1From “A Frien to Jefferson,” before 25 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Information wanted to the following queries. First. has Gabrail Lilley given mr. Jefferson credt. for corn and poark which he suppyd. John perry with in 1801. and in 1803. 30 Gallons peach Brandy for self taken from the . . . cellar. Do. Puench. 5 gallons. Do. 15 bottles. of wine. exlusive of two dys drunk.= ǁ at the mountain on wine. the winter of 1803. 25 hogs fattend waying from 150 to 200...
2To Thomas Jefferson from John Alexander, 8 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty of writing to you, on a subject which I deem will be of use to the Citizens of America in general, and to the American youth in particular. Having been for many years employed in the Study & instruction of the Mathematics, I have found great inconvenience, as well as expense, arising to Students, in procuring books on the different branches in which they have been...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Anderson and William Cocke, 10 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In Compliance with the request express’d in your note of the 5th Instant—we Recommend James Trimble Esqr Atty at Law—as a Commissioner of Bankruptcy—in the room of Edward Scott resign’d—Mr. Trimble resides at Dandridge in the County of Jefferson— with Sentiments of Very high Consideration—we are most Respectfully RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); partially dated; in Anderson’s hand, signed by him and...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Appleton, 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am well aware that in addressing you by letter, I am deviating from the usual mode of Application, but the great distance at which I am placed, and the uncertainty of every other avenue to convey to you my request, will I presume testify, they have been the alone motives for prefering the one I have adopted.— this being at once Sir my apology and my Reason, suffer me in a few words to state...
5To Thomas Jefferson from David Austin, 20 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very civil method of receiving former communications induces me to address the President once more: not so much in view of a commission to go abrod, as in view of liberty to serve the public at home.— But before I open exactly my object, I beg leave to interpret to the President my former views by present events.—I foresaw that another convulsion was to arise in Europe unless the tempest...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Austin, Jr., 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I acknowledge with the greatest pleasure your polite Letter of the 18th July. On a subject so important, intelligence from such a source is greatly satisfactory.—I would not Sir presume to expect a Correspondence too highly flattering, but under existing circumstances, I feel myself under Obligations for your friendly notice.— The political controversy I expect will increase in its violence...
7To Thomas Jefferson from William Bache, 1 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
You will find William G, Garland , a native of Richmond, Northumberland county in virginia recommended to the attentions of Government for an appointment under the approaching regulations of Louisiana. What his expectations are I know not, but his integrity and industry are unquestionable; and if in the management of accounts, or in any labour of that kind a vacancy may happen he will fill it...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Gurdon Bachus, 22 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Its now about one year & a half Since this port has been Open for the Vessells of the United States & most likely will Continue so as long as Great Brittain & America remain on friendly terms. the great demand in this Island for all kinds of Lumber and provisions from the United States induces many of my Countrymen to adventure to this port, at Same time the produce of this Island they find of...
9To Thomas Jefferson from James Bankhead, 15 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
This opportunity by Mr. Jos. Monroe, enables me to make a request, so early, that no other can have anticipated me in it; which may secure what I request should there be no other considerations—I have presumed, from report and other circumstances, that Mr. James Monroe will continue in Europe as resident Embassador, and should I be correct in the presumption, it is my ardent wish, to be placed...
10To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 27 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have sent to the B. at W. for the Cashiers draft in favr. of D. Gelston Esqr: on B. B. NYork for $55.62 and shall write him of the Wines safe arrival—the depy: Collector of Alexa also advises of their being forwarded to Washingn. have wrote him for his a/c of expences, by Mr Dougherty you will $25 in 5 dolr notes, I am most Respectfully Sir Your Obed H St RC ( MHi ); at foot of text: “The...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Barnes, 10 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
When I had last the honor of addressing Mr Jefferson from Paris june the 29th. last, I expected before this to have been at my Post in Sicily, but having order’d my letters from Sicily to meet me here, and expecting the pleasure of a few lines from Mr Jefferson, or from the secretary of state relative to the Neapolitan affair &c &c I have remain’d in Leghorn some time, not wishing to Embark...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Caleb Bickham, 12 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the fall & Rising of the Tide in Every Creek River & Bay the one & same Cause so ordered & ordained by the Great Creator of all things both Land & Sea. And whereas many learned & wise men has made some steps towards finding out the cause why it should be so but have failed in their researches and left this Generation to wander farther in this great Secret without comeing to the true point &...
