Papers of Thomas Jefferson. The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, Volume 19: 16 September 1822 to 30 June 1823 9780691243283

Citation preview

THE PAPERS OF THOMAS JEFFERSON retirement series

T H E PA P E R S O F

Thomas Jefferson retirement series Volume 19 16 September 1822 to 30 June 1823 J. JEFFERSON LOONEY, the daniel p. jordan editor julie l. lautenschlager and robert f. haggard, senior associate editors andrea r. gray and ellen c. hickman, associate editors kerry dahm, assistant editor lisa a. francavilla, senior managing editor gary sellick and peyton brown hastings, editorial assistants susan spengler, technical specialist

princeton and oxford princeton university press 2022

Copyright © 2022 by Princeton University Press Princeton University Press is committed to the protection of copyright and the intellectual property our authors entrust to us. Copyright promotes the progress and integrity of knowledge. Thank you for supporting free speech and the global exchange of ideas by purchasing an authorized edition of this book. If you wish to reproduce or distribute any part of it in any form, please obtain permission. Published by Princeton University Press, 41 William Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 In the United Kingdom: Princeton University Press, 6 Oxford Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1TR All Rights Reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Jefferson, Thomas, 1743–1826 The papers of Thomas Jefferson. Retirement series / J. Jefferson Looney, editor .  .  . [et al.] p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. Contents: v. 1. 4 March to 15 November 1809—[etc.]— v. 19. 16 September 1822 to 30 June 1823 ISBN [978-0-691-24327-6] (cloth: v. 19: alk. paper) 1. Jefferson, Thomas, 1743–1826—Archives. 2. Jefferson, Thomas, 1743–1826— Correspondence. 3. Presidents—United States—Archives. 4. Presidents—United States—Correspondence. 5. United States— Politics and government—1809–1817—Sources. 6. United States—Politics and government—1817–1825—Sources. I. Looney, J. Jefferson. II. Title. III. Title: Retirement series. E302.J442 2004b 973.4'6'092—dc22   2004048327 This book has been composed in Monticello Princeton University Press books are printed on acid-free paper and meet the guidelines for permanence and durability of the Committee on Production Guidelines for Book Longevity of the Council on Library Resources Printed in the United States of America

dedicated to the memory of ADOLPH S. OCHS publisher of the new york times 1896–1935

who by the example of a responsible press enlarged and fortified the jeffersonian concept of a free press

ADVISORY COMMITTEE LESLIE GREENE BOWMAN

JAMES P. McCLURE

CHARLES T. CULLEN

PETER S. ONUF

CHRISTA DIERKSHEIDE

ANDREW J. O’SHAUGHNESSY

ANNETTE GORDON-REED

DAVID M. SEAMAN

JAMES HORN

JOHN C. A. STAGG

DANIEL P. JORDAN

BRENT TARTER

JOHN P. KAMINSKI

ALAN TAYLOR

STANLEY N. KATZ

This edition was made possible by a founding grant from The New York Times Company to Princeton University. The Retirement Series is sponsored by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., of Charlottesville, Virginia. It was created with a six-year founding grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts to the Foundation and to Princeton University, enabling the former to take over responsibility for the volumes associated with Jefferson’s retirement. Initial leadership gifts from Richard Gilder, Mrs. Martin S. Davis, and Thomas A. Saunders III, as well as subsequent generous gifts from Janemarie D. and Donald A. King, Jr., Alice Handy and Peter Stoudt, Harlan Crow, Mr. and Mrs. E. Charles Longley, Jr., and the Abby S. and Howard P. Milstein Foundation have assured the continuation of the Retirement Series. For these essential donations, and for other indispensable aid generously given by librarians, archivists, scholars, and collectors of manuscripts, the Editors record their sincere gratitude. The position of Editor of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello is named in honor of Dr. Daniel P. Jordan, who served as the President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and guided Monticello from 1985 to 2008. Dr. Jordan’s vision and leadership led to the establishment in 1999 of The Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series, part of Monticello’s Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, which was also founded during Dr. Jordan’s tenure. A challenge grant, generously provided by the Abby S. and Howard P. Milstein Foundation in 2017, made this recognition possible, with matching support from many donors, including John and Renee Grisham, Roger and Susan Hertog, Mrs. Walter H. Helmerich III, Richard Gilder and Lois Chiles, J.F. and Peggy Bryan, Charles T. Cullen, Grady and Lori Durham, Brent and Lindsay Halsey, Janemarie D. and Donald A. King, Jr., and John L. Nau III.

FOREWORD

T

he 601 documents in this volume cover the period from 16 September 1822 to 30 June 1823. Jefferson’s daily life was complicated in November 1822 when a fall from the steps leading off of one of the terraces at Monticello left him with a broken left arm and an injured wrist. Within a few weeks of the accident he observed to his friend John Barnes that “for three days past I have begun to take my habitual exercise on horseback,” but in May 1823, during a ride “without a servant to attend him” and with his arm still in a sling, Jefferson tumbled into the Rivanna River when his horse became stuck in the muddy riverbed. While uninjured, he remarked that had he drowned, it might have been believed “that he had committed suicide,” presumably a wry comment on his insolvency. During this period Jefferson found temporary relief from his most pressing financial difficulty. Early in 1823 he succeeded in transferring from the Bank of the United States to the College of William and Mary the $20,000 debt he had incurred by cosigning notes for Wilson C. Nicholas. Jefferson’s grandson Thomas Jefferson Randolph, a son-in-law and executor of Nicholas, assumed responsibility for the loan, which was never fully repaid. Public awareness of the new University of Virginia was further enhanced with the publication of Peter Maverick’s engraving of the ground plan, which included the school’s architectural centerpiece, the Rotunda. Before Jefferson and the Board of Visitors approached the Virginia General Assembly for a final loan to complete that structure, the board requested an evaluation of the account books of the university and its predecessor, Central College. The resulting investigation, which showed that expenditures had been properly distributed and recorded, helped persuade the Virginia General Assembly to approve an additional $60,000 loan for the university in February 1823. Although construction continued, the opening date for the school remained uncertain. Nevertheless, educators reached out in search of employment. To bolster his claim for a post teaching languages, Thomas J. O’Flaherty sent a portfolio that included compositions in Greek, Latin, and French. Like others before him, he soon learned from Jefferson that his candidacy was “premature.” Despite Jefferson’s complaints of age and difficulty writing, numerous unsolicited letters continued to arrive. Henry Roi, a Swiss-born clock- and watchmaker in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, sent a lengthy essay describing his vision for a new utopian community where “an  vii 

FOREWORD

abundance of the necessairys of life” would “prevent the mischiefs that need creats.” Jefferson also received letters from France and the Netherlands, and he learned of the death of Giovanni Fabbroni, an old acquaintance from Florence. He continued to correspond with John Adams, although in April 1823 Jefferson wrote but apparently did not send him a particularly revealing letter on the subject of religion. Political and foreign affairs also occupied the thoughts of Jefferson and his correspondents at this time. France’s 1823 invasion of Spain in a successful effort to crush the revolutionary movement there and restore King Ferdinand VII to absolute power was discussed with James Monroe and William Short. The family at Monticello enjoyed a visit from the dashing José Antonio Miralla, with whom Jefferson talked about that revolutionary’s hopes for Cuban independence. On the domestic front Jefferson exchanged long letters with United States Supreme Court justice William Johnson in which both men commented on that tribunal’s history, composition, and jurisdiction. Other writers raised the issue of the approaching 1824 presidential contest, leading Jefferson to permit James O. Morse to publish a letter in which the ex-president emphasized his steadfast determination to “take no part in that election.” Jefferson similarly disappointed the hopes of Robert Mayo and William A. Bartow for a personal endorsement of their “library system of education,” but he subscribed to the newly formed Albemarle Library Society and helped prepare a list of books recommended for acquisition by that institution. His granddaughter Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) observed that the exclusion of novels from this catalogue was likely to disappoint the ladies of the county. Jefferson’s family expanded in November 1822, when his grandson Francis Eppes married Mary Elizabeth Randolph. Jefferson turned over to the newlyweds the mansion he had designed at Poplar Forest in Bedford County and made his last visit there in May 1823. He was saddened to learn that his neighbor James Monroe did not plan to return to live in Albemarle County when his presidency ended, but Jefferson understood his friend’s desire to be closer to his family, noting that “the society of our children is the sovereign balm of life, and the older we grow the more we need it, to fill up the void made by the daily losses of the companions and friends of our youth.” Discussing his own health and outlook in the same letter to Monroe, Jefferson wrote and then canceled “but my race is near it’s term, and not nearer, I assure you, than I wish.”

 viii 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

M

any individuals and institutions provided aid and encouragement during the preparation of this volume. Those who helped us to locate and acquire primary and secondary sources and answered our research questions include our colleagues at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., especially Anna Berkes and Endrina Tay of the Jefferson Library, Tabitha Corradi, Diane Ehrenpreis, Emilie Johnson, and Susan Stein of the Curatorial Department, and John McKee of the Marketing and Communications Department; Brianne Barrett at the American Antiquarian Society; Charles B. Greif­enstein of the American Philosophical Society; Chris Glass at the Boston Public Library; Roberta B. Schwartz in the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections and Archives at Bowdoin College; Lesley Martin from the Chicago History Museum Research Center; Jim Gerencser of the Archives and Special Collections Library at Dickinson College; Kate Collins and Elizabeth Dunn in the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Duke University; Allen Merry in the Science and Wellness Department of the Free Library of Philadelphia; Scott Ellwood of the Grolier Club; Anthony DiGiovanni and Cary Hutto at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Kate McGinn at the Indiana State Library; Anthony Jahn and Becki Plunkett at the State Historical Society of Iowa; our many friends at the Library of Congress, including Loretta Deaver, Patrick Kerwin, Bruce Kirby, Julie Miller, and Edith Sandler of the Manuscript Division, Erin Sid­ well and Heather Thomas in the Serial and Government Publications Division, and Eric Frazier and Amanda Zimmerman of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division; Tiffany Link at the Maine Historical Society; Dennis Northcott and Jason D. Stratman of the Missouri History Museum; Kaitlyn Krieg at the Morgan Library and Museum; Russell Hill of the National Archives and Records Administration; Ted O’Reilly at the New-York Historical Society; Tal Nadan from the New York Public Library; Eric Dillalogue of the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania; Travis McDonald and Gail Pond at the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest; Autumn Haag and Melinda Wallington of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester; Celeste Wiley from the South Carolina Historical Society Archives; Rebecca Michelson and Louise Smith, Special Collections Library at the University of Southern California; Judy Hynson from the Research and Library Collections at Stratford Hall; Anne Causey, Regina Rush, Penny White, and their  ix 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

colleagues at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia; Matthew Guillen of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture; Anne T. Johnson from the Special Collections Research Center, College of William and Mary; and Gayle Martinson at the Wisconsin Historical Society. As always, we received advice, assistance, and encouragement from many of our fellow documentary editors, including Gwen Fries and Neal Millikan at the Adams Papers; Christopher F. Minty at the John Dickinson Writings Project; John C. A. Stagg of the James Madison Papers; and Martha J. King and Bland Whitley of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson at Princeton University. We thank independent scholar Jonathan Powell for answering research queries. Genevieve Moene and Roland H. Simon transcribed and translated the French letters included in this volume; Coulter George assisted us with passages in Greek; Jonathan T. Hine lent his aid for an Italian document; and John F. Miller provided his expertise in Latin. The maps of Jefferson’s Virginia, Jefferson’s Albemarle, and the University of Virginia were created by Rick Britton. The other illustrations that appear in this volume were assembled with the assistance of Adrian Cubillas of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts; Jonathan Hoppe at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; Brian E. Hogg, Mary E. Hughes, and Melanie Price in the Office of the Architect, Dan Addison in the Office of University Communications, and Christopher MacDonnell and Will M. Rourk, of the Scholars’ Lab Spatial Technologies, all of the University of Virginia; and Andrew Foster at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. We thankfully acknowledge the efforts of the capable staff at Princeton University Press, including Carmina Alvarez-Gaffin, Meghan Kana­ bay, Dimitri Karetnikov, Erin Suydam, and our production editor, Lauren Lepow. The volume’s complex typesetting needs were ably addressed by Bob Bartleson and his colleagues at Integrated Publishing Solutions. With this volume Paula Viterbo departs from the title page. During her fifteen years as an Editorial Assistant, she has added to the accuracy of our transcriptions and enriched our annotations through her sharp eye and command of the sources in many European tongues. The Editors wish Paula all the best. We also bid farewell to Ellen C. Hickman, who joined the project in 2005, rose through the ranks from Editorial Assistant to Associate Editor, and contributed to our work in every possible way, combining a passion for quality work with a winning personality that endeared her to everyone at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Ellen will be keenly missed, but the Editors take comfort in knowing that she con x 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

tinues her career in documentary editing elsewhere and is thus not lost to the profession. Finally, the Editors deeply regret the death of Roland H. Simon on 26 May 2022. Professor Simon translated many of our French-­ language documents, and he reviewed every French transcription and translation from the beginning of the Retirement Series to the present. Our volumes have benefitted greatly from his careful eye, concern with accuracy, and constant search for le mot juste. His generous sharing of the fruits of his woodworking hobby, coupled with his charm, tact, sly wit, and joie de vivre, also endeared him to us personally. We will miss him greatly.

 xi 

EDITORIAL METHOD AND A P PA R AT U S 1. RENDERING THE TEXT

From its inception The Papers of Thomas Jefferson has insisted on high standards of accuracy in rendering text, but modifications in textual policy and editorial apparatus have been implemented as different approaches have become accepted in the field or as a more faithful rendering has become technically feasible. Prior discussions of textual policy appeared in Vols. 1:xxix–xxxiv, 22:vii–xi, 24:vii–viii, and 30:xiii–xiv of the First Series. The textual method of the Retirement Series will adhere to the more literal approach adopted in Volume 30 of the parent edition. Original spelling, capitalization, and punctuation are retained as written. Such idiosyncrasies as Jefferson’s failure to capitalize the beginnings of most of his sentences and abbreviations like “mr” are preserved, as are his preference for “it’s” to “its” and his characteristic spellings of “knolege,” “paiment,” and “recieve.” Modern usage is adopted in cases where intent is impossible to determine, an issue that arises most often in the context of capitalization. Some so-called slips of the pen are corrected, but the original reading is recorded in a subjoined textual note. Jefferson and others sometimes signaled a change in thought within a paragraph with extra horizontal space, and this is rendered by a three-em space. Blanks left for words and not subsequently filled by the authors are represented by a space approximating the length of the blank. Gaps, doubtful readings of illegible or damaged text, and wording supplied from other versions or by editorial conjecture are explained in the source note or in numbered textual notes. Foreign-language documents, the vast majority of which are in French during the retirement period, are transcribed in full as faithfully as possible and followed by a full translation. Two modifications from past practice bring this series still closer to the original manuscripts. Underscored text is presented as such rather than being converted to italics. Superscripts are also preserved rather than being lowered to the baseline. In most cases of superscripting, the punctuation that is below or next to the superscripted letters is dropped, since it is virtually impossible to determine what is a period or dash as opposed to a flourish under, over, or adjacent to superscripted letters. Limits to the more literal method are still recognized, however, and readability and consistency with past volumes are prime considerations.  xiii 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

In keeping with the basic design implemented in the first volume of the Papers, salutations and signatures continue to display in large and small capitals rather than upper- and lowercase letters. Expansion marks over abbreviations are silently omitted. With very rare exceptions, deleted text and information on which words were added during the process of composition is not displayed within the document transcription. Based on the Editors’ judgment of their significance, such emendations are either described in numbered textual notes or ignored. Datelines for letters are consistently printed at the head of the text, with a comment in the descriptive note when they have been moved. Address information, endorsements, and dockets are quoted or described in the source note rather than reproduced in the document proper. 2. TEXTUAL DEVICES

The following devices are employed throughout the work to clarify the presentation of the text. [.  .  .] [ ] [roman] [italic]

Text missing and not conjecturable. The size of gaps longer than a word or two is estimated in annotation. Number or part of number missing or illegible. Conjectural reading for missing or illegible matter. A question mark follows when the reading is doubtful. Editorial comment inserted in the text. Matter deleted in the manuscript but restored in our text. 3. DESCRIPTIVE SYMBOLS

The following symbols are employed throughout the work to describe the various kinds of manuscript originals. When a series of versions is included, the first to be recorded is the one used for the printed text. Dft Dupl MS PoC PrC RC SC Tripl

draft (usually a composition or rough draft; multiple drafts, when identifiable as such, are designated “2d Dft,” etc.) duplicate manuscript (arbitrarily applied to most documents other than letters) polygraph copy press copy recipient’s copy stylograph copy triplicate  xiv 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

All manuscripts of the above types are assumed to be in the hand of the author of the document to which the descriptive symbol pertains. If not, that fact is stated. The following types of manuscripts are assumed not to be in the hand of the author, and exceptions will be noted: FC Tr

file copy (applied to all contemporary copies retained by the author or his agents) transcript (applied to all contemporary and later copies except file copies; period of transcription, unless clear by implication, will be given when known) 4. LOCATION SYMBOLS

The locations of documents printed in this edition from originals in private hands and from printed sources are recorded in self-explanatory form in the descriptive note following each document. The locations of documents printed or referenced from originals held by public and private institutions in the United States are recorded by means of the symbols used in the MARC Code List for Organizations (2000) maintained by the Library of Congress. The symbols DLC and MHi by themselves stand for the collections of Jefferson Papers proper in these repositories. When texts are drawn from other collections held by these two institutions, the names of those collections are added. Location symbols for documents held by institutions outside the United States are given in a subjoined list. The lists of symbols are limited to the institutions represented by documents printed or referred to in this volume. CLjC CLSU CSmH

CtY CU-BANC DLC

James S. Copley Library, La Jolla, California University of Southern California, Los Angeles Huntington Library, San Marino, California  JF Jefferson File  JF-BA Jefferson File, Bixby Acquisition Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut University of California, Bancroft Library, Berkeley Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.  NPT Nicholas Philip Trist Papers  TJ Papers      Thomas Jefferson Papers (this is assumed if not stated, but also given as indicated to furnish the precise location of an undated, misdated, or otherwise problematic            

 xv 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

DNA

 document, thus “DLC: TJ Papers, 213:38071–2” represents volume 213, folios 38071 and 38072 as the collection was arranged at the time the first microfilm edition was made in 1944–45. Access to the microfilm edition of the collection as it was rearranged under the Library’s Presidential Papers Program is provided by the Index to the Thomas Jefferson Papers [1976]) National Archives, Washington, D.C., with identifications of series (preceded by record group number) as follows:  CD Consular Dispatches  CS Census Schedules  CSRCGSONEM Compiled Service Records of Confederate General and Staff Officers, and Nonregimental Enlisted Men  CSRW1812 Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers who Served During the War of 1812  ESRT Estimates and Statements by the Register of the Treasury  IPNYC Index to Petitions for Naturalization, New York City  LAR Letters of Application and Recommendation  LRAEDP Landing Reports of Aliens from the United States Circuit and District Courts for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania  MLR Miscellaneous Letters Received  MLRSN Miscellaneous Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy  NPM Naturalization Petitions to the United States Circuit and District Courts for Maryland  PLVNY Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York  xvi 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

 PLVP

FMU IaHi ICHi ICN InU KyRE MBCo MBPLi MCR-S MdHi MeB MeHi MH MHi MiDbEI MiU-C MoSB MoSHi

MoSW Nc-Ar

Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at Philadelphia  PRWP Compiled Service Records: Post-Revolutionary War Papers  RACSC Record of Admissions to Citizenship, South Carolina District  RAP Records of Appointment of Postmasters University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines and Iowa City Chicago History Museum, Chicago, Illinois Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois Indiana University, Bloomington Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky Countway Library of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine Maine Historical Society, Portland Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston Edison Institute, Henry Ford Museum, and Greenfield Village Library, Dearborn, Michigan Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis  TJC-BC Thomas Jefferson Collection, text formerly in Bixby Collection Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri North Carolina Office of Archives and History, Raleigh  xvii 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

NCanHi NcD NcU NHi NjP NN NNC NNGL NNMus NNPM NRU NSchU PHC PHi PPAmP PPL PSC-Hi ScHi TxDaHCL TxU Vi ViCMRL ViHi ViU

Ontario County Historical Society, Canandaigua, New York Duke University, Durham, North Carolina University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill  NPT Southern Historical Collection, Nicholas Philip Trist Papers New-York Historical Society, New York City Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey New York Public Library, New York City Columbia University, New York City Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, New York City Museum of the City of New York, New York City Pierpont Morgan Library, New York City University of Rochester, Rochester, New York Union College, Schenectady, New York Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Library Company of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Friends Historical Library, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania South Carolina Historical Society, Charleston Harlan Crow Library, Dallas, Texas University of Texas, Austin Library of Virginia, Richmond Thomas Jefferson Library, Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., Charlottesville, Virginia Virginia Historical Society, Richmond University of Virginia, Charlottesville  CC Carr-Cary Family Papers  ECUVa Papers concerning the Establishment and Construction of the University of Virginia  ER Edgehill-Randolph Papers  JHC John Hartwell Cocke Papers  PP Papers from the Office of the Proctor and Papers of the Proctor of the University of Virginia  xviii 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

 TJP  TJP-CC  TJP-Co  TJP-ER  TJP-PC  TJP-PP

 TJP-VMJB

 TJP-VMJCC

 TJP-VMJHC

 TJP-VMTJ

 xix 

Thomas Jefferson Papers Thomas Jefferson Papers, text formerly in Carr-Cary Papers Thomas Jefferson Papers, text formerly in Cocke Papers Thomas Jefferson Papers, text formerly in EdgehillRandolph Papers Thomas Jefferson Papers, text formerly in Philip B. Campbell Deposit Thomas Jefferson Papers, text formerly in Papers of the Proctor of the University of Virginia Thomas Jefferson Papers, Visitors Minutes, University of Virginia and its predecessors, copy prepared after 7 Oct. 1826 for James Breckinridge Thomas Jefferson Papers, Visitors Minutes, University of Virginia and its predecessors, copy prepared after 7 Oct. 1826 for Joseph C. Cabell Thomas Jefferson Papers, Visitors Minutes, University of Virginia and its predecessors, copy prepared after 7 Oct. 1826 for John H. Cocke Thomas Jefferson Papers, Visitors Minutes, University of Virginia and its predecessors, original manuscript largely in Thomas Jefferson’s hand during the period of his service

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

ViW

WHi

College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia  TC Tucker-Coleman Collection  TC-JP Jefferson Papers, TuckerColeman Collection  TJP Thomas Jefferson Papers Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison

The following symbols represent repositories located outside of the United States: FrlM UkNA

Archives Départementales de la Marne, Châlons-enChampagne, France National Archives, Kew, United Kingdom

5. OTHER ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

The following abbreviations and symbols are commonly employed in the annotation throughout the work. Lb  Letterbook (used to indicate texts copied or assembled into bound volumes) RG  Record Group (used in designating the location of documents in the Library of Virginia and the National Archives) SJL  Jefferson’s “Summary Journal of Letters” written and received for the period 11 Nov. 1783 to 25 June 1826 (in DLC: TJ Papers). This epistolary record, kept in Jefferson’s hand, has been checked against the TJ Editorial Files. It is to be assumed that all outgoing letters are recorded in SJL unless there is a note to the contrary. When the date of receipt of an incoming letter is recorded in SJL, it is incorporated in the notes. Information and discrepancies revealed in SJL but not found in the letter itself are also noted. Missing letters recorded in SJL are accounted for in the notes to documents mentioning them, in related documents, or in an appendix TJ  Thomas Jefferson TJ Editorial Files  Photoduplicates and other editorial materials in the office of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement ­Series, Jefferson Library, Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., Charlottesville d Penny or denier ƒ Florin or franc £ Pound sterling or livre, depending on context (in doubtful cases, a clarifying note will be given)  xx 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

s ₶  „

Shilling or sou (also expressed as /) Livre Tournois Per (occasionally used for pro, pre)

Old-style guillemet (European quotation mark) 6. SHORT TITLES

The following list includes short titles of works cited frequently in this edition. Since it is impossible to anticipate all the works to be cited in abbreviated form, the list is revised from volume to volume. Acts of Assembly  Acts of the General Assembly of Virginia (cited by session; title varies over time) ANB  John A. Garraty and Mark C. Carnes, eds., American National Biography, 1999, 24 vols. Annals  Annals of the Congress of the United States: The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States .  .  . Compiled from Authentic Materials, Washington, D.C., Gales & Seaton, 1834–56, 42 vols. (All editions are undependable and pagination varies from one printing to another. Citations given below are to the edition mounted on the Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation website of the Library of Congress and give the date of the debate as well as page numbers.) APS  American Philosophical Society ASP  American State Papers: Documents, Legislative and Executive, of the Congress of the United States, 1832–61, 38 vols. Axelson, Virginia Postmasters  Edith F. Axelson, Virginia Postmasters and Post Offices, 1789–1832, 1991 BDSCHR  Walter B. Edgar and others, eds., Biographical Directory of the South Carolina House of Representatives, 1974– , 5 vols. Betts, Farm Book  Edwin M. Betts, ed., Thomas Jefferson’s Farm Book, 1953 (in two separately paginated sections; unless otherwise specified, references are to the second section) Betts, Garden Book  Edwin M. Betts, ed., Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book, 1766–1824, 1944 Biog. Dir. Cong.  Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–Present, online resource, Office of the Clerk, United States House of Representatives Biographie universelle  Biographie universelle, ancienne et moderne, new ed., 1843–65, 45 vols. Black’s Law Dictionary  Bryan A. Garner and others, eds., Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th ed., 1999  xxi 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

Brigham, American Newspapers  Clarence S. Brigham, History and Bibliography of American Newspapers, 1690–1820, 1947, 2 vols. Bruce, University  Philip Alexander Bruce, History of the University of Virginia 1819–1919: The Lengthened Shadow of One Man, 1920–22, 5 vols. Bush, Life Portraits  Alfred L. Bush, The Life Portraits of Thomas Jefferson, rev. ed., 1987 Cabell, University of Virginia  [Nathaniel Francis Cabell], Early History of the University of Virginia, as contained in the letters of Thomas Jefferson and Joseph C. Cabell, 1856 Calhoun, Papers  Robert L. Meriwether, W. Edwin Hemphill, Clyde N. Wilson, and others, eds., The Papers of John C. Calhoun, 1959–2003, 28 vols. Callahan, U.S. Navy  Edward W. Callahan, List of Officers of the Navy of the United States and of the Marine Corps from 1775 to 1900, 1901, repr. 1969 Chambers, Poplar Forest  S. Allen Chambers, Poplar Forest & Thomas Jefferson, 1993 Clay, Papers  James F. Hopkins and others, eds., The Papers of Henry Clay, 1959–92, 11 vols. CVSP  William P. Palmer and others, eds., Calendar of Virginia State Papers .  .  . Preserved in the Capitol at Richmond, 1875–93, 11 vols. DAB  Allen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, 1928–36, 20 vols. Dartmouth Catalogue  General Catalogue of Dartmouth College and the Associated Schools, 1769–1925, 1925 DBF  Dictionnaire de biographie française, 1933– , 22 vols. Dexter, Yale Biographies  Franklin Bowditch Dexter, Biographical Sketches of the Graduates of Yale College, 1885–1912, 6 vols. DSB  Charles C. Gillispie, ed., Dictionary of Scientific Biography, 1970–80, 16 vols. DVB  John T. Kneebone, Sara B. Bearss, and others, eds., Dictionary of Virginia Biography, 1998– , 3 vols. EG  Dickinson W. Adams and Ruth W. Lester, eds., Jefferson’s Extracts from the Gospels, 1983, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Second Series Fairclough, Horace: Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica  Horace: Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica, trans. H. Rushton Fairclough, Loeb Classical Library, 1926, repr. 2005 Fairclough, Virgil  Virgil, trans. H. Rushton Fairclough, Loeb Classical Library, 1916–18, rev. by G. P. Goold, 1999–2000, repr. 2002–06, 2 vols.  xxii 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

Ford  Paul Leicester Ford, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Letterpress Edition, 1892–99, 10 vols. Harvard Catalogue  Harvard University Quinquennial Catalogue of the Officers and Graduates, 1636–1925, 1925 HAW  Henry A. Washington, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jeffer­ son, 1853–54, 9 vols. Heitman, Continental Army  Francis B. Heitman, comp., Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army during the War of the Revolution, April, 1775, to December, 1783, rev. ed., 1914, repr. 1967 Heitman, U.S. Army  Francis B. Heitman, comp., Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, 1903, repr. 1994, 2 vols. Hening  William Waller Hening, ed., The Statutes at Large; being a Collection of all the Laws of Virginia, Richmond, 1809–23, 13 vols.; Sowerby, no. 1863; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 10 (no. 573) Hinshaw, Quaker Genealogy  William Wade Hinshaw and others, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, 1936–50, repr. 1969–77, 6 vols. Hoefer, Nouv. biog. générale  J. C. F. Hoefer, Nouvelle biographie générale depuis les temps les plus reculés jusqu’a nos jours, 1852–83, 46 vols. Jackson, Papers  Sam B. Smith, Harold D. Moser, Daniel Feller, and others, eds., The Papers of Andrew Jackson, 1980– , 11 vols. JCC  Worthington C. Ford and others, eds., Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774–1789, 1904–37, 34 vols. Jefferson Correspondence, Bixby  Worthington C. Ford, ed., Thomas Jefferson Correspondence Printed from the Originals in the Collections of William K. Bixby, 1916 JEP  Journal of the Executive Proceedings of the Senate of the United States JHD  Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia JHR  Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States JS  Journal of the Senate of the United States JSV  Journal of the Senate of Virginia Kimball, Jefferson, Architect  Fiske Kimball, Thomas Jefferson, Architect, 1916 L & B  Andrew A. Lipscomb and Albert E. Bergh, eds., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Library Edition, 1903–04, 20 vols. LCB  Douglas L. Wilson, ed., Jefferson’s Literary Commonplace Book, 1989, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Second Series Leavitt, Poplar Forest  Messrs. Leavitt, Catalogue of a Private Library .  .  . Also, The Remaining Portion of the Library of the Late  xxiii 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

Thomas Jefferson .  .  . offered by his grandson, Francis Eppes, of Poplar Forest, Va., 1873 LeCB  David Thomas Konig, Michael P. Zuckert, and others, eds., Jefferson’s Legal Commonplace Book, 2019, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Second Series Leitch Daybook  MS daybook of Charlottesville merchant James Leitch, 2 Mar. 1820–8 May 1823, ViCMRL, on deposit ViU, bound volume with ruled paper, in a clerk’s hand Leonard, General Assembly  Cynthia Miller Leonard, comp., The General Assembly of Virginia, July 30, 1619–January 11, 1978: A Bicentennial Register of Members, 1978 List of Patents  A List of Patents granted by the United States from April 10, 1790, to December 31, 1836, 1872 Litchfield Law School  The Litchfield Law School, 1784–1833, 1900 Longworth’s New York Directory  Longworth’s American Almanac, New-York Register, and City Directory, New York, 1796–1842 (title varies; cited by year of publication) MACH  Magazine of Albemarle County History, 1940–  (title varies; issued until 1951 as Papers of the Albemarle County Historical Society) Madison, Papers  William T. Hutchinson, Robert A. Rutland, John C. A. Stagg, and others, eds., The Papers of James Madison, 1962– , 43 vols. Congress. Ser., 17 vols. Pres. Ser., 11 vols. Retirement Ser., 3 vols. Sec. of State Ser., 12 vols. Malone, Jefferson  Dumas Malone, Jefferson and his Time, 1948–81, 6 vols. Marshall, Life of George Washington  John Marshall, The Life of George Washington, Philadelphia, 1804–07, 5 vols.; Sowerby, no. 496; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 4 (no. 133) Marshall, Papers  Herbert A. Johnson, Charles T. Cullen, Charles F. Hobson, and others, eds., The Papers of John Marshall, 1974– 2006, 12 vols. MB  James A. Bear Jr. and Lucia C. Stanton, eds., Jefferson’s Memorandum Books: Accounts, with Legal Records and Miscellany, 1767–1826, 1997, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Second Series Miller, Treaties  Hunter Miller, ed., Treaties and other International Acts of the United States of America, 1931–48, 8 vols. Nichols, Architectural Drawings  Frederick Doveton Nichols, Thomas Jefferson’s Architectural Drawings, 1961, 5th ed., 1984  xxiv 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

Notes, ed. Peden  Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, ed. William Peden, 1955, repr. 1995 OCD  Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth, eds., The Oxford Classical Dictionary, 2003 ODNB  H. C. G. Matthew and Brian Harrison, eds., Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, 2004, 60 vols. OED  James A. H. Murray, J. A. Simpson, E. S. C. Weiner, and others, eds., The Oxford English Dictionary, 2d ed., 1989, 20 vols. Peale, Papers  Lillian B. Miller and others, eds., The Selected ­Papers of Charles Willson Peale and His Family, 1983– , 5 vols. in 6 Pierson, Jefferson at Monticello  Hamilton W. Pierson, Jefferson at Monticello: The Private Life of Thomas Jefferson, From Entirely New Materials, 1862 Poor, Jefferson’s Library  Nathaniel P. Poor, Catalogue. President Jefferson’s Library, 1829 Princetonians  James McLachlan and others, eds., Princetonians: A Biographical Dictionary, 1976–90, 5 vols. PTJ  Julian P. Boyd, Charles T. Cullen, John Catanzariti, Barbara B. Oberg, James P. McClure, and others, eds., The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, 1950– , 45 vols. PW  Wilbur S. Howell, ed., Jefferson’s Parliamentary Writings, 1988, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Second Series Randall, Life  Henry S. Randall, The Life of Thomas Jefferson, 1858, 3 vols. Randolph, Domestic Life  Sarah N. Randolph, The Domestic Life of Thomas Jefferson, Compiled from Family Letters and Reminiscences by His Great-Granddaughter, 1871 Report and Documents for 1822  Report and Documents respecting the University of Virginia, Richmond, 1823, containing a 7 Oct. 1822 report by the Board of Visitors and supporting documents Report of the Kentucky Commissioners  Report of the Commis­ sioners appointed by the General Assembly of Kentucky, at their October session 1821, to collect information, prepare and report a System of Common Schools, Frankfort, 1822 Shackelford, Descendants  George Green Shackelford, ed., Collected Papers .  .  . of the Monticello Association of the Descendants of Thomas Jefferson, 1965–84, 2 vols. Sowerby  E. Millicent Sowerby, comp., Catalogue of the Library of Thomas Jefferson, 1952–59, 5 vols. Sprague, American Pulpit  William B. Sprague, Annals of the American Pulpit, 1857–69, 9 vols.  xxv 

E D I T O R I A L M E T H O D A N D A P PA R AT U S

Stein, Worlds  Susan R. Stein, The Worlds of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, 1993 Terr. Papers  Clarence E. Carter and John Porter Bloom, eds., The Territorial Papers of the United States, 1934–75, 28 vols. Thomas, Columbia University Officers and Alumni  Milton Halsey Thomas, Columbia University Officers and Alumni, 1754–1857, 1936 TJR  Thomas Jefferson Randolph, ed., Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, from the Papers of Thomas Jefferson, 1829, 4 vols. True, “Agricultural Society”  Rodney H. True, “Minute Book of the Agricultural Society of Albemarle,” Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1918 (1921), 1:261–349 U.S. Reports  Cases Argued and Decided in the Supreme Court of the United States, 1790–  (title varies; originally issued in distinct editions of separately numbered volumes with U.S. Reports volume numbers retroactively assigned; original volume numbers here given parenthetically) U.S. Statutes at Large  Richard Peters, ed., The Public Statutes at Large of the United States .  .  . 1789 to March 3, 1845, 1845–67, 8 vols. Va. Reports  Reports of Cases Argued and Adjudged in the Court of Appeals of Virginia, 1798–  (title varies; originally issued in distinct editions of separately numbered volumes with Va. Reports volume numbers retroactively assigned; original volume numbers here given parenthetically) VMHB  Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 1893– Washington, Papers  W. W. Abbot and others, eds., The Papers of George Washington, 1983– , 69 vols. Colonial Ser., 10 vols. Confederation Ser., 6 vols. Pres. Ser., 21 vols. Retirement Ser., 4 vols. Rev. War Ser., 28 vols. William and Mary Provisional List  A Provisional List of Alumni, Grammar School Students, Members of the Faculty, and Members of the Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary in Virginia. From 1693 to 1888, 1941 WMQ  William and Mary Quarterly, 1892– Woods, Albemarle  Edgar Woods, Albemarle County in Virginia, 1901, repr. 1991  xxvi 

CONTENTS Fo r ew o r d Ack no w led g m e n t s E d ito r ia l Me t ho d a n d A p pa rat u s Ma ps I llu st ratio n s Jeff e r so n C h r o n o l o gy

l {1822} l

l l

k

'

From Caesar A. Rodney, 16 September From Thomas Eston Randolph, 18 September Ennion Williams’s List of Achievements, 19 September Transactions with James Leitch, 20 September 1822–3 May 1823 From George Hadfield, 22 September From Constantine S. Rafinesque, 24 September To Thomas Eston Randolph, 24 September To Thomas Eston Randolph, 24 September From Thomas Eston Randolph, 24 September To Beriman B. Breedin, 25 September To Peter Derieux, 25 September To Robert Mills, 25 September To Chiles Terrell, 25 September To William J. Coffee, 26 September To Thomas Eston Randolph, 26 September To Patrick Gibson, 27 September To Bernard Peyton, 27 September From Thomas Eston Randolph, 27 September From James Wilkinson, 27 September From Joseph Antrim, 29 September From James Cutbush, 29 September From James F. Dana, [before 30] September To Patrick Gibson, 30 September From Bernard Peyton, 30 September From Joseph C. Cabell, 3 October From Bernard Peyton, 3 October From William Lambert, enclosing Table of Logarithms, 4 October From Cornelius Camden Blatchly, 6 October To Bernard Peyton, 7 October

 xxvii 

vii ix xiii xlv liii 2

3 4 6 8 16 17 18 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 25 25 25 26 28 28 29 30 30 31 32 33 36 37

CONTENTS From Bernard Peyton, 7 October Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 October University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 7 October, enclosing I. Alexander Garrett’s Account with the University of Virginia, 30 March II. Alexander Garrett’s Account with the University of Virginia, 7 October III. Alexander Garrett’s General Account with the University of Virginia, 7 October IV. Alexander Garrett’s Statement of Unappropriated Funds of the University of Virginia, 7 October V. Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Statement of Construction Payments for University of Virginia Buildings, [after 30 March] Albemarle County Circuit Court Order in Jefferson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson and Christopher Hudson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson, [9 October] To James Cutbush, 9 October To James F. Dana, 9 October To Bernard Peyton, 9 October To Constantine S. Rafinesque, 9 October From Chiles Terrell, 9 October To J. F. Daniel Lobstein, 10 October From Bernard Peyton, with Jefferson’s Note, 10 October From John Quincy Adams, 11 October To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, enclosing Advertisement for Richmond Enquirer and Charlottesville Central Gazette, 11 October From James Monroe, 11 October From Thomas M. Randolph (1798–1835), 11 October To William Gough, 12 October To Constantine S. Rafinesque, 13 October From John Adams, 15 October To Benjamin Waterhouse, 15 October From Thomas Appleton, 17 October From Thomas Appleton, with Jefferson’s Note, 17 October From Henry A. S. Dearborn, 17 October From Bernard Peyton, 17 October From Thomas Cooper, 18 October From Nicholas Herbemont, 18 October

 xxviii 

38 39 40 46 53 60 61

62

63 64 64 65 65 66 68 69 69

70 71 71 72 73 73 74 75 77 78 78 79 81

CONTENTS From George Runnels, 18 October To William Short, 19 October To Bernard Peyton, 2[0] October To James Rawlings, 20 October To Cornelius Camden Blatchly, 21 October From John H. Cocke, 21 October To John Quincy Adams, 23 October To Charles Willson Peale, 23 October To Stackelberg, 23 October To Maria Cosway, 24 October From Frederick A. Mayo, 24 October From Bernard Peyton, 24 October From Dabney C. Terrell, 25 October From Elbridge Gerry (1793–1867), 26 October Receipt from Willis Liggan, 26 October From Thomas Oxley, 26 October To William Johnson, 27 October From Nelson Barksdale, 28 October To Lafayette, 28 October Receipt from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 29 October From Henry A. S. Dearborn, with Jefferson’s Note, 29 October To Albert Gallatin, 29 October From Patrick Gibson, 29 October From Charles Willson Peale, 29 October From Stackelberg, 29 October To William Barret, 30 October To Bernard Peyton, 30 October To David Bailie Warden, 30 October To Daniel Brent, 31 October To Henry Dearborn, 31 October To Henry A. S. Dearborn, 31 October From Francis Eppes, 31 October From John Vaughan, 31 October From William C. Preston, October, enclosing Defense of William Campbell, 1 September To John Adams, 1 November To Thomas Cooper, 2 November To John Quincy Adams, 3 November To Nicholas Herbemont, [3] November To George Runnels, 3 November From John Campbell, 4 November

 xxix 

83 83 85 86 86 87 88 88 89 89 91 91 92 93 95 95 96 100 101 102 103 104 106 106 109 110 110 111 112 112 114 114 116 117 124 126 128 129 129 130

CONTENTS From John H. Huffman, 4 November From Bernard Peyton, 4 November, enclosing Account for Flour Sales, 2 November From James Smith (of Ohio), 4 November From John Quincy Adams, 6 November To Frederick A. Mayo, 6 November To Henry A. S. Dearborn, [6] November From Nelson Nicholas, 6 November To Bernard Peyton, 6 November From Daniel Brent, 7 November From Virgil Maxcy, 8 November To John Campbell, 10 November To John H. Huffman, 10 November To Thomas Oxley, 10 November To John Vaughan, 10 November From William Annesley, 11 November From Bernard Peyton, 11 November From Peter Maverick, enclosing Engraving of the Ground Plan of the University of Virginia, 12 November From Frederick A. Mayo, 12 November From William Short, 12 November Extract from Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) to Nicholas P. Trist, 12 November To William C. Preston, 13 November From Bernard Peyton, 14 November, enclosing Account for Flour Sales, 12 November From Nicholas Johnson, 15 November From Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 18 November Notes on Account with Boyd Miller, [ca. 18 November] From William Radford, 19 November From Francis Vacher, 19 November To William Annesley, [20 November] From Thomas Cooper, 20 November From Égide Norbert Cornelissen, 20 November To Peter Maverick, 20 November To Virgil Maxcy, 20 November To Frederick A. Mayo, [20 November] To John Vaughan, 20 November To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 21 November From Thomas J. Johnston, 21 November From Thomas Mann Randolph, 21 November From John Barnes, 22 November

 xxx 

131 132 133 135 135 136 136 137 138 138 140 141 141 141 142 143 144 146 146 149 151 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 161 162 163 163 163 164 166 168

CONTENTS To James Madison, 22 November From DeWitt Clinton, 23 November From John H. Cocke, 23 November To Elbridge Gerry (1793–1867), 23 November Inspection and Settlement of Accounts of Central College and University of Virginia I. John H. Cocke’s Certification of Alexander Garrett’s Accounts as Central College Proctor, 23 November II. John H. Cocke’s Certification of Nelson Barksdale’s Accounts as Central College Proctor, 23 November III. John H. Cocke’s Certification of Nelson Barksdale’s Accounts as University of Virginia Proctor, 23 November IV. John H. Cocke’s Report on Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Accounts as University of Virginia Proctor, 23 November V. John H. Cocke’s Certification of Items Omitted in Nelson Barksdale’s Accounts as Central College Proctor, 23 November VI. John H. Cocke’s Recapitulation of Central College and University of Virginia Proctorial Accounts, 23 November VII. Martin Dawson’s Report on Central College and ­University of Virginia Accounts, 23 November VIII. Martin Dawson’s Balance Sheet for the University of Virginia, 23 November IX. Martin Dawson’s Revised Balance Sheet for the University of Virginia, 25 November To Thomas Mann Randolph, 24 November From Henry A. S. Dearborn, 25 November From James Monroe, 25 November From Horatio G. Spafford, 25 November From John Vaughan, 26 November To William Lambert, 29 November To John Barnes, 30 November From John Browne Cutting and Thomas Law, 30 November To William Radford, 30 November To James Monroe, 1 December From John Adams, 2 December From George F. Hopkins, 2 December From Benjamin King, 2 December From William Lambert, 2 December From Robert Greenway, 3 December From William Lambert, 3 December From Richard McCall, 3 December

 xxxi 

169 171 172 172 173 174 175 175 176

179 179 181 183 188 192 193 193 194 196 197 201 202 203 205 205 207 207 208 209 210 211

CONTENTS From William F. Gray, 5 December From Peter Maverick, enclosing Account, 7 December To James Smith (of Ohio), 8 December From Elbridge Gerry (1793–1867), 9 December From William Johnson, 10 December From Robert Walsh, 10 December To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 12 December To DeWitt Clinton, 12 December To John Browne Cutting and Thomas Law, 12 December To Robert Greenway, 12 December To Benjamin King, 12 December To Bernard Peyton, 12 December From Bernard Peyton, 12 December From Thomas M. Randolph (1798–1835), 12 December From Arthur S. Brockenbrough, [received 13 December] From Francisco Solano Constancio, 14 December, enclosing Lafayette to Thomas Jefferson, 8 April 1809 Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge) to John Adams, 15 December From Bernard Peyton, 16 December From William Short, 17 December From Richard Emmons, 18 December From Alexander Garrett, 18 December From Arthur Middleton, 18 December From Arthur S. Brockenbrough, [received 19 December], enclosing I. Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Statement of Construction Payments for University of Virginia Buildings, 4 October II. James Oldham’s Proposal for Rotunda Carpentry Work, 4 December III. John M. Perry’s Proposal for Rotunda Brickwork, 5 December IV. John Gorman’s Proposal for Rotunda Stonework, 16 December From Joseph C. Cabell, 19 December From William C. Rives, 19 December From Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 19 December From Thomas Cooper, 21 December To James Pleasants, [21] December To Robert Walsh, 21 December From Charles Yancey (1766–ca. 1825), 21 December, enclosing Samuel Crawford’s Proposal for the Virginia Times, 12 December From Joel Yancey (1773–1838), 21 December

 xxxii 

212 213 213 215 215 223 224 224 225 226 226 227 227 228 228 229 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 240 240 240 241 242 244 246 247 248

249 253

CONTENTS From Joseph C. Cabell, 23 December From Peter Maverick, 23 December From Bernard Peyton, 23 December To James Pleasants, 23 December From William T. Barry, 24 December From Giacomo Raggi, 25 December From William Zollickoffer, 25 December From William Radford, 26 December From Thomas G. Watkins, [26] December To Joseph C. Cabell, 28 December To Arthur Middleton, 28 December To Francisco Solano Constancio, 29 December To Samuel Crawford, 29 December To William C. Rives, 29 December To William Short, 29 December From Joseph C. Cabell, 30 December From Bernard Peyton, 30 December Account with Thomas G. Watkins, [1822–1823]

l {1823} l

l l

k

'

From Louis H. Girardin, 1 January From William J. Coffee, 3 January From Joseph Fawcett, 3 January From Benjamin King, 3 January From Francis Granger, 4 January From William Canby, 6 January To James Madison, 6 January From James Morrison, 6 January From Joseph C. Cabell, 9 January Transfer of Jefferson’s Debt to the College of William and Mary I. Conveyance of Bedford and Campbell County Land to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 9 January II. Thomas Jefferson Randolph’s Declaration of Trust for Bedford and Campbell County Land Deeded by Thomas Jefferson, [ca. 9 January] From Samuel Wydown, 9 January From James Barbour, 11 January To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 11 January To Joseph C. Cabell, 13 January

 xxxiii 

253 255 256 256 258 259 260 261 263 267 269 270 271 271 272 272 275 275

275 276 278 279 279 281 282 283 284 285 286

288 290 291 291 291

CONTENTS To William C. Rives, 13 January From Ennion Williams, 13 January From Lewis Brantz, 15 January From James Madison, 15 [January] Thomas Jefferson Randolph and Thomas Jefferson to the President and Directors of the Richmond Branch of the Bank of the United States, 15 January From Patrick Gibson, 17 January From Jesse B. Harrison, 17 January From Robert Smith (printer), 17 January From Hugh White (of Pennsylvania) and John R. Shannon, 18 January To Thomas M. Randolph (1798–1835), 19 January To Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 19 January To Ennion Williams, 19 January To James Pleasants, 21 January From Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 22 January Bond of Thomas Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson, and Samuel Carr to the College of William and Mary, 22 January From Abraham Runnels, 22 January From Joseph C. Cabell, 23 January To Francis Granger, 24 January From James Pleasants, 24 January From William Tudor, 24 January From John Ponsonby Martin, 25 January From William Carver, 27 January From Robert Mayo and William A. Bartow, 27 January To Joseph C. Cabell, 28 January To William Foushee, 28 January To William C. Rives, 28 January From James Monroe, 29 January From Oliver Parsons and James Cooley, 29 January From Alexander Garrett, 30 January Tench Coxe to James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, 31 January Valuation of Poplar Forest Slaves by Richard Walker and Joel Yancey, [January] Tench Coxe to James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, 1 February From William Foushee, 1 February From James Maury, 1 February

 xxxiv 

293 294 295 296

300 300 301 304 304 307 307 308 309 310

311 313 314 316 316 318 319 320 322 324 325 325 326 327 328 329 332 333 335 335

CONTENTS From Samuel Smith (of Maryland), 1 February Statement of Taxable Property in Albemarle County, 1 February To John Ponsonby Martin, 2 February From Joseph C. Cabell, 3 February From John Bannister Gibson, 3 February To Robert Mayo and William A. Bartow, 3 February From Leopoldo Pelli-Fabbroni, 3 February To Joseph C. Cabell, 4 February From John Pickering, 4 February From Archibald Robertson, 4 February From Littleton Dennis Teackle, 4 February From Joseph C. Cabell, 5 February From Robert Smith (printer), 5 February From André Thoüin, 5 February From William C. Rives, 6 February From Henry Dearborn, 8 February From Charles Willson Peale, 8 February From Benjamin Waterhouse, 8 February From Edward Everett, 9 February From Thomas G. Watkins, [9 February] From John Adams, 10 February To Bernard Peyton, 10 February From Joseph C. Cabell, 11 February From George Loyall, 13 February From Bernard Peyton, 13 February To Oliver Parsons and James Cooley, 14 February To Littleton Dennis Teackle, 14 February To William Tudor, 14 February From William J. Coffee, enclosing Account, 15 February From Henry Roi, enclosing Essay on Establishing a New Community, 15 February To James Madison and James Breckinridge, 16 February From Richard Bruce, 17 February From Thomas W. Maury, 17 February From Bernard Peyton, 17 February From G. F. H. Crockett, 18 February From Sidney E. Morse, 18 February From Pierpont Potter, 18 February To Richard Bruce, 19 February From Jeremiah Elkins, 19 February From James Madison, 19 February

 xxxv 

336 338 339 339 341 343 343 347 348 349 349 350 351 352 353 355 358 359 363 364 366 367 367 370 371 371 372 373 374 375 383 384 385 385 386 388 390 391 391 392

CONTENTS From Thomas Magruder, 20 February From Bernard Peyton, 20 February From John Watson, 20 February To John H. Cocke, 21 February From Joseph Delaplaine, 21 February To James Monroe, 21 February To James Monroe, 21 February From John H. Cocke, 22 February From John F. Watson, 22 February From James Breckinridge, 23 February From John A. Graham, 23 February From Joseph Antrim, 24 February From Isaac Briggs, 24 February To Edward Everett, 24 February To James Madison, 24 February To John Adams, 25 February From Martha Jefferson, 25 February From Joseph C. Cabell, 26 February From Walter Case, 26 February To Thomas Magruder, 26 February To Charles Willson Peale, 26 February From Peter Perpignan, 26 February To John Pickering, 26 February To William Radford, [before 27 February] To William Radford, 27 February, enclosing Thomas Jefferson’s Conveyance of Bear Branch Land to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 20 February To Archibald Robertson, 27 February To Samuel Crawford, 3 March To Return J. Meigs, 3 March To Thomas Ritchie, [3 March] From William Baxter, enclosing Prospectus for the Washingtoniana, 4 March To William Johnson, 4 March To James Pleasants, 5 March From Ann C. Morris, 6 March From Thomas Law, 7 March From Return J. Meigs, 7 March Memorandum to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, [before 8 March] Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Agreement with Abia B. Thorn and Nathaniel Chamberlain for Rotunda Brickwork, 8 March

 xxxvi 

393 394 394 395 396 396 397 398 399 402 402 403 405 406 409 410 412 415 416 417 418 418 419 420

421 424 424 425 425 425 428 430 431 431 432 432

433

CONTENTS From Creed Taylor, 8 March To John A. Graham, [9 March] To Sidney E. Morse, 9 March To Peter Perpignan, 9 March From John Adams, 10 March From Thomas J. O’Flaherty, enclosing Demonstration of His Skill in Greek, Demonstration of His Skill in Latin, and Demonstration of His Skill in French, 10 March From James Pleasants, 10 March From Arthur S. Brockenbrough, enclosing Agreement with James Dinsmore and John Neilson for Carpentry and Joining for the University of Virginia Rotunda, 11 March From Benjamin Tasker Dulany, 11 March To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 12 March From Thomas Cooper, 12 March To George Loyall, [12 March] To University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 12 March To Frederick W. Hatch, [13 March] From Frederick W. Hatch, 13 March From James Pleasants, 13 March From John Adlum, 14 March To James Madison, 14 March From Destutt de Tracy, 15 March From Philip N. Nicholas, 15 March From John Rhea, 15 March From Abiel Holmes, 17 March To William Huntington, 17 March From Bernard Peyton, 17 March From William Short, 17 March From Lewis Brantz, 18 March From DeWitt Clinton, 18 March From Caesar A. Rodney, 18 March, enclosing Thomas McKean to Caesar A. Rodney, 22 [September] 1813 From Robert Walsh, 18 March, enclosing Prospectus for his American Biography, [1 March] From James Madison, 21 March To Bernard Peyton, 21 March To William J. Coffee, 22 March From Alexander Garrett, 22 March To Bernard Peyton, 22 March From John Adlum, 24 March From Joseph C. Cabell, 24 March

 xxxvii 

436 437 437 438 438

440 445

446 448 450 450 451 452 453 453 455 455 456 456 459 461 461 464 464 465 469 469 470 472 475 476 477 478 478 479 480

CONTENTS John W. Davis’s Mail Schedule for Fredericksburg, Richmond, and Lynchburg, 24 March To James Madison, 24 March From Bernard Peyton, 24 March From Edmund Bacon, 26 March To Thomas J. O’Flaherty, 26 March Notes on Plantation Cloth Distribution, [ca. 26 March] From William J. Coffee, 27 March From William J. Coffee, 27 March To Creed Taylor, 27 March To William Short, 28 March To James Monroe, 29 March From William J. Coffee, 31 March From William W. Hening, 31 March From Bernard Peyton, 31 March List of Debts and Assets, 1 April Plan for Debt Repayment, [ca. 1 April] From Thomas Appleton, 2 April From Thomas Appleton, 2 April To Lewis Brantz, 3 April To James Brown (1780–1859), 3 April From Bernard Peyton, 3 April To James Pleasants, 3 April Albemarle Library Society Catalogue of Books, 5 April To Abiel Holmes, 5 April To Robert Walsh, 5 April From James Breckinridge, 6 April General View of the Finances of the University of Virginia, 6 April Arthur S. Brockenbrough to University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 April, enclosing Contract between Arthur S. Brockenbrough and William J. Coffee, 18 March To John Laval, 7 April Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 April To James Brown (1780–1859), 8 April To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 10 April To William J. Coffee, 10 April Notes on William J. Coffee’s Agreement with University of Virginia, [ca. 10 April] Notes on Doric Ornamentation for University of Virginia Pavilions, [ca. 10 April]

 xxxviii 

482 483 483 484 485 486 487 487 488 489 491 491 492 493 494 496 498 499 502 503 503 504 505 510 510 512 512

513 517 517 519 520 520 523 524

CONTENTS To John Adams, 11 April To John Adlum, 11 April From William Johnson, 11 April From Pleasant M. Miller, 11 April From James O. Morse, 11 April To James Oldham, 11 April To James Breckinridge, 12 April From DeWitt Clinton, 12 April To Thomas Cooper, 12 April To George W. Erving, [12] April To Caesar A. Rodney, 12 April From James Monroe, 14 April From Robert Walsh, 14 April From John H. Cocke, 15 April From James Oldham, 15 April From Robert Smith (printer), 15 April To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, [16 April] From John Laval, 16 April To James Oldham, 16 April From William J. Coffee, 17 April From Andrea Pini and Elisabetta Mazzei Pini, 17 April To Bernard Peyton, 18 April To Francis Eppes, 21 April To William Gough, 21 April From Frederick W. Hatch, [21 April] To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 22 April To John H. Cocke, 22 April To Frederick W. Hatch, 22 April From Richard Rush, 23 April From Martin Van Buren, enclosing Resolutions of the Republican Members of the New York State Legislature, 23 April From George Blaettermann, 24 April From Jacob Constable, 24 April From Robert Mayo, 24 April To Bernard Peyton, 24 April From Samuel Smith (of Maryland), 24 [April] From James W. Wallace, 25 April From James Madison, [ca. 28 April], enclosing Joseph C. Cabell to James Madison, 16 April From Samuel L. Mitchill and Felix Pascalis, 28 April

 xxxix 

524 528 528 533 537 537 538 539 539 540 541 542 543 544 545 545 546 546 547 548 548 550 550 551 551 552 552 554 555

555 558 559 560 561 561 563 565 566

CONTENTS To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 29 April To DeWitt Clinton, 30 April To William J. Coffee, 30 April To John Laval, 30 April To James Madison, 30 April To James O. Morse, 30 April From Thomas Cox, 2 May From Alexander Garrett, 2 May To Samuel Smith (of Maryland), 3 May From Green Clay, 4 May From William B. Giles, 4 May From John T. Mason (1787–1850), 4 May To James W. Wallace, 4 May From Thomas G. Watkins, 4 May From John Neilson, 5 May From Thomas Cooper, 6 May From John Laval, 6 May From Robert B. Sthreshly, 6 May Receipt from William D. Fitch, 7 May From James Brown (1780–1859), 8 May From Bernard Peyton, 8 May From George W. Erving, 9 May From Frederick W. Hatch, [9 May] From Thomas Leiper, 9 May To Samuel L. Mitchill and Felix Pascalis, 9 May Authorization for Alexander Garrett to Borrow for University of Virginia, 10 May To Bernard Peyton, 10 May To Jerman Baker, [ca. 12 May] From Peter Birkman, 12 May From Claudius F. Gojon, 12 May From Marc Antoine Jullien, 12 May From William Short, 12 May Bond of University of Virginia Board of Visitors to Literary Fund President and Directors, [ca. 12 May] From Thomas Leiper, 13 May Extract from Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) to Nicholas P. Trist, 13 May From John J. Chapman, 14 May From Lafayette, 15 May From David Bailie Warden, 15 May From William J. Coffee, 19 May

 xl 

566 567 568 569 569 571 572 573 573 575 577 577 578 579 582 582 584 584 584 584 585 586 590 591 592 593 594 594 595 596 597 601 604 606 607 608 609 609 611

CONTENTS From Bernard Peyton, 19 May To Archibald Robertson, 21 May From Michael Megear, 23 May From Richard Colvin, 25 May To James Steptoe, [before 25 May] Spurious Letter to Mr. Wilder (of Bolton, Massachusetts), 25 May From René Paul, 26 May From Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 26 May From Thomas Leiper, [received 27 May] To John J. Chapman, 28 May To Green Clay, 28 May To Claudius F. Gojon, 28 May From Gilbert J. Hunt, 28 May From William C. Preston, 28 May From William Lambert, 29 May To Michael Megear, 29 May To William C. Somerville, 29 May To Francis Tillett, 29 May To Peter Birkman, 30 May From John Brockenbrough, 30 May To Thomas Cooper, 30 May From Frederick W. Hatch, [received 30 May] To Thomas Leiper, 31 May From John C. Calhoun, 2 June From James Monroe, 2 June To Thomas Cox, 3 June To Dodge & Oxnard, with Jefferson’s Note, 3 June To John Brockenbrough, 4 June From James O. Morse, 5 June From William H. Sumner, 5 June Extract from Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) to Nicholas P. Trist, 5 June From Charles Bruce, 7 June, enclosing Address to the Public, 2 November 1822 To Martha Jefferson, 7 June From James Monroe, 7 June From Francis B. Dyer, 8 June To William B. Giles, 9 June From Peter P. F. Degrand, 10 June To Jared Mansfield, 10 June To James Monroe, 11 June

 xli 

611 612 612 613 614 615 616 619 621 625 626 626 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 632 633 634 635 637 638 640 641 642 643 643 644 646 649 651 652 653 654 655 656

CONTENTS Account with Bernard Peyton for Tobacco Sales, 11 June From John Gorman, with Jefferson’s Notes, 12 June To William Johnson, 12 June From Elijah Mead, 12 June From George Alexander Otis, 12 June To John Laval, 13 June To James Madison, 13 June To Bernard Peyton, 13 June To James Rawlings, 13 June To Thomas Ritchie, 13 June To James Lindsay, 14 June To James Monroe, 14 June To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 16 June From John Brockenbrough, 16 June From George Richardson, 16 June From George Ticknor, 16 June To Hugh Holmes, 17 June From William Pannill, John McRae, and John Pollard, 17 June To Thomas Ritchie, 17 June From Thomas Cooper, 18 June From Maria Cosway, 18 June To Jonathan Thompson, 18 June From Bernard Peyton, 19 June From James Rawlings, 19 June To Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 20 June To James Monroe, 23 June From Thomas Ritchie, 23 June From Joseph C. Cabell, 24 June From John Winn and Others, 24 June To William Pannill, John McRae, and John Pollard, 25 June To John Winn and Others, 25 June To Elijah Mead, 26 June To George Alexander Otis, 26 June Account with Bernard Peyton for Tobacco Sales, 26 June From John Laval, 27 June From James Madison, 27 June From Jonathan Thompson, enclosing Account, 27 June From José Antonio Miralla, 28 June From John Trumbull, 28 June From Albert Gallatin, 29 June

 xlii 

658 659 660 668 669 669 670 671 671 672 673 673 675 675 676 676 678 679 681 681 683 684 684 685 686 686 687 688 690 692 693 694 694 695 696 696 702 703 705 706

CONTENTS From Hugh Holmes, 30 June From James Monroe, 30 June To James O. Morse, 30 June From Bernard Peyton, 30 June

708 709 712 712

Appe nd ix: Supplemental List of Documents Not Found

715

I nd e x

717

 xliii 

MAPS

 xlv 

MAPS

 xlvi 

MAPS

 xlvii 

MAPS

 xlviii 

MAPS

 xlix 

MAPS

 l 

MAPS

 li 

ILLUSTRATIONS Following page 424 THE DINING ROOM AT POPLAR FOREST

Late in 1821 John Hemmings, Jefferson’s enslaved carpenter, was putting the finishing touches on the Doric entablature in the dining room at Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s design of which was inspired by the Baths of Diocletian in ancient Rome. To adorn the wooden entablature, he commissioned the sculptor William J. Coffee to create lead and composition ornaments for the frieze, alternating “faces and ox-sculls,” an architecturally unorthodox “fancy” with which Jefferson was willing to indulge himself in a private structure. In December 1822 Coffee carefully packed and shipped from his New York City studio several large wooden crates containing these ornaments along with others for the parlor’s Ionic entablature and for the University of Virginia. He followed the shipment with a letter containing detailed installation instructions for Hemmings. The crates arrived the following April. Jefferson made what turned out to be his last visit to Poplar Forest in May 1823, before work on the room was completed. Ongoing restoration work at Poplar Forest will include completion of the dining room’s entablature and door pediments, but they appear in this photograph much as Jefferson would have seen them on his last visit, with Coffee’s ornaments not yet installed (MB, 2:1396; Hemmings to TJ, 29 Nov., 11 Dec. 1821; TJ to Coffee, 14 June, 10 July 1822, 30 Apr. 1823; Coffee to TJ, 3 Jan. 1823; TJ’s Account with Coffee, 15 Feb. 1823). Courtesy of the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Photograph by Christopher MacDonnell. CHARLES WILLSON PEALE’S SELF-PORTRAIT STUDY FOR THE ARTIST IN HIS MUSEUM

In July 1822 the trustees of his newly incorporated Philadelphia Museum asked Charles Willson Peale to paint a portrait of himself to hang there. Peale planned a work that would show him in the act of revealing the museum to the public. In keeping with this concept, he took what he termed to be a “novel” approach to lighting in the portrait. By putting his back to the light, with no direct light falling on his face, he emphasized the interior of the museum while also highlighting his own features against the crimson curtain he raises in the foreground. Initially unsure of his success in implementing this compositional approach, Peale first made this “tryal on a small canvis” in oil, measuring 26-by-22 inches, before attempting the larger self-portrait (Peale, Papers, 4:164–7; Peale to TJ, 29 Oct. 1822). Courtesy of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, gift of the McNeil Americana Collection, 2015, 2015-1-1. CHARLES WILLSON PEALE’S THE ARTIST IN HIS MUSEUM

In the completed full-length portrait, the eighty-one-year-old Peale presents his Philadelphia Museum, a self-curated showcase of the natural, intellectual,

 liii 

I L LU S T R AT I O N S political, and artistic treasures of the new American republic. The oil-oncanvas painting, which measures 103¾-by-79⅞ inches, features “the bones of the Mammoth,” which “first gave the Idea of a Museum,” in the foreground near Peale’s feet, with the same creature shown reassembled behind him. Natural history is represented by specimens in display cases, while portraits of America’s Revolutionary War-era leaders line the walls. Peale added fig­ ures of visitors within the composition to emphasize that he intended the museum to be not only a place of entertainment, but also one for contemplation and enlightened instruction (Peale, Papers, 4:167; Peale to TJ, 29 Oct. 1822). Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, gift of Mrs. Sarah Harrison (The Joseph Harrison, Jr., Collection), 1878.1.2. COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS OF AMERICAN WORTHIES (OBVERSE AND REVERSE VIEWS)

This set of seven copper-bronzed medals, primarily memorializing the heroism and leadership of American Revolutionary War figures, was given to Jefferson by George W. Erving in April 1823. The ones portraying John Paul Jones, William Washington, George Washington, and John Eager Howard were restrikes of pieces that Jefferson had first had executed in Paris decades earlier. Another, of Benjamin Franklin, had been part of a set that Jefferson presented in 1790 to George Washington. Erving may have included the final two, representing Christopher Columbus and Thaddeus Kosciuszko, in recognition of their significance to American history. The medals were designed by Pierre Simon Benjamin Duvivier, Augustin Dupré, Louis Michel Petit, and François Augustin Caunois. Jefferson originally intended to give them to the University of Virginia, but they descended instead to members of his family, where they remain (Stein, Worlds, 245–7; Robert W. Julian, Medals of the United States Mint: The First Century, 1792–1892, ed. N. Neil Harris [1977], 114–5, 121, 149; PTJ, 16:53–79; TJ to Erving, 12 Apr. 1823; Erving to TJ, 9 May 1823). Privately owned, on deposit, Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc. THE “CUDDY” AT MONTICELLO, WITH A GRANDDAUGHTER’S DESCRIPTION

“I have never told you of the nice little cuddy that has become my haunt,” wrote Jefferson’s granddaughter Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) to her future husband Nicholas P. Trist in June 1823. Monticello, with its extended family, enslaved domestic laborers, and numerous guests, afforded little quiet or privacy. Shortly after work on the pillars underneath had been completed, Virginia and her sister Cornelia J. Randolph appropriated the space above the portico, just off the Dome Room, facing Monticello’s West Lawn. A sparsely furnished niche on a hastily contrived floor of bare wooden boards, the grand­ daughters retreated to the “cuddy” to read or write letters, occasionally sharing the space with “dirt daubers, wasps & humble bees.” The letter depicted here from Randolph (Trist) to Trist of 5 June 1823 is the only surviving description of this domestic space.

 liv 

I L LU S T R AT I O N S Courtesy of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc. and the Library of Congress. Photograph by Jack Looney. THOMAS JEFFERSON’S DRAWING AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SERPENTINE WALLS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, WITH A RECONSTRUCTED EXAMPLE

Jefferson’s design for the pavilions, Rotunda, and grounds of the University of Virginia included gardens surrounded by elegant serpentine walls. This undated drawing, drafted around 1822 on a strip of paper, includes Jefferson’s estimates for the number of bricks required for each section of wall, the lengths needed to enclose each garden, and his calculations for the arc necessary to achieve the desired curve. The photograph shows a reconstructed portion of one of Jefferson’s serpentine walls at the university. Courtesy of Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia. Photograph by Cole Geddy. GEORGE LOYALL, IN THE CONVENTION OF 1829–30, BY GEORGE CATLIN

George Loyall (1789–1868), a representative from Norfolk Borough in the Virginia House of Delegates during the University of Virginia’s founding years, was a staunch supporter of both the university and Jefferson’s vision of education. Loyall joined the Board of Visitors in September 1822. During the winter of 1829–30 he was among “a host of political luminaries” who attended a state constitutional convention in Richmond. A total of 101 delegates to that assemblage are shown in this 24½-by-33-inch canvas by the artist George Catlin (1796–1892), who is best known for his later creation of an “Indian Gallery” displaying hundreds of his paintings of Native Americans and their activities. Striving to capture the likeness of each convention delegate, Catlin placed Loyall in the upper left-hand corner of the room in the state capitol in which the convention met (ANB; Virginius Cornick Hall Jr., comp., Portraits in the Collection of the Virginia Historical Society: A Catalogue [1981], 271–3; Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 Oct. 1822, and note; Joseph C. Cabell to TJ, 5 Feb. 1823; Loyall to TJ, 13 Feb. 1823). Courtesy of Virginia Museum of History and Culture.

 lv 

Volume 19 16 September 1822 to 30 June 1823

JEFFERSON CHRONOLOGY 1743 • 1826 1743 1760–1762 1762–1767 1769–1774 1772 1775–1776 1776 1776–1779 1779 1779–1781 1782 1783–1784 1784–1789 1790–1793 1797–1801 1801–1809

Born at Shadwell, 13 April (New Style). Studies at the College of William and Mary. Self-education and preparation for law. Albemarle delegate to House of Burgesses. Marries Martha Wayles Skelton, 1 January. In Continental Congress. Drafts Declaration of Independence. In Virginia House of Delegates. Submits Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom. Governor of Virginia. Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson dies, 6 September. In Continental Congress. In France on commission to negotiate commercial treaties and then as minister plenipotentiary at Versailles. Secretary of State of the United States. Vice President of the United States. President of the United States.

