1Report by Albert Gallatin, with Jefferson’s Opinion, 9 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to enclose the answer of William Watson Collector of Plymouth to the charges against him transmitted in Mr King’s letter of the 1st. of December last. From the several documents it appears that Anton Powell then resident of Havana having purchased in 1799. 1800. from James Byays of Baltimore a new built Maryland vessel registered in the name of said...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Gibson & Jefferson, 1 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of May 26. & 28. are both recieved, and their contents duly noted. I this day draw on you in favor of Richard Richardson for 133.33 D to cover which mr Barnes makes you now a remittance of 200. Dol. and on this day week we shall remit you about 900. D. more to cover the purchase of the hams, J. W. Eppes’s draught on you in favor of Bell for 300. D. payable June 16. and some other...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 14 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I take up my pen merely because I have not written to you since my arrival here, and simply to inform you I am well. I shall be happy to hear the same from you; and hope this day’s post may bring me that information, or that Fontrees’s waggon will do it which I expect will arrive tomorrow or next day. we are selling off all our vessels except the 13. frigates established by law; bringing 7 of...
4From Thomas Jefferson to Hugh Henry Brackenridge, 29 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
My business not permitting me to be a very punctual correspondent, I did not, at the time, acknolege the receipt of your favors of Jan. 30. & Feb. 17. I am just now on my departure for Monticello where I propose to pass the months of Aug. & Sep. rather than on the tidewaters. we are still uninformed of the fate of Egypt. indeed the only thing new of any importance is the communication from his...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas McKean, 24 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 21st. is duly recieved. it is on a subject the most difficult of all we have to act on. my idea is that the mass of our countrymen, even of those who call themselves Federalists, are republican. they differ from us but in a shade of more or less power to be given to the Executive or Legislative organ. they were decoyed into the net of the Monarchists by the XYZ contrivance....
6From Thomas Jefferson to Gouverneur Morris, 8 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 8th. Apr. found me at Monticello on a short visit to make some arrangements preparatory to my removal here. I returned on the 30th. and have taken time to examine into the state of our furniture funds. after procuring all other more essential articles I think there will be about 4000. D. which might be better invested in plate than in more perishable articles. if therefore it...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Gouverneur Morris, 6 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 20. is just recieved and I hasten to reply to it. the view of the funds for furnishing the President’s house which I [gave] you in my last was just. they are absolutely inadequate to the acquisition of the whole service of plate which you have been so kind as to propose. the terrines and Casserolles would have been desireable in the first degree; the dishes in the second;...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Bishop James Madison, 9 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have never had time to acknolege the reciept of your favor of Dec. 24. yet it came very opportunely, and probably saved me from doing what I might have been led to. the subject of your letter , appeared here soon after, and conducted himself on a plan as incomprehensible, as it was unworthy.—yours of Apr. 19. is recieved. your friend Doctr. Barraud has nothing to fear (barring just...
9From Thomas Jefferson to John Roberts, 7 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The approbation which in the name of the 31st. regiment of Kentucky & of the citizens of Montgomery county , you have been pleased to express of my past conduct in public & private life is highly gratifying; and it will be my endeavor to continue to deserve it through the course of my future service. Your confidence that my objects will be to preserve the constitution inviolate, to defeat...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Douglas, 28 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately on the reciept of Dr. [ Waterhouse’s letter ] I [delivered it] together with the pamphlets & vaccine matter which accompanied it to Doctr. Gantt of this place, thinking it best not to risk it’s loss by sending it on to Virginia as he proposed. it proved in event that [it’s infection] was already lost, as not a single inoculation with it has succeeded. the letter is still in Doctr....
11From 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...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 17 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The act concerning duties &c where it says that ‘the President is authorised to establish such place at or near Michillimakinac to be the port of entry,’ might have been construed to leave it discretionary in him to do it or not, had it not been followed by the imperative words ‘a collector shall be appointed.’ this seems to remove the ambiguity of the former words, and to make it a duty to...
