51From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 27 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 5th. came to hand yesterday, and Colo. Smith and Colo. Humphries (by whom you will receive one of the 19th. from me) being to set out tomorrow, I hasten to answer it. I sincerely rejoice that Portugal is stepping forward in the business of treaty, and that there is a probability that we may at length do something under our commissions which may produce a solid benefit to our...
52From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Henley, 27 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I receive this moment your kind letter of the 16th. and a private opportunity to London offering tomorrow morning, I avail myself of it to acknowledge the receipt. Mr. Johnson’s draught of which you advise me shall be punctually honoured. The fears you are so kind as to express on the subject of my family, are but too well founded. The domestic loss I sustained was the only circumstance which...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 28 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
St. Pol de Léon, 28 Nov. 1785 . They have now been in prison for fourteen weeks “and yet have no appearance of our releasement without you have got it finished at Paris.” Asquith heard from Desbordes, Frères that they had written to TJ advising him to try to have the case settled by the French ministry. “As they [the Farmers-General] could find no flaw against us for smugling they now pretend...
54[From Thomas Jefferson to André Limozin, 28 November 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 28 Nov. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “Limozin. For Mazzei’s trunk.” Not found.]
55To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 28 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday the Letter your Excellency hath Honored me with the 25th. of this Month. My Friends Messrs. Payen Brothers Merchants, rue Tiqueton No. 7 will present you a draft of Messrs. Fitzhughs on you in my behalf and unto my order for the Four Hundred and Eighty Lyvers they have had of me, and you will see that the said draft acknowledgeth it is for money they have had of me for...
56From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
You desire me to give you an idea of the Origin and Object of our court of Chancery, the Limits of it’s jurisdiction, and it’s Tendency to render property and liberty more or less secure in a country where that security is infinitely valued. The purpose for which you require this obliges me to be concise, as indeed does my situation here, where, as you know, I am without books which might...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Borgnis Desbordes, Frères, 30 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Brest, 30 Nov. 1785. They acknowledge receipt of TJ’s letter of 24 Nov. They have forwarded the packet received with it to Diot & Cie. at Morlaix and enclose a translation of a letter from Lister Asquith which they have answered. The situation of the prisoners is the same, but Desbordes will inform TJ as soon as anything important occurs. “ En attendant ces malheureux ont besoin de votre...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Vergennes, 30 November 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous êtes sûrement informé, Monsieur, qu’un négociant de Boston , ayant amené en france des huiles de baleine, n’a pu trouver à les vendre à cause des droits imposés sur cette espèce de marchandise, droits qui sont acquittés par toutes les nations, à l’exception des villes anséatiques. M. le Controleur-général, touché de la perte qu’éprouveroit le négociant dont il s’agit, si on...
59To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 2 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Nathaniel Barrett, a Gentleman of a respectable Family in Boston, of a fair Character and long Experience in Trade, will have the Honour to deliver you this Letter. He comes to France for the express Purpose of negotiating with proper Persons concerning the Proposals of Monsieur Tourtille de Sangrain, relative of Sperma Cœti oil. I beg Leave to recommend him and his Business to your...
60To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, 2 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I am greatly obliged by your attention to Jack from whom I have had no letter since his arrival at Avignon. Our Post is so uncertain that I have not thought it prudent to risk any letters for France by that Conveyance to N. York, to go in the Packet, and this is the first ship that has Sailed from this Place for several Months. The inclosed are put under your Protection as I do not know how to...
61[To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, 2 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Le Havre, 2 Dec. 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 5 Dec. 1785. Not found.]
62From Thomas Jefferson to Vergennes, 2 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s letter of November the 30th. in which you are pleased to inform me of the late abatement of the duties on all fish oils, made from fish taken by citizens of the United States and brought into this kingdom, in French or in American bottoms: and I am now to return thanks for this relief given to so important a branch of our commerce. I shall...
63From Thomas Jefferson to David Humphreys, 4 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Gatteaux observing that there will be an anachronism, if, in making a medal to commemorate the victory of Saratoga, he puts on General Gates the insignia of the Cincinnati which did not exist at that date. I wrote him in answer that I thought so too: but that you had the direction of that business, that you were now in London, that I would write to you and probably...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 5 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
St. Pol de Léon, 5 Dec. 1785 . Acknowledges TJ’s “kind and most exceptionable Letter.” He is relieved to know TJ has received the necessary papers and finds only two errors in TJ’s statement of his case: “1st. The Register which was taken out by Capt. Charles Harrison (when I was sick) unknown to me for 21 Tons (as he inform’d me, to save port charges), but he did not own any part of her. 2nd....