RETIREMENT 1809 1810 1811 1812 1814 1815 1816 1817 1818 1819 1820 1821 1823 1824 1825 1826

Attends James Madison’s inauguration, 4 March. Arrives at Monticello, 15 March. Completes legal brief on New Orleans batture case, 31 July. Batture case dismissed, 5 December. Correspondence with John Adams resumed, 1 January. Batture pamphlet preface completed, 25 February; printed by 21 March. Named a trustee of Albemarle Academy, 25 March. Resigns presidency of American Philosophical Society, 23 November. Sells personal library to Congress. Writes introduction and revises translation of Destutt de Tracy, A Treatise on Political Economy [1818]. Named a visitor of Central College, 18 October. Cornerstone laid for first structure at Central College (later Pavilion VII, University of Virginia), 6 October. Attends Rockfish Gap conference to choose location of proposed University of Virginia, 1–4 August. Visits Warm Springs, 7–27 August. University of Virginia chartered, 25 January; named to Board of Visitors, 13 February; elected rector, 29 March. Debts greatly increased by bankruptcy of Wilson Cary Nicholas. Likens debate over slavery and Missouri statehood to “a fire bell in the night,” 22 April. Writes memoirs, 6 January–29 July. Visits Poplar Forest for last time, 16–25 May. Lafayette visits Monticello, 4–15 November. University of Virginia opens, 7 March. Writes will, 16–17 March. Last recorded letter, 25 June. Dies at Monticello, 4 July.

T H E PA P E R S O F

THOMAS JEFFERSON

k '

From Caesar A. Rodney Honored Revered & Dear Sir, Wilmington Septr 16. 1822. The infirm state of my health, since the two severe attacks of fevers, at Washington, last winter, has rendered exercise & relaxation, necessary to its restoration; and I had, in view, for some time, the prospect of visiting Monticello, or I should have returned an earlier answer to your acceptable favor of the 28. of July last. I need not add, what heartfelt pleasure it would have given me to have seen you once more, & to have taken by the hand the distinguished friend to whom I am so largely indebted; and to whom my dearest country owes so much. I think decidedly with you, an impenitrable silence should be observed towards the impotent calumniators of your blameless character. Your triumph is complete. A second victory over a prostrate antagonist would indeed, be humiliating. It is probable that I shall go to B. Ayres, with the approbation of the Senate; but when I may depart is uncertain. Your great & good name & character are well known in that country, & they will daily become more familiar, as it progresses in the enjoyment of civil & religious freedom. I dislike with you Emperors & Kings. On this side of the Atlantik they cannot flourish. The climate & the soil are equally unpropitious to them. I regret extremely that Iturbide has taken a course so impolitick, & so hostile to the first principles of all legitimate governments. His friends say he will relinquish, in due time, the title & the power. It may be so; but I apprehend he will attempt to establish a new dynasty. May I be mistaken.1 Liberty will however triumph, in the end, & truth prevail. With every sentiment of respect gratitude & affection, Yours Most Sincerely & truly C. A. Rodney RC (NNPM); endorsed by TJ as received 29 Sept. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Dodge & Oxnard, 9 Dec.

1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jeffer­son formerly President of the U. States Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Wilmington, 17 Sept.

 3 

16 SEPTEMBER 1822  “A Native of Virginia” was the pseu­ donymous prostrate antagonist.

1 Omitted period at right margin editorially supplied.

From Thomas Eston Randolph Dear Sir Shadwell Mill, 18th Septr 1822 Although I had some days since, a brief verbal communication with you on the subject of your letter of the 10th inst:—yet, as the noise of the Mill may have occasion’d an imperfect understanding of it, I deem it proper to offer my sentiments more fully, especially as there are some passages in your letter which I consider incorrect—With respect to repairs done to the Mill during the last Lease, it is only necessary to observe, that you paid only for such repairs as were unavoidable, in consequence of the total derangement of the running geer, occasion’d by the settling of the walls, and the consequent sinking of the floors of the Mill house—every other repair was done and paid for by the Tenants—From the same cause the upper water1 wheel was destroyed, and that a question could arise, of—who is to repair it? never occurred to me until you suggested it, when I spoke to you at your house on the subject of renewing the Lease—I think it was the latter end of April, at which time I was not prepared to enter into a possitive engagement—you requested that I would decide as soon as possible, because you said you had several applications—accordingly at May court I called on you and proposed—first, a reduction of Rent— which you refused—I then mention’d a new water wheel, the removal of the boulting chests, and repairs to the waste and Dam—to all of which you assented, and I particularly urged the importance of being ready for the new crop of wheat;—you express’d yourself confidently, that the mill would be ready in time, and that the Dam would be complete (if I mistake not) in all the month of August; and you made calculations shewing that result—and to insure it, Mr Read was employed about the saw Mill, that it might be ready to saw the plank for the Dam—I am thus particular to shew, that my preferring to have the boulting geer done first, was no reason why both that and the water wheel were not completed in time; and when I saw how long the repairs had been delayed, nothing could be more natural than that I should wish to have the running geer in a state to enable me to set one pair of stones at work, whilst the workmen were going on with the 2nd water wheel—so far from asking a delay and imputing it to you, I beg leave to remind you, that after your return from Bedford, seeing no preparation for repairing the Mill, I called upon you, and  4 

18 SEPTEMBER 1822

express’d my anxiety on the occasion; it was about the middle of June before Mr Read set to work at Shadwell Mill—altho’ to prevent any delay on my part, I refused to receive wheat, and stopped grinding early in May—The alteration in the Boulting chests and geer, had it been properly executed, would undoubtedly have greatly improved the Mill, and accomodated me as your Tenant, but I agree with you it has left the Mill in a worse state than it was; which I very much lament, and which I feel in a pecuniary regard—permit me however to assure you, that I never conceived it possible, that you incurred liability by yielding to any requests which I may have made of you, nor am I conscious of making any unreasonable requests of you, but do conscientiously think, that the former untenantable condition of the Mill, and the general insufficiency of the Dam, have abundantly authorized all that I have asked—With regard to your employing Mr Read entirely on my recommendation, I cannot consent that any defect in the repairs or alterations made by him, should therefore2 be imputed to me; for I do assure you, that, far from recommending—I merely introduced him to you—he said he was acquainted with Jefferson Randolph, but for myself, I never saw him, until about half an hour before—I told you that he produced strong testimonials of his ability as a Miller, that he wished to engage with me in the Mill, and that I was disposed to give him a share of the business—I also told you that he would undertake to repair the Mill—of his talents however as a Millwright I was perfectly ignorant—My reasonable claim (as I conceive)3 of a suspension of Rent, is founded first—because the Mill was not tenantable, that is to say—was not in condition in proper time4 either to receive or grind wheat—and secondly the Dam, was, and is, insuffi­ cient to stop as much water as is necessary for one pair of Stones at the manufacturing Mill, altho’ there was abundance passing through the Dam, for two such establishments—which I have reason to believe occasion’d a loss of some crops to the Mill, and a considerable loss in the sale of bread stuff and offal, which was in great demand—in support of this assertion, I can prove to you the payment in money of between 250 and 300 dollars for barrel Timber; ⅔ds of which at least would have been paid out of the Mill—and that mony was carried to Campbell’s and Macgruders to buy Bread stuff—The rent to be paid for Shadwell Mill, if it was in most complete order for business, is a very heavy one, that is admitted by the best judges, and I know it from experience—I think therefore that the plea which I have offer’d—fully justifies me in asking a deduction of rent; but as we differ in opinion— I cheerfully acceed to your proposal to leave it to arbitration—and beg leave to suggest that it will be desirable to appoint an early day—  5 

18 SEPTEMBER 1822

 The objections to the form of the Lease were— 1st That the notice of 6 months was unusually long and perhaps ­unnecessary—because the Tenant will always be as much interested in ascertaining a continuance of the Lease—as the Landlord—and if the Tenant has the priviledge of declining a renewal of the Lease, the Landlord has the power of refusing to grant a renewal— 2ndly Leaving the running geer in the condition which I receive it— That condition would be very difficult to ascertain—the term, Tenantable condition, is I believe usual, is well understood, and easily determined— 3d To the provision for securing the regular payment of Rent; I can have but one objection, to wit, that in the event of a long drought, I may find it utterly impossible to pay the Rent so soon as it is due— but if the Dam is made tenantable, according to my understanding of your agreement “kept in sufficient condition” I can feel no hesitation to secure to you certain and regular payment of Rent— I beg you will understand that I do not mean by any thing herein contain’d, to excuse myself for former delinquencies, on the contrary, I feel under obligations for your patience, which should not have been put to such trial, if I could have commanded my funds—I will only add, that I hope the business of this establishment will be conducted hereafter more satisfactorily, both to you and myself—and am with assurance of perfect esteem, and affectionate regards—   yours Thos Eston Randolph RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; a­ ddressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqe ­MoCello”; with penciled notation by Randolph on address leaf (torn at seal): “This should have been sent several days since with a Compass [.  .  .]. T.E.R.”; endorsed

by TJ as received 21 Sept. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. 1

 Word interlined in place of “Mill.”  Word interlined. 3  Parenthetical phrase interlined. 4  Preceding three words interlined. 2

Ennion Williams’s List of Achievements Ennion Williams’s Claims for Improvements ⎫ 1— A semicircular Instrument— Radius—12 Inches—Needle ⎪ ⎪  24 Inches— ⎬ ⎪ Telescope 11 Inches—with a ⎪ ⎭  Nonius attachd. 2.   A Drafting Instrument—Semicircular—Radius. 7 Inches, with diagonals crossing Ten circles, showing tenths of the Degrees—also a Scale of equal Parts on the Diameter,  6 

19 SEPTEMBER 1822

 and a Centre Pin conveniently seen and may be set readily on any Line or Point of a draft—of a Survey or others— The Course & distance shown at same time on the Instrumt—no dividers necessary— 3— A Sliding Meridian, to be used on an inclined Plane, to which  his drafting Instrument may be set, and moved to any Part of the draft, and the Course & Distance seen—without the aid of dividers— 4— A Set of Tables, showing Interest at 5. 6. 7 & 8 Ct and Commiss from ¼ Ct increasing by ¼ Ct to 23 Cent, on every sum from one dollar to 10.000 dollars—for 3 years, 11 mos & 29 days, condensed on fifty Pages, and shown by Indentment on the exterior of the Leaves more expeditiously than an alphabet to a Ledger, would show the Names of the Accounts; because the order is regular and numerical— Monticello 9th mo. 19th 1822—  EW. MS (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); in Williams’s hand; endorsed by TJ: “Williams Ennion. Monticello. Sep. 19. 22.” Ennion Williams (1752–1830), merchant, educator, and surveyor, was born near Philadelphia. He was a major in Samuel Miles’s Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment, 1776–77. By 1783 Williams had relocated to Berks County, where he operated a general store and sold real estate. In 1810 he received a patent for a protractor, and from then until at least 1815 he taught at his own academy and at other schools in the vicinity of Philadelphia. His publication of Ennion Williams’s Highly Improved Commercial Tables, of Foreign Weights, Measures, and Coins, Reduced to the Stan‑ dard of the United States, and of Interest and Commissions (Philadelphia, 1823), led to a newspaper controversy with John Rowlett, who claimed that the work infringed on his own copyright. By 1823 Williams was living in Philadelphia and working as a surveyor and scrivener. When he died in that city, an obituary described him as the “late County Commissioner” (Hinshaw, Quaker Genealogy, 2:827; “The Williams Family,” Pennsylvania Maga‑ zine of History and Biography 10 [1886]: 111; William Henry Egle, ed., “Journal of Major Ennion Williams, on His Journey

to the American Camp at Cambridge, in New England. 1775,” Pennsylvania Ar‑ chives, 2d ser. [1893], 15:5–20; Heitman, Continental Army, 594–5; Peale, Papers, 1:201; Philadelphia Pennsylvania Packet or, the General Advertiser, 24 June 1783; Philadelphia Pennsylvania Journal, and the Weekly Advertiser, 23 Aug. 1783; List of Patents, 78; Philadelphia Poulson’s American Daily Advertiser, 14 July 1810, 1 Apr. 1811, 27 Mar. 1815; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 7 May 1822; Caution to Banks, Merchants, &c. and An Appeal to the Public whether certain pen‑marked, half‑formed, spurious interest tables, unjustly published by Ennion Wil‑ liams, should be discountenanced and con‑ demned as a private injury or a public wrong; being the details of a controversy between John Rowlett & Ennion Williams, Chiefly as it appeared in several Phila­ delphia Newspapers in the 11th and 12th Months, 1823 [Philadelphia, 1823]; Robert Desilver, The Philadelphia Index, or Directory, for 1823 [(Philadelphia, 1823)]; Philadelphia Mechanic’s Free Press, 13 Feb. 1830). A nonius is “a device consisting of a series of concentric arcs engraved on a quadrant, used for the accurate measurement of angles, altitudes, and heights” (OED).

 7 

Transactions with James Leitch [Leitch Daybook, p. 471, 20 Sept. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Orders      8 quarters Screw Auger      5 yds Coarse Red flannel [p. 473, 27 Sept. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  E. Bacon      4. Large Gimblets [p. 474, 30 Sept. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Order      4. Bottles Mustard      1. 1 Gal Butter pot.

1/. 3/9.

9d

1/6 3/–.

    1 34 3 13   4.47        

    1     50   1.50

[p. 475, 1 Oct. 1822:] . . 53. 76. Thomas Jefferson Dr to Cash      paid him

    20  

[p. 475, 1 Oct. 1822:] . . 76. 53. Cash Dr to Thos Jefferson      Recvd his draft on B. Peyton at st

    50  

[p. 475, 2 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson      2 Sack Bags

at Reqst

6/–

[p. 476, 3 Oct. 1822:] . . 53. 76. Thomas Jefferson Dr to Cash      paid E. Bacon  Order [p. 476, 7 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson      89 ℔s Barr Iron

 Order

[p. 477, 7 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Jno Hemings      2 quarters Screw Auger

 8 

 50

       

  2.00

    30 —

6d

       

  7.42

9d

       

 25

20 SEPTEMBER 1822

[p. 478, 9 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Order      18 ℔s 10d Cutt Brads

1/–.

       

  3

[p. 479, 11 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson      1 Bed Cord

3/–.

       

 50

7/6 $8

    1 25 8     9.25

. E. Bacon

[p. 486, 21 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Self      1 Pr Patent silk Suspenders      1 Beaver Hat [p. 486, 21 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Order      1 half Stockd Shot Gun for J. Randolph

       

 20.—

  1.25.

[p. 487, 21 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Order      1 Patent Pad Lock.

7/6.

       

[p. 487, 22 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Mrs Randolph      7 yds fine white flannel      6   "    4/4 Domestic      6   "    Red flannel

4/3 27¢. 3/–.

  4 1 3

  96 62     9.58

12/–. 16/6 5/3. 3/9. 5/3 8/6 12/. 6/–. 27/–. 9/–. 27/–. 24/–.

  4 2 1 2 3 2 6 1 4 4 4 8.

    75 75 50 50 84 50 — 50 67. 50 —

[p. 489, 23 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson At Reqst of Mrs R r      2 P Small and Irons      1  " Large   "    do      2 Baking Dishes      4 10 Inch Dishes      4. 12  "   "      2. 14  "   "      2 doz Twiflers 7/6 2 doz Breakfast Do      1   "   Custard Cups      1 Soup Turean & Stand      4 Pickle Leaves 2/6 2 Sallad Dishes      1 doz Cut Glass Tumblers      2   "   "  "  Wines  

 9 

20 SEPTEMBER 1822

     

     

 1½ " Jelly Glasses  1 m 1¼ Inch Sprigs  1   "   1½  "    "

[p. 491, 26 Oct. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson      2 ℔s Java Coffee      2 Pr Wool Cards

 Order

21/. 3/4½d 3/9.

5 25   56   63  52.95

2/3. 4/6

      75 1 50   2.25

[p. 499, 6 Nov. 1822:] . . 76. 92. Mdse Dr to Thomas Jefferson      For 1 Pr Silk Suspenders Returned

    1 25

[p. 499, 6 Nov. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Self      1 Ream Letter paper

       

  6.—

       

  2.93

[p. 502, 9 Nov. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Order      11¹− ₁− ¹₆ ℔s Best loaf Sugar

1/6

[p. 503, 11 Nov. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Self      40 yds Blue plains      12 doz Gilt Buttons      1 ℔ Blue Patent Thread

    3/9. 25   2/. 4 — 9/. 1 50  30.50

[p. 505, 12 Nov. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson      10½ ℔s Putty

1/–.

       

[p. 510, 18 Nov. 1822:] .   76. Thomas. Jefferson . Miss Cornelia1      1½ yds Black Lustring      1 hank Black Silk      1 Shoe Knife      6 Sheets Sand paper  J. Hemings

6/9. 6d 1/. 4½d

  1      

[p. 515, 27 Nov. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Order      6⅜ Gallons whiskey

3/9.

       

. Order of Mrs R.

 10 

  1.75

  69 08 17. 38   2.32

  4.—

20 SEPTEMBER 1822

[p. 517, 2 Dec. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Order      10 ℔s 12d Cutt Nails

14ct

       

  1.40

[p. 521, 5 Dec. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson Dr to Sundries  Order     . 54.    Cash pd your Order favour J. L. Thomas 19 50      Mdse. 1 Pr Pinchers 3/9 1 Shoe Knife 1/.   79         " ½ doz Awl Blades 2/3.   19 . 188.    Bramham & Bibb for ½ doz Awl  Handles 3/9.   31    .98       20 79 [p. 522, 6 Dec. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Order      1 Large 6 Gal Pot 18/. 1 Small Skillet      1 Wire Sifter [p. 524, 9 Dec. 1822:] .   76. Thomas Jefferson  Mrs Randolph      20 yds 4/4 Domestic      1¾   "  Olive Fearnaught      150 yds Ticklenburg        53   "  4/4 Domestic Linnen      300 yds Oznaburgs        20. 3½ point Blankets         2. 3  "     "        26½ yds Waltham Domestic        23½   "   Common2  do.         5 ℔s Oznaburg Thread         2 hanks. Silk

9/. 6/.

30ct 10/6. 2/. 1/6. 23ct 14/3. 9/9. 1/6. 1/. 7/6. 6d

[p. 526, 10 Dec. 1822:] . . 54. 220. Thomas Jefferson Dr to Cash      lent him  Order [p. 528, 12 Dec. 1822:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      2 ℔. Oznaburg Thread      5 yds Brown Holland.  11 

    4 50 1     5.50   6 3 50 13 69 47 3 6 3 6  

  — 06 — 25 00 50 25 63 92 25 17 209.03

    25  

7/6 2/3.

    2 50 1 88   4.38

20 SEPTEMBER 1822

[p. 529, 13 Dec. 1822:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      3. ½ ℔ Bottles London Mustard

4/6.

       

[p. 532, 18 Dec. 1822:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson To Sundries  Order of Mrs R      Mdse 1⅝ yd fine Pelese Cloth $4½        "  1 hank Silk 6d . o 203.    Jn R. Jones for 7 yds Riband 9d      

  7     8

[p. 535, 24 Dec. 1822:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order of Mrs R.      4. 10/4 Damask Table Cloths. @ 9/–s p. yd.

       

[p. 536, 24 Dec. 1822:] . . 54. 220. Thomas Jefferson Dr to Cash      paid for Oysters

    4 —

[p. 546, 17 Jan. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      14½ ℔s English Blistered Steel      1 Rasp 4/6. 1 Crosscut saw file      1 Whip Saw file [p. 552, 1 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      5 quarters Screw Augers [p. 553, 3 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson      23 ℔s Butter

At Reqst  Burrel

[p. 554, 5 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      20 ℔s Java Coffee

 12 

1/. 2/. 1/6

  2 1  

  2.25

  31 08 88   7.39 27

 15

  42 08 25   3.75

1/.

       

 84

20ct

       

  4.60

2/3

       

  7.50

20 SEPTEMBER 1822

[p. 555, 7 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      10 ℔s Barr Lead      8 Pr. Small Brass Hinges      6 doz Small Screws [p. 557, 10 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      10 yds. Forest Cloth      12 Skeins Thread 3ct 2/3 doz Gilt  Buttons      2 doz Bone Buttons

9d 1/. 4½d

[p. 559, 15 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson      203 ℔s Barr Iron

 Order

[p. 561, 20 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      7⅛ Gal Coniac Brandy [p. 561, 21 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson      2 Furr Hats

 Order

[p. 563, 22 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      1 Cutting Knife, Patent,      1 Pr Best Shoe Brushes

 13 

  25 34 38   2.97

    7/6 12 50 3/. 1/.

[p. 557, 12 Feb. 1823:] . . 220. 56. Cash Dr to Thomas Jefferson      Recvd of him [p. 557, 12 Feb. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      3½ yds Brown Holland      5¼ ℔s German Steel

  1 1  

  70   34  13.54     50  

2/6. 1/6

    1 46 1 31   2.77

6d

       

 16.92

12/.

       

 14.25

$4

       

  8

12/. 3/9.

    2     63   2.63

20 SEPTEMBER 1822

[p. 569, 5 Mar. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order of Mrs R      3½ yds Bed‑tick      7    "    fine Irish Linnen      1 ℔ Copperass 9d 1 Ps Narrow Tape      2 yds 6/4 Cotton Shirting      1 Ps Bobbin 1/. 1 Oz Nutmegs      1 Pr Cut Glass Decanters      4 yds fine Brown Bombazette      1 Hearth Broom 4/6 8 hanks Thread      1 Pr Shoe Brushes      7 yds fine Dowlass  Order for Burrel      3½ "    " Irish Linnen

4/6 4/6 9d 3/. 3/. $4 4/. 3ct 4/6 2/3 3/9.

[p. 571, 10 Mar. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      16 ℔s 10d Wrought Nails

1/.

[p. 575, 22 Mar. 1823:] .   206. Jno: C Wells for Thomas Jeffersons draft on P. Gibson for (March 26th 1820)

  2 5   1   4 2     2 2

  63 25 25 — 67   67 99 75 63 18  23.02

       

215 33.

[p. 576, 25 Mar. 1823:] . . 56. 220. Thomas Jefferson Dr to Cash      lent him

    20  

[p. 577, 26 Mar. 1823:] . . 72. 220. Thomas Jefferson Dr to Interest Acct      For Int on his acct from 1st Aug to 4th Septm      The acct Balanced by this entry

        5 14

[p. 577, 27 Mar. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      35 ℔s 10d Wrought Nails

       

[p. 578, 28 Mar. 1823:] . . 56. 220. Thomas Jefferson Dr to Cash      Paid Edmund Meeks  Order

 14 

  2.67.

1/.

    15  

  5.84

20 SEPTEMBER 1822

[p. 579, 30 Mar. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson At Reqst      1⅚ doz Cutt flint Jelly Glasses      1 ℔ Lampblack  Burrel      1 Scrubbing brush      1 Pr Blue Cassimere Pantaloons &  Trimings      2 Paterns Marseils Vesting      3 yds 4/4 Domestic 1/6 1 doz Perl  Buttons      4 hanks Thread. [p. 579, 30 Mar. 1823:] . . 220. 92. Merchandise Dr to Thomas Jefferson      for 1½ doz Jelly Glasses returned3 [p. 580, 1 Apr. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson      3 Skeins Silk

 Self

[p. 580, 2 Apr. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      1 Keg white Lead 36/. 1 Bottle  S. Turpentine4 [p. 581, 4 Apr. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson      1 Sack Salt

 Order

[p. 583, 7 Apr. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson      29 ℔s Barr Iron

 Order

    $8. 14 66 1/1½   19 4/6   75 7/6

7   2 50

1/6 3ct

1     12  26.22

27/.

    6 75

6d

 15 

 25

    3/.

6d

[p. 589, 18 Apr. 1823:] . . 220. 56. Cash Dr to Thomas Jefferson      received of him [p. 593, 29 Apr. 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      ½ doz + Cutt Saw files      ½  "  Handsaw "   "

       

   

  6.50

       

  5.50

    2 42   2.42     35  

27/. 12/.

    2 25 1     3.25

20 SEPTEMBER 1822

[p. 595, 3 May 1823:] .   220. Thomas Jefferson  Order      1⅙ doz Gilt Buttons      ½ yd Forest Cloth      1 Ps long Nankeen      5 Skeins Silk 6d 2 yds Domestic      1 doz Bone Moulds The Leitch Daybook in ViU, Leitch’s bookkeeping methods and frequently used abbreviations, and the methods by which the Editors present the above extracts detailing entries involving TJ are described above at 6 Mar. 1820 in an editorial note on Extracts from James Leitch’s Daybook. The entry for 3 May 1823 is the last one mentioning TJ in the extant Daybook. gimblets: “gimlets.” at st: “at sight.” and irons: “andirons.” twiflers: “A plate or shallow dish intermediate in size between a dessert plate and a dinner plate” (OED). pickle leaves: pickle dishes in the form of a leaf (OED). miss cornelia was Cornelia J. Randolph. lustring: “lutestring.” shoe knife: shoemaker’s knife (OED). fearnaught (fearnought): “A stout kind of woollen cloth, used chiefly on board ship in the form of outside clothing in the most in-

4/6 7/6 10/6 1/. 9d

      1    

  88 63 75 75 13   4 14

clement weather, also as a protective covering or lining for the outside door of a powder magazine, the portholes, etc.” (OED). pelese cloth (pelisse cloth): “a twilled woollen fabric, used to make pelisses” (OED). burrel: Burwell Colbert. forest cloth is a woolen fabric (OED). bombazette: “bombazine.” dow­lass (dowlas): “a coarse kind of linen, much used in the 16th and 17th centuries” (OED). s. turpentine: “spirit of turpentine.” + cutt saw files: “crosscut‑saw files.” A 26 Mar. 1823 letter from Leitch to TJ, not found, is recorded in SJL as received from Charlottesville the following day. 1 Manuscript:

“Conelia.” “Comnon.” 3 Manuscript: “retuned.” 4 Manuscript: “Turpertine.” 2 Manuscript:

From George Hadfield Sir Washington Sepr 22, 1822. I had the honor to receive your letter of the 10, instant, and am greatly indebted to you Sir, for your kindness in sending me the enclosed from my sister, and also for the one in Sepr last. I avail myself of your kind offer and enclose a letter for Lodi: and am much obliged to you Sir, for the wish you express to inform my Sister that I am in good health and doing well: the former thanks to providince, I enjoy, as to the latter I cannot say much; there is here a stagnation in the building line, owing to the scarsity of money, that is very injureous both to Architects and mechanics, I have for two preceding seasons been occupied in the building of the City Hall, the south half of the general plan of which has been raised to its full height and covered with slate, and the west part of it, containing the offices  16 

24 SEPTEMBER 1822

of the Corporation, finished and occupied by that body since June last, the progress of this building is suspended for the present until fund[s] arising from the lottery or other sources, can be obtained. be pleased to accept my good wishes for a long continuance of your health and happiness. Geo, Hadfield RC (DLC); edge chipped; at foot of text: “Mr Th, Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 26 Sept. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found. For TJ’s letter to Hadfield of sepr last, see note to Maria Cosway to TJ, 15 July 1821. Construction of Washington’s city hall began in 1820 but was not completed until 1849. Hadfield was the prin-

cipal architect of the structure after winning a contest sponsored by the city council. A portion of its plan may derive from a design by Robert Mills (ANB; National Capital Planning Commission, Downtown Urban Renewal Area Land‑ marks, Washington D.C. [1970], 21–2; George Hunsberger, “The Architectural Career of George Hadfield,” Records of the Columbia Historical Society 51/52 [1951/52]: 63).

From Constantine S. Rafinesque Respected Sir! Lexington Ky—24th Septr 1822 I beg leave to send you, by mail together with these lines 6 pamphlets contg a Dozen Memoirs of mine published in Europe in French on Zoology and Botany, and forming the beginning of a long Series of similar Tracts which are Sent printing, forwarded or in preparation.— Such is the state as yet of Natural Sciences in our Country that I have reluctantly been compelled to send my labours thus far to be published, and only receive them again after a couple of years and travelling 10000. miles! The sequel will be sent to you when it reaches me. Amongst my numerous botanical Discoveries this year in Kentucky, I have found a new, rare and valuable Tree, belonging to the genus Virgilia, but different from the Virg. lutea of the Mountains of Georgia. It is 30 to 40 feet high, with broad leaves, like ash‑leaves, and it dies a beautiful yellow like the V. lutea & V. aurea. I call it Virgilia fragilis in vulgar language Yellow Locust, the country people had no name for it. It grows Scantily in the bottoms of the River Kentucky, and will grow well in Virginia. I send you therefore inclosed Several pods, which you may raise yourself or present to your Agricultural friends. It grows quick, has a fine foliage and bloom, but the branches are exceedingly brittle. I have not heard as yet when the University of Virginia is to go in operation—Not having heard from you I suppose that my liberal offer was not accepted, and my endeavours to stimulate by my exertions the Study of my favourite Sciences will not Succeed. I wish that  17 

24 SEPTEMBER 1822

passive talents may not be prefered to ardent zeal and knowledge without hoping it.—Meantime I am on the point of endowing Transylvania University with all my past Collections amounting to about 30000 specimens of plants, animals & minerals, as soon as the Trustees will be able to enter into some needful arrangements on the Subject, in which case I shall not be able to renew my offer to the Univy of Virg[a]—when it might be convenient to accept it. I Wish you health, prosperity, a long and happy life, Meantime remaining respectfully Your obedt Servt C. S. Rafinesque  Prof r &c RC (ViW: TC‑JP); one word faint; endorsed by TJ as received 7 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Henry A. S. Dearborn, 18 Dec. 1824, on verso; ad-

dressed: “Honble Thomas Jefferson Monticello near Charlottesville Virginia”; franked; postmarked Lexington, 24 Sept. Enclosures not found.

To Thomas Eston Randolph Dear Sir Monti[ce]ll[o] [Se]p. 24.1 22. Under the idea that you thought of engaging a partner in the lease of the Mill I had suspended the proposing to sign the agreement between us. but understanding that the prospect of such an engagement is more uncertain, I now inclose you the paper which was prepared for the last lease, but omitted to be signed from mutual neglect or confidence; it is a copy of the articles with Shoemaker; except that it gives up the 30.D. rent for the Storehouse; and except also that it contains an article of re‑entry on the rent being 6 months unpaid. to this you objected, and I was prepared to give it up, as it had not been a part of my agreement with Shoemaker. on your examination of this paper and finding it right, I will copy it as it should be for mutual signature. It is proper for me here to mention that I had a suggestion that you would claim some suspension of the current rent. if there is any such idea, I pray you to state it, that we may settle it at once by arbitration, as I cannot imagine what is the ground of such a claim. and indeed, to avoid future differences of opinion I think it would be right to insert in the lease a provision that claims for the suspension of rent should hereafter be notified in writing; and to have no force but from the day of notification.2 it seems fair that I should be put on my guard  18 

24 SEPTEMBER 1822

in such case and warned to remove the cause, if any existed. my wish is to have every thing so prearranged as to avoid dispute. ever and affectionately yours Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; dateline faint; at foot of text: “Thos E. Randolph esq.”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure not found.

1 Reworked

from “21.” period at right margin editorially supplied. 2 Omitted

To Thomas Eston Randolph Dear Sir Monticello Sep. 24.1 22. th2 st Your letter of the 18 recieved on the 21 shews that our recollections differ very considerably; but it proves also that we do not agree on the conditions of leasing the mill. I offer it on the terms expressed in the lease, according to my understanding of them, and according  to the understanding and practice on them by all the tenants heretofore. you will not consent to them but on a different understanding.3 consequently we do not agree in our terms, and there the negociation would naturally break off. but I presume it would be injurious to you at this season of the year, and with all your arrangements made for grinding the year out, to discontinue the lease suddenly and unexpectedly. I consent therefore to it’s continuance another year (to the last day of June next) on the conditions as you understan[d] them, and making whatever suspension of rent you think right, without the trouble of an arbitration, which indeed becomes impracticable by our disagreement in facts. but at the end of the present grinding year, we must consider the lease at an end, and that I am free in the mean time to look out for another tenant, to take place then. in expectation that we should have agreed I have declined two or three offers on which there was not the least intimation that any of the conditions would be objected to. but should you, before I shall have committed myself by any other offer, become willing to accede to my terms (which I shall never change) I shall certainly give you a preference, being sincerely disposed to prefer your accomodation to that of any other person and to prove to you at all times my sincere affection and respect. Th: Jefferson  P.S. should this proposition for the present year be accepted, I shall be glad to know immediately what suspension of the rent I am to give credit for.  19 

24 SEPTEMBER 1822

 In a letter from mr Coffee he desires it to be mentioned to you that he has not forgot your painting. PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; mutilated at seal, with one word rewritten by TJ; at foot of first page: “Thos E. Randolph esq.”; mistakenly endorsed by TJ as a letter of 1 Oct. 1822; while only one letter of 24 Sept. 1822 to Randolph is recorded in SJL, TJ’s revised

dateline is supported by date of receipt of William J. Coffee to TJ, 8 Sept. [1822]. 1  Preceding two words interlined in place of “Oct. 1.” 2 TJ here canceled “ult.” 3 Omitted period at right margin editorially supplied.

From Thomas Eston Randolph Dear Sir Shadwell Mill 24th Septr 1822 I do not wish to trespass again on your patience, and therefore in replying to your favor of this morning I will only observe, that a difference of opinion on the subject of the lease of Shadwell Mill is provided for in your agreement with Jona and Isaac Shoemaker; and to do away any difficulty occasion’d by our disagreement in facts, as mention’d by you, I am willing that the proof shall rest with me, for I think I can produce such corroborative evidence to support all that I have asserted, as will be satisfactory to you—With respect to the insuffi­ ciency of the Dam, I beg leave to quote the words of that agreement— “and that he will maintain the body of the Dam (except against public authority) and the pier head in sufficient condition”—on that clause principally, I rest my claim for a deduction of Rent—There are many difficulties to a discontinuance of the lease, so suddenly and unexpectedly; nevertheless, if a Tenant can be procured who will be agreable to you, and who will take the lease subject to all my engagements, I will make no difficulty in yielding the premises—the advanced season of the year, the little progress made in grinding, and the present condition of the Dam, renders such event at least improbable—But to remove every impediment in my power, I will propose, that full Rent shall be calculated from the day that there is water enough to run both pair of Stones—and in the mean time, the amount of Rent shall be determined by the quantity of work performed, calculating at 45 barrels  day for two pair of Stones—which is the smallest quantity we ever grind with a sufficient head of water—say 270 barrels  week— The Mill wrights who have been at work here can prove that not one hour has been lost when we could grind, and we have some times ground to a disadvantage rather than be still—Permit me to assure you that I wish for no advantage, but to do equal justice to you and to  20 

25 SEPTEMBER 1822

myself—when your new Dam is finished, if made tight, every diffi­ culty will be removed With great respect, and affectionate regards Yours Thos Eston Randolph RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 25 Sept. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

To Beriman B. Breedin Sir Monticello Sep. 25. 22. Your letter of Aug. 19. was recieved on the 20th instant. I am sorry it is not in my power to inform you at what point of time our university may be opened. all our buildings are compleated except one, and when that will be done depends on the disposition of our state legislature to furnish the means. the general belief is that the last elections to that body have been favorable to the institution; and my own expectation is that we may open it, either at the close of the [e]nsuing1 year, or within a year or two after that, according to the dispositions of the next or future legislatures. whenever it shall be opened we mean that it shall be under [Pro]fessors as eminent in their respective lines of science as can [b]e procured on either side of the Atlantic, and no endeavors will be spared to give a participation of it’s benefits to students from our sister states equally with those of our own. Accept the assurance of my great respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of Bernard Peyton to TJ, 25 June 1821; torn at seal; at foot of text: “Mr B. B. Breedin”; endorsed by TJ.

The building still to be compleated at the University of Virginia was the Rotunda. 1

 Word faint.

To Peter Derieux Dear Sir Monticello Sep. 25. Your favor of the 10th was not recieved till the 20th instant, and I regret that it is not in my power to send you the Egyptian wheat which is the subject of your letter. I recieved it while I lived in Washington, and having no means of taking care of such things there, I generally sent them to some one of my careful neighbors. I do not recollect to whom of them I sent this particular article, but I remember that the result was that it was not of advantageous culture in our  21 

25 SEPTEMBER 1822

climate & was therefore abandoned. with my regrets for this incident accept for mrs Derieux & yourself the assurance of my esteem & ­respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC: TJ Papers, 222:39758); on verso of reused address cover of Hiram Haines to TJ, 25 June 1821; partially dated; at foot of text: “Mr Derieux”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 25 Sept. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. In 1803 Derieux gave TJ wheat seed that he had acquired in France while delivering copies of documents related to

the Louisiana Purchase. TJ sent some of these seeds to Robert Bailey in Washington, D.C. After TJ reported to Derieux in 1805 that the seeds had failed, Derieux forwarded him additional grain seeds in that and the following year (PTJ, 40:413n, 41:345, 346, 486–7; TJ to Derieux, 31 May 1805, Derieux to TJ, 16 June 1805, 10 Apr. 1806 [all in DLC]).

To Robert Mills Dear Sir Monticello Sep. 25. 22. Your favor of Aug. 8. has been duly recieved, and I thank you for the pamphlet inclosed on the subject of canals. the plan it proposes is great, and I sincerely wish it may be prosecuted with success. I hope these states will prove to the world how much more it will contribute to it’s happiness to lay out the contributions of the people in opening canals for communication and irrigation, making good roads, erecting1 public buildings for science and the arts Etc than in slaughtering men, burning their houses, and wasting their lands. I sincerely wish you may find constant employment in this system of improvement, and derive the due reward to your merits for the useful services you may render in improving your native state. accept the assurances of my great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ICHi); at foot of text: “Mr Mills.” PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ.

Mills’s previous letter was of 28 Aug. 1822, not aug. 8. 1 Reworked

from “creating.”

To Chiles Terrell Sir Monticello Sep. 25. 22. I recieved on the 20th your letter of the 13th on the question what is an East and West line? which you say has been a subject of discussion in the newspapers. I presume however it must have been a mere question of definition, and that the parties have differed only in applying the same appellation to different things. the one defines an East  22 

26 SEPTEMBER 1822

and West line to be on a great circle of the earth, passing thro’ the point of departure, it’s nadir point and the center of the earth, it’s plane rectangular to that of the meridian of departure.   the other considers an E. & W. line to be on1 a small2 circle of the earth3 passing thro’ the point of departure, and preserving, in every part of it’s course, it’s rectangularity with the axis of the earth,4 or,5 a line which, from the point of departure passes every meridian at a right angle. each party therefore defining the line he means, may be permitted to call it an East & West, one, or at least it becomes no longer a mathematical, but a philological question of the meaning of the words East and West. the last is what was meant probably by the E. & W. line in the treaty of Ghent. the same has been the understanding in running the numerous E. and W. lines which divide our different states. they have been run by observations of Latitude at very short intervals, uniting the points of observation by short direct6 lines and thus constituting in fact part of a polygon of very short sides. But, Sir, I do not pretend to be an arbiter of these learned questions. age has weaned me from such speculations, & rendered me as incompetent as unwilling to puzzle myself with them. your claim on me as a quondam neighbor has induced me to hazard thus much, not indeed for the newspapers, a vehicle to which I am never willingly committed, but to prove my attention to your wishes, and to convey to you the assurance of my respect. Th: Jefferson RC (Vi: RG 57, Applications for Position of Principal Engineer); addressed: “Mr Chiles Terril Richmond”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 28 Sept. PoC (DLC). When he applied unsuccessfully for the post of principal engineer of Virginia the following year, Terrell sent this letter to Bernard Peyton, who was secretary of the state Board of Public Works (Terrell to Peyton, 7 Apr. 1823 [Vi: RG 57, Applications for Position of Principal Engineer]).

1

 Word canceled in PoC.  TJ canceled this word in PoC and interlined “line on the surface of the earth bounding a plane at right angles with it’s axis; or a.” 3  TJ canceled preceding two words in PoC and interlined “latitude.” 4  Text from “and preserving” to this point canceled in PoC. 5 In PoC TJ here interlined “in other words.” 6 Word interlined in place of “straight.” 2

To William J. Coffee Dear Sir Monticello Sep. 26. 22. Your favor of the 8th was recieved on the 20th and that to mr Brockenbrough was delivered and will doubtless be answered by himself. I understood from him that those who built the houses would claim the  23 

26 SEPTEMBER 1822

putting on the ornaments on their own work. my occupations here rendering it impossible for me to go to Bedford till December, you need run no yellow fever risks to hasten the shipment of mine.1 if they are here by December it will suffice. let my package, if you please be separate from that to the University because Colo Peyton will have to forward it from Richmond direct to Lynchburg, and send me the cost which shall be remitted to you without delay. from mr Maverick I have heard nothing, but am in hopes to hear daily that the plate & prints are finished. they are to be sent viâ Richmond. when they are done I shall be glad if he will send me by mail a couple of copies with his bill which shall be promptly remitted. Accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (MiDbEI); at foot of text: “Mr Coffee.” PoC (MHi); on verso of docket sheet for TJ’s Deed of Trust of Milton Lands to Philip N. Nicholas and William Nekervis, 11 July 1821; endorsed by TJ.

1  Reworked from “hasten their shipment.”

To Thomas Eston Randolph Dear Sir Monticello Sep. 26. 22. Yours of the 24th was recieved yesterday. the clause of arbitration in the lease was a sufficient provision between Shoemaker and my self because we understood every part of it in the same way. so it was with mr Randolph & McKinney. but you and myself differ so materially and in so many points that to enter into a contract with opposite meanings & to propose to go thro’ it by arbitrations would be to keep up a constant process of altercation, fending & proving, and troubling neighbors to make a bargain for us, which could not be for the happiness of either. you do not agree to my terms nor I to yours. it only remains then to give you time to withdraw without loss. I suppose you can have made no contract for more than a year, and for that term I offer that the lease shall go on on your own terms. if you can propose any thing more reasonable I will consider it with every disposition to accomodate you, being sincerely desirous to do so. I repeat to you the assurances of my affectionate respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of otherwise unlocated letter from Thomas Sumter to TJ, 4 July 1821 (see note to TJ to Sumter, 23 July 1821); at foot of text: “Thomas E. Randolph esq.”; endorsed by TJ.

 24 

To Patrick Gibson Dear Sir Monticello Sep. 27. 22 Your favor of the 14th is now recieved. the letter I wrote to the President, altho’ it proposed to get your son entered as a midshipman, was in it’s general terms such as to prepare the mind of the President for that or any equivalent favor, and to assure him of the gratification it would be to me: and I think it would be best for yourself or your son, in a letter to him referring to mine1 to express a willingness to accept a place in the school at Westpoint, if that of midshipman cannot be obtained. I think it better not to write a second letter, lest being importunate might weaken the dispositions to comply with the first. accept my best wishes for success in the application and the assurance of my great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of Bernard Peyton to TJ, 16 July 1821; at foot of text: “Mr Gibson”; endorsed by TJ.

1 Preceding

three words interlined.

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monticello Sep. 27. 22. Mr Raphael could furnish the 1000.D. by piecemeal only. he furnished to‑day 300.D. requiring however a draught for it to go by tomorrow’s mail, which I gave him and will consequently be upon you 2. or 3. days earlier than I had expected. he will furnish another sum 3. days hence, and the balance in the course of a week. my further draughts will be made accordingly. affectly yours Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of James Gibbon to TJ, 13 July 1821; at foot of text: “Colo Peyton”; endorsed by TJ.

From Thomas Eston Randolph Dear Sir Shadwell Mill 27th Septr 1822 I certainly cannot withdraw from Shadwell Mill at the end of this year without loss, because I have paid considerable sums for repairs, and to render the place more comfortable, under the expectation of holding the premises five years—which would have been unnecessary, had I withdrawn last June—If however I can procure a Tenant who  25 

27 SEPTEMBER 1822

will be agreable to you, and will release me from my engagements, it will give me pleasure, and I have written to Madison this day on that occasion—with respect to the allusion in your letter of yesterdays date, “that the clause of arbitration in the lease was a sufficient provision between Shoemaker, and Mr Randolph & McKinney and yourself, because understood every part in the same way, but that you and myself differ so materially, and in so many points &c”—I must in justice to myself ask leave to state, that there is but one part of that agreement with Shoemaker (a copy of which is now before me) wherein we disagree, and that disagreement is occasion’d by the condition of the Dam, a subject which at so early a period as that when Shoemaker or even when Randolph & McKinney held the premises could hardly it may be presumed, have offer’d occasion for a difference of opinion—the bad condition of the Dam was known three years ago— and Colclaser possitively refused to work upon it, which Jefferson Randolph was informed of, and Mr Bacon must recollect it—the latter can tell you that the logs or Sills in a part of the Dam which he repair’d, next to the Canal—were completely decayed, that decay was the cause of the leak in the Dam, and render’d it as I before stated insufficient for the purposes of the Mill—I cannot therefore Sir conceive that there is any thing so very unreasonable, in any proposition which I have express’d; nor that an arbitration could have been attended with any of the consequences apprehended by you—I sincerely hope I shall succeed in my endeavours to arrange this matter entirely to your satisfaction—and pray you to accept assurance of my respect and esteem Thos Eston Randolph RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 30 Sept. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

A missing letter from TJ to Randolph of 4 Oct. 1822 is recorded in SJL. A letter from Randolph to TJ of 12 Oct. 1822, not found, is recorded in SJL as received the following day from Shadwell.

From James Wilkinson Respected & dear friend City of Mexico Sepr 27th 1822 Should this letter reach your hands, it will be through the medium of his Excellency Don José Sosaya, Minister Plenipotenciary from this Empire to the United States. This gentleman, a native Mexican of Castilian descent, is highly respected by his countrymen for his intelligence & amiable dispositions, & he enjoys the entire confidence & esteem of his majesty the Emperor; I know your Philantropy will incline you to receive with  26 

27 SEPTEMBER 1822

cordiality, the Representative of the youngest nation of the Earth, our near neighbour, adjunct in limits, united by nature & connected by obvious political interests It is with lively satisfaction I am able to assure you, that Mr Sosaya visits the United States, with prepossessions the most favourable to our Country & dispositions the most amicable1 to our Government; I hope he may be met at Washington with correspondent Sym­ pathies, & that a Sincere alliance may be formed by the two great North‑American nations, as firm & durable as the high Hill on which you have fixed your abode, or the stupendous mountains, which encircle this Capital, Several important events have succeeded my arrival here on the 6th of May last, which will probably reach you through the Mists of prejudice or ignorance; for our Countrymen, generally, who pressed forward to this region under the sordid impulse2 of Commercial cupidity, have been disappointed in their Golden prospects, view every thing of course with jaundiced eyes, and cannot consent that an independent People should regulate their “own affairs in their own way.” But I, whom you know &, who came to this Salubrious place, solely in quest of health & to indulge an irresistible curiosity, have been an impartial & attentive observer of incidents as they passed, and can declare it as my opinion, that to Iturbide the Generalissimo on the 18th & 19th of May, & to the Emperor Augustin 1st on the 26th of the past month, the people of this Empire are indebted for their safety from Civil War, anarchy & blood‑shed, transending the most frightfull scenes in revolutionary France, during the reign of Robespierre, & before Bonaparte stifled the conflicting factions & stopt the effusion of blood. To go into detail would exceed the compass of a letter, I shall therefore postpone a narrative of facts to some future occasion, when a respect for truth & Justice may induce me, to expose the misrepresentations which I anticipate in our licentious Gazettes, many of whose editors feed on slander & fatten on defamation I thank God I have recovered my health, & in a few weeks shall return to the bosom of my family in New Orleans, there & every where I beg you to be assured of my high respect & Sincere ­attachment J.W. FC (TxU: Edward Alexander Parsons Collection); in a clerk’s hand, with emendations, signature, and internal address in Wilkinson’s hand; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson the distinguished Patriot of this Country & the Friend of Mankind Monticello Virginia”; endorsed by Wilkinson.

Not recorded in SJL and probably never received by TJ. José Manuel Zozaya (Sosaya) y Bermúdez (1775–1853), attorney and public official, was born in Guanajuato, studied at Mexico City’s Colegio de San Pedro,

 27 

27 SEPTEMBER 1822 San Pablo y San Ildefonso, and entered the legal profession. Early in 1822 he was named the first envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from Mexico to the United States. President James Monroe duly received him that December. Despite recognition by the United States of imperial Mexico and of Zozaya’s diplomatic status, he struggled to gain acceptance among other diplomats and to place the newly established Mexican government on an equal footing in Washington. He returned to Mexico in 1823 after learning that the imperial government had been overthrown. Zozaya later represented Guanajuato in the national legislature and established the first paper factory in Mexico (Patricia Galeana and Gloria Villegas, Dos Siglos de México [2010], 57; Felix Osores, Noticias Bio‑Bibliograficas de Alumnos Dis‑ tinguidos del Colegio de San Pedro, San Pablo y San Ildefonso de Mexico [1908], 317–8; Alberto Leduc, Luis Lara y Pardo and Carlos Roumagnac, Diccionario de Geografía, Historia y Biografía Mexica‑ nas [1910], 1096; Joseph Carl McElhannon, “Relations between Imperial Mex-

ico and the United States, 1821–1823,” in Thomas E. Cotner, ed., Essays in Mexi‑ can History [1958], 134–9; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 13 Dec. 1822, 9 May 1823). TJ used the phrase own affairs in their own way in his annual message to Congress of 15 Dec. 1802 (PTJ, 39:163). Agustín de iturbide began his short‑ lived reign when he was declared emperor by members of the Mexican military on 18 May 1822 and took his oath of office three days later. After learning of a conspiracy within the national assembly to overthrow him, on the 26th Aug. 1822 Emperor Agustín had several members of that body arrested, and he dissolved the assembly on 30 Oct. but abdicated the following year (Brantz Mayer, Mexico, Aztec, Spanish and Republican [1853], 1:303–4; Washington Daily National In‑ telligencer, 8 July, 17 Oct. 1822). 1  Reworked by Wilkinson from “amiable.” 2  Reworked by Wilkinson from “impetus.”

From Joseph Antrim Sir Sepr 29—1822 having been absent from home from fryday untill Satturday Night— Your message did not reach me in time for me to meet you as requested, at your mill as I understood, If you will name any other time I will with pleashure meet you Yours Respectfully J Antrim RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; addressed: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Antrim P.”

TJ’s message, not found, is not recorded in SJL.

From James Cutbush Dear Sir. West Point September 29th 1822 Finding that we laboured under many difficulties for want of a text book on military Pyrotechny, as works on that subject are principally1 in French, I was induced from that consideration to compile a com 28 

30 SEPTEMBER 1822

plete system for the use of our Chemical department, to be used in conjunction with the usual Chemical class books. As to Chemical instruction, we have two classes; the first and second. To the latter general, experimental, theoretical, and practical chemistry, in a serie[s] of lectures, are given; and to the form[er], as it constitutes the last years course, the applications of chemistry to the Arts, manufactures, pyrotechny, &c. &c. are particularly attended to. Some of the last June graduates are, in that study, and in mineralogy very able, and I have no doubt will be eminently useful in the Army. I am, very respectfully, Your Obedt St Jas Cutbush. RC (CSmH: JF); torn at seal; addressed: “His Excy Thomas Jefferson Monticello (near Milton) Virginia”; stamp canceled; franked; inconsistently postmarked West Point, 28 Sept.; endorsed by TJ as received 6 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Cutbush, Proposals, for publishing by subscription, A New Work, entitled A System of Pyrotechny, a work in four parts on the components, “Instruments, Utensils, and Manipulations” of fireworks “for Exhibition—and Military Pyrotechny”; stating that it will be “put to press in the beginning of 1823, should the number of subscribers warrant the publication”; noting that it will run from 600 to 700 closely printed octavo pages and cost subscribers $4.50 in boards or

$5 bound; stipulating that subscriptions will be taken by Cutbush at West Point or Ward M. Gazlay at Newburgh, N.Y.; and concluding with a form for subscribers to add their name, place of residence, and number of copies (undated broadside in CSmH: JF). Cutbush’s text book was posthumously published as A System of Pyrotechny, com‑ prehending the theory and practice, with the application of chemistry; Designed for Exhibition and for War .  .  . adapted to the Military and Naval Officer, the Man of Science, and Artificer (Philadelphia, 1825). 1

 Manuscript: “pincipally.”

From James F. Dana Sir, Dartmouth College, Hanover N.H. [before 30] Sept 1822. I take the liberty of sending you the accompanying papers, because you manifest a deep interest in all that relates to Philosophy, and because it affords me an opportunity of testifying my profound respect for one, who will ever be remembered with the highest regard by the friends of Civil and Religious Liberty, and of the Rights of man. That GOD may continue you yet many years, the ornament of your country is the sincere prayer, Venerable Patriot, of your obt. Sert J. F. Dana RC (MHi); partially dated; at foot of text: “To Th: Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Doctr James F.” Dana received 30 Sept. 1822 and so recorded

in SJL. Enclosures: (1) Dana, Observa‑ tions and Experiments On a new means of producing heat and light with the appa‑ ratus called the ‘American Water Burner’

 29 

30 SEPTEMBER 1822 ([Cambridge, Mass., 1818]). (2) Dana, Report on a Disease afflicting Neat Cat‑ tle, in Burton, N.H., read before the New Hampshire Medical Society .  .  . June, 1822 (Concord, N.H., 1822). James Freeman Dana (1793–1827), scientist, physician, and educator, was born in Amherst, New Hampshire. Named Jonathan by his parents, he changed his first name in 1820. Dana attended Phillips Exeter Academy in 1805, received an ­undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1813, traveled to England in 1815 to purchase chemistry equipment for the school, and was awarded its M.D. in 1817. He practiced medicine in Cambridge while also lecturing in chemistry at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, 1816–20. Dana was elected professor of chemistry at Dartmouth in the latter year, moved to Hanover, and remained there in that position until ap-

pointed professor of chemistry at New York City’s College of Physicians and Surgeons (later part of Columbia University) in 1826. Dana was awarded the Boylston Prize by Harvard on two occasions for his scholarship in chemistry and was the author of several works, including Outlines of the Mineralogy and Geol‑ ogy of Boston and Its Vicinity, with a Geo‑ logical Map (Boston, 1818), which he wrote with his brother, Samuel L. Dana. He died in New York City (DAB; List of Persons whose Names Have Been Changed in Massachusetts. 1780–1883 [1885], 39; General Catalogue of the Officers and ­Students of the Phillips Exeter Academy. 1783–1903 [1903], 16; Harvard Cata‑ logue, 190, 713; Dartmouth Catalogue, 60, 770; Thomas, Columbia University Officers and Alumni, 34, 56; New‑York Medical and Physical Journal 6 [1827]: 314–8).

To Patrick Gibson Dear Sir Monticello Sep. 30. 22. I recieved yesterday the inclosed letter from the President removing further suspense as to the application for your son, and inclose it to you with sincere pleasure and the assurance of my great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of William Maury to TJ, 18 July 1821; at foot of text: “Mr Gibson”; endorsed by TJ. The inclosed letter from James Monroe to TJ, missing and evidently un-

dated, is recorded in SJL as received 29 Sept. 1822 from Washington. It presumably reported favorably on the application of Gibson’s son Alexander Gibson for a midshipman’s appointment.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 30 Sept 1822 I am safely at home again thank God—   Your note for $1,000 will be offerd for dist tomorrow, & whether done or no, any dfts you may draw shall be honor’d, I hope & believe however there will be no difficulty in getting the disct, by assuring the Directors no renewal of the note will be asked or expected, which you authorised me to do—  30 

3 OCTOBER 1822

I hope you had enough of the recent copious rains to raise your river sufficiently to send off loaded Boats, here, the water has not risen an inch yet, in consequence, & but small loads can pass the main river even—consequently, but little produce of any kind is coming in— present price $6¼ for Flour, wheat 117 @ 120¢, scarce, & in demand— corn $4¼— The Bundle of Books not present when I was with you, were fordd on the 13th Inst by a Mr. Estes’s Waggon, care W & Raphael— I have delivered the message you requested to Mr. Barrett, who seems content— God bless you & all your good family Your f d mo: sincerely B. Peyton I have today pd a dft: for $50₁−⁹₀−⁰₀ −, drawn by T. J. Randolph, in Bedford, on your a∕c, which is at your debit— B.P. RC (MHi); dateline beneath full signature; endorsed by TJ as received 4 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

dist: “discount.” The directors led the Farmer’s Bank of Virginia. w & raphael was the Charlottesville firm of Wolfe & Raphael.

