158031George Divers to Thomas Jefferson, 18 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I receiv’d the alpine strawberry plants sent by your Servant, for which accept my thanks. I send you seven pear s cions. they are small being ingrafted the last spring. two of them is a very good forward pear. the other five are of the best kinds that I have, would have sent you some slips, but I shall engraft Some for myself and shall think of you when I set about it, The Irish grass you...
158032From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 19 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
The greatest part of the History in your last Letter was well known to me, and I could write you Six Sheets for your three, full of Anecdotes, of a Similar complexion. I wanted no Satisfaction. If I had, your Letter would have given it. The great Character, was a Character of Convention . His first Appointment was a magnanimous Sacrifice of the North to the South: to the base Jealousy, Sordid...
158033From John Adams to William Cranch, 19 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for your kind letter of the 8th. I think with you upon the several political topics you have touched. The Taxes ought never to have been repealed. The restoration of them then is only returning to the right road, from wandering in an erroneus path. The recent discoveries of Henry the S shew the necessity in case of a War, of renewing the alien Law. The inability of the supreme...
158034William D. Meriwether to Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I send by your boy two bushels of malt but it is not sufficiently dried for grinding, and should youe want any more will with pleasure furnish youe wit h it, barly to sowe if youe are not already supplied I am much obliged to you for your books on brewing, in hopes that I may profit by them, and will return them as soon as the Season for brewing is over; and remain RC ( MHi ); dateline beneath...
158035From John Adams to John Adams Harper, 20 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have received, under your Frank, Copies of Henry’s full Proofs of his own turpitude and that of the late Governor of Canada, and that of some of the British Ministery; and I thank you for them. I read a Speech of Mr. Harper in Congress which appeared to me to contain marks of a Mind awake to Principles of Equity Humanity and Benevolence, as well as of Discretion, Patriotism and Sound Policy:...
158036From John Adams to Richard Cranch Norton, 20 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
Thank you for your very handsom and very amiable Letter of the 5th. It gave me great pleasure to find that my Friends had received you with Civility; And as it is both pleasant and Convenient to know and be known among People Respectable in Society: tho’ no particular Advantage should be derived from it. Your Situation, in the Office of Mr: Jones, Connected as you are with the Chief Justice,...
158037To James Madison from William Blackledge, 20 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I have this day received a letter from my correspondent in New York (a letter from whom I did myself the honor to send you about two months ago). In the letter of this day he complains of the misfortune of not having been appointed as he is really needy, but declares it as his opinion that every officer appointed (a list of which he had seen) were either federalists or Clintonians except only...
158038To James Madison from Gabriel Bumpass, 20 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I am a Citizen of Giles County State of Tennessee Five Miles from the Town of Pulaski a place where information is very scarce. I therefore come to you whom the U. S. have thought worthy to guide the helm of our Government to ask advice. In 1810 or 11. Congress authorized us to take a Grant of 640 Acres West of what is termed the Congressional reservation line for a cite for the Town of...
158039To James Madison from James Maury, 20 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
Mr Joy has desired me to forward the inclosed. Wheat & Flour advanced very suddenly some days ago & the prevalent opinion is that prices are yet to be higher. I have not been able to do any thing satisfactory with the Tobaccoe you were so good as to consign me in 1810. It is all on hand. With high respect & esteem I have the honor to be your obliged friend & Servt Flour 70/ a 74/. ⅌ barrel...
158040To John Adams from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 21 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
I am So much younger—I have not So manÿ avocations—I have nothing better to perform; it is mÿ chief recreation in mÿ Solitude, to correspond with mÿ friends: all this I deem a Sufficient apologÿ for writing So often, and I flatter my Self, It Shall be one for you, even if I interrupt you in more Serious concerns, or take hold of a few precious moments, intended devoted to weightier affairs. I...
158041To James Madison from Jonathan Dayton, 21 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
I received yesterday by mail, a letter without signature, which, from it’s general & particular character, it’s tenour, & it’s allusions, must be presumed to have come from the President of the United States. The letters therein alluded to, & stated to have been addressed to the Secretary of State, & to the President successively in 1808 & 1809 were never sent by me. It would seem however,...
158042To James Madison from Henry Dearborn, 21 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
Will not the late discovery of Treasonable intentions, render it expedient to be more cautious, in appointing Federal characters (especially in the Northern States) to the higher grades in the Army. A conciderable portion of Field officers are Federal, and if a still greater proportion of the Genl. officers should be of that description, would not the active supporters of the Government, and...
