101From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 31 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you the petition of Samuel Miller with the pardon signed. mr Kelty had spoke to me on this subject and told me that he and mr Craunch should join in a recommendation . I wish mr Wagner would obtain this before he delivers the pardon. I return also mr King’s letter which has really important matter, especially what respects the Mare clausum , the abandonment of the colonial system , &...
102To Thomas Jefferson from “A Patriot of Our Glorious Revolution”, 31 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The following is the substance of a letter written to you in Autumn 1802. The reason it was not sent, was because the author soon learned the falsehood of the report which was the exciting cause of its being written; & because of the extreme delicacy of presuming to interupt the Chief Magistrate with such ideas without being able to state particulars. However, finding too much reason to fear...
103I. Chronology of Territorial Claims in Louisiana, on or before 31 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A Chronological series of facts relative to Louisiana. 1673. Spain declares war against France. 4. Russel’s Mod. Eur. 68. Joliet, an inhabitant of Quebec, & the Jesuit Marquette descended from Canada down the Missisipi to the Arkansas in 33.° & returned to Canada. 8. Rayn. 158. Hennepin N.D: 293. 1675. La Salle goes to France to sollicit authority to explore the Misipi. Joutel xvii 1678. The...
104To Thomas Jefferson from John Dickinson, 1 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Gratitude, a Duty pleasing even to a deeply wounded Heart, prompts Me to present my Thanks as a Father, as a Relative, as a Citizen, for the faithful and well-directed Application of thy powers to produce Happiness, of which, by the Divine Blessing on thy Exertions, my Children, my Kindred, my Country, are likely to largely to participate. May Providence grant success to all thy benevolent...
105To Thomas Jefferson from Lorcus Gibbs, 1 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
As thou art a statesman in power, and therefore capable of doing much good in the world, I shall trust to thy liberallity to excuse me in this plain address; since it is meant respectfully to call thy benevolent regard to a subject, wherein an obscure individual can only wish , what it is in the power of the government alone to perform. I have frequently heard thou hast liberated thy Blacks,...
106To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 1 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon looking over some private letters which were carefully laid aside when I went to Connecticut in the Spring I found the enclosed which ought to have been returned to you immediately. On Thursday I expect to depart for New-England—With great Esteem and Respect Yours sincerely RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “President of the United States Monticello Va.”; endorsed by TJ as received 3 Aug. and...
107To Thomas Jefferson from John Vaughan, 1 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
M Dufief having applied to me to assist him in procuring D Priestlys Harmony for you, I took considerable pains to get it, without Success. As I thought it probable Mr Priestly might have a Copy, I requested him to Spare it, I inadvertently mentioned your name, & have received a Copy not from him, but from Dr Priestly, who requests you will favor him by the acceptance of it—Mr Dufief being out...
108To Thomas Jefferson from George Hunter, 2 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
If the Government of the United States has a desire to explore the new acquisition of Territory called Louisiana, In order to procure general & necessary information preveous to a Treaty to fix Boundaries between us & the Dominions of Spain. To ascertain the situation of, & circumstances relative to, those large bodies of good Land which shall appear best calculated to reimburse the purchase...
109To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 2 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 26th. ultimo came to hand yesterday. Mrs. Page & myself are infinitely obliged to you for it, & will certainly tell you so viva Voce as soon as you shall have returned from the Journey you mention. Within a Week after your return we hope to be with you. When you have finished your Business, I shall more freely indulge in the delightful Relaxation which you propose. One line...
110To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Paine, 2 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a letter for Mr. Breckenridge, but as I know not his residence in Kentucky, I will be obliged to you fill up the direction and forward it to him after putting a Wafer in it. I send it to you open as it relates to the order of the day, Louisania. I know not what are your Ideas as to the mode of beginning Government in the ceded country; but as we have thought alike on several subjects...
111To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Dearborn, 3 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of enclosing a letter from Capn. Lewis which came open to me, I have given permission to Lt. Hook to accompany Capt. Lewis. with respectfull concideration I am Sir Your Huml Servt, P.S. Your letter relative to Mr. Dupont has been duly recd. & attended to. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the War Department on 5...