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Edgewood. 3d Oct: 1822. l Gen Cocke will inform you that the cause of my failure to attend at the University on yesterday, was that I had not sufficiently recovered from the severe & tedious illness by which I have been unhappily visited. My convalescence is much slower than I expected, and is further prolonged by successive relapses. Some days past, I was taken with the ague & fever, which often follows in the rear of the bilious fever. For two days I have been taking bark, and its salutary effects, induce me to hope, I shall miss my ague to‑day. If I should be so fortunate as to escape a return, & the weather should be favorable, I think of setting out in a carriage on saturday, so as to get to monticello on sunday or monday to‑dinner. If I should not come, you may conclude that my state of health forbids the Journey: for I never am absent from your meetings but with the greatest reluctance, and, on this occasion, feel a particular desire to be present. I ardently hope that Mr Dawson has reached the end of his labours, and found all things to come out clear & satisfactory. Genl Cocke seemed reluctant to commence the inspection of the books without an associate. I should think, however, that with Mr Dawson’s assistance it would be an easy task. He is now, probably, in Albemarle, on his way to fulfill this duty.  31 

3 OCTOBER 1822

Should I not attend, be pleased to remember me kindly to all the gentlemen of the board. I remain, Dr Sir, faithfully yr friend Joseph C. Cabell RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); left half of address cover only; with portion of Dft of TJ to James Madison, 10 Dec. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson [.  .  .] Care of Genl Cocke.”

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 3d October 1822 I have tried your $1000 note at all three of the Banks, & not one of them would discount it, being obliged, they say, to curtail, of which you will soon receive a notice from the U.S. Bank, I understand—   I return the note to you, under cover herewith. Your dft: favor Wolfe and Raphael, for $300, has been presented & paid.   Not a Milton Boat is yet down, by which I can send your Cement, Glass &C: &C:, some are no doubt on the way, as the river is smartly up, if so, will endeavour to get them off. The last Fed: Republican1 insolently proclaims there is no “press copy” in existence, & charges falsehood upon Ritchie, who has seen it, & is most perfectly satisfied of the correctness of every statement you have made in relation to it, (as is Judge Green, & one or two others, to whom alone I have shewn it,) & takes leave to mention the simple fact, of that sight, in tomorrow’s paper, which I hope will not be unacceptable to you:—I had doubts, whether you would approve his noticing it at all, in the Enquirer, but he seemd to think it necessary, & what he intends to say will be perfectly harmless— Yours very Truly Bernard Peyton RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 6 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Elisha Copeland, 18 Dec. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Charlottesville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 3 Oct. The enclosed note dated Richmond, 1 Oct. 1822, constituted TJ’s “promise to pay to Bernard Peyton or order, without offset, negotiable and payable at the Farmers Bank of Virginia, one thousand Dol‑ lars” (MS in MHi; printed text [rendered above in italics], with blanks filled in partially in TJ’s hand and one word [“Farmers”] in an unidentified hand; TJ’s sig­

nature to the note and Peyton’s name on verso deleted to cancel it). In his financial records for 27 Sept. 1822, TJ deleted “Having given a note to Bernard Peyton for 1000.D. to be discounted I drew on him this day in favr. Wolfe & Raphael for 300.D. and gave E. Bacon an order on them for that sum,” and substituted, in parentheses, “The note was not discountd” (MB, 2:1389). The Richmond Enquirer of 4 Oct. 1822 reprinted and responded to the recent demand in the Federal Republican and Baltimore Telegraph that the press copy (see TJ to Ritchie & Gooch, 10 June 1822, and note) be produced to exonerate TJ of the charge by “A Native of Virginia” that

 32 

4 OCTOBER 1822 he had accepted a fraudulent double payment. The Enquirer asserted that the copy in question was seen “yesterday”; that it was “in the hands of a gentleman in this city”; that it “bears the marks of age—is most clearly a press copy from the faintness and running of the letters—and is precisely a verbatim and punctuatim fac simile to the official copy which was filed in the treasury office of the U.S. in 1792”;

that “The much disputed item is stated, as Mr. Jefferson describes it”; and that “Not a word is said of cash being obtained for it—the forgery of the Native of Virginia to the contrary notwithstanding. We pledge all our credit for the truth of our statement.” 1 Manuscript:

“Repulican.”

From William Lambert Sir, City of Washington, October 4th 1822. The inclosed Table being constructed with great care, and on correct principles, may be usefully applied at the University, or Seminary of learning near Charlottesville. On that supposition, I take the liberty to present it to the President of that Seminary, or such professor as you may think proper. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Your most obedt ­servant, William Lambert. RC (ViU: TJP); at foot of text: “Honble Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, Virginia”; addressed (torn): “[.  .  .] [Jeffer]son, Monticello, Virginia”; franked; endorsed by TJ as received 7 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

e n c l o s u r e

William Lambert’s Table of Logarithms A Table of Logarithms for reducing the Moon’s equatorial horizontal parallax from a sphere to an oblate spheroid, admitting the ratio of the equatorial diameter to the polar axis of the Earth, to be as 320 to 319. Lat. °

           

0.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5

Logar.   10.0000000   9.9999996   9.9999984.   9.9999963.   9.9999934.   9.9999896.  

Diff.     –  4.   – 12.   – 21.   – 29.   – 38   – 45.

Lat. °

31.   32   33.   34   35   36  

Log.   9.9996402.   9.9996191.   9.9995977.   9.9995759.   9.9995538   9.9995314  

 33 

Diff. –207.   –211.   –214.   –218.   –221.   –224.   –227.

Lat. °

61.   62.   63.   64.   65   66.  

Log.   9.9989610.   9.9989411.   9.9989216.   9.9989026.   9.9988842.   9.9988663.  

Diff. –203. –199. –195. –190. –184. –179. –174.

4 OCTOBER 1822      

6 7. 8 9.

  10   11.   12   13.   14.   15   16.   17.   18   19   20   21   22   23.   24   25   26.   27   28   29   30.

9.9999851.   – 53. 9.9999798.     – 61. 9.9999737.     – 69. 9.9999668     – 77. 9.9999591.     – 85. 9.9999506.     – 92. 9.9999414.     –100. 9.9999314.     –107. 9.9999207.     –115. 9.9999092.     –122. 9.9998970.     –129. 9.9998841.     –136. 9.9998705     –142. 9.9998563     –149. 9.9998414.     –155. 9.9998259.     –161. 9.9998098.     –167. 9.9997931.     –174. 9.9997757.     –179. 9.9997578.     –184. 9.9997394.     –189. 9.9997205.     –194. 9.9997011.     –199. 9.9996812.     –203. 9.9996609.    

37.   38   39   40   41.   42   43   44   45.   46   47.   48.   49   50   51.   52   53   54.   55.   56.   57.   58   59   60.

9.9995087.   9.9994858   9.9994627.   9.9994394.   9.9994160.   9.9993924.   9.9993688   9.9993452   9.9993215.   9.9992977.   9.9992740.   9.9992503.   9.9992267.   9.9992033.   9.9991800.   9.9991569.   9.9991340   9.9991113.   9.9990889.   9.9990667.   9.9990448   9.9990233.   9.9990021   9.9989813

 34 

  –229.   –231.   –233.   –234.   –236.   –236.   –236.   –237.   –238   –237.   –237.   –236.   –234   –233.   –231.   –229.   –227.   –224.   –222   –219.   –215.   –212.   –208.  

67   68   69.   70.   71.   72.   73   74.   75   76.   77.   78   79.   80.   81.   82   83.   84.   85   86.   87.   88   89.   90.

9.9988489.   9.9988321.   9.9988159.   9.9988003.   9.9987853.   9.9987709.   9.9987572.   9.9987442.   9.9987320.   9.9987205.   9.9987097.   9.9986997.   9.9986904.   9.9986819.   9.9986742.   9.9986673.   9.9986611.   9.9986557   9.9986511.   9.9986473   9.9986444.   9.9986423   9.9986411   9.9986407.

–168. –162. –156. –150. –144. –137. –130. –122. –115. –108. –100. – 93. – 85. – 77. – 69. – 62. – 54. – 46. – 38. – 29. – 21. – 12. – 4.

4 OCTOBER 1822  This Table has been constructed on correct principles, for every degree of latitude, (by observation with a quadrant, sextant, &c.) from 0° to 90°: the log. for intermediate minutes and seconds, may, in most instances, be found by taking their proportional part of the first differences annexed; if greater accuracy be required, the equation arising from second differences, with the affirmative sign +, may be applied; but, in no case, will it amount to more than one unit in the last place of the decimal fraction, which would not affect the reduced horizontal parallax − ₁− ¹₀− ₀ part of a second. To find the log. for the latitude of the Capitol in Washington, 38.° 52.′ 45.″ North.  Lat. 38.° 0′ Log. 9.9994858. Diff. 231. prop: part for 52.′ 45″ –    203. Constant log. for lat. 38.° 52.′ 45″ 9.9994655.   To find the log. for Greenwich, lat. 51.° 28.′ 40.″ North.  Lat. 51.° 0.′ Log  9.9991800. Diff: 231. prop. part for 28.′ 40″ –    110. Constant log. for lat. of Greenwich, 9.9991690.   To find the log. for lat. 5.° 20.′ allowing the equation of second diff:  Lat. 5.° 0.′ Log. 9.9999896. Diff: 45. prop: part for 20′ –     15. Second diff.–8 Equation for 20′ +      1. Log. correct for Lat. 5.° 20′ 9.9999882. To find the reduced horizontal parallax. To the log. for the lat. required, add the log. sine of the Moon’s equatorial hor. parallax, the sum, rejecting radius, will be the log. sine of the horizontal parallax, reduced. Or, The common log. in seconds, of the equat. hor. parallax, may be used instead of the log. sine, without a sensible variance in the result. Examples. Reduced the reduced hor: par: for lat. 38.° 52.′ 45.″ when the Moon’s equatorial hor. parallax is 1.° 0.′ 20.″?  Log. for lat. required,  9.9994655. ° ′ ″   Moon’s eq: hor. par. 1.0.20 log. sine, 8.2442611.   "  hor: par: reduced, 1.0.15. 547 dec1 Sine 8.2437266. Or, 1.° 0.′ 20″ = 3620″ log. 3.5587086. Log. for lat. 38.° 52.′ 45″ 9.9994655. hor: par: reduced, 1.° 0.′ 15.″ 547. dec.= 3615.″ 547 dec log. 3.5581741. It will be always easier in practice, and sufficiently exact, to use the common log. in Seconds, of the Moon’s equat. hor. parallax, instead of the log. sine. Thus may the Moon’s hor. parallax be reduced for any lat. from 0.° to 90°, according to the ratio of 320 to 319, by means of this Table, with little labour, and great accuracy. The reduced latitude, from 0.° to 90.° according to the same ratio, may be found at all times, by the following process— To the constant log. 9.9972814, add the log. tangent of the latitude by observation, the sum, rejecting radius, will be the log. tangent of the latitude, reduced.

 35 

4 OCTOBER 1822 Examples. Lat. of the Capitol, in Washington, by obsn 38.° 52.′ 45.″ tangt 9.9064956. Constant log  9.9972814. Lat. of the Capitol, reduced, 38.° 42.′ 14.″ 51 dec tangt  9.9037770. Required the reduced lat. of Greenwich, 51.° 28.′ 40.″ tang. 10.0990491. Constant log.     9.9972814. Lat. reduced, 51.° 18.′ 10.″ 418 dec 10.0963305. The advantage of a table of this kind, and of the rule to reduce the latitude, will be seen in calculations of the longitude of a place on the earth, from solar eclipses, and occultations of fixed Stars by the Moon, which are known to be among the best methods hitherto devised for the purpose. William Lambert. City of Washington, October 4, 1822. MS (ViU: TJP); entirely in Lambert’s hand.

1  Lambert evidently rewrote these two words to replace a missing number and uncanceled “dec” affected by a chip at bottom of page.

From Cornelius Camden Blatchly Esteemed friend. 6th of the 10th Month 1822 The New‑York‑society for promoting Communities, have requested me to transmit to thee one of their essays on common wealths. By a perusal of this, thou wilt be able to comprehend our ideas of what society now is, and what it ought to be. We place a high estimation on thy judgment respecting it, on account of thy wisdom and philanthropy. We esteem & love thy benevolence; we greatly respect thy philosophy and political ethics.— We are well perswaded that pure and good communities, can only1 be instituted & established2 by people who have good hearts & pure principles; and who ardently desire to practice what an illuminated intellect manifests to them to be right & dutiful to God & man.—Our essays are, therefore, only for the virtuous & unprejudiced, who candidly desire & seek for goodness & truth;—and such as these only, are fit for3 erecting societies wholly on the social, impartial, and unselfish principle: or in other terms, on the self‑denying principle. With affectionate love & friendship I address thee, because I am assured by thy character, that thou wilt approve of our disinterested endeavours to promote the prosperity, purity & peace of all people;— altho’ thou mayst not approve of our mode of attaining them. If our  36 

7 OCTOBER 1822

plan can be improved, or a better one proposed, we will thank thee to mention it.— From thy sincere friend. Cornelius Camden Blatchly  Moderator of the NY society for  promoting communities.  No 487 Greenwich St.   New York. RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 13 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: An Essay on Common Wealths. Part I. The Evils of Exclusive and the Bene­ fits of Inclusive Wealth. Part II. Extracts from Robert Owen’s New View of Society. Part III. Melish’s Account of the Harmon‑ ists (New York, 1822). Cornelius Camden Blatchly (1773– 1831), physician and author, was in Bergen County, New Jersey, when he wrote TJ in 1804 about his “scheme for an american alphabet.” Blatchly studied at the College of Physicians and Surgeons (later part of Columbia University), 1813–14, was practicing medicine in New York City by 1815, and kept an apothecary’s shop there in 1824. He was affiliated with the Society of Friends in Pennsylvania in 1806 and in New Jersey in 1812, but the Quakers disowned him in 1829 and again in 1831. Blatchly (who altered his name from “Blachly” around 1815) supported social reform, communal ownership of property, and female education. He was the president of the New‑York Society for Promoting Communities and active late in the 1820s in the antimasonic and New York City workingmen’s movements. Blatchly’s publications included Some Causes of Popular Poverty, Arising from the Enriching Nature of Interest, Rents,

Duties, Inheritances, and Church Estab‑ lishments, published as the appendix to Thomas Branagan’s Pleasures of Con‑ templation (Philadelphia, 1817), and An Essay on Fasting, and on Abstinence (New York, 1818). He died in New York City (Hinshaw, Quaker Genealogy, 3:37; PTJ, 44:628–9; Thomas, Columbia University Officers and Alumni, 230; Longworth’s New York Directory [1815]: 130; Madison, Papers, Pres. Ser., 9:255; The Diaries of Donald Macdonald, 1824–1826 [1942; repr. 1973], 176, 183; Sean Wilentz, Chants Democratic: New York City and the Rise of the American Working Class, 1788–1850 [1984; repr. 2004], 158–62, 167, 193–200; New‑York American, 16 Jan. 1829; Philip S. Foner, “A Pioneer Proposal for a Women’s Library,” Jour‑ nal of Library History 13 [1978]: 157–9; New‑York Spectator, 13 Dec. 1831). The goal of the New‑York Society for Promoting Communities was “to meliorate the condition of their fellow men, by aiding or encouraging industrious mechanics and laborers, who wish to leave the city and form a settlement in the in­ terior” (New‑York Evening Post, 22 Feb. 1823). 1 Word

interlined. “establised.” here canceled “founding.”

2 Manuscript: 3 Blatchly

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 7. 22. I recieved last night your favor of the 3d. in expectation that the note would be discounted I had already drawn on you for 300 + 200 + 100 + 50 D. say 650.D. I shall stop at that and settle Bacon’s balance otherwise. our river rose 1. foot with the late rains and we got off  37 

7 OCTOBER 1822

Wood’s boats with flour; but I learnt yesterday that the water failed before they got out of the river, and that they are now waiting a rain. I was on the point of drawing on this in favor of mr Barret. these two circumstances give me great uneasiness for him and yourself, from which no relief can be had but by rain. I have now deposited in the mill wheat for 350. barrels of flour & T.E.R. owes me 200. Barrels. our taxes too will soon now be called for, mine amounting here & in Bedford to upwards of 200.D. these things afflict me greatl[y] and I  have not much confidence that either prayers or a change of the moon can be depended on for rain. be so good as to forward my last quarter’s account. it is very necessary for my government. affection­ ately yours Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; edge trimmed; at foot of text: “Colo Peyton”; endorsed by TJ. In his financial records for September and October 1822 TJ described his distribution of funds based on his incorrect expectation that the note would be discounted. On 27 Sept. he noted and later canceled a payment of 300 dollars to Wolfe & Raphael, adding that he

“gave E. Bacon an order on them for that sum.” On 1 Oct. he accounted for 200 dollars for David Isaacs as an order on Peyton, adding that he had given “Edmd. Bacon order on D. Isaacs for 200.D.” He listed 100 dollars on 5 Oct. as drawn on Peyton in favor of Wolfe & Raphael. The final 50 d. was part of a 1 Oct. transaction to repay James Leitch (MB, 2:1389). t.e.r.: Thomas Eston Randolph.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 7 Octr 1822 Your dft: favor David Isaacs for $200 has been presented & paid.   I have this day shipd you by Woods Thom, two Hhds stone Ware, (Kayle Pots) four Casks Cement, & 1 Box 12 × 18 window Glass, the 12 × 12 being in the River, but not up yet, & must follow by some other Boat—These articles I hope will reach you safely— With great respect Yours very Truly B. Peyton Flour $6 @ 6⅛ dull Wheat 120¢ scarce RC (MHi); dateline beneath signature; endorsed by TJ as received 11 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

 38 

Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of Virginia at the said University on Monday the 7th of October 1822. Present Thomas Jefferson Rector, James Breckenridge, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke and James Madison. Resolved that the Proctor be instructed to enter into conferences with such skilful and responsible undertakers as he would approve, for the building of the Library, on the plan heretofore proposed, and now in his possession, and to procure from them declarations of the smallest sums for which they will undertake the different portions of the work of the said building, each portion to be done as well, in materials, manner and sufficiency, as the best of the same kind of work already done in the preceding buildings, or as well & sufficiently as shall now be agreed on; that (omitting the capitels of the columns, which would be procured elsewhere) the several other portions be specified under such general heads and details as may be convenient to shew the cost of each, and by whom undertaken, fixing also the time within which each portion shall be compleated: and that his agreements be provisional only, & subject to the future acceptance or refusal of the Visitors.1 Resolved that the Committee of Superintendance be authorised to employ a Collector to proceed to the collection of the monies still due on subscriptions, under such instructions and agreement as they shall approve. Resolved that the examination and report of the accounts of the Bursar of the University of Virginia, from the 1st day of Octob. 1820. to the 31st of March 1821. and from the 31st of March 1821. to the 27th day of November 1821. made by John H. Cocke, at the request of the Rector, by his letter of the 1st of December 1821. be hereby ratified as done under authority of this board; and that the said John H. Cocke be, and he is hereby appointed to examine & verify the accounts of the said Bursar, from the 27th of November 1821. to this date and make report thereof to this board. Resolved that George Loyall esq. now a member of this board, appointed on the resignation of Robert B. Taylor, be added to the Committee for settlement of the Bursar’s and Proctor’s accounts, with authority to the Committee to act singly or together, as convenience may admit. The following Report was then agreed to  39 

7 OCTOBER 1822

 [The report that follows at this point is printed as the next document.] And the board adjourned without day. Th: Jefferson Rector  Octob. 7. 1822. MS (ViU: TJP‑VMTJ); entirely in TJ’s hand. Tr (ViU: TJP‑PP); extract in TJ’s hand, conjoined with RC of TJ to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 11 Oct. 1822, and its enclosure. Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJCC). Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJHC). Tr (ViU: TJP‑ VMJB). library: the University of Virginia Rotunda. The committee of superin-

tendance consisted of TJ and John H. Cocke. The collector was John L. Thomas. On 7 Sept. 1822 George Loyall was appointed a member of the Board of Visitors (Vi: RG 75, Journals of the Council of State). 1  Tr in ViU: TJP‑PP consists only of this paragraph.

University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors To the President and Directors of the Literary fund. In obedience to the act of the General assembly of Virginia, requiring that the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia should make report annually to the President and Directors of the Literary fund (to be laid before the legislature at their next succeeding session) embracing a full account of the disbursements,1 the funds on hand, and a general statement of the condition of the University the said Rector & Visitors make the following Report. The Visitors considering as the law of their duty the Report of the Commissioners of 1818. which was made to the legislature, and acted on by them, from time to time subsequently, have compleated all the buildings proposed by that Report, except one; that is to say, ten distinct houses or Pavilions containing each a lecturing room, with generally four other apartments for the accomodation of a Professor & his family, and with a garden and the requisite family offices; six Hotels for dieting the Students, with a single room in each for a Refectory, and two rooms, a garden and offices for the tenant; and an hundred and nine Dormitories, sufficient each for the accomodation of two students, arranged in four distinct rows between the Pavilions & Hotels, and united with them by covered ways; which buildings are all in readiness for occupation, except that there is still some plaistering to be done, now in hand, which will be finished early in the present  40 

7 OCTOBER 1822

season, the gardens grounds and2 garden walls to be compleated, and some columns awaiting their Capitels not yet recieved from Italy. these buildings are mostly paid for by the monies which have been recieved, and it is still expected3 they would be compleatly so, by the subscriptions due, were they in hand. but the slowness of their collection will render it necessary to make good their deficiencies, in the first instance, out of the annuity of the ensuing years, to be replaced to that fund again by the subscriptions as they come in. The remaining building, necessary to compleat the whole4 establishment, & called for by the Report of 1818. which was to contain rooms for religious worship, for public examinations, for a Library, & for other associated purposes, is not yet begun for want of funds. it was estimated heretofore by the Proctor, according to the prices which the other buildings have actually cost at the sum of 46,847. Dollars. the Visitors, from the beginning, have considered it as indispensable to compleat all the buildings before opening the institution; because, from the moment that shall be opened, the whole income of the University will be absorbed by the salaries of the Professors, and other incidental and current expences, and nothing will remain to erect any building still wanting to compleat the system. they are still of opinion therefore that it is better to postpone, for a while, the commencement of the institution, and then to open it in full and compleat system, than to begin prematurely in an unfinished state, and go on, perhaps for ever, on the contracted scale of local academies, utterly inadequate to the great purposes which the Report of 1818. and the legislature have hitherto had in contemplation. they believe that, in that imperfect state, it will offer little allurement to other than neighboring students, and that Professors of the first eminence in their respective lines of science, will not be induced to attach their reputations to an institution, defective in it’s outset, and offering no pledge of rising to future distinction. yet the Visitors consider the procuring such characters (and it will certainly be their aim) as the peculiar feature which is to give reputation and value5 to the Institution, and to constitute it’s desirable and important attractions. but the present state of the funds renders the prospect of finishing this last building indefinitely distant. the interest of the sums advanced to the institution now absorbs nearly half it’s income. a suspension of interest indeed, for three or four years, would give time for erecting the building with the established annuity; but the subsequent repayment of the principal from that annuity would remove the opening of the Institution to a very remote period.  41 

7 OCTOBER 1822

 On this view of the condition of the University, the Visitors think it their duty to state that, if the legislature shall be of opinion that the sums advanced to the University, in the name of loans, from the general fund for education, have been applied to their legitimate object, and shall think proper to liberate the annuity from their reimbursement, it will suffice in three or four6 years7 to compleat the last building, and the institution may be opened at the end of that term. and further that if the requisite sum can be supplied from the same or any other fund, then the University may be put into as full operation, as it’s income will admit, in the course of the year ensuing the present date, and while the remaining building will be proceeding on such supplementory fund. this however, or whatever else their wisdom may devise, is subject to their direction, to which the Visitors will in willing duty conform. In the same Report of the Commissioners of 1818. it was stated by them that ‘in conformity with the principles of our constitution, which place all sects of religion on an equal footing, with the jealousies of the different sects in guarding that equality from encroachment or surprise, and with the sentiments of the legislature in favor of freedom of religion, manifested on former occasions,8 they had not proposed that any professorship of Divinity should be established in the University; that provision however was made for giving instruction in the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages, the depositories of the Originals, and of the earliest and most respected authorities of the faith of every sect, and for courses of Ethical lectures, developing those moral obligations in which all sects agree. that, proceeding thus far, without offence to the Constitution, they had left, at this point, to every sect to take into their own hands the office of further instruction in the peculiar9 tenets of each.’ It was not however to be understood10 that instruction in religious opinions and duties was meant to be precluded by the public authorities, as indifferent to the interests of society. on the contrary, the relations which exist between man and his maker, and the duties resulting from those relations, are the most interesting and important to every human being, and the most incumbent on his study and investigation. the want of instruction in the various creeds of religious faith existing among our citizens presents therefore a chasm in a general institution of the useful sciences. but it was thought that this want, and the entrustment to each society of instruction in it’s own doctrines, were evils of less danger than a permission to the public authorities to dictate modes or principles of religious instruction, or than opportunities11 furnished them of giving countenance or ascendancy  42 

7 OCTOBER 1822

to any one sect over another. a remedy however has been suggested of promising aspect, which, while it excludes the public authorities from the domain of religious freedom, would give to the Sectarian schools of divinity the full benefit of the public provisions made for instruction in the other branches of science. these branches are equally necessary to the Divine, as to the other professional or civil characters, to enable them to fulfil the duties of their calling with understanding and usefulness. it has therefore been in contemplation, and suggested by some pious individuals, who percieve the advantages of associating other studies with those of religion, to establish their religious schools on the confines of the University, so as to give to their students ready and convenient access and attendance on the scientific lectures of the University;12 and to maintain, by that means, those destined for the religious professions on as high a standing of science, and of personal weight and respectability, as may be obtained by others from the bene­ fits of the University. such establishments would offer the further and great advantage of enabling the Students of the University to attend religious exercises with the Professor of their particular sect, either in the rooms of the building still to be erected, and destined to that purpose under impartial regulations, as proposed in the same Report of the Commissioners, or in the lecturing room of such Professor. to such propositions the Visitors are disposed to lend a willing ear, and would think it their duty to give every encoragement, by assuring to those who might chuse such a location for their schools, that the regulations of the University should be so modified and accomodated as to give every facility of access and attendance to their students,13 with such regulated use also as may be permitted to the other students, of the library which may hereafter be acquired, either by public or private munificence. but always understanding that these schools shall be independant of the University and of each other. such an arrangement would compleat the circle of the useful sciences embraced by this institution, and would fill the chasm now existing, on principles which would leave inviolate the constitutional freedom of religion, the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights, over which the people and authorities of this state individually and publicly, have ever manifested the most watchful jealousy: and could this jealousy be now alarmed, in the opinion of the legislature, by what is here suggested, the idea will be relinquished on any surmise of disapprobation which they might think proper to express. A committee of the board was duly appointed to settle finally the accounts of all reciepts and disbursements, from the commencement of the Central college, to the entire completion of the four ranges of  43 

7 OCTOBER 1822

buildings of the University. they found it necessary to employ a skilful Accountant to make up a compleat set of books, in regular form, wherein all the accounts, general and particular, should be stated, so as that every dollar might be traced from it’s reciept to it’s ultimate expenditure, and the clearest view be thus exhibited of the faithful application of the monies placed under the direction of the board. this work has taken more time than expected; and altho’ considerably advanced, is not entirely compleated.14 until it’s completion however, the committee cannot proceed on the final settlement with which they are charged. the Bursar’s accounts for the year preceding this date are rendered herewith; as are also the Proctor’s for the first six months; but his books and papers being necessarily in the hands of the Accountant, his account for the last half year could not as yet be prepared. the settlement by the committee, when made, will be transmitted, as a supplementory document, to the Literary board, as well for it’s regular Audit by their Accountant, as to be laid before the legislature. October 7th, 1822. TH: JEFFERSON, Rector. MS (ViU: TJP‑VMTJ); in TJ’s hand; embedded in MS of preceding document; signature and dateline supplied from printed text. Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJCC); embedded in Tr of preceding document. Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJHC); embedded in Tr of preceding document. Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJB); embedded in Tr of preceding document. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 3–4, Richmond En‑ quirer, 7 Jan. 1823, and elsewhere. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822. A provision of the 25 Jan. 1819 “An Act for the establishment of an University” required the new institution’s Board of Visitors to report annually to the president and directors of the Literary Fund as well as the Virginia General Assembly (Acts of Assembly [1818–19 sess.], 15–8, esp. p.  17). The report of the commissioners of 1818 was the Rockfish Gap Report of the University of Virginia Commissioners, printed above at 4 Aug. 1818. The remaining building was the Rotunda. The skilful accountant was Martin Dawson. Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s account for the last half year, dated 4 Oct. 1822, is printed below as an enclosure to his undated letter to TJ re-

ceived 19 Dec. 1822. For the settlement by the committee, see editorial note and documents on the Inspection and Settlement of the Accounts of Central College and the University of Virginia, printed below at 23 Nov. 1822. their accountant: James Brown (1780–1859), accountant of the Literary Fund. 1  Omitted comma at right margin supplied from Trs. 2  Preceding two words interlined. 3  Reworked from “and we still expect.” 4  Word interlined. 5  Preceding two words interlined. 6  Preceding two words interlined. 7 TJ here interlined and then canceled “or little more.” 8 Remainder of paragraph in Rockfish Gap Report reads “we have proposed no professor of Divinity: and the rather, as the proofs of the being of a god, the creator, preserver, & supreme ruler of the universe, the author of all the relations of morality, & of the laws & obligations these infer, will be within the province of the professor of ethics; to which adding the developements of these moral obligations, of those in which all sects agree with a knolege of the languages, Hebrew, Greek and Latin, a basis will be formed common to all sects. proceeding thus far without of-

 44 

7 OCTOBER 1822 fence to the constitution, we have thought it proper at this point, to leave every sect to provide as they think fittest, the means of further instruction in their own peculiar tenets.” 9 VMJCC Tr: “particular.” 10 Reworked from “inferred.”

 11 TJ here canceled “offer.” 12  Text from “so as to give” to this point not in VMJHC Tr. 13 VMJHC Tr: “studies.” 14  Reworked from “altho’ nearly compleated, is not entirely so.”

 45 

 46 

February

1822— January

24, 25, 28, " 31, " 11, " 4, 5, " 21, " " " " "

1821— November 27,  To " " 30, " " December 6, 15, "

DR.

Alexander Spinks, (Draft,) Thomas Jones, do H. Harden, do Martin Moore, do Angus McKay, do Jesse Garth, do William Garth, do John Nielson, do Dinsmore & Perry, do James Oldham, do Negroe Jack, do Philip Coiner, do Nelson Barksdale, do Richard Mare, do Peck & Crawford, do Negroe Sandy, do George Coiner, do A. Galt, do James Leitch, do Jesse Garth, do Thomas Draffen, do Johnson Mitchell, do Dick & Ned, do John Rodes, do Johnson Rowe, do John Herren, do 400 14 1 13 1,000 41 158 1 21 2 234 52 42 13 6 264 56 143

00 25 00 37½ 00 26 74 00 62½ 16 47 80 06 00 75 59 00 50 March

" " " " "

" 30,

11,

"

$ 85 00   1821— November 27,  By 10 00 December 3, 62 84 112 54   " " 10 00 1822— February 5, 74 92 288 35   " 21, 300 00

balance reported in the treasury this date, Check on Bank Virginia, approved by Tho. Jefferson,  do  Farmers’ Bank Virginia,   do John H. Cocke paid in Bank Virginia 4 inst. subs. Check on Literary Fund, part donation of State due 1st January, 1822, approved 20th January by Tho. Jefferson, Check on bank Virginia, approved by T. Jefferson, favour Bursar, and received at bank 26th, per letter cashier, Check on bank Virginia favour Bursar, approved by Tho. Jefferson, and received at bank 14th, per letter cashier, By do. on Farmers’ bank of Va. do. A. S. Brockenbrough, Proctor for Jno. Goss, sub.    Same for Bernard Peyton, do    Same for Charles Brown, do    Same for John Pollock, do    Same for George Pickett, do    Same for John Coalter, do

THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, in account with ALEXANDER GARRETT, Bursar.

I Alexander Garrett’s Account with the University of Virginia

e n c l o s u r e s

CR.

100 15 35 50 37 25

00 81 00 00 00 00

3,450 00 3,450 00

12,000 00

8,000 00

250 00

1,050 00 1,251 23

$ 447 84

 47 

"

" " " " " " " "

" " " " " " "

" " " "

" " " " " " " " " "

Nathan Herren, John Winn, John Winn, Peter Minor, Jesse Garth, Hugh Glenn, John Lee, Andrew McKay, Henry Sprance, William B. Philips, Andrew McKee, John M. Perry, Samuel Mahanes, George W. Knisolving, John Black Wolf & Raphael, Daniel Davis, Paul Negres, King Farro, Wolf & Raphael, Charles Bankhead, Uriah Leonard, Giacomo Raggi,  Same, Hugh Paul, Jane Bishop, John Laurence, Joseph Brand, Erasmus McSparrow, Jesse Garth, 100 56 354 5 36 6 476 45 50 11 13 9 9 18 60 6 25 41 16

do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do

00 00 00 00 00 00 70 00

00 00 65 50 00 00 92

94 99 00 50

66 124 500 17

do do do do

75 63 65 00 44 31 25 45 50

14 1179 4 105 98 390 37 164 52

do do do do do do do do do

 48 

DR.

"

"

"

22,

" " " "

"

" " " "

" " " "

" " " " " "

"

6 22 16 11 6 5 3 9 50 00

do do do do do do do do do

100 00 43 75 77 72 579 35 134 34

do do do do do

82 00 71 71

359 60 43 185

do do do do

20 00 00 46

75 00 38 50

50 52 15 20 20 5

do do do do do1 do

75 50 00 00 00 00

THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, in account with ALEXANDER GARRETT, Bursar.

Joseph Pitt & Sons, Michael Croan, Uriah Leonard, Batail Reynolds, Uriah Leonard,  Same, Reuben Sandridge, N. Basset & Co. Charles Spencer, James Madison, Luther M. George, Solomon Ballew, David Isaacs, John Pollock, Matthew W. Maury, William B. Philips, John Vowles, James Oldham, Jesse Garth, George W. Spooner, Thomas Pickering, Joseph Pitt & Son, Alexander Heiskell,  Same,

CR.

 49 

March

" " " "

4, "

" 26, "

" " " " " "

" " " 25, "

" " "

" "

" "

Nelson Barksdale, William Huntington, John H. Wood, C. P. & J. H. McKennies, David Gabbart, Joseph Antrim, Blackford, Arthur & Co. John M. Perry, John Harrow, N. Snead, Paul Negrin, Chapman Johnson, Kelly & Norris, John M. Perry, Richard Ware, Joseph Antrim, Peck & Crawford, A. S. Brockenbrough, Hugh Paul, Jesse Garth, John M. Perry, in part, $1,534 70 Uriah Leonard, John M. Perry, balance,  Same, James Dinsmore,  Same, William Wood, 1,234 1,589 554 523 9

300 00 20 00

do do do do do do do

3,475 00 128 00 38 72

do do do

70 51 52 60 57

00 38 75 74 00 00

54 14 235 110 112 150

do do do do do do

93 00 00 54 00

301 50 100 26 36

do do do do do

11 12½ 6 90 60 00

347 32 2 00

do do do do do

130 52

do

 50 

DR.

" " " " " "

" " 11, "

" "

"

" " " " " 7, " " " " 8,

" " " 5, " 6,

30 30 14 60 8 22 13 150 336 1125 60

do do do do do do do do do do do

00 32 80 00 58 42 75

00 00 00 70

58 34 190 68

do do

24 12½ 25 36 00 00 85 00 35 00 34

15 27

363 68 211 79 500 200 726 500 37 100 23

do do do do do do do do2 do do do

00 00 60 00 00

do

1,000 300 18 200 200

do do do do do

THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, in account with ALEXANDER GARRETT, Bursar.

Joseph Antrim,  Same, Mrs. Maupin, Joseph Antrim, Smith & Neil, William Huntington, Nathaniel Terry, M. F. Crawford, John R. Jones, John Neilson, James Oldham, George Spooner, Dabney Cosby, Jesse Dold, Peck & Crawford, A. Holly, Erasmus McSparrow, Joseph Pitt & Son, John Harrow, Randal McAllister, Angus McKay Paul Negrin, Twyman Wayt, Dick, Ned and Sam, Lyman Bramham,  Same, Charles Harper, Nelson Barksdale, G. Raggi, Richard Price,

CR.

 51 

"

" "

" "

30, " " "

20, 27, " " 28,

" " " " " 18, 19, "

"

16,

Alexander Heiskill, Robert McCullock,  Same, Thomas Draffen, George Wolf, Robert Gentry, John Vowles, M. Harden, John Gorman, Erasmus McSparrow, Samuel Leetch, Thomas Draffen,  Same, Joel Sheflett, C. P. & J. H. McKennies, John M. Perry, N. Bramham, Bernard Peyton, William Huntington, John Pollock, Jo. Van‑Lew, & Co. Alex. Garrett, Bursar his salary of one per cent. on $ 27,301 81½ To balance remaining in treasury this date, 27 12 338 25 50 75 43 147 9 103 100 28 55 6 60 40 15 35 00 50 00 62 50 42 37

do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do

$ 30,161 883

2587 06½

273 00

00 00 00 81

68 52 00 87½ 11

45 19 96 75 75 00 60 00

362 69

do

$ 30,161 88

7 OCTOBER 1822  The foregoing is an account of the receipts and disbursements of money by the Bursar of the University of Virginia from the 27th day of November, 1821, to the 30th day of March, 1822, inclusive, showing a balance remaining in the treasury on the last mentioned date, of two thousand five hundred and eighty‑seven dollars six and a half cents: all of which is respectfully reported to the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, this 30th day of March, 1822. ALEX: GARRETT, Bursar University of Virginia. Extract from the proceedings of the Board of Visitors. Resolved, That the examination and report of the accounts of the Bursar of the University of Virginia, from the 1st of October 1820, to the 31st of March, 1821, and from the 31st of March, 1821, to the 27th of November, 1821, made by John H. Cocke, at the request of the Rector, by his letter of the 1st of December, 1821, be hereby ratified as done under authority of this board, and that the said John H. Cocke be, and he is hereby appointed to examine and verify the accounts of the said Bursar, from the 27th of November, 1821, to this date, and make report thereof to this board. In obedience to a resolution of the Board of Visitors of this date, I have proceeded to examine the foregoing accounts, commencing the 27th of November, 1821, and ending the 30th of March, 1822, and find all the items supported by proper vouchers. JOHN H. COCKE. October 7, 1822. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 6–11; with page numbers, internal headings, and running totals at breaks of pages editorially omitted. Also enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822. richard mare: Richard Ware. henry sprance: Henry Sprouce. george w. knisolving: George W. Kinsolving. paul negres: Paul Negrin. king farro: King Farow. john laurence: John Lawrence. erasmus mcsparrow: Erasmus S. McSparran. a. holly: Abra-

ham Hawley. lyman bramham: Lyman Burnham. A missing letter from TJ to Garrett of 11 Oct. 1822 is recorded in SJL. 1  Word, at top of new page, editorially changed from “(Draft,).” 2  Word, at top of new page, editorially changed from “(Draft,).” 3  Here and in adjacent column, totals editorially shifted to the left to fall beneath horizontal rules.

 52 

 53 

1822—April

DR.

7, 8, 11, 12, " 19,

" 2, " " " " " 3, " " 5,

1,  To " " " " " " "

John Nunn, (Draft,) Mary Smith, do Joseph Sandridge, do P. Boxley, do Reuben Lewis, do James Harrison, do John W. Mayo, do Thomas W. Gooch, do James Conner, do John Kelly, do James Stone, do Nelson Barksdale, do N. Basset, do Jos. Pitt & Son, do Peck & Crawford, do John B. Jefferies, do Jos. Pitt, do John M. Perry, do William B. Phillips, do Negro Sam, do James Powers, do John Acord, do Jesse Garth, do  Same, do Thomas Draffen, do 10 50 05 34 00 00 00 00 00 14 31 00 00 00 68 61 50 25

19 10 71 50 75 100 77 200 50 24 586 500 2 18 3 37 17 31

CR.

30,  By balance reported in the treasury this date, $ 2,587 06½ 22, Check on the Farmers’ Bank of Virginia, approved by Tho. Jefferson, 5,000 00 7, Check on Farmers’ Bank of Virginia, approved by Thomas Jefferson, 3,000 00 13, Joseph C. Cabell deposited in Bank of Virginia, the 19th of January, 1822, and this 13th of August, 1822, credited Geo. Calloway on account his subscription to Central College, by order J. C. Cabell, 50 00 July 6, Check on Literary Fund, approved by Th: Jefferson, 1,054 00 August 12, Landon Cabell, pr. J. C. Cabell, (subscription,) 100 00 13, Check on Farmers’ Bank of Virginia, approved by Th: Jefferson, 1000 00 Sept. 3, Check on Farmers’ Bank of Virginia, approved by Th: Jefferson, 2000 00 October 4, A. S. Brockenbrough, for Charles Cocke subscription, 125 00 "       "     "  John Fretwell, do 17 05 "       "     "  James Monroe, do 41 55 "       "     "  Charles Everette, do 46 55 "       "     "  James Monroe, do 18 40½

240 25   1822—March 64 50 April 144 77 62 69 June 18 33 25 00 28 75

THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, in account with ALEXANDER GARRETT, Bursar.

II Alexander Garrett’s Account with the University of Virginia

 54 

DR.

May

" 7, " " 11, 13, 14, 15, " " " " 17, 20, 22, 23, " 24, " 28,

25, " " " " " " " " " 4, 150 94 700 125 87 400 400 400 400 135 91 131 95 62 200 181 161 106 7 50 1 40 14 111 60 25 121 120 40 200 17

do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do

84 00 54 50 00 25 00 36 00 00 50 00 00 47 00 00 00 15 00 00 50

00 08 00 00 14½ 00 00 00 00 00 "

"

"

      "     "  Peter Minor, do       "     "  Wm. Garth, do       "     "  Geo. Divers, do

THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, in account with ALEXANDER GARRETT, Bursar.

Joseph Antrim, Wolfe & Raphael, Bernard Peyton, Peck & Crawford, Nicholas Basset, Dabney Cosby,  Same,  Same,  Same,  Same, Joseph Pitt & Son, William P. Isbell, Thomas Draffen,  Same, Peck & Crawford, Fs. B. Dyer, Bernard Peyton, Joseph Pitt, Jacob Harner, Thomas Draffen, John H. Wood, Thomas Draffen, Thomas Walker, Wolfe & Raphael, W. Latemer, John Harrow, Nelson Barksdale, A. H. Brooks, Uriah Leonard, John Neilson, N. Sneed,

250 00

37 50

30 00

CR.

 55 

June

"

" " " " " " " 21, "

" " " "

18, " " " 19, " "

" " " 31, 7, " " "

 Same, Angus McKay, Randal McAlister, John H. Wood, Thomas Draffen, John Winn & Co. N. Bramham, Thomas W. Gooch, Peck & Crawford, Samuel Wilson, Reuben Gardner, Joseph Pitt, Thomas Draffen, Mrs. Herren, William B. Phillips, John Harrow, John Gorman, Mary Quin, Thomas Craddock, Mrs. Hawkins, Joseph Pitt, Jesse Lewis, John Vowles, Thomas Bagby, Naman Roberts, Hugh Paul, Elwood Oder, Charles Tompkins, James Harrison, do do

18 90 3 75

00 50 25 91 84 00 05 45 75

4 2 3 7 20 5 15 224 19

do do do do do do do do do

30 26 63 30 00 96 50

100 00 194 85 50 00 87½

12 926 7 27 300 10 1

do do do do do do do

08 00 00 00 25 43 00

do do do do

4 40 40 5 90 103 5

do do do do1 do do do

 56 

DR.

August

July

"

2, "

" " " 29, " " 30,

23, 24, " 1, " " 4, " " 6, " " 8, 18, 27,

"

" 150 2 31 19 29 15 5 160 20 2 6 70 40 6 200 44 11 16 7 115 20 5 500 00 60 00 19 80 9 50

do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do

00 00 00 50 23 52 80

00 00 04 90 13 00 00 00 00 75 12½ 00 00 75 00

272 11

do

THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, in account with ALEXANDER GARRETT, Bursar.

John Van Lew & Co. A. S. Brockenbrough, Negro Billy, A. S. Heiskill, Reuben Marvey, George Toole, James Harrison,  Same, Joseph Antrim, Uriah Leonard, A. B. Hawkins, Jacob Wymer, John M. Perry,  Same, Nelson Barksdale, Wm. B. Phillips, A. S. Brockenbrough, A. B. Hawkins, John Pollock, Joseph Antrim, Robert Johnston, John Rodes, Ditto, George W. Spooner, Joseph Antrim, Charles Tompkins, John Pollock,

CR.

 57 

Sept.

4, 5, " " 6, " "

28, " " 30, 2, " "

5, 7, 8, 9, 14,2 15, 16, 19, " " " 20, " 26, "

"

Archibald Thomas, James Oldham, Thomas Draffen, M. Wheat, John Jefferies, Joseph Antrim, Wm. Jones, Wolf & Raphael, John Gorman, A. McCormick, Samuel Campbell, A. B. Hawkins, Jonathan Michie, Joseph Antrim, Mr. Alishire, Brockenbrough & Harvie, John M. Perry, Matt Rodes, A. S. C. Heiskill, James Kerby, Sheriff Albemarle, Same for taxes, John H. Newcomb, John Harrow, John Vowles, Clifton Carpenter, Bernard Peyton, Wm. Huntington, James Oldham, Wm. Estes, 9 60 50 13 50 200 53 110 12 4 20 10 75 6 32 122 150 119 197 12 12 23 1 309 40 67 86 28 200 24

do do do do do do3 do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do

00 00 00 20 20 50 00 22

53 00 38 00 30 00 40

63 00 00 00 00 00 25 76 50 88 00 00 34 00 00

 58 

DR.

"

7,

" " " " " " " " "

7, " " " " " 16, 25, October 4, 00 05 55 55 40½ 00 50 00 00 37½

50 00 00 00 62½ 00 50 13

$ 15,357 124

229 75

78 48

151 27

$ 15,127 37

125 17 41 46 18 30 28 9 250 22

do do do do do do do do do do

Bursar his salary of one per cent. on $ 15,127 37 disbursed as above, Balance remaining in the treasury this date,

22 120 60 500 27 400 24 14

do do do do do do do do

THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, in account with ALEXANDER GARRETT, Bursar.

Hugh Paul,  Same,  Same, Joseph Antrim, Dabney C. Gooch, A. S. C. Heiskill, W. T. Micou, James Kenney, A. S. Brockenbrough, John Fretwell, James Monroe, Charles Everette, James Monroe, Peter Minor, William Garth,  Same, George Divers, Alex. Garrett,

$ 15,357 12

    

CR.

7 OCTOBER 1822  The foregoing is an account of the receipts and disbursements of money by the Bursar of the University of Virginia, from the first day of April one thousand eight hundred and twenty‑two, to the seventh day of October one thousand eight hundred and twenty‑two, (both days inclusive,) shewing a balance in the treasury of seventy‑eight dollars forty‑eight cents. The general account herewith transmitted, has been prepared to present a condensed view of the receipts into, and disbursements from the treasuries of the late Central College and University, from the commencement of the former, to this date. The statement of the unappropriated funds of the University, has been prepared to shew the amount and nature of that fund. All of which, are respectfully reported and submitted to the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, this seventh day of October, one thousand eight hundred and twenty‑two. ALEX: GARRETT, Bursar, U. Va. In obedience to a resolution of the Board of Visitors of this date, I have proceeded to examine the foregoing accounts commencing the 1st of April, 1822, and ending the 7th of October, 1822, and find all the items of debit supported by the proper vouchers. JOHN H. COCKE. October 7, 1822. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 12–7; with page numbers, internal headings, and running totals at breaks of pages editorially omitted. Also enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822. reuben marvey: Reuben Maury. m. wheat: Rezin Wheat. The sheriff albemarle was Charles Yancey. w. t. micou: William F. Micou.

1  Word, at top of new page, editorially changed from “(Draft,).” 2  In place of ditto marks, day and comma supplied from preceding line containing omitted running total. 3  Word, at top of new page, editorially changed from “(Draft,).” 4  Here and in adjacent column, totals editorially shifted to the left to fall beneath horizontal rules.

 59 

 60 



is enclosure no. 1 above. That of 7 october is enclosure no. 2 above. e. excepted: “Errors Excepted.” 1 Here and in adjacent column, totals editorially shifted to the left to fall beneath horizontal rules.

The general account of 27 november 1821 is printed above as enclosure no. 3 to University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 30 Nov. 1821. That of 30 march 1822

$ 199,244 95        E. Excepted, ALEX: GARRETT, B. U. Va.   Charlottesville, 7th October, 1822.

Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 18–9. Also enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822.

$ 199,244 951

CR.

receipts per general account reported this date, $ 156,760 85½ Checks on the bank of Virginia   and Farmers’ bank of Virginia, drawn since the 27th November, 1821, on the funds reported to the credit of the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia and approved by the committee, 32,201 23 Literary Fund, on account of the annuity of 1822, received since the 27th November, 1821, 9,054 00 Subscribers to the Central College, received since the 27th November, 1821, 1,228 86½

DISBURSEMENTS. THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, in general account with ALEXANDER GARRETT, Bursar.

1821—November 27,  To disbursements per   1821 —November 27, By general account, reported this date, $ 156,312 55½ 1822 —October "  Disbursements per 1822—March 30, account and report this date, 27,574 81½ Disbursements per  October 7, account and report this date, 15,278 64   Balance remaining " " in the treasury this date, per account current, (reported,) 78 48 " " Error reported the 27th November, 1821, 46

DR.

III Alexander Garrett’s General Account with the University of Virginia

IV Alexander Garrett’s Statement of Unappropriated Funds of the University of Virginia UNAPPROPRIATED FUNDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, THIS   day of October, 1822.           1822—October 7, This balance remaining in the Farmers’ Bank of Virginia to the credit of the Rector and Visitors of the University, $ 1,000 00 " Amount of certificate No. 32, due from the state of Virginia with interest from the 1st of January, 1817, directed by act of Assembly, to be renewed for benefit Central College, 176 77 " Balance remaining in the treasury per Bursar’s account and report this date, 78 48 Balance due from subscribers to the Central College, Total,

 

 

 $ 1,255 25 18,440 08½ $19,695 33½

Errors Excepted, ALEX: GARRETT, B. U. Va. Charlottesville, 7th October, 1822. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 20. Also enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822. For certificate no. 32, see note to Alexander Garrett’s Account of Unap-

propriated Funds for the University of Virginia, 27 Nov. 1821, enclosure no. 4 to University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 30 Nov. 1821. bursar’s account: enclosure no. 2 above.

 61 

V Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Statement of Construction Payments for University of Virginia Buildings

[after 30 Mar. 1822] A STATEMENT of amount paid to undertakers and other individuals, on ac‑ count of the buildings and other improvements since my report of the 26th of November last, to the 30th of March, 1822.                                     To Dinsmore & Perry, for balance due on   woodwork and lumber of Pavilion No. 5, and 6 Dormitories, $ 2,566 67     James Oldham, on account undertaking by him, and lumber purchased, 934 92 3,501 59 Brockenbrough and Harvie, for nails, negro clothing, &c. 1,000 00 John Van Lew & Co. for hardware, &c. 762 50 D. W. & C. Warwick, for tin, salt, &c. 900 00 1,762 501 Nelson Barksdale, for lumber for sundry buildings, 1,336 58 John Neilson, for work and lumber purchased, 856 36 A. H. Brooks, on account of tin work, 5 50 Edward Lowber, on account2 of the painting and glazing, &c. 715 86 2,914 30 William B. Phillips, on account of brick work, 73 34 Giacomo Raggi, on account of his wages, expenses, and passage money back to Italy in full, 1,186 42 John Herron, for overseer’s wages and contingent expenses, 143 50 James Dinsmore, on account of work and lumber, 628 73 Dabney Cosbey, on account of brick work, 1,696 17 3,728 16 Blackford, Arthur & Co. for balance of account for stoves, windows, weights, &c. 301 92 Alexander Spinks, for balance of wages, quarrying of stone and board, 100 00 Bassett & Co. for digging and filling up Wt. Street, 11 00 Charles Bankhead, for hire of a smith, 55 00

 62 

9 OCTOBER 1822 Erasmus McSparran, for wages as tinman,

57 49

Joseph Antrim, on account of plastering, Peck & Crawford, on account of carpenter’s work and lumber, Richard Ware, on account of work and lumber, John Gorman, on account of stone work,

1,827 88 1,759 30 1,408 31½ 413 90

Geo. W. Spooner, on account work and materials, John M. Perry, for work and materials, Uriah Leonard, on account of wages as smith, and expenses, A. S. Brockenbrough, as salary and contingent expenses, Contingent expenses for hire of labourers, provision, &c.

my report of the 26th of november last: Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Statement of his Drafts on the University of Virginia Bursar, [ca. 26 Nov. 1821], enclosure no. 8 to University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 30 Nov. 1821.

5,409 39½

1,617 96 2,758 69 95 00 765 00 1,346 57½

Total amount of drafts since 26th November, 1821, Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 21; undated. Also enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822.

535 413

6,583 22½ $ 24,434 584

wt. street: West Street, later McCormick Road. William Green was the enslaved blacksmith leased from charles bankhead. 1

 Correct total is $2,662.50.  Manuscript: “acount.” 3  Correct total is $525.41. 4  Correct total is $25,324.58. 2

Albemarle County Circuit Court Order in Jefferson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson and Christopher Hudson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson Thomas Jefferson Plt  against John Hudson & Charles Hudson  Def ts  63 

⎬

[9 Oct. 1822] ⎫

⎪

⎪ ⎭

upon a writ of Right

9 OCTOBER 1822

 & ⎫ Christopher Hudson Plt ⎪ ⎬ upon a writ of Right  against ⎪ John Hudson & Charles Hudson  Def ts ⎭ By Consent of the parties by their attornies, leave is given either party to examine and take the affidavits of Benjamin Lacy and Ann Copeland which affidavits so taken is to be read in chief on the trial of these Causes MS (Albemarle Co. Law Order Book [1822–31], 43); in Alexander Garrett’s hand; at head of page and applying to this entry: “Wednesday 9th October 1822 Present the same Judge as on yesterday,” with that judge identified at foot of page as Archibald Stuart.

For TJ’s writ of right in the suit over ownership of a portion of the Limestone Survey in Albemarle County, see Philip P. Barbour and William F. Gordon to TJ, 7 Aug. 1816, and note. A case in chief is “The part of a trial in which a party presents evidence to support its claim or defense” (Black’s Law Dictionary).

To James Cutbush

Monticello Oct. 9. 22.

Th: Jefferson has recieved from Dr Cutbush the communication of the prospectus of his system of Pyrotechny. writing is become so slow and painful to him, that he can only make his acknolegements for this mark of attention, express his wishes for it’s success, and assure Dr Cutbush of his great esteem and respect. PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of Lewis Cass to TJ, 27 June 1821; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ.

To James F. Dana

Monticello Oct. 9. 22.

Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to Dr Dana for his two pamphlets on the disease of cattle in a particular district and on the new1 invention of a waterburner. age having long withdrawn him from the pursuits of agriculture, he cannot better dispose of the former than by presenting it to a very able agricultural society of this section of country, whereof mr Madison is President. with his thanks for this mark of attention he assures Dr Dana of his high respect. RC (ViU: TJP); dateline at foot of text. PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of William H. Crawford to TJ, 18 July 1821; endorsed by TJ.

James Madison was president of the Agricultural Society of Albemarle.

 64 

1 Word

interlined.

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 9. 22. In mine of the 7th I mentioned that the sheriffs of Albemarle and Bedford1 would soon be on us for our taxes. the former at court on the same day presented my bill for 130.90 for which I shall be obliged to draw on you. I am in hopes he may not go down till late in the month. John Wood told me but one of his boats got down and I do not know whether that was for Jefferson or myself. not a drop of rain yet, and the mill floor piled up with as much flour as ought to be laid on it. my anxiety is great for as much rain as will relieve you & us. I salute you with constant friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Patrick Gibson to TJ, 17 July 1821; at foot of text: “Colo Peyton”; endorsed by TJ.

taxes to the sheriffs of albemarle and bedford amounting to $130.90 and $118.41, respectively (MB, 2:1390). jefferson: Thomas Jefferson Randolph.

In TJ’s financial records for 12 Oct. 1822, he recorded drawing on Peyton for

1 Preceding

two words interlined.

To Constantine S. Rafinesque Sir Monticello Oct. 9. 22. Your favor of Sep. 24. is recieved, and I thank you for the seeds it covered. too old to plant trees for my own gratification, I shall do it for my posterity. the pamphlets therein mentioned will probably come by subsequent mails, tho’ those mentioned in your letter of Feb. 2. did not come. the preference given to letters sometimes occasion the Postmasters to omit printed papers. you mention not having heard from me in answer to that letter. I answered it however the day following it’s reciept in these words. Feb. 20. ‘Sir, I recieved yesterday your favor of the 2d. the accompaniments mentioned in it will probably arrive by another mail and shall be disposed of as you desire. the prospect of the opening of our University is at present but distant. we have incurred a great debt in erecting our buildings on the hypothecation of our funds; to redeem which will employ the whole of them for many years, unless relieved by the legislature of which there is little promise at present. in this state of things it would be unjustifiable in me to say any thing which should prevent your accepting any offers which you might be disposed to listen to from other quarters.’ So far my letter of Feb. 20. to which no change of circumstanc[e]1 enables me to add any thing more definite. I may say further that the  65 

9 OCTOBER 1822

torpor of age has nearly extinguished my attention to scientifi[c] subjects, and the same cause, with a stiffened wrist, renders writing so slow and painful as to disable me from executing the duties of correspondence. I pray you to accept the assurance of my great respect. Th: Jeffe[rson] PoC (MHi); on verso of sheet docketed in an unidentified hand and related to TJ’s 30 July 1821 payment of his ­outstanding account with Isaac Raphael (MB, 2:1377): “Bill Mr Jefferson Dolls

126.83”; two words faint; at foot of text: “Mr Raffinesque”; endorsed by TJ. 1

 Edge trimmed.

From Chiles Terrell Dear Sir, Richmond; Oct 9th 1822 th o I receivd your favour of the 30 Ult , in reply to my communication, on the difference, between lines due East and West, and parallels of Latitude, commencing from the same point;—The apprehension of intruding upon your quiet & Retirement, made me hesitate, in sending you the demonstration, which I forwarded; and the same apprehension, confirmed, by the tenor of a part of your letter, determined me, to offer nothing farther on the subject; But upon reflec­ tion, I have thought it might be proper, to make a few remarks, by way of reply, knowing, that if I trespass in so doing, it will be without [inj]ury to you, and with impunity to myself.—[Y]ou think the question, depends on definitions, and that it is rather philological than Mathematical.—Grant, that it does depend on definitions, and that it may be philological as well as mathematical.—The result is the same. The Cardinal points, of East and West, have each a precise definition, in which Astronomers, Geographers, and Surveyors essentially concur,—admitting it to be perfect. According to these defi­ nitions, the lines due East and due West, (whether Curve or direct.) of any place, or rather point, on the Earth, between the Equator and the poles, will leave the Meridian of that point, (which you appro­ priately call the Meridian of departure) at right angles. This point is necessarily supposed to be in the zenith, or to speak more precisely, immediately under it, on the top of the upper hemisphere of the Earth. The parallel of Latitude passing through this point, will leave the same meridian, at acute angles towards the nearest pole, and hence it cannot coincide with the lines due East and West, commencing from that point. Therefore mathematically and philologically, we should not say, in the words of the Treaty,—“Thence (from the middle of Con 66 

9 OCTOBER 1822

necticut River) due west on the parallel of 45°—North,” but, Thence, westerly on the said parallel.— Mr Campbell, professor of mathematics in Wm & Mary, College, in a friendly letter, says,1 that he Concurs with me, in every thing, except that part of the theory, relating to Sailing, and the interpretation of the words of the Treaty, quoted above. He has calculated the deviation of the parallel of 45° from the due East or West line, for the distance of one mile, and adopted a method of describing a parallel on Land, and of cor[rec]ting the deviation2 of the parallels of Latitude from [the?] lines due East and West, which he proposes shortly to publish. But, from what he admits, I know, that he can offer nothing in opposition, except that which is supported, either3 by prescription or authority, founded upon a want of precision, and if allowed at all, to be allowed only through Courtesy. If you think it will answer an useful or agreeable purpose, and if it should4 be consistent with your sense of propriety, I should be pleased for you to offer this Curious and interesting subject, to the Consideration of the Emperor Alexander, and the Grand Turk, in order that we may learn their opinions, or the result of their investigations of it. However, I leave this, as all things else, entirely with you, and will offer no other apology for this communication, than, that the freedom with which it is written, is connected with the highest respect for your Taste, Judgment, & Character. And were I to particularize on these points, I might imitate a part of the dedication, written a hundred years ago, to the Duke of Chandos by Keill: Who says, “You, My Lord, are the publick and standing mark of all men’s admiration, the beautiful pattern, which all desire to imitate, tho’ few can hope to equal. In publick affairs, what statesman more able? In domestical management, what private man more expert? In the Constant stating and [exact keep]ing 5 of accompts, no Body more providen[t. No] Body more frugal. In expences, no Body more liberal: In Largesses, no Body so Magnificent.”6 To which, on the present occasion, he would add, In taste, no Body more exquisite. yrs Sincerely.— Chiles Terrell N.B. I presume the State lines were correctly delineated. I never doubted the practicability of tracing parallels of latitude. I think it would be an improvement, in the maps of particular Countries, or States, to have a small space in each margin, outside of the numbers which express the Latitudes, for dots or marks to express the due East and West Courses of the intersecting points of the parallels of Latitude, with the principal meridian.  67 

9 OCTOBER 1822  RC (DLC); torn at seal; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello Albemarle”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 11 Oct.; endorsed by TJ as received 15 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. your favour of the 30th ulto: TJ to Terrell, 25 Sept. 1822. Terrell paraphrases a portion of the fifth article of the 24 Dec. 1814 treaty of Ghent (Miller, Treaties, 2:578). Writing to Terrell on 6 Oct. 1822 from Williamsburg, Ferdinand S. campbell advised him that he would not write to the Richmond Enquirer until they could confer during Campbell’s imminent visit to Richmond, meanwhile agreeing with him “in every thing but your Theory of Sailing and yr Interpretation of the Words in the Treaty of Peace relatively to the expression Thence (from the Middle of Connecticut River) due West on the parallel of 45.°.” Campbell observed that by the phrase “due West on a Parallel of Lat.,” mathematicians “speak merely in reference to the Rhumbs and do not pretend Such Line is due West in relation to the place of the commencement of such Motion but they Speak of the place merely as a point of Beginning &c as I shall make fully to appear.” He added that he had developed his own improved method “of describing a parallel of Latitude on Land and of computing the actual Deviation &c.” Campbell continued, “In Lat 45.° this Deviation is exactly 8 Inches towards the Eq: for a Common Mile— and the Deviation for the same Distance

in any other Latitude is as the amt of sd Lat I am a little afraid as the Demonstration is Algebraical that it may be diffi­cult to introduce it in a Newspaper, but I have written the Words plus and Minus at length, and as the Calculus is Short I may perhaps be mistaken—If present I Know I could easily alter whatever might be found difficult to print: and there is another Reason why I have not heretofore written to Mr Ritchie my Views of this Curious & interesting Subject” (RC in Vi: RG 57, Applications for Position of Principal Engineer; addressed: “Chiles Terrell Esquire Richmond”; stamped; inconsistently postmarked Williamsburg, 5  Oct.; with unrelated notations on address leaf). The grand turk was Mahmud II, sultan of the Ottoman Empire. John keill dedicated to James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos, his work entitled An Introduc‑ tion to the True Astronomy: or, Astronom‑ ical Lectures, Read in the Astronomical School of the University of Oxford (London, 1721; for a later edition, see Sowerby, no. 3791). 1  Word interlined in place of “informs me.” 2  Reworked from “difference.” 3  Word interlined in place of “only.” 4  Reworked from “will.” 5  Here and below, missing text supplied from Keill, Introduction to the True Astronomy. 6  Omitted closing quotation mark editorially supplied.

