President Jefferson Letters for the years 1785 thru 1825

Paris, FRA - 16 June 1785

In a letter of January the 12th, to Governor Harrison, I informed him of the necessity that the statuary should see General Washington; that we should accordingly send him over unless the Executive disapproved of it

Paris, FRA - 17 June 1785

I am much pleased with Otto's appointment; he is good-humored, affectionate to America, will see things in a friendly light when they admit of it, in a rational one always, and will not pique himself on writing every trifling circumstance of irritati

Paris, FRA - 21 June 1785

The political world is almost lulled to sleep by the lethargic state of the Dutch negotiation, which will probably end in peace.

Paris, FRA - 22 June 1785

Our latest letters from America are of the middle of April, and are extremely barren of news. Congress had not yet proposed a time for their recess, though it was thought a recess would take place.

Paris, FRA - 23 June 1785

What is become of this Mr. Lambe? I am uneasy at the delay of that business, since we know the ultimate decision of Congress.

Paris, FRA - 5 July 1785

I wish you may be rightly informed that the property of Mr. Sprowle is yet unsold. It was advertised so long ago, as to found a presumption that the sale has taken place. In any event, you may safely go to Virginia.

Paris, FRA - 5 July 1785

Little has occurred since my last. Peace seems to show herself under a more decided form. The Emperor is now on a journey to Italy, and the two Dutch Plenipotentiaries have set out for Vienna

Paris, FRA - 7 July 1785

We daily expect from the Baron Thulemeyer the French column for our treaty with his sovereign.

Paris, FRA - 10 July 1785

Mr. Houdon would much sooner have had the honor of attending you, but for a spell of sickness, which long induced us to despair of his recovery, and from which he is but recently recovered.

Paris, FRA - 11 July 1785

Mr. Houdon's long and desperate illness has retarded, till now, his departure for Virginia. We had hoped, from our first conversations with him, that it would be easy to make our terms, and that the cost of the statue and expense of sending him, woul

Paris, FRA - 12 July 1785

While Captain Jones was hovering on the coast of England, in the year 1779, a British pilot, John Jackson by name, came on board him, supposing him to be British. Captain Jones found it convenient to detain him as a pilot

Paris, FRA - 12 July 1785

In consequence of the orders of the legislative and executive bodies of Virginia, I have engaged Monsieur Houdon to make the statue of General General Washington. For this purpose it is necessary for him to see the General.

Paris, FRA - 12 July 1785

You are right in supposing all letters opened which come either through the French or English channel, unless trusted to a passenger. Yours had evidently been opened, and I think I never received one through the post office which had not been.

Paris, FRA - 13 July 1785

I am glad to hear that the Council have ordered restitution of the merchandise seized at L'Orient, contrary to the freedom of the place.

Paris, FRA - 13 July 1785

I am very sensible that no trade can be on a more desperate footing than that of tobacco, in this country; and that our merchants must abandon the French markets, if they are not permitted to sell the productions they bring

Paris, FRA - 17 July 1785

But why, you will ask, do I send you old almanacs, which are proverbially useless? Because, in these publications have appeared, from time to time, some of the most precious things in astronomy.

Paris, FRA - 28 July 1785

Mr. Short sets out immediately. I have put into his hands a letter of instructions how to conduct himself, which I have signed, leaving a space above for your signature.

Paris, FRA - 29 July 1785

Congress, having made a very considerable purchase of land from the Indians, have established a land office, and settled the mode of selling the lands. Their plan is judicious.

Paris, FRA - 30 July 1785

Supposing that the funds, which are the object of your inquiry, are those which constitute what we call our domestic debt, it is my opinion that they are absolutely secure: I have no doubt at all but that they will be paid

Paris, FRA - 31 July 1785

When the first article of our instructions of May 7th, 1784, was under debate in Congress, it was proposed that neither party should make the other pay, in their ports, greater duties, than they paid in the ports of the other.

Paris, FRA - 3 August 1785

Will you be so good as to make an inquiry into all the circumstances relative to Peyrouse's expedition, which seem to ascertain his destination.

Paris, FRA - 3 August 1785

The enclosed copy of a letter from Captain John Paul Jones, on the subject on which your Excellency did me the honor to write me, on the day of July, will inform you that there is still occasion to be troublesome to you.