13To Thomas Jefferson from John Bird, 28 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
With extreme concern I have beheld the inclosed publication ; and have read it with those emotions, which will actuate the honest heart of every genuine democratic Republican of the State. The piece is vile and slanderous beyond measure. It is a collection of falshood from beginning to end; and the authors and abettors thereof, ought to be put down. Those who are within your reach , ought, in...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Bishop, 16 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 7. instant my respected father, the late Collector of this district, deceased, by which event the duties of his office have devolved on me as his deputy. Sickness in the family, which has terminated the life of my only brother and threatened that of my only child , has delayed for a few days my giving notice of the Vacancy in this district. I am desirous of being appointed to succeed my...
15Report from George Blagden, 27 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The mode stone cutters practice for the valuation of columns, in stone similar to that got at Aquia. 1st. The stone in a quarried state per foot cube Add workmanship $ Base if the Attic 1/40 per foot superficial if tuscan 1/ do Capital 1/40 do Shaft suppose in three pieces, first block including cincture and third the astragal at $/50 per foot Super For the circumferance of bare girt the...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Bloomfield, 14 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
George C. Maxwell the Attorney of the United States, for the district of New-Jersey, with difficulty has been prevailed upon, not to resign, untill Willm. S. Pennington , representative in Council for Essex, could be Spared from the Legislature of this State. This time having arrived, Mr. Maxwell by the Mail that takes this letter, Sends his resignation. The Republican Members of the...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Blount, 4 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Mr John G. L. Schenck —a respectable merchant of this place, a good Citizen, & a great admirer of your character and Administration—is about to travel for health and pleasure to the Sulphur & sweet Springs in Virginia—and as Monticello lies directly in his Route, and he feels the desire common to all Republicans to be personally known to you, I respectfully beg leave to introduce him...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Jerome Bonaparte, 25 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Bonaparte aura l’honneur de diner avec le President des Etats-Unis demain 26. Octobre. Mr. Bonaparte will have the honor of dining with the president of the United States tomorrow, 26 Oct. RC ( DLC ); addressed (torn): “ onsieur. Jefferson Etats Unis. Washington.” Jerome Bonaparte (1784-1860), the youngest of Napoleon Bonaparte’s brothers and sisters, was born on the island of Corsica. He...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Abraham Bradley, Jr., 29 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 26th instant is received & agreeable thereto I have forwarded a map of the United States. The great alterations which have taken place in the U.S. since my map was first published have rendered it of little use & I have for sometime suspended the sale. I intended to have published a new map this summer, but fear it cannot be accomplished as all the good engravers are engaged...
20To Thomas Jefferson from John Breckinridge, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of the 12. & 18. ulto. came safe to hand three days ago, for which be pleased to accept my best thanks.—Never came any information more welcome. The scanty information I had been able to collect respecting the cession, & of your ultimate views, added to a report in circulation here, that an exhange of Louisa. for the Floridas was projected, had created in me a distressing anxiety....
21To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Bridges, 25 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been highly pleased with the happy administriation of affairs, Since you filled the presidential Chair—and I have reason to think your appointment will be [renewed?] as the people are dayly more and more united to your conduct—the enemies of the present administriation, have urged many things against you with out effect as yet (and I hope and beleive, Sir, they will continue...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Briggs, 8 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 12th. of the month just past, I arrived at Natchez;—on the day following I waited on Governor Claiborne, who had provided for me an office in this place, and from whom I have experienced the highest proofs of friendship. In a few days after my arrival here, I was attacked with an intermittent fever; a greater prostration of strength, than I ever remember to have felt, was the...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I again take the freedom to address your Excellency, on the Subject of my application for an appointment to the Collectorship for the district of New Haven, Vacant by the Death of Samuel Bishop Esquire. I am confident, your Excellency is desirous to appoint a person, that would give the greatest satisfaction, to the Citizens, I am confident there is not a Merchant of any description there, who...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 12 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to make many Apologies, for addressing your Excellency so often, on my private Concerns, but having a desire to be appointed Collector for the District of New Haven, I think it proper to make my Standing in Society known, on a determination to offer myself as a Candidate for Said office, I wrote to several friends, amongst the number is the Hon’ble Elbridge Gerry Esqr with whom I have...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 12 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I find by a New Haven paper of the 6th Instant, that Abraham Bishop, is appointed Collector for the Port of New Haven, in this State, no doubt your Excellency has good reasons for giving him the preference, which I conclude will not be permanent, and that another will be Selected more agreeable to the wishes of the Merchants, and all classes of the Citizens of New Haven, I think I know the...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 4 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am on my way to the City of Washington where I hope to find your Excellency in the enjoyment of perfect health. I took the freedom Sometime since to Address a line to your Excellency , respecting any Vacant office in this State, which I might be capable of discharging. A Vacency I believe will Shortly take place, if your Excellency will be pleased to Suspend, an Appointment to Said office,...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 22 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the death of the late Collector of the district of New Haven, Samuel Bishop Esquire being Announced, my friends there, advised me to apply for An Appointment to fill the Vacancy, in consequence Whereof, I waited on several of my friends in New York Vizt. Samuel Osgood, DeWitt Clinton, John Broome, Daniel Phœnix, Joseph Fay &C. all of whom knowing my standing in New Haven, recommended it to...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Broome, 9 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I did myself the Honor to address a line lately to your Excellency, Since the date thereof, the Office of Collector has become Vacant by the death of Samuel Bishop Esqr. My friends advise me to apply for said office, once more. your Excellency may recollect, you was then adresed upon the Subject, by my son in Law, Joseph Fay Esqr. of New york , as also by myself, I again take that freedom, in...