To J. F. Daniel Lobstein Monticello Oct. 10. 22. Th: Jefferson has recieved from Doctr Lobstein his letter of Sep. 6. on the subject of his topography of Philadelphia, and of some other works in German. of these last however he cannot avail himself, not understanding the German language. writing is become so slow and painful to him, that he can only make his acknolegement for this mark of attention, express his wishes for their success and assure Doctr Lobstein of his great respect. PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of James Gibbon to TJ, 21 July 1821; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ.

 68 

From Bernard Peyton, with Jefferson’s Note Dear sir Richd 10 Octr 1822 Agreeable to your request hand herewith statement: your a∕c to 10th Inst:—which I have no doubt will be found correct— With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly B. Peyton Flour $6 @ 6⅛ wheat 120¢ [Note by TJ beneath endorsement:] Leitch  60. Sher. Alb. 130.90 Bed 100+ Bacon otherwise Nov. 17. 300. Sims Barrett Bk notes RC (MHi); dateline beneath signature; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Charlottesville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 10 Oct.; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found.

From John Quincy Adams Dear Sir. Washington 11th October 1822. I have taken the liberty of transmitting to you a pamphlet which I have felt a necessity of giving to the public. So far as it involves a mere personal controversy I should not have thought it worthy of being presented to you. Thus much of it I would request of you the favour to overlook. Nor after the recent manifestation of the public sentiment on this subject would this collection of documents have appeared, but for the questions of general interest to the Union implicated in the discussion, and which as affecting the welfare of our Country, I know can never be objects of indifference to you. It is from this motive that I am induced to ask your acceptance of the volume, and avail myself of the occasion to renew the tender of my sincere veneration. FC (Lb in MHi: Adams Papers); at head of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello.” RC (DLC); address cover

only; with FC of TJ to James Barbour, 26 Dec. 1824, on verso; addressed in Adams’s hand: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr

 69 

11 OCTOBER 1822 Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Washington, 11 Oct. Recorded in SJL as received 15 Oct. 1822. The enclosed pamphlet by Adams, The Duplicate Letters, the Fisheries and the Mississippi. Documents relating to trans‑ actions at the Negotiation of Ghent (Washington, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 11 [no. 691]), grew out of a political controversy that began in 1821 when rumors arose that Adams had proposed an article in the peace treaty of Ghent that would have granted Great Britain navigation rights to the Mississippi in exchange for American fishing privileges in Newfound-

land. John Floyd, a congresssman from Virginia, called on Jonathan Russell, a member with Adams of the peace delegation and a political ally of their fellow delegate Henry Clay, to produce a copy of his 1815 letter to President James Monroe on the subject. Russell responded with a version that varied in crucial ways from the original. Viewing this as an attempt to undermine his presidential ambitions and boost those of Clay, Adams responded with this work, which juxtaposed a transcription of the actual letter sent to Monroe with Russell’s later version (Josiah Quincy, Memoir of the Life of John Quincy Adams [1860], 125–8).

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 11. 22. I transcribe for your information a resolution of the Visitors of the University entered into at their late meeting, to which they recommend your early attention. also a copy of an advertisement to be published in the Enquirer and Central gazette.1 accept the assurance of my friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); at foot of text: “Mr Brockenbrough”; endorsed by Brockenbrough in part: “Cost: for Library & notice to Subscribers”; with enclosures on verso. Enclosure: Extract from Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 Oct. 1822. Other enclosure printed below.

A letter from Brockenbrough to TJ of 5 Oct. 1822, not found, is recorded in SJL as received the following day. 1  Omitted period at right margin editorially supplied.

e n c l o s u r e

Advertisement for Richmond Enquirer and Charlottesville Central Gazette

[ca. 11 Oct. 1822] Advertisement for the Enquirer and Central gazette. University of Virginia. The subscribers to this institution (commenced under the name of the Central college, but called afterwards the University of Virginia, with the approbation of a Majority) are informed that in the course of the ensuing month of November they will be applied to by a Collector for the arrears of their subscriptions. while the buildings could be carried on from other resources, it was left to the subscribers to pay at their convenience, and much

 70 

11 OCTOBER 1822 has been paid. but the state of the funds of the University, and the wants of the workmen now render a call necessary on those who have not yet paid up their whole instalments. it is hoped therefore that the same liberality, and zeal for providing the means of education within our own state which induced them to promise contributions for this purpose, will lead to the fulfilment of their engagements now when become absolutely1 necessary to do justice to those who have yielded their services on the faith of these ­engagements. A. S. Brockenbrough. Proctor. MS (ViU: TJP‑PP); entirely in TJ’s hand; on verso of covering letter; subjoined to partial Tr of Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 Oct. 1822; undated. Printed in Richmond En‑ quirer, 18 Oct. 1822.

The collector was John L. Thomas. 1

 Word interlined.

From James Monroe Dear Sir Highland octr 11. 1822 rs It would be very gratifying to M Monroe & myself, to dine with you & your family to morrow, were we not under an engag’ment to pass the day with my brother, who is in a very critical state. Col: Bankhead & Mr Taliaferro left this, yesterday. Such are the calls on me at washington, that I shall be compelled to set out on my return back, on sunday, if it shall be possible for me to arrange my affairs here, in the interim; which, by the bye, are in the utmost disorder. I mention this to explain to you & to Mrs Randolph, the reason, why it will not be in our power, to pass a portion of our time with you while in the county, as we wishd & intended. with great respect & regard I am dear Sir your friend James Monroe RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received the day it was written and so recorded in SJL.

my brother: Andrew Monroe.

From Thomas M. Randolph (1798–1835) My Dear Sir Norfolk 11th Octr 1822 In consequence of the death of the Naval store keeper at the Navy yard of Gosport the situation (a very lucrative one) has become vacant My wife’s brother Mr Beverly Browne, (who has for several Years held a situation in the Navy, & has always stood high in the estimation of his Commanders, & for whose steadiness, & integrity, I will vouch with my life) is desirous of obtaining it, but I fear will fail from  71 

11 OCTOBER 1822

the absence of those officers on whose interest he could depend, as there are many applicants, & delay may be fatal, I take the liberty to beg of you the favour of your influence with the Prest & Secty of the Navy (who has the gift of it)1 to obtain the situation for Mr B—nothing but the great2 interest I feel in him, & my knowledge of his character would have induced me to prefer such a request which I trust will be sufficient apology—& as it is the first, so I assure you it will be the last—Mr B. knows nothing of this application— I find that Captn Crane has used & sold all the wine I mentioned to you,—I have not as yet been able to obtain any information respecting the other Believe me Sir with sentiments of the Sincerest Respect & Affection—Yrs. &c. Thos. M. Randolph RC (ViU: TJP‑ER); endorsed by TJ as a letter from Randolph, with the parenthetical notation “of Ashton,” received 17 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Beverly B. Browne (d. 1830), attorney, was the son of William Browne (d. 1808), of James City County. By 1818 he was affiliated with the navy yard at Norfolk, where he was a captain’s clerk as of 1821. Browne attended the College of William and Mary, 1822–25, and in the latter year began practicing law in Williamsburg. He moved to Richmond by 1830. Browne

died in a shipwreck on the way to Vera Cruz, Mexico (WMQ, 1st ser., 6 [1897]: 119–20; Norfolk American Beacon and Commercial Diary, 9 July 1818; Baltimore American & Commercial Daily Advertiser, 7 June 1821; William and Mary Provi‑ sional List, 9; Richmond Enquirer, 11 Oct. 1825, 17 Sept. 1830; Norfolk American Beacon and Virginia and North-Carolina Gazette, 14 Sept. 1830). 1  Omitted closing parenthesis editorially supplied. 2  Word added in margin.

To William Gough Sir Monticello. Oct. 12. 22. My business here has rendered it impossible for me to visit Poplar Forest as yet. in the mean time my taxes are becoming due in Bedford, and not knowing their amount, to prevent difficulty I inclose an order on Colo Bernard Peyton of Richmond in favor of the Sheriff of Bedford, naming one hundred Dollars but leaving a blank after the hundred for you to fill up with the additional odd dollars and cents, whatever they may be. I write to Colo Peyton to inform him of this draught and that the odd Dollars & cents will be filled up by another hand. accept of my best wishes. Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; at foot of text: “Mr Gough”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure not found.

 72 

To Constantine S. Rafinesque [Monticello, 13 Oct. 1822. SJL entry reads, in brackets, “acknolg rect of pamphlets.” Letter not found.]

From John Adams Dear Sir. Montezillo October 15th 1822 I have long entertained scruples about writing this letter, upon a subject of some delicacy. But old age has over‑come at last. You remember the four Ships, ordered by Congress to be built, and the four Captains appointed by Washington—Talbot & Truxton & Barry &ca to carry an Ambassador to Algiers and protect our Commerce in the Mediterranean. I have always imputed this measure to you; for several reasons. First, Because you frequently proposed it to me while we were at Paris, negotiating together for peace with the Barbary powers. 2dly Because I knew that Washington and Hamilton, were not only indifferent about a Navy, but averse to it. There was no Secretary of the Navy; only four heads of Departments—You were Secretary of State; Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury, Knox Secretary of War; and I believe Bradford was Attorney General—I have always suspected that you and Knox were in favour of a Navy— If Bradford was so, the majority was clear. But Washington, I am confident was against it in his judgment. But his attachment to Knox and his deference to your opinion, for I know he had a great regard for you—might induce him to decide in favour of you and Knox, even though Bradford united with Hamilton in opposition to you—That Hamilton was averse to the measure, I have personal evidence—for while it was pending, he came in a hurry and a fit1 of impatience, to make a visit to me. He said, he was like to be called upon for a large sum of money to build Ships of war, to fight the Algerines and he asked my opinion of the measure. I answered him that I was clearly in favour of it. For I had always been of Opinion, from the Commencement of the Revolution, that a Navy was the most powerful, the safest and the cheapest National defence for this Country.2 My advice therefore was that as much of the Revenue as could possibly be spared, should be applied to the building and equipping of Ships—The conversation was of some length, but it was manifest in his looks and in his air—that he was disgusted at the measure as well as at my opinion, that I had expressed.  73 

15 OCTOBER 1822

Mrs

Knox, not long since, wrote a letter to Dr Waterhouse, requesting him to procure a Commission for her Son, in the Navy; that Navy, says her Ladyship, of which his Father was the parent, for, says she, “I have frequently heard General Washington say to my husband; the Navy was your Child.” I have always believed it to be Jefferson’s child, though Knox may have assisted in ushering it into the world. Hamilton’s hobby was the Army. That Washington was averse to a Navy, I have full proof from his own life—in many different conversations, some of them of length, in which he always insisted that it was only building and arming Ships for the English.    “Si3 quid novisti rectius istis—Candidus imperti—     Si non—his utere mecum” If I am in error in any particular—pray correct Your Humble Servt John Adams RC (DLC); in an unidentified hand, signed by Adams; endorsed by TJ as received 22 Oct. 1822, but recorded in SJL as received seven days later. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Thomas Ewell, 5 Jan. 1825, on verso; addressed in same unidentified hand: “Thomas Jefferson. late President of the United States Monticello—Virginia”; franked; postmarked Quincy, 16 Oct. FC (Lb in MHi: Adams Papers). Under the terms of a 1794 “Act to provide a Naval Armament,” Congress authorized President George Washington to procure four ships of forty‑four and two of thirty‑six guns. Silas talbot, Thomas truxton, John barry, Samuel Nicholson, Richard Dale, and Joshua Barney were named captains (JEP, 1:160, 161 [3,

4 June 1794]; U.S. Statutes at Large, 1:350–1). Adams had previously inquired about TJ’s role in the passage of this measure in an 11 June 1813 letter. During TJ’s tenure as secretary of state, Edmund Randolph was attorney general. William Bradford acceded to this post in January 1794, when Randolph succeeded TJ. si quid novisti .  .  . utere mecum (“If you know something better than these precepts, pass it on, my good fellow. If not, join me in following these”) is from Horace, Epistles, 1.6.67–8 (Fairclough, Horace: Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica, 290–1). 1

 Word not emphasized in FC.  Omitted period supplied from FC. 3  Omitted opening quotation mark supplied from FC. 2

To Benjamin Waterhouse Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 15. 22. I am much indebted to the rainy morning at Newport for your acceptable letter of Sep. 14. it gives me information of the state of religion in Boston and Cambridge of which I had not a just idea. I could not have concieved that a Congregationalist,1 after the pollution of his pulpit by the prayers of an Unitarian, would have again officiated in it, without lustrations,2 purifications & exorcisms to drive away the malignant spirits. these energumeni will be tamed3 at last. here no  74 

17 OCTOBER 1822

clergyman of any sect ever pronounces the word Unitarian. they are afraid of letting their hearers know that there are any such beasts lest they should be tempted to hunt after them. in a single instance, a Presbyterian here preached a sermon against Sparks’s book, & against a neighbor for possessing it. the moment the sermon was over, the whole congregation crouded around the possessor to beg the reading of the book.  I had not before attended to the fertility of Rhode island in men of eminence. she certainly has had her distinction in that line. she seems however for a while to have been resting on her oars. I am sorry to learn that mr Holly is leaving Kentucky. I had hoped he would have dropped a spark of reformation there, where I thought, from their freedom of mind,4 it would have kindled and spread rapidly. I am looking with anxiety to see the dawn of primitive Christianity here, where, if it once appears, it will soon beam like the rising sun, and restore to reason her day. ‘thy kingdom come’ is therefore my prayer; and my confidence is that it will come. give us your prayers also, and your preachers, and accept the assurance of my great esteem and ­respect Th: Jefferson RC (MBCo: Waterhouse Papers); at foot of text: “Dr Waterhouse.” PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of John Taylor to TJ, 24 July 1821; endorsed by TJ. Tr (Lb in MHi: Adams Papers). energumeni: those “possessed by a devil”; enthusiasts; devotees “of someone or something regarded as wicked or dangerous” (OED). sparks’s book was probably Jared Sparks, Letters on the Ministry, Ritual, and Doctrines of the Protestant

Episcopal Church, addressed to the Rev. Wm. E. Wyatt, D.D. (Baltimore, 1820; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 9 [no. 530]). thy kingdom come refers to the Lord’s Prayer, which appears in the Bible in variant forms in Matthew 6.9–13 and Luke 11.2–4. 1

 Tr: “Congregational minister.”  Tr: “hesitation.” 3  Tr: “turned.” 4  Tr: “from the freedom of minds.” 2

From Thomas Appleton dear Sir Leghorn 17 Octr 1822 rs From the 1307. D 75. cts the proceeds of your remittance through Samuel Williams of London, by your letter of the 12th of June, I have paid to madme Pini of Pisa, four hundred & forty four‑dollars, agreeably to their1 receipt herein inclos’d.—In compliance with your request, I spoke to them on the Subject, of leaving the principal in your hands, until it would be more2 convenient for you to restore it; this they most willingly acquiesc’d in, and desir’d me  75 

17 OCTOBER 1822

distinctly to express to you, their most ready compliance, and to assure you, of their grateful Sense of all your kindness towards them.— In the accompanying letter, you will find a part of the unforeseen events which delay’d the completion of the Capitels; they will however, be Sent you by the first vessel for new‑York, after the close of the ensuing3 month.—4 Mr Raggi will deliver to you, a foglio prospectus, entitled, “Grande anatomia del corpo umano, rappresentata in 44 Tavola, dal professore Paolo mascagni”.—I had the happiness of being5 personally acquainted, with this great and6 celebrated professor who died only three years ago, and about Six months, after compleating an unceasing7 labour of forty years. this work is judg’d greatly Superior to any of this description, either ancient or modern.—Napoleon was desirous it should be dedicated to him, and would certainly have been So, but for the last fatal battle, which to use the words of madme De Stael to me “that it was the greatest disaster, that ever befel mankind”.—The work is now publishing, in a most magnifi­ cent edition, in the original italian: as it is likewise in Paris, translated into french; the price is great, but the work is Still greater.— accept,8 Sir, the expressions of my unalterable esteem & respect. Th: Appleton RC (DLC); at head of text: “Thos Jefferson esq Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in NNGL); entirely in Appleton’s hand; with additional notation at foot of text: “Sent by Giacomo Raggi, in the Brig ann Captn ashford Octr 22. for N: York.” Enclosures: (1) Receipt from Elisabetta Mazzei Pini and Andrea Pini to TJ, 30 Aug. 1822, indicating that from TJ through Appleton they had received 444 pesos duros (Tr in MHi; in Andrea Pini’s hand, signed by Elisabetta and Andrea Pini; in Italian; at head of text: “Copia” [“Copy”]; endorsed by TJ, in part, as a “rect for 444.D.”). (2) Appleton to TJ, 17 Oct. 1822 (second letter). Enclosed in Raggi to TJ, 25 Dec. [1822]. foglio: “one‑sheet.” Francesco Antommarchi, who served as personal phy-

sician to napoleon during the latter’s final years in exile on the island of Saint Helena, had been a student of Paolo Ma­ scagni and published a posthumous edition of Mascagni’s anatomical plates in 1826 with additional material of his own. Napoleon took an interest in his doctor’s project and asked that the work be dedicated to him (Antommarchi, The Last Days of Napoleon. Memoirs of The Last Two Years of Napoleon’s Exile [London, 1826], 330). 1 FC:

“her.” not in FC. 3 RC: “ensueing.” FC: “ensuing.” 4 FC here adds “& to the care of the Collector.” 5 FC: “I was.” 6 Preceding two words not in FC. 7 FC: “compleating a.” 8 FC ends here with “&a T:A.”

 76 

2 Word

From Thomas Appleton, with Jefferson’s Note dear Sir Leghorn 17. Octr 1822 Your letter of the 11th of June, reach’d me on the 4th of Septr at the Same time I reciev’d from Samuel Williams of London, an exchange on this place, on account of the capitels, and for yourself, which produc’d here, in Spanish dollars, one thousand three hundred & Seven & 75cts of which, 444. are carried to the credit of your private account, and the balance to the credit of the capitels.—This letter will be deliver’d to you, by Giacomo Raggi, whose ardent desire to return to the U: States, has overcome all the ties of affection and friendship that he found in his native place: I hope his determination may prove useful to yourself and to him.—It was my very earnest wish, that he might accompany the capitels, but as they will not be ready to embark, but towards the close of the ensuing month of november, he thought this delay, might be Somewhat prejudicial to his interests, and he now takes his passage for New‑York.—The architect who sculpters the capitels, is his particular friend, and among the most distinguish’d artists of Carrara.—The procrastination has been occasion’d from various causes, and a principal one was the jealousy & intrigues of Michael Raggi, whose pride was wounded, that he could not procure the Commission; but the truth is, he has neither the abilities, nor the means, to have executed it.—I will not trouble you with the detail of his unworthy behaviour, for the Same inquiet and uneasy temper governs him, whether at home or abroad.—Giacomo Raggi, is greatly esteem’d by all who know him, and will inform you, that the capitels are now, very near their conclusion.—they are work’d in the highest perfection of the art, and of a marble, that is nearly statuary.—It was the desire of the artist, that they should all be from the same quarry, this also has tended to prolong their completion.—The cases are already made, and of the Strongest materials.—by the first vessel afterwards for new York, they will be convey’d to the care of the collector of the port; and as the architect will accompany them from Carrara to this port, he will assist at their stowage on board.—I have thought that the delay was not material for your edifices, and would be abundantly compensated, by the Singular beauty of the marble, and the perfection of the work.—Should you order the capitels for the other columns contemplated, no delay will take place, and will be  77 

17 OCTOBER 1822

Sculptur’d with equal attention and perfection.—Accept the assurances, Sir, of my constant esteem & respect Th: Appleton [Note by TJ at foot of text:]   paid   nett proceeds Univy 947.87 : 863.75 :: T.I 488.80 : 444.  1436.67 : 1307.75 :: 947.87 : 862.81 + .94 1436.67 : 1307.75 :: 488.80 : 444.94 − .94 1436.67 : 1307.75  the loss of exchange was 9. pr cent we calculated freight to be 152.D RC (DLC); at head of text: “Thomas Jefferson esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosed in preceding let-

ter and Giacomo Raggi to TJ, 25 Dec. [1822]. The architect was Massimiliano Ravenna.

From Henry A. S. Dearborn Much respected Sir, Custom House Boston Octo. 17. 1822— The enclosed letter was received this morning from Messrs. Dodge & Oxnard of Marseilles, by the Brig Bud. I shall with great pleasure take charge of the articles & will ship them to your agent in Richmond, to whom the former were sent, by the first vessel that leaves here. As soon as the freight bill has been presented & the amount of duties ascertaind, I will forward the amount. With sentiments of the highest respect, your most obt. Sert. H, A, S, Dearborn RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 29 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Francis Tornquist, 5 Jan. 1825, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello State of Virginia”; stamped;

postmarked Boston, 19 Oct. Enclosure: Dodge & Oxnard to TJ, 24 Aug. 1822, not found, but recorded in SJL as received 29 Oct. 1822 from Marseille. TJ’s agent was Bernard Peyton.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Richd 17 Octr 1822 Since my last respects, have for’d by B. Harlow’s Boat to Milton; your 12 × 12 Box Window Glass, & a Hill side Plough, recd from Fdksburg, for you, some days ago—  78 

18 OCTOBER 1822

Your dfts, to the amount of $1250, have been presented & paid since my last—   The only Boat load of Flour yet recd from shadwell mills this season, was for Th: J. Randolph; (64 Blls:) the one for 50 Blls, for you, is not yet to hand—when it is, will dispose of it to the best advantge for your interest, of which you shall be advised. With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly B. Peyton RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 20 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

From Thomas Cooper Dear Sir Columbia South Carolina Octr 18th 1822 I spent the three months of vacation at this College, in an excursion to various parts of the State of Pennsylvania, chiefly for the purpose of attending to some land concerns in which I am interested. I write to you now, for the purpose of giving you some idea of the progress of fanatacism, which I could not have figured to myself if I had not had the advantage of extensive personal observation. When I lived at Northumberland with Dr Priestley, a more social place could not well be imagined. the harmony of private society was hardly interrupted by politics, and not at all by religion. Presbyterians Methodists, seceders, Baptists Unitarians and Episcopalians lived together, and mixed freely in society. At present, owing to the predominant influence of the Presbyterian preachers, over the women particularly, whom they tempt out to nightly Sermons & prayer meetings, I was invited to, and compelled to visit my old friends not collected in social parties, but in detail. The heads of families of one sect, keep aloof from those of another; and the bitterness & intolerance of theological hatred reigns in full force. I found this the case at Northumberland, at Sunbury, at Reading, at Harrisburgh, and in every place without exception, wherever I enquired into the fact. At Harrisburgh, these religious parties occupy every evening, and the meeting houses are crowded with women, while the taverns are equally crouded with such of their husbands, as revolt at these works of Supererrogation. Judge Franks, who boarded at the same tavern at Harrisburgh that I did, (for he was there holding his courts at the time) told me, that he was induced not merely to subscribe to each of these fanatics, but to attend frequently their meetings, lest a character for irreligion should attach to him as Judge. He told me, that a short time before I saw him, he had heard a sermon one evening at Harrisburgh, from a Mr  79  De Witt, a presbyterian clergyman from New York; in which the  79 

18 OCTOBER 1822

Preacher declared, that a man might be a good Citizen, a good father, a good husband, a good neighbour—charitable, benevolent, and observant of every moral duty—nay, he might sedulously & conscientiously attend all the ordinances of religion as a means of saving grace—but if he were not one of the elect according to the foreknowledge of God before the foundations of the world were laid, all his endeavours were not only unavailing, but savoured of sin. I well know this is in conformity with puritan orthodoxy, and is to be found in the articles of the Church of England as well as among the calvanistic presbyterians, but if there be any doctrine calculated to demoralize society—to make the good bad, and the wicked worse, it is such a doctrine as this. The same tenets and the same practices, prevail all through North Carolina, & the upper parts of this State, and very strongly indeed in the town of Columbia where I live. Our College has 2 presbyterian, and one roman catholic professor, and I go regularly to the Episcopal Church with my family. But because the Professors here live in mutual tolerance and harmony, this College is openly, and publicly denounced as void of all religion. Yet I know not where prayers are more enforced morning or evening among the Students, or attended more regularly by the faculty. I go now to prayers every morning, but not in an evening, as my lectures are not over till 3 oClock in the afternoon. I find in new York State every where, where I have been or from whence I have received information, that there1 is a public avowed persevering attempt among the Presbyterians to establish a system of Tythes; this is brought forward in many publications: at Utica in N. Yk State, and in South Carolina, as well as intermediate places. Equally decided and persevering, is the attempt of the same sect to acquire the command over every Seminary of education; and finally to attempt in favour of the Presbyterians, a Church establishment. Of these designs on the part of that sect, I am as fully persuaded, as I am of my own existence; and what is worse, I greatly fear they will succeed. The people not aware of the frauds committed, are the gross dupes of missionary societies, bible societies, and theological seminaries; and every head of a family of a religious turn, or in any way connected with that sect, must submit2 to the power these persons have acquired; acquired, by making the females of the families which they are permitted to enter, the engines of their influence3 over the male part. I foresee another night of superstition, not far behind the inquisition: for so rancorously is every opponent calumniated, that the persecution becomes gradually irresistible, and the men who hate these impostors & their frauds, are actually compelled to bow down  80 

18 OCTOBER 1822

to them. I look around me, and knowing as I do, the general prevalence of liberal opinions on religious subjects, among well educated men, I regard with absolute horror the system of simulation and dissimulation which they are compelled to adopt; and I cannot help exclaiming with Lucretius Tantum hæc religio potuit suadere malorum! In the College here, the industry of the faculty is exemplary—their competence undeniable—but the cry is gone forth, “there is no religion among them,” & I greatly fear it will make the College totter to its fall: for utterly false as it is, the want of prayer meetings and religious revivals will be accepted as undeniable evidence of the charge. In hopes of hearing that things are not quite so bad in Virginia, I sit down to communicate my fears and forebodings. In the State of Pennsylvania I see no prospect of amendment, for the prevailing doctrine is, that a collegiate education is good only for the rich, and they ought to obtain it at their own expence without any legislative aid. M. Correa, I find is compelled to fly to Paris, being too much attached to the royal cause for the present crisis. I hope your health keeps yet good, and that you still enjoy enough of life to make it desireable. May God bless you. Thomas Cooper. S. Carolina College. RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 31 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 11 Jan. 1825, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson of Montecello Virginia”; franked; postmarked. The phrase tantum hæc religio potuit suadere malorum, omitting “hæc” (“this”), appears in Lucretius, On the Nature of Things, 1.101, and is trans-

lated as “So potent was Superstition in persuading to evil deeds” in Lucretius De Rerum Natura, trans. William Henry Denham Rouse, Loeb Classical Library (1924; rev. by Martin Ferguson Smith, 1992), 10–1. 1

 Manuscript: “their.”   Word interlined in place of “bow down.” 3  Word interlined in place of “power.” 2

From Nicholas Herbemont Respected Sir, Columbia S. Carolina Oct. 18th 1822 I take the liberty of Sending you a Small tract which I have just published. Its object is to induce the increase of the white population in the Southern States; but particularly in S. Carolina. The means proposed are the cultivation of the Olive, Grapevine, Sheep & Silk worms. I Should not have troubled you with it, but for this, that I know this Subject far from indifferent to you, & that any thing by which the prosperity of our country is promoted, is Sure to meet with  81 

18 OCTOBER 1822

your warmest approbation. These are Subjects which you have yourself recommanded, & no doubt, at this juncture, your expressed approbation would promote the execution of the plan. These are the apologies I have to offer for this intrusion. I rejoice also in having this opportunity of assuring you of my most Sincere respect, & that I am truly, Sir,   Your obedt Servt N. Herbemont Prest of the board of public works of South Carolina  RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 31 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (ViU: TJP); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to John L. Thomas, 9 Jan. 1825, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqre Monticello Albemarle County Virginia”; stamped; postmarked. Enclosure: [Herbemont], Observations Sug‑ gested by the Late Occurrences in Charles‑ ton (Columbia, 1822; repr. in David S. Shields, ed., Pioneering American Wine: Writings of Nicholas Herbemont, Master Viticulturist [2009], 251–60), observing, in response to the recent suppression of a purported slave insurrection in Charleston allegedly led by the free black man Denmark Vesey, that the enslaved population in South Carolina is an “obstacle to improvements and to the increase of the white population” (p. 5); describing the condition of slaves as “very greatly and progressively ameliorated since the revolutionary war” (p. 5); asserting that the state legislature ought to require any slaves acquiring freedom to leave South Carolina so as to limit the “mixing with our slaves” that renders them “dangerous by their counsels and the example of the idle or dissolute lives which many of them lead” (p. 7); encouraging the production of olive oil, wool, silk, and wine as the best way to attract European settlers; and emphasizing “the great security we should enjoy as the natural consequence of so great an increase of our white population, and the great facility which this state of things would give us to abolish slavery, if ever it should be thought advisable to do so” (p. 16). Nicholas Herbemont (1771–1838), educator, public official, and viticulturist, was born in the Champagne region of France. He came to the United States around 1790, working first as a private

tutor in Amelia County, then teaching French at the Pittsburgh Academy (later the University of Pittsburgh) in 1795, settling by 1801 in Charleston, South Carolina, and becoming a naturalized citizen in 1803. Herbemont established a French‑­ language school in Charleston, which he operated until at least 1805, and from 1807 to 1818 he was a French tutor at South Carolina College (later the University of South Carolina). In 1804 he applied unsuccessfully to TJ for an appointment as a surveyor in the Louisiana Territory, and in 1821 he was appointed president of South Carolina’s board of public works. The South Carolina Agricultural Society, which Herbemont had helped to found, awarded him a gold medal in 1828 for his work promoting viticulture in the state. Among his publications were an English translation of Louis Dubroca’s 1802 biography of Toussaint L’Overture and A Treatise on the Culture of the Vine and on Wine Making in the United States (1833). Herbemont owned twelve slaves in 1810 and nineteen a decade later. At his death in Columbia, South Carolina, his personal property was appraised at $4,015.93 (Shields, Pioneering American Wine, esp. 261; Jonchery‑Sur‑Vesle Baptêmes Ma­ riages Sépultres, 1750–92 [FrlM]; PTJ, 43:129, 685; Agnes Lynch Starrett, Through One Hundred and Fifty Years: The University of Pittsburgh [1937], 30; Charleston City‑Gazette and Daily Adver‑ tiser, 2 Oct. 1801; Charleston City Gazette, 25 Jan. 1805; DNA: RG 21, RACSC, 28 Oct. 1803; Maximilian LaBorde, History of the South Carolina College [1874], 528; American Farmer, 8 Oct. 1819; Camden [S.C.] Gazette and Mercantile Advertiser, 27 Dec. 1821; DNA: RG 29, CS, S.C., Richland Co., 1810, 1820; Richland Co. Wills and Probate Records; Southern Ag‑ riculturist 11 [1838]: 448).

 82 

From George Runnels Sir!— N York, 18th October 1822 Accompanying this you will find a letter from my Father—in which I am highly interested1—. I should be happy to know of its safe arrival—& pray you so far to condescend as to write me a few lines on the rect of it— I am with profound Respect. Yr Hl & Ob St— G Runnels  please2 address—G Runnels—at Mrs Rey’s—Bloomingdale3 Road— N York RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 22 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Abraham Runnels to TJ, 9 Sept. 1822. George Runnels (d. 1832), physician, was born on the Caribbean island of Saint‑Barthélemy, the son of TJ’s cor­ respondent Abraham Runnels and the grandson of Johannes Runnels, the former Dutch colonial governor of Saint Eustatius. The younger Runnels reportedly studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Although his father’s misfortunes in business led him to withdraw prior to graduation, he practiced medicine

in Puerto Rico. By early in 1822 Runnels was in New York City for his own medical treatment, and he unsuccessfully sought an appointment as a commercial agent to any available port in the British West Indies. He was in Saint Martin by 1823. Runnels continued to practice medicine there and later in Saint Eustatius (Daniel P. Kidder, ed., The Persecuting Governor [1849], 46, 73, 87–8; Abraham Runnels to TJ, 9 Sept. 1822; Stackelberg to TJ, 29 Oct. 1822; DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1817–25). 1 Manuscript:

2 Manuscript: 3 Manuscript:

“intereted.” “pleease.” “Bloomigdale.”

To William Short Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 19. 22. I have waited for a frost to announce to me your return to winter quarters; and altho’ we have as yet had none here, I presume they must have reached you, in their advance towards us, by this time, and that I may now acknolege your letter written on your departure for Canada. altho’ that trip disappointed us of the expected visit to your native state, yet I hold on to the promise, as a thing due, and to happen. our University still wants the key‑stone of it’s arch, the Rotunda; but even in it’s present state it is worth a visit, as a specimen of classical architecture which would be remarked in Europe. our last legislature has acquired the immortal title of Parliamentum indoctissimum, by it’s1 refusal to do any thing towards compleating and bringing this establishment into use. this would require a further sum of 50,000. Dollars in addition to the 200,000. it has already cost. the late elections are believed to have been favorable to it, and that a very general  83 

19 OCTOBER 1822

disapprobation of their conduct has been excited even among the people. our enemies are in the vicinage2 of Wm & Mary, to whom are added the Presbyterian clergy. this is rather the most numerous of our present sects, and the most ambitious, the most intolerant & tyrannical of all our sects. they wish to see no instruction of which they have not the exclusive direction. their present aim is ascendancy only; their next exclusive possession and establishment.3 they dread the light which this University is to shed on the public mind, and it’s obstruction to their ambition. but there is a breeze advancing from the North, which will put them down. Unitarianism has not yet reached us; but our citizens are ready to recieve reason from any quarter. the Unity of a supreme being is so much more intelligible than the triune arithmetic of the counterfeit Christians that it will kindle here like wild‑fire. we want only eloquent preachers of the primitive doctrines to restore them to light, after the long night of darkness under which they have been hidden. such would gather into their fold every man under the age of 40. female fanaticism might hold out awhile longer. I wish with you that Congress had the power of expending our surplus monies (if ever we are to have them) on public improvements, and have long wished for such an amendment to the constitution, with the condition expressed that the federal proportion of each state should be expended on improvements within the state. otherwise all, like our lighthouses Etc would go to New England. My health, after which you kindly enquire, is entirely re‑established. I am very weak indeed and daily getting more so, insomuch that I do not walk into my garden without feeling it sensibly. yet I ride without fatigue 6, 8, or 10. miles every day, and a few days ago 20. miles without suffering. I hope you preserve your health, and may long do so, & I salute you with assurance of my constant & affectionate friendship. Th: Jefferson RC (ViW: TJP). PoC (DLC); one number rewritten for clarity by TJ; endorsed by TJ. parliamentum indoctissimum: “most ignorant parliament.”

 84 

1 Manuscript:

“it’.” “vicinge.” 3 Manuscript: “establisment.” 2 Manuscript:

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 2[0]. [2]2. Since my last which was of the 9th yours of the 7th and 10th have been recieved. the things sent by Wood’s boats are arrived at Milton. on learning the fate of my note I settled otherwise the balance due to Bacon and for which I had not yet drawn on you. but I was obliged to draw on you, as mentioned in mine of the 9th in favor of the sheriffs of Albemarle & Bedford for my taxes. in the meantime, I have been able to get down 50 + 33 + 12 say 95. barrels of flour only, and such is the obstinacy of the drought that we can fix no time for relief from it. my uneasiness is not only on your account but of mr Barrett to whom, more than a month ago I thought myself certainly within a week of being able to make a remittance of 750.D. I have now in the mill ready for going off 255. Barrels of flour which with the 95 already gone will make 350. and mr T. E. Randolph assures me he will pay up the balance of his rent at Christmas which will then amount to 250. Barrels more. a sixty days accomodation of a bank would have enabled me to anticipate this fund, to observe all my engagements and left me under a certainty of refunding it when due. counting on the river tides in good time, I had been tempted by the offer of 4. of the finest mules I have ever seen from Kentuckey offered me at 75.D. a piece to give to a mr Sims1 my note for them for 300.D payable at your counting house on the 17th of November. surely I shall be able before that time to get down my flour. I planted in Bedford the last year 300.. tobo hills, two thirds in fresh land, ⅓ in that of the 2d year; and here 100,000. in similar lands. from these Jefferson assures me I shall have 60  weight of tobacco. but this will not get to market till May & June. I shall not sleep soundl[y] till then. affectionately adieu. Th: Jefferson  P.S. I inclose my Notes for renewal. PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Louis H. Girardin to TJ, 12 Aug. 1821; dateline faint; edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 20 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosures not found. On 6 Oct. 1822, the day TJ received Peyton’s letter of 3 Oct. 1822 informing him of Peyton’s inability to negotiate TJ’s latest bank loan, he noted in his financial records that he paid Edmund bacon $500.

TJ recorded on 18 Sept. 1822 that he had purchased from William M. sims “of Kentucky 4. mules of the breed of Don Carlos and gave him my note for 300.D. payable in 60. days at the counting house of B. Peyton” (MB, 2:1389). jefferson: Thomas Jefferson Randolph.

 85 

1 Preceding

four words interlined.

To James Rawlings Sir Monticello Oct. 20. 22. I recieved in due time your favor of Aug. 20. informing me I was indebted to the insurance company 84.40 D I am only waiting for the return of rains to render our river boatable, to get down flour now waiting in my mill for tides, so as to place some funds in Richmond, on which you may rely for a draught as soon as they can be got there. accept the assurance of my great respect Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Henry Dearborn to TJ, 8 Aug. 1821; at foot of text: “Mr James Rawlings”; endorsed by TJ.

To Cornelius Camden Blatchly Sir Monticello Oct. 21. 22. I return thanks for the pamphlet you have been so kind as to send me on the subject of Commonwealths. it’s moral principles merit entire approbation; it’s philanthropy especially; and it’s views of the equal rights of man. that, on the principle of a communion of property, small societies may exist in habits of virtue, order industry and peace, and consequently in a state of as much happiness as heaven has been pleased to deal out to imperfect humanity, I can readily concieve; and indeed have seen it’s proofs in various small societies which have been constituted on that principle. but I do not feel authorised to conclude from these, that an extended society, like that of the US. or of an individual state, could be governed happily on the same principle. I look to the diffusion of light and education as the resource most to be relied on for ameliorating the condition, promoting the virtue and advancing the happiness of man. that every man shall be made virtuous, by any process whatever, is indeed no more to be expected, than that every tree shall be made to1 bear fruit, and every plant nourishment. the briar and bramble can never become the vine and olive; but their asperities may be softened by culture, and their properties improved to usefulness in the order and economy of the world. and I do hope,2 in the present spirit of extending to the great mass of mankind the blessings of instruction, I see a prospect of great advancement in the happiness of the human race; and that this may proceed to an indefinite, altho’ not to an infinite degree. wishing every success to the views of your society which their hopes can promise, and thanking you most particularly for the kind expressions of your  86 

21 OCTOBER 1822

letter towards myself, I salute you with assurances of great esteem and respect. Th Jefferson RC (NHi: Thomas Jefferson Papers); addressed: “Mr Cornelius Cambden Blatchly Greenwich street New York”; franked; postmarked. PoC (DLC). Printed in Washington Daily National Intelli‑ gencer, 22 Sept. 1825, and elsewhere, copied from an unidentified issue of the Philadelphia Chronicle, preceded by editorial comment that the letter “from Mr. Jefferson, shows the favorable light in which that philosopher views the new system of society, introduced by Mr. Owen.”

TJ’s biblical allusion, the briar and bramble can never become the vine and olive, appears in variant forms in Matthew 7.16 and Luke 6.44. Blatchly showed this letter to the philanthropist and socialist Robert Owen when the latter and his companions visited him in New York City on 9 Nov. 1824 (The Diaries of Donald Macdonald, 1824–1826 [1942; repr. 1973], 183). 1

 Preceding three words interlined.  TJ here canceled “that.” Word left uncanceled in PoC. 2

From John H. Cocke Dear Sir, Bremo Octo: 21. 1822 This will be handed to you by my friend Mr Maxwell of Norfolk. He calls at Monticello for the double purpose of paying his respects to you;—and understanding more fully, the footing upon which the Board of Visitors in their last report, have proposed to the Legislature, to place the Theological Schools at the University. Mr Maxwell is on his way to Staunton to attend a Synod of the presbyterian Church of which he is a member—and thinks the information he may obtain from you, may possibly lead to the adoption of some measures, upon the part of his brethren in relation to the foregoing Subject— With best wishes for a continuation of your health I am with high respect & Esteem Yours truly John H. Cocke RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ as received 22 Oct. 1822 and so recorded (with bracketed notation: “by mr Maxwell”) in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to William Bernard, 5 Jan. 1825, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello” by “Mr Maxwell.” William Maxwell (1784–1857), attorney and public official, was born in Norfolk and graduated from Yale College (later Yale University) in 1802. He studied law and practiced in Virginia beginning in 1808. Maxwell published volumes

of his poetry in 1812 and 1816, and he spent a year as editor of the New York Journal of Commerce, 1827–28, before resuming his legal career in Norfolk. He represented Norfolk in the Virginia House of Delegates for one term, 1830–31. Subsequently elected to complete an unfin­ ished term in the state senate in 1832–33, Maxwell was reelected and served until 1838. He became a trustee of Hampden‑­ Sydney College in 1836 and was elected to the presidency of that institution in 1838, resigning in 1844 and again returning to the practice of law in Richmond.

 87 

21 OCTOBER 1822 Maxwell helped resurrect the dormant Virginia Historical Society, acting as librarian and editing its journal, 1848–53. He was a leader in the Presbyterian church and an ardent supporter of the African colonization movement. Maxwell died near Williamsburg (Dexter, Yale Bi‑ ographies, 5:520–2; Lyon Gardiner Tyler, Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography [1915], 2:202; Leonard, General Assembly; John

Luster Brinkley, On This Hill: A Narra‑ tive History of Hampden‑Sydney College, 1774–1994 [1994], esp. 163–71; Alexandria Gazette, 19 Jan. 1857; gravestone inscription in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond). In its annual report of 7 Oct. 1822, the University of Virginia Board of Visitors established guidelines for the treatment of independent theological schools situated “on the confines” of the institution.

To John Quincy Adams

Monticello Oct. 23. 22.

Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to mr Adams for the copy of the Ghent Documents which he has been so kind as to send him. so far as concerns mr Adams personally, the respect and esteem of the public for him was too firmly and justly fixed, to need this appeal to them. but the volume is a valuable gift to his fellow1 citizens generally, and especially to the future historian whom it will enable to give correct ideas of the views of that treaty and to do justice to the abilities with which it was negociated. he begs leave to salute mr Adams with assurances of his highest esteem and respect. RC (MHi: Adams Papers); dateline at foot of text. PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of Joseph C. Cabell to TJ, 5 Aug. 1821; endorsed by TJ.

1

 Reworked from “country.”

To Charles Willson Peale Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 23. 22. I could never be a day without thinking of you, were it only for my daily labors at the Polygraph for which I am indebted to you. it is indeed an excellent one, and after 12. or 14. years of hard service it has failed in nothing except the spiral springs of silver wire which suspend the pen‑frame. these are all but disabled, and my fingers are too clumsy to venture to rectify them, were they susceptible of it. I am tempted to ask you if you have ever thought of trying a cord of elastic gum. if this would answer, it’s simplicity would admit any bungler to prepare & apply it. It is right for old friends, now and then, to ask each other how they do? the question is short, and will give little trouble either to ask, or  88 

24 OCTOBER 1822

answer. I ask it therefore, observing in exchange that my own health is tolerably good; but that I am too weak to walk further than my garden without suffering, altho’ I ride without fatigue 6. or 8. miles every day, and sometimes 20. I salute you with constant and affec­ tionate friendship & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (TxU: Thomas Jefferson Collection); at foot of text: “Mr Peale.” PoC (DLC); on verso of a reused address cover from Craven Peyton to TJ; endorsed by TJ.

To Stackelberg Sir Monticello Oct. 23. 22. I have recieved a letter from a mr Runnels of Saint Bartholomew’s asking from me some attention to the wish of his son, now in New York, to be appointed Consul or Agent of the US. to the islands of St Vincent’s, St Lucia, Trinidad or St Kitt’s. the style of the letter itself sufficiently indicates the high respectability of the writer, but, being personally unknown to me, he requests me to apply to yourself particularly for any thing you may be pleased to say of himself or his son. it is on the authority of this request only that I take the liberty of saying that I shall willingly be the channel of communicating to our government any testimony you may be so good as to give on the subject either of the father or son. I avail myself with pleasure of the opportunity thus furnished of tendering you the assurance of my high respect & consideration Th: Jefferson RC (NjP: Andre deCoppet Collection). PoC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); on verso of reused address cover of Thomas Mann Randolph to TJ, 31 July 1821; torn at seal; at foot of text: “Baron de Stackelberg Chargé des Affaires of Sweden”; endorsed by TJ. Berndt Robert Gustaf Stackelberg (1784–1845), public official and diplomat, was born in Finland. He was the Swedish governor of Saint‑Barthélemy, 1811–16,

chargé d’affaires in Washington, D.C., 1819–32, and also adjutant general, 1828– 32. Stackelberg died in Stockholm (Gabriel Anrep, Svenska Adelns Ättar‑Taflor [1861], 104; Laureen Baillie, ed., Scandina‑ vian Biographical Index [1994], 4:387–9; Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 1:xxxiv, 550; Nils William Olsson, Swedish Pas‑ senger Arrivals in New York, 1820–1850 [1967], 4, 5n; Register of the Department of State [1874], 123; Clay, Papers).

To Maria Cosway

Monticello Oct. 24. 22.

I duly recieved, my dear friend, your favor of July 10. and made it my first duty to forward the letter you inclosed to your brother and to request him to make me the channel of your hearing from him. I now  89 

24 OCTOBER 1822

inclose you his letter, and with it the assurance that he is much respected in Washington, and, since the death of Latrobe, our first Architect. I consider him as standing foremost in the correct principles of that art. I believe he is doing well, but would he push himself more, he would do better. I learn with great pleasure that however short of expectation mr Cosway’s affairs left you, they are still sufficient to place you in comfort. and this will be much improved by the change of your residence from the eternal clouds and rains of England, to the genial sun & bright skies of Lodi. I was in that place in 1786. with a good friend, the Count del Verme of Milan, and past a whole day, from sunrise to sunset, in a dairy there, to see the process of making the Parmesan cheese. it’s situation is truly wor[thy] of your choice.   The sympathies of our earlier days harmonise, it seems, in age also. you retire to your College of Lodi, and nourish the natural benevolence of your excellent heart by communicating your own virtues to the young of your sex who may hereafter load with blessings the memory of her to whom they will owe so much. I, am laying the foundation of an University in my native state, which I hope will repay the liberalities of it’s legislature by improving the virtue and science of their country, already blest with a soil and climate emulating those of your favorite Lodi. I have been myself the Architect of the plan of it’s buildings, and of it’s system of instruction. four years have been employed on the former, and I assure you it would be thought a handsome & Classical thing in Italy. I have preferred the plan of an Academical village rather than that of a single, massive structure. the diversified forms which this admitted in the different Pavilions, and varieties of the finest samples of architecture, has made of it a model of beauty original and unique. it is within view too of Monticello, So it’s most splendid object, and a constant gratification to my sight. we have still one building to erect, which will be on the principle of your Pantheon a Rotunda like that, but of half it’s diameter and height only. I wish indeed you could recall some of your by‑past years, and seal it with your approbation. you have two friends here, still living, Trumbull & myself to whom such a visit would be real beatitude.   I enjoy good health, altho now octogenary; but am too weak to walk further than my garden; yet I ride daily and without fatigue. my elder daughter, mrs Randolph, is we[l]l,1 and greets you kindly. she has given me 11. grand‑children, of [who]m 9. live with me, and all make me contented in the prospect of the[ir] worth and good qualifications. my happiness is greatly increased too by the prosperity of our country, and it’s exemption from the oppressions & eternal wars of Europe.  90 

24 OCTOBER 1822

that your days may pass in peace, in health [a]nd2 comfort, are the fervent prayers of your sincere & constant friend. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); on a reused address cover from Craven Peyton to TJ; torn at seal, with three words rewritten by TJ; at foot of first page: “Mrs Cosway”; endorsed by TJ. Recorded in SJL with additional bracketed notation: “thro off. state & mr Gallatin.” Enclosure not found. Enclosed in TJ to Albert Gallatin, 29 Oct. 1822, and TJ to Daniel Brent, 31 Oct. 1822.

verme) guided TJ in his travels in the vicinity of milan in 1787. During that visit TJ recorded the process of making parmesan cheese at Rozzano, noting that it was “made thro all the country extending from Milan 150. miles. The most is made about Lodi” (PTJ, 11:437, 438–9).

your brother: George Hadfield. Conte Francesco dal Verme (count del

1

 Word faint.  Word faint.

2

From Frederick A. Mayo Hono: Sir Richmond the 24. Oct 1822— Should be glad to know, if the last Books bound had been recieved,— Remain your Honours humble Servant Frederick A Mayo RC (MHi); at foot of text: “The Hono. Tho: Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 29 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 24 Octob. 1822 I am favor’d with yours covering a set of notes for the renewal of yours at the several Banks, which shall be attended to. I have recd 93 Barrels your Flour from Shadwell Mills this season, not one Barrel of which have I yet been able to dispose of, owing to the entire absence of demand for the article—I will however embrace the earliest favorable opportunity of effecting sale the whole, of which you shall be advised; the present nominal price is $6—Wheat 120 @ 125¢, scarce & in demand—Corn $3½ dull— The dft: to Sims of $300, of which you advise, shall be paid at maturity—all those heretofore spoken of, have been presented & paid. With great respect & regard Dr sir Yours very Truly B. Peyton Judge Green has examined “The Press Copy,” & pronounces it utterly impossible for you to have recd the money for the bill on Grand  91 

24 OCTOBER 1822

Co,

& from the face of the a∕c, & would gladly write an explanation of it, for the Enquirer, if he could lay his hands on the charges preferred by “the Native of Virginia,” on the subject, in his Pamphlet, which is not to be had here: have you it?— B.P. RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 29 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Benjamin Waterhouse, 8 Jan. 1825,

on verso; addressed: “Mr Thomas Jeffer­ son Monticello Charlottesville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 24 Oct.

From Dabney C. Terrell Dear Sir Louisville. Oct. 25th ’22 I received but yesterday your letter of the 28th of Aug. with the inclosed papers; supposing you must feel anxious from the length of time they have been on the road, I hasten to inform you of their safe arrival. I hope Sir, it is needless to say that it affords me the greatest satisfaction to have it in my power to be in anywise useful to you; and I am truly flattered that your1 confidence of this should have furnished me with the present opportunity. When I was last in Virginia Mr Randolph explained to me the nature of this business, and requested me to communicate to him such information of the situation and intentions of the parties as I might be able to procure. All that I have learned amounts to this, that Owings is immensely involved, that his property is covered in various ways, that he is utterly unable to fulfill his engagements even if he were disposed to do so and that is doubtful. The lien however on the ironworks in Montgomery, renders these circumstances unimportant, and the value of that property, even at the present depreciated price of lands in this country, will be sufficient to shield you from loss as the endorser of Col. Nicholas, should the right to the proceeds of Owing’s bond be awarded to Mr Randolph as one of Col. Nicholas’ executors. I have some reasons for believing that Col. Morrison will claim no personal interest in Owing’s bond; in this however I may be mistaken.—The District Court of the U.S. sits some time next month, and that no time may be lost, I shall set out for Lexington tomorrow. Mr Clay’s health has for some months past been wretched which, together with the circumstance of his having been again elected to Congress, renders it probable that he will not resume the practice of the law, or at least that he will be prevented from engaging in new cases. Should it prove so, or should he be preengaged,2 the gentlemen indicated by Mr Leigh will constitute as able counsel as any in this state,  92 

26 OCTOBER 1822

if not the ablest. As soon as the case is commited to them and the action commenced I will let Mr Randolph know it, together with any additional information I may receive while at Lexington. Mr Green paid me $100, which shall be applied3 as you have directed.—I have been so fortunate as to be among the few who have entirely escaped the pestilence which has raged here for some months, and has deprived us of many of our citizens. I am delighted to hear that you enjoy your usual excellent health,4 and heartily pray that this first of blessings may long be yours. Be so kind as to present my affectionate salutations to every member of your family, and permit me to embrac[e] this opportunity of expressing the sentiments of profound gratitude with which I am Dear Sir most respectfully and affectionately Your’s D C Terrell RC (ViU: TJP‑CC); edge torn; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Joseph Milligan, 16 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq. Monticello Virginia Via Washington City”; stamp canceled; postmarked Louisville, 25 Oct.

cover only of which has been found, is recorded in SJL as received 19 Nov. 1822 from Lexington (RC in MHi; with Dft of TJ to Joshua Dodge, 3 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello Virginia Via Washn City”; franked; postmarked Lexington, Ky., 6 Nov.).

For TJ’s letter to Terrell of the 28th of aug., not found, see note to TJ to Henry Clay, 28 Aug. 1822. A letter from Clay to TJ of 4 Nov. 1822, the address

1

 Manuscript: “you.”  Manuscript: “preengaed.” 3  Manuscript: “appied.” 4  Manuscript: “heath.” 2

From Elbridge Gerry (1793–1867) Respected Sir Boston October 26th 1822 The warm interest which you have always manifested, in the advancement of literature, has induced me to intrude upon your valuable time, & to solicit your attention for a moment, to a subject, connected in its nature, with the history of our country. Mr Sanderson of Philadelphia, having with laudable zeal, commenced publishing a biography, of the signers of American Independence, to enlighten posterity, with a correct history, of the distinguished persons, whose names are attached to that memorable instrument, has applied to me, to furnish materials, for the life of my honored father, the late Elbridge Gerry, which pleasing duty I have engaged to perform, & have persuaded James T Austin Esquire, my brother in law,  93 

26 OCTOBER 1822

to compile such, as I may be able to collect from his papers, & from the intelligence of his contemporaries. From your having participated so largely, in the establishment of our liberties, and from your knowledge of the characters and events most prominent in our revolution, I have ventured to apply to you for assistance, & to request any information, which you may be disposed to contribute, to the attainment of my wishes. The disposition and mind of man, is frequently exhibited in a strong light, by various anecdotes, to which he has given birth, and which none but those persons, who have been intimately connected with him, in public or private life can relate. If any such anecdotes have come within the sphere of your observation, & are familiar to your memory at this late period, they will be an invaluable addition and gratefully received. His mission to France in 1797 constitutes an important period in the history of his life, & if there are in your possession, any private letters or information, relative to that subject, which you think proper to communicate, it would render a tribute to his disinterested and persevering exertions, in effecting the objects of his instructions, & of the preservation of his countries peace. I find much difficulty in discovering the existence or the residence of gentlemen, whose personal acquaintance with Mr Gerry, in his early political life, might place it in their power to aid me, in completing the objects of my research. should the names of any such persons occur to your mind, you will confer a great favor, Sir, by mentioning them to me. If your attention is called to subjects, which you shall feel, to be of more importance, than the present, I beg, Sir, that you will not suffer me to impose upon your goodness, by the freedom which I have used towards your liberality. my only apology is, the ardent desire I feel, in seeing justice rendered to the memory, of a parent, and of a Patriot. If you think proper to entrust me with letters, of my father or individuals, which may be of value to his biography, they shall receive the greatest care, & be returned within a short period. May you long continue to enjoy the love and veneration, which every one of any consideration, entertains towards you, & which posterity will inherit. I have the honor, to subscribe myself, Sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient & very humble Servant Elbridge Gerry RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 17 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC

(MoSHi: TJC‑BC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Abner Kneeland, 16 Aug.

 94 

26 OCTOBER 1822 1823, on verso; addressed: “The Hon’ble Thomas Jefferson Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Boston, 26 Oct. A biography of Elbridge Gerry (1744– 1814) appeared in 1827 in volume 8 of Biography of the Signers to the Declaration

of Independence (Philadelphia, 1820–27; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 5 [no. 152]), part of the series begun by John sanderson. The elder Gerry’s role in the 1797 mission to france that sought to resolve differences with that nation is described in that volume, pp. 58–62.

Receipt from Willis Liggan

Octob. 26. 22.

Recieved of Th: Jefferson twenty Dollars, on loan; which I promise to repay Willis Liggan MS (DLC); in TJ’s hand, signed by Liggan; endorsed by TJ: “Liggon Willis. rect & Note.” Willis Liggan (Liggon; Ligon) was living in 1820 in Nelson County, where he owned five slaves. He worked as a millwright for both TJ and Thomas Eston

Randolph in 1822. By 1830 Liggan resided in Albemarle County and owned six slaves (MB, 2:1389, 1390; DNA: RG 29, CS, Nelson Co., 1820, Albemarle Co., 1830; Vi: Albemarle Co. Chancery Causes, case 1831‑037; Vi: RG 78, Legislative Petitions, Albemarle Co. [9 Dec. 1834]).

From Thomas Oxley Sir City of Richmond. Va 26th October 1822 As my bad state of health obliges me to return to Europe and as it is probable I may sail in the course of a few weeks, but previous to my departure I would wish to deposit the Models of my Invention the American Land Clearing Machine where they may be carefully preserved, so that if fortune do not smile upon me and enable me to put it into practical operation before the expiration of my Patent by its careful preservation it may then prove highly serviceable to the public; As I am convinced this invention may yet prove of great utility to the Citizens of the United States I am therefore anxious for its preservation And from your well known Patriotism, liberality and high Scientific acquirements and the pleasure you experience in patronizing ingenious and useful inventions evinces me that you are the most eligible person I can select and to whose care I would wish to confide my models to be deposited in the Museum of the Virginia University or anywhere you may please to have them placed for safe keeping; In thus condescending to accept of them you will much Oblige Sir Yours with profound respect Thomas Oxley  95 

26 OCTOBER 1822  RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Thomas Oxley (ca. 1787–1851), inventor and educator, was born in England. He later claimed that he drew plans for a steamship in his native land as early as 1807 but failed to attract support. Following a brief tenure as a teacher in Haiti beginning in 1818, Oxley operated an academy in Norfolk by 1820. He was in Richmond by 1822, when he designed an engine powered by carbonic acid. Residing by 1824 in Liverpool, England, Oxley later claimed to have been part of a  three‑person team that conceptualized plate photography without, however, creating a working model. His numerous published articles and monographs included two works on shorthand: Facilog‑ raphy, or a System of Easy, Expeditious Writing (London, 1810), and Expeditious Writing, or an new and easy system of Short Hand (London, 1818); and two others on the mathematics of astrology: The Celestial Planispheres, or Astronomical Charts (1830), and The Gem of the Astral Sciences, or Mathematics of Celestial Phi‑ losophy (1848). Oxley conducted a school in Liverpool and lectured in Manchester. In 1845 he received a British patent for an expanding screw propeller. Oxley died in London (City of Washington Gazette, 6 Feb. 1818; Boston Recorder, 17 Apr. 1819; American Commercial Beacon and Norfolk & Portsmouth Daily Advertiser,

16 May 1820; Mechanics’ Magazine, Mu‑ seum, Register, Journal, and Gazette 6 [1826]: 88–9; 30 [1839]: 329–30; 35 [1841]: 65–72; 44 [1846]: 161–3, 497– 501; Manchester Times and Gazette, 5 Feb. 1831; Liverpool Mercury, 2 Jan. 1829; UkNA: England census, Surrey, 1841, 1851 [age given as forty‑eight and sixty‑two, respectively]; Burial Register for South Metropolitan Cemetery, West Norwood, London, 9 Dec. 1851 [age given as sixty‑four]). Oxley’s american land clearing machine “for felling and trimming trees” was said to be “peculiarly adapted to removing stumps, from recently cleared land, by cutting them off smooth with the surface, upon which they stand. Trees can also be trimmed without climbing, to the height of 30 feet.” It could be operated by four men, four horses, or a steam engine, cut down trees as much as fifty times faster than usual at a third of the cost, and “cut up the roots and render the land immediately fit for the plough and seed” (American Commercial Beacon and Nor‑ folk & Portsmouth Daily Advertiser, 12 Dec. 1820; Providence [R.I.] Gazette, 13 June 1821). On 18 Apr. 1821 Oxley was awarded a patent for this machine after the United States Congress passed a special act authorizing the issuance of one to him even though he was not a citizen (JS, 10:91, 266, 267, 269 [3 Jan., 3 Mar. 1821]; List of Patents, 225).