Paris, FRA - 6 August 1785

I now enclose you a draught of a treaty for the Barbary States, together with the notes Benjamin Franklin left me.

Paris, FRA - 7 August 1785

The concern you therein express as to the effect of your pamphlet in America, induces me to trouble you with some observations on that subject.

Paris, FRA - 10 August 1785

In your letter of June the 21st, you asked my opinion whether yourself or your son might venture to go to Virginia, to claim your possessions there?

Paris, FRA - 10 August 1785

The cause of the balance against this country in favor of England, as well as its amount, is not agreed on. No doubt, the rage for English manufactures must be a principal cause.

Paris, FRA - 13 August 1785

I write by Mr. Cairnes merely to inform you, that I have, as yet, received no answer from the Marechal de Castries. I am in daily expectation of one.

Paris, FRA - 13 August 1785

I wrote to you, acknowledging the receipt, and apprizing you, that between that date and the 1st of August, it would be impossible to procure, and get to your hands, the drafts you desired.

Paris, FRA - 14 August 1785

I took an opportunity of asking the Count de Vergennes, whether the Chevalier Luzerne proposed to return to America. He answered me that he did; and that he was here, for a time only, to arrange his private affairs.

Paris, FRA - 15 August 1785

In the conversation which I had the honor of having with your Excellency, a few days ago, on the importance of placing, at this time, the commerce between France and America on the best footing possible

Paris, FRA - 17 August 1785

he has not been able to get an authentic roll of the crew of the Alliance, and that, in the probable case of there having been some French subjects among them, it will be just that you should give security to repay their portions.

Paris, FRA - 18 August 1785

I see with extreme satisfaction and gratitude, the friendly interposition of the court of Spain with the Emperor of Morocco, on the subject of the brig Betsy, and I am persuaded it will produce the happiest effects in America.

Paris, FRA - 20 August 1785

This correspondence is grateful to some of my warmest feelings, as the friendships of my youth are those which adhere closest to me, and in which I most confide. My principal happiness is now in the retrospect of life.

Paris, FRA - 23 August 1785

I shall sometimes ask your permission to write you letters, not official, but private. The present is of this kind, and is occasioned by the question proposed in yours of June the 14th; 'Whether it would be useful to us, to carry all our own producti

Paris, FRA - 28 August 1785

Every thing looks like peace here. The settlement between the Emperor and Dutch is not yet published, but it is believed to be agreed on.

Paris, FRA - 29 August 1785

I pray you to furnish me with all the evidence you can, as to what French subjects may be entitled to any part of the monies you will receive, and to how much, each of them

Paris, FRA - 30 August 1785

I enclose you a correspondence which has taken place between the Marechal de Castries, minister of the Marine, and myself. It is on the subject of the prize-money, due to the officers and crew of the Alliance

Paris, FRA - 0 September 1785

That the United States of America, heretofore connected in government with Great Britain, had found it necessary for their happiness to separate from her, and to assume an independent station.

Paris, FRA - 1 September 1785

On a review of our letters to the Baron de Thulemeyer, I do not find that we had proposed that the treaty should be in two columns, the one English, and the other what he should think proper.

Paris, FRA - 1 September 1785

All is quiet here. The Emperor and Dutch have certainly agreed, though they have not published their agreement. Most of his schemes in Germany must be postponed, if they are not prevented by the confederacy of many of the Germanic body

Paris, FRA - 4 September 1785

Supposing that we should begin with the Emperor of Morocco, a letter to the Emperor and instructions to Mr. Barclay, seemed necessary. I have therefore sketched such outlines for these, as appear to me to be proper.

Paris, FRA - 5 September 1785

With respect to America, I will rather give you a general view of its situation, than merely relate recent events.

Paris, FRA - 6 September 1785

You are now too distant from America, to be much interested in what passes there. From the London gazettes, and the papers copying them, you are led to suppose that all there is anarchy, discontent, and civil war.

Paris, FRA - 11 September 1785

Your Captain Yeaton being here, furnishes me an opportunity of paying the tribute of my congratulations on your appointment to the government of your State, which I do sincerely.

Paris, FRA - 14 September 1785

Several of your letters have been received, and we have been occupied in endeavors to have you discharged: but these have been ineffectual. If our information be right, you are mistaken in supposing you are already condemned.