29To Thomas Jefferson from James Brown, 18 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The sentiments of the Inhabitants of the western Country, respecting the purchase of Louisiana must have been fully conveyed thro’ the public prints to those who are Constitutionally authorized to ratify or reject the Cession. Considering the future peace and prosperity of our State as depending upon the decision of the next Congress, we await their determination with a degree of sollicitude...
30To Thomas Jefferson from William Buckner, Jr., 24 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
If Congress ratifise the Treaty with France respecting the Louisiany Country it will I suppose be necessary to appoint Surveyors to lay the Country off in such a manner as Congress in their wisdom shall think proper my acquaintance with the members of Congress is not sufficient to expect a recommendation I therefore solisit the appointment of Surveyor in this new Country and if you have not...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Pierce Butler, 11 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter was put into my hand to deliver in person , which I intended doing; but learning that an application wou’d be made to You by a second person for the same post; sooner than I may reach the Federal City, I have preferd sending by Post— I have been so unsuccessful in two or three recommendations I offerd to Yourself and the Secretay of State, that I shall limit myself on the...
32To Thomas Jefferson from David Campbell, 27 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The acquisition of Louisiana will be of great and lasting importance to the United States. In its magnitude it approaches to a second Declaration of Independance. We may now form, on the surest foundations, a general System of politics, on principles and rules, which the circumstances of different conjunctures may appropriate to the eternal advantage of the Western Country, and consequently of...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Peter Carr, 20 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
We arrived here on the 14th, all well, and found the accomodations on the road by Stevensburg, much better than we expected. The hospitality and politeness of Strode induced us to stay a day with him, greatly to the advantage of ourselves and horses. From what I heard in that neighbourhood, you will find the Marquis’s road, a difficult one for a carriage. Since my arrival, I met accidentally...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Carr, 12 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of 24th. October came this day to hand, and I hasten to answer it immediately, but am afraid it will not come in time to answer any purpose. In the course of my conversations with Dr Baker upon the subject of your letter, I inferred from what passed that he would not dispose of him for life, but if he did, not less than four hundred dollars would be his price. The family at this...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 12 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of Paying my Respects on the 31st. May Last, in answer to your much respected favor of the 7th. Feby. Last; remitting you Bill of Lading & the Invoice of Sundries Shipped by your order & for your account on the american Brig fair american John Spear Master bound for Boston; hereunto Inclosed you will find a Bill of Lading for the Same, with another one for one chest Conting. 50...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of Paying you my Respects on the 31st. May & 12th. July ulto.—I hope the Provisions I sent you, will now soon reach you;—I will not forgett, before next winter & by the first opportunity, of Sending you an other Invoice for what you are still in want of; I have now the honor of advising you, that at Lenght, I have duly Received my Exequatur, signed by the First Consul, at...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Calvin Chaddock, 26 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
permit a Stranger to address you on a subject, though disagreeable in itself yet necessary for the public good. You very well know that Edward Pope Esqr. of Newbedford in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts now holds the office of the custom-house for that District. This is to inform your Excellency, that he is a Sworn enemy to the present administration of the federal...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Juste Chanlatte, 13 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Pardonnés si ma foible voix s’élance jusques vers votre personne importante, pour lui témoigner, en quittant ce païs heureux & où l’hospitalité s’éxerce aussi humainement, mon regret de ne pouvoir pas l’habiter; mais je conserverai éternéllement en ma mémoire le souvenir de la bonté de ce climat et de ses habitants. il me reste, Monsieur Le président, à vous donner l’assurance que j’adresserai...