To William Johnson Dear Sir Mo[n]ticello.1 Oct. 27.2 22. I have deferred my thanks for the copy of your Life of Genl Greene until I could have time to read it. this I have done, and with the greatest satisfaction; and can now more understandingly express the gratification it has afforded me. I really rejoice that we have at length a fair history of the Southern war. it proves how much we were left to defend ourselves as we could, while the resources of the Union were so disproportionately devoted to the North. I am glad too to see the Romance of Lee removed from the shelf of History to that of Fable. some small portion of the transactions he relates were within  96 

27 OCTOBER 1822

my own knolege; and of these I can say he has given more falsehood than fact; and I have heard many officers declare the same as to what had passed under their eyes. yet this book had begun to be quoted as history.   Greene was truly a great man. he had not perhaps all the qualities which so peculiarly rendered Genl Washington the fit­ test man on earth for directing so great a contest under so great diffi­ culties. difficulties proceeding not from luke‑warmness in our citizens or their functionaries, as our military leaders supposed; but from the pennyless3 condition of a people, totally shut out from all commerce & intercourse with the world, and therefore without any means of converting their labor into money. but Greene was second to no4 one in enterprise, in resource, in sound judgment, promptitude of decision, and every other military talent. in addition to the work you have given us, I look forward with anxiety to that you promise in the last paragraph of your book. Lee’s military fable you have put down. let not the insidious libel on the views of the Republican party, and on their regeneration of the government go down to posterity so hypocritically masked. I was myself too laboriously employed, while in office, and too old when I left it, to do justice to those who had labored so faithfully to arrest our course towards monarchy, and to secure the result of our revolutionary sufferings and sacrifices in a government, bottomed on the only safe basis, the elective will of the people. you are young enough for the task, and I hope you will undertake it. There is a subject respecting the practice of the court of which you are a member, which has long weighed on my mind, on which I have long thought I would write to you, and which I will take this opportunity of doing. it is in truth a delicate undertaking, & yet such is my opinion of your candor and devotedness to the Constitution, in it’s true spirit, that I am sure I shall meet your approbation in unbosoming myself to you. the subject of my uneasiness is the habitual mode of making up and delivering the opinions of the supreme court of the US. You know that from the earliest ages of the English law, from the date of the year‑books, at least, to the end of the IId George, the judges of England, in all but self‑evident cases, delivered their opinions seriatim, with the reasons and authorities which governed their decisions. if they sometimes consulted together, and gave a general opinion, it was so rarely as not to excite either alarm or notice. besides the light which their separate arguments threw on the subject, and the instruction communicated by their several modes of reasoning, it shewed whether the judges were unanimous or divided, and gave accordingly more or less weight to the judgment as a precedent. it sometimes happened too that when there were three opinions against  97 

27 OCTOBER 1822

one, the reasoning of the one was so much the most cogent as to become afterwards the law of the land. when Ld Mansfield came to the bench, he introduced the habit of caucusing opinions. the judges met at their chambers, or elsewhere, secluded from the presence of the public, and made up what was to be delivered as the opinion of the court. on the retirement of Mansfield, Ld Kenyon put an end to the practice, and the judges returned to that of seriatim opinions, and practice it habitually to this day, I believe. I am not acquainted with the late reporters, do not possess them, and state the fact from the information of others.   to come now to ourselves I know nothing of what is done in other states; but in this our great and good mr Pendleton was, after the revolution, placed at the head of the court of Appeals. he adored Ld Mansfield, & considered him as the greatest luminary of law that any age had ever produced, and he introduced into the court over which he presided, Mansfield’s practice of making up opinions in secret & delivering them as the Oracles of the court, in mass. Judge Roane, when he came to that bench, broke up the practice, refused to hatch judgments in Conclave, or to let others deliver opinions for him. at what time the seriatim opinions ceased in the supreme Court of the US. I am not informed. they continued I know to the end of the 3d Dallas in 1800. later than which I have no Reporter of that court. about that time the present C.J. came to the bench. whether he carried the practice of mr Pendleton to it, or who, or when I do not know; but I understand from others it is now the habit of the court, & I suppose it true from the cases sometimes reported in the newspapers, and others which I casually see, wherein I observe that the opinions were uniformly prepared in private. some of these cases too have been of such importance, of such difficulty, and the decisions5 so grating to a portion of the public, as to have merited the fullest explanation from every judge seriatim, of the reasons which had produced such convictions on his mind. it was interesting to the public to know whether these decisions were really unanimous, or might not perhaps be of 4. against 3. and consequently prevailing by the preponderance of one voice only. the Judges holding their offices for life, are under two responsibilities only. 1. Impeachment. 2. individual reputation. but this practice compleatly withdraws them from both. for nobody knows what opinion any individual member gave in any case, nor even that he who delivers the opinion, concurred in it himself. be the opinion therefore ever so impeachable having been done in the dark, it can be proved on no one. as to the 2d guarantee, personal reputation, it is shielded compleatly. the practice is certainly convenient for the lazy the modest & the incompetent. it saves them the  98 

27 OCTOBER 1822

trouble of developing their opinion methodically, and even of making up an opinion at all. that of seriatim argument shews whether every judge has taken the trouble of understanding the case, of investigating it minutely, and of forming an opinion for himself, instead of pinning it on another’s sleeve. it would certainly be right to abandon this practice in order to give to our citizens, one and all, that confidence in their judges which must be so desirable to the judges themselves, and so important to the cement of the union. during the administration of Genl Washington, and while E. Randolph was Attorney General, he was required by Congress to digest the judiciary laws into a single one, with such amendments as might be thought proper. he prepared a section requiring the Judges to give their opinions seriatim, in writing, to be recorded in a distinct volume. other business prevented this bill from being taken up, and it passed off. but such a volume would have been the best possible book of reports, and the better as unincumbered with the hired sophisms and perversions of Counsel. What do you think of the state of parties at this time? an opinion prevails that there is no longer any distinction; that the republicans & Federalists are compleatly amalgamated. but it is not so. the amalgamation is of name only, not of principle. all indeed call themselves by the name of Republicans, because that of Federalist was extinguishd in the battle of New Orleans. but the truth is that finding that monarchy is a desperate wish in this country, they rally to the point which they think next best, a consolidated government. their aim is now therefore to break down the rights reserved, by the constitution, to the states as a bulwark against that consolidation, the fear of which produced the whole of the opposition to the constitution at it’s birth. hence new republicans in Congress, preaching the doctrines of the old Federalists; and the new nick‑names of Ultras and Radicals. but I trust they will fail under the new, as the old name, and that the friends of the real constitution and union will prevail against consolidation, as they have done against monarchism. I scarcely know myself which is most to be deprecated, a consolidation, or dissolution of the states. the horrors of both are beyond the reach of human foresight. I have written you a long letter, and committed to you thoughts which I would do to few others. if I am right, you will approve them; if wrong, commiserate them as the dreams of a Superannuate about things from which he is to derive neither good nor harm. but you will still recieve them as a proof of my confidence in the rectitude of your mind and principles, of which I pray you to recieve entire assurance with that of my continued and great friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson  99 

27 OCTOBER 1822  PoC (DLC); at foot of first page: “Judge Johnson.” Enclosed in TJ to James Madison, 6 Jan. 1823, and Madison to TJ, 15 [Jan.] 1823. The romance of lee was Henry Lee (1756–1818), Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States (Philadelphia, 1812; Sowerby, no. 533). In the last paragraph of the final appendix of volume 2 of his Sketches of the Life and Correspondence of Nathanael Greene, Major General of the Armies of the United States, 2 vols. (Charleston, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 4 [no. 136]), Johnson spoke of one day publishing a discussion of the origin and evolution of the Republican party. For TJ the insidious libel was best exemplified by Marshall, Life of George Washington. The year‑books are collected reports of English legal cases ranging primarily from the reign of Edward I to that of Henry VIII (Black’s Law Dictionary). As chief justice (c.j.), John Marshall ended the practice of delivering seriatim

opinions when he took his seat on the United States Supreme Court in 1801 (Marshall, Papers, 6:70). attorney general Edmund Randolph proposed on 27 Dec. 1790 that each Supreme Court justice give his individual opinion and reasons in open court (Maeva Marcus and others, eds., The Documentary History of the Supreme Court of the United States, 1789–1800 [1985–2007], 4:122–7, 153; TJ to Thomas Ritchie, 25 Dec. 1820, and note). American forces defeated the British in the battle of new orleans on 8 Jan. 1815, before news of the 24 Dec. 1814 Treaty of Ghent ending the War of 1812 reached the combatants. A previous letter from TJ to Johnson of 21 Oct. 1822, not found, is recorded in SJL. 1  Word partially obscured due to polygraph misalignment. 2  Reworked from “21.” 3  TJ here canceled “situation.” 4  TJ here canceled “man.” 5  Manuscript: “decsions.”

From Nelson Barksdale Dear Sir 28th Octo 1822 Mr Brokenbrough & my self wishing to Settle & close all my acct with the Central College & university think it would be expedient to Settle for my services as proctor (for the last 18 mts of Service) which has not been done we are not of an opinion as to the Value of Sirvices therefore must appeal to you for some instructions on the Subject my Idea was that I was to be paid a Reasonable Salery for Such Services as was requird. for the first year I agreed to settle at 200$ as the Institution was poor not intending that to be a fixd Sallery for the future my calculation was that the Services at the University & collection &c should be considerable more you will please drop me a line on the Subject. & your opinion will be Intireely Satisfacton from yours very respectfully Nelson Barksdale RC (CSmH: JF); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received the day it was written and so recorded in SJL.

 100 

To Lafayette

Monticello Oct. 28. 22.

I will not, my dear friend, undertake to quote by their dates the several letters you have written me. they have been proofs of your continued friendship to me, and my silence is no evidence of any abatement of mine to you. that can never be while I have breath and recollections so dear to me. among the few survivors of our revolutionary struggles, you are as distinguished in my affections, as in the eyes of the world, & especially in those of this country. you are now, I believe, the Doyen of our military heroes; & may I not say, of the soldiers of liberty in the world? we differ in this. my race is run; while you have three good lustres yet to reach my time; & these may give you much to do. weighed down with years, I am still more disabled from writing by a wrist & fingers almost without joints. this has obliged me to withdraw from all correspondence that is not indispensable. I have written, for a long time, to none of my foreign friends, because I am really unable to do it. I owe them therefore apologies, or rather truths. will you be my advocate with those who complain and especially with mr Tracy, who I hope is in the recovery of health, & enabled to continue his invaluable labors. On the affairs of your hemisphere I have two reasons for saying little. the one that I know little of them: the other that, having thought alike thro’ our lives, my sentiments, if intercepted, might be imputed to you, as reflections of your own. I will hazard therefore but the single expression of assurance that this general insurrection of the world against it’s tyrants will ultimately prevail by pointing the object of government to the happiness of the people and not merely to that of their self‑constituted governors.   on our affairs little can be expected from an Octogenary, retired within the recesses of the mountains, going nowhere, seeing nobody but in his own house, & reading a single newspaper only, & that chiefly for the sake of the advertisements. I dare say you see & read as many of them as I do. you will have seen how prematurely they have begun to agitate us with the next presidential election. many candidates are named: but they will be reduced to two, Adams & Crawford. party principles, as heretofore will have their weight. but the papers tell you there are no parties now. republicans and federalists forsooth are all amalgamated. this, my friend, is not so. the same parties exist now which existed before. but the name of Federalist was extinguished in the battle of New Orleans; and those who wore it now call themselves republicans. like the fox pursued by the dogs, they take shelter in the midst of the sheep.  101 

28 OCTOBER 1822

they see that monarchism is a hopeless wish in this country, and are rallying anew to the next best point, a consolidated government. they are therefore endeavoring to break down the barriers of the state rights, provided by the constitution against a consolidation. hence you will see in the debates of Congress these new republicans maintaining the most ultra doctrines of the old federalists. this new metamorphosis is the only clue which will enable you to understand these strange appearances. they will become more prominent in the ensuing discussions. one candidate is supposed to be a consolidationist, the other a republican of the old school, a friend to the constitutional organisation of the government, and believing that the strength of the members can alone give real strength to the body. and this is the sentiment of the nation, and will probably prevail if the principle of the Missouri question should not mingle itself with those of the election. should it do so, all will be uncertain. this uncertainty however gives me no uneasiness. both are able men, both honest men, and whatever be the bias, the good sense of our people will direct the bowl ultimately to it’s proper point. I learn with great pleasure that you enjoy good health. mine is also good, altho’ I am very weak. I cannot walk further than my garden without fatigue. but I am still able to ride on horseback, and it is my only exercise. that your life may be continued in health and happiness to the term of your own wishes is the fervent prayer of your constant and affectionate friend. Th: Jefferson RC (NNPM); addressed: “M. le General de la Fayette à Paris.” PoC (DLC); on a reused address cover to TJ, probably from Bernard Peyton; mutilated at seal; endorsed by TJ. Recorded in SJL with additional notation: “by office of state.” Enclosed in TJ to Albert Gallatin, 29 Oct.

1822, and TJ to Daniel Brent, 31 Oct. 1822. John Quincy Adams was the consolidationist, and William H. Crawford the republican of the old school.

Receipt from Arthur S. Brockenbrough Recd of Mr Jefferson seventeen dollars 70 cents for a keg of Nails, Waggonage & a parcel Nails by Mr Brooks A. S. Brockenbrough P—  Oct 29h 1822 MS (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39789– 91); written in Brockenbrough’s hand on a small slip; endorsed by TJ, with his notation: “17.70.”

Filed with this receipt are two related, undated documents entirely in Brockenbrough’s hand. The first is on a narrow slip (with portion of unrelated document

 102 

29 OCTOBER 1822 “9½lb

on verso) noting Nails for Mr Jeffer­ son.” The second, also on a narrow slip with a printed ornamental header (one word illegible), reads “Cts 1 Keg Nails 139[lb]11–  15.29    Keg 25 25 $15.54   Waggonage 1.11¾ $16.65¼,”

with Brockenbrough’s endorsement on verso: “Bill of Nails for Mr Jefferson.” In his financial records for 29 Oct. 1822, TJ noted that he had paid Brockenbrough seventeen dollars 70 cents for “3d nails” (MB, 2:1390). p—: “Proctor.”

From Henry A. S. Dearborn, with Jefferson’s Note Respected Sir, Custom House Boston Octo 29. 1822.— I have this day put your wine &c. on board the Brig Richmond & written to B. Peyton Esqr to take charge of them, in Richmond. The expense is as follows. Duties on Macaroni. 0.83    " " oil & anchovies 5.35    " " wine 32.70    " " Bottles 5.24 Custom House fees 40 44.52 Freight from France 24.09 wharfage & landing 1.04 shipping &c. 1.04 Trucking 3.24 Dollars. = 73.93 I have paid the above‑named sums. With the highest respect Your most Obt. St. H, A, S, Dearborn [TJ’s note at foot of text:] D prime cost 180 charges 75 180 : 75 :: 100 : 750 18  41.7 prime cost 180. duties 45 180 : 45 :: 100 : 450 = 25 18  103 

29 OCTOBER 1822  RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to William Barret, 4 Aug. 1823, on

verso; addressed: “For Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello. Virginia”; stamp canceled; postmarked Boston, 29 Oct.

To Albert Gallatin Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 29. 22. After a long silence I salute you with affection. the weight of 80. years pressing heavily on me, with a wrist & fingers almost without joints, I write as little as possible, because I do it with pain and labor. I retain however still the same affection for my friends, and especially for my antient colleagues, which I ever did, and the same wishes for their happiness. your treaty has been recieved here with universal gladness. it was indeed a strange quarrel. like that of two pouting lovers, and a pimp filching both. it was nuts for England. when I liken them to lovers, I speak of the people, not of their governments. of the cordial love of one of these, the Holy alliance may know more than I do. I will confine my self to our own affairs. you have seen in our papers how prematurely they are agitating the question of the next President. this proceeds from some uneasiness at the present state of things. there is considerable dissatisfaction with the increase of the public expences, and especially with the necessity of borrowing money in time of peace. this was much arraigned at the last session of Congress, & will be more so at the next. the misfortune is that the persons most looked to as successors in the government, are of the President’s Cabinet; & their partisans in Congress are making a handle of these things to help or hurt those for or against whom they are. the candidates, ins and outs, seem at present to be many; but they will be reduced to two, a Northern & Southern one, as usual. to judge of the event, the state of parties must be understood. you are told indeed that there are no longer parties among us. that they are all now amalgamated. the lion & the lamb lie down together in peace. do not believe a word of it. the same parties exist now as ever did. no longer indeed under the name of Republicans and Federalists. the latter name was extinguished in the battle of Orleans. those who wore it finding monarchism a desperate wish in this country, are rallying to what they deem the next best point, a consolidated government. altho’ this is not yet avowed (as that of monarchism, you know, never was) it exists decidedly, & is the true key to the debates in Congress, wherein you see many, calling themselves republicans, and preaching the rank 104 

29 OCTOBER 1822

est doctrines of the old federalists. one of the prominent candidates is presumed to be of this party; the other a republican of the old school, and a friend to the barrier of State rights, as provided by the constitution against the danger of consolidation, which danger was the principal ground of opposition to it at it’s birth. Pensylvania & N. York will decide this question. if the Missouri principle mixes itself in the question, it will go one way; if not, it may go the other. among the smaller motives, hereditary fears may alarm on one side, & the long line of local nativities on the other. in this division of parties the judges are true to their antient vocation of sappers and miners. Our University of Virginia, my present hobby, has been at a stand for a twelve month past, for want of funds. our last legislature refused every thing. the late elections give better hopes of the next. the in­ stitution is so far advanced that it will force itself through. so little is now wanting that the first liberal legislature will give it it’s last lift. the buildings are in a style of purely classical architecture, and, altho’ not yet finished, are become an object of visit to all strangers. our intention is that it’s professors shall be of the first order in their respective lines which can be procured on either side of the Atlantic. sameness of language will probably direct our applications chiefly to Edinburgh. I place some letters under the protection of your cover. you will be so good as to judge whether1 that addressed to Lodi will go more safely thro’ the public mail, or by any of the diplomatic couriers, liable to the curiosity & carelessness of public offices. Accept the assurances of my constant and affectionate friendship & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (NHi: Gallatin Papers); addressed: “His Excellency Albert Gallatin Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipoty of the US. of America at Paris”; endorsed by Gallatin. PoC (DLC); on reused address cover of Hugh Mercer to TJ, 7 Aug. 1821; endorsed by TJ. Enclosures: (1) TJ to Maria Cosway, 24 Oct. 1822. (2) TJ to Lafayette, 28 Oct. 1822. (3) TJ to David Bailie Warden, 30 Oct. 1822. Enclosed in TJ to Daniel Brent, 31 Oct. 1822. Representatives of the United States and France signed a treaty of navigation and commerce on 24 June 1822 in Washington, D.C. (Miller, Treaties, 3:77–90).

John C. Calhoun, William H. Crawford, and John Quincy Adams, all members of the president’s cabinet, were potential presidential candidates. TJ’s biblical allusion to the lion & the lamb references Isaiah 11.6. Adams was presumed to be of the Federalist party, while Crawford was a republican of the old school. Adams raised hereditary fears as the son of former president John Adams. Crawford, a native Virginian, would have been next in a long line of presidents from that state. 1  Preceding four words separately reworked in RC and PoC.

 105 

From Patrick Gibson Dear Sir Richmond 29th Octr 1822 After the kindness you have shown to me in behalf of my Son Alexander, I am apprehensive I shall be consider’d as trespassing by another application to you on my own Account. but my situation compels me to put your goodness to another trial—The Office of Agent to the Penetintiary Store has become vacant, the appointment of a successor is to take place next Friday by the Governor and Council, may I beg the favor you will state in any manner you may think proper the length of time you have known me, and as far as your own knowledge extends, or what you may have learnt from others, my competency to transact business &c &c,—I regret that I was not sooner informd of the vacancy as the time is So short but my Son Henry who is the bearer hereof insists1 that he can easily accomplish it Permit me the liberty of introducing him to your acquaintance and accept the assurance of my sincere respect & esteem. Patrick Gibson RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 30 Oct. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Henry Gibson (1802–43), attorney, was a son of Patrick Gibson, TJ’s business agent in Richmond and frequent correspondent. By 1825 the younger Gibson owned real estate in Richmond valued at $4,800, including a store, office, and house. In 1835 he was serving as clerk of the United States district and circuit courts for eastern Virginia, a position he held until his death. Gibson owned nine slaves in 1830 and twelve a decade later. He died in Richmond (Vi: Gibson Family Papers; Patrick Gibson to TJ, 17 Jan. 1823; Vi: Mutual Assurance Society, Declarations, esp. no. 5435; DNA: RG 29, CS, Richmond City, 1830, Henrico Co., 1840; JHR,

29:53, 37:340 [16 Dec. 1835, 9 Feb. 1842]; Richmond Daily Whig, 6 June 1843). According to “An act to amend an act, entitled, ‘an act to reduce into one act the several acts, and parts of acts, for establishing a penitentiary‑house, and for the punishment of crimes,’” the office of agent to the penetintiary store was to be filled annually by election on a joint ballot of the General Assembly, or in cases of removal, by gubernatorial appointment. Governor Thomas Mann Randolph gave Thomas Nelson the position on 1 Nov. 1822 following the removal of Matthew H. Rice (Acts of Assembly [1820– 21 sess.], 17 [6 Mar. 1821]; JHD [1822–23 sess.], 17 [5 Dec. 1822]). 1 Manuscript:

“insits.”

From Charles Willson Peale Dear Sir Philadelphia Octr 29. 1822. d Your favor of the 22 instant I recieved yesterday, and devolving in my mind what I could best do to serve you, determined to take the springs from my traveling Poligraph, made of Brass wire, which perhaps are better than those made of Silver, unless the silver should have considerable of alloy, and the wire drawn very hard. I believe I  106 

29 OCTOBER 1822

have some of the Wire left of which your springs are made, perhaps sufficient to make a sett for your Poligraph, which I promise myself to do as soon as I can make the apparatus for winding the wire, as in the revolution of things in the Stadt‑house; the work‑shop pulled down to please some discontented members of the Corporation (I should not blame more than two of that body, at least all the others appeared friendly to my labours) all my tools are scattered and many lost. so much for being under obligations to public Bodies, but I forbear to trouble you with my complaints and suffering—The Elastic‑Gum hardens with the change of weather, but what is worse it becomes very hard by age, other wise it might be cut into a long string by circular cut of an Elastic bottle. The brass wire springs will last a great length of time provided no crease touch it. If by accident the springs are stretched too long, by giving the whole band a turn or two the evil is remedied, but why should I be thus particular to a gentleman of your mechanical resourses, it’s1 unnecessary.   I am rejoised to hear of your good health, I remember that when you gave me your Pedometer, you told me that you should not use it, on account of a complaint of your2 hip. I am a poor Phisician, yet I want no aid of medical men; I trust to the aid of nature, giving her fair play, to cure every evil happening to me. I must tell you that for the good use of my limbs I make it my constant practice to rub all my mustles togather with all my strength, not with a Brush, but with my hands. this I concieve removes all obstructions. for the purpose I take this exercise Naked. and I am at this moment as active as ever I have been when younger,—I never miss a meal, but eat only what I concieve is best to promote good health.   My Eye sight is improving. I paint without spectacles—but my hearing is bad, perhaps injured by some of my experiments to get relief. although I loose some enjoyments, yet I need not hear any thing disagreable. Having obtained an act of Incorparation of the Museum my mind is releaved about the disposal of it at my decease. it can not be divided, but the profits of Income I can give to my Children as I please—All of them are Married, I board at present with my youngest Son, Titian. And my Son Rubens having purchased Rembrandts Museum at Baltimore, the Management of the Philada Museum (such I have named it) devolves on me, and I have taken the aid of my Sons Franklin & Titian to make it deserving of public favor. The Trustee’s of the Museum having requested me to paint a whole length Portrait of myself to be placed in the Museum, I have made the design as I have conceived appropriate. with my right hand I raise a Curtain to show the subjects of Natural history arranged in  107 

29 OCTOBER 1822

the long Room of the Stadt‑house—Standing at the east end of the room, the range of birds westward in their classical arrangement, The Portraits of the revolutionary characters over them. My Pallet & pencils on a table behind me. As the bones of the Mammoth first gave the Idea of a Museum, I have placed a number of them on the floor by the Table, and instead of the Mineral Casses on the North side of the Room I have given a faint Idea of the Skeleton of the Mammoth, beyond it quadrupieds—A large wild Turkey (dead) laying on a tool box, with an open drawer showing preserving tools, this in3 the foreground, the bones & this in my best finish, at the further end of the room is a figure with folded arms in meditation. nearer is a gentleman instructing his Son, who holds a book, still nearer is a quaker lady in asstonishment, looking at the Mammoth Skeleton; with up lifted hands. The light I have choosen for my Portrait is novel, and before I made a beginning of the large picture, I made a tryal on a small canvis to know if I could make the likeness sufficiently striking.4 My back is towards the light, so that there is no direct light except on my bald‑pate, the whole face5 being in a reflected light. you may readily conceive that it required a considerable knowledge of middle tincts to make a striking likeness—and whether it is Novelty of this mode of Portrait painting that captivates the Connoisours of the Art, but so it is, that I have great encomions on the work. from Artists as well as others. The springs I have enclosed with the hope that they will relieve your rist of its burden—and let me add that I shall ever be happy to assist you by any thing I can do to make you comfortable, as I well know that you freely give your labours for the benifit of Mankind— believe me with very great respect your friend C W Peale RC (DLC); ink stained and torn at seal, with missing text supplied from PoC; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Virginia”; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. PoC (PPAmP: Peale Letterbook). TJ’s letter to Peale of the 22d instant was actually dated 23 Oct. 1822. stadt‑house: “city hall,” the Pennsylvania State House (later known as Independence Hall). Peale’s difficult negotiations with the Philadelphia corporation centered on structural changes he had made in his museum there and its rental cost (Peale, Papers, 4:6–7).

During his years in Paris, TJ acquired more than one pedometer, giving one to James Madison and keeping another that he used to measure his own stride and walking pace (PTJ, 11:483, 484n; MB, 1:630). The date that TJ gave this pedometer to Peale is unknown. On 1 Feb. 1821 Peale obtained an act of incorparation from the Pennsylvania legislature for the Philadelphia Museum Company (Peale, Papers, 4:1–2). Images of Peale’s whole length portrait, The Artist in His Museum (1822), and his preliminary tryal on a small canvis for this painting are reproduced elsewhere in this volume.

 108 

29 OCTOBER 1822  1 Manuscript:

 4 Manuscript: “stricking.” 5 Word interlined.

“i’ts.” “you.” 3 Manuscript: “in on.” 2 Manuscript:

From Stackelberg Monsieur le President! Washington le 29. Octobre 1822. Je m’empress d’accuser1 la reception de la lettre que Vous, Monsieur le President, a bien daigné m’adresser en date du 23m courant, relativement aux informations que vous avez bien voulu me demander consernant le Pere & fils Runnells de L’Isle St: Barthelemy. J’ai l’avantage de connoitre Monsieur Runnells le Pere; très particulierement, et il me fait un plaisir infini d’avoir l’honneur d’assurer qu’il est un homme de la plus grande respectabilité, et de talent, dont vous, Monsieur le President, jugeres beaucoup mieux que moi, par la lettre qu’il a eu l’honneur de vous écrire. Son fils qui étoit fort jeune pendant mon sejour a St. Barthelemy, donnoit les plus belles espe­ rances, et j’ai tout lieu de croire qu’il se rendra digne de la haute protection que son Pere a supplie pour lui. Daigné me permettre, Monsieur le President, d’exprimer combien je me trouve heureux d’avoir l’honneur de vous temoigner mes très humble homages, et l’assurance de la très haute consideration, avec laquelle, j’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur le President Votre très humble et très Obeissant Serviteur Stackelberg e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

Mr. President! Washington 29. October 1822. I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of the letter that you, Mr. President, deigned to send me, dated the 23rd of this month, kindly requesting information from me concerning the Runnels, father and son, from the island of Saint‑Barthélemy. I have the advantage of knowing the elder Mr. Runnels particularly well, and it gives me infinite pleasure to have the honor of assuring you that he is a man of great respectability and talent, of whom, Mr. President, you will judge much better than I, by the letter he had the honor of writing you. His son, who was quite young at the time of my stay in Saint‑Barthélemy, was full of promise, and I have every reason to believe that he will prove himself worthy of the high protection his father has entreated for him. Deign to allow me, Mr. President, to express how happy I am to have the honor of testifying to you my very humble respect, and the assurance of the very high consideration with which, I have the honor to be

 109 

29 OCTOBER 1822  Mr. President Your very humble and very obedient servant RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); endorsed by TJ as received 2 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with FC of TJ to John Minor, 9 Jan. 1825, on verso; addressed: “Th. Jeffer­ son. Ci‑devant President des Etats Unis

Stackelberg

& & &. Monticello”; franked; postmarked Washington, 30 Oct. Translation by Dr. Genevieve Moene. 1 Manuscript:

“d’accusser.”

To William Barret Sir Monticello Oct. 30. 22. At the date of my letter of the last month I thought I could not be surer of any thing than that I could within a few days remit you 750.D. I had the flour waiting in my mill for a shower only to enable boats to go down. yet so obstinate has been the drought that it was not till the day before yesterday that a fortunate rain enabled me to send off some boat loads, the sale of which will enable Colo Peyton to pay you 750.D. which I have requested him to do as soon as he could make sale of it. I mentioned to him that I should request you to call on him for that sum out of the proceeds, which be pleased to do, and to accept the assurance of my great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; at foot of text: “Mr Wm Barrett”; endorsed by TJ.

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 30. 22. My former shipments of flour were 33. & 50. barrels and by a waggon 10. a fortunate rain enabled me to ship the day before yesterday 235. more. altho this may1 not place enough in your hands to pay mr Barret 750.D. yet I must pray you to do it as soon as the flour is sold. I do not draw an order, but I write to inform him that you will do it as soon as my flour is sold, and he will call on you accordingly. I must be in your debt, until mr T. E. Randolph can send you his arrearages to me which will be between this and Christmas 250. Barrels more. ever and affectionately yours Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Peyton to TJ, 6 Aug. 1821; at foot of text: “Colo Peyton”; endorsed by TJ.

1 Word

 110 

interlined in place of “does.”

To David Bailie Warden

Monticello Oct. 30. 22.

I have recieved your letters,1 dear Sir, at different times with pamphlets and other favors without specific acknolegements. not that I have not been duly sensible and thankful for these kind attentions, but that I am become all but unable to write. besides the weight of 80. years pressing heavily on me, a wrist & fingers which have nearly lost their joints render writing so slow & painful that I have been obliged to withdraw from all correspondence but the most indispensable. it is therefore long since I have written to my European friends, to whom I owe apologies: and if you will be my apologist to any who may complain it will be an additional favor. I need say nothing to you about the affairs of Europe, such as the holy alliance, the suffering Greeks Etc. of whom you know so much more than I do. and really you know as much of ours as I do, retired as I am in the mountains, going nowhere, & scarcely reading a newspaper. these vehicles of every thing good and bad begin already to agitate us about the next president. it seems we have some dozens of characters fit for that office. I am glad we are so rich, altho I shall not live to see it’s proof.   our Spanish neighbors have established their independance beyond the reach of the mother country, & even of the Holy alliance, it’s secret as well as avowed members. I wished them success because they wished it themselves; but I fear they have much to suffer until a better educated generation comes on the stage, one formed to the habits of self government.2 they have already begun to disgrace our hemisphere with emperors and kings, and will, I fear, fall under petty military despotisms.   Our age will present two remarkable contrasts in history: the birth of political liberty, & death of political morality. for certainly the modern sovereigns, from Bona­ parte & the holy alliance to George IV. and Castlereagh, are rival Scelerats to the successors of Alexander and of the Borgias.   Our University of Virginia is nearly finished. the style of the buildings is purely classical and we shall endeavor, with the aid of both sides of the Atlantic to make it by it’s Professors, more than rival any other establishment of the US.   my aching hand refuses to follow me in this ramble further than to assure you of my great attachment & respect and of my best wishes for your health and happiness. Th: Jefferson RC (MdHi: Warden Papers); addressed: “Mr David B. Warden Paris.” PoC (DLC); on reused address cover of

Thomas Mann Randolph to TJ, 30 July 1821; torn at seal; endorsed by TJ. Recorded in SJL with additional notation:

 111 

30 OCTOBER 1822 “thro off. state & Gallatin.” Enclosed in TJ to Albert Gallatin, 29 Oct. 1822, and TJ to Daniel Brent, 31 Oct. 1822. scelerats: a scelerate is “An atrociously wicked person, a villain, wretch” (OED). 1 Reworked

from “letter.”

 2 In PoC TJ here interlined “non enim ex quovis ligno Mercurius fingitur” (“for it is not from every tree a Mercury is to be fashioned”), a version of the variously attributed Latin proverb, “Ex quovis ligno non fit Mercurius” (“A Mercury is not to be carved out of every wood”) (David Evans Macdonnel, A Dictionary of Quota‑ tions, in most frequent use [London, 1811]).

To Daniel Brent Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 31. 22. I avail myself as usual of your kindness, by asking a transmission of the inclosed letter to mr Gallatin by the first safe conveyance, with your official dispatches to him, and am glad of every opportunity of renewing to you the assurances of my continued esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of William Wallace to TJ, 16 Aug. 1821; at foot of text: “Daniel Brent esq.”; endorsed by TJ. Recorded in SJL with

additional bracketed notation: “inclosing lres to Cosway, Fayette, Warden Gallat.” Enclosure: TJ to Albert Gallatin, 29 Oct. 1822, and enclosures.

To Henry Dearborn Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 31. 22. Your letter of Aug. 31. dated so soon after your departure gave me hopes that the sufferings at sea of mrs Dearborne and yourself, if any, had been short. I hope you will both find Lisbon a pleasant residence. I have heard so much of it’s climate that I suppose that alone will go far towards making it so; and should the want of the language of the country lessen the enjoyment of it’s society, this will be considerably supplied by the numbers you will find there who speak your own language. take into the account also that you will escape the two years agitation just commencing with us. even before you had left us our newspapers had already begun to excite the question of the next president. they are advancing fast into it. many candidates are named, but they will settle down, as is believed, to Adams & Crawford. if the Missouri principle should mingle itself with the party divisions the result will be very doubtful. for altho’ it is pretended there are no longer any parties among us, that all are amalgamated, yet the fact is that the same parties exist now that ever existed; not indeed under the old  112 

31 OCTOBER 1822

names of Republicans and Federalists. the Hartford Convention and battle of New Orleans extinguished the latter name. all now call themselves republicans, as the fox when pursued by dogs takes shelter in the midst of the sheep. finding monarchy desperate here, they rally to their next hope, a consolidated government; and altho’ they do not avow it (as they never did monarchism) yet it is manifestly their next object. hence you see so many of these new republicans maintaining in Congress the rankest doctrines of the old federalists. the judges aid in their old way as sappers and miners. one of the candidates is supposed to be a Consolidationist, the other for maintaining the barrier of state rights as provided by the constitution against the fear of Consolidation. Our Virginia University is now my sole occupation. it is within sight of Monticello, and the buildings nearly finished; and we shall endeavor, by the best Professors either side of the Atlantic can furnish to make it worthy of the public notice. strange as the idea may seem, I sincerely think that the prominent characters of the country where you are could not better prepare their sons for the duties they will have to perform in their new government than by sending them here where they might become familiarised with the habits and practice of self‑government. this lesson is scarcely to be acquired but in1 this country, & yet without it, the political vessel is all sail and no ballast. I have a friend, of Portugal, in whose welfare I feel great interest; but whether now there, or where, I know not. it is the Abbé Correa who past some years in the US. and was a part of the time the Minister of Portugal at Washington. he left it under an appointment to the cabinet‑council of Rio Janeiro,2 taking his passage thither by the way of England. while at London or Paris he would have heard that the king & court had returned to Lisbon; and what he did next is unknown here. he writes to none of his friends, & yet there is no one on whose behalf his friends feel a more lively solicitude, or wish more to hear of or from. if at Lisbon, and it should ever fall in your way to render him a service or kindness, I should consider it as more than if done to myself. if things go unfavorably to him there, he would be recieved with joy into our University, and would certainly find it a comfortable & lucrative retirement. should he be in Lisbon, be so good as to say so to him. say to mrs Dearborne also how much she possesses the affection & respect of the whole family at Monticello, and accept for yourself the assurance of my constant friendship & respect. Th: Jefferson  113 

31 OCTOBER 1822  RC (MeHi); addressed: “His Excellency General Henry Dearborne Envoy extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America at Lisbon”; endorsed by Dearborn as received 1 Feb. 1823, with his additional notations (at head of text): “No. 13” and (on address leaf): “Correa Da Serra.” PoC (DLC); on reused address cover of Andrew Smith to TJ, 31 July 1821; damaged at seal; endorsed by TJ. Enclosed in

TJ to Henry A. S. Dearborn, 31 Oct. 1822. TJ regarded John Quincy Adams as a consolidationist and William H. Crawford as a defender of state rights. 1 Reworked

from “acquired in any.”

2 Preceding two words interlined in place

of “Buenos Ayres.”

To Henry A. S. Dearborn Dear Sir Monticello Oct. 31. 22. I have just recieved your favor of the 17th informing me of the arrival of my stores from Marseilles & that you will be so kind as to ship them by the first vessel to Colo Bernard Peyton my correspondent at Richmond. to this favor be pleased to add that of forwarding me by mail a note of the duties, freight and other charges which shall be immediately remitted to you. Presuming you must have the best opportunities of communication with your father at Lisbon, I take the liberty of requesting you to give conveyance to the inclosed letter to him and pray you to accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (Stephen Phillips Jr., Salem, Mass., 1961); addressed: “Henry A. S. Dearborne esq. Boston”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 2 Nov.; endorsed by Dearborn, in part: “Articles received from France to be sent to Richmond &c.” PoC (DLC); on verso of a reused address

cover to TJ, probably from Bernard Peyton; endorsed by TJ. Recorded in SJL with additional bracketed notation: “inclosing the preceding,” a reference to the enclosure, TJ to Henry Dearborn, 31 Oct. 1822.

From Francis Eppes My Dr GrandFather Millbrook octbr 31. 22. I have been waiting several weeks to hear of your leaving monticello for Bedford intending to meet you there, but as the trip seems protracted and I know not the reason, or how long it may continue, I have determined to write, not to redeem my credit as a regular correspondent (for that I fear is past redemption!) but to assure you of my constant and lively affection. I would have written sooner but the interruptions to which I have been almost continually exposed strait 114 

31 OCTOBER 1822

ened my time exceedingly and caused me to hope, that in consideration of this circumstance, and that of my writing occasionally to my cousins, you would be disposed to indulgence.—To the plan which you advised me to pursue, there is an obstacle of which I myself am just apprised. on coming to an explanation with my Father I find that he does not intend (and indeed he says it is out of his power) to afford me any pecuniary aid in settling my plantation. I shall therefore be compelled to go in debt for Horses, farming utensils, corn, meat, and every necessary expence immediately. these at a moderate calculation will take 12, perhaps $1400; and as the expence of House keeping will add only a hundred more, or at least something trifling in comparison to this, will it not be better as my interest must be promoted by personal attention, to incur that likewise. with good security which I can give, the money may perhaps be obtained in Richmond on condition of its being returned in two years, one half the principal with interest the first, the remainder the next.—Besides this, there is one other shift. my Father proposes that I shall join hands & work a plantation of his in Cumberland sharing the profits in proportion to the force of each. this would free me it is true from present expence, but reckoning on good prices, will yield only $800 which will not come to hand till april twelvemonth, besides the loss of labour in clearing anothers land while my own is lying idle, or yielding little profit. these are the circumstances to which I am reduced; & the different considerations which attend on either step appearing equally advantageous have brought me nearly to a stand. In this dilemma I apply to your better judgement & experience, & am determined to be guided by your advice. My Father had a severe attack on his journey, but in consequence of not being bled as the Physicians say, recovered speedily. he returned in much better health than when he left us and with his memory considerably improved. He is at present in Amelia, but expected back tomorrow. I obtained from Col. Burton the addresses of several gentlemen who make the Carolina wine. He was much opposed to giving the information being willing & indeed anxious to procure it for you, but upon my insisting told me that Thomas Cox & co. Commission Merchants Plymouth, would be more likely to please than any others. the makers of the wine are persons in easy circumstances, who do not care to oblige, generally keeping the best for themselves. it was from Cox that your last & (I believe) my Fathers which you admired, were obtained. In case however, that you might still prefer the wine makers themselves, he informed me that Ebinezer Pettigrew P.O. Edenton, & George E. Spruel P.O. Plymouth make the best. the former will not always sell being very wealthy, the latter  115 

31 OCTOBER 1822

is not in as good circumstances, and owns the famous vine covering an acre of ground. Col. B. informed us that the vine does not grow from the slip, which accounts for the failure of yours.— If you can conveniently, I wish you would answer this as soon as it comes to hand. I am compelled to go down to Richmond on the 17th of novbr at fartherest, which will leave me two mails, the 14th & 16th— My time since I saw you, which, I know you care most about, has been as well employed as circumstances would allow. I am just making up my mind to attack my Lord Cokes master peice, the chapter on Warranty which from all accounts will be a good winters campaign! My warmest love to yourself, Aunt Randolph, & family [.  .  .] affectionately yours Frans Eppes. RC (ViU: TJP‑ER); mutilated at seal; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq. Char­ lotteville P.O. Albemarle”; stamped; postmarked Raines Tavern, 3 Nov.; endorsed by TJ as received 11 Nov. 1822 and mistakenly recorded in SJL as a letter written to Eppes on that date. TJ recommended a plan of study for Eppes in a letter of 9 Apr. 1822. carolina wine: scuppernong wine. Martha Jefferson Randolph (aunt randolph) wrote to Nicholas P. Trist from Tufton on 22 Nov. 1822 regarding Eppes’s upcoming marriage and living arrangements: “in a few days the 28th I believe the marriage will take place. My father will give him immediate possession of the house at Poplar forest with 1000 acres of land, and his father will stock the plantation for [.  .  .] he has a right to $10,000 more of his mother’s property but whether

[.   .   .] will retain it during his life, or what additions he will make [.  .  .] own I can not say. with good mannagement they may do very well but on a slave estate more than with any other kind of property on earth ‘riches make unto them selves wings where with to fly away’ but no croaking. God send them all the prosperity and happiness they deserve and such is my opinion of their merit that the ambition of a parent could add nothing to it” (RC in NcU: NPT; torn at seal). The biblical quote about riches is from Proverbs 23.5. At the wedding of Eppes and Mary Elizabeth Randolph, which took place 28 Nov. 1822, Cornelia J. Randolph, Harriet F. Randolph (Willis), and Virginia J. Randoph (Trist) created an apparently un­ intentional stir by wearing black frocks (Randolph [Trist] to Nicholas P. Trist, 4 Feb. 1823 [RC in DLC: NPT]).

From John Vaughan Dr sir Philad: Oct. 31. 1822 I have recd a letter from Dodge & Oxnard of 24 Augt acknowledging receipt of the Bill on Paris for 960 Fs. Our friend Mrs Wistar has been & is much distressed on accot of her Son, who has a desire to enter into the Navy, which no reasoning can overcome—It is against the principles of her Society, but such being his predilection & Steady determination—she not only assents, but warmly desires it, to prevent worse—He is estranged from His Studies by his anxiety to adopt this plan—Can you my Dear Sir So  116 

OCTOBER 1822

long & uniformly the friend of this family assist in any way or point out the manner in which the object may be accomplishe[d.] The Ladies cannot manage a Young man of ardent mind, & I forsee much distress to them & very great risk as to him if we cannot succeed. I remain D sir Your friend &ca Jn Vaughan We are about printing another Vol of Trans. I shall take the liberty of putting down your name for a copy—will you want more—are you in want of any of Prior Volumes—1 a 6 old Ser New Series 1. Vol RC (MHi); edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Samuel Garland, 4 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed (with editorial corrections from “Thonas” and “Monticllo”): “Thomas Jefferson Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Philadelphia, 1 Nov.

Elizabeth Mifflin Wistar adhered to the pacifist principles of the Quakers (the society of Friends) (gravestone in Friends Southwestern Burial Ground, Upper Darby, Pa.). trans: Transactions of the Historical & Literary Committee of the American Philosophical Society (1819; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 7 [no. 343]).

From William C. Preston Sir. Abingdon1 october 1822 I take the liberty of sending you herewith—a news‑paper containing a defence of Genl Wm Campbell against imputations which have recently been made upon his revolutionary services, I am emboldened to do this, by the beleif that you have a distinct recollection of the event to which the discussion refers—and that you will take some interest in the vindication of a revolutionary soldier—the most distinguished act of whose life was, I beleive, during your administration of the State government— Another reason of this boldness—is the opportunity it affords me of assuring you of the profound respect and veneration with which I am Sir Your most obt Sevt Wm C Preston RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39801); partially dated; mistakenly endorsed by TJ as received 4 Nov. 1822. Recorded in SJL as received 8 Nov. 1822, the day TJ

received its covering letter. Enclosed in John Campbell to TJ, 4 Nov. 1822. 1  Remainder of dateline adjacent to closing.

 117 

e n c l o s u r e

William C. Preston’s Defense of William Campbell Col. Wm. CAMPBELL and Governor SHELBY. It is now forty‑two years since the battle of King’s Mountain was fought, and since public opinion and history had assigned to Col. William Campbell whatever honour was due to the commander of such an enterprize. As this was the first success of the American arms after the disastrous campaign of Gen. Gates, and the beginning of that series of military events in the south, which brought the war to a happy termination; it is seen in the history of the revolution in a bolder relief than if it had been preceded and followed by the ordinary vicissitudes of war. There was, too, a boldness in the conception of the enterprize, a perseverance1 & courage in its execution, and a completeness in its result, which were not combined in an equal degree, in any of the minor events of the revolution; abundant as was that glorious war, in instances of bravery and patriotic devotion. It was a voluntary expedition of undisciplined militia, who embodied themselves2 for the purpose of striking a formidable corps of the enemy, separated from them by a distance of two hundred miles, across a mountainous and uninhabited tract of country. Armed with their own rifles, mounted on their own horses, and carrying their own provisions, seven hundred of these mountain militia arrived at the scene of action, under Col. William Campbell, who, upon the march, had been elected to the command. He found the enemy, composed of more than a thousand regulars and tories, stationed upon King’s Mountain, behind successive ledges of rock, which formed a kind of natural breast‑work. Thus encamped, and it may be said, fortified, they were without hesitation3 attacked by the militia, who had marched all the night before through torrents4 of rain:—and, after an action of little more than an hour, they were compelled to surrender at discretion, with the loss of their commander Col. Ferguson,*5 and 350 killed and wounded. So singular and daring an achievement, so happily accomplished, obtained for the officers engaged in it, the most honorable notice from the government, and the highest applause throughout the country. As the commander of the expedition, Col. Campbell received distinguished testimonials of approbation and gratitude from the government of Virginia; and history has given him a place amongst those high and daring spirits who signalize the annals of our revolution. A few months afterwards, he bore a distinguished part in the battle of Guilford;6 and in the ensuing summer died in the service, while attached to the command of the Marquis la Fayette, near Richmond. From that time, until 1810, it had not been insinuated that his honors were unmerited: much less that his memory could be blighted by the imputation of cowardice, manifested in the very achievement which was the foundation of his fame. This strange imputation, however, is made at this late period, by Governor Isaac Shelby, of Kentucky; and has recently been published to the world, in three letters, from him to Col. Sevier, bearing date in 1810. * Col. Ferguson was killed at the close of the action, in making a desperate effort to force a passage through the troops on the southern side of the mountain. There were several horsemen with him, all of whom were shot down at the same instant.

 118 

OCTOBER 1822  Besides the general duty (which every one will recognise) to defend the memory of my ancestor, there is a particular obligation upon me, in this instance, derived from a circumstance mentioned in one of Governor Shelby’s letters: viz.—that the State of Virginia gave me, as the only male representative of Col. Campbell, the sword which had been voted to him, but not purchased, during his life. These charges, bring the title by which I hold it into question; and, if they were true, I could no longer look upon this testimonial of mistaken gratitude with any other feeling than that of shame, or regard it in any other light than as a monument of hereditary disgrace. But shame and disgrace do not belong to the name of Col. Campbell: and however painful it may be to call in question the accuracy of one so distinguished as Governor Shelby; historic truth, and justice to the dead, require that these charges should be disproved: and if they necessarily recoil upon Governor Shelby, or if a free discussion of his statements results in the exposure of their groundlessness, I can only regret that he has placed himself and Col. Campbell in such direct opposition, that both can not quit this controversy with honour. To Governor Shelby’s question in his first letter, “what did Col. Campbell merit more than you or me did?” I can not pretend to give an answer: nor is it by any means necessary for Colonel Campbell’s vindication, that I should assert his superiority over two such meritorious officers; although, as commander of the expedition, he, of course, had a wider sphere, both of usefulness and responsibility, and his unanimous election by the field officers, to that command, he too, being the youngest officer, was an evidence of their reliance upon his character. But I do not pretend to institute such an invidious, and, at the same time, such an unnecessary comparison; especially with Col. Sevier, whom I have [not]7 known reduced, to the unhappy extremity of pulling down the reputation of another, to build up one for himself. This question of Governor Shelby’s, is immediately followed by the broad assertion, “that it is a fact well known, and for which he, (Col. Campbell) apologised to me the day after the action, that he was not within less than a quarter of a mile of the enemy at the time they surrendered to you and my‑ self.” Before I disprove this charge by the positive testimony of eye witnesses and participators in the transaction, let me remark upon the singularity of the fact which it records. The commander in chief not within a quarter of a mile of the enemy surrendering to his troops, and apologising to his subaltern for this strange dereliction of duty!! Did he fly from the presence of the army, covered with the conscious shame of his acknowledged cowardice? Was he ignominiously driven from amongst the triumphant troops whom he had thus scandalously abandoned?—Was he arrested for this open cowardice in the face of the enemy? Did the country at large resound with his disgrace, which must have been notorious to every common soldier? Did Col’s. Cleveland, Shelby and Sevier, say to him, “Sir, you have not shared our danger; you shall not share our honours.—You are a coward, and we scorn to serve under you?”—No such results took place; this discovery of the absence of the commander in chief is not made until he has been buried 30 years, and most of the soldiers who were with him, have died in the delusion that they were led to victory by a brave man, whose presence was the surest indication of the point of danger. The glaring improbability upon the front of such an assertion, together with so long an acquiescence in the prevalence of an universal belief to the

 119 

OCTOBER 1822 contrary, will weigh heavily against the high authority of Governor Shelby, and are certainly calculated to shake the credit of any witness, even of the fairest character, in whom no motive of interest, vanity, or ambition, could be found to induce an unfair representation. But I do not rely upon this internal and inherent improbability in the charges themselves. They are unequivocally contradicted by the statements of Mr. Beatie, Mr. Snodgrass, Mr. King, Mr. M’Culloch,8 Mr. Dickenson, &c. &c. all men of good standing and respectability; and their statements are sustained by the voluntary affidavit of Mr. Shoemaker. They all concur in the fact, that Col. Campbell, throughout the engagement, was in the front of danger, animating the men to persevere, and that at the moment of surrender he was in the midst of the enemy. Mr. King states, that “while the enemy were in the act of surrendering, and before the firing had discontinued, he saw a British officer deliver his sword to Col. Campbell.” Mr. Snodgrass says, that he saw Col. Campbell coming from amongst the enemy, before the firing of the Americans had ceased, with several swords in his hands. Mr. Crow’s statement is marked with so much intelligence, and at the same time, simplicity, that I am tempted to give a somewhat longer extract from it. The concluding words are even solemn. “Here the enemy found themselves surrounded. They grounded their arms, and raised a white flag. The flag fell immediately, and another was raised. Our young men did not know the meaning of a flag, and fired some guns after it was raised. I was in less than the length of my gun of Col. Campbell when we closed around the enemy.— Dupoister, who then commanded the enemy, (Ferguson being killed) was sitting on a grey beast, and addressed Col. Campbell in the following words: ‘Col. Campbell, it was damn’d unfair.’—He repeated these words a second time; the Colonel made him no reply; but ordered him to dismount; he then said, prisoners, take off your hats: then he said, prisoners, sit down; and then he said, officers, rank by yourselves. I saw with my eyes, and heard with my ears, what is here stated: and this statement I have made at request, and to which at any time I am willing to be sworn.” Although, in this statement, there is somewhat of the garrulity of an old man talking of scenes which he delights to remember, yet there is a distinctness in his recollection,9 and an air of candor and truth, which carries belief along with it. Mr. Shoemaker’s deposition, and Mr. M’Culloch’s,10 are to the same effect.— Mr. Beatie says that he saw Col. Campbell riding along the lines, encouraging and exhorting the men, in the hottest of the engagement, and directly under the enemy’s fire. “When the British demanded quarters,” continues Mr. Beatie, “I was within fifteen or twenty steps of their lines. A few minutes after I observed the flag, the British surrendering commander came very near the spot where several others and myself were standing, & enquired, ‘where is your general?’ Myself, or some one who was standing near, pointed out Col. Campbell; whereupon, he11 advanced towards him, holding his sword by the point, and thus delivered it to him.” As to the12 charge of absence during the battle, and cowardice, these statements are absolutely conclusive. If there is any variation between them in regard to the minuter circumstances, it may easily be explained by the different points of view which the relative position of each spectator13 afforded him. The witnesses are of unimpeachable veracity, and entirely exempt from those influences which might warp the

 120 

OCTOBER 1822 statements of more aspiring men. Their station in life is not elevated: but by no means degraded: and if on the one hand they are exempt from the seductions of vanity, by the mediocrity of their stations: on the other, their independence and respectability place them above meaner motives. The truth of their recollections, too, is strongly corroborated by cotemperary statements of Governor Shelby himself, who, in an autograph letter in my possession, written a few days after the action, applied to Col. Campbell an epithet very little consistent with his representations of 1810. “On the first outset,” says Governor Shelby, “the Washington militia attempted rapidly to ascend the mountain, but were met by the British regulars with fixed bayonets, and forced to retreat to the foot of the mountain: where they were rallied by their gallant commander and some of his active officers; the enemy were repulsed in turn, and shortly after surrendered.” It was the leader of this first rapid outset; it was this gallant commander who rallied his fugitive militia before the fixed bayonets of British regulars, of whom the same writer says in 1810, that he had but little share, and “that he was not in a quarter of a mile of the enemy, when they surrendered to you and myself.” Besides this letter, there is another document of a curious character; an account of the action: drawn up and subscribed by the officers the day after, while yet in camp on King’s Mountain. This account is in Colonel Shelby’s hand writing: and is signed by him, Col. Campbell, and Col. Cleveland. It has no official character, and was probably written for the private satisfaction of the parties, each taking a copy; and perhaps had in view the very purpose for which I now use it; the protection of either of the subscribers from future misrepresentation. According to this account, the battle was decided in this way. “The troops upon the right (Col. Campbell’s division) having gained the summit of the eminence, obliged the enemy to retreat along the top of the ridge to where Col. Cleveland commanded, and were there stopt by his brave men; a flag was14 hoisted,” &c. Thus it is given under Col. Shelby’s own hand in 1780, that the enemy was routed by the division commanded by Col. Campbell in person. This venerable memoir, too, furnishes a contradiction in direct terms, to another statement in the letters to Col. Sevier; Governor Shelby says there, “that the great body of the men who crossed the mountains on that15 expedition, were raised and embodied by your and my own united exertions.”—In this statement of 1780, he says, Col. William Campbell brought 400 men from Washington County, Virginia;—Col. Isaac16 Shelby, 240,17 from Sullivan County, North‑Carolina; and Colonel John Sevier 240, from Washington county, North‑Carolina; Cols. Shelby and Sevier thus bringing from their two counties, 8018 more than Col. Campbell brought from one. This direct self‑contradiction, will, of course, excite a well founded suspicion in regard to all the statements of Governor Shelby; and, besides, as his declarations of 1780, in conjunction with other evidence, remove the grounds of the apology said to have been made, no fair conclusion can result but that it was never made. In regard to this apology, too, there is an obvious, not to say monstrous, improbability, upon the face of it. It is entirely incredible that Col. Campbell, at the head of his victorious men, in the moment of victory, to which all acknowledged he had led them—flushed with his recent honors, and hot from the battle, should have volunteered an ignominious confession of cowardice, made still more disgraceful by the meanness of an apology to his subaltern. It is in vain to say that he who rallied his militia at King’s

 121 

OCTOBER 1822 Mountain, in the face of regular troops, and brought them back to a successful attack—that he, who, a few months afterwards, at Guilford, fought his raw militia against the best regulars of Lord Cornwallis, while the panic‑struck troops of North‑Carolina were flying in every direction around them—with a patient courage and firmness which drew from Gen. Greene and Col. Lee letters of the warmest commendation and thanks—it is in vain to say that he ever felt or acknowledged cowardice. The whole analogy of his life disproves it. His character was that of courage approaching to rashness. But would Governor Shelby, with the knowledge of these facts thus brought out in another century, in the ardent feelings of the moment have styled him gallant commander? Would he have continued to serve under him? would he have permitted him to bear away the honors of the achievement: to receive the applause of the army: an unanimous vote of thanks from the legislature: a horse, sword, and pistols, and an immediate promotion to the rank of brigadier?— Why did he not say then, “Gentlemen, you are mistaken: Campbell is a poltroon: it is I who deserve these honors.” Without pretending to impeach the well tried courage of Governor Shelby, I may, however, say, that it would have required a greater degree of resentment and indignation, than that which overcame him in 1810, to have prompted such language while Colonel Campbell could have heard. The keen sense of justice to his own character and posterity which has animated Col. Shelby, in 1810,19 to speak of the dead with an acrimony resembling the heat of personal altercation, and to urge himself, with such vehemence, upon the sluggish gratitude of the North‑Carolina legislature, has, no doubt, led him into an error with respect to the application made to the legislature of Virginia by the friends of Col. Campbell. Neither he or his descendants ever cast about for friends and acquaintances to interest upon the occasion, neither the living or the dead were plundered of their reputation to enhance his. The sword was given20 to me when I was an infant. Gen. Campbell’s services did not stand in need of being sustained, and urged upon the legislature, by intrigue and electioneering. He was long since dead; and although he died in camp and had a soldier’s funeral, there was nothing in the immediate circumstances calculated to reflect lustre upon his past life, or impress his services deeper upon the gratitude of his country. The eloquent and pathetic lament of the Marquis La Fayette, who issued the order for his burial, was forgotten, except by those whose personal connection with him made them treasure up this honorable memorial. The legislature, however, had not forgotten King’s Mountain and Guilford: and therefore, in 180021 carried into effect its resolution of 1780. Unquestionably the chief honor conferred upon Col. Campbell by the legislature was in the unanimous adoption of the original resolution: and not in the presentation of the horse, sword, and pistols. And yet Governor Shelby’s indignation and resentment were mute at the passage of the resolution: they were22 mute, too, when the horse was given to Col. Campbell; they never were23 heard of by the public, until, in a canvass for the office of governor in Kentucky, Col. Shelby was presented to the people covered with laurels which he had torn from the tomb of a dead fellow‑soldier. It was of the same date of one of these letters, or, at least, during the same canvass, that a similar narrative of the battle of King’s Mountain was pub-

 122 

OCTOBER 1822 lished in a Lexington newspaper, loading Col. Campbell with the same obloquy, and according the same self‑attributed praise to Col. Shelby. This publication, it is true, was made in a way calculated to destroy its authority with intelligent men, if the anonymous writer had not, more through awkwardness than design, left apparent the source from which he derived his materials. Had it not been for this circumstance, I should have neglected it as one of those despicable effusions of reckless ignorance and degraded moral sense which crowd the press of that state in the heat of popular election; but as Col. Shelby was conspicuous through the thin veil of a fictitious signature, I took some pains to disprove it by the publication of several of the certificates annexed to these remarks.—This anonymous character, however, enabled me then, to avoid the pain of considering Governor Shelby as the immediate author; and, while I have now vindicated the reputation of my grandfather from most unmerited aspersions, it has been a source of regret, at every step, that this vindication necessarily involves a grave charge upon the accuracy of Governor Shelby. I look upon the character of distinguished men as the inheritance of the republic: and I feel the impropriety of wantonly diminishing the moral wealth of my country. No ordinary motive could have induced me to impute to Governor Shelby what this defence implies, and what, if successful, it has established.24 WM. C. PRESTON. Abingdon, Va. Sept. 1, 1822. Printed in Nashville Gazette, 14 Sept. 1822; at head of text: “(COMMUNICATED)  for the nashville gazette”; TJ’s copy of clipping in DLC: TJ Papers, 222:39728, with one handwritten emendation by William C. Preston as noted below, endorsed by TJ: “Campbell Genl Wm Preston’s letter.” Reprinted in Richmond Enquirer, 5 Nov. 1822; at head of text, in brackets: “Communicated for the Abingdon Gazette.” Also enclosed in John Campbell to TJ, 4 Nov. 1822. In November 1780 the Virginia General Assembly and the Continental Congress both voted William Campbell distinguished testimonials of approbation and gratitude (JHD [1780–81 sess.], 13, 18 [10, 15 Nov. 1780]; JCC, 18:1048 [13 Nov. 1780]). In July 1822 George Washington Sevier sent the editor of the Nashville Gazette, to be published to the world, four letters from Isaac Shelby to Sevier’s father, John Sevier, dated 1 Jan., 24 Feb. 1810, 12 Aug. 1812, and 26 Jan. 1814. Shelby wrote of the sword which had been voted to Campbell and raised the question what did col. campbell merit more than

you or me did? in his letter of 1 Jan. 1810. The Richmond Enquirer reprinted all of these letters on 1 Nov. 1822. mr. crow’s statement, dated 6 May 1813, appeared in the Richmond Enquirer, 12 Nov. 1822, along with the certificates of John McCulloch, James Keys, James Snodgrass, James Crow, and David Beattie. dupoister: Abraham De Peyster. The account given under col. shelby’s own hand in 1780 is in the Williamsburg Virginia Gazette, 18 Nov. 1780. General Nathanael Greene sent Campbell his warmest commendation and thanks in a letter of 18 Mar. 1781 following the Battle of Guilford Courthouse (Richard K. Showman and others, eds., The Papers of Nathanael Greene [1976– 2005], 7:445). In 1801 Virginia governor James Monroe carried into effect the Virginia General Assembly’s resolution of 1780 by procuring a sword from France to honor Campbell’s service at the  7 Oct. 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain (Madison, Papers, Sec. of State Ser., 2:195–6; Stanislaus Murray Hamilton, ed., The Writings of James Monroe [1898– 1903], 3:320–1). Isaac Shelby’s narrative of the battle published in a lexington newspaper under the fictitious

 123 

OCTOBER 1822 signature of “Narrator” and Preston’s response are in the Lexington, Ky., Re‑ porter, 25 July 1812 and 30 Oct. 1813, respectively. 1 Nashville Gazette: “pereverance.” Rich‑ mond Enquirer: “perseverance.” 2 Nashville Gazette: “themselve.” Rich‑ mond Enquirer: “themselves.” 3 Richmond Enquirer: “were unhesitatingly.” 4  Nashville Gazette: “torrens.” Richmond Enquirer: “torrents.” 5  Here and below, Nashville Gazette: “Fergusson.” Richmond Enquirer: “Ferguson.” 6  Here and below, Nashville Gazette: “Guildford.” Richmond Enquirer: “Guilford.” 7   Omitted word supplied from Rich‑ mond Enquirer. Keyed to this point in DLC clipping is a handwritten correction by Preston: “not known.” 8  Richmond Enquirer: “M’Cullock.” 9  Richmond Enquirer: “remembrance.”

 10 Nashville Gazette: “M’Cullough’s.” Richmond Enquirer: “McCullock’s certificate.” 11 Richmond Enquirer: “the British officer.” 12 Richmond Enquirer here adds “principal.” 13 Richmond Enquirer: “individual.” 14 Richmond Enquirer here adds “immediately.” 15 Richmond Enquirer: “that mountain on the.” 16  Nashville Gazette: “Isasc.” Richmond Enquirer: “Isaac.” 17  Richmond Enquirer: “200.” 18  Richmond Enquirer: “40.” 19  Richmond Enquirer: “1820.” 20  Nashville Gazette: “giveh.” Richmond Enquirer: “given.” 21  Richmond Enquirer here leaves a gap for final two digits of year. 22  Richmond Enquirer: “it was.” 23  Richmond Enquirer: “It never was.” 24  Richmond Enquirer: “it establishes.”

To John Adams Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 1. 22. I have racked my memory, and ransacked my papers to enable myself to answer the enquiries of your favor of Oct. 15. but to little purpose. my papers furnish me nothing, my memory generalities only. I know that while I was in Europe, & anxious about the fate of our seafaring men, for some of whom, then in captivity in Algiers we were treating, and all were in like danger, I formed undoubtingly the opinion that our government, as soon as practicable, should provide a naval force sufficient to keep the Barbary states in order, and on this subject we communicated together as you observe. when I returned to the US. and took part in the administration under Genl Washington I constantly maintained that opinion, and in Dec. 90. took advantage of a reference to me from the first Congress which met after I was in office to report in favor of a force sufficient for the protection of our Mediterranean commerce, and I laid before them an accurate statement of the whole Barbary force, public and private. I think Genl Washington approved of building vessels of war to that extent. Genl Knox I know did. but what was Colo Hamilton’s opinion I do not in  124 

1 NOVEMBER 1822

the least remember. your recollections on that subject are certainly corroborated by his known anxieties for a close connection with Great Britain, for which he might apprehend danger from collisions between their vessels and ours. Randolph was then Attorney General; but his opinion on the question I also entirely forget. some vessels of war were accordingly built and sent into the Mediterranean. the additions to these in your time I need not note to you, who are well known to have ever been an advocate for the wooden walls of Themistocles. some of those you added were sold under an act of Congress passed while you were in office. I thought afterwards that the public safety might require some additional vessels of strength to be prepared and in readiness for the first moment of a war, provided they could be preserved against the decay which is unavoidable if kept in the water, and clear of the expence of officers & men. with this view I proposed that they should be built in dry docks above the level of the tide waters, and covered with roofs. I further advised that places for these docks should be selected where there was a command of water on a higher level, as that of the Tyber at Washington, by which the vessels might be floated out, on the principle of a lock. but the majority of the legislature was against any addition to the navy, & the minority, altho’ for it in judgment, voted against it on a principle of opposition. we are now, I understand building vessels to remain on the stocks under shelter until wanted, when they will be launched & finished. on my plan they could be in service at an hour’s notice. on this the finishing, after launching will be a work of time. this is all I recollect about the origin & progress of our navy. that of the late war certainly raised our rank & character among nations. yet a navy is a very expensive engine. it is admitted that in 10. or 12. years a vessel goes to entire decay; or, if kept in repair costs as much as would build a new one. & that a nation who could count on 12. or 15. years of peace would gain by burning it’s navy and building a new one in time. it’s extent therefore must be governed by circumstances. since my proposition for a force adequate to the pyracies of the Mediterranean, a similar necessity has arisen in our own seas for considerable addition to that force. indeed I wish we could have a convention with the naval powers of Europe for them to keep down the pyrates of the Mediterranean, and the slave ships on the coast of Africa, and for us to perform the same duties for the society of nations in our seas. in this way those collisions would be avoided between the vessels of war of differ­ ent nations, which beget wars and constitute the weightiest objection to navies. I salute you with constant affection & respect. Th: Jefferson  125 

1 NOVEMBER 1822  RC (MHi: Adams Papers); addressed: “John Adams late President of the US. Montizillo near Boston”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 5 Nov. PoC (DLC). TJ’s 28 Dec. 1790 report on a force sufficient for the protection of our mediterranean commerce is in PTJ, 18:423–30. During Adams’s administration, Congress passed several acts for additions to the American naval force, an act to establish a navy department and,

eventually, an act that authorized the president to sell certain public vessels (U.S. Statutes at Large, esp. 1:523–5, 553–4, 621–2, 2:110–1 [1 July 1797, 30 Apr. 1798, 5 Feb. 1799, 3 Mar. 1801]). The Athenian statesman themistocles interpreted an oracle’s prophecy that wooden walls would provide safety as an allusion to warships (Herodotus, The Persian Wars, 7.143, in Herodotus, trans. Alfred D. Godley, Loeb Classical Library [1920–25], 3:448–51). For TJ’s 1802 proposal to create dry docks, see PTJ, 37:682–3, 38:90–2.