13From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 3 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you on the 17th. of April accepting 7. D. for my tobo. by return of the post which brought the offer: and on the 21st. I inclosed you the manifests of the Albemarle part of it. those of Bedford you had before. I have not heard whether you closed the sale. I expect that fine hams for table use can be obtained in Richmond & it’s vicinities; by which I do not mean large, but rather small...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 28 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
An immense accumulation of business, my dear Maria, has prevented my writing to you since my arrival at this place. but it has not prevented my having you in my mind daily & hourly, and feeling much anxiety to hear from you, & to know that mr Eppes & yourself are in good health. I am in hopes you will not stay longer than harvest where you are, as the unhealthy season advances rapidly after...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Theodore Foster, 9 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Apr. 28. has been duly recieved, and I sincerely rejoice with you in the regeneration of your state, and the evidence they have given of a return from the phrenzy of 98. I confidently hope the mass of our countrymen every where will be shortly united, with the exception of a few too far committed to retreat. I am sure the measures I mean to pursue are such as would in their...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Elijah Brown, 7 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The very affectionate address which you have been pleased to present me on behalf of the 16th. regiment of South Carolina, demands & recieves my warmest thanks. the interest you feel in my appointment to the Presidency, your confidence in my sincere dispositions to oppose the exercise of all arbitrary power, & to preserve inviolate our liberties and constitution, and your promises of support...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Enoch Edwards, 9 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 3d. is duly received. I have not suffered for want of the carriage: and even now mr Hanse may take his own time, for I shall shortly set out for Monticello where I shall pass the months of August & September. he may finish it off therefore at his leisure; and whenever it is ready a line from him or yourself notifying it to me will find me at Monticello, and will suffer but a...
18From Thomas Jefferson to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 2 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
On consideration of the three plans presented by Capt Hobens for providing an apartment for the H. of Representatives of the US. that appears to me most to be approved which proposes to raise, to the height of one story only, the elliptical wall or arcade in the Southern wing destined ultimately for their occupation; without carrying up at present the external square wall which is to include...
19From 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...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, 18 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday came to hand your favor of the 13th. with the pleasing information of the health of the family. I recieved at the same time a letter of June 12. from mr Eppes informing me of his & Maria’s health, that he was then engaged in his harvest, and as soon as that should be over he proposed to go up to Monticello with Maria. he expressed great regret at not having removed her there sooner....
21Notes on a Cabinet Meeting, 15 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Shall the squadron now at Norfolk be ordered to cruise in the Mediterranean what shall be the object of the cruize. Lincoln. Our men of war may repel an attack on individual vessels, but after the repulse, may not proceed to destroy the enemy’s vessels generally. Gallatin. to declare war & to make war is synonimous. the Exve cannot put us in a state of war. but if we be put into that state...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Truxtun, 28 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved in due time your favor of the 18th. covering your commission for the purpose of inspection. altho’ this communication was expressly made to me in my private character, yet as it is only as a public officer that my opinion can be of any consequence, I shall freely express [it.?] the considerations urged in your letter are undoubtedly weighty and bear with force on the question of...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 24 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
According to contract , immediately on the reciept of mr Eppes’s letter of the 12th . I wrote him mine of the 17th. and having this moment recieved yours of June 18. I hasten to reply to that also. I am very anxious you should hasten your departure for Monticello, but go a snail’s pace when you set out. I shall certainly be with you the last week of July or first week of August. I have a...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale, 29 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favors of June 29. & July 25. to congratulate you on the prospect you have of obtaining a compleat skeleton of the great incognitum, and the world on there being a person at the critical moment of the discovery who has zeal enough to devote himself to the recovery of these great animal monuments. Mr. Smith the Secretary of the Navy will give orders...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 9 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
When it became necessary for me to name a successor to Mr. Stoddart, as Secretary of the Navy, my attention was naturally first called to those gentlemen whose line of life led them to an intimacy with ship-building & navigation. the place was therefore proposed to your brother, to mr Langdon & to Capt Jones. they have all declined it. it becomes now necessary to find one in some other line....