Paris, FRA - 19 September 1785

Lambe has arrived. He brings new full powers to us from Congress, to appoint persons to negotiate with the Barbary States; but we are to sign the treaties.

Paris, FRA - 20 September 1785

Being in your debt for ten volumes of Buffon, I have endeavored to find something that would be agreeable to you to receive, in return.

Paris, FRA - 20 September 1785

I received this summer a letter from Messrs. Buchanan and Hay, as Directors of the public buildings desiring I would have drawn for them plans of sundry buildings, and, in the first place, of a capital.

Paris, FRA - 24 September 1785

The sentiments you therein expressed, were such as were entertained in America till the commercial proclamation, and such as would again return, were a rational conduct to be adopted by Great Britain.

Paris, FRA - 24 September 1785

I transmit you herewith, copies of the papers he brought to us on the subject of the Barbary treaties. You will see by them, that Congress have adopted the very plan which we were proposing to pursue.

Paris, FRA - 25 September 1785

I do not altogether despair of making something of your method of quilling, though, as yet, the prospect is not favorable. I applaud much your perseverance in improving this instrument

Paris, FRA - 26 September 1785

I received, a few days ago, your favor of the 10th of June, and am to thank you for the trouble you have given yourself, to procure me information on the subject of the commerce of your State.

Paris, FRA - 26 September 1785

I now wait for the letter from your lawyer, as, till I know the real nature and state of your process, it is impossible for me to judge what can be done for you here.

Paris, FRA - 29 September 1785

I have received your letter, and shall exert myself for you. Be assured of hearing from me soon

Paris, FRA - 30 September 1785

The truth of Voltaire's observation offers itself perpetually, that every man here must be either the hammer or the anvil.

Paris, FRA - 2 October 1785

You therein speak of a new method of raising water by steam, which you suppose will come into general use. I know of no new method of that kind

Paris, FRA - 5 October 1785

It was with very sincere pleasure I heard of your appointment to the board of treasury, as well from the hope that it might not be disagreeable to yourself, as from the confidence that your administration would be wise.

Paris, FRA - 5 October 1785

We have no public news worth communicating to you, but the signing of preliminaries between the Emperor and Dutch. The question is, then, with whom the Emperor will pick the next quarrel.

Paris, FRA - 6 October 1785

The Emperor and Dutch have signed preliminaries, which are now made public. You will see them in the papers which accompany this. They still leave a good deal to discussion.

Paris, FRA - 11 October 1785

I have the honor of enclosing to your Excellency, a report of the voyage of an American ship, the first which has gone to China.

Paris, FRA - 11 October 1785

I received, last night, the letter signed by yourself and the other gentlemen, delegates of Massachusetts and Virginia, recommending Mr. Sayre for the Barbary negotiations.

Paris, FRA - 12 October 1785

There are, in the prison of St. Pol de Lon, six or seven citizens of the United States of America, charged with having attempted a contraband of tobacco, but, as they say themselves, forced into that port by stress of weather.

Paris, FRA - 12 October 1785

With respect to the expediency of the arrangement you propose to make with Mr. Parker, I must observe to you, that it would be altogether out of my province to give an official opinion, for your direction.

Paris, FRA - 13 October 1785

The British government, as you may naturally suppose, have it much at heart to reconcile their nation to the loss of America. This is essential to the repose, perhaps even to the safety of the King and his ministers.

Paris, FRA - 15 October 1785

I should sooner have answered the paragraph in your letter, of September the 19th, respecting the best seminary for the education of youth, in Europe, but that it was necessary for me to make inquiries on the subject.

Paris, FRA - 18 October 1785

the constant expectation of the departure of the persons whom I formerly gave you reason to expect, has prevented my writing, as it has done yours.

Paris, FRA - 25 October 1785

In order to give you the information you desire, on the subject of the liquidated debts of the United States, and the comparative footing on which they stand, I must observe to you, that the first and great division of our federal debt, is...