To Thomas Cooper Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 2. 22 Your favor of Oct. 18. came to hand yesterday. the atmosphere of our country is unquestionably charged with a threatening cloud of fanaticism, lighter in some parts, denser in others, but too heavy in all. I had no idea however that in Pensylvania, the cradle of toleration and freedom of religion, it could have arisen to the height you describe. this must be owing to the growth of presbyterianism. the blasphemy and absurdity of the five points of Calvin, and the impossibility of defending them render their advocates impatient of reasoning, irritable & prone to denunciation. in Boston however and it’s neighborhood, unitarianism has advanced to so great strength as now to humble this haughtiest of all religious sects; insomuch that they condescend to interchange with them and the other sects the civilities of preaching freely & frequently in each other’s meeting houses. in Rhode island on the other hand, no sectarian preacher will permit an Unitarian to pollute his desk. in our Richmond there is much fanaticism, but chiefly among [t]he women: they have their night meetings, and praying‑parties, where attended by their priests, and sometimes a hen‑pecked husband, they pour forth the effusions of their love to Jesus in terms as amatory and carnal as their modesty would permit them to use to a mere earthly lover. in our village of Charlottesville there is a good degree of religion with a small spice only of fanatacism. we have four sects, but without either church or meeting house. the Court house is the common temple, one Sunday in the month to each. here episcopalian and presbyterian, methodist and baptist meet together, join in hymning their maker, listen with attention and devotion to each others preachers, and all mix in society with perfect har 126 

2 NOVEMBER 1822

mony. it is not so in the districts where presbyterianism prevails undividedly. their ambition and tyranny would tolerate no rival if they had power. systematical in grasping at an ascendancy over all other sects, they aim like the Jesuits1 at engrossing the education of the country are hostile to every institution which they do not direct, and jealous at seeing others begin to attend at all to that object. the diffusion of instruction to which there is now so growing an attention, will be the remote remedy to this fever of fanaticism, while the more proximate one will be the progress of Unitarianism. that this will ere long be the religion of the majority from North to South, I have no doubt. In our University you know there is no professorship of divinity. a handle has been made of this to disseminate an idea that this is an institution, not merely of no religion, but against all religion. occasion was taken at the last meeting of the Visitors, to bring forward an idea which might silence this calumny, which weighed on the minds of some honest friends to the institution. in our annual report to the legislature, after stating the constitutional reasons against a public establishment of any religious instruction, we suggest the expedient of encouraging the different religious sects to establish each for itself, a professorship of their own tenets, on the confines of the University, so near as that their students may attend the lectures there, and have the free use of our library, and every other accomodation we can give them; preserving however2 their independance of us & of each other. this fills the chasm objected to ours, as a defect in an institution3 professing to give instruction in all useful sciences. I think the invitation will be accepted by some sects from candid intentions, and by others from jealousy and rivalship. and by bringing the sects together, and mixing them with the mass of other students, we shall soften their asperities, liberalise and neutralise their prejudices, and make the general religion a religion of peace, reason and morality. The time of opening our University is still as uncertain as ever. all the Pavilions, boarding houses and dormitories are done. nothing is now wanting but the Central building for a library and other general purposes. for this we have no funds, and the last legislature refused all aid. we have better hopes of the next. but all is uncertain. I have heard with regret of disturbances on the part of the Students in your seminary. the article of discipline is the most difficult in American education. premature ideas of independance, too little repressed by parents, beget a spirit of insubordination, which is the great obstacle to science with us, and a principal cause of it’s decay since the revolution. I look to it with dismay in our institution, as a breaker ahead  127 

2 NOVEMBER 1822

which I am far from being confident we shall be able to weather. the advance of age, and tardy pace of the public patronage may probably spare me the pain of witnessing consequences. I salute you with constant friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); one word faint; at foot of first page: “Doctor Cooper.” your seminary: South Carolina ­ ollege (later the University of South C Carolina).

1 Preceding

three words interlined. interlined in place of “always.” 3 Manuscript: “instution.” 2 Word

To John Quincy Adams Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 3. A mr Runnels1 of St Bartholomew’s, having a son George Runnels now in N. York, has requested me to be the channel of communicating to the government his wish that his son might be appointed Agent of the US. at Trinidad, St Vincent’s, St Lucia or St Kitts. being a stranger to me he referred me to the Baron de Stackleberg for his character, who answers me in these words. ‘j’ai l’avantage de connaitre M. Runnels le pere très particulierement, et il me fait un plaisir infini d’avoir l’honneur d’assurer qu’il est un homme de la plus grande respectabilité, et de talent. son fils qui etoit fort2 jeune pendant mon sejour à St Barthelemy donnoit les plus belles esperances; et j’ai tout lieu de croire qu’il se rendre digne de la charge qu’il sollicite.’ 3   I should not have consented to trouble you in a case of the most troublesome class of duties to which you are exposed, were the writer of the letter within speedy reach of a letter. but his distance would occupy time which might defeat his views. I think it a duty therefore to hand on his application with the information furnished me, leaving to yourself, as of right, to decide it’s merits comparatively with those of any other competitor for the same appointment. I do it with the greater pleasure as it furnishes new occasion of assuring you of my great esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1817–25); partially dated; three words excised as noted below; signature, torn away, supplied from PoC; addressed: “John Q. Adams esq. Secretary of State Washington”; frank torn; postmarked Charlottesville, 7 Nov. PoC (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39806); on verso of reused address cover of Patrick Gibson to TJ, 15 Aug.

1821; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 3 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. TJ quotes these words from the second paragraph of Stackelberg to TJ, 29 Oct. 1822. 1 Here and below, this word, excised in RC, is supplied from PoC.

 128 

3 NOVEMBER 1822  2 Manuscript:

“for.” substituted preceding four words, meaning “office he seeks,” for wording in Stackelberg to TJ, 29 Oct. 1822: “haute 3 TJ

protection que son Pere a supplie pour lui” (“high protection his father has entreated for him”).

To Nicholas Herbemont

Monticello Nov. [3. 22.]

I thank you, Sir, for the pamphlet you have been so kind as to send me. I have long earnestly wished for the introduction of the Olive into S. Carolina and Georgia. while in France I procured for the Agricultural society of Charleston a number of the plants of the genuine olive of Aix, from which the finest oil in the world is made. this was 35. years ago; but I learn that some of these trees are still living in S. Carola. cuttings from them grafted on seedling stocks would soon yield a plentiful supply of trees. their culture is of little labor, as is that of silk also. cotton is already raised abundantly in S.C. these easy cultures, most lucrative also, and succeeding in indifferent soils might not, as those more laborious are deemed to be too oppressive for the constitution of whites under the fervid sun of S.C. and if they should not aid towards dispensing with the labor of men of colour altogether1 they would lighten their labours much, without2 lessening the profits of the employer.   I do not consider the vine as of easy culture. it is reckoned in France the most laborious & least profitable among agricultural products, and is encouraged only because it will thrive in soils too poor for grains. with my thanks be pleased to accept the assurance of my great respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39805); on verso of reused address cover of Charles Hammond to TJ, 7 Aug. 1821; dateline faint; at foot of text: “Mr Herbemont”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 3 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

For the olives and olive trees TJ sent from France to charleston, see PTJ, 13:369, 508. 1 Word

interlined. “withou.”

2 Manuscript:

To George Runnels Sir Monticello Nov. 3. 22. I duly recieved your favor of Oct. 18. with the letter of mr Runnels therein inclosed, & since that a duplicate. I made the application desired to the Baron de Stackleberg, and have this day communicated the result to the Secretary of state, and pray you to accept the assurance of my great respect. Th: Jefferson  129 

3 NOVEMBER 1822  PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Reuben B. Hicks to TJ, 10 Aug. 1821; at foot of text: “Mr George Runnels”; endorsed by TJ. The above letter attracted the attention of Robert Monroe Harrison, United States consul in Saint‑Barthélemy, West Indies, who wrote from that place to secretary of state John Quincy Adams on 18 Jan. 1823 that “a Mr Abm Runnels of this place about four months ago handed me a letter for examination; which he intended to forward to Mr Jefferson; It commenced with the most fulsome & disgusting flattery, & finally wound up with an application to that great & good man to use his influence to obtain a Consulate, in some of the West

India Islands for his son! Mr Runnels grounds his claim on the U.S. in consequence of having been once in America, & there saw General Washington! for Mr Jefferson he has never seen!—He is a native of St. Eustatia, & as to principle an Englishman in grain, notorious for his hostility to the U States, & was never known in all his life to speak with common decency of them, or their citizens; until he made the application in question—I find by Mr Jefferson’s letter to his son (which by the by has been exhibited to half the Island) that he is referd to you & therefore to prevent imposition, I felt it my duty to give you this small outline of his character” (RC in MHi: Adams Papers).

From John Campbell Dear Sir. Richmond 4th Nov. 1822 The enclosed papers were handed to me by Mr William C. Preston with a request that I would deliver them to you on my way to Richmond when I had hoped to have had the pleasure of paying my respects to you. Being detained however longer than I expected in the West I found it necessary to hasten on to Richmond and did not therefore come by the way of Monticello as I had expected to do. The paper enclosed contains a defence of the memory of General William Campbell a deceased relative of mine against a most extraordinary charge of Gov Isaac Shelby of Kentucky. It was under your Administration I believe (during the American revolution) as Gov of VA that the expedition to Kings Mountain was plan’d and executed, and I presume you recollect the public Sentiment in relation to the conduct of Genl Campbell on that occasion. I have with me the Order of Genl La Fayette issued for his burial and letters from Genl Green & Col Lee after the battle of Guilford in which they speak in the highest terms of his gallantry as a Soldier and of the important Services he had rendered his country. It is particularly the duty of the relatives whom Genl Campbell has left behind him to defend his memory from unfounded and unmerited aspersions and it is therefore that I feel a deep interest in every thing that relates to it. If you have any recollections in relation to him or any documents in your possession which would be of Service in  130 

4 NOVEMBER 1822

preserving his character from reproach it would be Singularly gratifying to all his Surviving friends to have the benefit of them in his defence— With very great respect I am D Sir Your Obt St Jno Campbell RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 8 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Tarlton Saunders, 11 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq Monticello.” Enclosures: (1) Bernard Peyton to TJ, 22 Aug. 1822. (2) William  C. Preston to TJ, Oct. 1822, and enclosure. John Campbell (ca. 1788–1866), attorney and public official, was born near Abingdon. His brother, TJ’s correspondent David Campbell, helped to direct his education, which included studies at the College of New Jersey (later Princeton University) and Washington College (later Washington and Lee University), followed by a time reading law in Staunton under Chapman Johnson. Campbell was elected to the House of Delegates representing Washington County in 1810 and again in 1811. After the conclusion of his second term in 1812, he joined the Council of State and remained in that position until 1817. Campbell relocated by 1819 to Alabama, where he purchased land and served as secretary of the state’s constitutional convention. Following a brief stay in Tennessee, Campbell returned to Virginia and sat again on the Council of State, 1821–29. President Andrew Jackson appointed him treasurer of the United States in the latter year. Campbell held

the post until failing health, alcoholism, and his growing opposition to President Martin Van Buren led to his forced resignation in 1839. Campbell then returned permanently to Washington County, where in 1860 he owned real estate valued at $2,000 and personal property totaling $4,000, including two slaves (DVB; Lewis Preston Summers, History of Southwest Virginia, 1746–1786, Washington County, 1777–1870 [1903], 792–3; Thomas Mc­ Adory Owen, History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography [1921], 3:292–3; Leonard, General Assembly, 262, 268; CVSP, 10:153; DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1817–25; Journal of the Convention of the Alabama Territory begun July 5, 1819 [Huntsville, 1819], 4, 10–1, 40; Jackson, Papers, 7:149; JEP, 4:55, 76, 5:252 [10 Feb., 22 Mar. 1830, 29 Jan. 1840]; DNA: RG 29, CS, Washington Co., 1860, 1860 slave schedules; Washington Co. Minute Book, 17:60–1; Alexandria Gazette, 5 Dec. 1866; Washington Co. Will Book, 17:105–6). The order of genl la fayette on the death of William Campbell, issued 25 Aug. 1781, included instructions for according him military honors and the selection of four officers to pay him the ­army’s final respects (Stanley J. Idzerda and others, eds., Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790 [1977–83], 4:359).

From John H. Huffman Nattural Bridge Rockbridge County & state of Va Honnoed Sir November the 4th 1822 I take The Libberty of Introducing my self to you By letter without further ceramony than That you will excuse me for the libberty I have Taken the present cause of my writing to your Excelency is concerning a piece of Land known By the name of the nattural Bridge tract I wish to purchaise 20 or 25 acres at the extreeme upper End of said  131 

4 NOVEMBER 1822

tract adjoining the Lands of Robert Irven & Alexander T Barchley lying [o]n the South Side of cedar creeke I wish to purchase it for the purpose of establising [a] cooper‑Shop in that place coopering being my occupation Sir I hope you will if desposed to sell the above mentioned number of acres you will be so kind As to let me know whether you will sell or not and also the Lowest price you will take per acre and also what term of time you would be willing to Give for payment to be made in I am persuaded That I shall be able to comply with your terms provided you be not too Severe with me pray be So kind as to write to me without fail between Now and the last of this month that I may Make arraingments for payment on or before the Last of December if we can agree in this matter I am informed that you are expected to visit This neighberhood this fall if I am not misinformed And if you come I hope to have the honnor of Waiting upon you in person and learn from you the terms About the above mentioned Land and know your terms I have the Honnor Dear Sir To be yours respectfully &c &c John H, Huffman NB I had almost forgotten to write to you whear you should Direct your Letter when you will Write to me Direct your letter to the Nattural Bridge post office yours Respectfully J H Huffman RC (MHi); damaged at seal; between dateline and salutation: “To The Honre Thomas Jefferson Late President of the united States of america”; between first signature and postscript: “To his honnor Thomas Jefferson Late Prestd ”; endorsed by TJ as received 9 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

John H. Huffman was living in Lexington in 1820 (DNA: RG 29, CS, Rockbridge Co., Lexington, 1820). robert irven & alexander t barch­ ley: Robert Irvine and Alexander T. Barclay.

From Bernard Peyton Dr sir, Richd 4 Novr 1822 a Above I hand ∕c sales your last parcel 235 Blls: flour, & 20 Blls: of the former parcels, sold on the best terms I found it practicable to make, which hope will be agreeable to you—   The money for the 235 Blls: is payable tomorrow, when I will call on Mr Barrett, & pay the $750 to him you wish— Flour continues extremely dull & it is with difficulty sales can be effected at=all—wheat 125¢ brisk— Yours very Truly B. Peyton  132 

4 NOVEMBER 1822  RC (MHi); subjoined to enclosure; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ’s Letter of Recommendation for Richard Ware,

13 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello Charlottes­ ville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 4 Nov.

e n c l o s u r e

Account with Bernard Peyton for Flour Sales  Sales 255 Barrels Superfine Flour by Bernard Peyton 1822 Richd for a∕c. Mr Thomas Jefferson 2d Novembr To Robert Abbatt Jr & Co for Cash 235 Blls: on   Basin Bank & 20 Blls: in Store (viz:) 235 Blls: Superfine Flour at $5.93¾ $1395.31   20  do.  do.   do.    "  $6.00 120.00 $1515.31 Charges.— To Cash pd frght: at 2/6—$106.25 $106.25  "  Canal toll $26.56. Drayage (20 Blls) 38¢. 26.94  "  Storage (20 Blls:) $1.60, Inspection $5.10 6.70  "  Cooperage 50¢. Comisn at 2½ pr ct $37.88 38.38 $ 178.27 Nett prcds: at Cr T.J. $1337.04 E.E. Bernard Peyton By N. N. Wilkinson MS (MHi); entirely in N. N. Wilkinson’s hand; with covering letter subjoined.

e.e.: “Errors Excepted.”

From James Smith (of Ohio) Dear Sir Mount Vernon (Ohio) Novr 4th 1822 With sentiments of high esteem for you, from a correct knowledge which I have of Your important servises rendered to our happy Country I venture to address you in this letter, accompanied by two pamphlets of my own Scribling, I cannot be persuaded that they will be received1 and read by you with inattention.2 no person in the Universe perhaps has more exalted Ideas of your Virtues than myself. For many years past, priests have proclaimed from their pulpits (where truth only should be uttered) “that Mr Jefferson was an enemy to the Christian Religion.” I have long since abandoned priestly dominion, and entirely shelter under the mild and peaceable Gospel of Jesus Christ, the most perfect model of Republicanism in the Universe,3  133 

4 NOVEMBER 1822

My reasons for laying aside the foolish Idea of a plurallity of Gods, or that three eternal independant Gods, can make but one God, you will discovr in my work. To deny this superstitious4 priests Issue their bulls and anathemas, and condemn all such desscenters as incorrigible Herreticks and infidels, Indeed sir I am not so vain as to suppose that I can give instruction to men of Universal5 knowledge, yet I am induced to believe, that men of the highest attainments in Philosophy will be the first in receving, evidence, reason and truth, The subjects on which I have writtin I am sure will not be uninterresting to you, I am too well acquainted with the firm unshaken and heavenly principle of your soul (which governs6 your publick and private actions) than to suppose that I am addressing a Superstitious being. For twenty Years past I have made the studdy of Christiannity my great concern, the theme becomes more pleasing and glorious, If the production of my pen should afford you any Satisfaction, I am fully paid, and will by you be considered as an evidence of a grateful soul for the servises done by You, to the safety Happiness and Honor of the American people Truth is my great object, should you discover a contradiction, or reason put to the torture You will be indebted to me one more kind office, to correct me. I do solemnly invoke the Almighty that your declining days may be spent in firmness peace and Happiness, as your former were in integrity, wisdom and honor to your self and our Great Republick from Sentiments of highest esteem and regard I am Respectfully Yours &c &c James Smith RC (ViW: TC‑JP); endorsed by TJ as received 24 Nov. 1822, but recorded in SJL as received the previous day. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 2 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Ex President of United States Charlottsville Virginia”; stamped; postmarked Mount Vernon, Ohio, 11 Nov. Enclosure: [Smith], James Smith’s Vindication, for resisting the ecclesiastical power and au‑ thority of their episcopal dignity, Michael Ellis & David Young: to which is added, a short sketch On the Government of God in the Church, and a few Thoughts on Infant Justification; also, the doctrine of Christian Perfection and Sanctification. Impartially Examined (Clinton, Ohio, 1814; probably Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 10 [no. 545]; title editorially corrected from “episopal”).

James Smith (b. 1779), public official and religious leader, was born in Rockingham County. He relocated by 1808 to Knox County, Ohio, where he served from that year as clerk of the county’s Court of Common Pleas and of its Supreme Court from 1810, was tax collector in 1809, and became one of the first managers and commissioners of the Owl Creek Bank in Mount Vernon beginning in 1816. Around 1802 Smith became associated with the Methodist Episcopal church and acted as a local preacher in Ohio until he left that denomination about 1814. Thereafter, Smith was a leader of the “New Light” or Restoration movement, characterized in his case by rejection of Trinitarian doctrine and more generally by opposition to the power and authority of institutional church leadership (John Houston Harri-

 134 

6 NOVEMBER 1822 son, Settlers by the Long Grey Trail [1935; repr. 2007], 319, 391; Smith’s Vindica‑ tion, 3, 6; Anthony Banning Norton, A History of Knox County, Ohio, from 1779 to 1862 Inclusive [1862]; DNA: RG 29, CS, Ohio, Mount Vernon, Knox Co., 1820, 1830).

 1 Manuscript: “reived.” 2 Omitted period at right margin editorially supplied. 3 Manuscript: “Univese.” 4 Manuscript: “superstious.” 5 Manuscript: “Univesal.” 6 Manuscript: “govens.”

From John Quincy Adams DEPARTMENT OF STATE, SIR,  Washington, 6th November 18221 I have forwarded to you a Copy of the Additional Census of Alabama, in virtue of an Act of Congress of the 7th of March last; the receipt of which you will be pleased to acknowledge. I have the honour to be, very respectfully, Sir, Your obedient and very humble servant, J. Q. Adams A Copy has also been sent for the University of Virginia. RC (DLC); printed text, except for postscript and portion of dateline (as noted below) in a clerk’s hand and signature by  Adams; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Edmund Bacon, 18 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed (in same clerk’s hand): “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello Va”; franked; postmarked Washington, 8 Nov. New figures from the enclosed additional census of alabama, not found, were incorporated into the “Census of 1820. aggregate amount of each de­ scription of Persons in the United States and the Territories, according to the Census taken in virtue of the Act of Congress of March 14, 1820; the Act of March 3, 1821; and the Act of March 7, 1822; com-

piled from returns received at the Department of State” (Peter Force, The Na‑ tional Calendar, and Annals of the United States; for MDCCCXXIII [Washington, 1823], Table 1 in unpaginated section preceding almanac). The death of Alabama’s marshal, who had oversight of the census‑taking process in 1820, led to incomplete returns for the state. Congressionally authorized completion of the count there led to adjustments of its population figures and expansion of the state’s congressional delegation from two to three representatives (U.S. Statutes at Large, 3:548–53, 651–2, 720 [14 Mar. 1820, 7 Mar. 1822, 14 Jan. 1823]). 1 Day, month, and final digit of year in a clerk’s hand.

To Frederick A. Mayo Sir Monticello Nov. 6. 22. I recieved in good order and bound to my mind the 21. vols petit format which you bound last for me, and I this day desire Colo Peyton to pay your bill which be pleased to present to him. I have mislaid for  135 

6 NOVEMBER 1822

the moment that you sent me and therefore could not name to him the exact sum. Accept the assurance of my respect and best wishes. Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of John Laval to TJ, 23 Aug. 1821; at foot of text: “Mr Mayo”; endorsed by TJ.

To Henry A. S. Dearborn Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 5. [6] 22. I recieved yesterday your favor of Oct. 29. informing me of the shipment of my stores to Colo Peyton, and I have this day desired him to remit you immediately the 73. D 93 c amt of freight, duties & other charges, which I trust will get safely to hand, and with my thanks for your kindness be pleased to accept the assurance of my great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Levi Woodbury Family Papers); misdated; at foot of text: “Henry A. S. Dearborne esq.” PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of John E. Hall to TJ, 25 Aug. 1821; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 6 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

From Nelson Nicholas Sir, Lexington Nov. 6th 1822. Enclosed you will find some free commentaries,1 on certain political principles which you have inculcated, which I have submitted to the consideration of the people of Kentucky. Much mischief has been occasioned here by your letters to Jarvis & to William T. Barry, the latter of which, though it has never been printed, has been extensively published, & has been the more influential in our controversies, because its private character has precluded those public commentaries necessary to expose the improper uses which have been made of, & the unwarrantable conclusions which have been drawn from it. I trust, sir, that I have not been guilty of misrepresenting your sentiments, & that you will not feel disposed to censure me for the use which I have made of your name, to arrest the mad career of my country, to expose the artifices of the demagogues who have betrayed her to ruin & disgrace, & to restore the ascendancy of, what I consider, sound & honest principles. With sentiments of profound respect I subscribe myself your humble servant. Nelson Nicholas.  136 

6 NOVEMBER 1822  RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found. Nelson Nicholas (d. 1826), journalist, was a nephew of Wilson Cary Nicholas. He attended the College of William and Mary, 1811–12. Late in the latter year Nicholas was living in Lexington, Kentucky, where in 1821 he issued a prospectus for a proposed newspaper, the Politi‑ cal Censor. In 1825 he sucessfully launched the Kentucky Whig, which he published

until his death near Lexington (William and Mary Provisional List, 30; Madison, Papers, Pres. Ser., 5:255–7; Clay, Papers, 2:714, 4:642; Shawneetown Illinois Ga‑ zette, 21 Apr. 1821; Louisville Public Ad‑ vertiser, 11 June 1825; Lexington Ken‑ tucky Whig, 13 July 1826). TJ’s letters to William Charles jarvis and william t. barry were dated 28 Sept. 1820 and 2 July 1822, respectively. 1

 Manuscript: “commentatries.”

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 6. 22. Not doubting that the 235. Barrels of flour sent off in a good tide 10. days ago are now in hand, I am obliged to make some calls on you for current purposes. I have therefore drawn on you this day in favor of Wolfe & Raphael for 220.D. I have also recieved notice from mr Henry A. S. Dearborne, Collector of Boston, that he has forwarded to you my wines & stores lately arrived there from Marseilles, on which he has paid for me for freight, duties and other charges 73. D 93 c which, being a debt of honor, I must pray you to remit him immediately. I am indebted also to F. A. Mayo for binding 21.1 vols for me.2 I have mislaid the account he sent me, but I have authorised him to call on you for it’s amount whatever it is I shall have occasion to call on you for little more until Christmas when mr T.E.R’s payment will enable me to pay up what I may then be in your debt. affectionate salutations. Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Theodorus Bailey to TJ, 21 Aug. 1821; mutilated at seal, with missing text rewritten by TJ; at foot of text: “Colo Peyton”; endorsed by TJ. In his financial records for 6 Nov. 1822, TJ detailed his payment to wolfe & raphael of $220, noting that $127.57 was to pay “their quarterly bill,” $20 covered an order in favor of Samuel Cobbs that

TJ had drawn on 5 Nov. “on account sawing,” and the remaining sums of $30 and $42.43 were for “cash now recieved” and the amount “still due,” respectively (MB, 2:1391). t.e.r’s: Thomas Eston Randolph’s. 1 Number

interlined in place of “25.” period at right margin editorially supplied. 2 Omitted

 137 

From Daniel Brent Dear Sir, Washington, 7th November 1822. I have just received your favor of the 31st ult, enclosing a Letter for Mr Gallatin, which I will take great Pleasure in forwarding, with the first Despatches of the Department of State. From an impression that you would be not a little interested and gratified by the reading of them, I had the satisfaction, some time ago, as soon as they came from the Press, to transmit to you, under a Blank Cover, a Collection of Papers in relation to the Fisheries and Mississippi. I remain, Dear Sir, with perfect Esteem and Respect, your faithful, obedt servt Daniel Brent. RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 17 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to William H. Crawford, 23 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson, Monticello”; franked; postmarked Washington, 8 Nov.

The collection of papers was prob­ably an additional copy of the enclosure to John Quincy Adams to TJ, 11 Oct. 1822.

From Virgil Maxcy Sir, Tulip Hill, near Annapolis, Md. Nov. 8. 1822. The devotion to the interests of science and Learning, which you have always manifested; and the illustrious example of attention to the establishment of literary institutions, which you have exhibited1 since your retirement from public cares, induce me to suppose you will take an interest in the Maryland Resolutions for the appropriation of public Land for the purposes of education in such states, as have hitherto received none.   I have therefore taken the liberty of sending you a pamphlet, hastily2 written amidst the interruptions incident to a journey to Bedford Springs, for the health of my family, in defence of those Resolutions, and in answer principally, to the adverse Report and3 Resolutions of Massachusetts. The ultimate success of the Maryland Proposition will depend much upon the part, which Virginia4 shall take; and I cannot but hope, that your Opinion, which will5 have a decisive weight, will be favourable. I have the honour to be, With the greatest respect Sir, Yr mo: obt humble Servt V. Maxcy. RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); endorsed by TJ as received 17 Nov. 1822 and so re-

corded in SJL. Dft (DLC: Galloway‑­ Maxcy‑Markoe Papers); lacking closing

 138 

8 NOVEMBER 1822 and signature; endorsed by Maxcy. Enclosure: “A Citizen of Maryland” [Maxcy], The Maryland Resolutions, and the Ob­ jections to Them Considered (Baltimore, 1822). Virgil Maxcy (1785–1844), attorney, public official, and diplomat, was born in Massachusetts in a section of Attleboro later annexed by Wrentham. He graduated in 1804 from the College of Rhode Island (renamed Brown University that year) and studied law at the school of Tapping Reeve and James Gould in Litch­ field, Connecticut, from 1805 until at least 1807, and then in Baltimore under Robert Goodloe Harper before his admission to the Maryland bar. In Baltimore in 1811, Maxcy published in three volumes The Laws of Maryland, with the Charter, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the State, and its alterations, the Declaration of In‑ dependence, and the Constitution of the United States, and its amendments. He served a one‑year term on the governor’s council, 1815–16, sat in the state senate, 1817–21, and represented Anne Arundel County in the state house of representatives for two terms, 1824–26. Initially a Federalist who was nonetheless a longtime friend and ally of John C. Calhoun, he became a supporter of Andrew Jackson. Maxcy was appointed the first solicitor of the United States Treasury in 1830 and held the position until 1837. President Martin Van Buren appointed him chargé d’affaires to Belgium in the latter year. Maxcy resigned his diplomatic post in 1842, returned to Maryland, and resumed his private law practice. While he  was a guest of President John Tyler aboard the USS Princeton, Maxcy died when a gun on the ship exploded (DAB; Historical Catalogue of Brown Univer‑ sity, 1764–1904 [1905], 95; Litchfield Law School, 9; Edward C. Papenfuse and oth-

ers, eds., An Historical List of Public Offi­ cials of Maryland [1990– ], 1:21, 43–4, 137; Calhoun, Papers, esp. 1:51, 101–2, 8:263–7, 11:xxi–xxii, 15–22; JEP, 4:119, 5:30, 32, 6:57 [29 May 1830, 19, 25 Sept. 1837, 28 Apr. 1842]; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 27 Apr. 1844; gravestone inscription at Maxcy’s Tulip Hill estate, Anne Arundel Co.). In the enclosed pamphlet, Maxcy defended the Maryland Resolutions, which asserted that all states had an equal right to appropriations from public lands for the purpose of extending common education (see John Patterson to TJ, 3 May 1821, and note), against the adverse report and resolutions of massachusetts, which had concluded that “the reservation of certain lots of land in townships offered for sale by the United States, for the support of schools in such townships, in pursuance of standing laws, cannot justly be considered as a donation to the States within which such lands are situated, and cannot, therefore, entitle any other State to demand any land or other donation by way of equivalent” (21 Jan. 1822 report of Massachusetts legislative committee chaired by Lemuel Shaw, pamphlet in MHi, quote on p. 18; reprinted in American Farmer 4 [1823]: 177–81, quote on p. 181). Maxcy sent the same enclosure in letters to John Quincy Adams and James Madison of 8 and 10 Nov. 1822, respectively (MHi: Adams Papers; Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:600). 1  Reworked in Dft from “to promotion of education in your native state.” 2 Word interlined in Dft. 3 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 4  Reworked in Dft from “which the Virginia Legislature.” 5  Word interlined in Dft in place of “would.”

 139 

To John Campbell Sir Monticello Nov. 10. 22. I have to acknolege your favor of the 4th instant, which gives me the first information I had ever recieved that the laurels which Colo Campbell so honorably won in the battle of King’s mountain had ever been brought into question by any one. to him has been ever ascribed so much of the success of that brilliant action as the valour and conduct of an able commander might justly claim. this lessens nothing the merits of his companions in arms, officers and souldiers, who all, and every one, acted well their parts in their respective stations. I have no papers on this subject in my possession, all such recieved at that day having belonged to the records of the council: but I remember well the deep and grateful impression made on the mind of every one by that memorable victory. it was the joyful annunciation of that turn of the tide of success which terminated the revolutionary war, with the seal of our independance. the slighting expression complained of as hazarded by the venerable Shelby, might seem inexcusable in a younger man; but he was then old, and I can assure you, dear Sir, from mortifying experience, that the lapses of memory of an old man, are innocent subjects of compassion, more than of blame. the descendants of Colo Campbell may rest their heads quietly on the pillow of his renown. history has consecrated, and will for ever preserve it in the faithful annals of a grateful country. with the expressions of the high sense I entertain of his character, accept the assurance to yourself of my great esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson P.S. I recieved at the same time with your letter, one from mr William C. Preston on the same subject. writing is so slow & painful to me that I must pray you to make for me my acknolegements to him, and my request that he will consider this as an answer to his, as well as your favor. PoC (DLC); at foot of text: “John Campbell esq.” Tr (NcD: Campbell Family Papers); with transcription of address cover, indicating that it was addressed to “John Campbell Esquire Richmond” and franked. Tr (ICHi: Foreman M. LeBold Collection). Tr (ViW: TC‑JP). Tr (Mrs. Stuart E. Stern, Petersburg, Fla., 1950); mutilated. Tr (WHi: Lyman Copeland Draper Manuscripts, Kings Mountain Papers); lacking postscript. Printed without postscript in Richmond Enquirer, 16

May 1823; at head of text: “(Communicated.)”; at foot of text: “To John Campbell, Esq. of the Ex. Council, Richmond.” Enclosed in TJ to William C. Preston, 13 Nov. 1822. On 7 Nov. 1780 TJ transmitted copies of the papers on this subject to Samuel Huntington, president of the Continental Congress (PTJ, 4:98–100; JCC, 18:1048).

 140 

To John H. Huffman Sir Monticello Nov. 10. 22. I have duly recieved your favor of the 4th expressing a wish to purchase a part of my land at the Natural bridge. having no disposition to part with any portion of it, I comply with your request of a speedy answer, and tender you my [r]espects and best wishes. Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of William Barret to TJ, 20 Aug. 1821; one word faint; at foot of text: “Mr Huffman”; endorsed by TJ.

To Thomas Oxley Sir Monticello Nov. 10. 22. I duly recieved your favor of Oct. 26. proposing to deposit the models of your land‑clearing machine either in the Museum of the University, or with myself for safe keeping. no apartment is yet ready in the University for recieving such articles, and I would recommend to you to reconsider the proposition as to myself. my advanced age renders of course the continuance of my life very uncertain, and the security of a deposit with me more liable to accident. the Museum of Richmond would have the advantage of presenting the machine to the visitors of that institution; and many younger persons merit equally the confidence you are pleased to repose in me, and would promise a longer term of attention to the deposit. I leave therefore to yourself to decide, on re[c]onsideration, whether your first choice, or one of the depositories I recommend, shall meet your final preference; and pray you to accept the assurance of my respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; one word faint; at foot of text: “Mr Oxley”; endorsed by TJ.

The museum of richmond was the Virginia Museum (see James Warrell to TJ, 27 May 1816, and enclosure).

To John Vaughan Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 10. 22. Your favor of Oct. 31. is just recieved. certainly no service which I can ever render to any member of the family of my deceased friend Doctr Wistar shall be witheld. the only access to employment in our navy is thro’ the grade of Midshipman; and so numerous are the aspirants for admission to that, that it is long before the turn of a new  141 

10 NOVEMBER 1822

one comes about to entitle him to a warrant. if this delay will not be incompatible with the impatience of young mr Wistar, and his friends concur in it, application becomes necessary to the Secretary of the Navy to place his name on the roll of candidates, and satisfactory documents of correct character, & requisite qualification, particularly in Arithmetic. altho’ I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with that officer, I will chearfully contribute whatever weight my application might have with him, on your informing me that this course will meet the views of his friends. Mr Dodge arrived at New York on the 12th of July, on a visit to his native country, and there happened to recieve my letter which you had been so kind as to forward. the articles written for arrived at Boston on the 17th of Oct. and are now on their way to Richmond. mr Dodge has promised me a visit before his return to Marseilles. ever & affectionately yours. Th: Jefferson RC (PPAmP: Vaughan Papers); addressed: “John Vaughan esq. Philadelphia”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 12 Nov. PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of Robert Taylor to

TJ, 20 Aug. 1821; damaged at seal; endorsed by TJ. my letter: TJ to Dodge & Oxnard, 11 June 1822.

From William Annesley Sir Albany Novr 11th 1822 Instantly on the publication I forwarded to you by the favor of Mr Rush (address’d to Commodore Porter) a Copy of my System of Naval Architecture From its brevity, simplicity, and being occupied principally with facts, I hope for the favor of your perusal as it so far establishes your observation on its first essay of its „being plausible, and especially promising strength of construction„. Altho Sir the minute parts of Nautical Science has been foreign to your great pursuits, its principles, as connected with general knowledge, is by you well understood, so far I am most desirous of having your judgment on this work, from your public estimation and high extended Character, as a means of bringing it into early and general practice in the United States. As I feel ambitious to contribute in raising still higher the superiority of the United States Navy (especially in Strength & Duration) I have in a letter of the 9th Inst. respectfully offered my services to the Commissioners of the Navy to attend them and if they please to have a vessel constructed of any description or Tonnage I will pay the utmost attention to it.  142 

11 NOVEMBER 1822

 I have since my Arrival here Octr 2d formed two models according to the best of my judgment; founded on experiment and Facts, one for general proportion, to exhibit in competition with any of the same weight for direct velocity, Stability and keeping a direct course on a wind; The other for an Ocean Steam vessel of the same proportions as the one described in the Work built at Debtford, on which plan a dispatch vessel, and for European commercial Intercourse might be built, and as the extent of building on this plan is unlimited the most formidable moving Batteries may be constructed— The Importance of the subject and advantage of its early adoption, attended with no risque, (it having been already practised in upwards of fifty vessels, in England & Ireland consisting of 2 ships, several schooners & Sloops 1 Submarine vessel of 30 Tons two Steam packets several sailing Barges Canal boats Ship de Yawls1 & Wherrys) may allow me to speak confidently without presumptio[n] for believe me Sir I have been more anxious to complete than publish this System I am Sir with the highest Esteem and respect for your Character your Most Obedt and as an American Citizen Your greatly Obliged Servt Wm Annesley P. S. Sir if you honor me with a reply please address Wm Annesley Albany RC (DLC); edge trimmed; at foot of text: “Thos Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Annesley had recently sent TJ a copy of A New System of Naval Architecture (London, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 5 [no. 216]; TJ’s copy in DLC: Rare Book and Special Collections, inscribed: “To Thos Jefferson Esqr with the highest respect by the Author July 16th 1822”).

being plausible .  .  . strength of construction paraphrases a portion of TJ to Annesley, 26 Mar. 1816. Annesley’s letter of the 9th inst to Secretary of the Navy Smith Thompson is in DNA: RG 45, MLRSN. He gave the dimensions of the steam packet Hope, which he had built at  Deptford (debtford), New Jersey, in his New System of Naval Architecture, 15–6. 1 Manuscript:

“Yauls.”

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 11 Novr 1822 t I am favor’d with yours of the 6th: cu , & have this day purchased a dft: on Boston for $73.93, at a premm of 1 pr Ct, & remitted it to Genl Henry A. S. Dearborne, on your a∕c, as directed, which places at your debit on this a∕c $74.67—   I also paid Wm Barrett $750 on your a∕c, as requested, on the 6th: Inst:, & hold his rect for the same  143 

11 NOVEMBER 1822

When your dft: for $220 Dollars, favor W. & Raphael is presented, it shall be paid, as also F. A. Mayo’s bill for binding—  The balance your Flour is still unsold, & no purchasers in the market at any price, I have never known the article so dull at this season of the year before—a small sale on saturday at $5⅞— With much respect Dr sir Yours very Truly Bernard Peyton RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 18 Nov. 1822, but recorded in SJL as received a day earlier. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Tarlton Saunders, 26 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Char-

lottesville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 11 Nov. premm: “premium.” w. & raphael: the Charlottesville firm of Wolfe & Raphael.

From Peter Maverick Esteemed Sir New York Novr 12th 1822 The order received last summer by the hand of Mr Coffee could not be completed earlier than this time on account of the prevailing sickness, which caused me to remove from the city for several weeks, I now hasten to forward you an impression of it. The proof is not perfect, but could not get a better one without delaying, it 2 or 3 days longer hope the execution will prove satisfactory. You will please instruct me as to the number of impressions you require to be printed and of the quality of paper (that is to say whether it must be sized or unsized, thick or thin) I am Sir with much esteem and veneration your obedient Servt Peter Maverick RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (ViU: TJP); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Eli S. Davis, 27 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “The honble Thomas Jefferson late President of the U States.” Peter Maverick (1780–1831), engraver and printer, was born in New York City. He trained under his father, Peter R. Maverick, who was an accomplished engraver. Maverick worked exclusively in New York City until 1809, when he moved his residence and main business to Newark, New Jersey. During his time in that city, Maverick first apprenticed Asher B.

Durand and then took him into partnership, 1817–20. After the firm of P. Maverick & Durand dissolved, Maverick returned to New York City and operated independently. One of his specialities was engraving banknotes. Maverick prepared a ground plan of the University of Virginia in 1822, engraved portraits, and produced copperplate and lithographic prints. In 1826 he was a founding member of the National Academy of Design. Maverick died in New York City (DAB; Stephen DeWitt Stephens, The Mavericks: Ameri‑ can Engravers [1950]; Newark Centinel of Freedom, 30 Oct. 1810, 1 Aug. 1820; New York National Advocate, 16 Oct. 1817; New‑York Evening Post, 16 Nov.

 144 

12 NOVEMBER 1822 1820, 8 June 1831; Thomas S. Cummings, Historic Annals of the National

Academy of Design, New‑York Drawing Association, Etc. [1865], 28, 29, 123).

e n c l o s u r e

Peter Maverick’s Engraving of the Ground Plan of the University of Virginia

[by 12 Nov. 1822]

Engraving (facsimile in ViU: Edwin M. Betts Memorial Collection of University of Virginia Prints, Photographs and Illustrations); undated; with later handwritten notations at head of text by TJ’s granddaughter Ellen W. Randolph Coolidge. The ground plan above is the first of two versions that were engraved by Maverick during TJ’s lifetime. In 1824, when most of the 250 copies of the 1822 print had been sold and the opening of the University of Virginia to students was imminent, TJ asked Maverick to create a second image using the original plate, but altering it to include numbers on the dor-

mitories, an additional dormitory (number 55) at the end of the West Range, and covered connections instead of outdoor staircases at the terraces leading off both sides of the Rotunda. These changes reflected the university as it had actually been constructed. Maverick sent 250 copies of this revised rendering to TJ early in 1825 (Edwin M. Betts, “Groundplans and Prints of the University of Virginia, 1822–1826,” Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 90 [1946]: 81–90; TJ to Maverick, 22 Sept. 1824; TJ to William J. Coffee, 5 Jan. 1825; Coffee to TJ, 16 Jan. 1825).

 145 

From Frederick A. Mayo Hono: Sir Richmond the 12 Nov: 1822 I delivered my Acount of $24.37½ in to the hands of Capt Peyton, but he agreed only to pay me for the 21 Vols last forwarded, which is about $15, but not for the Vols previously forwarded to your honour bound in a similar manner, your Hono: will therefore pleas to instruct Capt Peyton Your most humble Servant Frederick A Mayo RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 19 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Gabriel Holmes, 3 Aug. 1823, on

verso; addressed: “The Hono: Thomas Jefferson Mounticello”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 14 Nov.

From William Short Dear sir. Philada Nov: 12. 1822 Since my return from my Canada expedition I have had the very sincere & great pleasure of recieving your kind & friendly letter of the 19th ulto. I cannot express to you all the gratification it afforded me to learn from you that your health was perfectly re‑established. I still bear a grudge against those waters & that noble bath to which I was before so partial. They made the first serious attack I have ever known on your constitution—Yet I feel a confident hope from its soundness & from your mode of life on one, certainly among the most healthy spots of these U.S. that you will be the surviving tontinier of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. This is as it should be, that its real father should remain the longest with it. Besides the advantages abovementioned, you have also that of age—Mr Carrol, I understand, is six years, & Mr Adams eight years, older than you. I have by no means given up the intention of paying you my visit. I anticipate also much real pleasure in seeing the edifice of the University even in its unfinished state. Your expectation that the next legislature will be cast in a more favorable mould, gives me hope—& I adopt this hope, de confiance; as being much more agreeable to me than any I could derive from my own views as to what may be expected from popular assemblies in furtherance of public education; particularly when the assembly is well impregnated with the principles of Presbyterianism. I once considered the Presbyterians as the Jansenists of Protestantism—but they have now united in themselves the two most opposite sects of Catholicism, & have become Jesuits as  146 

12 NOVEMBER 1822

well as Jansenists—& of course will oppose all systems of education not confided exclusively to them. Their meeting must be now near at hand; & I shall follow the Richmond papers with a good deal of anxiety during the session. I pray that their deliberations may be such as you would wish. Unitarianism has already had the effect in Boston which you expect from it in Virginia. The University of Cambridge which was founded principally for the education of what they concieved to be Orthodox ministers, is now altogether in the hands of Unitarians—The President & every Professor of the establishment are openly & avowedly Unitarian. The most literary, the most wealthy & most fashionable society of Boston are also Unitarian—but some of the individuals, I observe, are yet a little timid & shamefaced on the subject; so that they would not openly & in words acknowlege themselves anti‑trinitarian, although they belong to & support, for instance, the stone chapel & Dr Freeman its preacher, who is considered the Pope of the Unitarians. My visit to Virginia, which I still look to with pleasure, would have taken place before this, if it were not that during the summer & early autumn, the only season in which I can travel, I have been obliged to devote to some tracts of land in which I have had the misfortune to be involved in the distant parts of the State of New York. I had no alternative but to give them up altogether, at least to give up all hopes of deriving any advantage from them, or to be personally present on them & give directions concerning them. There is something as I have found, in what La Fontaine calls l’oeil du maitre, that is most efficient. Until I visited these lands & as it were took possession, they remained stationary in the hands of agents, & moreover I was obliged every year to pay heavy taxes on them: they appear now to be getting under way, & I hope will hereafter at least pay their own taxes & charges, & with that I shall be perfectly satisfied. Such has been the revolution in the value of this kind of property that I know several persons, who when I first arrived at New‑York, were considered among the most wealthy there, & who are now ruined men: they had purchased whole regions of country on speculation, & have been since that time paying interest on the debt, under the idea that the land would rise faster than the interest. The bubble has now burst: land has fallen instead of rising & the interest has been found to have consumed the capital. One of the tracts that I visited, lying on the borders of the St Laurence, I found when there, that the easiest & shortest mode of getting back would be to go down the river & through the rapids to Montreal & then up Lake Champlain to Whitehall. When at Montreal it was so easy to get to Quebec by the steamboat that I made this little excursion,  147 

12 NOVEMBER 1822

merely to be on a footing with other tourists—for I have no longer any curiosity, at least not enough to make me get over my aversion to travelling. My journey led me in the first instance to Sackett’s harbor, where there is a steamboat that carries you to Ogdensburgh at the mouth of the Oswegatchie. There the steamboat navigation ceases until you arrive at Montreal. From the time of your arriving on the Lake, every thing you meet with seems to be cast in a gigantic mould. To begin with the harbor there is there a ship, which is said to be the largest that has ever been built by the hand of man—The lake is a sea & the St Laurence is a giant among our giant rivers—& the vast countries bordering it are in the same proportion. Canada seems to be exactly in that state where government is most efficient & cheapest—The country is not yet rich enough to attract the attention of the Metropole & therefore no taxes whatever are called for in a direct form. This state of things is so agreeable to our Yankees that great numbers of them pass over & acquire fortunes there; as all the arts of industry & all the ideas of speculation, founded on a prospective increase of value, are exclusively in their hands— The Canadian, qui est trés borné thinks the world will go on as it has done; they follow the routine of their fathers, & seem to think it would be a sin to do otherwise. As far as I had an opportunity of observing, the inhabitants generally are most kindly treated by their superiors in authority. Indeed it was very evident to me that these subjects of a Monarch are much less idolatrous as to men in power than are most zealous Republicans, particularly those who have a disposition, (pro bono publico however,) to partake of the loaves & fishes of the Republic. I once saw on board of one of our steamboats a connexion of a man who was then only a candidate for the Presidency— & it is certain there was much more fuss made about him & il faisait lui‑meme son embarras to a much greater degree, than was done with the Governor general of Canada, the Earl of Dalhousie, who happened to be on the same steamboat on which I came up the St Laurence.   Now that we have so many candidates for the Presidency it would hardly be possible to be in our steamboats without meeting with some connexion proximate or remote of one or the other of them, & I really feel for those who should be obliged to be witnesses of this scene, so well calculated to excite disgust. I saw lately a letter from a person who is much with Correa at Lisbon. I infer from it that Correa is in favor with the Court, but out of favor with the Cortes—who are now as you know much the most important branch of the government. I hope this new Emperor of Brazil will give those gentlemen a lesson that shall teach them that any &  148 

12 NOVEMBER 1822

every part of America is capable of existing without the kind favor & protection of their European metropoles. As we are the oldest I wish that we should take by the hand our younger brothers & sisters—but I hardly expect this for Brazil as they have retained a monarchical government, & above all, with one of the old regime as their head. What have we to do with this? All that we should ask is that they should enter into the American system by shaking off the European yoke. I have hardly room left to tell you that I am ever & faithfully dear sir, your friend & servant W Short RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 19 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. those waters & that noble bath: Warm Springs. tontinier is presumably a variant of “tontiner,” a participant in a tontine, in this case a figurative one of signers of the Declaration of Independence, with the “prize” for the last to die being fame on that account. de con­ fiance: “with confidence.” the university of cambridge was Harvard University, and John T. Kirkland, a former Unitarian minister, was its president, 1810–28 (MH: Kirkland Papers). James freeman was the minister at King’s Chapel in Boston (ANB). In Jean de La Fontaine’s fable, l’oeil du maitre, book 4, fable 21, the master of an estate learns that his oversight is necessary when he discovers that his servants are doing a poor job caring for his livestock and have not even noticed that a stag is hiding in his stable (La Fontaine,

Œuvres Complètes, ed. Jean Pierre Collinet [1991], 1:170–1). The 110‑gun ship New Orleans was designed by Henry Eckford to be one of the largest ships of its class in the world. Construction began early in 1815 and was nearly complete when news of peace with Great Britain reached Sackets Harbor. The New Orleans was never finished, but a shelter was built around it and the ship became a tourist attraction until its demolition in 1884 (ANB; John A. Haddock, The Growth of a Century: As Illustrated in the History of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894 [1895], 600). metropole: “mother country.” qui est trés borné: “who is very obtuse.” il faisait lui‑meme son embarras: “he embarrassed himself.” George Ramsay was the ninth earl of dalhousie and governor‑in‑chief of British North America. Pedro I, son of King John VI of Portugal, became emperor of brazil in 1822.

Extract from Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) to Nicholas P. Trist

Monticello November 12th 1822

I have been disappointed in hearing from you as I expected certainly to have done this evening, My Dear Nicholas, and have a great mind not to write to you atall, until I do get a letter, but as you have constituted your self the “repository” of all that passes in my thoughts, the terror and uneasiness that I have felt to day on my Grand‑Fathers account, shall be faithfully detailed. this morning he got a fall down one of the flights of steps leading from the terrace, and broke his arm  149 

12 NOVEMBER 1822

very near the wrist, besides cutting it badly, and getting a slight wound on his head. you may easily imagine what a shock it was to us all, but after the setting of the bone, by Dr. Watkins, and dressing the wound, the pain abated almost entirely, and to night every symptom is so favourable that our minds are greatly relieved from the uneasiness which oppressed them. Considering his advanced age, and consequent bodily weakness, I fear he does not take sufficient care of him self, for besides his spending every day from breakfast until dinner, since the month of August, in superintending the work going on at his Mill dam, he actually contemplates a journey to Bedford late in December. of the inutility, and even risk of this last undertaking, I hope Dr. Watkins and my brother will convince him, and especially since the broken bone will not unite in less than six or eight weeks. Mama’s health has been tolerably good lately, and will continue so, I believe, as long as we can persuade her to be less regular in her attendance upon the poultry, for in my opinion many of her sick head‑aches may be laid to the score of Master Bolton the king of the hen yard,1 and the turkies. I hope her alarm to day will not make her sick, although she has appear’d drooping ever since, and will probably be kept up late listening to the vie privèe of our renowned doctor. RC (DLC: NPT); extract, consisting of salutation, dateline, and first paragraph of letter; signed “V.J.R.,” with dateline below that; addressed: “To Nicholas P. Trist Esqr Donaldsonville La‑fourche Louisiana”; stamped; postmarked Charlottesville, 14 Nov.; endorsed by Trist. In the unextracted portion of this letter, Randolph recounts a morning visit to Monticello by Alexander Smyth and his daughter, expressing sympathy for the girl’s long journey on horseback and “for being the child of a man who had disgraced him self, and become a mark for the finger of scorn to point at” (an allusion to Smyth’s failings as a soldier during the War of 1812); notes that she will shortly go to stay with Jane H. Nicholas Randolph to help this sister‑in‑law “keep off the ‘blues’” after her family’s departure; comments that she also plans to visit Ashton (the home of Thomas Eston Randolph and Jane Cary Randolph) if TJ’s health continues to improve; reminds Trist that her temper is naturally “suspicious” and de-

mands a letter in return; and closes with a postscript apologizing for “blunders I have committed, and which may be attributed to the stupifying influence of a bad cold.” Ten days after his fall, TJ’s daughter Martha reported that he was “doing well, except the day of the accident he has as usual occupied his seat at table” (Martha Jefferson Randolph to Nicholas P. Trist, 22 Nov. 1822 [RC in NcU: NPT]). Writing from Liberty (later Bedford) to Nicholas P. Trist on 28 Nov. 1822, Elizabeth Trist described the mishap: “Mr Jeffer­ son has been finnishing his back Porticco was careless took a wrong step fell and broke his arm at the wrist but no dangerous consiquences it is thought will ensue” (RC in DLC: NPT). my brother: Thomas Jefferson Randolph. vie privèe: “private life.” 1 Preceding

 150 

six words interlined.

To William C. Preston Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 13. 22. At the same time with your favor on the subject of the late Colo Wm Campbell I recieved one from mr John Campbell of Richmond, and to him, as nearest at hand I addressed my answer. observing to him that writing was painful to me from a disabled wrist, I prayed him to consider the answer as intended for you as well as himself. I have since that however got it copied by another hand and inclose it with the assurance of my high esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ViHi: Preston Family Papers); addressed: “William C. Preston esquire Abington Virginia”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 17 Nov. FC (MHi); in an un­ identified hand; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: TJ to John Campbell, 10 Nov. 1822.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 14 Novr 1822 Flour is so extremely dull this Fall, that it is scarcely possible to get it off on any terms, was therefore glad to dispose of balance yours, & several other parcels, at $6, sixty days credit, as per a∕c sales above— several small sales have recently been made at $5⅞, & I wish it may not get lower, when the River rises to the winter level, & will admit the free passage of Boats up & down. Mr F. A. Mayo presented me an a∕c yesterday, for binding upwards of 30 Volumes for you, instead of 21, as specified in your letter, I declined to pay for more than 21 Vol:, which he received, say $15.75, & said he would write in regard to the balance—if the whole a∕c is just, & you direct it, I will pay the balance at any time—   Yours very Truly B. Peyton Your Wines from Boston are just at Rocketts— RC (MHi); subjoined to enclosure; with postscript written perpendicularly in left margin; endorsed by TJ as received 18 Nov. 1822, but recorded in SJL as received a day earlier. RC (DLC); address

cover only; with Dft of TJ to Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 3 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Mr Thomas Jefferson Monticello Charlottesville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 14 Nov.

 151 

e n c l o s u r e

Account with Bernard Peyton for Flour Sales Sales 73 Barrels Superfine Flour by Bernard Peyton for a∕c. Mr Th: Jefferson.— d 1822 Rich 12th Novembr  To Lewis Ludlam & Co In store at 60 Days 73 Barrels Superfine flour at $6.00 $438.00 Charges— To Cash paid freight 63 Blls: at 2/6 &  branding 6¢. $26.31 " Canal toll on 63 Blls: $6.56. Drayage $1.31 " 7.87 " Storage 73 Blls: $5.84. Inspection $1.46 " 7.30 " Commission at 2½ pr ct: "10.95 $52.43 Nett prcds: at Cr T.J. $385.57 E.E. Bernard Peyton By N. N. Wilkinson MS (MHi); entirely in N. N. Wilkinson’s hand; with covering letter subjoined.

e.e.: “Errors Excepted.”

From Nicholas Johnson My Friend Union County, Indiana, 15th of the 11th mo 1822. In consequence of our Small acquaintance, I have take[n] the liberty of addressing thee on the subject of appointments[.] By an act of congress, passed Last session, An additional Land office will be established with in this State, and of course a Register and Receiver, will be appointed to manage the same; I am told, that many applicants are already1 attached to the list, and that my friend Col Thomas Brown is one; he is a man well acquainted with Public Business, hath occupyed a variety of honorable stations under the executive of this State, both civil and military, has been for Three years past engaged in the public surveys under Genl Tiffin of Chillicothe, And he now informs me that his health is so much impaired by hard [.  .  .] in the woods that he has been under the neces[sity of re]signing his office as deputy surveyor, and [.  .  .] his friends for a little more sunshine. I presume that no man in this state will produce a more substantial recommendation to the proper department, And if thy feelings could be inlisted on this occasion, I have no doubt but that his appointment (to one or the other of Sd offices) will be secured; to the great satisfaction of his numerius friends, and I do beleive to the great promotion of the public good  152 

18 NOVEMBER 1822

 With sentiments of high esteem I have the honor to be, My Friend, Thy Most Obt &c. Nicholas Johnson formerly of Bedford County V,a,  I have lived a nigh neighbour to Thos Brown for near two years. N. Johnson If the above may have any weight please to2 use thy influence RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); edge trimmed; torn at seal; adjacent to first signature: “His Eccellency Thos Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Nicholas Johnson (ca. 1761–1844), farmer, lived in Bedford County until at least 1820 and was associated with the Society of Friends. He arranged to free two slaves in 1801 and owned none by 1810. By 1822 Johnson was living in Union County, Indiana, where he remained until his death (Commemorative Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Indianapolis and Vicinity [1908], 30; Bedford Co. Deed Book, 11:306; Hinshaw, Quaker Genealogy, 6:244, 308, 322–3; DNA: RG 29, CS, Bedford Co., 1810, 1820, Ind., Union Co., 1830, 1840). Thomas Brown (1780–1840), surveyor, was a native of South Carolina. He moved

N.J.

in 1806 to Indiana, where he was a local judge and surveyor (Biographical and His‑ torical Record of Jay and Blackford Coun‑ ties, Indiana [1887], 681; Leander J. Monks, Logan Esarey, and Ernest V. Shockley, eds., Courts and Lawyers of Indiana [1916], 2:680, 681, 684, 685; Rollo B. Oglesbee and Albert Hale, His‑ tory of Michigan City Indiana [1906], 67; DNA: RG 29, CS, Ind., Union Co., 1820, 1830). An 8 May 1822 act established an additional land office at Fort Wayne, Indiana. The following winter Samuel C. Vance was appointed register and Joseph Holman became the receiver (U.S. Statutes at Large, 3:701–2; JEP, 3:335, 336, 338 [26, 28 Feb. 1823]). 1

 Manuscript: “alraady.”  Preceding two words interlined.

2

From Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir, University Va Nov 18 1822 r In settling some business with M Garrett to day I find (for the first time I have known it) $200– paid to Mr Giacomo Raggi which is that amt more than he should have recieved— In your statement (to Mr Garrett) of Mr Appletons acct May 8h 1822—you state it thus Proceeds of former remittance $1239.00 to be paid to Giacomo Raggi 200.00 applicable to the capitals $1039.00 Whole cost of Capitals 1900  bal: to be remited clear of Exchange 861 Mr Garrett called on me for a draft for seven hundred dollars which was given without showing me your statment, consiquently I did not  153 

18 NOVEMBER 1822

Mr

know of Appletons being directed1 to pay the above2 $200 to Giacomo Raggi, therefore never charged him with it I give you the earlyest information I have of it that the error may be corrected if practicable by Mr Appletons with holding it if he has not paid it hoping you are in a fair way of recovering from the effects of your fall I am Sir respectfuly yours A. S. Brockenbrough Note The bal: 161$ was not drafted for untill to day RC (CSmH: JF); postscript written perpendicularly in left margin; endorsed by TJ as received 20 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

1

 Manuscript: “direted.”  Preceding two words interlined.

2

Notes on Account with Boyd Miller

B. Miller

[ca. 18 Nov. 1822]

1819. Aug. 31. int. from this date1 1820. Mar. 5. bond

4256.08

Nov. 15. ord. on B. Peyton favr Saml Garland. 1821. Mar. 5. do       favr Wm Barrett Aug. 17. Garrett’s ord. on Eust. & McNam. V. W.  Southall 1822: Nov. 6. pd by B. Peyton Payments promised Mar 5. 21.    Nov. 15. 20.   600.2 21. Mar. 5. 750. Mar. 5. 750 Sep. 5. 750 Aug. 17. 500 22. Mar. 5. 750 Nov. 6. 22 750 Sep. 5 750     23. Mar. 5. 750     Sep. 53     principal4 4256.08 1819. Aug. 31. to 1820. Nov. 15.  1–2–15   308.86 4564.94 1820. Nov. 15 pd 600.  3964.94 1821. Mar.  5 Int 0–3–18 71.36 4036.30  154 

600. 750. 500. 750

19 NOVEMBER 1822

then paid Aug. 17. Int

0–5–12

then pd 1822. Nov.  6 Int

1–2–20

then pd MS (MHi); written entirely in TJ’s hand on both sides of a single sheet; undated, with date of composition conjectured from date of receipt of Bernard Peyton to TJ, 11 Nov. 1822. Boyd Miller (ca. 1778–1865), merchant, joined a London firm by 1801. Two years later he began a partnership from abroad with William Brown, of Lynchburg. After Brown’s death in 1811, Miller entered a new partnership with Archibald Robertson and Samuel Read, which ended in August 1819. Miller lived in Virginia himself from about 1815 to 1819. Even after his return to London in about 1820, he retained his American investments and sought to settle these accounts into the 1860s. Miller continued as a merchant in  London and died in nearby Mitcham (Post‑Office Annual Directory For the Year 1801 [London, (1801)], 160; Post Office London Directory For 1820 [London, (1820)], 242; Post Office London Direc‑ tory For 1865 [London, (1865)], 572; Va.

750.  3286.30 88.745 3375.046 500.  2875.04 210.76 3085.80 750.  2335.807

Reports, 58 [17 Grattan]: 544–60; Marshall, Papers, 9:69–76; London Standard, 17 Jan. 1865). For the bond of 1820. mar. 5, see TJ to Archibald Robertson, 7 Mar. 1820. In March 1823 TJ calculated that he owed Miller’s agent William Barret “1150,” due “May. 23.” (MB, 2:1393). For a later estimate of his debt to Miller, see TJ’s List of Debts and Assets, 1 Apr. 1823. TJ’s account with Miller was still unpaid in 1829 (ViW: Boyd Miller and Archi­ bald Robertson Ledger, 1819–57). 1 Line interlined, possibly at a different sitting. 2 Line interlined, possibly at a different sitting. This column documents payments made by TJ. 3 Recto ends here. 4 Manuscript: “princpal.” 5 Reworked from “44.37.” 6 Reworked from “3330.67.” 7 Beneath this column TJ erased “750.”

