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....
4To 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...
5Memorandum 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...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To 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...
9To 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...
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15Memorandum 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...
16To 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 :
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To 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...
20I. 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 &...
21To 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,...
22To 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...
23To 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...
24To 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...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Rush, 12 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Having just finished the labors of the Winter in the University, and hospital, I sit down with great pleasure to acknowledge your favor of Decemr last . One part of it commands my first Attention, and that is your communication of a discovery of a flaw in your Constitution from which you anticipate a certain, but easy passage out of life. Permit me my dear and long respected friend to request...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 13 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am informed, that a Marine Hospital is about to be established, at the expence of the government of the United-States, in the city of New-Orleans. Should this be the case, permit to observe, that I think Mr. Oliver H. Spencer , a young man who has just completed his studies in our University , would be a very proper person to serve in the capacity of a physician to the institution. Mr....
32To Thomas Jefferson from David Fergusson, 13 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
This afternoon, for this Mail I beg the leave and pleasure, of handing You, the inclosed, No. 1. on Auctions —& in a few days hence—a No. 2.—on the plan, of order for Blacks.— Respectfully,—Your very Obedt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 14 Mch. and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Essay on “Public Auctions,” dated 13 Mch., and signed “Seven Friends,” declaring that fraudulent...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, 13 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Our family is as it was; happy & well: the children grow daily & improve in mind proportionally I hope: they do not appear to be naturally deficient and their Mother’s diligence constancy & wit surely never were surpassed. with true attachment RC ( ViU ); endorsed by TJ as received 17 Mch. and so recorded in SJL .
34To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the Warrant herewith enclosed for Samuel Johnson as a Gunner in the Navy, he is now acting on board the Adams, & is well recommended by Capn. Preble. With great respect, I have the honor to be Sir Your mo. obt Sert. 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...
35To Thomas Jefferson from John Thomson Mason, 14 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I last night reached home from Montgomery Court with the Gout in my foot so bad as to confine me to my room. The Judiciary Bill having finally passed , I now feel anxious to see something doing with the Territorial Bill , but I cannot discover from the papers that Congress are even thinking of it. Mr Peyton is with me and feels equally anxious on that subject. If Constitutionally practicable...
36To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 14 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I found your favor of the 28th. ulto. communicating an extract of a letter from Dupont De Nemours relative to the claim of the artist Houdon to be paid the sum which he lost by the depreciation of the assignats in the last instalment which he recd. for the statue of Genl. Washington. I postponed an answer untill I had taken the advice of council by which I am authorised to inform you that...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Susannah Santoran, 14 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I took the liberty to send you a valintine by poste the 14th of feby 1802 and I have ben waiting for a answer but receiv none which I have taken the opertunity to informe you where to Send the presant, as you know not where I lived and I hope that you will not take it as a miss for my making so free with your honours name as I am but a poor Girl but honest and has nothing to Suport me but my...
38To Thomas Jefferson from William Barnwell, 15 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It was with a considerable degree of pleasure that I learned lately, you were benevolently endeavouring to turn the Legislative attention towards the situation of the Citizens of the United States in the Town of New-Orleans. altho not much inclined to prefer warm, to temperate Climates, yet in case there are any regulations formed for that Port, I would be very happy to offer my services as a...
39To Thomas Jefferson from William Barton, 15 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Wishing to send two copies of my book to France, I conceived it would be proper to transmit them through the hands of Mr. Pichon, the French Resident here: Yet, not having the honor of any acquaintance with that Gentleman—and it being very uncertain whether the bearer of this (Mr. Peter Shindel, my next-door Neighbour,) will have an opportunity of calling on him,—I pray, Sir, that you will do...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Chester, 15 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The Memorial of Elizabeth Chester Most humbly Sheweth That Your Memorialist’s Husband Samuel Chester formerly a Recruiting Officer last American War, during which time he had Enlisted 7,500 Men for the service of the United States and learned them their Exercise, and he has been Dead about 5 Months left me destitute of house or home, as he had nothing himself and Your Memorialist has been...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Anthony S. Gadbury, 15 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing but the present disagreeable necessity, compels me to trouble you with this letter, not Knowing who so well to apply to; I have been traveling to the western Country, & the Northward, and have got this far on my way home. (Goochland Cty.) and am under the necessity of saying, I am without money or friends in this place, having the misfortune to have one hundred dollars stolen out of my...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Caesar A. Rodney, 15 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Dr. A. Alexander of the town of New Castle will deliver you this letter. He has long & faithfully served us in our State legislature & has never even during the storm veered a single point from the steady cause of Republicanism. He has also been once our candidate for Governor & twice for Representative to congress. You will receive from him satisfactory information of the State of...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Yznardi, Sr., 16 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Philadelphia, 16 Mch. 1802. Acknowledging with gratitude the $590 payment for wines, he offers to obtain more wine from Spain whenever TJ may desire. As he prepares to embark for Cadiz on the Patapsco , his bailsman in the lawsuit instigated by Joseph Israel wishes to be released from that obligation. Israel, lacking evidence to support his suit, is dragging out the case by seeking to obtain...
44To Thomas Jefferson from John Thomson Mason, 17 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It is with real diffidence that I shall enter upon the duties of Atty Genl of the US should future events induce you to wish it. Highly sensible of the Honor you did me in proposing it I explained to you the true grounds of my fears upon the subject. I shall industriously endeavour to remove them, in these endeavours I indulge myself with the hope of your friendly advice and assistance With...
45To Thomas Jefferson from John Minor, 17 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
When your Letter of the 10th Instant reached this place I was in Richmond attending the court of Chancery. it was sent forward, but did not get to Richmond untill I had left that place: the consequence of which has been that I did not Receive it untill to Day; let this my dear Sir, be my apology for an apparent neglect. I will give entire attention to Mr Shorts Interest in the Case you mention...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 17 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you while Mr Dawson was here that I would wait the arrival of the Frigate that was to bring Mr Livingston , and return by it to America, in preference to the Maryland which you offered me; but the frigate being ordered to the Mediterranean prevented me that opportunity. As it is now Peace, though the definitive Treaty is not yet signed, I shall sett off by the first opportunity from...
47To Thomas Jefferson from John Beckley, 18 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to lay before you the enclosed Certificate. The restoration of the Judiciary System, to that state in which it stood before the Act, lately repealed, was passed, necessarily occasions the State of pennsylvania to become again, an entire judicial district, and, of consequence, that the Office of one of the present Marshalls, must be discontinued. Mr: Smith , reasonably supposes, that...
48To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 19 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 16th. and have in compliance therewith given you credit by Mr. Barnes for the 130:$ received of Mosby for Mr. Short. The cyder has not yet arrived from Norfolk; which however, as yet, is of no consequence, as it could not have been forwarded, in consequence of the low water. There have not I believe been a dozen boats down from Milton in 5 or 6. months. I...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Myer, 19 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The humble petition of the subscriber I hope will not be thought improper—I am A poor unfortunate Man imprisoned & overcome by the Iron hand of A man of fortune—It may be said i’me not imprisoned by him but may truely date all my present misfortunes through him. The person of whome i’me speaking is A residenter of Georgetown his name is John Threlkeld , he has injured me by taken the most...
50To Thomas Jefferson from David Austin, 20 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The smallest attention to the principles of decorum would have forbid any farther instrusion upon your moments after the very polite note with which you was pleased to honor me; was I not still pursuaded of being capable of rendering essential services to the United States, abroad. From London, the cords of the National dulcimer might be so toutched as to vibrate in favor of our interests in...