Paris, FRA - 4 November 1785

At length a confidential opportunity arrives for conveying to you a cipher; it will be handed you by the bearer, Mr, Lambe. Copies of it are in the hands of Mr. Adams, at London

Paris, FRA - 4 November 1785

Mr. Adams, the American minister at London, and myself, have agreed to authorize the bearer hereof, Mr. Lambe, to treat for your redemption, and that of your companions taken in American vessels

Paris, FRA - 12 November 1785

The freedom of commerce between Ireland and America is undoubtedly very interesting to both countries. If fair play be given to the natural advantages of Ireland, she must come in for a distinguished share of that commerce.

Paris, FRA - 14 November 1785

I take the liberty of troubling your Excellency on behalf of six citizens of the United States, who have been for some time confined in the prison of St. Pol de Lon, and of referring for particulars to the enclosed state of their case. Some of the ma

Paris, FRA - 19 November 1785

This has led to discussions with the ministers, which give us a hope that we may get the duties taken off in perpetuum. This done, a most abundant market for our oil will be opened by this country

Paris, FRA - 20 November 1785

I am equally persuaded they will pay the most serious attention to that part of your Excellency's letter, which mentions the information you have received of certain acts or regulations of navigation and commerce, passed in some of the United States

Paris, FRA - 23 November 1785

I have sent to the Count de Vergennes a statement of your case, of which the enclosed is a copy. I wish you would read it over, and if there be any fact stated in it, which is wrong, let me know it

Paris, FRA - 27 November 1785

I sincerely rejoice that Portugal is stepping forward in the business of treaty, and that there is a probability that we may at length do something under our commissions, which may produce a solid benefit to our constituents.

Paris, FRA - 4 December 1785

I enclose you a letter from Gatteaux, observing that there will be an anachronism, if, in making a medal to commemorate the victory of Saratoga, he puts on General Gates the insignia of the Cincinnati, which did not exist at that date.

Paris, FRA - 10 December 1785

On the arrival of Mr. Boylston, I carried him to the Marquis De La Fayette, who received from him communications of his object. This was to get a remission of the duties on his cargo of oil

Paris, FRA - 11 December 1785

You know the immense amount of Beaumarchais' accounts with the United States, and that Mr. Barclay was authorized to settle them. Beaumarchais had pertinaciously insisted on settling them with Congress.

Paris, FRA - 21 December 1785

It is on the case of Asquith and others, citizens of the United States, in whose behalf I had taken the liberty of asking your interference.

Paris, FRA - 22 December 1785

you will perceive that the claims of the Chevalier de Mezieres, nephew to the late General Oglethorpe, to his possessions within your State, have attracted the attention of the ministry here

Paris, FRA - 22 December 1785

The death of the late General Oglethorpe, who had considerable possessions in Georgia, has given rise, as we understand, to questions whether these possessions have become the property of the State, or have been transferred by his will to his widow

Paris, FRA - 27 December 1785

You have been consulted in the case of the Chevalier de Mezieres, nephew to General Oglethorpe, and are understood to have given an opinion derogatory of our treaty with France.

Paris, FRA - 2 January 1786

Several conferences and letters having passed between the Count de Vergennes and myself, on the subject of the commerce of this country with the United States, I think them sufficiently interesting to be communicated to Congress.

Paris, FRA - 3 January 1786

He showed me his first invention; the price of the machine was twenty-five guineas: then his second, which he had been able to make for about half that sum. Both of these had a mainspring and a balance-wheel, for their mover and regulator.

Paris, FRA - 4 January 1786

have been honored with your letter of September the 26th, which was delivered me by Mr. Houdon, who is safely returned. He has brought with him the mould of the face only, having left the other parts of his work with his workmen to come by some other

Paris, FRA - 7 January 1786

The very few of my countrymen who happen to be punctual, will find their punctuality a misfortune to them. Of this I shall give you a proof by the present application, which I should not make to you, if I did not know you to be superior to the torpid

Paris, FRA - 12 January 1786

I immediately made inquiries on the subject of the frigate you had authorized your relation to sell to this government, and I found that he had long before that sold her to government, and sold her very well, as I understood.

Paris, FRA - 13 January 1786

The reason I have not written to you for some time, has been the constant expectation of receiving an order for your discharge. I have not received it however.

Paris, FRA - 26 January 1786

I had the honor of writing to you on the receipt of your orders to procure draughts for the public buildings, and again on the 13th of August. In the execution of these orders, two methods of proceeding presented themselves to my mind.