158043Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Erskine Birch, 21 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of 24 th Feb. was recieved a few days ago. soon after the date of mine to you of Jan. 3. your’s of the 1 st of that month came to hand, as also the volume forwarded with it: for which be pleased to accept the renewal of my thanks, and the confirmation of the favorable expectations I had formed of it’s contents. Every appearance warrants the expectation that the scenes in which you...
158044Thomas Jefferson to John Bradbury, 21 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly recieved your letter of the 5 th inst. and congratulate you on your safe return from your long peregrination. I hope it will not be long before we shall have the benefit of the information it has furnished you. With respect to the establishment of a Botanical garden at Washington by the General government, be assured it is an idea without the least foundation. no doubt it is desired by...
158045Thomas Jefferson to Charles Christian, 21 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of the 10 th inst. proposing to me to join in a contribution for the support of the family of the late mr Cheetham of New York . private charities, as well as contributions to public purposes in proportion to every one’s circumstances, are certainly among the duties we owe to society, & I have never felt a wish to withdraw from my portion of them. the general...
158046Thomas Jefferson to Donald Fraser, 21 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter & now return you the papers it inclosed. I would very willingly serve you in solliciting the office you desire in New York had I a right to take that liberty with any one there. as it is, the only service I can render you is in counselling you as to the most hopeful course of application. it is exactly one of those suggested by yourself. the influence of the...
158047Ezra Sargeant to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellency will receive by this days mail Seventy one copies of “Proceedings &c” put up in 3 parcels and directed to you at Monticello . Those directed to be put up for P. Magruder Esq and M r Otis I expect to forward agreable to your excellency’s direction on tuesday next; a Gentleman of my acquaintance purposing going to the Southwar d on that day. Should I however be dissappointed of...
158048To James Madison from William Campbell, 22 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
The lively interest felt by every class of our Citizens, at this crisis of our public concerns, gives liberty to my pen to offer you a few of my sentiments with the rest of our fellow Citizens. I have been taught, in my Fathers house, to have the highest respect for your talents and integrity and my more mature years gave me reason to hope that on your filling the first or most Dignified...
158049Thomas Jefferson to James Barbour, 22 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16 th was safely delivered last night by the waggoner, together with the packet of seeds you were so kind as to recieve and forward. I pray you to accept my thanks for this friendly care. my friends & correspondents Gibson & Jefferson , would have saved you the trouble of seeking a conveyance for the packet, & would do it on any future similar occasion, if simply sent to...
158050Hugh Nelson to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
An application is now pending before Congress on behalf of the officers and soldeirs, of the late Virginia line on state establishment, to secure to them the Lands which Virginia had engaged to give them; and for which in many instances Land Warrants were issued, but which have never been satisfied. In the cession which Virginia made to the United States , of her lands lying on the North-West...
158051Thomas Jefferson to Larkin Smith, 22 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 3 d inst. with the packet of seeds you were so kind as to forward, came safely to hand yesterday evening, and of course in good time for being committed to the earth. accept my thanks for this kind attention. and indeed I am afraid it may not be the last, as my foreign correspondents are much in the habit of directing packages for me to the Collector of the port to which the...
158052Thomas Jefferson to Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 22 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I am indebted to you for the communication of the Prospectus of a work embracing the history of civilised man, political & moral, from the great change produced in his condition by the extension of the feudal system over Europe thro’ all the successive effects of the revival of letters, the invention of printing, that of the compass, the enlargement of science, & the revolutionary spirit,...
158053To James Madison from William Shaler, 23 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
Many circumstances of my errant life having led me to an acquaintance with the Spanish American provinces, and to a tolerable Knoledge of the language, manners and character of their inhabitants, they actually became long since the favorite object of my reflections. I therefore believed that notwithstanding the defects of my education, I possessed a competent share of the qualifications...
158054To James Madison from William Eustis, 23 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 March 1812, War Department. Proposes nine appointments in the U.S. Army. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Executive Proceedings, 12B-A1); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 107, LSP ). RC 1 p. Forwarded by JM to the Senate in a 24 Mar. 1812 message ( Senate Exec. Proceedings Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States of America (3 vols.; Washington, 1828). , 2:240).
158055Samuel Lukens to Thomas Jefferson, 23 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I stand security to a Man in my Neighbourhood for the sum of $600 which Isaac Shoemaker obtained from him some years ago, I have been urging him to pay the money for some years past, and he has promised so often, and failed, that I no longer have any confidence in him.—I now have to request the favour of being informed, thro’ thee, whether Isaac is in thy neighbourhood, or, in Charlottesville...