39To Thomas Jefferson from John A. Chevallié, 14 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ay eu l’honneur de vous Ecrire le 16 du mois passé & de vous envoyer une lettre du Gl. La fayette, un mémoire imprimé des héritiers Beaumarchais, Copie d’une lettre du Gl. Mathieu Dumas à Messrs. Munroe & Livingston, & une Note de la situation actuelle de la Succession Beaumarchais. J’ay reçu, depuis, une lettre du Genl. Dumas mantionnant que L’Ambassadeur des Etats unis à Paris a dû Vous...
40To Thomas Jefferson from John A. Chevallié, 16 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to send to your Excellency, a letter from General Lafayette which I found at my house at my return from Monticello; a copy of a letter from General Mathieu Dumas to Messrs. Livingston & Monroe; a Note on the actual Situation of the affairs Belonging to Beaumarchais’s Estate in America & a Printed Mémorial Which was to have been presented to Congres, if The Executive had...
41To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 24 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My Letter of the 12th Instant, acknowledged the receipt of your agreeable favours of the 17th & 18th of July;—Since which I have turned my attention, to the several subjects embraced in Queries relative to Louisiana, and I now lay before you, the result of my inquiries and reflections— 1st. What are the best Maps general or particular of the whole or parts of the Province? Copies of them if to...
42To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have only time by this days mail, to acknowledge the Receipt of your agreeable favors of the 17th and 18th of July, and to add, that I will with all possible dispatch, give you all the Information I can acquire, in relation to the Province of Louisiana. I pray you Sir, to receive my sincere congratulations on the success of Mr. Monroe’s mission;—The Island of Orleans and the extensive...
43To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 29 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I persuade myself that my letters of the 12th and 24th of August, have reached you in safety. I have not yet been enabled to procure Romane’s map of Louisiana, and I fear the Geographical sketches which were promised me, by a Gentleman residing at Nachitoches on the Red River will not be forwarded. This Gentleman is a Doctor Sibly, formerly of North Carolina, and a man of good general...
44To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 13 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of your Letter of the 24th. of May, and the Communication enclosed therein, I shall, with great pleasure, lay before the House of Representatives of this Territory, at their next meeting.—A free and innocent passage along the Waters running into the Bay of Mexico, will contribute greatly to the convenience and Interest of many of your fellow Citizens, and...
45To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 28 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
About 20 minutes since, I received a Letter from my friend Docter Sibley, enclosing me a Map of the Country West of the Mississippi, which I hasten to forward to you:—The Doctor’s Letter contains much useful Information, & therefore I have taken the liberty to transmit it for your perusal & must beg you to receive it in confidence.— The Northern Mail is now closing, and the Post-Master allows...
46To Thomas Jefferson from William C. C. Claiborne, 19 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Doctor Lattimore , having it in contemplation to pass thro’ Albermarle, on his way to the Seat of Government, I have taken the liberty to introduce him to your Acquaintance;—You will find the Doctor a well informed, modest man—his political principles are purely republican, and his firmness may be relied upon.— I will refer you to Doctor Lattimore for the State of Affairs in this...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Daniel Clark, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving this day your Letter of the 17th. July, to which I shall pay the strictest attention, and without waiting till the whole List of Queries proposed can be answered, shall by each successive Post forward such information as it is possible to procure, in obtaining which I rely greatly on the friendly dispositions of the Officers of the Spanish Government. I have by...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Elijah Clarke, 10 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have taken the liberty of writing you on a subject highly interesting to the Citizens of our state, and perhaps not more so, than to those of Tennesee & Kentucky—An attempt will probably be made at our next legislature, to improve the navigation of the Savanah river, between the towns of Augusta & Petersburg—The intelligent & enterpriseing part of our Citizens, are turning their attention to...
49To Thomas Jefferson from William Clark, 24 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of receiving thro’ Captain M: Lewis an assureance of your Approbation & wish that I would Join him in a North Western enterprise. I will chearfully, and with great pleasure Join My friend Capt Lewis in this Vast enterprise, and shall arrange my business so as to be in readiness to leave this Soon after his arrival. May I request the favour of you to forward the inclosed letter...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Claxton, [19 October 1803] (Jefferson Papers)
Through delicacy, I have always, in making drafts on the Treasury for public money, made it a point to draw no more than I had a prospect of spending in a short period—It now appears that I have been unfortunate in the method I have pursued—I have this day been informed by one of the Clerks in the Treasury, that the little balance of the furnishing fund is likely to be swallowed by the sinking...