101From Thomas Jefferson to George Clinton, 17 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
To you I need not make the observation that of all the duties imposed on the Executive head of a government, appointment to office is the most difficult & most irksome. you have had long experience of it, and are I hope by this time ascertained of being in the way of experiencing it again, on which accept my sincere congratulations. disposed myself to make as few changes in office as possible,...
102To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 17 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel myself at present not in the act of asking a favour but of doing my Duty. A proper respect to your important avocations must furnish an excuse for my saying very briefly what I have to suggest. I have heard that numerous improvements, particularly many public buildings are contemplated at Washington City. It is impossible that any thing of this kind can be meditated without your feeling...
103Notes on a Cabinet Meeting, 17 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
May 17. Treaty proposed with Cherokees. agreed unanimously. Object. 1. to obtain the lands between Sumner & Mero district , offering as far as an annuity of 1000. D. and a sum in gross not exceeding 5000. D. 2. if not obtainable, then buy all the accomodns on the road between the two districts at such sum in gross as the Commrs. think fit. to treat with Chickasaws. 1. to buy their lands...
104To Thomas Jefferson from David Leonard Barnes, 18 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I should do great injustice to my own feelings, if I did not in addition to the usual Letter to the Secretary of State, declaring my acceptance of the appointment as District Judge , trouble you with this personally, to acknowledge the high sense I have of the honor done me, by that appointment both on account of the confidence you have thought proper to place in me, and the very friendly...
105To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Barnes, 18 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Not having an opportunity directly, I had the pleasure of addressing you, Mr. Jefferson, on the 7th Ult to care of Mr. Appleton, Consul of the U.S. at Leghorn—expressive of the high gratification I reced. from the certain information of your being prefered to the Presidency of the United States—refering you to my Letter dated Naples Sepr. 27th. 1800 —for my sentiments of the presumptive happy...
106To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Claxton, 18 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am preparing to Start from this place for Philadelphia on Thursday next, and beg leave to lay before you a view of such Articles as appear to me to be necessary for the further completion of the furnishing of the Presidents House—Nothing Sir, would trouble my mind more than, (by progressing according to my own ideas, without your concurrence) to derange any plan which you may have formed...
107To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 18 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The valuations & enumerations for the State of South Carolina , directed to be made under the Act entitled “An Act to provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling Houses and the enumeration of Slaves within the United States,” are not yet completed. Mr. William A. Deas late Commissioner for the first division of that State, resigned his Commission on the 10th. of October last, and his...
108To Thomas Jefferson from Levi Hunt, Jr., 18 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me for a moment to solicit your attention from the affairs of a great nation to the situation of an unfortunate young man—nothing but a profound sense of the generosity of your character, and a conviction of the absolute necessity of the measure, could persuade me to make this almost desperate attempt to recover from the embarrassed state of my affairs— My Father the Revd Levi Hunt, of...
109To Thomas Jefferson from Richard Richardson, 18 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
a letter addrested to mr Jones of this place I think Conserns me. I think I must be the person to whome the inquirey makes mention of as I no of no one Else by my name who was with you at that time and of no person being at philadelphia with you about that time and after takeing leave of you In Philadelphia I went on to new york and saw this man whome it is said is dead I should be glad to...
110To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Truxtun, 18 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty of addressing you personally as to my situation in the establishment of the Navy—a member of which I became, not from any pecuniary consideration, but from motives of Patriotism, and a pure love of Country and the Service. In the year 1794 when the first attempt was made towards a marine armament under the present Government of the United States—an act of Congress (as...
111To Thomas Jefferson from Madame de Corny, 19 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Sans doute c’est beaucoup qu’une marque de souvenir et croyez, monsieur, que je scay lapprécier. mais un silence de dix années lorsque tout les genres de malheurs mont accablé, et que celuy de mourir eut été le moindre, c’est ce que jay ressenti vivement. lorsque le bled nous a tant manqué et qu’un louis de 6000₶ fesoit mon revenu; je croyois toujours que mon amy jefferson menverroit un peu de...
112To Thomas Jefferson from Theodore Foster, 19 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Fenner happened to be at the Post Office on Sunday Morning last, when the Mail was opened and recd. from thence the Letter, which you did me the Honor to write to me on the 9th Instant.—He delivered it to me a few minutes afterward at my House, when he shewed me the Letter which he wrote you respecting the Appointment of an Attorney for the United States, in the District of Rhode...