158056From John Jay to Peter Augustus Jay, 24 March 1812 (Jay Papers)
I have rec d . a Letter of the 20 Inst: from you; but from William none arrived by the last mail. The Ballance due to your uncle Peter will be somewhat less than $500— he may repay me the Difference. Your Cousin W m . L. Watkins has sent me his acc t . and according to it I owe him $43.63.— I presume it is right— ask him for a Copy of it, and pay him the Ballance— Nancy is again much better—...
158057To James Madison from Gabriel Duvall, 24 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to request your attention to an act of Congress which was passed on Friday last & which of course will be submitted for your approbation. It relates to the District Courts of the United States. By the Act of the 2d. of March 1809, all the duties of the District Judge, in case of his disability to perform them, are imposed on the Circuit Judge. Of this, altho’ in my opinion, an...
158058Ebenezer Herrick to Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
yours of Feb y 20 th has Just come to hand containing two bills of the amount of 15. Dollars with a request that I would send you one of my machines Also a Copy of an Advertisement taken from a News paper which is not Just as I have published but Sir the plan of the machine is such as to admit of any number of spindles that will best accommodate for familys use the best Recommendation I think...
158059Elizabeth Trist to Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The only hope I have of your remembrance of me, is that you are not apt, to forget those whom you have once honor’d with the Appellation of friend, under that impression I can not deny my self the pleasure of once more addressing a few lines to you, not to trouble you with unavi unavailing regrets for the misfortunes and sorrows of those whoese welfare my heart takes the deepest interest in,...
158060To James Madison from John Dawson, [25 March] 1812 (Madison Papers)
I do think that the appointment of federalists to command both the regiments in Virginia will give discontent, and the rejection of one Major, and nomination of others, whose pretentions are not higher, will increase that discontent. You will readily appreciate the motive from which this opinion is given, and will believe me to be sincerely Your friend RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Undated; date...
158061To James Madison from Thomas Jefferson, 26 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 6th. was duly recieved. The double treachery of Henry will do lasting good both here & in England. It prostrates the party here, and will prove to the people of England, beyond the power of palliation by the ministry, that the war is caused by the wrongs of their own nation. The case of the Batture not having been explained by a trial at bar as had been expected, I have...
158062Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 26 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 6 th was duly recieved. the double treachery of Henry will do lasting good both here & in England . it prostrates the party here, and will prove to the people of England , beyond the power of palliation by the ministry, that the war is caused by the wrongs of their own nation. The case of the Batture not having been explained by a trial at bar as had been expected, I have...
158063Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Magruder and Samuel A. Otis, 26 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The proceedings of the Executive of the US. in the case of the Batture of New Orleans , which has have been the subject of complaint on the part of Edward Livingston , not having been explained through the medium of a judiciary trial as was expected , I have thought it due to the nation at large, to the National legislature, and to the Executive to make that explanation public through the...
158064Memorandum from William Eustis, [ca. 27 March] 1812 (Madison Papers)
For consideration Qr Master Genl— 1 Colo. Tallmage if he will accept which will be determined in the morng. 2 Colo. R. B. Livingston of N. York, father to the member of Congress —to be also more particularly enquired into in case of the declension of Tallmage. 3 Morgan Lewis. Deputy Qr Masters—civil. Wm Linnard Phila. Captn. Swann N. Orleans. Anthony Lamb Albany now acting as M. Agents—One in...
158065To James Madison from John McKinley, 27 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
Having had the pleasure of an introduction to you while at washington, I now regret much my neglect in not cultivating your acquaintance, which in part causes my present intrusion. I was at that time nominated to a Captaincy in the new Army by Doctor Mitchell from this state in pursuance of a plan of the Honble. Secy. at war, I had every reason to expect a commission as to character and...
158066John Barnes to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15 h Ins t inclosing sundry Acco ts for payment—as well, Mess r Gibson and Jeffersons Order, on Bank of Columbia for $200—recd 23 d have been Appli e d —as follows viz—
158067Richard Barry to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your letter of March the 16 th in which there appears to be an Omission of the price of a Diamond purchased for you which cost eight Dollars and eighty cents— which appears by the inclosed settlement I send you I rec d from M r Barnes 70. ⁵²⁄₁₀₀ Doll rs Sir There is estimates to be received the 6
158068To James Madison from William Crawford, 28 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
Where integrity of motive is apparent it merits indulgence; & will plead for any impropriety which anxiety to promote the public welfare may undesignedly occasion. In a government, with powers & interests so divided & blended frequent & candid communication of views & intentions becomes indispensable, to the exercise of these with unity & efficacy. Where a great national crisis calls for...