Paris, FRA - 7 February 1786

I was perfectly satisfied before I received your letter, that your opinion had been misunderstood or misrepresented in the case of the Chevalier de Mezieres.

Paris, FRA - 8 February 1786

I have purchased little for you in the book way since I sent the catalogue of my former purchases. I wish, first, to have your answer to that, and your information, what parts of these purchases went out of your plan.

Paris, FRA - 9 February 1786

The Mr. John Ledyard, who proposes to undertake the journey through the northern parts of Asia and America, is a citizen of Connecticut, one of the United States of America.

Paris, FRA - 20 February 1786

America cannot but be flattered with the choice of the subject, on which you are at present employing your pen. The memory of the American Revolution will be immortal, and will immortalize those who record it.

Paris, FRA - 28 February 1786

Circumstances of public duty calling me suddenly to London, I take the liberty of mentioning it to your Excellency, and of asking a few minutes audience of you, at as early a day and hour as will be convenient to you

Paris, FRA - 8 March 1786

His Excellency, Count de Vergennes, having been pleased to say that he would give orders at Calais, for the admission of certain articles which I wish to bring with me from England, I have thought it best to give a description of them, before my depa

London, ENG - 12 March 1786

The date of a letter from London will doubtless be as unexpected to you as it was unforeseen by myself, a few days ago.

London, ENG - 14 March 1786

It is with sincere concern that I meet this event, as it deprives me not only of your aid in the office in which we have been joined, but also of your society, which has been to me a source of the greatest satisfaction.

New York, NY - 12 August 1790

On their own proposal, formerly, to exchange a minister, we sent them one. They have taken no notice of that, and talk of agreeing to exchange one now, as if the idea were new.

Philadelphia, PA - 13 January 1793

It has long since been observed, that, of the three millions of livres given by the court of France to aid us in the commencement of our revolution, one million was unaccounted for by the hands into which it was paid.

Philadelphia, PA - 22 August 1793

will sufficiently inform you of the transactions which have taken place between M. Genet, the Minister of France, and the government here, and of the painful necessity they have brought on, of desiring his recall.

Philadelphia, PA - 3 January 1794

I have the honor to inform you, that I have resigned the office of Secretary of State, and that Mr Randolph, late Attorney General of the United States, is appointed by the President

Washington, MD - 26 June 1801

I do not see sufficient reasons for preserving a revenue cutter at Charleston on a larger scale than elsewhere. I see no reason to expect pirates from St. Domingo, no instance of it having yet occurred

Monticello, VA - 14 August 1801

my opinion is generally that when a case is exactly that which the law meant to punish, it is one for which the power of pardon was not intended

Monticello, VA - 21 August 1801

I like much the idea of giving Clay the consulship of Lisbon. I deem it the most important consulship in our gift.

Monticello, VA - 28 August 1801

I am sorry Mr. Clay declines the consulship ; it would have been very pleasing to us to replace our minister at Lisbon by such a consul as Clay.

Monticello, VA - 5 September 1801

I learn with sincere regret the continued illness of your child. My sympathies with you in that distress flow from great trials in the same school at a former period of my life.

Monticello, VA - 18 September 1801

I approve of your intended application to General Heard for a successor to White, and wish you to appoint any one whom his recommendation or other better evidence shall place in your view as the best.

unknown - 3 October 1801

The inducement which you propose in order to engage Powell to bring up his accounts is approved; so is also the idea of collecting men of talents about us, even in offices which do not need them.

Washington, MD - 9 October 1801

I return you Mr. Dallas's opinion on the question whether the goods of a citizen taken by one belligerent in the bottom of another may be received here, with the consent of the captor, by the owner.

unknown - 12 November 1801

The supervisor of New Hampshire (Rogers) was a Revolutionary Tory. I am therefore ready to change him.

unknown - 14 November 1801

Thomas Jefferson asks the favor of Mr. Gallatin to examine the enclosed rough draft of what is proposed for his first communication to Congress

unknown - 28 November 1801

Your own opinion and that of the Attorney-General are sufficient authorities to me to approve of prosecuting in the case of the schooner Sally.

Monticello, VA - 3 August 1802

What are the subjects on which the next session of Congress is to be employed ?