112To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 3 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had previous to the receipt of your favor of the 23d. forwarded all the articles therein mentioned except the fish, which have not yet arrived.—the cask of oil which you say is missing was forwarded the 6th. of June by Mr. Higganbothams Harry , for which I inclose you his receipt.—the oil you will observe is not particularly specified, the rect. being for 6 barrels & one box; I therefore...
113To Thomas Jefferson from Tobias Lear, 3 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been duly favor’d with your friendly note of the 14th of July, and shall not fail to give its enclosure to most direct and ready conveyance I can.—The flattering marks of confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me, and the satisfactory arrangements which have been made on my present mission, are highly appreciated by me: And I trust, that, actuated by a proper sense of the...
114To 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...
115To 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,...
116To Thomas Jefferson from John Milledge, 5 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 19th. of May last I did myself the honor to address a letter to the Secretary at War in consequence of an Act passed by the Legislature of this State on the 27th. of November 1802, requiring me to appoint three persons as Commissioners to repair to the Creek nation and make demand, in conformity to existing treaties, of all prisoners, negroes and property detained from the Citizens of...
117To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Prentis, 5 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
My friend Dr Madison will probably visit you on his Journey to the upper Country; this presents me with a conveyance which I have embraced, solely to give you my assurances, that your requisition some time since, was most literally [com]plied with, in a few moments after the communication came to Hand. with Sentiments of unfeigned Esteem I am Yr Frd. RC ( MHi ); torn at seal; addressed:...
118To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Rush, 5 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you herewith Sir John Sinclair’s pamphlet upon Old Age with many thanks. I have read it with pleasure, and subscribe to the truth of most of his opinions. They accord with opinions which I published many years ago in the 2nd Volume of my Medical Inquiries and Observations . I have just finished reading Col: now Sir Robt Wilson’s account of the British Campaign in Egypt. It is well...
119To Thomas Jefferson from David Jackson, Jr., 6 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you for your perusal, & satisfaction, the printed Extracts of the Genl. Assembly of the Presbyterian Church held in this City in May last; in the which you will observe the united testimony of said Church of the state of religion in their communion; this result is highly gratifying to the friends of piety in our connection, two thirds of whom are supporters of your administration—in...
120To Thomas Jefferson from Étienne Lemaire, 6 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Je prend la liberté de vous adresser la presente pour avoir Lhonneur de vous Saluer, je soite de tou mon cœur que monsieur Jouisse une parfaite Sentez de même que vôttre repectable famille mes Sivilités Sil vous plai, monsieur je vous prie Engrâce de vouloir Bien Macorder une petit apsence de trois Semainnes, pour me reffaire la Sentez. Je vien encorre de faire une maladit qu’il m’aprise le...
121To Thomas Jefferson from Richard W. Meade, 6 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of addressing you , some time ago on the subject of the Spanish claims, & sollicited the appointment as Commissioner under the treaty about to be entered into with Spain for the settlement of the same. The non ratification of the Treaty on the part of Spain, having precluded all possibility of redress for the present, & Finding myself owing a very large sum sunk in South...
122To Thomas Jefferson from John F. Mercer, 6 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to you open for your perusal a letter which this Executive have addressed to William Pinkney Esquire, on the subject of the Bank Stock extending the powers formerly committed to him but confined to the case of Russell’s Representatives to other claimants &c. It will be necessary that this should receive your approbation, to give it a sanction under the Resolutions...
123To Thomas Jefferson from Francis W. Thomas, 6 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Had not an occasion offer’d wherein you will have it in your power to exercise the Philantrophy—I conceive you possess—tis certain you would never have been troubled with a line from an unfortunate man—who thus Boldly solicits the Illustrious President—for a Pardon— I am perfectly concious of my Incapability [in] making a Sufficient Appollogy for this Singular—Liberty—yet with confidence I...
124To Thomas Jefferson from John A. Hanna, 7 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that from the cession of Louisiana to the US: a number of offices will be in the gift of the Executive I take the liberty to mention my name—My Family is large and my means small when compared with the manner in which they have been educated—I was brought up to the Law, and would have practised still, had not imperious, (and I may say Republican) necessity forced me to stand a...
125To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Jackson, 7 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The late arrest of Colonel Thomas Butler , added to the novelty of the order upon which it is founded, has occasioned a number of the good citizens of this District to solicit me to state to you the real Charector and Conduct of the Colo. during his command within this State—This application Combined with a real desire of my own, that you should be acquainted with his Charector and conduct,...