113To Thomas Jefferson from John Vaughan, 19 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed I have just recieved, & am requested to forward in the same manner as a former one, the reply if sent as before, will be carefully & safely forwarded— I have just recieved a letter from our much respected friend Dr Priestley who is entirely recover’d, & resumes his studies— I remain with the greatest respect Dr Sir. Your obt. & obliged friend & servt RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as...
114To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph G. Chambers, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
From the Plow I withdraw my hand to address the President of the United States. But the Plow is not mean in the Eyes of Jefferson, the Friend of Farmers, the Patron of the Republican Virtues of Agricultural life. I should however scarcely have presumed to intrude upon the Presidents leisure, from a situation so obscure, were it not for the small Acquaintance which I had the Honor & very great...
115To Thomas Jefferson from Lewis Goldsmith, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The great & important Situation in which you are plac’d induces me to take the Liberty to address two Books to you — One consists of a collection of facts & anecdotes tending to expose the base & unjust Measures of certain European cabinets, whose Conduct cannot fail to be view’d with horror in any Country which like your’s is blessd with a free Government. The other is a Translation of a...
116To Thomas Jefferson from William Jones, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot repress the emotions excited by your favor of the 16th. Instant—they were of profound respect and gratitude for the reiterated proofs of your kind confidence, mingled with extreme regret and painful reflections arising from the imperious necessity of declining the acceptance of an appointment so honorable in itself and rendered still more so by the manner in which it has been...
117To Thomas Jefferson from Peter S. Marks, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is a Coppy of the proceedings of the Court Martial by which I was tryed I have also forwarded Coppys of Mr. Nicholases Letters to me on that Subject—you will find by one of his letters that he Advices me to wait on you at the Seat of Government—which I should do, but am prevented by indisposition, if after examning the Testimony, you should be of opinion I have not deserved the...
118To Thomas Jefferson from Gouverneur Morris, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your Favor of the eighth Instant and am looking out for an Opportunity to send on the Plate, concluding you will some how or other take the whole Set. You say you have Forks and Spoons enough. In that Case it will be better to sell them, which can always be done to Advantage, and take those belonging to the Set which if I remember right are made of a Pattern to suit the Rest....
119To Thomas Jefferson from Marc Auguste Pictet, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Dans une époque où Genêve désolée par les crimes révolutionnaires n’offroit plus à Ses citoyens que la plus désolante perspective, vous daignates accueillir avec bonté les vœux que je formois pour chercher en Amérique une nouvelle Patrie . Vous accompagnâtes cet accueil des conseils les plus Sages et les plus Salutaires pour m’engager à ne pas prendre trop légérement un parti qui pouvoit avoir...
120To Thomas Jefferson from Hepzibah Clarke Swan, 20 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Be pleased to excuse the Liberty I have taken in addressing your Excellencey on the part of Mr Swan whose desire to obtain the Consul, Genoral, Ship at Paris has I believe through the Vice President been made known to you—The respectability—Confidence—and friendship, which Mr Swan has attained of that Goverment—by his fidelity and Zeal in their Affairs—is now fully acknowledged. from this, and...
121Jacob Wagner’s Notes on a Letter from Rühle von Lilienstern, [ca. 20 May 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
He proposes to establish three colonies under the authority of the U.S. to be peopled with emigrants from Germany, whose inducement to remove is the misery brought upon them by the prevailing war. 1st. Colony, to be settled at New Holland , either in the gulf of Carpentaria or the unexplored bay opposite the Island of Timor. 2nd. do. to be settled in Africa, at Dalagoa Bay, opposite the Island...
122To Thomas Jefferson from John Drayton, 21 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding that arrangements are making by the Government of the United States, for the exchange of French prisoners ; I flatter myself, the public service may be promoted, by addressing you this letter. To this purpose, I enclose you a copy of a letter written to me, last year, by Mr. William Crafts Navy Agent of the United States; respecting French prisoners, now in custody in this State. This,...
123To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, [21 May 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose the two letters I mentioned this morning , and two more recd. from my personal friends by this day’s post. That from Davis himself excepted, the others you will easily perceive were intended only for my perusal. As to Davis himself, supposing a vacancy to take place, I know not a man likely to make a better officer. The only objection is that he has not heretofore moved in a very...
124From Thomas Jefferson to Yusuf Qaramanli, Pasha and Bey of Tripoli, 21 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The assurances of friendship which our Consul has given you, & of our sincere desire to cultivate peace & commerce with your subjects, are faithful expressions of our dispositions, and you will continue to find proofs of them in all those acts of respect & friendly intercourse which are due between nations standing as we do in the relations of peace & amity with each other. at the conclusion...