From William Radford Dear Sir Bedford Nov 19th 1822 Having had some conversation with your grandson Mr Thomas J Randolph, respecting the title to the land conveyed, to M Yancey and myself, by you and Mr Bankhead, and not understanding precisely how the title has been deduced, I have taken the liberty of writing to you upon the subject, for the purpose of obtaining from you such information, as may apprise us of the true state of our right—I have understood that the land originally belonged to Mr Wales, and that  155 

19 NOVEMBER 1822

the title came to you by marriage with his daughter, but in what manner, I have not been informed—If the legal title be in yourself, then there can be no difficulty, but if it was in Mrs Jefferson, it would then vest in your daughter Mrs Randolph and your grandson Mr Eppes, from whom, releases could be obtained if necessary—Feeling entire confidence in yourself I have never thought it necessary to investigate the title to the land, and only ask now for information on the subject, being satisfied, that every thing right and proper, has been, or will be done by you—I was much concerned to hear by Mr Randolph the accident that has befallen you and hope that you may speedily recover from it—As soon as your health and convenience will permit, you will much oblige me by writing to me on the above subject Be pleased to accept the assurance of my highest respect Wm Radford RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 26 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Albert Gallatin, 2 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson esq Monticello Albemarle” by “Mr Randolphs.”

For the title to the land conveyed, see TJ’s Conveyance of Bear Branch Land to William Radford and Joel Yancey, 7 Dec. 1811.

From Francis Vacher Sir 19th November 1822. Harsimus N.J. An application made to me, to call upon the “U. S.” for a large Sum of Continental money, in the possession of the Applicant, as well as the benefit of others, induces me to address you, that I may receive that proper information, as a guide for its payment; I need not appeal to that sacred Instrument, farther than to recall your memory to it’s resolves.—, its causes, and its effects; And now its consequences. That famous Declaration of Independence, Whereby an appeal was made to the omnipotent and also to earthly beings for the truth, appears to me to be Conclusive that the U. S. are in duty bound to discharge those debts which were made to “try Men’s Souls” Under every policy & sanction, I deem it Sir, Necessary as well as dutiful, for the U.S. to redeem it’s credit and that no limitation under premature & unforeseen occasions could prevent it’s delay. Your opinion Sir directed to me on this effect, will be most gratefully received and will unquestionably add another truth to the many great good and virtuous actions of your Public as well as private life Respectfully Francis Vacher  156 

20 NOVEMBER 1822  RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 26 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Francis Vacher (b. ca. 1782), attorney and public official, was the son of John Francis Vacher, a native of France who served as a surgeon in the Continental army during the American Revolution and remained in the United States at the conclusion of the war. The younger Vacher was educated in Canada and in the United States, where he ultimately studied law and was admitted to the bar in New Jersey in 1804. With his father’s endorsement, Vacher applied in 1805 for a position on the Orleans Territory board of commissioners. Later that year he was

appointed to serve in the territory’s western district. By 1806 complaints regarding Vacher’s conduct and predilection for alcohol began reaching TJ and Albert Gallatin, and he was soon removed (PTJ, 16:309–10; James Wilson, Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey [1844], 55; DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–09, esp. John Francis Vacher to TJ, 23 Mar. 1805; Terr. Papers, 9:457, 612–3, 629, 680). The phrase try men’s souls comes from the opening line of Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis. Number I. By the Author of Common Sense (Norwich, Conn., [1776]).

To William Annesley

[20 Nov. 1822]

I duly recd the copy of your late pamphlet on shipbuilding, and your favor of the 11th is now at hand requesting ‘my jdmt on it as a means of bringing it into early & genl practice in the US.’   born & bred among the mountains, and scarcely knowing the head from the stern of a ship it would be great presumption in me to offer to my f.c. a jdmt on a subject on which they know that I must be so ignorant. you must then be so good, Sir, as to excuse my declining this, as indeed I do every other applicn for opns on any subject to be given to the public. with a body & mind in the wane of 80.y. retiremt is equally my duty & wish. your applicn to the Comrs of the navy places the1 proposn before it’s proper judges & those within whose province it will be to give effect to your invention if approved. with this apology accept my wishes for it’s success & the assurance of my respect. FC (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39818); on verso of bottom half of reused address cover of Patrick Gibson to TJ, 27 Aug. 1821; in TJ’s hand; undated; endorsed by TJ: “Annesley Wm Albany Nov. 20. 22.”

 157 

f.c.: “fellow citizens.” 1 TJ

here canceled “thing.”

From Thomas Cooper Dear Sir November 20. 1822 Columbia I am much obliged to you for your letter. Our town here is crouded with Presbyterian parsons; they are a systematic and persevering sect, and while they have the address to cajole the people out of their money, their power will encrease. who who has any regard for the peace of himself & his family can venture to stem this tide of fanaticism? About 20 Years hence the prevailing sect among the better informed people, will be the Unitarian. I have drawn up the history of the argument on the miraculous conception, with an accurate arrangement of the authorities, but I can never venture to publish it. Even the Unitarians are sectarians, with the sectarian spirit about them; but I agree with you they will gradually eat out the more ignorant fanatics, except the methodists. These last addressing the passions, will keep fast hold of the multitude; more especially from the erotic language of their devotional poetry. Rousseau long ago observed that devotion had borrowed the language of love; and I am persuaded this class of associations has its full effect on the female part of the sectarians, who are not affected by mere argument or sound reasoning. The plan your visitors have adopted, appears to me excellent; but you will have no theological professorships from any sect—To my astonishment, our College here, has suddenly come into vogue. The severities of last year have had a decidedly beneficial effect; and I have reason to believe we shall have as large a number of new students enter within a month, as have ever come to this college at the same period before. Our young men are now (that is as yet) studious, civil, orderly: & if no change for the worse takes place, I am satisfied. Our trustees propose revising their code of Laws, which when published I will send to you. Health and peace to you for many years. Thomas Cooper RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 30 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to James P. Morris, 1 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Montecello Virginia”; franked; postmarked.

Jean Jacques Rousseau observed that devotion had borrowed the language of love in Lettres de Deux Amans, Habitans d’une petite Ville au pied des Alpes (Amsterdam, 1761), 2:viii.

 158 

From Égide Norbert Cornelissen Gand, roÿaume des Paÿs‑bas, Monsieur  20 novemb. 1822 votre nomination comme membre de cette Société, faite probablement à votre insçu, tient au congrès de gand; ce titre n’astreint à aucun devoir de la part des membres; ce n’est qu’un fleuron de plus qu’a voulu Se donner la Société, en inscrivant au nombre des Sociétaires, un homme qui joint tant d’[inovateur?] dans le talent à tant de dignité dans le caractère, et dont le nom est plus Européen encore qu’il n’est Américain, En parcourant les notices ci‑jointes, vous verrez, Monsieur, que la Société vous a compris au nombre des membres en l’honneur de qui elle Se fait elle‑même un devoir d’exposer des Fleurs; cette Société, comme vous le verrez, ne ressemble à aucune autre; telle qu’elle est, elle a mérité de Servir de modèle, et deja Sept villes nous ont imités dans les deux parties de notre roÿaume. Cette lettre vous Sera remise par M. Rottiers, d’Anvers, membre de la Société, et que des affaires particulières appellent aux Etats‑Unis; il est lui même botaniste et archæologiste connu, aÿant dejà fait deux voÿages Scientifiques et litteraires vers le littoral du Pont Euxin, les iles de la grèce, et “les champs où fut Troÿe.”1 J’estimerais M. Rottiers très heureux S’il pourrait vous voir, et vous exprimer les Sentimens que vous inspirez ici; recevez de ma part l’hommage du plus respectueux dévouement, et acceptez quelques bagatelles qui me tombent Sous la main et qui concernent la botanique ou les arts. Le Secrétaire‑inspecteur de l’Université de Gand   N. Cornelissen membre de l’institut des Pays‑bas et de l’Académie des Sciences et belles lettres de Bruxelles e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

Ghent, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sir  20 November 1822 Your nomination as a member of this Society, probably done without your knowledge, was made at a meeting in Ghent. This rank does not oblige members to undertake any duties; it is only another jewel that the Society gives itself by enrolling among its members a man who combines so much renown by his achievements with so much dignity of character, and whose name is even more European than American.

 159 

20 NOVEMBER 1822 In perusing the enclosed notices, you will see, Sir, that you are included among the members whom the Society considers it a duty to honor with a floral display. This Society, as you will see, resembles no other. As it is unique, it has deservedly been used as a model, and seven cities in the two parts of our kingdom have already imitated us. This letter will be handed to you by Mr. Rottiers, of Antwerp, a member of the Society, who goes to the United States on personal business. He is himself a well‑known botanist and archaeologist, having already made two scien­ tific and literary voyages to the shores of the Black Sea, the Greek islands, and “the fields where Troy once stood.” I will consider Mr. Rottiers very fortunate if he can see you and express the feelings you inspire here. For my part, please receive the homage of my most respectful devotion and accept a few trifles concerning botany or the arts that have fallen into my hands. Secretary‑inspector of the University of  Ghent   N. Cornelissen member of the Institut des Pays‑Bas and of the Académie des Sciences et Belles Lettres de Bruxelles RC (DLC); one word illegible; on printed letterhead of “La Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique Érigée a Gand,” with “Florae Cererique Et Pomonae S.” (“Dedicated to Flora and Ceres and Pomona”) printed within floral wreath at top of page; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Cormlibe. .” received 5 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to James E. Dekay, 18 Oct. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Monsieur Monsieur jefferson—Ancien Président des Etas unis, membre honoraire de la Société botanique de Gand, a flandres—a Monticello State of Virginia”; franked; postmarked New York, 28 May. Translation by Dr. Genevieve Moene. Égide Norbert Cornelissen (1769– 1849), author, public official, and botanist, was born in Antwerp. He was educated in local common schools before matriculating at the University of Leuven. Cornelissen left the university without completing his studies, joined the Belgian army, and fought in the Brabant Revo­ lution. When France regained control of Belgium in 1794, he became a teacher in Paris and then in Brussels. By 1797 Cornelissen began a career in the Belgian government, often anonymously compos-

ing speeches for other officials in addition to writing his own pieces on science and literature. His works appeared in such journals as the Annuaire de l’Académie Royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux‑Arts de Belgique. Cornelissen was a knight of the Order of Leopold and a member of several scientific and literary societies, including the Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique and the Société des Beaux‑Arts à Gand. At the University of Ghent he was adjunct secretary beginning in 1817, with promotion to secretary‑inspector in 1821. Cornelissen retired from public life in 1835 and died in Ghent (Adolphe Quetelet, “Notice sur Égide‑Norbert Cornelissen,” An‑ nuaire de l’Académie Royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux‑Arts de Belgique 17 [1851]: 77–119; Journal d’Agriculture Pratique, d’Économie Forestière, d’Économie Rurale et d’Éducation des Animaux Do‑ mestiques 8 [1856]: v–xv). Bernard Eugène Antoine Rottiers (1771– 1857), soldier and antiquarian, was a native of Antwerp who embarked on a military career that included service in the Austrian, French, British, Dutch, and Russian armies. Retiring from such endeavors in 1818, he continued to travel extensively, with expeditions to excavate and collect antiquities in Turkey and Greece. Rottiers

 160 

20 NOVEMBER 1822 sold portions of his collections to the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. He described his finds in Itinéraire de Tiflis à Constantinople (1829) and De­ scription des Monumens de Rhodes (1830). Rottiers died in Brussels (Ruurd B. Halbertsma, Scholars, Travellers and Trade: The Pioneer Years of the National Mu‑ seum of Antiquities in Leiden, 1818–1840 [2003], 49–70, 166–7). The Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand was founded as the Société d’Agriculture et de Botanique de  Gand in 1808 and mounted its first plant exhibition in 1809. In 1816 the association’s name was amended to include “Royale,” under which designation it still functions today (Joseph van Damme‑­ Sellier, Histoire de la Société Royale d’Agri­ culture et de Botanique de Gand [1861], 20, 22, 27). TJ was named comme membre of the Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique at the organization’s 1817 meeting in Ghent, along with Henry Clay and other foreigners. On 22 June of that year TJ’s nomination was deferred with the following explanation: “Sur l’observation d’un membre que la Société, n’ayant encore pu recevoir la réponse si Mr. Jefferson lui faisait l’honneur d’accepter, il était convenable de différer, la Commission s’est rendue à cet avis; mais elle a désiré que, non‑obstant cette observation, son vœu resterait consigné au procès‑­ verbal de ce jour, comme un témoignage d’estime et de respect” (“A member remarked that, the Society having as yet been unable to receive an answer as to whether Mr. Jefferson did it the honor of accepting, it was proper to defer. The committee agreed, but wished that, notwithstanding this observation, its desire

would remain recorded in the day’s minutes, as a testimony of esteem and respect”) (Salon d’Été. XVIIme Exposition Publique de la Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de la Ville de Gand, 29 et 30 Juin, 1 et 2 Juillet [Ghent, (1817)]). The enclosed notices likely included an extract from the minutes of the society, 26 Jan. 1817, reading “La Société, dans la vue d’étendre ses relations, et de s’associer des hommes qui ont rendu de grands services à l’agriculture, à nommé Membre Associé Correspondant Mr Jeffer­son, ancien Président des Etats‑Unis, Cultivateur à Monticello; en conséquence des fleurs seront exposés sous son nom dans chacun des deux salons, qui sont ouverts pendant la saison d’hiver et celle d’été” (“The Society, with a view to expanding its relationships and associating itself with men who have rendered great services to agriculture, has appointed as a corresponding associate member Mr. Jefferson, former president of the United States, farmer at Monticello; accordingly flowers will be displayed under his name at each of the two exhibitions, which are open during the winter and summer”) (Tr in DLC; entirely in Jean Baptiste Delbecq’s hand and signed by him; at head of text: “Extrait du Registre aux delibérations de la Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand”). les champs où fut troÿe (“iam seges est, ubi Troia fuit” [“Now are fields of corn where Troy once was”]) is from Ovid, Heroides, 1.53 (Ovid, Loeb Clas­ sical Library, trans. Grant Showerman [1914–29; rev. George P. Goold, 1977– 79], 14–5). 1 Omitted closing quotation mark editorially supplied.

To Peter Maverick Sir Nov. 20. 22. I have duly recd your favor of the 12th with the proof sheet of the plan of the University of Virga. you enquire whether the paper for those to be struck off is to be thick or thin? sized or unsized? as to the 1st question the paper of the proof sheet which you sent me appears  161 

20 NOVEMBER 1822

2d

to me proper. the question sized or unsized? I am not able to answer, not knowing the nature & object of the opern. perhaps you can decide what is best on my information that the prints are intended for frames. be pleased to strike off 250. copies & forward them by water to Colo B.P. at Richmond, retaining the plate till further orders. send me your bill by mail and the amount shall be remitted thro’ Colo Peyton without delay. accept the assurance of my respect. FC (MHi); on verso of right half of reused address cover of Thomas J. Gantt to TJ, 24 Aug. 1821; in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Maverick Peter. N.Y.”

To Virgil Maxcy Sir Monticello Nov. 20. 22. I have duly recieved your letter of the 8th and with it a copy of your pamphlet on the Maryland resolutions. it is a subject admitting much to be said on both sides, and it is ably advocated in the tract you are so kind as to send me. the mode of execution you suggest will relieve weighty difficulties.1   With a body and mind in the wane of 80 years it is my duty as well as inclination to retire from the controversies of the world, leaving the choice of measures to those who are to live under them, and confidently trusting2 that they will do ultimately what is for the best. the enterprise in which I am engaged on behalf of science for my own state3 is perhaps beyond what, at my age, I ought to have undertaken. but I have able coadjutors on whose shoulders I can safely rest it when my own fail. the advancement of science is my first wish, and I am sure we are not the people we should be, had we more of it among us. with my thanks for the favor of your pamphlet accept the assurance of my great respect. Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Galloway‑Maxcy‑Markoe Papers); addressed: “T. Maxcy esquire Tulip hill near Annapolis”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 23 Nov. Dft (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); on verso of top half of reused address cover of Patrick Gibson to TJ, 27 Aug. 1821. For the equitable distribution of funds resulting from the sale of public lands, Maxcy suggested a mode of execution based on a “compound ratio of population and extent of territory .  .  . In other words, let one half of the proceeds of the aggre‑ gate quantity of land, which shall be as-

signed to satisfy the just claims of the states, which have yet had no grants for the purposes of education, be distributed amongst them according to their federal numbers, and the other half according to  their extent of territory respectively” ([Maxcy], The Maryland Resolutions, and the Objections to Them Considered [Baltimore, 1822], 36–7). 1 Sentence

interlined in Dft. two words interlined in Dft in place of “confiding securely on the assurance.” 3 Preceding four words interlined in Dft. 2  Preceding

 162 

To Frederick A. Mayo Sir [20 Nov. 1822] When I desired Colo Peyton to pay your account I had mislaid it & only recollected the last 21. vols. your letter of the 12th instant brings to my mind the vols previously done. on your presenting this lre to Colo P. he will pay up for me what his former paimt wanted of 24.37½ the whole amount. accept my frdly salutns Dft (MHi); on portion of reused address cover; undated; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Mayo Fred. A.,” with his additional notation: “24.37½.” Recorded in SJL as a letter of 20 Nov. 1822.

To John Vaughan Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 20. 22. Since my letter of the 10th I have learnt1 that a new regulation has been adopted in the Navy department, by which no person can recieve a Midshipman’s warrant unless they have been on some actual service at sea 6. months at least. it was further observed that a considerable proportion of the applicants, within that period become so disgusted with sea‑service as to relinquish their intentions altogether. mr Wistar will therefore have to go thro’ this noviciate before his application will be recieved. I write under the pain of a recently fractured arm, which happened the 2d day after I had written to you. it is the Radius of the left arm a little2 above the small bones of the wrist, and is doing well. I salute you3 with constant friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (Artcurial, auction 3137, Paris, 15 Nov. 2016, lot 87); addressed: “John Vaughan esquire Philadelphia”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 23 Nov. Dft (DLC); on verso of a reused address cover from Joseph C. Cabell to TJ; endorsed by TJ.

1 In

Dft TJ here canceled “from.” Dft TJ here canceled “way only.” 3  In Dft TJ here interlined and then canceled “always.” 2 In

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 21. The error of account with Giacomo Raggi may easily be corrected if he should return to this country. but this being doubtful, it may be proper for you to give me a copy of his account as settled and signed  163 

21 NOVEMBER 1822

by him which I can transmit to Appleton who knows of the payment of the 200.D. and will see that it was not credited in the account. Can you now furnish me with your last half year’s account (to Oct. 1.) to be given in with our Report which I shall transmit within a few days1 to the Literary board for the legislature. I lent you one of mr Garrett’s accounts which I must pray you to return.2 I inclose you the order for 150.D. for the hoisting machine signed, to vouch that article in3 your account. Accept my friendly & respectful salutations Th: Jefferson [Remainder only in Dft:] P.S. the Estimate for the Library is also requested RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); partially dated; endorsed by Brockenbrough as a letter of 21 Nov. 1822. Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39821); on verso of left half of reused address cover of Thomas J. Gantt to TJ, 24 Aug. 1821; undated; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 21 Nov. 1822. Recorded in SJL as a letter of 22 Nov. 1822. Enclosure not found.

For the hoisting machine, see TJ’s Receipt to Brockenbrough, 22 Nov. 1821, and note. The library was the University of Virginia Rotunda. 1

 Preceding four words interlined in Dft.  Sentence interlined in Dft. 3  Reworked in Dft from “signed as a voucher for.” 2

From Thomas J. Johnston Oakland, Breckinridge County K’y Venerable Sir.  Nov r 21. 1822. The familiar acquaintance you have with the subject upon which I wish to consult you, & the honor I have of bearing your name, must furnish me with an apology for addressing a letter to you. Those of her sons upon whom nature has lavished the treasures of mind are under a sort of obligation to communicate a portion of their advantages to those who shall come after them, if not (the rule of the ancients that every citizen is public property being reversed,1) to their contemporaries, & to exhibit some of that elevation of soul displayed by the generous man, who, upon his father’s death, being left heir to his estate, nobly resolved to divide with his brother whose entrance into life was not then anticipated, what ought to have been their Common patrimony. The enlarged ideas generated by the transcendant dignity of the study & practice of legal science warrant us in looking to the accomplished advocate for the most consummate display of the Nobleness2 of human nature. Generously to point out to youth & inexperience the road that leads to interest & honor—to exalt, enlarge & correct the intellectual faculties—to expand & purify their moral  164 

21 NOVEMBER 1822

views, & smoothe away the asperities with which the path of study is strewed & fretted—these are objects for the promotion of which the truly American lawyer & statesman experiences a more‑than Roman intensity of feeling. With these views & under these impressions, I make this intrusion upon your retirement, (consecrated by the distinguished services you have rendered your happy country & the gratitude of your countrymen, commensurate with those services) to solicit your advice & the assistance of your opinion in the direction of my legal Studies. After forming the resolution of entering upon the Study of the law & making it my destination in life, I have oscillated between opposite views. On the one side, that a theoretical may precede a practical knowledge, it would Seem proper to go back & delve in the mines of Coke; on the other, to take up Blackstone as the best Geographer of the Law, and, with a knowledge of the Statute law & State Decisions of the residence & contemplated place of practice of the student as a clue to the labyrinths to be explored, going back, commence with the period where English legislation breaks off—Resolve these doubts— et eris mihi magnus Apollo. You will have the goodness to point out the Connection & indicate the bearing (& the writers most proper for the novitiate to consult) of Politicks, Ethicks, Oratory, Criticism, Belles Lettres & Composition; and are these not Subjects to diversify agreeably & usefully the student’s career in the prosecution of legal science?—to recreate & cheer one’s ascent up the steep leading to the Temple of the Goddess who is the Object of devotion? Will you give me Some idea of the course to be pursued with regard to Admiralty & Ecclesiastical Law, the law of Nations & the Roman Civil Law, the authors to be perused, & the order & method to be observed in perusing them? You are beginning to think, by this time, that the province I have assigned to your patience is a pretty wide one, & the demand not to be satisfied ‘currente calamo’—And I have said nothing at all about Note books, Debating Societies, which must be resorted to where nature has been parsimonious; nor the means of infusing strength, quickness, versatility, & elegance into the intellectual Gladiator—These are topicks with regard to which the measure of instruction you afford, must depend upon your clemency; indeed, I must put an end to this tiresome scroll, by begging pardon for the liberty I have taken & requesting you to consult your own convenience & not my wishes in the answer you shall make. Accept the expression of my warm Veneration for Your character, Th: J. Johnston  165 

21 NOVEMBER 1822  RC (DLC); endorsement by TJ damaged. RC (MHi); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 13 June 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Montecello. Va”; stamped; postmarked Hardinsburg, Ky., 2 Dec. Recorded in SJL as received 30 Dec. 1822. et eris mihi magnus apollo (“and to me be great Apollo”) is in Virgil, Ec‑ logues, 3.104 (Fairclough, Virgil, 1:46–7). The phrases recreate & cheer .  .  . the goddess who is the object of devotion (the goddess being Athena) and currente calamo (“without deep reflection”) both appear with minor variations in a letter from William Wirt to Johnston, 22 July 1822. Johnston sent

letters seeking advice about his legal studies to Wirt and other prominent political figures including Daniel Webster and, in 1836, John C. Calhoun. Their responses were found late in the nineteenth century “in a forgotten desk” in Washington, D.C., where Johnston had practiced law (Elizabeth Elliot, “Advice to a Young Lawyer,” Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine 51 [new ser., 29] [1896]: 475–6; Calhoun, Papers, 13:116–7). Johnston sent a similar request for educational guidance to James Madison on 10 Nov. 1823 (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:157–8). 1

 Preceding two words interlined.  Reworked from “dignity.”

2

From Thomas Mann Randolph Dear Sir, Richmond November 21. 1822 I have just received a letter from Mr John Campbell Councillor of State of Virginia inclosing a copy of one from you to him of the 10th inst. on the subject of the late endeavour in the Western States to degrade the memory of Campbell of Kings mountain, one of the heroes of the revolution. As I could not undertake to advise him either to publish or to abstain from publishing your letter, along with other documents collected by him with the view to repell the attack on the reputation of his deceased Kinsman, I could not refuse, at his request, to ask your permission for him to use the letter in that way. After that, my own reputation at this most critical juncture of circumstances important to me in the most serious and most lasting degree, requires that I should beg of you to give some explanation of this sentence in your letter to the Councillor, now under my eyes in a copy certified by himself. “I have no papers on this subject in my possession, all such received at that day having belonged to the records of the Council.” This is enjoyed as a great triumph over me, for the Council is thereby said to be acknowledged as a Body distinct from, and independent of the Governour, while I have contended that they formed together the Executive Department, and that the Governour was the sole organ of communication with that department, untill duly pronounced by a competent authority to be incapable or absent from the Government; unless in the case where he chose to acknowledge the disability himself. I had prevailed so far as to have a majority of the Councillors at  166 

21 NOVEMBER 1822

last willing to acknowledge that the Governour had a right to inspect their journal and even to see that the entries in it accurately recorded the substance of the advice upon which he was about to act, both of which were stoutly denied by most of them for a long time. The term records of the Executive Department is now familiar to them and used by themselves instead of records of the Executive Council, allthough papers are yet addressed to them alone, under that title, by a few who have warmly taken their side. Yet those persons, none of them, support their pretension to the right of meeting whenever the Governour is out of view, and of revising, rescinding, abrogating and annulling whatever may have been advised at the last meeting when he was present; even allthough he may have given the proper instructions for the execution thereof in the mean time. The right to give1 the casting vote upon an equal division, I never have abandoned, allthough in complaisance to them I have allways consented to receive a vote of one of them changed to the contrary side, or to wait the arrival of another Councillor sent for on the occasion, or even to allow a short adjournment of the question to give time for a fuller meeting. The words used by you “at that day” imply, it is said, that papers are retained by the Governor at this day which belonged to the Council as distinct from him at a former period. Now I have kept none but those relating to certain cases of appointment of Tobacco Inspectors, to the full­ fillment of the Charters of Turnpike Companies, the appointment of Militi[a] officers in concurrence with the County Courts, matters of the Board of Public Works and the Literary fund, and all those to be turned over to my successor, or lodged with the clerks of the different Boards when I had done with them. I have indeed contended that letters addressed to the Governor out of Council, ought properly to be returned to him after they were recorded in the letter Books of the Executive Department, allthough they2 treated of public matters only. All letters whatsoever with the words “Council” or “Executive”3 superscribed, and others with whatever superscription, which did not come by mail, but by private hand, and were declared to be on public business by the bearer, authorized by the Writer to say so, or were laid on the table of the Council Chamber as public communication, I have ever admitted to be public, and liable to be opened without impropriety. I have stoutly declared that I would impeach the honour to the last extremity of any member of the Executive Body who should violate the sanctity4 of private Correspondence, unless the case came within the above exceptions and yet the matter was not of a public nature, which might lead to an excusable mistake. It may be absurd for creatures ready to fall into dust, and of whom in a few  167 

21 NOVEMBER 1822

years, months, or days perhaps, not a trace will remain, to be so pertinacious; but the Commonwealth is lasting, and whatever is believed to concern it materially ought to be thought about and spoken of to the last breath. The weight of your opinion would silence either side at once. For my own part I could flee to the grave with determined mind, to escape from such hatefull sophistry & such unprincipled conduct and opinions as I have been compelled so long to witness and to hear.   With unfeigned veneration and heartfelt desire for your long life & continued happiness your &C Th M Randolph RC (DLC); edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ as received 24 Nov. 1822, but recorded in SJL as received a day earlier. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Samuel H. Smith, 2 Aug. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 21 Nov.

1  Unmatched single quotation mark preceding this word editorially omitted. 2  Manuscript: “they they.” 3  Omitted opening quotation mark preceding this word editorially supplied. 4  Manuscript: “santity.”

From John Barnes My Dear Sir— George Town Coa 22d Novr 1822. With Extreme Concern, I perceive in the Intelligencer of to day— the very unfortunate Accident befalling you, a Bone broken of the left Arm—with this Consolation—that it does not, endanger your health— your sufferings at the Instance—no doubt, very severe—, depriving you for a length of time the Use thereof—patience & submission—­ together, with the Aide of the Happy good family abt you, and, under no Necessity of exposing your self—are Circumstances still favorable— for had it happened on a Journey—on the road—or from Home— might have been attended—with serious Consequences—how precarious are our every Momentary—Movements—liable too!— on the present distressing occasion—I am of course Anxious, to learn the real state thereof—not in the least to incommode you, I should intreat & beg the favr of your good G: Daugher Misss Ellen—to Honor me with a few lines of information, wd be most thankfuly received— By Dear Sir—Your most, & ever Obedt John Barnes,  To Mrs Randolph & good family, most respectfully— RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 26 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to John J. Chapman, [1 Aug. 1823], on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson,

Esqr Monticello—Virginia”; franked; postmarked Georgetown, 23 Nov. On this day the Washington Daily Na‑ tional Intelligencer reprinted a notice from

 168 

22 NOVEMBER 1822 the 19 Nov. 1822 issue of the Richmond Enquirer concerning TJ’s recent accident. The Enquirer version, differing only in punctuation from that in the Intelli‑ gencer, stated that “We are sorry to learn, concerning Mr. Jefferson, that on this day week on putting his foot upon one of the steps of his house, the step gave way, he fell, and one of the bones of his left arm was broken.—As late as Thursday night, he was doing well—and was likely to sustain no material inconvenience.”

 TJ’s good g: daugher was Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge). She observed to Nicholas P. Trist in a letter dated Monticello, 17 Nov. 1822, that “Virginia informed you of the accident which happened to my dear Grandfather—he is doing better than we had any right to expect. his appetite and general health are as good as usual, his nights are tranquil—he suffers no pain, and no inconvenience but the present loss of the use of his left hand and the power of taking exercise on horseback” (RC in DLC: NPT).

To James Madison Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 22. 22. The person who hands you this letter is an interesting subject of curiosity. he was taken prisoner by the Kickapoos when he supposes he must have been about 3. or 4. years of age, knows not whence taken, nor who were his parents. he escaped from the Indians at about 19. as he supposes, & about 7. years ago. he has applied himself to education, is a student of Medecine, & has assumed the name of Hunter as the translation of that given him by the Indians. to a good degree of genius he adds great observation and correct character. he has been recieved with great courtesy at N. York & Philada by the literati especially and also by the gens du monde. he has been long‑enough in this neighborhood to be much esteemed. he is setting out for the Medical lectures of Philada & asked me to give him a letter to you which I do, satisfied that the enquiries you will make of him, and to which he will answer with great willingness will gratify you to the full worth of the intrusion. he has prepared a very interesting book for publication.   ten days ago I incurred the accident of breaking the small bone of the left fore‑arm, & some disturbance of the small bones of the wrist. Dr Watkins attended promptly, set them well and all is doing well. he tells me I must submit to confinement till Christmas day. I had intended a visit to you shortly, but this disappoints it. Dawson has finished the account books very ably. Genl Cocke has been 3. days examining them. the vouchers wanting are reduced to about 4000.D. which can be got immediately the persons being in the neighborhood. he thinks there will be scarcely a dollar unvouched. I salute mrs Madison and yourself with constant affection and respect. Th: Jefferson  169 

22 NOVEMBER 1822  RC (DLC: Madison Papers). Not recorded in SJL. John Dunn Hunter (ca. 1796–1827), author and adventurer, claimed to be ignorant of his parentage, supposedly having been captured by members of the Kickapoo nation when quite young and living among them until his escape in 1816. He thought that at the point of his departure he had been about nineteen or twenty years of age. Hunter wandered thereafter through the West and South, attaching himself to various expeditions and settlements as he traveled. Among these groups, he learned English, became literate, and was introduced to Christianity. Hunter took the name John Dunn from a man of that name in Missouri whom he regarded as particularly helpful. His surname alluded to the hunting skills he acquired from his captors, who also taught him Native American medicinal practices. Hunter obtained his formal education in Mississippi and Kentucky. He said that he supported himself as a fur trader until he ventured east in the autumn of 1821. A year after he met TJ at Monticello, Hunter published his memoir entitled Manners and Customs of Several Indian Tribes lo‑ cated west of the Mississippi; including some account of the soil, climate, and veg‑ etable productions, and the Indian materia medica: to which is prefixed the history of  the author’s life during a residence of several years among them (Philadelphia, 1823; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 7 [no. 342]). He next traveled to England, where he republished his work with additional material under the title of Memoirs of a Captivity among the Indians of North America, from childhood to the age of nine‑ teen (London, 1823). In 1824 Hunter returned to the United States, and by the following year he was in Texas, where he joined a movement in Nacogdoches to establish Fredonia, a free republic of Indians and white settlers. He was killed in the aftermath of the effort’s failure. Even during his lifetime Hunter was called an impostor, with his life story and motives both called into question (Hunter, Man‑ ners and Customs, esp., iv, 12, 109, 114–5, 132, 136, 142; Richard Drinnon, White

Savage: The Case of John Dunn Hunter [1972], esp., 5–6, 221–2; North Ameri‑ can Review 50 [new ser., 25] [1826]: 94–108; Andy Doolen, “Claiming Indigenous Space: John Dunn Hunter and the Fredonian Rebellion,” Early American Lit‑ erature 53 [2018]: 685–712; Charleston City Gazette and Commercial Daily Ad‑ vertiser, 12 May 1827). On 22 Oct. 1822 TJ paid Hunter $3 to subscribe to his book, Manners and Cus‑ toms (MB, 2:1390). Hunter visited James Madison at Montpellier late in November 1822, and they corresponded two years later regarding Hunter’s gift to Madison of a copy of the same work. Hunter visited TJ at Monticello again in the summer or autumn of 1824, when he described his “venerable old friend, in good Health and now, at the advanced age of 82, capable of riding on Horseback with astonishing activity. I think his appearance is more healthy than when I saw him last” (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:xxxiv, 3:416–7, 419, 685–6n; Hunter to William Philips, Philadelphia, 29 Oct. 1824 [RC in ViU]; Drinnon, White Savage, 156; Elias Norgate, Mr. John Dunn Hunter Defended [London, 1826], 33). A missing letter from Martin dawson to TJ of 9 Nov. 1822 is recorded in SJL as received two days later from Milton. TJ mistakenly listed it in the column for letters written. At some point, probably around 15 Nov. 1822, when he presented a copy to Madison, Edwin C. Holland sent TJ his work entitled A Refutation of The Calumnies circulated against The Southern & West‑ ern States, respecting the institution and existence of Slavery among them, to which is added, a minute and particular account of the actual state and condition of their Negro Population. together with Historical Notices of All the Insurrections that have taken place since the settlement of the coun‑ try (Charleston, 1822; TJ’s copy in DLC, inscribed “The Honble Thos: Jefferson. from his obdt Sevt The Author,” with handwritten signature of “Edwin C. Holland” beneath printed attribution of the work only to “A South‑Carolinian”) (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:602, 608).

 170 

From DeWitt Clinton Dear Sir Albany 23 Novr 1822 The enclosed letters were written hastily & at short intervals of leisure1 to draw the public attention to Objects of natural science and internal improvement. And being done at a time when the writer was oppressed2 with public duties, they were sent to the Editor of a Gazette3 in this place without4 transcription & with very little correction.5 A Bookseller6 in New York having thought proper to republish them in a Volume, they of course contain numerous errors, which I have corrected in the copy herewith transmitted &7 which you will be so good as to accept and I hope that it8 may amuse a vacant hour if such ever9 occurs in your useful life. The information in Page 131 was derived from Judge Forman then a Member of Congress from this State.10 You can pronounce on its correctness Dft (NNC: Clinton Papers); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello.” Re­ corded in SJL as a letter from “Clinton DeWitt” received 30 Nov. 1822 from Albany. Enclosure: “Hibernicus” [Clinton], Letters on the Natural History and Inter‑ nal Resources of the State of New‑York (New York, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Li‑ brary, 5 [no. 177], 7 [no. 358]). The information in page 131 of the enclosed volume, part of a letter dated Montezuma, July 1820, related to Clinton’s advocacy for the Erie Canal: “When this work was first proposed to President Jefferson, in 1809, he pronounced it impracticable at the present time, and declared that it was a century too soon to make the attempt. Why this great misjudgment occurred to this great man, and to many other wise men, must be imputed to their overlooking important facilities, and to their indiscriminate application of past events to present times, without taking into consideration important dissimilarities.” Joshua forman, a representative in the New York State Assembly, later recalled that he and New York congressman William Kirkpatrick had visited TJ in Washington in January 1809. Forman noted that during a discussion of the prospects for the Erie Canal, TJ stated that “it was

a very fine project, and might be executed a century hence. ‘Why sir,’ said he, ‘here is a canal of a few miles, projected by General Washington, which, if completed, would render this a fine commercial city, which has languished for many years because the small sum of 200,000 dollars necessary to complete it, cannot be obtained from the general government, the state government, or from individuals— and you talk of making a canal of 350 miles through the wilderness—it is little short of madness to think of it at this day’” (David Hosack, Memoir of De Witt Clinton [1829]: 346–7). 1  Preceding seven words interlined in place of an illegible phrase. 2  Word interlined in place of “burdened.” 3 Reworked from “the Printer of a Daily Paper.” 4 Word interlined in place of “without review or.” 5 Word interlined in place of “review.” 6 Word interlined in place of “Printer.” 7  Preceding three words interlined in place of “enclosed and.” 8  Preceding five words interlined in place of “as a mark of my profound respect & which.” 9 Word interlined. 10 Preceding three words interlined.

 171 

From John H. Cocke Dr sir University Novr 23d 1822 I will thank you to send by the Bearer, a copy of the Resolution of the Board of Visitors assigning to me the duty of examining the Proctors Books with its date that it may appear at the head of my Report— Respectfully &c John H. Cocke P.S. We are making the effort & hope to finish our labours tonight J.H.C RC (CSmH: JF); between full signature and postscript: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received the day it was written and so recorded in SJL.

For the resolution, see Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 Oct. 1822.

To Elbridge Gerry (1793–1867) Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 23. 22. your1 favor of Oct. 26. was 3. weeks on it’s passage to me, which, with indisposition, must apologise for the delay of this answer. I had the happiness of an intimate and friendly acquaintance with the late mr Gerry your father. we served together in the Old Congress; again in that of Annapolis, & lastly, altho’ in different functions, in the present government. the harmony of our political principles2 was a source of great gratification to both & of equal confidence. our services keeping us together mostly, there was little room for epistolary correspondence. I recieved from him however3 some letters while I was in France, which I now inclose you. they are proofs of his great and general attention to the public interests. I have one other letter, begun under the date of 1801. Jan. 15. and concluded4 under that of Jan. 20. too interesting and valuable to true history5 to be parted with. it is in 7. sheets of letter paper, & contains a justification of the part mr Gerry bore in the mission to the French government, of which mission he was a member. his conduct in it is too important a circumstance to omit it’s justification in any life which may be written of him. that it inculpates others should be no obstacle to the justice due him.6 you have probably a copy of this letter, or of a similar one to some other friend, or some other paper prepared by himself to preserve the memory of the transaction. if you have not, I will send it to you, in full confidence of your retaining it only long enough to be copied. I could send a copy but it would want the authentication of his own hand writing.   As to anecdotes, my mem 172 

23 NOVEMBER 1822

ory is too much decayed to be appealed to or trusted. with this imperfect communication be pleased to accept the assurance of my esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (MHi: Gerry Papers); addressed: “Elbridge Gerry esquire Boston”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 26 Nov. Dft (DLC); on verso of top half of reused ­address cover of John Barnes to TJ, 18 Sept. 1821. TJ and the father, Elbridge Gerry (1744–1814), served together in the Continental Congress (old congress) and in the Confederation Congress during its tenure in annapolis (Biog. Dir. Cong.). TJ likely here enclosed letters from Gerry of 24 Aug. 1784 and of 25 Feb. and 12 Sept. 1785 (PTJ, 7:411–3, 651–2, 8:515–7). For Gerry’s letters of jan. 15 and jan. 20 1801, see PTJ, 32:465–9, 489–95. The others inculpated in the

so‑called XYZ Affair were Timothy Pickering, John Marshall, and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney (see TJ to James Madison, 6 Jan. 1823). 1 Preceding this paragraph in Dft, TJ canceled “The pain of a recently fractured arm has sus.” 2  Word interlined in Dft in place of “opns.” 3  Word interlined in Dft. 4  Reworked in Dft from “letter under the date of 1801. Jan. 15. concluded.” 5  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 6  Sentence interlined in Dft, with redundant “you” preceding it mistakenly left uncanceled.

Inspection and Settlement of Accounts of Central College and University of Virginia I. JOHN H. COCKE’S CERTIFICATION OF ALEXANDER GARRETT’S ACCOUNTS AS CENTRAL COLLEGE PROCTOR, 23 NOV. 1822 II. JOHN H. COCKE’S CERTIFICATION OF NELSON BARKSDALE’S ACCOUNTS AS CENTRAL COLLEGE PROCTOR, 23 NOV. 1822 III. JOHN H. COCKE’S CERTIFICATION OF NELSON BARKSDALE’S ACCOUNTS AS UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PROCTOR, 23 NOV. 1822 IV. JOHN H. COCKE’S REPORT ON ARTHUR S. BROCKENBROUGH’S ACCOUNTS AS UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PROCTOR, 23 NOV. 1822 V. JOHN H. COCKE’S CERTIFICATION OF ITEMS OMITTED IN NELSON BARKSDALE’S ACCOUNTS AS CENTRAL COLLEGE PROCTOR, 23 NOV. 1822 VI. JOHN H. COCKE’S RECAPITULATION OF CENTRAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PROCTORIAL ACCOUNTS, 23 NOV. 1822 VII. MARTIN DAWSON’S REPORT ON CENTRAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA ACCOUNTS, 23 NOV. 1822 VIII. MARTIN DAWSON’S BALANCE SHEET FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, 23 NOV. 1822 IX. MARTIN DAWSON’S REVISED BALANCE SHEET FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, 25 NOV. 1822

 173 

INSPECTION AND SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS E D I T O R I A L

N O T E

The following series of documents resulted from Jefferson’s effort to prove that the funds spent on Central College and the University of Virginia to date had been properly distributed and their disposition accurately recorded. Jefferson needed this information so that he and the rest of the Board of Visitors could be confident in approaching the Virginia General Assembly for what would become its third and final loan to complete the construction of the university. This money was specifically needed to complete the library, soon to be known as the Rotunda. The board appointed a committee, consisting of John H. Cocke as its representative and Martin Dawson as outside accountant, to audit the books of Central College and the university. The process took longer than Jefferson had anticipated, delaying until late that December his submission of the 1822 annual report to the Literary Fund president and directors. Dawson examined numerous ledgers and account books before producing the final balance sheets that officially settled the fi­nances for both institutions up to 25 Nov. 1822 and effectively demonstrated that the expenditures were valid and the accounting correct. Jefferson’s goal was fully achieved with enactment on 5 Feb. 1823 of “An act concerning the University of Virginia, and for other purposes,” which authorized a loan of $60,000 “for the purpose of completing the buildings, and making the necessary preparations, for putting the said University into operation” (Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 2 Apr. 1821, 7 Oct. 1822; TJ to Cocke, 1 Dec. 1821; Dawson to Arthur S. Brockenbrough with List of Accounts, 16 Oct. 1822 [RC in ViU: PP]; TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822; Dawson to Cocke, 9 Jan. 1823 [subjoined to 25 Nov. balance sheet in document 9 and described in note there]; Joseph C. Cabell to TJ, 5 Feb. 1823; Acts of Assembly [1822–23 sess.], 13–4 [5 Feb. 1823]; Bruce, Univer‑ sity, 1:302–4).

I. John H. Cocke’s Certification of Alexander Garrett’s Accounts as Central College Proctor In obedience to a resolution of the board of Visitors of the University of Va. of      , I have examined the aforegoing account of Alexander Garrett, Proctor to the Central College, and find it supported by proper vouchers, marked No. 1, 2 and 3; which vouchers, I have received of him, and filed with the vouchers of the Central College, in the office of the Proctor of the University of Virginia: the items in the said account are copied into Nelson Barksdale Proctor’s account, next page. Report to the same purport of this is made on the Proctor to the Central College’s account current book, this date. U. of Va. 23d November, 1822. (Signed,) JOHN H. COCKE.  174 

23 NOVEMBER 1822  Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 23. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822.

II. John H. Cocke’s Certification of Nelson Barksdale’s Accounts as Central College Proctor In obedience to a resolution of the board of Visitors of the U. of Va. of      , I have examined the above account; beginning at page two, and running to page four, of Nelson Barksdale, Proctor to the Central College, and find the items in said account, on the credit side, marked A, supported by proper vouchers, which will be found in a book filed with the vouchers of the Central College, marked A, and deposited in the office of the Proctor of the University of Virginia. The items in said account marked B, are also supported by proper vouchers, filed with the said papers in the said office. The items in said account not marked, there are no vouchers for, filed in said office: but legal vouchers for those last mentioned items, amounting to $4,586 61, per list marked A, are in the office of Alexander Garrett, treasurer to the Central College; the same being the treasurer’s vouchers also, and therefore detained by him. The debit and credit of this account is carried into the account of the said Nelson Barksdale, Proctor to the University of Virginia; on the books of the University of Virginia, page two, a report to the same effect of this, is made on the account current book of the Proctor of the Central College of this date. University of Virginia, 23d November, 1822. (Signed,) JOHN H. COCKE. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 23. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822.

III. John H. Cocke’s Certification of Nelson Barksdale’s Accounts as University of Virginia Proctor In obedience to a resolution of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, of      , I have examined the aforegoing account of Nelson Barksdale, Proctor of the University of Virginia, and find the items on the credit side of the account marked C, supported  175 

INSPECTION AND SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

by the proper vouchers, which said vouchers are filed with the vouchers of the Central College, in the office of the Proctor of the University of Virginia. The items in the said account not marked per list marked B, amounting to $4,125 50, there are no vouchers filed in the said office for:—but legal vouchers for those last mentioned items are in the office of Alexander Garrett, Bursar to the University of Virginia, the same being the Bursar’s vouchers also, and, therefore, detained by him. The debit and credit of this account is carried into the account of A. S. Brockenbrough, Proctor of the University of Virginia, page this book 234. A report to the same effect of this is made on the account current book of the Proctor of the University of Virginia, in which said account current book the funds on which the Proctor’s drafts were drawn as they came into hand, are not entered on that book, but added at the close of that account, and producing the same result as this book. U. of Va. 23d November, 1822. (Signed,) JOHN H. COCKE. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 24. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822.

IV. John H. Cocke’s Report on Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Accounts as University of Virginia Proctor In obedience to a Resolution of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virga of I have examined the Accounts of Arthur S. Brockenbrough Proctor beginning in this Book page 3 & running up to page 35 & forwd from thence to page 200 & contind to this folio Amounting for disbursements to $179.028.98 Cents and embracing all the transactions of the said Proctor from the commencement of the duties of his office to this date—and find all the items of debit supported by the regular & proper1 Vouchers, except a few in number, and these inconsiderable in amount, as will be seen pr list marked O—amounting to $1.850.57 and in these cases, it is manifestly a deficiency in the form rather than the substance of the documental testimony that the funds have been faithfully applied to the legitimate objects of the Institution—they being all carried to the credit of the University2 under their proper heads—the deficiency alluded to consisting only of the absence of Receipts to the Proctor for Dfts drawn on the Bursar while these Dfts  176 

23 NOVEMBER 1822

appearing on the file of the Bursar and also upon the face of his Account clearly establish the just appropriation of the aforesaid sums for every item thro’ out the vast disbursement3 with the single exception of one entry on the Proctors Accot of seventy five cents4 dated Aug. 24. 1821 for which no Dft: has been presented to the Bursar— The Regular Vouchers filed in the Proctors Office are marked as per following List viz: with the letter  D from 1st May to 31 October 1819— 6 months E from 1 Novr 1819 to 30 April 1820— 6 months F from 1 May 1820 to 31 Aug: 1820— 4 months G from 1 Sept. 1820 to 31 Decr 18205— 4 months H from 1 Jany 1821 to 306 April 1821— 4. months I from 1 May 1821 to 31 Aug. 1821— 4 months K from 1 Sept. 1821 to 31 Decr 1821— 4. months L from 1 Jany. 1822 to 30 April 1822— 4 M from 1 May 1822 to 31 Aug: 1822 N from 1 Sept. 1822 to7 23 Novr 1822 certain items in the Proctors Account marked in numerical order from 1 to 12 inclusive, will be found to refer to8 general Receipts comprising all the items marked with their respective numbers and will be found in the packages of Vouchers comprehending the last dates to which they run respectively—All missing Vouchers in the Name of Richd Ware from 1 Aug. 1819 to 30 Mar. 1820 No 1 9 or in the name of Curtis Carter from April 27. 1820 to 2110 July 1821 No 2 " " Richard Ware from Mar. 20 1820 to 19 Sept. 1821 No 3 " Dabney Cosby from Aug: 5. 1821 to 8 Decr 1821 No 4 " George W. Spooner from Jany 28. 1820 to 9 Sept. 1820 No 5 " Geo. W Spooner from Jany 28. 1820 to 7 Mar. 1822 No 6 " Peck & Crawford from Octo 1821 to 20 June 1822 No 7 " Francis Millet from April 20 1820 to 6 May 1820 No 8 " Elijah Huffman from June 3 1820 to 2 Decr 1820 No 9 m " W & David Moony from Aug. 5 1820 to 19 Aug. 1820 No 10  177 

INSPECTION AND SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

" Lewis Bailey from Aug 23. 1820 to 2 Octo. 1820 No 11 " Charles L Bankhead from Aug 5. 1820 to 2 Jany. 1822 No 12 I have carefully examined all the items of the Proctors Account and compared them with the items of the Ledger made out therefrom by M. Dawson and find them to correspond, except as to the items enterd on the Proctors Book of this date—and the items in the Ledger have been marked with the same letters & figures of reference to the Vouchers as already mentioned in the case of the Proctors Account Current—A report of the same purport of this is also made on the Proctors Accot Current book11 page 109 a12 111. University of Va. 23d November, 1822. (Signed,) JOHN H. COCKE. Dft (ViU: JHC); in Cocke’s hand, with one sentence in an unidentified hand as noted below; filed with Dft of document 6, Cocke’s Recapitulation of Central College and University of Virginia Proctorial Accounts, 23 Nov. 1822, with endorsement on verso of final page applying to both: “A copy of two Reports respecting the U. Va and recapitulation of the Proctors account. 1st report copied from the ledger  U Va page 232 2d report Copied from the accot  Cur. book of the Proc U Va page 115”; with additional, probably unrelated notations and calculations in an unidentified hand on same page as endorsement. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 24–5. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822. 1 Report and Documents: “proper and regular.”

2  Reworked from “all charged to the persons of whose benefit.” 3  Cocke here canceled “of nearly $200.000.” 4 Cocke here canceled “to negro Sam.” 5 Dft: “1821.” Report and Documents: “1820.” 6 Report and Documents: “31st.” 7 Remainder of line in Report and Doc‑ uments: “this date.” 8  Preceding two words interlined in place of “designate.” 9 In Report and Documents, each entry from this line to that for Charles L. Bankhead begins with “Do.,” aligned with “All missing vouchers,” followed by “In the name of.” 10 Report and Documents: “31st.” 11 Dft: “book book.” Report and Docu‑ ments: “book.” 12  Text from “A report” to this point added in an unidentified hand. Dft ends here, with remainder supplied from Re‑ port and Documents.

 178 

V. John H. Cocke’s Certification of Items Omitted in Nelson Barksdale’s Accounts as Central College Proctor In obedience to a resolution of the board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, of      , I have examined the items on the credit side of the last and this page, which consists of items omitted by Nelson Barksdale, late Proctor to the Central College, and the University of Virginia, to be entered in his account, and therefore, added here, amounting to one thousand, five hundred and twenty‑nine dollars, fifty‑eight cents, which appears on the treasurer’s book of the Central College, and the Bursar’s books of the University of Virginia. Proper vouchers to support all of the said items, is in the treasurer’s office of the Central College, and Bursar’s office of the University of Virginia; the same being his vouchers also, and therefore retained by him. A report to the same purport of this, will be found on the account current book of the Proctor of the University of Virginia, page 113. University of Virginia, 23d November, 1822. (Signed,) JOHN H. COCKE. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 25. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822.

VI. John H. Cocke’s Recapitulation of Central College and University of Virginia Proctorial Accounts A. S. Brockenbrough, Proctor, in account with the University of Virginia, recapitulated. 1822— To glebe lands, November 23,1 President and directors Literary Fund, Received on account of subscriptions, J. M. Perry, for hire of a negro, Drafts running,3  179 

$ 3,104 09 170,054 00 26,001 89½ 85 002 797 94½ $200,042 93

INSPECTION AND SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

CRS. 1822— By amount November 23, disbursements A. Garrett, Pro. Cen. Col.4 $ 1,921 25 do. N. Barksdale, Pro. Cen. Col.5 13,042 62 do.   do.   Pro. U. of Va.6 4,520 50 do. A. S. Brockenbrough, Pro. U. of Va.7 179,028 98 Items omitted by N. Barksdale, Pro. C. C. and U. Va.8 1,529 58 $200,042 93 By amount drafts running, brought down, 797 94½9 In obedience to a resolution of the board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, of      , I have examined the several Proctor’s accounts for the Central College, and University of Virginia, and made a separate report10 at the close of each account, viz: Alexander Garrett, Proctor to the Central College. See journalized ledger (page before 1,) of the Central College.11 Nelson Barksdale, Proctor to C. C. Said ledger, page 4.12 Said Barksdale, Proctor U. of Va. page this book 2.13 A. S. Brockenbrough, Proctor to the U. of Va. page this book 232 and 233.14 Items added this day on account N. Barksdale per report above,15 to which said reports refer for items in the Proctor’s accounts for which no vouchers are filed in the office of the Proctor of the U. of Va.16 From all of which, the whole subject being brought into this book,17 it appears there are drafts afloat, drawn by the Proctor on the Bursar, to the amount of $797 94½, agreeably to the balance struck on this book.18 A report to the same purport of this, is on the account current book of the Proctor of the U. of Va. page 115. University of Virginia, 23d November, 1822.19 (Signed,) JOHN H. COCKE. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 25–6. Dft (ViU: JHC); partially in an unidentified hand, with remainder in Martin Dawson’s hand as noted below; filed with Dft of Cocke’s Report on Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Accounts as University of Virginia Proctor, 23 Nov. 1822, document 4 above, with endorsement quoted there applying to both documents. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822.

1 Dft here adds “By amount funds taken from the Ledger out of which these disbursements was paid viz.” Order of tables reversed in Dft. 2 Preceding two lines reversed in Dft, with intermediate total of “199.244.95½” given beneath. 3 Instead of preceding two words, Dft reads “Proctors Dfts on the Bursar afloat this date & carried to the debit of new accot.”

 180 

23 NOVEMBER 1822  4 Dft

here adds “see page this book 1  Report.” 5 Dft here adds “see page this book 3  Report.” 6 Dft here adds “see page this book 4  Report.” 7 Dft here adds “see page this book 109  report.” 8 Dft here adds “See page this book 112  Report.” 9 Totals editorially shifted to the left to fall beneath horizontal rules. 10  Remainder of Dft in Dawson’s hand. 11  Instead of preceding sentence, Dft reads “this Book page 1.”

 12 Instead of preceding four words, Dft reads “this Book page 3.” 13 Instead of preceding four words, Dft reads “this Book page 4.” 14 Instead of preceding six words, Dft reads “this Book page 109.” 15 Dft here adds “this book page 112.” 16 Dft here adds “the Result of the total is set out in the above accot and also the funds used for the benefit of the Central College and University of Virginia.” 17  Preceding eight words not in Dft. 18  Preceding eight words not in Dft. 19  Dft ends here.

VII. Martin Dawson’s Report on Central College and University of Virginia Accounts Agreeably to the instructions1 of the Visitors of the University of Virginia, I have made out a book of the transactions of the Central College: Also, a set of books of the transactions of the University of Virginia. The balance from the books of the Central College is carried into the books of the University of Virginia; from the face of the2 last mentioned books, the money paid away, and contracted to be paid away, amounts to $226,161 61½   The credits on said  books, viz: Glebe lands, $3,104 09 President and directors of the Literary Fund, 170,054 00 Subscription to the Central College,3 $44,345 33 Deduct depending to collect from *18,343 43½ subscribers, 26,001 89½ 199,159 98½ $27,001 63

 181 

INSPECTION AND SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

To meet this balance, there is depending to  collect from the sub-   scribers to the Central College, as above,* And in addition to this, other debts unpaid to creditors,

  18,343 43½  8,658 19½4 MARTIN DAWSON.

Milton, 23d November, 1822. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 26. MS (ViU: JHC); in an uniden­ tified hand; undated; subjoined to Document 8 below, Dawson’s Balance Sheet for the University of Virginia, 23 Nov. 1822. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822.

1 MS:

“resolution.” and Documents: “he.” MS:

2 Report

“the.” 3 Line in MS to this point reads “Subscription Book A.” 4 MS ends here.

 182 

 183 

36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

 

Dr

Hotel  "  "  "  "  " Pavilion2  No    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     " Dormitories "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "

  A B C D or AA E or BB F or CC 7 W range 5  " 1 West 8 East 9 West 2 East 4 " 6 " 10 " 3 West 11 to 26 In is 16   5 to 10   "  6 14 to 21   "  8 22 to 26   "  5 10 to 13   "  4

1

Debtors 1.110 3.931 2.043 1.980 2.991 221 3.386 8.933 5.072 6.724 3.293 2.228 2.484 1.030 2.978 12.339 11.453 4.242 4.045 920 1.626

78 53 51 48½ 37 49½ 29 49 51 43½ 97¼ 32½ 75 15½ 19 86 27 43 65 03 35

Sums 135 139 140 74 77 82 110 113 118 120 147 192 195 243 256 264 265 266 269 254 249

 

Sums

Cr.

Glebe Lands 3.104 09 Pre & D of the L Fund 170.054 " Subscription Book A 44.345 33 Carter & Philips 209 27 Brockenbrough & Harvey 526 52 D W & C Warwick 442 75 Blackford Arthur &co 105 14 Bassett &co Labourers 13 51 Robert Johnson 43 57 Samuel Campbell 105 65 House Rent 296 " Smiths Shop 549 21 Edmund Anderson 16 50 James Dinsmore 3.416 29 Ar. S Brockenbrough 325 31 Bills Payable 796 94 Twyman Wayt 1 17 William J Coffee 390 14 Charles L Abrams 14 33 George W Spooner 606 45 Brick Work 1 50

Creditors

Balance Sheet University of Virginia 23d November 1822

VIII. Martin Dawson’s Balance Sheet for the University of Virginia

 184 

58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 271   108 137 251 185 190 268 1 273 274 66 79 101 124

 

Dr

Water Works Real Estate Bernard Peyton Overseers House Proctors House Stone Work Proctors Salary Professors Salary Bursars Salary General Expences Contingent Expences Postage Account Travelling Expences

14 12 43 09 08 68 60 37 60 98¾           12     20        

Sums 4.342 1.401 854 383 881 7.677 1.950 866 23 101.418 654.33   8.841.55   2.260.60   496.31   459.72   5.011.61 17.724 5.125. "   1.500. "   1.108.20 7.733 79.32   155.40   37.87¾   85. "  

   "    " 14 to 23 " 10    "    " 24 to 28 "  5    "    "  1 to  4 " W  4    "    " 27 to 28 "  2    "    " 1. 2. 3 & 43  4    "    on West Street 27    "    No 5 to 13 In4  9    "    " 1 to  9 "  9 Privies 2 Public & 18 privates5

Debtors h

Creditors

234 A S Brockenbr Proc                                            

 

Balance Sheet University of Virginia 23d November 1822

797 94½                                            

Sums

Cr.

 185 

101 127 133 134 143 151 152 155 162 181 184 191 179 236 238 241 245 246 250 258 262 263 272 71 78 81 97

Lumber Account Waggons & Carts Overseers Account Charges Account Castings & Iron Sheet Iron Boatage Account Stationary " Account of Tin Account of Paints Bar & Sheet Lead     Shop Account Nails Blacksmiths Work Account Cordage Hand Hire Hoisting Machine Labour Account Waggons & Carts Account of Lime Account Hardware Provision Account Cost Suits James Leitch Lewis Bailey John Vanlew &co Abiah Thorn

865.53 766.15 521.45 149.93 693.17 68.15 115. " 124.86 2.592.65 133.12½ 89.47 85 03 1.999.14 599   22½ 97.32 869.14 150. " 6.128.98½ 1.464.49½ 39.70 4.031.34 3.249.13 12.02

                                            25.202 818 " 121 39

                                            60¾ 24 50 70 74

                                                     

                                                     

 186 

98 100 111 112 117 119 129 130 132 161 167 171 180 186 187 235 248 252 255 257 259 271 84  

 

Dr

Alexander Garrett P/A Subscription Account Joseph Pitt Alexander Spinks &co Uriah Leonard James Harrison Kelly & Norris John Winn &co Bramham & Jones Matthew Maury6 Curtis Carter William Hutcherson J Wedderfield James Oldham Wm B Philips John Neilson Joseph Antrem Peck & Crawford Richard Ware Edward Lowber John M Perry John Vowles Nelson Barksdale

Debtors 384 18.343 23 4 29 51 30 171 50 2 331 1 " 5.897 1.087 5.346 8.043 288 17.193 3.928 11.665 " 224 $ 226.161

50 43½ 70 49 12½ 75 81 33 15 50 75½ 25 75 17 84 02½ 55 57 29½ 98¼ 80 88 86½ 61½

Sums                                                

 

Creditors

Balance Sheet University of Virginia 23d November 1822                                               $ 226.161 61½

Sums

Cr.

23 NOVEMBER 1822

 The Books were ready to balance when this balance sheet was taken, and the Proctors Accot settled—but to give as Complete a view of the standing of the University as practicable, before the Books were closed: settlements of the claims as far as possible—and the accounts for Hardware Labour &c apportioned to the buildings was directed: after which the result is as  Balance Sheet under date 25th November 1822—& the Books are balanced accordingly. University of Virginia 23d November 18227 [In Dft only, on endorsement page in Dawson’s hand:]

Uriah Leonard Bill on Bursar for $20 credited Jany 1822 Kelley & Norriss Bill for 30 81 lease Charged Viz these Dfts by Barksdale 30 81 ⎬⎫ were for  "  Brockenbrough 33.17 ⎭ the Same Sum MS (ViU: JHC); written in an uniden­ tified hand on both sides of a single sheet; internal running totals at break of page editorially omitted; with MS of Dawson’s Report on Central College and University of Virginia Accounts, 23 Nov. 1822, document 7 above, conjoined. Dft (ViU: PP); written in a second unidentified hand, on a single sheet folded to form four pages and consisting only of 23 Nov. balance sheet, with additions by Dawson as noted below; varying in organization and wording, with only the most signifi­ cant differences noted below; endorsed in same unidentified hand: “Balance Sheet University of Va 23rd novr 1822.” hotel a and the five that follow later became hotels B, D, F, A, C, and E, respectively.

pre & d of the l fund: President and Directors of the Literary Fund. charles z abrams: Charles Z. Abraham. west street was later renamed McCormick Road. p/a: proctor’s account. wedder­ field: James W. Widderfield. 1  In Dft from this line to line reading “52 " " 3 West,” Dawson added “& Garden” to this column. 2  Preceding this word Dft adds “Doric,” and at same point in line below it adds “Ionic.” 3  In Dft Dawson here added “East.” 4  Dft here adds “E.” 5  In Dft Dawson here added: “viz 2 large & 20 Small is 22 Privies.” 6  MS: “Murray.” Dft: “Maury.” 7  Paragraph not in Dft.

 187 

 188 

Dr.