126To Thomas Jefferson from Fulwar Skipwith, 7 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I was favored about the middle of June with your letter of the 4th. May, with a remittence, in a bill on Messrs. Dupont de Nemours pere et fils & Co., for 2100 francs, to be invested in Wines, principally of the non-mosseux Champagne. Your predilection in favor the Wines raised formerly by Mr. Dorsay induced me to address myself to his family, he though living being ruined & insane. By his...
127From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Dearborn, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is suggested to me (indirectly from the person himself) that Jerome Bonaparte is at Baltimore under the name of Monsr. Dalbarton , with a son of Rewbell, and that they mean to ask a passage to France in one of our frigates. if this be the fact, he will have satisfied thereof the minister of his nation, thro’ whom we shall be apprised of it, and relieved from all trouble in deciding on it....
128From Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is suggested to me (indirectly from the person himself) that Jerome Bonaparte is at Baltimore under the name of Monsr. Dalbarton, with a son of Rewbell, and that they mean to ask a passage to France in one of our frigates. if this be the fact, he will have satisfied thereof the minister of his nation, thro’ whom we shall be apprised of it, & relieved from all trouble in deciding on it. this...
129To Thomas Jefferson from Ephraim Kirby, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been absent from home about two weeks, the letter which you did me the honor to write on the 15th. ulto., and the blank Commission which followed by the next Mail did not reach me until this day. The Secretary of State has conveyed the Commission which was filled for myself.— The confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me, meets my grateful acknowledgement, and so far as a...
130To Thomas Jefferson from William Lee, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The feeble state of my health will but just permit me to acknowledge the rect. of the letter you did me the honor to write me under date of the 14 June enclosing a bill on V Dupont de Nemours & Co. Being at this moment on my departure for the waters of the Pyrenees to avoid the distressing heat of this month I have taken the liberty to hand your order to my worthy and respectable partner Mr....
131From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
If M. Dalbarton be really Jerome Bonaparte, he will have satisfied thereof the minister of his nation, thro’ whom we shall be apprised of the fact, and relieved from all trouble in deciding on it. this may yet be done, perhaps just as a frigate is ready to sail, and accompanied with a request of a passage in her; when no time will be left for consultation. our duty to our constituents would...
132From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 8 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
It is suggested to me (indirectly from the person himself) that Jerome Bonaparte is at Baltimore, under the name of Monsr. Dalbarton, with a son of Rewbell, [&] that they mean to ask a passage to France in one of our frigates. if this be the fact, he will have satisfied thereof the minister of his nation, thro’ whom we shall be apprised of it, & relieved from all trouble in deciding on it....
133To 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...
134To Thomas Jefferson from J. P. P. Derieux, 9 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Monroe ayant eu la bonté depuis le 1er. Mai der de voulloir bien m’appointer pour vous apporter ses Dépêches, j’ai L’honneur de vous informer que je viens ce jour de débarquer a New-york, d’ou suivant ses ordres je dois me rendre a Washington-City dans la plus grand diligence; mais comme il m’a très particulierement recommandé de ne les remettre qu’a vous ou Mr. Madison, et quon vient de...
135From Thomas Jefferson to John Dickinson, 9 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly favor of the 1st. inst. is recieved with that welcome which always accompanies the approbation of the wise & good. the acquisition of New Orleans would of itself have been a great thing, as it would have ensured to our Western brethren the means of exporting their produce: but that of Louisiana is inappreciable, because, giving us the sole dominion of the Missisipi, it excludes...
136To Thomas Jefferson from James Mease, 9 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your esteemed favour , accompanying the German pamphlet by Angermann, on the preservation of Timber, came to hand in due time. I am highly indebted to you for the consideration, and interest which you take in the work which I am preparing for press , and I only regret that the merits of Angermann’s tract did not render it more worthy of the trouble it has occasioned you. I do not understand...
137To Thomas Jefferson from John Smith, 9 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The fluctuating state of the Commerce, and Government of this Country, has till now prevented the adjustment of my business, but I flatter myself that in two or three weeks, I shall set out from this place for the City Washington. It is with great pleasure—that I see announced in the papers Officially, the Cession of Louisiana to the United States; and also the Island of New Orleans. I...