158069To James Madison from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 28 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to your directions, I have transmitted to the superintendent of the city of Washington, a compleat list of all outstanding claims against the public buildings in detail, agreeably to the import of the resolution of the house of Representatives of the 24th. current. In compliance with the latter part of the said resolution which enquires, “whether any and what compensations are now...
158070Charles Christian to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Influenced by a desire to ameliorate the condition of five orphan children (the family of the deceased M r Cheetham ) whose transition from affluence to want has been sudden and calamitous, I took the liberty to address you, under date of the 10 th Inst , in their behalf. I now beg leave to solicit a return of the subs c ription paper as the wants of those children have become so urgent as to...
158071Samuel A. Otis to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honor of yours 26 th March , and whenever the documents come to hand I will distribute them as requested, and give you notice. I have no doubt they will be interesting. In reply to my frequent enquiries that you I hear that you continue in the enjoyment of health, that choicest gift of Heaven. May it accompany you thro’ a tranquil old age! Amongst the various publications by order...
158072Oliver Pollock to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor of receiving your letter of Dec. 31 st in due Course, for which, as well as in the sentiments, and good wishes therein expressed, I beg you to accept my acknowledgments. Altho’ you were put to some trouble to retrace the events of such antiquity in order to answer my letter as correctly as you could—Yet with all that trouble it seems that you have been mistaken in a very...
158073From William Stephens Smith to Abigail Amelia Adams Smith, 29 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
I received your letter of the 6th instant, and mourn most sincerely with you for the loss your brother and sister have met with in the death of their amiable child. You wonder why it was sent to entwine itself around your hearts, and then to be thus snatched away, is amongst the mysterious ways of Providence. Read Parnell’s Hermit: “Be taught by these, confess the Almighty just, And where you...
158074To James Madison from James Linsey, 29 March 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 March 1812. Regrets that he should ever express dissatisfaction at the proceedings of the U.S. government: “but Injured feeling constrains me to Express my Self diferent from what I Shuld have don.” Relates the details of his purchase from William Scott of a tract of land that had been conveyed to Scott by the U.S. marshal for Virginia. “As the Land was Sold for the purpose of raising money...
158075Thomas Jefferson to Oliver Barrett, 29 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
On the 20 th of Feb. I wrote to you requesting you to forward for me to Mess rs Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond one of your Spinning machines carrying not more than 20. threads, but fewer if that number increased sensibly it’s complicate d ness, and assuring you that on knowing from you the price it should be immediately remitted to N. York to any address you would indicate. this will be by mess
158076Thomas Jefferson to Patrick Gibson, 29 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
The season of paying my debts now coming upon me I requested you in my letter of the 15 th to make some remittances for me, to which I am now to add one of 200.D. to Benjamin Jones of Philadelphia , ironmonger, and another of one hundred and thirty Dollars to Ezra Sarjeant of New York printer. I do this on the presumption of the sales of my flour, as it gets down, putting you in funds for me....
158077Thomas Jefferson to Ezra Sargeant, 29 March 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 21 st came to hand on the 25 th but the 71. copies mentioned as forwarded by the same mail did not come with it, nor by a mail since arrived. I presume they are suffering some temporary delay at some post office and that I shall soon recieve them. in the mean time I hope you have forwarded those for mr Otis & mr Magruder to Washington by the stage under the care of some...
158078To John Adams from John Adams Harper, 30 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 20th. of this month, for which you will be pleased to accept my most grateful acknowledgements.— That any remarks of mine, should receive the approbation of any fellow citizens, is a cause of gratification—but when I find that they meet with the warm applause of the most intelligent and virtuous of the community, it is truly pleasing— I have...
158079From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 30 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
As the Couriers between Paris and St: Petersburg have not yet ceased to be dispatched, by the arrival of one of them a few days ago, I had the pleasure of receiving your N. 1. of 5. January. which was not only like all your letters a balsam in itself; but was also precious by its contents, announcing your own health, that of my father, and of my children, brother and sister. I have no other...
158080To James Madison from James Barbour, 30 March 1812 (Madison Papers)
The threatening posture of our Foreign relations has not failed to engage my profound attention nor have I viewed them without a great share of solicitude. In endeavouring to form a correct opinion as to the probable course of events by which to be governed in the discharge of my official duties I have experienced great difficulty from my limited information. Under this embarrassment I have...