1803 Letters

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.

Salisbury, NH - 4 January 1803

This law-reading, Thomas, has no tendency to add the embellishments of literature to a student's acquisitions. Our books are written in a hard, didactic style, interspersed on every page with the mangled pieces of murdered Latin

Salisbury, NH - 14 January 1803

It has been twice in the way of business for me to be at Hanover since I saw you. Everybody I saw, and some of the ladies particularly, inquired about Mr. Cook

Washington, MD - 16 January 1803

Nothing decisive has yet transpired in regard to the ensuing presidential Election. One thing however appears pretty certain ; Clinton cannot compete successfully with Madison.

Washington, MD - 18 January 1803

As the appropriation bill for the navy is ready to be reported, it is necessary to know in what manner the provisional authorization for six (6) frigates should be introduced.

Washington, MD - 26 January 1803

You know (or am I now to tell you) that you and your concerns are the highest, the dearest interest I have in this world; one in comparison with which all others are insignificant.

Salisbury, NH - 22 February 1803

You solicit my sentiments upon politics. Really, I don't know if I have any political sentiments.

Washington, MD - 23 February 1803

I thank you for this instance of your goodness; for your friendly recollection; above all, for the justice you do to my heart and feelings.

Washington, MD - 21 March 1803

I foresee a schism in Pennsylvania: the most thinking part of the community will not submit to the decrees of partial ward or township meetings

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

Treasury Department, MD - 13 April 1803

The present aspect of affairs may ere long render it necessary that we should, by taking immediate possession, prevent G. B. from doing the same.

Hanover, NH - 15 May 1803

It did cut truly and it was the unkindest cut of all. I hope we shall not have many more " slices from that loaf."

Salisbury, NH - 18 May 1803

Russell, the pure printer at Concord, has found it convenient to abscond. He happened very unfortunately to be engaged in counterfeiting money in Connecticut some years ago

Hanover, NH - 21 May 1803

Though that sum relieved me from many embarrassments, yet I assure you my finances are not in the most prosperous condition.

Dartmouth College, NH - 28 May 1803

In my last letter I informed you, that a little affair had taken place which so discomposed me, that I had neither the control of my thoughts nor the command of my pen.

Philadelphia, PA - 2 June 1803

I am weary, and so must you be, of this story of Reubon and Celeste. It is, however, closed, and you will, after this letter, hear no more of it.

Treasury Department, MD - 2 June 1803

I enclose the letters received on the subject of E. Livingston. If Mr. Gelston is right in supposing that the list dated 18th June has been paid to the District Attorney

Philadelphia, PA - 3 June 1803

Send me the number of volumes of the American Encyclopedia. I wish to complete the set, and must, therefore, know the deficiencies.

New York, NY - 4 June 1803

Encore stupid. For Heaven's sake, what do you imagine I can find to say once a day that is worth saying

Philadelphia, PA - 5 June 1803

Pray no more apologies about your stupidity, &c., because on that subject I am perfectly informed.

Philadelphia, PA - 6 June 1803

The plot thickens, and I do not find it possible to communicate faithfully the details, without hazarding too much in case of loss of the letter.

Philadelphia, PA - 7 June 1803

As you were informed yesterday, my 'Celeste' has gone with the family (le pere excepted) to pass a fortnight six miles from town.

Philadelphia, PA - 8 June 1803

It is finished--concluded--for ever abandoned-- 'liber sum'. Celeste never means to marry

New York, NY - 9 June 1803

I received yesterday your three letters of the 5th and 6th. They made me laugh, yet I pity you, and have really a fellow feeling for you.

Treasury Department, MD - 9 June 1803

As Mr. Ncholas has, through his uncle, applied for the office, and it is uncertain whether Mr. Garrard would take it, I think he should be preferred.

New York, NY - 10 June 1803

We have been dining with Mrs. Laight to-day, and have been much amused.

Philadelphia, PA - 10 June 1803

Just as I sit down to write to you I receive a note from Celeste, advising me that she is in town for a few hours, and will be happy to see me.

Philadelphia, PA - 11 June 1803

Continuation of the Story of the Loves of Reubon and Celeste

unknown - 12 June 1803

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

New York, NY - 14 June 1803

As to Celeste, 'voila mon' opinion. She meant, from the beginning, to say that awful word-- 'yes'; but not choosing to say it immediately, she told you that 'you' had furnished her with arguments against matrimony

Philadelphia, PA - 16 June 1803

The birthday must be kept. It shall be "honoured by my presence." You will therefore make your preparations

unknown - 16 June 1803

I enclose a sketch of the conditions on which the Salt Springs or Wabash may be offered ; also T. Coxe's answer respecting the purveyorship.

Treasury Department, MD - 21 June 1803

I enclose a letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue respecting Mr. Gordon's claims: as he gave a memorandum in writing, Mr. G. should produce it.

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

Treasury Department, MD - 27 June 1803

I write only to inform you that I leave this city to-day for New York. I will stop in Philadelphia to treat with the bank, and will communicate the result.

Salisbury, NH - 2 July 1803

Your last kind letter was not answered by the next post, as you requested, and for a very good reason. I was about going to "the college," and delayed writing, that I might give you some account of things there.

Ballston, NY - 20 July 1803

On arriving here we found that your letter to H. Walton had not been received; but we have been very fortunate in getting a house entirely to ourselves

New York, NY - 30 July 1803

Some obscure hints in one of your letters have saddened my heart. From 'son pere' I have merited neither suspicion nor reserve.

Salisbury, NH - 30 July 1803

In truth, I am solicitous to draw from you a letter, and send this very much for that purpose, although you will think it doing evil, that good may come, and therefore contrary to sound morality.