65To Thomas Jefferson from Antoine-Félix Wuibert, 5 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Cape Français, Santo Domingo, 5 Dec. 1785. Though unknown to TJ, he appeals to him, as a loyal citizen of the United States, concerning his rights. Born at “ Mézières-sur-Meuse en Champagne, ” he left his large family many years ago and lived some time in Santo Domingo with “ un parent fort-Respectable, M. Du Portal, Lieutenant général des armées du Roy. ” After this relative’s untimely death,...
66To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Un ami respectable m’avoit promis de se charger de mes Lettres et de vous les remettre: mais comme son départ ne pourra avoir lieu que dans la huitaine, parce qu’il sera porteur de la ratification du Traité d’Alliance, qui ne peut être prête plutôt, je prends le parti de la poste, dans l’espérance que les incluses pourront partir encore ce mois-ci par le paquebot de l’Orient avec les Dépeches...
67[To Thomas Jefferson from the Commissioners of the Treasury, 6 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[New York, 6 Dec. 1785. Recorded in SJL as received 18 Jan. 1786 from “S. Osgood & W. Livingston. Board of Treasury … by the [packet?] and post.” The date of the letter is illegible in SJL and is supplied from TJ’s reply of 26 Jan. 1786. Not found. Enclosure: A copy of the Commissioners to Ferdinand Grand, 5 Dec. 1785 (DLC), acknowledging his letter of 16 July 1785; the balance in his account...
68To Thomas Jefferson from Geismar, 6 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Apres avoir reçu il y a quelque tems un Billet du bureau de Poste à Paris qui m’apprennait qu’il y avait une lettre pour moi de restée faute d’affranchissement, je donnais mes ordres pour me la faire parvenir et je ne tiens celle de Votre Excellence du 6. de Sept. que depuis quelques Jours. Elle m’a infiniment flatté me rassurant de ne pas etre absolument oublié malgres toutes les occupations...
69To Thomas Jefferson from Neil Jamieson, 6 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 6 Dec. 1785 . Encloses letter for TJ that came “some time since, immediately after the sending of the former packet”; also sends “a parcel of our Newspapers.” RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 19 Jan. 1786. Enclosures: The letter has not been identified; among the newspapers sent there was certainly the issue of the New York Daily Advertiser for 6 Dec. 1785, in...
70[To Thomas Jefferson from André Limozin, ca. 6 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Le Havre, ca. 6 Dec. 1785 . Recorded in SJL as received 8 Dec. 1785 “Without date. About Boylston’s ship.” Not found. TJ struck out “Havre” in the entry.]
71To Thomas Jefferson from P. Tourtille Sangrain, 6 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Ce n’est que de hier que j’ay pu obtenir du Bureau des fermes L’instruction sur les droits des huilles que vous trouverez cy-Joint: par Laquelle vous verrez, Monsieur, que Les droits de 7₶. 10s. par Barique sont Bien Conformes à L’extrait de la lettre de M. de Calonne. Mais Sy la Compagnie du Nantucket accepte La Soumission que je luy ay faite de me charger d’environ 16 milles quintaux de...
72To Thomas Jefferson from Neil Jamieson, 7 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
New York, 7 Dec. 1785 . Sent yesterday the Daily Advertiser containing Lewis Littlepage’s letter to John Jay; now encloses today’s issue with Jay’s reply. RC ( MHi ); 2 p.; endorsed. Recorded in SJL as received 19 Jan. 1786. Enclosure: The New York Daily Advertiser for 7 Dec. 1785, containing Jay’s reply and an address to the public (also printed in William Jay, Life of John Jay , i , 208–22).
73To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 7 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The last Letter I have had the Pleasure of receiving from you is dated the 14th. August last. My last to you is dated the 2d. Ult: by Mr. Houdon who I hope has by this Time safely arrived. Nothing of importance has since occurred except the Arrival of Mr. Temple, respecting whom I enclose the Copy of an Act of Congress of 2d. Instant. With great Esteem & Regard I have the Honor to be &ca., You...
74To Thomas Jefferson from John Langdon, 7 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honor’d with your freindly favor of the 11’th September by Capt. Yeaton. I return you my most hearty thanks for your kind Congratulations and Expressions towards me, and Mrs. Langdon. Am much obliged for the notice you were pleased to take of Capt. Yeaton. The political and commercial information you were pleased to communicate demands my thanks. Great Britain seems determined to pursue...
