101Thomas Jefferson’s Bill for Establishing a System of Public Education, [ca. 24 October 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
N o 1. A Bill for establishing a system of public education. 1. For establishing schools at which the children of all the citizens of this Commonwealth may recieve a primary grade of education at the common expense, Be it enacted by the General assembly of Virginia as follows. At the first session of the Superior court in every county within this Commonwealth , next ensuing the passage of this...
102Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Collegiate Districts for a System of Public Education, [ca. 24 October 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
white inhab Accomac 11,201 Northampton 4,124 Northumberland 4,461 Lancaster 2,480 Richmond 3,036 Westmoreland 4,022
103Joseph C. Cabell’s Notes on Collegiate Districts for a System of Public Education, [after 24 October 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
West of the Blue Ridge Wythe 7180 Montgomery 7253 Grayson 4641 Giles Washington 10561 1. Lee 4337 Russell 5894 Tazewell 2061 Scott
104Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 24 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 14 th came to hand two days ago. soon after you left us I recieved the pamphlet you were so kind as to have directed to me, containing several papers on the establishment of a system of education. a serious perusal of the bill for that purpose convinced me that unless something less extravagant could be devised the whole undertaking must fail. the primary schools alone on that...
105Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 24 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I feel myself much flattered by the kind offer of the Visitors of the College near Charlotte’s ville ; and have waited a very few days only to determine what course I ought to pursue. I have also been in pursuit of a M r Slack who was for a short time a classical tutor at Carlisle , and who I find has since been in the same capacity at Lynchburgh . I thought well of him. He was in town a few...
106Anthony Charles Cazenove to Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I improve the opportunity of Doctor Watkins to forward you a paper bundle I have just received for you from my friend M r J. J. Vanderkemp of Philadelphia & am very respectfully RC ( MHi ); dateline beneath signature; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1817 and so recorded in SJL . RC ( CLjC , 2002; photocopy in
107Alexander Garrett to Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I was in hopes of seeing you yesterday on your return from the college , M r Chisholmn tells me he is in want of money to pay his hands and purchase provisions & c for those employed in the building, that he has paid away all the money he could raise of himself, we have not as yet advanced him any. M r Peyton has upwards of $1000. in readiness, ariseing from the sale of the bank stock. Will...
108Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 26 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have procured from Leschot for mrs Eppes a very elegant watc h and of the very best construction being of the kind called à cylindre horizontal ; the only inconvenience of which is that they require being touched with oil a little oftener than the others. he had no watch of the common construction which was proper for a lady. he required 40.D. boot, allowing only 30.D. for the gold of the...
109Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 26 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
M r Colclaser one of my mill tenants informs me he has sent forty odd barrels of flour, to be delivered to your order, and that he shall make it up 50. (a quarter’s rent) and if the river does not admit my sending 50. barrels more from the mill within a few days, I must get an order for that quantity on his stock in Richmond in exchange for so much of mine now in the mill. these supplies are...
110Thomas Jefferson to William Jones, 26 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
When I lately addressed you on the subject of a bank at Lynchburg , I little expected to be so soon called on to trouble you a second time. these two calls on me however have stood on grounds too peculiar to induce a fear of repetition, and therefore I proceed to obey the 2 d as I did the 1 st . there is an idea that branches of the National b bank will be established at Petersburg & Lynchburg...
111Valentine W. Southall to Thomas Jefferson, 26 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
V. W. southall starts to Richmond in the morning, and, if it will accommodate, should be happy to exchange money with M r Jefferson for a draught including previous advances & any farther sum M r J. may Require. RC ( MHi ); dateline at foot of text; addressed: “ M r Jefferson .
112Thomas Jefferson to Archibald Thweatt, 26 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 12 th did not reach me until the evening before the last. I have this day addressed a letter to mr Jones bearing willing testimony to truths which render you worthy of the trust you solicit, whatever may be the event of the application, and I sincerely wish you success because you wish it yourself. this service and any other in my power you had a right to expect from me, and...
113Patrick Gibson to Thomas Jefferson, 27 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you on the 9 th Ins t with a /Sales and Acco t Curr t to the 1 st Ins t and have now to advise you the receipt of 43 bls: of your flour, of which 6 are fine— and to inclose you a note for your signature to renew the one due at the US. bank on the 12
114Jacob Latting to Thomas Jefferson, 27 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I herewith annex a Copy of the letters received relative to the claim I have on the Spanish Government and shall Esteem it a great favour if thee will be so good as to say if thee thinks there is a prospect of reparation. RC ( MoSHi: TJC-BC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Latting ; on one sheet folded to form four pages, with address on p. 1, letter on p. 2, first enclosure on p. 3, and second...
