1VIII. Secretary of State to the President, 18 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson is sorry to present a long letter to the President to be read at so busy a moment: but the view which it presents of our commercial matters in France is too interesting to be unknown to the President.—The circumstances presented to view in the 2d. page of the letter induce Th: J. to think it may be well to commit to Mr. Short and the M. de la Fayette to press our settlement with...
2George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 2 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Majr. L’enfant comes on to make such a survey of the grounds in your vicinity as may aid in fixing the site of the federal town and buildings. His present instructions express those alone which are within the Eastern branch, the Patowmac, the Tyber, and the road leading from George town to the ferry on the Eastern branch. He is directed to begin at the lower end and work upwards, and nothing...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Barclay, 5 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
From the best information I can obtain the emoluments of the Consulship of Lisbon does not amount to three hundred pounds sterling ⅌ Annum, and the place is a Very expensive one to live at. I therefore will not give you the trouble of mentioning me to the President on that subject.—If I Could be brought into his View for such appointment as he should think proper, under the Excise law that is...
4From Thomas Jefferson to Mathew Carey, 26 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Carey and incloses him a N Caroli[na] newspaper containing a convention between the two states of Virginia and N Carolina and submitting to Mr. Carey whether it be not worth a place in his Museum. Th: Jefferson has been told that the same convention is complete in the ac[t] of Virginia of about 1786, but he does not possess the act. RC not found but sold at...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Joshua Johnson, 27 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
London, 27 Mch. 1791 . Before receipt of TJ’s letters of 17 and 23 Dec. Purdie had told him of Capt. Young’s mistreatment, but at the same time he found Purdie “more violent if possible against Mr. John Brown Cutting, charging him with motives that I was sensible never actuated Mr. Cutting, and making use of threats violent and dishonorable against him.” He tried to get Purdie to return to...
6Jefferson’s Affidavit Concerning Timothy Pickering, Samuel Hodgdon, and Levi Hollingsworth, 4 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Timothy Pickering, Samuel Hodgdon, and Levi Hollingsworth, citizens of the United States of America, having communicated to me their intention of sending agents to Europe to sell certain lands of theirs on Guyandot and Sandy rivers, and desirous that their propositions may stand on fair ground so far as may depend on their personal characters, I have made enquiry into their characters and find...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Robert R. Livingston, 20 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing the value of your time I should not thus early after the receipt of yours have intruded upon it could I have consented that you should one moment longer misapprehend my sentiments with respect to your invaluable report on weights and measures. I am so far from suggesting any other ideas than those you propose that tho I have examined them with minute attention I find nothing to alter...
8No. 5., 1 February 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
We the Subscribers being a Committee appointed by the Owners of fishing Vessels in the Town of Marblehead, to take into Consideration the many Grievances and Burdens the Cod fishery now labors under, and to make a Statement of them, which Statement so made to be handed to Colo. Glover, by him to be laid before the Committee of the General Court appointed to consider the same, do report the...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 14 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Altho the letter carrier between Charlottesville and Richmond is continued in his employment, the conveyance is extremely irregular. He has no fixed day of departure from his own habitation which is about 15 miles from Charlotteslle. but sets out as it suits him on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, and keeps the letters in his hands frequently 3 days after his return. When the Weather is bad he...
10Enclosure: Memorial of Joseph St. Marie, 22 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Joseph St. Marie of St. Vincennes in the County of Knox in the said Territory, begs Leave to acquaint your Honor that on the 23rd. Day of August 1788 he took the Liberty of addressing a Letter to John Francis Hamtramck Esquire, Major in the First United States Regiment, and commandant at Post Vincennes, of which the following is a Copy. ‘Sir, In Pursuance to the ancient Usage and Custom of...
11No. 9., 29 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
[“An Act of the King’s Council of State, for the encouragement of the Commerce of France with the United States of America,” 29 Dec. 1787, printed above Vol. 12: 468–70 and here omitted. In addition to the parallel-column text employed there, an 8-page official printing with English and French texts in parallel columns (not including the covering letter by Lambert) is in DLC: TJ Papers, 60:...
12X. Secretary of State to William Short, 19 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of Nov. 6. No. 46 by Mr. Osmont came to hand yesterday and I have just time before the departure of Mr. Terrasson the bearer of my letter of the 15th. inst. and dispatches accompanying it, to acknowlege the receipt, and inform you that it has been laid before the President. On consideration of the circumstance stated in the 2d. page of your letter, he is of opinion that it is...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 4 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
A large mail was received yesterday at the Treasury office in which was contained the enclosed letter. Presuming upon the care of the postmaster I did not look at the Superscription of the letter with much attention, and opened it as if to the Secretary of the Treasury. On reaching the 3d. or 4th. line, which has relation to a subject unconnected with the business of this department I was led...