75From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 8 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a copy of a letter of mine to Mr. Grand which will explain to you a difficulty which arose as to a bill of exchange to which your name was subscribed. Considering myself as no ways authorized to direct the funds of the U.S. in France I had originally refused to intermeddle at all. But Mr. Grand would not pay at all then. I thereupon have undertaken to advise him till I can...
76[From Thomas Jefferson to Gazaigner de Boyer, 8 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 8 Dec. 1785 . Recorded in SJL under this date. Not found. ]
77[From Thomas Jefferson to P. Tourtille Sangrain, 8 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 8 Dec. 1785 . 1785. Recorded in SJL under this date. Not found.]
78To Thomas Jefferson from Diodati, 9 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 9 Dec. 1785 . Formal notice of presentation to the king as minister of the “Duc de Mecklembourg-Schwérin.” RC ( DLC ); 2 p.; in French; addressed. Not recorded in SJL .
79To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 9 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
From the public papers which will go by the Packet you will percieve that a very indecent attack has been made upon me by a Mr. Littlepage, who was formerly in my family, and from whom I merit better things. It has so happened, however among the few Enemies I have the far greater Part are men on whom I have conferred essential Benefits. This young man does not stand single. I have no Reason to...
80To Thomas Jefferson from Janet Livingston Montgomery, 9 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I would on the strength of an acquaintance take the liberty to commit to your care, the inclosed letter which I have long owed the Marquis. Yet should our acquaintance not admit of such a liberty and ask an apology, I fear I have not one sufficiently satisfactiory to either—unless you will permit me, to make use of one which must be common to all who have had the honour to be known to your...
81[To Thomas Jefferson from Richard O’Bryen, 9 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Algiers, 9 Dec. 1785 . Recorded in SJL as received 13 Feb. 1786. Letter not found.]
82To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Baptiste Pecquet, 9 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Lisbon, 9 Dec. 1785 . He was introduced to TJ by Benjamin Franklin and is grateful to them both for the recompense he received from the U.S. for his services to American citizens during the war. He would be even more indebted if they would recommend him to Congress for the post of United States agent in Lisbon, which post he would discharge with “Le Zèle le plus ardent, la fidelité la plus...
83From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 10 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
On the arrival of Mr. Boylston I carried him to the Marquis de la Fayette, and received from him communications of his object. This was to get a remission of the duties on his cargo of oil, and he was willing to propose a future contract. I proposed however to the Marquis, when we were alone, that instead of wasting our efforts on individual applications, we had better take it up on general...
84To Thomas Jefferson from David Ramsay, 10 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
When I left this city last August I directed my printer to furnish Mr. Monroe with the sheets of my book from time to time that they might be sent to you by the packets. Mr. Monroe soon after left Congress and transferred the business to Mr. Hardy. His much lamented death prevented his execution of the business. On my return here in November I could not find satisfactory information of what...
85From Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 11 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Expecting Baron Polnitz to call every moment, I have only time to acknolege the receipt of your favor of Nov. 24. and to answer you on the subject of the bill for 319 livres drawn by Mr. Adams in favor of Mr. Bonfeild. I had never heard of it before, and Mr. Barclay calling on me this morning I asked of him if he knew any thing of it. He says that such a bill was presented to him, and he...
86From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 11 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Baron Polnitz not going off till today enables me to add some information which I receive from Mr. Barclay this morning. You know the immense amount of Beaumarchais’ accounts with the U.S. and that Mr. Barclay was authorized to settle them. Beaumarchais had pertinaciously insisted on settling them with Congress. Probably he received from them a denial: for just as Mr. Barclay was about to set...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 11 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by the Mr. Fitzhughs Aug. 30. and to Mrs. Eppes by the same conveiance Sep. 22. In those as in my former letters I had troubled you on the subject of sending my daughter to me. To the cautions then suggested I am obliged to add another, which our situation with respect to the Barbary powers calls for. You have doubtless heard loose stories as to their captures on us, without being...
88To Thomas Jefferson from George Gilmer, 11 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Monsr. Doradour presented me with your agreeable favor some time after his arrival at Charlottesville, although accident placed me in his way the day of his arrival at Colo. Lewis’s, where I was obliged to stand interpreter. Both being under uneasy anxiety from not being able to convey an Idea to each other, myself much distressed from my inaccurate french, and not so easily comprehending...
89From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 11 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by the Mr. Fitzhughs on the 28th. of August, and since that have received yours of Aug. 15. and 25. This intermission on my part has been owing to your information that you would not return to Congress till about Christmas: to which must be added the want of opportunity since the derangement of the French packets. Be so good as to inform Mr. Jay that the last is the cause he has...