Monticello, VA - 9 August 1802

We have received information that the Emperor of Morocco, having asked, and been refused, passports for two vessels loaded with wheat to go to Tripoli while blockaded by us, has ordered away our consul.

Monticello, VA - 14 August 1802

I have been taught to have great confidence in him, yet we all know how frequent it is for the best persons to be warped as to personal character by views peculiar to themselves, and not agreeing with the general opinion.

Monticello, VA - 14 August 1802

I have duly considered the regulations concerning the Mississippi trade enclosed in your letter of the 7th, and should have signed them but that a single fact

Monticello, VA - 20 August 1802

Your favors of the 16th and 17th were received the last night ; the contents of the latter shall now be distinctly noted.

Monticello, VA - 23 August 1802

I had written yesterday to Mr. Smith, after a conference with Mr. Madison on the measures to be pursued with respect to the Barbary powers

Monticello, VA - 30 August 1802

The commission for Bloodgood for Albany is approved, the application for it left to yourself, as you are on the spot.

Monticello, VA - 8 September 1802

I have received from Delaware another application on the subject of the piers, &c., to be erected in their river. It is on behalf of Wilmington

Monticello, VA - 13 September 1802

I have always forgotten to ask of you a general idea of the effect of the peace on our revenues so far as we have gone.

Monticello, VA - 17 September 1802

Mine of the 8th will have informed you that I had countermanded the sailing of the John Adams on an invitation of the Emperor of Morocco to Simpson to remain.

Monticello, VA - 20 September 1802

In my last I informed you I should have an opportunity of getting Mr. Madison's opinion on the expediency of the sailing of the John Adams. I have done so

unknown - 7 October 1802

The application of the Bank of Baltimore is of great importance. The consideration is very weighty that it is held by citizens, while the stock of the United States Bank is held in so great a proportion by foreigners.

unknown - 0 January 1803

I observed to him yesterday that as he had a right to resign, his act of resignation was final, and did not need an acceptance to validate it.

Monticello, VA - 28 March 1803

I am in all cases for a liberal conduct towards other nations, believing that the practice of the same friendly feelings and generous dispositions which attach individuals in private life will attach societies on the large scale, which are composed o

unknown - 12 June 1803

The strengthening the revenue cutters by the addition of another mate and two hands is approved.

Monticello, VA - 24 June 1803

The address of the ward committees of Philadelphia city the subject of removals from office was received at Washington on the 17th inst. I cannot answer it, because I have given no answer to the many others I have received

Monticello, VA - 25 June 1803

We agreed that the address of the ward committees ought not to be formally answered. But on further reflection I think it would be better to write a private letter to one of the members

Monticello, VA - 18 August 1803

There ought to be no further hesitation with E. Livingston. The importation of negroes from the French islands ought to be vigorously withstood

Monticello, VA - 23 August 1803

The appointment of a successor to Samuel Bishop must await our reassembling at Washington.

unknown - 3 October 1803

Th. Jefferson asks the favor of Mr. Gallatin to examine with rigor the enclosed project of the message to Congress, and to note on a separate paper the alterations he thinks advantageous.

unknown - 29 October 1803

I must ask the favor of you to meet the heads of Departments here to-morrow at 12 o'clock and afterwards to dine with us.

unknown -

I have always proposed to reappoint General Gibson to his present office, wherein I hear of no complaint against him. Neither his age nor understanding entitles him to anything beyond that, and equal to his ancient military rank.

Monticello, VA - 15 April 1804

According to the letter of Mr. Wagner enclosed in yours of the 7th inst., on the subject of the misnomer of the inspector for Indiantown, a commission should have been enclosed ; but none came.

Monticello, VA - 27 April 1804

The case of the Louisiana squatters is a serious one from its magnitude, yet to be touched with a hand as careful as firm. A proclamation must doubtless precede any act of force.

unknown - 9 June 1804

Will you give to the enclosed observations of Mr. Madison as [careful ?] a perusal as you can ? I have always been in hopes that you and he would by discussion come to a common opinion.

Washington, MD - 12 June 1804

Mr. Rapp (who has been exploring the country) has pitched on, on Sandy Creek of Muskingum River, where they wish to have 40,000 acres at the usual price, but with longer indulgence as to the time of payment.

Monticello, VA - 1 September 1804

I am just returned from a visit to Mr. Madison, whom I went to consult on certain matters.