115Benjamin Henry Latrobe to Thomas Jefferson, 28 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for your letter of the , & am much gratified by the approbation you express of my drawings. I hope you will do me the favor to let me know which of the pavilions you approve for your first work of next spring; with a sketch of its dimensions and its plan, that I may send you the working drawings & the details a t large. Some months ago, I sent to Jefferson & Gibson of Richmond a...
116Franz X. Zeltner to Thomas Jefferson, 29 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
C’est avec une douleur extrème que je dois Vous anoncer la perte cruelle, que nous Venons de faire dans la persone du Grand, et Imortel Général Kosciuszko , expiré dans mes bras le quinze de ce Mois à la suitte d’une fievre Violente, Contre la quelle tous les secours de l’art, et les Soins de l’amitié ont été infructueux. Ce grand home, qui m’avoit honoré de son amitié, et de Sa Confiance...
117Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Delaplaine, 30 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 14 th got to hand a few days ago only, and with it the 2 d number of the Repository. I now inclose you 12.D. for the 2. numbers recieved & for the next in advance, and will take care in future to keep always in advance. you ask my opinion again of this number. I find the style and execution entirely good. were I to indulge a criticism it would be that you extend to the living...
118John Gardiner to Thomas Jefferson, 30 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to present to you a Map (of the military bounty Lands) which I have had engraved for the use of the Soldiers of the late Army: the utility of the Map, & the moderate price I demand from the Soldiers who wish to have a copy, (a dollar) will I trust secure your approbation of its publication. RC ( MHi ); adjacent to closing: “ Thomas Jefferson Esq r Virginia ”; endorsed by TJ as...
119Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 30 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your’s of the 27 th and now return a renewed note for the bank of the US. but I am uneasy about that in the bank of Virginia , as I do not find on my memm book any later reme renewal than for Aug. 8 . would it not be better for me always to renew both together to lessen your trouble of applying to me. I would now do it but I understood from you that it must be on stamped...
120Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 30 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
There will be some cases wherein it will be out of my power to refuse my testimony of worth to applicants for appointment, who may request me to say to you what I know of them. to these solicitations however I shall never yield, nor become troublesome to you but where the claims on me are peculiar. I do not know whether you were acquainted with George Stevenson while he pursued in our...
121Thomas Jefferson to George P. Stevenson, 30 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 16 th is just now recieved, and I am certainly ready to do any thing I can to obtain for you the appointment you desire. to so much however of your request as asks letters to the Secretaries of State & War, I must observe that the latter office is at present vacant, & that with the head of the other department the distance produced by antient political differences of opinion, has...
122Thomas Jefferson to James W. Wallace, 30 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 10 th has been peculiarly acceptable after so long a pause of communication between us. it brought to me also the renewed assurance of your recollection in the renewal of attention to my little collection of curiosities. it happens that when I employed persons to explore the big bone lick for me, a number of the teeth you describe were found. I sent some of them to the...
123John Martin Baker to Thomas Jefferson, 31 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I am Honored with your much Respected Letter of the twelfth instant ; myself and all my family, Sir, will ever bear in grateful remembrance your feeling consideration in your goodness and favorable mention of myself, family and Situation to The President of the United States: whom I have had the Honor to call upon, on the fourth day after his late return, His Excellency, was pleased to receive...
124José Corrêa da Serra to Thomas Jefferson, 31 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
You must not be offended if your central college is in some measure become one of my hobby horses. The prospect of seeing a seminary for the American youth unshackled from the trammels of clerical influence and direction, and where really useful sciences may be induced into young minds is a vision so congenial to my feelings, that i cannot abstain from frequently reminding it, and taking a...
125Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Milligan, 31 October 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
By the stage which will leave this 4. days hence, I shall send you under the care of mr Carr a box and a bundle containing the following books. Scientific dialogues. 6. vols to be bound in 3. & a little reduced in size Euripide de Prevost . 4. v. 12 mo Dizzionario del Cormon . Fr. Ital. 8 vo Dictionnaire de Cormon . Ital. Fr. 8
126Thomas Jefferson to John Quincy Adams, 1 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 4 th of Oct. was not recieved here until the 20 th having been 16. days on it’s passage, since which unavoidable avocations have made this the first moment it has been in my power to acknolege it’s reciept. of the character of M. de Pradt his political writings furnish a tolerable estimate, but not so full as you have favored me with. he is eloquent, and his pamphlet on colonies...
127Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Carstairs, 1 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
After a separation of near 20. years I avail myself of the occasion of recalling myself to your recollection which is furnished by the necessity of asking information from you in the line of your business, and which I trust you will have the goodness to give me. we are here engaged in the erection of a college called the Central college . we have agreed to give our Carpenters & housejoiners...
128Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 1 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer of this, mr John Carr , the son of a nephew of mine, was I believe enregistered on the roll of midshipmen about two years ago. his time since that has been employed at school to improve his qualifications, and he now goes on to enter on the duties which may be prescribed to him. he is a young man of excellent character. his father who goes on with him will be able to inform you of...
129Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 1 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot promise that even this shall be the last trouble I shall give you on the subject of our Central college ; for indeed I have nobody else to appeal to. we have agreed to give to our Carpenters & housejoiners the prices stated in the Philadelphia Builder’s price book, with such a percent on them as the is habitually allowed there for the advance of prices since the date of that book. we...
130Hezekiah Niles to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, [ca. 1 November 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
It is not a common occasion, venerable fathers of the republic, that could induce me to prefix your names to a public address. In my estimation, there is something in it that may make me liable to be considered indiscreet, if not impertinent, by some who will not take the trouble to ascertain whether I am influenced by an honest intention , or not. I am unwilling to be suspected of either of...
131Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Ritchie, 1 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Ritchie to give three insertions to the above in his newspaper and to place in it to the account of Th:J. with his newspapers. he salutes him always with esteem & respect PoC ( DLC ); on verso of portion of reused address cover to TJ; subjoined to enclosure ; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ.
132Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s Advertisement for Return of Central College Subscriptions, [1 November 1817] (Jefferson Papers)
Central College The gentlemen, friends of this institution, who have been so kind as to recieve and patronise subscription papers are requested to return copies of the names & sums subscribed as they shall stand on the 1 st day of December, and that they may be forwarded immediately after that date by mail, addressed to any one of the visitors of whom mr Jefferson is nearest to the...
133Thomas Jefferson to Emmanuel, marquis de Grouchy, 2 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved, Sir, your favor of Oct. 20. and regret much the pleasure I have lost of possessing you here, and still more the cause of it, your son’s illness. his health however, I hope, is by this time restored. your name has been too well known in the history of the times, and your merit too much acknoleged by all, not to promise me great pleasure in making your personal...
134Thomas Jefferson to William Maclure, 2 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you, dear Sir, for the copy of your Geology of the US. which you have been so kind as to send me. I have read it with as much pleasure as I could expect to recieve from writings in a branch of science with which I am so little familiar. considering how little the scratches of 100. feet deep into the crust of a globe of 8000 miles diameter could authorise conjectures as to it’s internal...
135Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 3 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
A great rain having given us a full tide in our river William Johnson takes on board of two boats for me this mor n ing 120. barrels of flour, which will probably be with you near ly as early as you will recieve this by mail. I shall not therefor e borrow flour from mr Colclaser as I had proposed. I shall draw on you from our court to-day in favor of Samu el Carr for 199. D 68 C and for about...
136Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 3 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
An abundant rain having given us a plentiful tide I wish to avail myself of it in bringing up a part of 7. tons of plaister which I ask the favor of you to procure & forward to me as often as W m Johnson , shall call for it. he starts this evening. I will further request you to procure & send me by him 100. ℔ of good coffee, that is to say Bourbon if to be had, if not then Java or other...
137Thomas Jefferson to Joel Yancey, 3 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
When I left you I counted with certainty on being at Poplar Forest during the last week at the latest; but the decision on my road here which comes on in our court to-day or tomorrow has detained me. to that is now added the difficulty of keeping our workmen at the College together so as to ensure the finishing it. this depends on their diligence for one fortnight more within which time the...
138Thomas Jefferson to Peter S. Du Ponceau, 6 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
The long delay of the MS. of Col o Byrd which you were so kind as to send me , needs apology. on the 26 th of June I wrote to mr Benjamin Harrison of Berkley from whom the other had been borrowed, to ask permission to send it to the Philosophical society with a view to it’s publication. the following is an extract from his answer of July 11.