26From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 2 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledged yesterday the receipt of yours of May 28. and have not since seen mr Barnes . but as I have to remit you a larger sum in the course of a week, it will certainly be better that you retain the 679.84 D of mr Short’s in part of what I have to remit and mr Barnes will place so much here to the credit of mr Short. I only wish that these new exchanges may not enter into the account...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Julian Ursin Niemcewicz, 29 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. is just recieved. I shall be at Monticello during the months of Aug. & Sep. which I believe comprehend the [seeding] time of the Polygala Seneca, in which case I will endeavor to have some saved. I know however it is become extremely rare. lest my efforts should fail, I may mention that in that event Bartram could furnish either the plants or [seeds].—I recieved from mr...
28From 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...
29Memorandum on Restitution of Prizes, [on or after 17 July 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
It is objected that the act of Congress Mar. 3. 1800. c. 14. sect. 1.2. entitles a citizen owner of a vessel to restitution until the vessel has been condemned by competent authority on paying salvage to the captor. every man, by the law of nature, and every fellow citizen by compact, is bound to assist another against violence to his person or property. tho’ therefore by the law of nature the...
30From Thomas Jefferson to William Jones, 16 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
General Smith has so far enabled us to get along with the navy department, by undertaking it’s direction without accepting the [commission], emoluments, or any thing which might vacate his seat in the H. of Representatives. but he will soon be obliged to relinquish it, so that I must make an appointment. before I do so I cannot deny myself the chance that a further view of the subject may have...
31Enclosure: To Suffield Citizens, 3 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve with great satisfaction the congratulations of the citizens of Suffield & the neighboring towns who have been pleased to tender them on my appointment to the first office of government in the United States. and should I be able to preserve the general tranquility of the republic, or be instrumental in promoting the happiness of those who have placed me in this station, the measure of...
32From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 29 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a draught of the Columbia bank on the bank of the US. for 250. D. which mr Barnes assures me is as good as bank notes [get.] it will be paid either in Philadelphia or New York. this he knows of his own experience. it is intended to cover a balance due from me to Hen[ry Duke] of Hanover, of about 150. Dol. and to pay mr Ast 91.[30] D for the insurance company. he [has] some demand...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Nicholas King, 29 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of yesterday has been duly recieved. I doubt whether we have the same view of the transaction between the Commissioners and mr Prout, as to the matter of fact. their agreement was to redivide the lots in question, so as to give to mr Prout his part on one side of a street and to have theirs on another side, an operation which I understand to be agreeable to law & practice. the...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, [25 July 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 23d. came to hand last night. I am unacquainted with the particular conduct of young Yznardi, but if it has been strongly improper I wish his retirement: because having rejected a midnight nomination there, the person substituted should be above exception. I see but one remedy, which is to make mr Yznardi, the father, Consul. [I am] persuaded he can render us better services than...
35From Thomas Jefferson to James Dinsmore, 10 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 5th . is recieved this day. I wonder the Copper sheets had not got to hand, as it is very long since they left Philadelphia. the steps, or plinths for the dome must be got from Fluvanna. as there seems to be too little dependance on Reuben Perry to let the whole work of the housejoiner & plaisterer depend on him alone, I will pray you to engage some other person to go on with the...
36From 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...
37Enclosure: Certificate for Richard Richardson, 1 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I Thomas Jefferson do hereby certify that Richard Richardson to whom this paper is delivered is a native citizen of the state of Virginia, was brought up a bricklayer, that he came into my service as such in the year 1796. being then as I supposed about 21. or 22. years of age; and worked for me at my house in Virginia as a bricklayer every season from that to the close of the season of the...