Monticello, VA - 3 April 1805

I learn with real concern the danger that a temporary loan may be necessary, because we know how it will be perverted to throw dust in the eyes of the people.

unknown - 29 May 1805

I have no information that the Act dividing Orleans into counties is passed.

Washington, MD - 2 June 1805

The answer to Morris is perfectly well, as it leaves the case open for decision as the fact or law shall be

Monticello, VA - 7 August 1805

You have probably learnt through other channels that our Commissioners to Spain have terminated their mission without success in a single point.

unknown - 11 October 1805

The reasons of the bank against importing coin seem good under their views of the subject, which perhaps are not broad enough.

unknown - 23 October 1805

The war on the Continent of Europe appears now so certain, and that peace is at least one year off, that we are now placed at our ease in point of time.

unknown - 3 November 1805

I suppose the best way of estimating will be by our tonnage, including coasters, bay and river craft, and everything employed on the tide-waters.

unknown - 6 November 1805

In the case of L. H. Guerlain, of New Orleans, it Is undeniable that a fraud on the revenue was meditated.

unknown - 16 November 1805

The Jersey law puts the lands on Sandy Hook completely in our power ; and having paid the money, the fee-simple is fixed in the United States unconditionally forever; nor would it be in the power of the Jersey Legislature to alter it were they dispos

unknown - 20 November 1805

Can you be so good as to let me have the financial paragraph this morning

unknown - 24 November 1805

I send you the message to ask a scrupulous revisal, and as early an one as you can, because there does not remain more than time enough to submit it successively to the other gentlemen for their corrections

unknown - 4 December 1805

Enclosed is a revised edition of the Spanish resolutions, in which you will find most of your ideas conformed to.

unknown - 7 December 1805

J. Randolph has just called to ask a conversation with me

unknown - 15 December 1805

I return you the papers respecting the Sandy Hook business, which I am content should be closed on the terms already proposed by you.

unknown - 24 February 1806

Th. J. proposes to Mr. Gallatin to insert into his appropriation law the above article

unknown - 14 June 1806

A law of the last session provided for making a road from Nashville to Natchez, and another from Cincinnati, by Vincennes, to St. Louis.

unknown - 15 June 1806

Congress has permitted lots to be taken for M. de la Fayette as low as 500 acres.

unknown - 19 June 1806

I have had a consultation with Mr. Madison on the application of the British vessel of war for stores.

unknown - 26 June 1806

The Attorney-General being absent, we must decide for ourselves the question raised by Colonel Newton's letter, whether Mr. Cooper can own a registered vessel? or, in other words, whether he is a citizen of the United States ?

Monticello, VA - 15 August 1806

The skill and spirit with which Mr. Sandford and Mr. Edwards conducted the prosecution give perfect satisfaction, nor am I dissatisfied with the result.

Monticello, VA - 16 August 1806

I have made it a rule to grant no pardon in any criminal case but on the recommendation of the judges who sat on the trial

Monticello, VA - 28 August 1806

I am much pleased with the expectation of Mr. Thompson's continuance in office in the Orleans land office.

Monticello, VA - 31 August 1806

I now return you the papers respecting the Louisiana Board of Commissioners, with only the alteration of omitting the words in the Xth instruction, about which you had doubted yourself.

unknown - 14 November 1806

As to the 500 cavalry. If we have peace with Spain, we shall not want them; if war, all our plans must be new moulded.

unknown - 23 November 1806

The words "ere long" and "systems of fortifications" were omitted by oversight in correcting the copy I sent you yesterday.

unknown - 12 December 1806

Although I have the most perfect confidence in the integrity of Briggs, and very little in Davies, his accuser, yet where a charge is so specific and direct, our duty calls for investigation.

unknown - 0 January 1807

The sale of Dufour's land appears to have been regular. The purchase, too, by Mr. Mansfield is valid in law and in the equity of the courts.

unknown - 13 January 1807

The appointment of a woman to office is an innovation for which the public is not prepared, nor am I.

unknown - 22 February 1807

I have the names of three persons whose evidence, taken together, can fix on him the actual endeavor to engage men in Burr's enterprise.

unknown - 31 March 1807

I return you the circular letter to the registers on the subject of intruders on the public lands, with a proposition for a single alteration.