139Thomas Jefferson to Francis Brooke, 7 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
It has been mentioned to the Visitors of the Central College established by act of assembly near Charlottesville that the society of Cincinnati in this state had in contemplation to apply their funds to the foundation of a school for the military arts of Gunnery and fortification, and that some of the members had intimated a disposition to incorporate it with the Central College . a...
140Thomas Jefferson to Peter S. Du Ponceau, 7 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
A part of the information of which the expedition of Lewis and Clarke was the object has been communicated to the world by the publication of their journal; but much & valuable matter remains yet uncommunicated. the correction of the longitudes of their map is essential to it’s value; to which purpose their observations of the Lunar distances are to be calculated & applied. the new subjects...
141Thomas Jefferson to Peter S. Du Ponceau, 7 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to M r Duponceau , & his thanks for his pamphlet on Phonology. he supposes, with him, that all sud d en reformation of our orthography is as desperate as it would be inconvenient. he presumes the slow process of amendment will continue, which has been going on for ages; that this may in time reduce the power of the letters to greater uniformity, as has...
142Thomas Jefferson to John Gardiner, 7 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Gardiner and his thanks for the copy of his map of the Military bounty Lands which he has been so kind as to send him. he has no doubt of it’s great utility to the military claimants and it’s execution is in a very handsome stile. PoC ( MHi ); on verso of a reused address cover from Thomas Cooper to TJ; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ.
143Edward Graham’s Survey of the Natural Bridge Tract, 7 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Nov r 7th 1817 Surveyed for Tho s Jefferson Esqr a tract of land including the Natural-bridge , purporting, by patent, to contain 157 acres; Begin g at 2 poplars united together at the ground and marked as corner trees on the S.E. side only, supposed to be the begin g corner called for in the patent, thence (the course called for in the patent) S 52½° E crossing two small fields, and, at 158...
144Honoré Julien to Thomas Jefferson, 7 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Permettez qu’en me rapellant à votre Souvenir e j’aie l’honneur de vous informer de la triste fin de votre ancient Maitre d’hotel M or Le Maire , arrivée dans le commencement du mois passé pendant un court séjour de ma femme à Philadelphie : ce brave homme avoit prété une Somme de cinq Mille dollars a un de ses amis, qui lui avoit hypothequé une maison pour sureté de payement, cette personne...
145Thomas Jefferson to James H. McCulloh, 7 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments & his thanks to Doctor M c Culloch for the copy of his Researches on America which he has been so kind as to send him. the question he treats has long excited the enquiries of the Ingenious. some have been contented with accounting for the origin of the Man of the new continent s some with that of it’s animals generally: Doct r M’Culloch ’s hypothesis...
146William Jones to Thomas Jefferson, 8 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I should have sooner replied to your favors of the 8 and 26 th Ult o had not the delay been suggested by the expectation of the deputation from Lynchburg , and a desire to ascertain, in order to communicate the result. Yesterday the proceedings of the meeting at Lynchburg , and the representations of the deputies, were submitted to the board of directors, and as the discussion which ensued,...
147Thomas Cooper to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been in daily expectation of a letter from you, but I presume the necessity of previously sending to Lynchburgh has occasioned the delay. About a week ago, I received a letter from M r Brown of Williamsburgh stating that the Trustees there, w d be Willing to renew their offer of a Professorship, if I w d engage to go either the beginning of the ensuing spring, or at next November. I...
148Joseph Delaplaine to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure, a few weeks ago, of sending to you , the second half volume of the Repository. Being on a visit of business to New York , I know not whether you did me the honour of answering my letter . I indulge a hope that I have given satisfaction to all your family & friends in the life that I have given of you. Certain it is, that I have been highly complimented by many persons for...
149Patrick Gibson to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 29 th Ins t Ult o I sold your 43 bls. flour to E. Williams and on the 5 th inst a the rem g 7 bls to Jos h
150Bernard Peyton to Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your esteemed letter of the 5th: current has been rec d and contents noted— I have forwarded by M r Johnson ’s Boat 110 ℔s: best Bourbon Coffee & one, of your seven Tons Plaister of Paris which I procured of excellent quality delivered on the Basin Bank at $9– I hope you will find that & the Coffee to suit. 110 ℔s Best Bourbon Coffee at 26 Cts $28.60 9 7 Tons Plaister of Paris at $9 63.00...