14To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 5 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu il y a quelques jours une Lettre de Mde. Bellanger du 25. juillet. Elle me dit combien elle a eté fachée d’apprendre par celle que vous lui avés fait L’amitié de lui Ecrire que vous ne retourniés pas; cette mauvaise nouvelle a affligé, me dit-elle, tous vos amis en France, tandis que Ceux d’ici s’en rejouissent. Elle m’ajoute aussi que vous avés eu La bonté de lui ecrire en ma...
15To Thomas Jefferson from David Humphreys, 6 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 24th. of Janry. I left Madrid, and arrived here this day. I remained a week beyond the time I had prescribed myself, in order that Mr. Carmichael might have an opportunity of confering fully with the Compte de Florida Blanca, after the King’s return from hunting at Aranjuez. We were, however, disappointed in the expectation of sounding that Minister; for at the time when Mr. Carmichael...
16From John Cooke to George Washington, 28 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Tipperary, 28 Mch. 1791 . Understanding that regulation of weights and measures is one object of American government, he sends the enclosed “invention” from “a poor individual, in an obscure corner of a remote nation, as a mark of that universal esteem, which your Excellency’s Merits have excited in all countries, and amongst every class of men.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); endorsed by TJ: “To...
17From Thomas Jefferson to the Supervisors of the Excise, 4 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States desiring to avail the public of your services as Supervisor for the District of I have now the honor of enclosing you the Commission, and of expressing to you the sentiments of perfect esteem with which I am Sir &c. FC ( DNA : RG 59, PCC No. 120); at head of text: “(Circular).” Not recorded in SJL or SJPL . A form of the enclosed commission with a list of the...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Fulwar Skipwith, 20 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave again to remind your Excellency that in none of the french colonies have they received from the Court of France (officially) the Convention with the United States respecting Consuls &c.—therefore no one of their Governors or Commandants can grant me the necessary exequateur or receive me in any form. With Respect I have the honour to be Your Excellys Mo Obt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD );...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Maxcey Ewell, 21 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your Letter dated October 16th 1790 wherein you directed me to call on Mr. Hopkins for my Certivicates and forward them by post to Mr. Maddison at Philadelphia where he would put them in the necessary train. I since have made application to Mr. Hopkins for them. He informs me that by dire[c]tions of the late Board of treasury [they] were forwarded to the Treasury of the united...
20No. 11., 7 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
[“Arret of the Kings Council of State, expecting Whale and other fish Oil, and also Whale bone, the product of the fisheries of the United States of America, from the prohibition contained in the Arret of the 28th. September last,” 7 Dec. 1788, printed above Vol. 14: 268–9 and here omitted. In addition to the text there employed, a PrC in Remsen’s hand save for “No. 11.” inserted by TJ at head...
21From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 16 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your private letter of June 5. by Dr. Bancroft came to hand Feb. 12. that of Oct. 25. was received Jan. 27. and that of Dec. 23. four days ago. If in consequence of my former letters Petit cannot be prevailed on to come, I will beg the favour of you to enquire about Mde. de Corny’s Maitre d’Hotel, who I know understood his business well, and if she considers his character as an honest one, and...
22From Thomas Jefferson to John Garland Jefferson, 5 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a considerable time ago your favor of Nov. 12. and have been prevented from answering it by an extraordinary press of business from which I am but just now emerging. I think Mr. Carr and yourself have acted prudently in dropping your acquaintance with Mr. Rind. I am not acquainted with his character, but I hope and trust it is good at bottom; but it is not marked by prudence, and...
23To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 7 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last I sent you a copy of a letter, such as it then appeared in public, from the Emperor to the King of France. I mentioned at the same time the general opinion and my doubts as to its authenticity. A letter from M. de Montmorin to the assembly has since reduced this matter to certainty. He has sent them a translation of this letter which you will see in the journals of the assembly. He...
24From Thomas Jefferson to James McHenry, 28 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Having sent your letters to Mr. Short with a desire that he will, as far as is right, patronize the applications which shall be made to the minister on your demand, instead of destroying your first letter to Messrs. Le Couteulx, I have thought it better to return it to you, in proof that your desires have been complied with.—A murder of some friendly Indians a little beyond Fort Pitt is likely...
25To Thomas Jefferson from William Jackson, 29 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Georgetown, 29 Mch. 1791. The enclosed papers “from the Secretary of the Western territory” were received by the President last evening. “His engagements with the Commissioners not permitting him to peruse them during his stay here, he commands me to transmit them to you for your consideration, and he requests, if you should think it necessary, that they may be reported on.” RC ( DNA : RG 59,...
