1To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 4 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
My appointment to this Government, (& if I am not greatly deceived, my conduct since my arrival,) has been pleasing to a great majority of the Citizens:—But from a variety of causes, some difficulties will attend me, in the progress of my administration.—Already my Predecessor has evidenced a disposition, to rekindle the flame of party, & his most zealous partisans, although few in number, are...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Nicolas Gouin Dufief, 4 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Aussitôt la reception de votre lettre j’ai mis à part pour vous la chimie de Chaptal en 3. V.: 8o. Je me suis ensuite occupé à chercher l’édition de l’Odyssée que vous souhaitez. Il paroit que c’est un ouvrage rare du moins à Philada. puisque plusieurs jours d’une recherche active se sont écoulés sans pouvoir en découvrir un seul exemplaire—si, une tres belle Edon. du même ouvrage par les...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Anonymous, [before 5 March] (Jefferson Papers)
Our Country by Your Assistance is happily delivered from King Craft and Priestcraft but it Labours under Lawyers Craft. I mean by Lawyers Craft, their making long Speeches to display their Abilities, and to try to pervert Justice. by this means 2 days are taken up in trying a cause of a trifling Assault, &c. by this means, tryals are put off when witnesses Come and wait att Great Expence, & 2....
4From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, [5 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I have been looking into the case which is the subject of Majr. Foreman’s letter from St. Mary’s , stating that the Govr. of E. Florida proposes to enlist souldiers within our territory for an expedition against the Creeks . the statute of June 14. 1797. is only against naval enterprizes. but that of Mar. 3. 1799 regulating intercourse with the Indians, comes perfectly up to this case in...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 5 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Governor Clinton by his letter of the 20th. ultimo, requests that a Commissioner on the part of the United States might be appointed to attend a Treaty with the Oneida Indians for the purchase of about ten thousand acres of land, which that Nation is desireous of selling, and which has heretofore been leased out to white people. The six Nations have also expressed a wish to dispose of a narrow...
6Memorandum from Albert Gallatin, with Jefferson’s Reply, [on or after 5 March] (Jefferson Papers)
This recommendation appears unexceptionable—Mr Macon says that there is no one in that part of the country on whom greater reliance may be placed than Mr. Spaight . Mr Stone who lives nearer to, though not in the district, is absent [ Reply by TJ :] not one of the recommendations say a word about mr Cheney’s politics, an omission which, in applications to this administration, I have observed...
7To Thomas Jefferson from John Hughes, 5 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you formerly my Opinion, of there being a propriety, of attending to ameliorate, the condition of prisoners of War, & of the certainty of a War with England, & the propriety of declairing the War in particular against its Goverment, and treating English prisoners of War, as was done, at the commencement of the Revolution, allowing the Sailors their Wages, and Ventures, out of the Prise...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 5 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
This is meant merely as a private suggestion to hasten the proceedings of the committee on Indian affairs of which you are chairman. the act regulating intercourse with the Indians expired the day before yesterday. in the mean time we are told the Govr. of E. Florida is preparing to enlist men in Georgia for an expedition against the Creeks. should the interval between the expiration & renewal...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Voigt, 5 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved my watch by Doctr. Logan, sealed up as you had delivered her. but on winding up the striking part in his presence, it clattered away until it run down, and so does as often as it is tried. I have therefore got the favor of mr Duane to take her back to you. he will be in Philadelphia some days, so that if you put her to rights immediately you may have time to see that she continues...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Simon Chaudron and John James Barralet, 6 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Nous vous prions d’accueillir favorablement Lhommage de L’Apothéose de Washington , que nous prenons la liberté de vous offrir. Si c’est le patrimoine des arts que le privilège de célébrer les grands hommes, cest aussi le privilège des grands hommes, que de reçevoir les offrandes des arts nous Sommes avec un profond Respect Monsieur Vos trés humbles & trés obeissants serviteurs We beg you to...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, 6 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I communicate to you early a plan I have formed for the more profitable employment of my Slaves, lest coming to you by report you might suppose the removal was meant to extend to my family allso. I have conceived a design of procuring land in the Mississippi territory & removing all my Slaves thither to establish a large Cotton plantation which I shall conduct by well selected agents from...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Abishai Thomas, 6 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
For the information of the President A. Thomas, in the absence of the Secretary of the Navy, has the honor to enclose to him a Letter receiv’d this morning from Com. Truxton , containing the pleasing intelligence that the Beef & Pork ordered for the Chesapeake about the safety of which some apprehensions were entertained has safely arrived. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; addressed: “President...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth House Trist, 6 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter for Mr. Hawkins, I beg the favor of you to direct and forward. tis to be sure a liberty that few wou’d take with the President but I cannot forget or lose in that exalted Station My friend Mr. Jefferson my excuse for troubleing you, is the insecurity of conveyence to that quarter since I have been in this Country I have written twice which I have reason to think were never...