125To Thomas Jefferson from Winthrop Sargent, 21 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
As the Intelligence contained in the enclosed Hand Bill seems important I take Leave to transmit the same by Post believing it will come to hand one Day earlier than any other of those Bills which shall be forwarded— I arrived in Boston Sir from the mississippi Territory a few Days since and am now upon my Way to pay my Respects to you at the Seat of Government—but my health permits me not to...
126From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 29 [i.e. 22] May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am late in answering your favor of the 4th. because the Navy department, from an extraordinary press of business, could not till within this day or two furnish me the inclosed papers . you will see by them that the money for Gosport (12,000. D.) has been placed in Norfolk at mr Hopkins’s command, ever since the last week in January. why it should have been witheld so long he will probably...
127To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 22 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I was requested by the General Assembly at its last Session to transmit to the President of the United States, a copy of my communication to it, with the documents accompanying it, relative to the conduct of the Britith Consul at Norfolk, who was charged with having received a man of a Magistrate of the Borough of Norfolk, said to have confessed himself one of the Mutineers on board the...
128To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Van Cortlandt, 22 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
It is expected that a Republican Carracter will be appointed to the office of supervisor of the Revenue in this City in the place of Colo. N. Fish. and having had some conversation with my brother Pierre Van Cortlandt Junr: upon this Subject I find it will be very Acceptable to him; & altho a brother I hope there will not appear any impropriety in expressing my full approbation and of Joining...
129To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., [22 May 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
Muy Señor mio, y de todo mi Respecto he faltado a mi dever deseandole su feliz Arribo á esa Capital, y darle gracias por la Orden dada para qe el pleyto de Mr Pintard se defienda por Mr. Dalas, por qe mi Salud ha buelto á devilitarse de Manera, qe Conosco, no se Conforma el clima a mi Contistusion, y qe me presisará dejar este Pais Antes, qe pensava como no me restablesca, y por lo tanto...
130From Thomas Jefferson to Elias Boudinot, 23 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
You know the dispositions of the legislature to discontinue the establishment of the Mint on account of it’s expence, and that there is a possibility, not to say more that the design will be resumed. mr Leslie, the bearer of this, has explained to me a mode of performing the operation of coining which would prodigiously abridge it’s expences, if it answers; the proposition looks well, it rests...
131To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper and Others, 23 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Desirous of cooperating with the chief Magistrate in his purpose to maintain the respectability and purity of Republican Government, by entrusting public functions to those only whose private virtues, talents, and attachment to the freedom and security of their fellow citizens and the peace and independence of their country entitle them to confidence and respect;—we whose names are hereunto...
132From Thomas Jefferson to William Duane, 23 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 10th. and shall always be thankful for any information you will favor me with, interesting to our affairs, & particularly which may enable me to understand the differences of opinion & interest which seem to be springing up in Pensva., & to be subjects of uneasiness. if that state splits it will let us down into the abyss. I hope so much from the...
133To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 23 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit for the information of the President, a letter dated the 16th instant, from Benjamin Reynolds formerly Gaugher for the port of Wilmington in the District of Delaware, on the subject of certain charges heretofore exhibited by him to Mr Wolcott late Secretary of the Treasury against Allen McLane, Collector of said District. The letter of Reynolds to Mr Wolcott as...
134To Thomas Jefferson from William Lambert, 23 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose a letter to me from Mr. Beckley , which, as it fully explains the motive of my coming to this place, will probably have more weight than any thing I could say for myself, should a vacancy happen in any of the Executive departments which I might be thought competent to fill without interfering with the pretensions of others who may have a better claim than myself....
135From Thomas Jefferson to John Langdon, 23 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
After your refusal of the office of Secretary of the Navy, it was proposed to Capt Jones of Philadelphia who in like manner declined it. Genl. Smith then agreed to perform the duties without being appointed or recieving any reward. he has nearly compleated the requisitions of the law . on a surmise that Capt Jones might give a different answer on a second application, I proposed it to him...
136To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 23 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have inclosed you the papers relative to the British Consul at Norfolk, in the affr. of the man who was sent to the Island and as reported executed, for mutiny on bd. a British ship. In a private letter sometime since I submitted to you a question respecting the mode of correspondence to be observed, between the Executive of the Genl. Govt. and a state, in wh. I gave my opinion freely. I...
137To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, 23 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of 14. inst: gave us the intelligence, which we ever expect yet allways hear with delight, of your health. Martha is in the most florid health; Virginia, the children, all of us indeed, well.—I have just learnt by a messenger I sent to Poplar forest this week that Clarke is well & has planted a good deal of Tob’o. I learn with sorrow that the French are about to get possession of...