unknown - 1 June 1807

If you arrive before half after three, come and take a family dinner with me, that I may put you in possession of what is under contemplation, so that you may have to reflect on it till to-morrow

unknown - 16 June 1807

If Mr. Grallatin will be so good as to call on Th. J. on his arrival at the office, the other gentlemen will then attend oa being notified

Washington, MD - 25 June 1807

The capture of the Chesapeake by a British ship of war renders it necessary to have all our council together.

unknown - 17 October 1807

If you could call on me conveniently this forenoon, Mr. Smith will meet you here with an entire readiness to modify his estimate to our mutual liking.

unknown - 21 October 1807

I enclose you the form in which I would wish to place the financial paragraph, with blanks which I must ask you to fill up

unknown - 24 October 1807

can you therefore do me the favor to call on me this forenoon, to consult about the estimate you enclosed me yesterday

unknown - 4 November 1807

As it will be necessary to decide how this question of the Batture is to be settled, we must of course take the trouble of understanding it.

unknown - 5 November 1807

I return you the report with great approbation. One or two verbal changes, and, in one place, the striking out two or three lines, not affecting the sense, are all I have to suggest.

unknown - 25 November 1807

It seems, I think, that a pardon may be justly expected in the enclosed case.

unknown - 8 December 1807

Your proposition of yesterday has some good phases and merits consideration.

unknown - 18 December 1807

Monroe will be here on Sunday ; he will bring us no new information, as far as can be judged from his letter

unknown - 14 January 1808

The idea of our having a power to give special permits getting abroad will overwhelm us with applications.

unknown - 13 February 1808

I send you Mr. Brown's papers respecting the public property in New Orleans. I see nothing in them which is proper to lay before Congress until the commissioners shall have decided in whom the property is.

unknown - 18 February 1808

General Dearborn's plan for raising 6000 regulars and 24,000 minute-men or volunteers is submitted to the heads of Departments

unknown - 11 March 1808

I have this moment received the embargo law

unknown - 11 March 1808

The Act concerning revenue bonds was presented to me the night before last, signed yesterday, and will be deposited to-day.

unknown - 13 March 1808

There have been several appointments of marshal to North Carolina, all of whom have refused to accept.

unknown - 30 March 1808

A bill supplementary to the several Acts for laying an embargo on vessels, &c.

unknown - 2 April 1808

On the amendments to the embargo law I am perfectly satisfied with whatever you have concluded on after consideration of the subject.

unknown - 6 May 1808

In the outset of the business of detentions, I think it impossible to form precise rules.

Monticello, VA - 16 May 1808

This draft I enclose for your perusal. I salute you affectionately.

Monticello, VA - 2 September 1808

I appoint Eugene Sullivan at West Point. Rose turns out to be a great sot.

unknown - 25 October 1808

In the case of the schooner Anne, carried off forcibly by a British crew, I think the removal of the inspector should be permitted to take place.

unknown - 30 October 1808

I am puzzled about the Martinique paupers.

unknown - 14 December 1808

Th. Jefferson returns the enclosed report to Mr. Gallatin with his entire approbation and affectionate salutations.

unknown - 22 February 1809

Have you obtained the name and character of the son of Madame Bonneville ? I believe there remains a single vacancy of a cadet.

Monticello, VA - 27 September 1810

Yours of the 10th came safely to hand and laid me under new obligations for the valuable observations it contained.

Monticello, VA - 19 March 1815

This letter will be presented to you by Mr. George Ticknor, a young gentleman of Boston. He favored me with a visit here, and brought high recommendations from Mr. Adams and others

Monticello, VA - 11 April 1816

Louis XVIII. is a fool and a bigot, but, bating a little duplicity, he is honest and means well. He cannot but feel the heavy hand of his masters

Monticello, VA - 18 May 1816

I have just received a request from M. de la Fayette to send him two copies of the Review of Montesquieu, published in Philadelphia about four or five years ago

Monticello, VA - 4 April 1824

It was with great pleasure I learnt that the good people of New Orleans had restored you again to the councils of our country.

Monticello, VA - 25 March 1825

I know how apt we are to consider those we knew long ago, and have not since seen, to be exactly still what they were when we knew them, and to have been stationary in body and mind, as they have been in our recollections.