14To Thomas Jefferson from John Archer, 7 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Should there be any Vacancy by Death, Resignation or otherwise of any of the Secretaries to any of the Legations to Europe, I would beg leave to mention to your Consideration Dr: John Archer Jun. He is a young Man about 25 Years of Age, whom I do recommend as a Man of Sobriety, Integrity and Industry I am with the greatest Respect Your very Hble Servt RC ( DNA : RG 59 , LAR ); endorsed by TJ...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Baldwin, 7 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It is most probable W Hobby is the author of the piece , he lives at that place and is supposed to write much for the Herald. In my former letter on that subject , I suggested there might be some foundation for such remarks, that I considered the question clearly confined to the three, of these, two had been reputed ancient whigs but modern tories, the other a uniform modern whig but not...
16From Thomas Jefferson to William C. C. Claiborne, 7 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I ask the favor of you to deliver the inclosed letters to the President of the Council & Speaker of the H. of Representatives of the Missisipi territory. they contain answers to the resolutions they were pleased to forward to me. I am gratified by their testimony to the world that I have done right in refusing to continue Governor Sargeant. as to his statement of the conversation between him...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Anne Cary Randolph, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, and Ellen Wayles Randolph, 7 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very happy to find that two of you can write . I shall now expect that whenever it is inconvenient for your papa & mama to write, one of you will write on a piece of paper these words ‘all is well’ and send it for me to the post office. I am happy too that miss Ellen can now read so readily. if she will make haste and read through all the books I have given her, and will let me know when...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph H. Nicholson, 8 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg Leave to enclose you a Petition from John D: Thompson of Cecil County, who it appears has been indicted for not returning the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of that County within the Time limited by Law, and wishes to have the Prosecution dismissed. I know nothing of the Merits of his Case, but send you a Letter from Mr. David, a Member of the Executive Council of Maryland, who I am well...
19To Thomas Jefferson from James Walter, 8 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Not having any personal acquaintance with thee, it is with extreme reluctance I thus address the Man whose eminent abilities has raised him to be head of the American Republic— But having lately purchased a tract of Land in Randolph County Virginia on which as I am inform’d is an elegant scite for a town, which I propose laying out the ensuing summer—I so far request thy patronage as to be...
20Memorandum from Albert Gallatin on Nominations, [9 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
Edward Croft of S. Carolina Commissioner of the first division in the State of South Carolina for executing the Act entitled an Act to provide for the valuation of lands & dwelling houses & the enumeration of slaves within the United States Nathaniel Folsom of New Hampshire—Naval officer for the district of Portsmouth Andrew Lyle of New Jersey—Surveyor for the port of New Brunswick in the...
21From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 9 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Governor of New York has desired that in addition to the negociations with certain Indians already authorised under the superintendance of John Taylor, further negociations should be held with the Oneidas and other members of the confederacy of the 6. nations for the purchase of lands in, & for, the state of New York, which they are willing to sell, as explained in the letter from the...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed warrants for— Daniel Eldridge Sailing Master. James Watson Boatswain. Robert Myers Carpenter. With much respect yr mo: ob: servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “the President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 10 Mch. and “Nominations” and so recorded in SJL . FC ( Lb in DNA :
23To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, [9 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor to return you Mr. Coxe’s Opinions —there are some Ideas, that I think useful which I have Communicated to Mr. Randolph as Chairman of the Ways & Means.—I have the honor be your friend & servt. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; address clipped: “The Preside”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 9 Mch. Enclosures: see below. COXE’S OPINIONS : although they were marked private, TJ may...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Tench Coxe, [before 10 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
The recent events in the Island of St. Domingo, if confirmed, will evince the importance to consumption and revenue of the plan of promoting the sugar, coffee, and cocoa cultivation in China, and other yet independent asiatic states particularly the first. My best documents show that St. Domingo in 1790—yielded of white & brown sugar above 140. millions of pound [wt.] of coffee 77 do. of...
25To Thomas Jefferson from "A Lover of his Country," 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Excuse the Boldness of a Youth, who dares to write to the Chief Magistrate of his Country in the manner in which every Lover of America ought. Excuse me when I tell you I never had a good Opinion of You before I saw your inaugural Speech, then I entertained the most sanguine expectations, I should by your Means see this Country rise higher in Distinction & see you honoured, revered and beloved...