138From Thomas Jefferson to George W. Erving, 24 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the reforms in the economy of our government which we propose to make, is the discontinuance of the diplomatic missions to Berlin, the Hague & Portugal. Lisbon however being an important scene of commerce, and one where a public functionary may find occasions of rendering valuable services, it is necessary that we send thither a consul in whose talents, principles & prudence we have...
139To Thomas Jefferson from Nathaniel Macon, 24 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 14 instant has been received, and the enclosed put in the post office at Warrenton for Mr. Potter, I have written to him fully on the appointment, and have hopes that he will accept, I have candidly stated to him, the probability of the act under which he is appointed being repealed, I saw him last week, though not knowing whether he would be appointed, I did not say so much...
140From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Peyton, 24 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
the Marshal’s office of Potomac is become vacant by the resignation of mr Dent. it appears to be an important district, comprehending rich parts of Virginia & Maryland; yet I do not know whether it is likely to be among the profitable offices of that kind. very much uninformed of your ordinary pursuits, I cannot judge how far such an office may be […] to you, yet should it prove so, there is...
141To Thomas Jefferson from Aaron Burr, 25 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A very respectable republican character of R. Island, has desired me to suggest to you that it would in his opinion be politic to appoint Mr. How[ell] (late Commissr. on the St. Croix line) district atty. Next to Ho[wel]l, he recommends Nathl. S[ear]le—I am inclined to believe that the recommendation is discreet & the designation, Judicious; but you have probably, at hand, the means of further...
142To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 25 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
As the desire of an Acquaintance with those whom We have been long accustomed to esteem, is a very natural and commendable Inclination of our Minds, I cheerfully consent to gratify, as far as I am able, that Disposition in Dr. John Vaughan of this Place. He wishes to know the Man whom he has for Years revered as a Citizen, and he flatters himself, that as he is a stranger, an Introduction by...
143To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Peyton, 25 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The testimony of confidence afforded me in your letter of yesterday is highly gratifying, and I beg leave to tender you my warmest acknowledgements for the offer you make of confering on me the office of Marshall for the District of Potomac, After deliberating on all the circumstances attendant on the acceptance of this office, I am led to believe it will not comport either with my interest or...
144To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Woodcock, 25 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
this for to be Laide before the president and Congress you Down or me down that the Kingdom wich Cannot be Shaken may Remaine and no Ceaches for Corruption no not won for the Lord God allmighty will have Servants that are in Subgection unto him there From RC ( DLC ); franked; postmarked Baltimore; endorsed by TJ as received 27 May and so recorded in SJL .
145To Thomas Jefferson from David Austin, 26 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing that the matter of my Communications may labor in the minds of the well-disposed, and even of the candid; seeing the evidence of the things stated, visibly, are only to be gathered from a comprehensive view of the order of providence, set down first , in the written testimony, & secondly , commented upon in a manner, not discerned by every one; I take the liberty of observing, that the...
146To Thomas Jefferson from William Barton, 26 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I can duly appreciate the great political events, which have recently taken place in this country; though little else falls to my part, than tranquilly to participate, with the mass of my countrymen, in the satisfaction resulting from those occurrences—They manifestly tend to the advancement of the public weal; and, hence, they promote confidence in the breast of every sincere American. Yet,...
147To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 26 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have enclosed three more sheets of my astronomical observations.—Pages 109, and 110, contain a critical examination of a meridian traced agreeably to one of the methods which I proposed some years ago in a small publication , with this difference, I had to take γ casiop. in the vertical above α ursæ minor. on account of our latitude being too far south to take it below.—Page 111 contains the...
148To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 26 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Macon having delayed sending in the hams as soon as I expected—and not having been able to get a vessel to take them immediately on their arrival—it was only to day that I put them on board one for Norfolk, to the care of Mr. Warren Ashley our correspondent there, with directions to him to forward them to Mr. Barnes by the very first opportunity. There are nine dozen of them, weighing...
149From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 26 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
In mine of the 22d. I forgot to write on the subject of Callender , tho’ I had reserved that, for some time, to make a part of the letter. D.M.R. has contrived to put the money in such a situation that I find we could not lay our hands on it without giving room for specious criticisms. that would be a gratification to which he is not entitled. it will moreover strengthen the reasons for laying...
150To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Pinckney, 26 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been longer at my Plantations in settling my affairs than I expected I have not had an opportunity of seeing the Gentlemen I wished to consult to recommend to you a suitable character to fill the place of chief Judge for this circuit in the room of Mr Bee who declines—In my way down I saw & requested Mr John Keith of Georgetown to suffer me to mention him to you as qualified for this...