138To Thomas Jefferson from George Jefferson, 10 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very sorry that I was so remiss, as to delay looking out for the wood screws until I had an opportunity of sending them; as I ought to have foreseen there was a possibility at least; of my not being able to procure such as you required and so it has turned out—there are none at all in the whole City with round heads except some few of brass, and they are much too large. I found some few...
139To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, 10 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeable to your desire I wrote for two pipes best wine for you & one for myself which I am in hopes agreeable to my freinds promise will be of far superior quality to any we have yet had. we have nothing new here no late arivals. the Brittish Creuze of our Coasts impress men & have as I have heard taken some Spanish vessels laden with flour from Baltimore to Havanna. wishing you health &...
140From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Paine, 10 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 2d. came to hand on the 8th. I shall willingly communicate to you all I know on the subject of Louisania. it is new, and therefore profitable to interchange ideas on it, that we may form correct opinions before we are to act on them. The unquestioned extent of Louisania on the sea is from the Iberville to the Mexicana river, or perhaps the high lands dividing that from the...
141From Thomas Jefferson to Isaac Briggs, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Fitch proposes to set out from hence for the Missisipi about the 1st. of October, and to go by Knoxville & Nashville along the post road. as there is still time enough to recieve an answer from you by post before his departure, the object of this letter is merely to ask if you have any thing to advise him of before his journey which may be useful to him either on the road or preparatory to...
142To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here after a long & tedious journey & found the yellow fever in the city : I did not stay in it & am in the country two miles from town. I must confess that I do not see the necessity of writing the intended letter to Duane. Unforeseen circumstances may produce alterations in your present view of the subject, & if you should hereafter think proper to act on a plan somewhat different...
143To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose copies of a letter from the collector of Charleston, and of my letters to him & to the Collector of Beaufort respecting the illegal landing of a number of Africans on the island of Beaufort. The only step which, besides what has been done, could legally be taken on that subject would be to sell one of the three small cutters employed at Wilmington N.C., Charleston,...
144From Thomas Jefferson to David Jackson, Jr., 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments & thanks to mr Jackson for the pamphlet sent him . the [with which] he has been monarchists and ecclesiastics on the subject of religion he has ever consid ered as the most honourable testimony he could expect from them. they [acknowlege] their apprehension that he would be an obstacle to the alliance between [church] & State which some of them avowedly...
145From Thomas Jefferson to Étienne Lemaire, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yours of the 6th. yesterday and am happy to hear of your recovery. mr Barnes had informed me of your illness. I freely consent to the absence you desire for the reestablishment of your health, & have no doubt you will make such arrangements as will keep every thing safe at the President’s house during your absence. I shall not be there myself till the 25th. of September, unless any...
146From Thomas Jefferson to Jacob Wagner, 11 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 29th. ult. I recieved from mr Madison a petition on behalf of Saml. Miller under sentence of death and a pardon ready drawn, which I signed and returned on the 31st. with a request that before it should be used the recommendation of the judges should be obtained. that I recieved yesterday, & now re-inclose to be filed. I take for granted the pardon got to hand and has been delivered....
147From Thomas Jefferson to John Breckinridge, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter, tho’ directed to you, was intended to me also, was left open with a request that, when perused, I would forward it to you. it gives me occasion to write a word to you on the subject of Louisiana, which being a new one, an interchange of sentiment may produce correct ideas before we are to act on them. our information as to the country is very incompleat: we have taken...
148To 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...
149To Thomas Jefferson from Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Vos recherches su l’éléphant à dents molaires protuberantes, du voisinage de lhoio, ainsi que Celles sur le megalonix , m’ont fourni des objets Comparatifs trés instructifs, sur les restes fossiles des mêmes animaux qu’on trouve sur divers points du globe. J’ai reuni dans un essai de geologie , les materiaux les plus importants a Ce sujet, pour servir de Base a une theorie de la terre; j’ose...
150To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fay, 12 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed to you by my Father in Law Mr. Broome, with whom I believe you were some time since acquainted in France, he is on his way to pay his respects to the President of the United States, his object is to solicit the appointment of Collector for the Port of New Haven, which has become Vacant by the Death of Mr. Bishop. My connection with Mr. Broome by the Mariage of his daughter...