26Conference with Handsome Lake, Cornplanter, and Blue Eyes: Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
When Israel Chapin, the U.S. agent to the Iroquois nations, informed the War Department in January 1802 that a delegation of Seneca Indians would be setting off on a visit to Washington, he identified Cornplanter as the head of the group. Similarly, when newspapers, which took little notice of the deputation, mentioned its passage through Pittsburgh, they described the group as consisting of...
27I. Address of Handsome Lake, [10 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I thank the Great Spirit above that I have a very bright day to talk with the Great Chief of our White Brothers—It is the Great Spirit’s doings he has appointed me for that purpose—The Great Spirit looks down upon us— The Great Spirit has appointed four Angels and appointed me the fifth, to direct our people on earth—I thank the Great Spirit that the Great Chief of my White brothers is well &...
28II. Henry Dearborn’s Reply, 13 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Father and good Friend the President of the United States has taken into consideration all that you communicated to him when you took him by the hand three days agoe, and he has authorised me to give you the following answer Brothers, The President is pleased with seeing you all in so good health after so long a journey and he rejoices in his heart to find that one of your own people has...
29III. Address of Handsome Lake, [15 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I thank the Lord for a clear sky and bright day to hear the answer of our good Father, The President of the United States— Brother, The four Angels have directed that all the lands which have been reserved for the use of your red children, should be secured to them for their comfort so long as the sun shall shine, and this they desire may be done, by giving them separate deeds for each tract...
30IV. Address of Cornplanter, [15 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
Strongly impressed with the sentiment that the Great Spirit is displeased with his red children for the little attention which they have paid to the preservation of their lands And having received reiterated assurances from the Government of the United States, that every injury on representation should be redressed, I beg leave to state to our good father the President, that Mr Morris in...
31V. Address of Handsome Lake, [15 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
The Great Spirit looks down on me this day, and expects that I shall take measures to secure all the reservations to which your red children are entitled. My anxiety on this subject is encreased by a knowledge I have of the will of the Great Spirit above us all. He expects if from me, and faithfulness to him and to my red brethren compel me to be importunate in urging a completion of this very...
32VI. Address of Blue Eyes, [15 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I thank the Lord that the day has arrived when we can settle all our business, and I thank you for the friendly manner in which it has been conducted thus far— Brother, I wish to communicate to you that our whole Nation great and small were much pleased that we were willing to come forward to our father the President, and to consult measures for the greater security and comfort of the Nation....
33VII. Henry Dearborn’s Reply to Handsome Lake, Cornplanter, and Blue Eyes, 17 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
To Conyatauyou, or Handsome Lake a Seneca Chief. Brother, Your good father the President of the United States having seen your talk of yesterday directs me to assure you, that his ears are ever open to the just complaints of his red children and his heart ever disposed to afford them releif— Brother, It is much regretted by your father the President that the Deeds securing to you the lands...
34VIII. Confirmation of Title to the Seneca and Onondaga Indians, 17 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
To all to whome these presents shall come , Greeting. Whereas it has been represented by some of the Chief-men of the Seneca and Onondago Nations of Indians that they are entitled to certain reserved Tracts of lands lying on the Cartaragus Creek, and on or near the Allegany, and which has been surveyed, laid off, and the lines regularly run, and distinctly understood; but that they are not in...
35To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
This Letter will be delivered by Archibald Alexander , prothonotary of this County, a Man of sense and sound Principles. He is deputed, as I understand, by the Inhabitants of the antient Town of New Castle, to make some application to Government , concerning Improvements of the Port there and the Advancement of commercial Interests. He believes, that I am honoured by a share of thy Friendship,...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Christopher Ellery, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
C. Ellery begs permission to state to the President the contents of two letters, received by him, recommending Robert Champlin Gardiner , of the State of Rhode Island, for the place of Consul for the U. States at Gothenburg—One of these letters is from Lieut. Gov. Potter of R. Island—the other from John Gardiner esquire of R. Island, father of Robert, formerly a member of congress— Gov. Potter...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Ellicott, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It would be to me a singular pleasure to serve my country under your administration in any capacity which would afford a decent living for myself and family, provided it did not impose the necessity of fixing my permanent residence out of the Atlantic States, to which I am confident my family would not willingly consent.— My own desire has been for many years past to reside at the City of...
