quæ pulcra ” (Rough outlines dotted) General observations (Preliminarÿ) Previous Station Situation of
3Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 14 April 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I Should be at loss for an apologÿ in writing you again, had not the polite manner—in which you was pleased to bestow on me a new favour required mine Sincere thanks for this condescension. I feel proud—I was highly gratified with this distinction—more So—as it enabled me—by your delicate hint of a radical defect to fill up the gap in this Sketch. It might have been, that in its developing the...
4Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 16 November 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honour of sending you mÿ last letter , I reviewed mÿ Sketch and discovered, that I did neglect a rich mine, which he, who intends, to execute this plan, must have previouslÿ explored. After the General Sketch of Europe from the invasion of the Northern Nations ought to be inserted “Value and necessity of Studÿing the Annals, Records, Ballads, Romanzas and other writings of the...
5Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The manÿ condescending proofs, which I received from your politeness, imbue me with the confidence to Sollicit another favour from your kindness. I know too well, I can have no claims, but that, which originates in your indulgence—and in your ardent wish to promote the indagation of truth. About three years past I Spend a few days with my old respected friend at Quincÿ , whom you, perhaps,...
6Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 4 June 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Accept mÿ Sincerest thanks for the distinguished proof of your confidential esteem, with which you have been pleased to gratifÿ me . I Suppose, I consult your wishes, to copÿ it, and Send it in mÿ handwriting to mÿ friend in England , for publication in the Month. Repos. of Theol . with the expressed request, that neither he or his friends by insinuation or allusion Should drop a hint in with...
7Enclosure: "Sincerus" (Francis Adrian Van der Kemp) to Robert Aspland, 1 July [June?] 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Pleased with the liberal plan, which you have adopted in your Review —I deemed it a duty to contribute to its Success—as far as mÿ retirement would permit it. The only thing I regret, is, that I find it not more generally encouraged. Every lover of truth is interested in its Success—and a fair defence of any reprobated opinion ought to meet an equallÿ ready admittance, as an unadorned...
8Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 14 July 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
The distinguished proof of your esteem, with which you favoured and gratified me, when you honoured me with your Letter of apr. 25. induces me to take the liberty of Sending you a few lines more . I am pleased to Suppose, that my last has not been unacceptable, and that you approved the course, which I have taken with the papers with whom I was entrusted. These are now on their way to Old...
9Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 8 September 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your favour of July the 30 —I must once more return to the papers , which I Send to England for publication; and am Satisfied with the precautions, I deemed requisite, to conceal the author . Since I received last week information from London of the Sudden desease of mr joÿce —whom I had intrusted with the business I then directly adressed mr. Belsham , Solliciting him to inquire...
10Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Reperusing your interesting Syllabus I have recalled in my mind a train of thoughts—which I brought in writing about twenty years past and Send then—for his criticisms—to my old friend Joshua Toulmin of Taunton —father of the judge in the Missisippi Territory —which treatise has been irrecoverably lost on its passage to England . Having hurted my right leg—in my garden—by carelessness—which...
11Enclosure: Francis Adrian Van der Kemp’s Synopsis of a Proposed Book, [ca. 1 November 1816] (Jefferson Papers)
Memoirs respecting the person and doctrine of J.C. compiled from S.S. Outlines Part. i Præliminarÿ discussions Developement of the general principles of nat: Religion. Inquirÿ in the authenticity of the S.S.—of the Jewish Religion writings — the lxx
12Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 2 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Although it is not mÿ power—to make this Letter in any manner interesting, yet your courtesy and kindness towards me would prompt me to answer your favour of Nov. 24 —with which I was honoured. I Should have acquitted myself of this duty at a more early period, had I not been a martyr of a wounded leg, imprudently neglected, during three months. The pains being So acute, that I was not...
13Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Mrs A.A had the kindness to Send me inclosed N o of the Month Rep—to convey it, after its perusal, to Monticello . I expect, it is the only one on our continent. That excellent Lady received it from her Son at the court of St. James . Although I regret, that there has not been complied with my injunctions—Still I rejoyce at the publication, and can find reasons to palliate this appearing...
14Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
As I have nothing—deserving your attention—to communicate, I rather Should deem it improper to answer Your favour of the 16 with which I was honoured, was it not—that your courtesy imposed upon me a duty—to free you from an error which caused you some concern—not that I am apprehensive—that you had any thing to fear from a clamorous rabble of ignorant—bitter bigots—as I would do you the...
15Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 9 June 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I was highly gratified with your favour of the 1 of maÿ —as I am now convinced—that no doubt remains with you, if I could abuse the confidence, with which I was honoured—It is with me a Sacred principle—never to make use—in any manner—of a trust—as upon an explicit permission—under no pretext whatever—not even to oblige the friend of my bosom—not even to hurt a rancourous enemÿ—And now I...
16Enclosure: Translated Extract from Isaak Iselin, Uber die Geschichte der Menschheit, [ca. 9 June 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
Isaak Iselin geschichte der menschheid menschheit vol. ii Lib. 7—HauptSt. 23 pag 217. the Christian Religion. During the period that the monstrous Edifice of Roman grandeur tottered under its own weight; when its Political body wasted itself, by its own internal corruption, arose in the most abandonned province, the Christian Religion. This Divine doctrine distinguished itself at it s first...
17Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 12 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The condescending kindnesses and proofs of your regard, with which I have been honoured by you induces me, to take the liberty of offering to your acceptance, the humble tribute of a female acquaintance , with which I was lately favoured. I paid her a visit at New-york and could not decline, to Send you in her name her last publication—before She returned to her native country— Amsterdam . She...
18Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
After So long a Silence, I trust, it Shall not be deemed an intrusion as it will not interrupt you too long in more Serious occupations, when I address you once more with a few lines. I wished—it was more in mÿ power, to render these Some what more important, or at least, that I might be in another manner Ser v iceable. It cannot be Sir! or a man of your talents—industry and activity must...
19Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 5 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
was I to answer a letter—So gratifying to my feelings, as interesting in itself, dated 9 Febr —to another man as mr. Jefferson , who honoured me with his courtesy—and So kindly condescended, to give me proof upon proof of his confidential regards, I should feel myself obliged, to make an apology for my long Silence. Now I am dispensed of this task, and communite communicate to you my Sincere...
20Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 11 May 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I take again the liberty of Sending you a few lines—and this without any further apologÿ, as I take it for granted that you do me the justice, that I can not wish, to intrude on your more Serious occupations, or importune you, for making a Sacrifice of your precious time, in answering these:—what value I may place on one of your lines—I do not desire these at that rate—and on this footing I do...
21Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
During Several months I intended to write you—which for a while was delayd by my occupations during the Summer Seasons—and Some gloomy apprehensions, that I should write in vain. In this painful anxiety Some dark rumours, that mr jefferson was Severily indisposed made me abandon the thought and I listened rather to fear than to hope. Indeed this year had been to me peculiarly distressing—by...
22Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May [1819] (Jefferson Papers)
That I did not thank you for your attention—in favouring me with the Proceedings and report of the commissioners for the university in virginia , was not—that I undervalued the gift—but I presumed—that a mere complimentary Letter could not be acceptable—while my manifold occupations—and Since Some time—my precarious State of health and dimmed eyes—compelled me—to make for a while a Sacrifice...
23Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 25 June 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Your former kind indulgence make me presume, that a few lines—after So long a Silence—to renew the assurance of my unabated respect Shall not be unacceptable, although I have it not in my power, to make these interesting. I hope that your health remains comfortable, and domestic happiness your lot— enjoy this happiness—during your last days —and I am persuaded, very many will take a Share in...
24Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 28 August 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Confident, that it Shall be gratifying to you, to receive an answer on your favour of July 9 —written under the hospitable roof of our honoured friend , I indulge in the pleasure of Sending you a few lines. My inducement to this was So much the greater, as I found mr. Adams enjoying a large Share of health in body and mind—the latter equal, the former far Superior, than what he enjoyd Seven...
25Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 12 March 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I Should need an apologÿ for intruding on your precious moments of leisure, as I have nothing interesting to communicate, had You not bestowed before at different times So many favours upon me—now I consider it needless and consider it becoming after a long Silence, to pay you once more the due tribute of my respect and gratitude as to whom I am indebted the distinguished attentions, which I...
26Francis Adrian Van der Kemp to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I should hesitate, to intrude on your moments of Leisure, with my unprofitable correspondence, did I not feel persuaded, that it would not be unacceptable to be informed of my continued health; and I am more encouraged to it, by reflecting on the numerous kindnesses, which you was pleased to bestow upon me, though personally unknown, ever Since my arrival in this country in 1788—and to whose...