26From Thomas Jefferson to David Rittenhouse, 22 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson will be obliged to Mr. Rittenhouse to inform him who has the best assorted shop of Mathematical instruments in town. RC (Miss Elizabeth Sergeant Abbot, Philadelphia, 1954). Not recorded in SJL . TJ’s inquiry was made in behalf of George Wythe (see Wythe to TJ, 10 Jan. 1791 ; TJ to Wythe, 14 Mch. 1791 ).
27To Thomas Jefferson from Gouverneur Morris, 16 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 16 Mch. 1791 , Since his of the 26th “the Assembly have taken another Step in the same disagreable Road” described there, depriving all ships other than those built in France of the privilege of French bottoms. This, added to the other decrees already noticed, produces much sensation among the few Americans settled in French ports.—He encloses copy of the note he gave to Lafayette. “He...
28No. 13., 10 January–31 December 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
[“Extract from a Memorial presented to the States General in 1775 by a Committee of the Merchants engaged in the Whale Fishery,” printed above, Document II in the present group, where extract is identified (see note 1). In addition to the text there employed a PrC is in DLC: TJ Papers, 60: 10457, in Blackwell’s hand save for “No. 13.” inserted by TJ at head of text; Tr of text as submitted...
29From Thomas Jefferson to John Lamb, 17 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the reciept of your favor of Feb. 17. two paper packages from New York have been left here, containing newspaper and pamphlets. I was not at home and therefore do not know whether they were those committed to Capt. Bayley, and which were the subject of your letter. Should any others come, containing dutiable articles you may be assured of information of it from Sir Your very humble...
30No. 17: Abstract of the Tonnage of foreign Vessels entered in the Ports of the United States from October 1st. 1789 to … (Jefferson Papers)
Abstract of the Tonnage of foreign Vessels entered in the Ports of the United States from October 1st. 1789 to September 30th. 1790. France 13,435 Holland 8,815 Sweden 311 Prussia 394 Spain 8,551 Portugal 2,924 Denmark 1,619 Germany 1,368 British Dominions 225,495 262,912
31I. Jefferson’s Draft Memorandum on Consular Vacancies, 21 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
A note of the vacant consulships and of the candidates. Mr. Palyert says some think him a native of Engld. some of America. He travelled in the U.S. before the war. During the war he was at Lisbon, a tory. He is now a member of the Eng. factory. Is very rich and has great connections with this country. John Telles, whose papers were laid before the President some time ago, is also a candidate....
32From Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Colley, 9 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of Jan. 22. by post that by Capt. Anderson being not yet arrived. In your account you have omitted freight and commission, and I was not merchant enough to know how much they should be. I have therefore by guess inclosed you a bank post note for seventy dollars, which if too little shall be corrected. Observe that by an arrangement between the bank and Treasury, any...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Christopher Gore, 29 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The recess of Congress now permits me the honor of acknowleging the receipt of your favor of Sep. 27. together with the copies of the laws you were so kind as to send, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. Our collection now stands thus. The only chasm in this seems to be from 1772. to 1780. to which I will continue to ask the attention you are so kind as to promise, as occasions arise...
34From Thomas Jefferson to William Nelson, Jr., 29 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two favours of Nov. 22. and that of Feb. 4. came to hand during the session of Congress, and making part only of a very extensive subject, I was obliged to postpone it till Congress had risen. The laws also which you were so kind as to send have been received. Our collection stands thus at present. Laws of 1775. Dec. 1783. Oct. 1776. May and Oct. 1784. May and Oct. 1777. May. 5. 1785.Oct...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, 5 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Coxe has the honor to enclose to Mr. Jefferson some notes upon navigation marked [A] which he prepared at the request of the Chairman on the Navigation Committee. That subject being now refer’d to Mr. Jefferson by the house of representatives Mr. Coxe takes the liberty of depositing these papers with him in the hope that they may be of some use. Mr. C. also has the honor to enclose a...
36II. Jefferson’s Notes on Coxe’s Commercial System for the United States, [ca. 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
Federal farmer MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 36: 6230); in TJ’s hand; at head of text: “Tench Cox’s enquiry into the principles of American commerce” undated, but presumably drawn up about the time TJ received a copy of Coxe’s pamphlet in July 1787. The federal farmer was Richard Henry Lee, whose letters in opposition to the Constitution, Observations leading to a fair examination of the system of...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 5 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Thompson the gentleman whom I mentioned last summer to you as a Candidate for a Consulship has applied to me again on the same subject by a letter which I inclose to you now. I will not repeat my desire that my representation may not have the least weight, as I know that it ought not, and of course am fully convinced that it will not. However as in this case perhaps the inquiry into the...