38To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Taylor has to day made me a further payment of 130.$ on account of Littlebury Mosby’s bond to Mr. Short; this he says will be the exact balance which was due on it, provided Mr. M. is correct in saying that he paid Colo. Skipwith 100$ on account of it—but which Colo. S: does not recollect. So soon as this point is ascertained Mr. T. has promised me a copy of the settlement, which I will...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Le Brun, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Cette lettre, que je prends la liberté de vous adresser; est Ecrite Sous les auspices de Cette bienveillance & de Cette bonté qui vous Caractérisent: C’est Sur Cette verité, que je fonde l’espoir de la voir acceuillir favorablement. j’aurais peut-être, un autre titre à faire Valoir: Celui d’Etre l’ami particulier de vôtre Illustre ami le Général Kosciuszko , dont j’ai eu l’honneur de vous...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Charles McLaughlin, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I received by the Baltimore Stage a Couple of Fresh Cod Fish, which my Brother writes me were alive at 4 O.Clock this morning—and as I find Fish of every kind to be Scarce here at this time, I take the liberty to send One by the bearer hereof, which you will please to Accept from Sir, your Obt. Servt. RC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ as received 10 Mch. and so recorded in SJL . Charles McLaughlin...
41From Thomas Jefferson to John Minor, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Short being incidentally interested in the suit of the US. v. mr Edmund Randolph , I had written the inclosed letter to mr Wickham, which with the documents accompanying the same, sufficiently explain the nature & extent of mr Short’s interest. mr Wickham being engaged for mr Randolph, returned me the papers, and I now take the liberty of forwarding them to you with a request that you will...
42From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I now submit for the ratification of the Senate a treaty entered into by the Commissioners of the US. with the Choctaw nation of Indians: and I transmit therewith so much of the instructions to the Commissioners as related to the Choctaws; with the minutes of their proceedings, and the letter accompanying them. RC ( DNA : RG 46 , EPIR , 7th Cong., 1st sess.); endorsed by Senate clerks. PrC (...
43From Thomas Jefferson to the Senate, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate Benjamin Forsyth , 1st Lieutt. of the late St. Mary’s galley, to be Master of the same as now fitted out for a Revenue cutter; Capt Howell of the galley having resigned. Thomas Allen, late 2d. Lieutt. to be Mate of the same revenue cutter. David Brydie Mitchell of Georgia to be attorney of the district of Georgia in the place of Woodruff . Benjamin Wall of Georgia to be Marshal of...
44Sentence in the Court-Martial of John Spence: Editorial Note (Jefferson Papers)
I. HENRY DEARBORN’S PRELIMINARY DRAFT [10 MCH. 1802] II. HENRY DEARBORN’S SECOND DRAFT, WITH JEFFERSON’S REVISIONS [20 APR. 1802] Among the myriad duties that devolved on Jefferson as president of the United States was the periodic review of general courts-martial proceedings. According to federal law, such proceedings were to be forwarded to the president in times of peace if the...
45I. Henry Dearborn’s Preliminary Draft, [10 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
Having examined the proceedings of the Genl. Court Martial of which Majr. Thos. Hunt was President, holden at Detroit in the Month of July last past, in the trial of John Spence a private soldier in Capt. John Whislers Company of the first Regiment of Infantry in the service of the United States, charged with seditious conduct at Fort Wayne on the third day of May in the year 1801, by...
46II. Henry Dearborn’s Second Draft, with Jefferson’s Revisions, [20 April 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
having examined the proceedings of a Genl. Court Martial, of which Majr. Thos. Hunt was President, holden at Detroit on the eighteenth day of July last, for the trial of John Spence a private soldier in Captain John Whistlers Company, of the first Regiment of Infantry in the service of the United States, charged with seditious conduct at Fort Wayne on the third day of May 1801, by assailing...
47To Thomas Jefferson from John Trumbull, 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Communications are preparing by the Board of Commissioners acting under the 7th. article of the Treaty between the U.S. of America & Great Britain, to Mr King the American Minister here;—and by the American Comrs. to Mr Madison the Secry. of State, explaining the doings of the Board, in respect to the appointment of Mr. G. W. Erving to the double Office of Agent for American Claims, & Assessor...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 10 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The pipe of dry Pacharetti, pipe & two half pipes of Sherry, which you were so kind as to send me last, arrived here safe, and I now inclose you for the same a check of the branch bank of the US. of this place for 590.72 D amount thereof as stated in your letter , payable at the bank of the US. at Philadelphia. the wines are not yet sufficiently settled to be bottled. after their qualities...
49To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 11 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 3d. reached us last Evening—The one enclosing a letter to Mr. Anderson was not received until after my leaving Richmond. I have not as yet been able to fix on a Horse that will perfectly answer as a Match for Castor—There is one in Petersburg whose form figure and colour would do well but I fear he wants height. I will take an opportunity of comparing him with my horse which...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Pierre Charles L’Enfant, 12 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Under the apprehension of Impropriety in the liberty I took of adressing you, in november ultmo., but remaining Ignorant whether resting as I Deed requested leave to rest on you for settlement of the business the subject of two repeated memorials to Congress be agreable to you:—the difficulties which this uncertainty set me under with regard to the Committee of claims to whom my memorials...