Providence, RI - 1 August 1803

All those you saw when you were last here inquire about you with great civility and interest, and say pretty things of you. Don't be vain, madam, for I take this to be a kind of flattery to me, or to be so intended.

New York, NY - 6 August 1803

Lord, how I should have liked to see you dance. It is so long; how long is it? It is certain that you dance better than anybody and looked better.

New York, NY - 8 August 1803

But of the deaths. We die reasonably fast. Six or eight new cases reported yesterday. Of those who take the fever three fourths die.

New York, NY - 11 August 1803

I arrived here after a long and tedious journey, and found the yellow fever in the city ; I did not stay in it, and am in the country, two miles from town.

New York, NY - 13 August 1803

Private vessels may export contraband articles, but are liable to seizure and condemnation.

New York, NY - 18 August 1803

Messrs. Dickinson and Jackson do not agree on the proper person to fill the office of marshal for West Tennessee.

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

New York, NY - 20 August 1803

Great apprehension is entertained at Philadelphia that John Leib, the lawyer, should be appointed Clay's successor as one of the board of commissioners of bankruptcy.

Monticello, VA - 23 August 1803

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

New York, NY - 31 August 1803

I write to Philadelphia in order to have the proper paper, copper-plate engravings, and other devices necessary to prevent counterfeits

Salisbury, NH - 3 September 1803

The last I had from your Honor gave me a good account of the Federalism of your own town, Lempster.

New York, NY - 5 September 1803

I am very decidedly of opinion that Abraham Bishop ought to be appointed collector of New Haven.

New York, NY - 16 September 1803

Finding difficulties in copper engraving which might have created delays, I have concluded to have all the certificates merely printed 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 - 4 October 1803

Louisiana. - 1st. It seems to me that the treaty ought not to be laid before both Houses of Congress until after ratification by Senate.

unknown - 6 October 1803

You have heard that I contemplated finishing my studies in Massachusetts.

Salisbury, NH - 6 October 1803

There were some fellows at college with us, who were quite as much in the " nine holes " respecting cash as you and I. These fellows are doing finely, and if we will but aspire, we may do finely also.

Treasury Department, MD - 6 October 1803

The navy estimates have not yet been sent to Mr. Smith for approbation, and the substance will be communicated to me to-morrow morning.

Washington, MD - 16 October 1803

We arrived here yesterday somewhat fatigued. I was, however, very happy to find myself at Washington

Hanover, NH - 18 October 1803

Horace very justly observes that it is pleasant, sometimes, to relax the mind and dissipate attention

Petersburgh, NC - 21 October 1803

I confess I feel myself growing quite cross on the journey, and it is really to be feared that, unless we soon finish it, the serene tranquillity of my placid temper may be injured.

Treasury Department, MD - 28 October 1803

I have conversed with most of the Western members of Congress respecting the possibility of raising volunteers to assist the force already prepared for occupying New Orleans.

Clifton, SC - 29 October 1803

Thank Heaven, my dear father, I am at Lumberton, and within a few days of rest.

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.

Washington, MD - 31 October 1803

You will receive by this mail instructions from the proper Department for taking possession of Louisiana, and for the temporary government of the province.

New York, NY - 7 November 1803

This is the first time that I have put pen to paper at you; but I have been too busy, selling. All is sold, and well sold; not all, however. The house, outhouses, and some three or four acres remain.

Clifton, SC - 8 November 1803

But you, who always put the best construction on my words and deeds, will allow, that a place in which we have suffered much and run a risk of suffering more must be unpleasant.

Treasury Department, MD - 8 November 1803

1st. That the collector of Natchez (Mr. Trist) should by next mail receive a commission vesting in him the powers heretofore exercised by the Administrator, Treasurer, and Contador of the custom-house

Salisbury, NH - 11 November 1803

WHETHER you see fit to knight me for a fool or a philosopher is not very material. The characters, I believe, suit me about alike.

Charleston, SC - 19 November 1803

those pretty little playthings from D. M'Kinnon delighted me. I looked at them over and over, with as much pleasure as a miser over his hoard.

New York, NY - 22 November 1803

Mr. Astor left with me some days ago for Mr. Alston a very beautiful map of Lower Canada, price 'ten' dollars, and two views of Montreal and its vicinity, 'two guineas'.

Salisbury, NH - 0 December 1803

WHAT a fine time to write to Merrill by Capt. Woodward, if Merrill had only answered my last! Oh, the rogue, of how much happiness has he deprived himself by delay !

Clifton, SC - 1 December 1803

My health is infinitely improved, and I attribute it to nothing but the continual bustle I have been kept in for three weeks past.

Washington, MD - 4 December 1803

These letters are very satisfactory, except on the article of your health; of that you must speak a little more plainly.

Washington, MD - 6 December 1803

You are a good girl to write so often. Oh, yes! I knew how much of a child you were when I sent the pretty things.

Washington, MD - 9 December 1803

When any thing amuses me, my first thought is whether it would not also amuse you; and the pleasure is but half enjoyed until it is communicated.

Clifton, SC - 10 December 1803

Behold me again at Clifton; and, in good truth, I begin to be cloyed with the delights of bustle.

Treasury Department, MD - 13 December 1803

Wherever our moneys may be deposited, the Treasurer's draft for the same has the same credit as any bank-note, and the circulation of those drafts would be more extensive than now, if they were, like bank-notes, payable to bearer.

Salisbury, NH - 23 December 1803

I verily believe you had a jaunt in getting home, and was really alarmed for you, when you gave the description of your dangers among the rocks and hills of Warner and Boscawen

Washington, MD - 27 December 1803

Indeed, indeed, my dear little Theodosia, I will write to you very soon. Don't scold and pout so, and I will tell you 'how' I visited Annapolis, and 'how' I returned about an hour ago.