38Editorial Note: Death of Franklin (Jefferson Papers)
News of the death of Benjamin Franklin arrived in New York City on 22 April 1790. That same day James Madison arose in the House of Representatives, voiced a brief, moving tribute, and proposed that the members wear badges of mourning for a month. This, he said, should be done in respect for “a citizen whose native genius was not more an ornament to human nature, than his various exertions of...
39To Thomas Jefferson from John Jay, 24 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I this Day received the enclosed from the Post Office. It is the only Letter that I have received from Mr. Chiappe since I left the Office for foreign Affairs; and as it belongs to that Department I take the earliest Opportunity of transmitting it to you.—I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Esteem Dear Sir your most obt. & hble. servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); endorsed by TJ as...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 25 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your father’s favor of Sep. 25. and am happy that the Vice-consular commission which you must have recieved soon after was made to his liking. He desires me to say whether I still wish to have the commission executed as to the olives. I wish it, Sir, extremely. My honour is somewhat compromitted in that matter with the state of South Carolina, as it was on my earnest...
41No. 15: Grain and Flour imported from the United States of America into the Ports of France, in the Year 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Grain and Flour imported from the United States of America into the Ports of France, in the Year 1789. from an official Statement. French kentals. } equal to } 24,680 Tierces of 500 French pounds each. Rice 123,401 69 Flour 256,545 94 140,959 American barrels. Wheat 2,015,297 3 3,664,176 }
42From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 17 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favours of Feb. 8. and 21. have both come to hand. The former not till 4. or 5. days ago. I am made happy by learning that my daughter is so well as also the little stranger . According to your desire expressed in the letter first mentioned, tho’ last recieved, I take the liberty of proposing for her the name of Anne , a name which must be very dear to you, and belongs also to Patsy’s...
43II. The President to the Secretary of State, 2 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Notes are sufficiently descriptive to comprehend the two objects fully; but it is necessary to remark, that if the first line begins at a point on Hunting Creek, the fourth line cannot, in any part, touch (Though it will include ) the Town of Alexandria; because Huntg. Creek is below the boundaries of the Town.—And, if it could be so ordered as for the first line to avoid touching...
44X. Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock, 20 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
With many thanks for the papers and information you were pleased to have procured for me on the important subject of the fisheries, I do myself the honour of now inclosing you a copy of my report to the house of representatives. From the disposition I see prevailing in the principal mass of the Southern members to take measures which may secure to us the principal markets for the produce of...
45III. Report of Secretary of State on Consular Vacancies, 23 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Reasons for not Reporting to the President, at this time, consular nominations for the following ports. Gottenburg. } No candidate Amsterdam Greenleaf Cadiz P. R. Randolph [Randall] (he has not applied lately), Richd. Codman of Massachusets, and Thomas Thompson. Lorient Vale [Vail] It is desireable there should be a greater choice of candidates; and appointments at those ports are not very...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Daniel L. Hylton, 9 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Understanding that tobacco continues low in Virginia, whereas the price here for the best is about a guinea, I wish to make an experiment of bringing some of mine here. I have nobody at Richmond to act for me, and therefore on looking about for a friend to execute this commission, I feel a confidence in your being so good as to do it. I would wish to have 20 hogsheads sent to me by the first...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Fenwick, Mason & Co., 10 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
We have the honor of your favor of the 6th. Sepr. addressed to our J. F. containing letters to several wine proprietors with a request to pay for and expedite the several parcels of wine you ordered, which shall be complyed with by the first vessel in Philadela. Tho’ as oppertunities direct from here are very rare, we shall venture to expedite your Wines when received by the first good vessel...
48To Thomas Jefferson from William Short, 30 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On my arrival here a few days ago I found your letter of the 23d. of January. The statement which you there give me of the reciept of my several letters is truly mortifying. They must necessarily have lost their principal merit by arriving so long after their contents had become known and given place to other matters of more recent date and greater interest. I had however followed the same...
49Editorial Note: The Admission of Kentucky and Vermont to the Union (Jefferson Papers)
A piece of doggerel in Bache’s General Advertiser at the opening of Congress voiced the politics of equilibrium underlying this first of a series of compromises for achieving sectional balance within the nation: But Kentucky had not been given to the union. Six years of persistent effort on the part of her people and their leaders lay back of the Virginia-Kentucky compact of 1790 which awaited...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Freneau, 5 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not receive the Letter you did me the honour to write till this day, and cannot sufficiently express my acknowledgements for the offer you make me of occupying the place you mention, in your office. Having been for sometime past engaged in endeavouring to establish a Weekly Gazette in Monmouth County, East Jersey, and having at present a prospect of succeeding in a tolerable...