90To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, [ca. 12 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your favour of Decr. 4th. and on the subject of Gatteau’s application take the liberty to inform you that I never had an idea of his engraving the insignia of the Cincinnati. I clearly see the impropriety of it. I should therefore be much obliged if you would take the trouble of giving him definitive instructions on this and any other points that may occur in the...
91To Thomas Jefferson from Antoine-Félix Wuibert, 12 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Cape Français, Santo Domingo, 12 Dec. 1785 . This letter is a duplicate of Wuibert’s earlier letter of 5 Dec. 1785; see the summary under that date. RC ( DLC ); 6 p.; in French. Recorded in SJL as received 31 Apr. 1786. Enclosures: See note to Wuibert to TJ, 5 Dec. 1785.
92To Thomas Jefferson from John Adams, 13 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received a Letter from my Friend General Warren of Milton Hill near Boston, acquainting me, that Congress have it in Contemplation to appoint their Ministers Consuls General, or rather to give them Authority to appoint Consuls, and that you are to have the nomination of that officer for Lisbon, that his son Winslow Warren, went sometime ago and settled at Lisbon, partly upon Some...
93To Thomas Jefferson from Lister Asquith, 14 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
We have just received our Sentence and Condemnation from Brest by the Hands of the Farmers Officers, which one of the Coppys I have sent inclosed and I cannot understand any thing of it. We are all now allmost distracted by their unjust Sentence and implore your protection, as we have your best assurances for it and intirely rely on you for your assistance as we are innocent of the Crime we...
94To Thomas Jefferson from Jean Diot & Cie., [14 December 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu en son tems la lettre de Votre Excellence du 4 Novre. dernier et j’ai remis exactement au Sieur Lister Asquith celle qui y étoit jointe pour lui et qui l’a un peu ranimé, lui et ses amis. Nous en recevons dans le moment une nouvelle de sa part que nous transmettons à Votre Excellence, et nous avons l’honneur de l’informer que le 7. du courant fut prononcé à Brest un jugement par...
95To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre-André Gargaz, 15 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Avec un profond respect, j’ai l’honneur de vous rapeler la liberté que je pris, il y a quelque tems de vous presenter une Brochure intitulée union souveraine , inventée par Henri le Grand, en vous priant de la garder si vous adoptiez l’union entre tous les souverains, ou de me la renvöier si vous ne l’adoptiez pas. Come vous la gardates j’eus l’agreable satisfaction de vous voir aprobateur du...
96To Thomas Jefferson from Patience Wright, 15 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
In Mr. Smiths absence the politicall afairs of Irelands traid with America was transacted with great suckssess wonderfuly brott forward by gentlemen who from principl have acted with the same spirit which first brot forward the Independence of the America States and all other Revolutions in Church and States of all Nations. You will see by their letters to me and other Circumstances of...
97To Thomas Jefferson from Cosimo Mari, 16 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Vous serés peut-etre surpris de vous voir paraitre la presente Lettre d’un Incognito, qui n’a pas L’honneur d’Etre connus de vous; mais qui a cependant celui de vous connoître par La renommée que vous vous etes acquise dans l’Europe par cet Esprit de Patriotisme, par La Sublimité de vos talens, et par cette noble fermeté dont vous avés triomphé de tous Les obstacles de vos Ennemis....
98To Thomas Jefferson from William Carmichael, 17 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I received by Mr. Lamb the Letter which your Excellency did me the honor to address me the 4th. Ulto. as also a joint Letter delivered me by the same Gentleman to which I hope to answer in a manner that will prove my earnest endeavours to correspond with the views of the writers in rendering every service in my power to the parties for whose Interests it was addressed me. Permit me to thank...
99To Thomas Jefferson from Garreau, 17 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
L’Humanité et la Bienfaisance, sont les principes les plus sacrés des Gouvernements républicains, dont la Vertu est le prémier législateur. L’importante utilité de la Chirurgie et Celle dont pour l’avancement de cet art, peut être La Collection Anatomique figurée que je possède, me donnent l’assurance de m’adrèsser à vôtre Excéllence, pour en offrir l’acquisition, aux Respectables Etats unis...
100To Thomas Jefferson from William Robeson, 18 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 18 Dec. 1785 . After he saw TJ, he consulted with Barclay concerning his business in Paris, but since there is little prospect of success, he will return to America. Payments to his creditors in Holland have left him with almost nothing, and he is forced to apply to TJ for a loan to enable him to reach L’Orient. Besides the many important French persons whom he has helped, there were...