38From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 29 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since mine of the 26th. Callender is arrived here. he did not call on me; but understanding he was in distress, I sent Capt Lewis to him with 50. D. to inform him we were making some enquiries as to his fine which would take a little time, & lest he suffer in the mean time I had sent him &c. his language to Capt Lewis was very high toned. he intimated that he was in possession of things which...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 24 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 22d. is recieved the last night. mr Buchanan shall recieve the appointment of Commercial agent to the isles of France & Bourbon as desired. mr Stacey’s being one of the midnight appointments is suppressed on that ground. mr Lewis who actually holds the former commission will resign. to make this easy to him I wish not to issue the new commission till his resignation comes in,...
40From Thomas Jefferson to William Baker, 30 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A large district, consisting of about ten or a dozen counties of Virginia 4. or 5 of Maryland, & the territory of Columbia, was created by the last Congress into a separate district by the name of the district of Potomac, the court of which is to be held […]. mr D[ent] who was appointed the Marshal, after [acting?] some time has resigned [he says] it would [seem?] from the richness & extent of...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Enoch Edwards, 11 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last I have seen a carriage (Chariot) with oblong octagon lights in the hind quarters & behind; in the back, the long axis of the octagon was horizontal; in the quarters it was perpendicular. these give more air than the quandrantal lights in the quarters, and semicircular behind, and look very well. if you approve of it I should be willing to substitute them for the other but on this...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Levi Lincoln, 11 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15th. came to hand on the 25th. of June, and conveyed a great deal of that information which I am anxious to recieve. the consolidation of our fellow citizens in general is the great object we ought to keep in view, and that being once obtained, while we associate with us in affairs to a certain degree the federal sect of republicans, we must strip of all the means of...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth House Trist, 1 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 13th. is duly recieved. I have not yet had a good opportunity of speaking with mr Gallatin on the subject of mr Fowler ; but it shall be done; and whatsoever the justice due to others may permit, will with pleasure be yielded to your wishes. I must observe at the same time that such is the effect of our conciliation plan, & so strongly has it operated on the minds of our...
44From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 20 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16th. came to hand yesterday, & by this day’s post I inclose you a draught on Gibson & Jefferson for 50. D. payable to Majr. Wm. Duval to whom you will be so good as to explain that it is for Genl. Lawson . I now write an answer to the Genl. but will keep it back a couple of days as it furnishes me in that way an excuse for having previously placed the money in Duval’s hands....
45From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, [20 July 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
If mr Barnes has not sent off the groceries to Richmond, Th:J will be obliged to him to add the underwritten articles. he has also two or three books he would send to have put into some of the packages 10. ℔ raisins P.S. also to send Th:J. 20. D. in small bills. 10. ℔ almonds 10. ℔ figs 10. ℔ prunes. MS ( ViU ); undated; in TJ’s hand, except for check marks next to each grocery item and a note...
46From Thomas Jefferson to St. George Tucker, 3 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 25 . came safely to hand. I ought not to be surprised at any shape which calumny can assume. yet I confess I was at the one mentioned by you to be in circulation . I thought my age, & ordinary demeanor would have prevented any suggestions in that form, from the improbability of their obtaining belief. the persons alluded to, staid a few days, till they could procure & furnish...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, 4 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The question of Neutral rights has not yet been taken up in our Cabinet. there is a visible leaning however to the liberal side. having had occasion in a particular case to state my own opinion privately, it will not be improper that Chancellor Livingston should see it; and the rather, as I believe my coadjutors, when we shall come to compare notes, will be found in the same sentiments. but...
48From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 6 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a bill of lading just recieved for a quarter cask of wine shipped by Henry Sheaff of Philadelphia to your address by my order. the wine is intended for mr [Thos.] Randolph to replace some I borrowed of him. be therefore so good as to forward it to him by the Milton boats, but one whose fidelity may be relied on. perhaps you had better ask mr Randolph’s advice by what boat to send...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 25 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 19. came to hand yesterday. as it says nothing of your health I presume all are well. I recieved yesterday also a letter from Maria of the 18th. she was then well & preparing to go to Eppington, and in about 4. weeks expected to set out for Albemarle. mr Eppes was engaged in his harvest much obstructed by rain, & regretting he had not before deposited Maria at Monticello. I hope...
50Notes 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...