36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58

Folio in Ledger

   Â

Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel Pavilion    No    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     "    "     " Dormitories "   "    "   "    "   "    "   "    "   "    "

Debtors A B C D or AA E or BB F or CC 7 W Range 5 W " 1W 8E 9W 2E 4E 6E 10 E St 3 W Range1 10 to 26 In Wt is   5 to 10 " 14 to 21 " 22 to 26 " 10 to 13 " 14 to 23 " 16  6  8  5  4 10

$

Sums 3.658 18 5.315 41 3.907 51 5.370 99½ 4.031 48 5.147 83½ 8.653 10 10.247 17 8.930 90 9.370 52½ 7.812 47 9.479 20½ 9.788 19 8.754 98 10.529 76 15.121 25 15.468 10 4.888 96 5.170 31 3.115 84 2.623 66 5.945 29 138 139 140 80 110 120 118 113 195 243 186 235 255 259 256 265 266 269 254 81 119 187

Creditors Glebe Lands P. & D L Fund Subscription Book Brockenbrough & Harvie Blackford Arthur &co Samuel Campbell Robert Johnson Bassett &co Labos Edmund Anderson James Dinsmore James Oldham John Neilson Richard Ware John M Perry Ar S Brockenbrough Twyman Wayt Wm J Coffee Charles L Abrams George W Spooner John Vanlew &co James Harrison William B Philips

Balance Sheet University of Virginia 25th November 1822

Sums 3.104 09     170.054. "   44.345.33 $ 217.503 42 468 56 220 75 85 65 43 57 43 63 16 50 2.232 56 4.258 83 4.525 04½ 3.626 70½ 1.722 19 26 24 1 17 390 14 14 33 606 45 306 23 25 " 1.198 09½

Cr.

IX. Martin Dawson’s Revised Balance Sheet for the University of Virginia Folio in Ledger

 189 

59 60 61 62 63 64 65   270 108 137 185 190 245 125 127 141 184 192 197 238 262 100 84 97 117 129 161 180

24 to 28 "   1 to   4 " 27 & 28 " W 1. 2. 3. & 4 East West Street 5 to 10 1 to   9

Privies viz 2 public & 18 prive Water Works Real Estate & procs House Overseers House Procs House for repairs Hoisting Machane 1 Lumber Accot on hand Waggons & Carts on hand Castings & Iron " Bar & S. lead " B.S. Shop Tools " Account Nails "    "   Cordage "    "   Hardware " Subscription Account Nelson Barksdale Abiah Thorn Uriah Leonard Kelly & Norris Matthew Maury2 J Wedderfield

  "    "   "    "   "    "   "    "   "   on   "   No   "    "

388.46½ 9.04 29.12½ 30 81 2 50 ".75

$937.06 967.66 8.791.55 263.79 493.81 150. " 50. " 400.05¾ 15. " 10. " 67.20½ 15. " 65. " 70 "

 5  4  2  4 27  9  9

692 26¼ 18.343 43½

                 

234

       

252 122 104 276 82 264                    

16 41 37 80 45 26 51 08           87  

   

2.874 3.213 1.450 2.815 13.138 5.861 4.578 197.263           11.603  

Peck & Crawford Hugh Chisholme Martin Dawson Peter Myers D W & C Warwick Bills Payable Viz Joseph Brand Twyman Wayt David Watts Exor John Nunce John Kelly John Douglas Richard Price Edmund Bacon above Bills are for the hire ⎬⎫ of negroes due 1st Jany next ⎭ Robert Lindsay due − ²₂− ⁶₈ June ⎬⎫ ⎭ next for plank A S Brockenbrough Proc for his bills afloat on Bur. viz Kelly & Norris John Rogers Andrew Smith Reuben Sandridge Reuben Sandridge Joseph Pitts Jasper Myers John W Mayo Mr   Wheat 30 81 43.38 48.45 2" 2 50 242.97 15.72 13 66 16 25

 23.60

65." 60." 42.50 187.50 70." 65." 65." 218.34

71 77 64 56 75

                 

796 94  

148 27 428 11 405                    

 190 

 

                           

248 Joseph Antrem 257 Edward Lowber 271 John Vowles

Folio in Ledger

Dr.

Debtors

                           

                           

$ 239.932 38

7.639.18 3.928.98¼ ".88

Sums         12.029 73¼

Balance Sheet University of Virginia 25th November 1822

Creditors

Sums                                      

Cr.

Richard Ware 50." R D Lacey 2."    Quishenbury 10.50 John Rodes 9.73 A St C Heiskell 120.76 William Estes 4.60 Daniel Link 2.25 Wm F Micou 18." James Monroe 11.20 James Harrison 25." William Watson 6.46 Daniel Piper 15.80 Samuel Campbell 50." Edward Lowber 100." F Modena 19." James Clark 35.64½ deduct viz 896.68½ Bursars bal in Oct $78.48 Dft U Leonard omited 20.   " Difference in ½ Cents between ⎪⎫ B & P. Dfts & for which no ⎬ ⎪⎭ entry is made "   .26 98.74 797 94½   $ 239.932 38

                                       

Folio in Ledger

23 NOVEMBER 1822

On3

a settlement with Joseph Antrem for Plaistering Mr. Bro says he will be a creditor for about $3.000.   " add to which his debt on this bal sheet 7.639.18 $10.639.18 On a settlement with E Lowber for painting Mr Broh says he will be a creditor for about $2.500 add to which his debt on this bal sheet 3.928.98¼  $6.428.98¼ The subject will be increased say $ 17.068.16¼ I know of no other outstanding claims a copy of this balance sheet & note given to mr. Jefferson 9th January 1823. MS (ViU: JHC); written in an uniden­ tified hand on a single sheet folded to form four pages, with balance sheet on pp. 1–2; Dawson to John H. Cocke, 9 Jan. 1823 (described below) subjoined below account on p. 2; p. 3 blank; and address to Dawson’s letter to Cocke on p. 4; internal running totals at page break editorially omitted; docketed in an unidentified hand: “Balance Sheets of the University of Virga recd from M. Dawson 25 Mar. 1823.” p. & d l fund: President and Directors of the Literary Fund. john nunce: John Nunn. s. lead: “sheet lead.” b.s. shop: “blacksmith’s shop.” b & p. dfts: “bursar’s and proctor’s drafts.” mr. bro (mr broh): Arthur S. Brockenbrough.

In the subjoined letter dated Milton, 9  Jan. 1823 (in Dawson’s hand, signed by him, and addressed: “John H Cocke esquire Bremmo”), Dawson informed Cocke that “Under cover you a Balance Sheet from the Books of the University of Virginia—taken when you Settled the Proctors Accots—also a Balance Sheet taken after makeing the necessary entrys. Under date 25th November 1822—the Books is closed agreeable to the balance Sheet under date 25th November 1822— and deposited in the Proctors Office.” 1 Manuscript:

“Rage.” “Murray.” with this word, remainder of text written perpendicularly in upper left column of page 2. 2 Manuscript: 3 Starting

 191 

To Thomas Mann Randolph Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 24. 22. I certainly1 had not the most distant thought of bearing on any controverted question, when, in my letter to mr Campbell, I used the unweighed expression of ‘papers belonging to the records of the council.’ but my meaning will be best explained by stating the practice of the time to which that letter referred. all letters and official papers2 on Executive business were regularly 3 addressed to myself, while governor,4 with rare exceptions. when casually however to any member of the council, he delivered them to me, to be brought on in the order which the respective urgencies of the cases before the Executive might in my judgment require.5 when done with, these papers were left with the clerk of the council to be filed among the records of the executive department confided to his care and keeping. but I exercised my own judgment whether a paper was official and belonged to the executive records, or private and to be retained among my own papers. I probably recieved a letter or report from Colo Campbell of the battle of King’s mountain. if I did (for I do not remember) considering it as official, and belonging to the executive records, I consigned it to them, and thus, not now in possession of it, I could not quote it to Mr Campbell. With respect to the request of permission to publish that letter, altho’ always unwilling to take any part in controversies of any kind, or to be brought into question before6 the public, yet if my testimony of the general impression of the day can have any weight, Colo Campbell’s merit,7 and my high sense of it entitles him to that testimony from me, which I gave without any sentiment but of the highest respect and veneration for Govr Shelby,8 whose letters have been intended for the bosom of a friend, and not for the public. The family is well.9 I congratulate you on the approach of your retirement to it’s bosom, and the exchange of official troubles and jealousies10 for family love, peace11 and comfort; and I salute you with cordial affection and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (DLC); addressed: “Governor Ran­ dolph Richmond”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 26 Nov.; endorsed by Ran­dolph. Dft (DLC); on verso of bottom half of reused address cover of John Barnes to TJ, 18 Sept. 1821. TJ’s extant correspondence with William Campbell contains no report on the

Battle of King’s Mountain (PTJ, 3:479, 517–8, 654–5, 4:84, 15:588–9). On 20 Dec. 1822 Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) wrote from Monticello to Nicholas P. Trist describing the preparations that TJ had been making for her father’s retirement there: “Do not resume your law studies too soon; I hope when you have Grand‑Papa to converse with on the

 192 

25 NOVEMBER 1822 subject, it will be less irksome & more profitable to you. he intends to give you for a study, the Pavillion corresponding to Papa’s which is now completed and ready to receive him when he returns, which we are in daily expectation of” (RC in DLC: NPT). Monticello’s North Pavilion was set aside for Thomas Mann Randolph’s (“Papa’s”) use, while the South Pavilion was intended for Trist. 1

 Word interlined in Dft.  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 2

 3 Word interlined in Dft. 4 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 5  Reworked in Dft from “of the exve business required.” 6 RC: “befor.” Dft: “before.” 7  Word interlined in Dft in place of “memory is entitled.” 8  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft. 9 In Dft TJ here canceled “my arm is doing well.” 10  Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “drudgery & contest.” 11  Word added in margin of Dft.

From Henry A. S. Dearborn Respected Sir, Custom House Boston Nov 25. 1822— Col. Peyton has remitted me the amount of the expenses on the stores, which came for you from France, & in conformity1 to your request, I have forwarded the letter you sent, to my father. I have the honor to be Your most obt Servt. H, A, S, Dearborn RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr”; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

1

 Manuscript: “confority.”

From James Monroe Dear Sir Washington novr 25th 1822 We have all been very much distressd, at the accounts recently receivd, of the misfortune you have sustaind, in the fracture of your arm, or at least of one of its bones. we hope that it has not been so serious, as has been represented, & that you are rapidly recovering from it This is a moment, as you well know, when, in addition to the heavy cares which bear on me, the calls of the members of Congress, which can not be resisted, & of others, absorb my whole time; tho’ in truth I have little interesting to communicate to you. the enclosed letter will give the most recent & authentic accounts from Mexico. they are however of a distressing character. Return it to me under a blank cover after perusing it.  193 

25 NOVEMBER 1822

 A warrant has been sent to mr Gibson for his son. very sincerely & affecy. your friend James Monroe RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 30 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL; with Dft of TJ to Monroe, 1 Dec. 1822, on verso. Enclosure: William Taylor to John Quincy Adams, “City of Megica” (i.e., Mexico City), 4 Aug. 1822 (RC in DNA: RG 59, CD, Veracruz), detailing the violent events of 18 May 1822 culminating the following day in a meeting of the Mexican Congress at which Agustín de Iturbide was declared emperor; describing Iturbide’s 21 May coronation, at which “There were not, however, present on this occasion more than 3,000., so unpopular was the act”; estimating that twelve or thirteen Americans, including General James Wilkinson, attended; enclosing a specimen of the medals that were thrown to the crowd; stating that, although Iturbide and his supporters believed his elevation would end internal strife, the opposite has occurred; recounting economic hardships and stating that “poverty is the plea of all, and by most not without reason—for I have never yet seen so much misery and want—as since I came here—The people are Idle, and adverse to labour, The Army & other officers of Gouvernment, are numerous as locusts, ravenous as Wolves”; sending a statement of the money coined in the Mexican

mint from 1812 to 1821; noting efforts to resist Iturbide’s rule and inferring that “This Country is about to be involved in a Civil war”; indicating that he recently learned of the recognition of the empire by the United States; stating that he will not return to Veracruz before November both because “the black vomit still rages there” and the local castle, still “being in possession of the Spaniards, leaves me nothing to do”; reacting to the appointment of José Manuel Zozaya as minister to the United States by calling him “a lawyer of some standing but with more intrigue than Talent, more Cunning than principle”; closing with a defense of his own conduct in dealing with Mexican offi­ cials and a hope that Wilkinson would send Adams a more detailed view of the situation; and appending a postscript regarding recent events in Veracruz related to Spanish control there and remarking on the conduct of the Colombian minister toward the new Mexican regime. Monroe had previously sent the enclosure to James Madison on 24 Sept. 1822 with a similar request that he read and return it (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:575).

From Horatio G. Spafford Esteemed Friend, Thomas Jefferson:— Troy, N.Y., 11 Mo. 25, 1822. After 20 odd years of investigation as an operative Chemist, I have succeeded in demonstrating the truth of a philosophical theory, which enables me to make the very best of Cast‑Steel, (a pure carbonate of Iron,) with such facility as to make the manufacture easy & sufficiently profitable. The Steel has been severely tested by the best artisans & mechanics, & is pronounced absolutely superior to the best specimens ever imported. The theory embraces the making of Iron also, & assumes the principle that Iron, pure, is of one quality, uniformly good; that good Iron, sufficiently & equally carbonized, becomes good Steel:—& all this is amply proved by the practise of making, & its  194 

25 NOVEMBER 1822

results. The system is a broad one, all entirely new, & is secured to me by two Patents. A Company is formed, to go extensively into the manufacture of Steel, men of business, with an ample capital. Now,—all this I was anxious to let thee know, in gratitude for the kind attentions with which thou hast ever honored me. I also beg leave to say that as the discovery, to be made profitable to me, (and it has cost me a great deal of time, thought & money,) must be kept a secret, I contemplate trying the Congress for a special act of permission to let my specifications remain sealed Papers in the department of State, for the term of 14 years. I am ready to show that body that all I state is reality, proved in practise;—& I pray thee to favor me with thy opinions, whether, having done this, such an Act would be consistent & right, & likely to be granted by the National Legislature? Or,—were our Government disposed to be wise, & reasonably liberal, I would sell the right for a fair & just sum, to the government, for the benefit of the Country. In our country, such are the habits of our people that no manufacturing establishment, employing a number of hands, can hope long to keep & enjoy any valuable secret process. Still, with a law to authorise a deposit of my specifications, sealed, for 14 years, in the department of State, I can sell my discovery in the art of making Steel, alone, for an annuity of 5000 dollars per annum, for 14 years. A little more, (for I trouble thee with as little as possible,) & I then beg leave to ask thy advice. I make Cast Steel, of the best quality, from the Ores of Iron, from Pigs, Bar Iron, &c., all uniformly good, at such a rate as to afford at least 100 per cent clear profit. From Iron Ores of a good quality, I absolutely make it for less than the common selling prices of Bar Iron, made in the old way:—& Iron is made pure & good, for about half the expense of making it, by the usual processes known to artists in the old way. Admitting all this,—& I can prove it all, by persons of high respectability, & by actual experiment, any where, in a few hours, what had I better do with it? I hate lawyers & lawsuits, & I know the cupidity that would rob merit & ingenuity of their reward. My desires as to money are moderate. But nothing will ever tempt me to fail of having the Iron & Steel bear the stamp of my name, let the world call it vanity, or what it will. I wish the Government would stipulate this much, & pay me for the discovery a sum equal to one third of what good judges should say the exclusive right, perfectly secured,1 for 14 years, would be worth, & let the lawyers & lawsuits sleep & die, or be taken care of by the government at its discretion. Have the goodness to excuse this intrusion on thy retirement, well earned & well merited by a long life devoted to thy Country’s service.  195 

25 NOVEMBER 1822

Should I go to Washington this winter, as I now propose, it seems to [me] most likely that I shall pay my respects to thee [at] Monticello, if a Kind Providence permit. Heaven grant thee its choicest blessings, thou venerable Father of the Republic, & fill thy evening of life on earth with the consolations of peace, preparatory to a happy immortality in the regions of eternal blessedness. With great regard & affection, thy friend, Horatio Gates Spafford. RC (DLC); torn at seal; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, Va.”; stamp canceled; postmarked Troy, 27 Nov.; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. On 30 Oct. 1822 Spafford was awarded two patents for improvements, one in “the art of making cast or wrought steel” and the other in “the art of making iron and steel” (List of Patents, 243). The spec­ ifications are not known to survive. Spafford sent a similar but longer letter to James Madison, also dated 25 Nov. 1822. Madison expressed doubt in his 5 Dec. reply that Congress would grant a special act of permission, and no such law passed at this time. In connection with

some subsequent invention, a decade later Spafford did obtain passage of a statute according to which a patent could be issued and kept secret for one year, in the “confidential archives” of the Department of State, for his “alleged discoveries in mechanical philosophy, carried into practical operation by appropriate machinery.” He died shortly thereafter without receiving such a patent (Madison, Papers, Re‑ tirement Ser., 2:605–6, 610; U.S. Statutes at Large, 6:502 [3 July 1832]; Julian P. Boyd, “Horatio Gates Spafford, Precursor of Bessemer,” APS, Proceedings 87 [1943]: 47–50). 1

 Manuscript: “seecured.”

From John Vaughan D sir Philad. 26 Nov 1822 Your favor of 20. has much relieved me the Gazette has just announcd the accident, & caused much anxiety to your friends, accept my congratulations that you are doing well & my wishes that your useful life may be prolonged—Judge Tilghman & Mrs Wistar are much obliged to you for your kind attention to their wishes—Young Wistar has at length relinquished1 his views of going into the Navy which will relieve you from being further calld upon—The new regulation alluded to by you is a very proper one—none should enter it, without a decided predilection for it on trial.— We propose printing a 2 Vol of New Series & I shall as heretofore take the liberty of putting down your name on the list of Subscribers— I do not now recollect whether you took more than one Copy.   I remain Yours most sincerly Jn Vaughan RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 30 Nov. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Thomas Lehré, 1 Aug. 1823, on

 196 

29 NOVEMBER 1822 verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello Va”; franked; postmarked Philadelphia, 26 Nov.

 Volume 2 of the new series of the Transactions of the American Philosophi‑ cal Society was published in 1825. 1 Manuscript:

“relinquish.”

To William Lambert Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 29. 22. You have often gratified me by your astronomical communications, and I am now about to amuse you with one of mine. but I must first explain the circumstances which have drawn me into a speculation so foreign to the path of life which the times in which I have lived, more than my own inclinations have led me to pursue. I had long deemed it incumbent on the authorities of our country to have the great Western wilderness beyond the Missisipi explored, to make known it’s geography, it’s natural productions, it’s general character and inhabitants. two attempts which I had myself made formerly, before the country was ours, the one from West to East, the other from East to West, had both proved abortive. when called to the administration of the General government, I made this an object of early attention, and proposed it to Congress. they voted a sum of 5000.D. for it’s execution, and I placed Capt Lewis at the head of the enterprize. no man, within the range of my acquaintance, united so many of the qualifications necessary for it’s succesful direction. but he had not recieved such an Astronomical education as might enable him to give us the geography of the country with the precision desired. the Missouri and Columbia, which were to constitute the tract of his journey, were rivers which varied little in their progressive latitudes, but changed their longitudes rapidly and at every step. to qualify him for making these observations, so important to the value of the enterprise, I encouraged him to apply himself to this particular object, and gave him letters to Doctr Patterson and mr Ellicott requesting them to instruct him in the necessary processes. those for the longitude would of course be founded on the lunar distances. but as these require essentially the aid of a time keeper, it occurred to me that during a journey of 2. 3. or 4. years, exposed to so many accidents as himself and the instrument would be, we might expect with certainty that it would become deranged, and in a desert country, where it could not be repaired. I thought it then highly important that some means of observation should be furnished him, if any could  197 

29 NOVEMBER 1822

be, which should be practicable and competent to ascertain his longitudes in that event. the Equatorial occurred to myself as the most promising substitute. I observed only that Ramsden, in his explanation of it’s uses, and particularly that of finding the longitude at land still required his Observer to have the aid of a time keeper. but this cannot be necessary. for the margin of the equatorial circle of this instrument being divided into time by hours, minutes & seconds, supplies the main functions of the time keeper, and for measuring merely the interval of the observations, if such as not to be neglected, a portable pendulum, for counting by an Assistant, would fully answer that purpose. I suggested my fears to several of our best astronomical friends, and my wishes that other processes should be furnished him, if any could be, which might guard us ultimately from disappointment. several other methods were proposed, but all requiring the use of a time keeper. that of the Equatorial being recommended by none, and other duties refusing me time for protracted consultations, I relinquished the idea for that occasion. but, if a sound one, it should not be abandoned. those deserts are yet to be explored, and their geography given to the world and ourselves with a correctness worthy of the science of the age. the acquisition of the country before Capt Lewis’s departure facilitated our enterprise. but his1 time keeper failed early in his journey. his dependance then was on the compass, & log line, with the correction of latitudes only, and the true longitudes of the differ­ ent points of the Missouri, of the Stony mountains, the Columbia, and Pacific, at it’s mouth, remain yet to be obtained2 by future enterprise. The circumstance which occasions a recurrence of the subject to my mind at this time particularly is this. our legislature, some time ago, came to a determination that an accurate map should be made of our state. the late John Wood was employed on it. it’s first elements are prepared by maps of the several counties. but these have been made by chain and compass only, which suppose the surface of the earth to be a plane. to fit them together, they must be accomodated to it’s real spherical surface; and this can be done only by observations of Latitude and Longitude, taken at different points of the area to which they are to be reduced. it is true that, in the lower and more populous parts of the state, the method of lunar distances3 by the circle, or sextant and timekeeper, may be used; because those parts furnish means of repairing or replacing a deranged timekeeper. but the deserts beyond the Alleganey are as destitute4 of resourse in that case, as those of the Missouri. the question then recurs Whether the Equatorial, without the auxiliary of a time‑keeper, is not competent to the ascertainment of longitudes at land, where a fixed meridian can always be obtained?  198 

29 NOVEMBER 1822

and Whether indeed it may not, every where at land, be a readier and preferable instrument for that purpose? to these questions I ask your attentions: and to shew the grounds on which I entertain the opinion myself, I will briefly explain the principles of the process, and the peculiarities of the instrument which give it the competence I ascribe to it. and should you concur in the opinion, I will further ask you to notice any particular circumstances claiming attention in the process, and the corrections which the observations may necessarily require. as to myself, I am an astronomer of theory only, little versed in practical observations, and the minute attentions and corrections they require. I proceed now to the explanation. A Method of finding the longitude of a place at land, without a time keeper. If two persons, at different points of the same hemisphere, (as Greenwich and Washington, for example) observe the same celestial phaenomenon, at the same instant of time, the difference of the times marked by their respective clocks is the difference of their longitudes, or the distance between their meridians. to catch with precision the same instant of time for these simultaneous observations, the moon’s motion in her orbit is the best element; her change of place (about a half second of space in a second of time) is rapid enough to be ascertained by a good instrument with sufficient precision for the object. but suppose the Observer at Washington, or in a desert, to be without a time keeper; the Equatorial is the instrument to be used in that case. again we have supposed a cotemporaneous Observer at Greenwich. but his functions may be supplied by the Nautical Almanac, adapted to that place, and enabling us to calculate for any instant of time the meridian distances there of the heavenly bodies necessary to be observed for this purpose. The Observer at Washington, chusing the time when their position is suitable, is to adjust his Equatorial to his meridian, to his latitude, and to the plane of his horizon, or if he is in a desert where neither meridian, nor latitude is yet ascertained, the advantages of this noble instrument are, that it enables him to find both in the course of a few hours. thus prepared, let him ascertain by observation the right ascension of the moon from that of a known star, or their horary distance; and, at the same instant, her horary distance from his meridian. her right ascension at the instant thus ascertained, enter with that the Nautical Almanac, and calculate, by it’s tables, what was her horary distance from the meridian of Greenwich at the instant she had attained that point of right ascension, or that horary distance from the same star. the addition of these meridian distances if the moon was  199 

29 NOVEMBER 1822

between the two meridians, or the subtraction of the lesser from the greater, if she was on the same side of both, is the difference of their longitudes. This general theory admits different cases, of which the Observer may avail himself, according to the particular position of the heavenly bodies at the moment of observation. Case 1st when the moon is on his meridian, or on that of Greenwich. 2. when the star is on either meridian. 3. when the moon and star are on the same side of his meridian. 4. when they are on different sides. for instantaneousness of observation the Equatorial has great advantage over the Circle or Sextant: for being truly placed in the meridian beforehand, the telescope may be directed sufficiently in advance of the moon’s motion for time to note it’s place on the Equatorial circle before she attains that point. then observe, until her limb touches the cross hairs; and in that instant direct the telescope to the star; that compleats the observation, and the place of the star may be read off at leisure. the apparatus for correcting the effects of refraction and parallax, which is fixed on the eye‑tube of the telescope, saves time by rendering the notation of altitudes unnecessary, and dispenses with the use of either a time keeper or portable pendulum. I have observed that, if placed in a desert where neither meridian nor latitude is yet ascertained, the Equatorial enables the Observer to find both in a few hours. For the Latitude, adjust by the cross levels the azimuth plane of the instrument to the horizon of the place. bring down the Equatorial plane to an exact parallelism with it, it’s pole then becoming vertical. by the nut & pinion commanding it, and by that of the semi‑circle5 of declination, direct the telescope to the sun. follow it’s path with the telescope by the combined use of these two pinions, and when it has attained it’s greatest altitude, calculate the latitude as when taken by a sextant. For finding the Meridian, set the Azimuth circle to the horison, elevate the Equatorial circle to the complement of the Latitude, and fix it by the clamp & tightening screw of the two brass segments of arches below. by the declination semicircle set the telescope to the sun’s declination of the moment. turn the instrument towards the meridian by guess, and by the combined movement of the Equatorial & azimuth circles direct the telescope to the sun.6 then, by the pinion of the Equatorial alone, follow the path of the sun with the telescope. if it swerves from that path, turn the azimuth circle until it shall follow the sun accurately. a distant stake or tree should mark the meridian  200 

30 NOVEMBER 1822

to guard against it’s loss by any accidental jostle of the instrument. the 12. aclock line will then be in the true meridian, & the axis of the Equatorial circle will be parallel with that of the earth. the instrument is then in it’s true position for the observations of the night. to the competence & the advantages of this method, I will only add that these instruments are high‑priced. mine cost 35 guineas in Ramsden’s shop a little before the Revolution. I will lengthen my letter, already too long only by assurances of my great esteem and ­respect. Th: Jefferson FC (DLC); in TJ’s hand. Recorded in SJL as a letter to “Lambert Wm.” TJ advocated for three abortive expeditions of western exploration prior to his presidential administration, but here is probably omitting the first and least‑­ developed proposal, that to George Rogers Clark in 1783. The other two attempts were those of John Ledyard (west to east) in 1788 and André Michaux (east to west) in 1793 (PTJ, 6:371, 13:382, 25:75–81, 624–6). In January 1803 the United States Congress honored TJ’s request and voted a sum of $2,500 to fund the Lewis and Clark Expedition (PTJ, 39:353, 354n). For TJ’s instructions later that year to

Robert Patterson and Andrew Ellicott regarding navigational training for Meriwether Lewis, see PTJ, 39:618, 40:15–6. stony mountains: Rocky Mountains. With the assistance of David Rittenhouse, TJ purchased an equatorial made in Jesse ramsden’s shop for $102.67 in January 1793 (PTJ, 24:287–9; MB, 2:878, 888). 1  Text from “the acquisition” to this point interlined in place of “Capt Lewis’s.” 2  Reworked from “ascertained.” 3  Word interlined in place of “observations.” 4  Word interlined in place of “void.” 5  Prefix interlined. 6  Omitted period at right margin editorially supplied.

To John Barnes Dear Sir Monticello Nov. 30. 22. Your favor of the1 22d is but just recieved, and I am able to answer myself your very kind enquiries after my health. the fracture I met with was as slight a case of the kind as could happen. how2 fortunate, for example, that it was neither a leg nor a thigh: that it was not my right arm: that, of my left, it was the smallest bone, and that a skilful Surgeon attended3 promptly. you see therefore, even in our misfortunes, and among so many chances of better or4 worse, how many consolations we have that it was the slightest of the chances that might have happened. the bone was well set, is doing well, free from pain, and for three days past I have begun to take my habitual exercise on horseback. still, slight as it is, I pray you may be guarded against all such accidents, and may enjoy unbroken5 health during life, without which life is not worth enduring. Ever and affectionately yours Th: Jefferson  201 

30 NOVEMBER 1822  RC (CtY: Franklin Collection). Dft (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Samuel Taylor to TJ, [ca. 4 Sept. 1821]; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Barnes John.” The skilful surgeon was Thomas G. Watkins.

 1 Dft: “Nov.” 2 Word interlined in Dft in place of “it was most.” 3  Word interlined in Dft in place of “was.” 4 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 5  Word interlined in Dft in place of “good.”

From John Browne Cutting and Thomas Law

Washington 30 Novr 1822

Esqr

Thomas Law from bodily infirmity has devolved upon Mr J. B. Cutting the grateful task of inclosing to Thomas Jefferson late President of the United States a recent essay upon a complicated subject. Mr Cutting for himself, tenders Mr Jefferson his most respectful recollections and good wishes—accompanied with regret for the accident that has lately befallen him; from the effects of which Mr C— (in common with thousands of his fellow citizens) hopes Mr Jefferson may soon recover. RC (DLC); in Cutting’s hand; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as a letter from Cutting and Law of 18 Nov. received 10 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: [Law], Additional Facts, Remarks, and Arguments. Illustrative of the Advantage to the People of the United States, of a National Circulating Medium. By the Author of Homo and Justinian (Washington, 1822). John Browne Cutting (ca. 1755–1831), a native of Boston, served in the Continental army, 1776–80, first as a surgeon’s mate and later as an apothecary. Following the Revolutionary War he spent several years in London, during which time he assisted American seamen who had been impressed into British service. After Cutting met TJ in Paris in 1787, they began an extensive correspondence centered on American and British politics. He later sought reimbursement for personal funds he had spent in his attempts to liberate American sailors. TJ as secretary of state supported these claims, but

Cutting only received $2,000 out of the more than $7,000 requested, fruitlessly seeking the rest until 1824. He served as a War Department clerk from around 1823 until President Andrew Jackson dismissed him in 1829. Cutting died in Washington, D.C. (Heitman, Continental Army, 183; PTJ, esp. 12:124, 145, 321–2, 23:104–5, 33:618–9; Annals, 2d Cong., 1st sess., 598 [7 May 1792]; U.S. Statutes at Large, 6:10 [8 May 1792]; Cutting, Facts and Observations, justifying the claims of John Browne Cutting [(Philadelphia, 1795)]; Timothy Pickering, Letter from the Secre‑ tary of State, accompanying His Report on the Claim of John Brown Cutting [(Philadelphia, 1799)]; DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1817–25; Madison, Papers, Cong. Ser., 16:205–6; Cutting to TJ, 22 June 1824; Jackson, Papers, 6:160, 564, 7:73, 778; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 4 Feb. 1831). On this day Cutting wrote a similar letter to James Madison enclosing Law’s pamphlet (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:607–8).

 202 

To William Radford Dear Sir Monto Nov. 30. 22 The enquiries you make in your favor of the1 19. are perfectly proper, and I am happy in the occasion they furnish2 me of explaining to3 you the solidity of the titles of the lands of Poplar Forest conveyed to you. I have in my possession mr Wayles’s land books in which are recorded the title papers of all the lands he owned, from the patent thro all the subseqt4 conveyances down to himself. the title to the Pop. For. is short. it was patented by parson Wm Stith descended on his youngest &5 only surviving daughter and child6 mrs Pasteur, who sold it to Colo P. Randolph who sold it to mr Wayles and all in correct form.7 on his death and the partition of his estate (which was made under the orders of Charles city court) between his 3. daurs mrs J. mrs E & mrs S. the Pop. For. was among other lands8 allotted to mrs Jefferson. we afterwds joined in a deed of settlement the object of which was to secure these lands to her issue and on failure of that only the remr to myself. the trustees were Nicholas and Charles Lewis, both of this county9 the one of whom died soon after, the other about 15. or 20. y. ago. the deed is long, providing for several contingencies which never happened, but of the part of it providing for that which did happen & which governs the property I now inclose you a copy. you will percieve that in the case of my being the survivor10 it authorises me to convey the land in any parts or proportions, and on any condns to any descendant of hers. I conveyed first 1000. & then 400. as to my daur Randolph. these are the lands which are held under her deed by mrs Mosely mr Yancey & yourself. of the piece lying between those lines & Bear branch which I conveyed to make up Bankhead’s agreement with yourself and mr Yancey I kept a copy of my deed, but it is not11 here. it is among my papers in Bedf  d & I do not recollect whether my convce was to my grand daur Anne C. Bankhead or directly to yourselves. it being notoriously intended as an advancement for her and sold for her benefit to you I may have made the convce direct to you. but I do not expect I did. if however I did so, and the purpose does not appear sfftly to bring it within my regular authority it shall be made good in form as well as substance by a convce to one of my grsons12 and a reconveyance from him to the deed for the lands I pledged13 to the bank US for mr Nicholas’s debt. my gr. son14 is a party. the only case in which this formality has not been observed is in that of mr Johnson with whom I exchanged 10. or 15. as for his convence. I had  203 

30 NOVEMBER 1822

no grand child then of age, and as a present security to him15 I made it a deed of exchange in which case as you know16 the lands given & taken in exchange stand mutually pledged by law17 to warrant each other on eviction of title,18 and I always intended as soon as my gr. son T.J.R. shd come of age to confirm the title thro him. I have often mentd it to him but it has so happened that we were never there together for any time19 & I have not the papers to draw the deed20 here. but my first visit to that place shall certainly close this case also the only one not in full form. the accident of a fractured arm is to confine me till Xmas day as my physician tells me.21 it will then be too cold for me to go to Bedf d  22 until the spring. in April I shall go to settle my gr. son Fr. Eppes at the Pop. For. he will then be in place to become the channel of correcting any defects of form not observed. he was married two days ago and in his newly acquired spouse will add to your nbhood a most amiable and valble member. with my friendly respects to enquiring23 neighbors there accept assurances for yourself of my great esteem and attachment Th:J Dft (MHi); on reused address cover of James Monroe to TJ, 6 Sept. 1821; endorsed by TJ as a letter to (trimmed) “Radford W[m].” Enclosure not found. John wayles’s land books have not been located and the pertinent records of Charles City County are no longer extant. However, a copy of Wayles’s will dividing his estate between his daughters Mar­ tha Wayles Jefferson (mrs j.), Elizabeth Eppes (mrs e), and Anne Skipwith (mrs s.) is in Tyler’s Quarterly Histori‑ cal and Genealogical Magazine 6 (1925): 268–70. remr: “remainder.” TJ conveyed 1,000 acres of Poplar Forest land to Martha Jefferson Randolph (his daur randolph) in her 21 Feb. 1790 marriage settlement (PTJ, 16:189– 90). The lands sold to Anne Moseley are described in note to Thomas Mann Randolph and Martha Jefferson Randolph’s Conveyance of Bedford County Land, [before 19 Feb. 1810]. TJ acted to make up bankhead’s agreement through his Conveyance of Bear Branch Land to Radford and Joel Yancey, 7 Dec. 1811. advancement: “A payment or gift to an heir (esp. a child) during one’s lifetime as an advance share of one’s estate” (Black’s Law Dictionary). For the deed of exchange, see TJ’s Agreement with

Benjamin Johnson for Exchange of Poplar Forest Lands, 13 Dec. 1812. t.j.r.: Thomas Jefferson Randolph. TJ’s physician was Thomas G. Watkins. Francis Eppes’s newly acquired spouse was Mary Elizabeth Randolph Eppes. 1

 Word interlined in place of “Nov.”  Word interlined in place of “give.” 3  Preceding two words interlined in place of “assuring.” 4  Word interlined. 5  Preceding two words interlined. 6  Preceding two words interlined. 7  Preceding five words interlined. 8  Preceding three words interlined. 9 Remainder of sentence interlined. 10 Preceding eight words interlined. 11 Reworked from “I have a copy of my deed, but not.” 12 Reworked from “to my grson TJR,” with a repeated “my” editorially omitted. 13 Reworked from “from him in the case of the lands I mged.” 14 Text from “US” to this point interlined. 15 Preceding six words interlined. 16 Preceding three words interlined. 17  Preceding five words interlined in place of “are bound.” 18 Preceding four words interlined. 19 Preceding three words interlined. 2

 204 

2 DECEMBER 1822  20 Preceding

four words interlined. two words interlined in place of “directs.” 21  Preceding

 22 Preceding two words interlined in place of “there.” 23 Word interlined in place of “my.”

To James Monroe

Monticello Dec. 1. 22.

I thank you, Dear Sir, for the opportunity of reading mr Taylor’s letter, which I now return. news that one can rely on from a country with which we have so little intercourse, and so much mutual interest is doubly grateful. I rejoice to learn that Iturbide’s is a mere usurpation and slenderly supported. altho we have no right to intermeddle with the form of government of other nations yet it is lawful to wish to see no emperors nor kings in our hemisphere, and that Brazil as well as Mexico will homologize with us. The accident to my arm was slight; it is doing well, and free from pain.1   I thank you sincerely for your favor to Gibson. he is a worthy but unfortunate man. ever & affectionately yours Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); addressed (trimmed): “James Monroe President [.  .  .] Wash[ington]”; postmarked Charlottesville, 3 Dec. Dft (DLC); on verso of RC of Mon-

roe to TJ, 25 Nov. 1822. Enclosure: enclosure to Monroe to TJ, 25 Nov. 1822. 1   Remainder added in Dft following canceled “ever & affectly.”

From John Adams Dear Sir, Montezillo 2d December. 1822 I have been deeply afflicted with the account of your accident—At first your Leg was broke—I shuddered, I feared that I should have no more letters from Montecello—Next came the account that it was only a small bone in the Arm—My hopes revived.1 the difference between the leg and the Arm was immense. To illustrate this difference, and for your consolation and amusement; I will give you an egotistical anecdote; When one of the Comets was here in our neighborhood I went out one evening into my garden to look at the wandering Star— with four or five Gentlemen. we returned through an alley over which my Men had placed a strong stake to prevent a peach tree from breaking down with its load of fruit—In the dark I blundered against this stake broke its fastness—it fell and I with it on the sharp edge of a knot in it—I felt a sharp cut but thought it had only broke the skin, I  205 

2 DECEMBER 1822

scampered2

up and returned to the house with the other Gentlemen—3 my Daughter Smith cried out Sir, what has happened to you, your Leg is all bloody, I striped off the stocking and low a gash from half an inch, to an inch deep cut by the sharp knot bleeding profusely,4 my Daughter cried out bring me some Laudanum I knew no better, her mother always had an Apothecarys Shop in her closet instantly brought a Bottle they poured a quantity of it into the wound and washed the neighboring flesh with it—bound a bandage around it, but it produced an inflamation which cost me a confinement for two months several surgeons came to see me and all agreed that neither the genius nor experience of Philosophers, Physicians nor surgeons had heitherto invented any means of preventing the humours falling down into a wound in the Leg but by holding it up, they accordingly compelled me to hold mine almost perpendicularly oftener lieing on my back on a Sofa oftener at an angle of forty five but never lower than an horizontal5 line—in this manner they made me vegitate for two months suffering continual twinges on the shin, the Baths,6 tents and bandages and lotions I pass over—   I verily believe that if nothing had been done to it but washing in warm water it would have been well in three days—   you may console yourself with the hope that your arm will soon be well; you will not be obliged to hold your arm up pointing to the skies— If you cannot write yourself pray the fair lovely and accomplished Miss Hellen Randolph to write a line to inform me of your recovery— your affectionate friend— John Adams RC (NNPM); in Louisa C. Smith’s hand, signed by Adams; at foot of text: “President Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in MHi: Adams Papers); first part in William Smith Shaw’s hand, remainder in that of Louisa C. Smith. In September 1811 one of the comets was visible in the northeastern states as well as in Virginia (Boston Colum‑ bian  Centinel, 7 Sept. 1811; Richmond Enquirer, 10 Sept. 1811). Abigail Adams Smith wrote to her brother John Quincy Adams on 24 Sept. 1811 describing the accident their father had experienced “a fortnight Since” while attempting to view it (MHi: Adams Papers). TJ commented

on the comet in a 15 Nov. 1811 letter to Henry A. S. Dearborn. tents: in this context a tent is a “roll or pledget, usually of soft absorbent material, often medicated, or sometimes of a medicinal substance, formerly much used to search and cleanse a wound, or to keep open or distend a wound, sore, or natural orifice” (OED). hellen randolph: Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge). 1 Omitted

period supplied from FC. “scamepered.” FC: “scampered.” 3 Remainder of FC in Louisa C. Smith’s hand. 4 Omitted comma supplied from FC. 5 RC: “horizontaal.” FC: “horizontal.” 6 RC: “Bathes.” FC: “baths.” 2 RC:

 206 

From George F. Hopkins Sir, Decr 2, 1822. The person who submitted to you certain observations on Electricity, Looming, &c. received the manuscript with your remarks. He now does himself the farther honour to send you a copy of the same in print, and requests your acceptance of it for what it may be worth.  P.S. As Mr. Jefferson is the only Gentleman who possesses the name of the writer, he has to request that it may be known no farther. RC (MHi); dateline above postscript; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Dec. 1822 from “ Hopkins Geo. F.” and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to George Richardson, 15 July 1823, on verso; addressed: “The Hon. Thomas Jefferson,

Esqr Monticello Va”; franked; postmarked New York, 2 Dec. Enclosure: “Hortensius” [Hopkins], Observations on Elec‑ tricity, Looming, and Sounds (New York, 1822; see also note to Hopkins to TJ, [before 29] Aug. 1822).

From Benjamin King Honble sir Navy Yard Washington December 2nd 1822 I beg leave to present you enclosed a draft of an equilateral level, for leveling of Lands on any Incline plane side of hills &ca which by adding a spy Glass on the centre of the motion by which the pendulum preponderates it would prove an usefull invention for levelling Mill Races Canals &ca as the Index would correctly shew the elevation. likewise I have a new invented straw Cutting machine which surpasses any invention of that kind hitherto made known. I have had the pleasure of making one for Genl Walter Jones of this City and will do myself the honour of presenting you with a model for your inspection. I am with infinite respect Honble sir Your Most Obt & Hble servant  Benjamin King Master Blacksmith & Head plumber RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 8 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to John Brannan, 15 July 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticella Virginia”; franked; postmarked Washington, 2 Dec. Enclosure not found. Benjamin King (ca. 1755–1840), plumber and blacksmith, was born on the Isle of Man. He later spent time in

Carron, Scotland, where he likely trained in the iron industry before traveling to France. King reportedly joined the French republican army and participated in the unsuccessful attempt to defeat the slave insurgency in Saint Domingue. By 1793 he was in Baltimore working as a plumber. King was employed by 1803 in Washington, D.C. He worked on the United States Capitol and laid gutters and built a fire engine for the President’s House during

 207 

2 DECEMBER 1822 TJ’s occupancy. King spent many years as a master blacksmith at the Washington Navy Yard. He received a patent in 1811 for an improvement in welding scrap iron into bars and another in 1817 for a machine for drilling holes on horizontal metal surfaces, and he was a militia volunteer at the Battle of Bladensburg during the War of 1812. King was generally acknowledged to be an extremely adept ironworker, although Benjamin Henry La­ trobe complained that “the strange wildness of his temper alternately embroils him with every body with whom he has any thing to do.” By 1836 King had transferred to the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, where he died (Edward C. Carter II and

others, eds., The Journals of Benjamin Henry Latrobe [1977–80], 3:67–9; PTJ, 27:318n; John C. Van Horne and others, eds., The Correspondence and Miscella‑ neous Papers of Benjamin Henry Latrobe [1984–88], 1:286, 529, 3:7–9, 238–42; Abstract of Expenditures on the President’s House, 1805 [DNA: RG 53, ESRT]; King’s Invoice to TJ for a Fire Engine, [ca. 8 July 1805] [MHi]; MB, 2:1158; List of Patents, 102, 179; King to James Madison, 22 June 1836 [DLC: Madison Papers]; Philadelphia North American and Daily Advertiser, 16 Sept. 1840; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 21 Sept. 1840).

From William Lambert Sir, City of Washington, December 2d 1822. Your communication of the 29th ulto was received this morning. The Equatorial is an instrument with which I am unacquainted; but if it enables an observer to ascertain the horary angle, or time from noon, with sufficient accuracy; or if it be so constructed, as to show the true azimuth from the north or south points, and the latitude of the place, together with the Sun’s declination be known, the horary angle, or distance of the observed object from the meridian, may be correctly found; but if the azimuth be not shewn with due precision, there will, of course, be a proportionate error in the apparent time. There is, independent of the angular distances between the Moon and Sun, or the Moon and a fixed Star, commonly called “Lunar observations,” another method to determine the longitude of a place, little used, or perhaps, known in this Country, which is, Let the observed altitude of the Moon’s upper or lower limb, be taken, from which compute, in the usual manner, the true altitude of her center,— find the correct apparent time of this observation (or set of observations, which is to be preferred). With the Moon’s declination found correctly, by interpolation from successive differences, according to the assumed longitude from Greenwich, Paris, &c—the true altitude, and the latitude of the place, find the Moon’s true distance from the meridian, at that time, which, if the Moon be East of the meridian, added to, or if west, subtracted from, the apparent time, reduced to degrees, &c. will give the difference of the Sun and Moon’s right ascensions at the time and place of observation. By the help of the Nau 208 

3 DECEMBER 1822

tical Almanac, or Connaissance de Tems, find, by interpolation, the apparent time at Greenwich, Paris, &c. when the Sun and Moon had that difference of Right ascensions, and the difference of times turned into degrees, &c will give the difference of meridians in longitude, considering the form of the Earth to be that of a perfect sphere. This method does not need1 any comparison of the Moon with a fixed Star, whose nutation and aberration in R.A. ought to be computed and allowed for, if great accuracy be required. I have reason to believe that this method is equal to, if not preferable to the angular distances. I have not, however, by any actual experiment, or observation at this place, been able to put it into practice. The principle is the same as transits of the Moon over the meridian, except the computation of the Moon’s distance at the time and place of observation. Being desirous of answering your favor promptly, I have not yet bestowed that consideration upon it, which it deserves. I have some doubts whether the subdivisions of the Equatorial can shew the apparent time as accurately as could be wished; if not, the most to be expected from its use, would be an approximation wide of, or near the truth, according to the deviation.—If this reply, which is written without due reflection on the subject, be not satisfactory, another opportunity, when I have more leisure, will be taken; and if you wish an example of this method to find the longitude, I shall take a pleasure in transmitting it in my next, or compute any that you may propose, when proper data shall have been furnished for that purpose. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Your most obedt ­servant, William Lambert. RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ, with date of receipt obscured by tape. RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to LeRoy, Bayard & Company, 18 July 1823, on verso; addressed: “Honble

Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, Virginia”; franked; postmarked Washington, 3 Dec. Recorded in SJL as received 8 Dec. 1822. 1 Word

interlined in place of “require.”

From Robert Greenway Dear Sir, Dinwiddie Decr 3. 1822.— Upwards of twelve months ago, I forwarded to you, the Hortus Siccus & manuscript of my Father, and not having heard from you since, I fear that they never reached their destination. As I feel, naturally, some degree of interest with regard to the work, I must offer that as an apology for troubling you with the request, that at your convenience you will inform me whether you received the box, and if  209 

3 DECEMBER 1822

you have examined the manuscript what disposition has been made of it. Accept, Sir, assurances of the highest respect, of your most obt servt Robert Greenway P.S.—My address,—Goodwynsville, Dinwiddie. RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 8 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 18 July 1823, on

verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson esqr. Monticello” by “Mail”; stamped; postmarked Petersburg, 3 Dec.

From William Lambert Sir, City of Washington, Decemr 3d 1822. On a further examination of your communication of the 29th ulto I observe that you state—“If two persons at two1 points of the same hemisphere, (as Greenwich and Washington, for example) observe the same celestial phenomenon at the same instant of time, the differ­ ence of the times marked by their respective clocks, is the difference of their longitudes, or the distance of 2 their meridians”. This principle is perfectly correct, when referred to the center of the Earth under those meridians; but not so, when referred to the two points on its surface. This is evident in cases of occultations, and solar eclipses. For instance, the immersion of ♈ ♉, on the 12th of January, 1813, happened at 12h 43m 39Sec P.M. at Greenwich, and at the place of observation in Washington, at 5h 46m. 49S. P.M. appt time. The difference of these times, 6h. 56m. 50S. as marked by their respective clocks, would be = 104.° 12.′ 30″, of longitude; but we find by calculation, that the time at the center of the Earth under the meridian of Washington, when the immersion happened at Greenwich, was 7h 35m 49Sec nearly, which subtracted from 12h 43m 39Sec gives 5h 7m. 50Sec in time, = 76.° 57.′ 30.″ W. of Greenwich. The place of observation was 1.′ 49.″ 75.dec of longitude West of the Capitol. Whatever, therefore, may be the kind of observation taken, and particularly any position of the Moon compared with that of another object, it is always to be understood, that reference should be had to the Center, and not to the surface of the Earth. The Nautical Almanac, or Connaissance des Tems, gives us the Moon’s longitude, latitude, right ascension, and declination, not as seen from the surface, but as viewed from the Center of the Earth, under the meridian of Greenwich, or Paris; and if we would find the difference of meridians, by  210 

3 DECEMBER 1822

either the Moon’s longitude or right ascension, we must, by having its apparent position at any instant of time, find its true place at the same moment. I may not have clearly understood your meaning in this respect; if not, you will please to set me right in any communication you may hereafter make on this subject. With regard to the object of exploring the western country, and ascertaining the latitude and longitude of its prominent points, I think the object worthy of your patriotism and enlightened views.—I am apprehensive that Congress will take no further measures to establish a first meridian at the seat of the national government. Having sent Copies of my report to the President, to various sections of the U.S. and to Europe, I expected, e’re this, to have been favored with the opinions of scientific men on the work, and that Congress would, in some way, or other, sanction what has been done by some declaratory act in relation to the result which has been found. As I have already been,3 and may be further disappointed in this expectation, I should willingly undertake the calculation of the latitude and longitude of places in the we[stern] region of the U.S. provided I could in every cas[e] be furnished with observations and data that could be relied on. It would not suit me now to travel there, or undergo the fatigues and hardships of an actual observer. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Your most obedt servt William Lambert. RC (DLC); torn at seal; addressed: “Honble Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, Virginia”; franked; postmarked Washington, 4 Dec.; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

1  TJ to Lambert, 29 Nov. 1822: “different.” 2  TJ to Lambert, 29 Nov. 1822: “between.” 3  Manuscript: “have been already been.”

For Lambert’s report, see Lambert to TJ, 18 Mar. 1822.

From Richard McCall Sir Gibraltar 3d December 1822 I have the honor to enclose a letter to your address received Yesterday under Cover from Cadiz— I am with the highest Respects and Consideration Sir Yr: mo: obt: Servt R: McCall RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as a letter from “McCall A.” received 8 Feb. 1823

and so recorded in SJL. RC: top half of address cover only (DLC), with Dft of

 211 

3 DECEMBER 1822 TJ to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 10 Apr. 1823, on verso; bottom half of address cover only (MHi), with Dft of TJ to James Oldham, 11 Apr. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson late President of the United States of America— Monticello Virga”; stamped “SHIP”; franked; postmarked New York, 31 Jan. Enclosure: Gregorio González Azaola to TJ, 1 Nov. 1822 (RC in DLC), of which only portions of the dateline (trimmed) (“Cadiz 1o Nove 182[2]”) and address cover have been found (both portions reused for Dft of TJ to William J. Coffee, 10 Apr. 1823); addressed (trimmed): “A  Mr. Jeff[erson] Ex‑presidente [.  .  .] [Es]tados Unidos de A[merica] residente en Vi[rginia]”; endorsed by McCall as received 2 Dec. 1822; recorded in SJL as a letter of 1 Nov. 1822 received 8 Feb. 1823 from “Huelva.”

 Richard McCall (1780–1831), merchant, served as United States consul at Barcelona, 1815–27, and from about 1818 until 1830 was the United States navy agent in the Mediterranean, eventually stationed at Gibraltar. He died in Philadelphia (JEP, 2:626, 628, 3:575 [2, 3 Mar. 1815, 3 Mar. 1827]; Calhoun, Papers, 3:336; Clay, Papers, 6:80, 214; Register of the Commission and Warrant Officers of the Navy of the United States [Washington, 1820], 30; A Register of Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the 30th of September, 1829 [1830], 145; Philadelphia Poulson’s American Daily Ad‑ vertiser, 8 Sept. 1831; gravestone inscription in Christ Church Burial Ground, Philadelphia).

From William F. Gray Sir, Fredericksburg Decr 5th 1822 I have within my reach, a Book entitled “Histoire Philosophique de la Révolution de France, depuis la premiere assemblée des notables jusqu’ à la paix de Presburg; Par Ant. Fantin‑Desodoards.” It is in ten Octavo Vols., and said to be the 5th edition revised and corrected by the author, and printed in 1807.— I have not been able to find the title of this Book in any of my Catalogues. And not knowing any one near me acquainted with French literature, I have ventured to take the liberty, Sir, of intruding upon your goodness, for the purpose of enquiring the character of this work, and of the author.—If it be indeed a philosophical history of the eventful times of which it treats and by a competent hand, I should prize it highly; but I fear it is a catch penny production;—or, rather that it is one of those literary mushrooms, that sprung up so abundantly in the Hot Bed of the French Revolution; and which being calculated to subserve party purposes only, have ceased to enjoy any reputation when they have ceased to be serviceable to the party that produced them A single line on the subject, with your pardon for the liberty I have taken, will really serve and oblige, Sir, With sincere respect, Your Obt. Svt. W F. Gray  212 

8 DECEMBER 1822  RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 8 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to John Trumbull, 15 July 1823, on

verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson, Esq Montecello”; franked; postmarked Fredericksburg, 6 Dec.

From Peter Maverick Much esteemed Sir New York Decr 7th 1822 I have this day as pr direction forwarded by water to Richmond to Col Peyton a Box cont 250 impressions of the Plan of the University hope the whole execution will meet your entire satisfaction. The Plate I have retained as pr yr advice—subject to future order. I am Dear Sir your oblige & humbl Servt Peter Maverick RC (ViU: TJP); with enclosure subjoined; dateline beneath signature; endorsed by TJ as received 11 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Bernard Pey-

ton, [9] July 1823, on verso; addressed: “The Honble Thomas Jefferson Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked New York, 7 Dec. Enclosed in TJ to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 12 Dec. 1822.

e n c l o s u r e

Account with Peter Maverick The

Honble

Thomas Jefferson

to Peter Maverick  D  C Engraving a Plan of the University of Virginia 112.— Printing 250 do @ $10 25 — Paper for do 12. Box & cartage 1. $150 — New York Decr 7th 1822  To  "  "  "

MS (ViU: TJP); subjoined to covering letter; in Maverick’s hand; docketed by Arthur S. Brockenbrough: “Bill Plan U. Va Maverick Peter N. York Dec. 7. ‘22 $150–.” Also enclosed in TJ to Brockenbrough, 12 Dec. 1822.

To James Smith (of Ohio) Sir Monticello Dec. 8. 22. I have to thank you for your pamphlets on the subject of Unitarianism, and to express my gratification with your efforts for the revival of primitive Christianity in your quarter. no historical fact is better  213 

8 DECEMBER 1822

established than that the doctrine of one god, pure and uncompounded was that of the early ages of Christianity; and was among the effi­ cacious doctrines which gave it triumph over the polytheism of the antients, sickened with the absurdities of their own theology. nor was the unity of the supreme being ousted from the Christian creed by the force of reason, but by the sword of civil government wielded at the will of the fanatic Athanasius. the hocus‑pocus phantasm of a god like another Cerberus,1 with one body and three heads had it’s birth and growth in the blood of thousands and thousands of martyrs. and a strong proof of the solidity of the primitive faith is it’s restoration as soon as a nation arises which vindicates to itself the freedom of religious opinion, and it’s eternal divorce from the civil authority. the pure and simple unity of the creator of the universe is now all but ascendant in the Eastern states; it is dawning in the West, and advancing towards the South; and I confidently expect that the present generation will see Unitarianism become the general religion of the United states. the Eastern presses are giving us many excellent pieces on the subject, and Priestly’s learned writings on it are, or should be in every hand. in fact the Athanasian paradox that one is three, and three but one is so incomprehensible to the human mind that no candid man can say he has any idea of it, and how can he believe what presents no idea. he who thinks he does only2 decieves himself. he proves also that man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without rudder is the sport of every wind. with such persons gullability which they call faith takes the helm from the hand of reason and the mind becomes a wreck. I write with freedom, because, while I claim a right to believe in one god, if so my reason tells me, I yield as freely to others that of believing in three. both religions I find make honest men, & that is the only point society has any authority to look to—altho’ this mutual freedom should produce mutual indulgence, yet I wish not to be brought in question before the public on this or any other subject, and I pray you to consider me as writing under that trust. I take no part in controversies religious or political. at the age of 80. tranquility is the greatest good of life, and the strongest of our desires that of dying in the good will of all mankind. and with the assurances of all my good will to Unitarian & Trinitarian, to whig & tory accept for yourself that of my entire respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); at foot of first page: “revd James Smith.”

1 Preceding 2 Word

 214 

three words interlined. interlined.

From Elbridge Gerry (1793–1867) Respected Sir Boston December 9th 1822 I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 23d ultimo, enclosing three others of my father. Having taken copies of these last, I return them to you, with grateful acknowledgements for your attention, in lending them to me. A copy of the long letter, to which you refer, is in my possession, please accept my thanks for your kind offer respecting it. I regret exceedingly, the accident which has befallen you, and sincerely hope, you will soon recover the use of your arm. With the greatest respect, Sir, I have the honor to remain your most obedient1 humble Sev’t E Gerry RC (CU‑BANC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson”; endorsement by TJ trimmed. Recorded in SJL as received 18

Dec. 1822. Enclosures: enclosures to TJ to Gerry, 23 Nov. 1822. 1 Manuscript:

“obdient.”

From William Johnson My dear Sir Charleston Decemr 10th 1822 Few occurrences could have afforded me more Pleasure than the Receipt of your kind and friendly Letter. I had for some Days pre­ vious been writhing under the profligate Attack made on me in the No American Review, & had just got over the Vexatious incident to publishing the Notice I thought it incumbent on me to take of it in the City Gazette of the 15–20th ult. Since that Time I have been constantly engaged in Court or in the Studies incident to it, or I should have made an earlier Acknowledgment of the Favour I feel conferrd upon me, both by the kind Sentiments expressd in your Letter and the Confidence which I feel reposed in me by its Contents. Nor are there wanting other Grounds of self‑gratulation. I was really apprehensive that Virginia would espouse the Cause of Coll Lee, and that I should receive from my Friends in that quarter a less favorable Decision than you have conferrd upon me. Nor was I without a Fear that the impudent Falsehood of the No American Review, in charging me with drawing Comparisons between the Troops of Carolina and Virginia unfavorable to the latter, would be suffered to pass, upon the Credit of the Writer. Nothing could have been farther from my Intention, & I trust there is not a Passage in the Book that can be tortured to such a meaning. But there was still another and a greater Ground of  215 

10 DECEMBER 1822

Consolation. By convicting Gouverneur Morris of monarchical Opinions & intimate Connexions in the Newburg Conspiracy, I have unfortunately verified the Observation “that Party‑hatred may doze but never dies.” The whole Remains of the Federal‑party are in Arms against me, & joind to the numerous Connexions & more numerous Admirers of Col Lee, they have caused me sensibly to feel, that I never stood in greater Need of the Countenance of my Friends. Yet I think I have conducted myself in such a Way, that those who identify themselves with Morris’s Views or Lee’s Fame must acknowledge that it is of their own invoking. I agree with you most unequivocally in the Opinion that Genl Washington was the only man who could have conducted us through the War of the Revolution. There was a Momentum necessary, which he alone could have given to the mighty Operations then going on. I trust I have faithfully persisted in the Acknowledgment of his Preeminence. And yet even here I have not been so fortunate as to avoid giving Offence. But you know the characteristic Selfishness to the Eastward; it would grasp in its Embrace Wealth, Fame, Dominion, every thing. I am told I have even given Umbrage by asserting (& proving) that we to the south had asserted the Principles of the Revolution near a Century before they have been supposed to have been given Birth to in Boston. The North‑american Review of my Work, you will observe, speaks of Greene as the most extraordinary man of the Revolution. You are pleased to express a Hope that I will give to the Public the Work on the History of Parties to which I allude in the last Paragraph of my second Volume. But what Inducement, my dear Sir, can I have to proceed with that undertaking? My recent Experience of the Hostility which such a Work must certainly bring upon me, of the poor Return that national or party Gratitude would make1 for the Vexations which certainly arise from the making of Enemies; of the feeble Patronage which the American People as yet bestow upon American Productions; of the mortification inseparable from the Carelessness or Ignorance of Printers, and the Vilainy & Extortions of Book sellers; all conspire to deter me from publishing, tho’ I should proceed to complete another Work. I have advanced far in it, & my notes & Extracts, by far the most laborious Part of the Undertaking would enable me to finish it the next Summer. But I acknowledge, when I reflect on the impudent Outrage that I have received in ye No A. Review, & see it quietly tolerated by the American People, I am half inclined to think that they have pronounced me inadequate to such an Undertaking. I was also informed by Judge Todd at the last Session, that Mr Madison  216 

10 DECEMBER 1822

was engaged on some Work on that Period, which, I have flattered myself was upon the same Subject, or some one intimately connected with it. If so, it would be presumptuous in any other to attempt it. He is now, except yourself, the only Man living who could do Justice to it. I regret exceedingly that it has not occupied your Hours of Retirement hitherto; for believe me, we have been all looking up to you for the Vindication of the Purity of our Intentions & Patriotism of our Efforts. We were always under the Impression that you would not publish any Work on the subject; but, while we should piously deprecate the Event that put us in Possession of it, you cannot be insensible that we have looked up to you as our common Father, and will believe me when I assure you, that we have hoped for a rich Legacy of History from your Pen. I have been informed, and I hope still it may be true, that you have kept a Journal from the earliest Time of your public Career. If so, pray bequeath it to some Friend who will fearlessly do Justice to the Part you have acted, and vindicate us along with you, from the foul Imputations which have already pass’d into History against us. It is indeed astonishing that we have so long been indifferent to our Vindication against the insidious Libel you alude to. But having falsified it in the Minds of the American Public, we have never turned our Thoughts to the Opinions of Posterity. It was that Libel, that first suggested to me the Attempt at a public Vindication, and to my shame I acknowledge,2 that I had given the Volume that contains it so cursory a Reading, that it was not until I came to study it attentively with a View to my Work, that I felt the full Force of its Insinuations. Let who will undertake the Task of vindicating us, the Work must be incomplete without the Aid of yourself & Mr Madison; & even there I fear, official Delicacy will deprive us of a vast deal of the most essential Information. With regard to the Subject of the supreme Court, I really am happy to be favoured with an Excuse for expressing myself freely and con­ fidentially to you. Be assured that my Situation there has not been “a Bed of Roses.” But it partakes in so many Respects of the nature of a Cabinet, that a Degree of Circumspection is indispensable in lifting the Curtain; and often, very often, have I wishd for some one whom I could consult on the Course proper to be pursued in discharging the Duties which devolved upon me there. But unfortunately I have never had a single Individual on the Bench with whom I could confer with unlimited Confidence. One thing however I resolved on at a very early Period—to let no private or party Feeling run counter to the great Interests of the United States. If an executive, a legislative and judicial  217 

10 DECEMBER 1822

Department, are necessary to the well‑being of the Community, it behoves those who fill those Departments always to have an Eye to the Importance of giving a Character to those Departments of preserving that Respectability without which they would cease to answer the Ends proposed in their Institution. While I was on our State‑bench I was accustomed to delivering seriatim Opinions in our appellate Court, and was not a little surprised to find our Chief Justice in the supreme Court delivering all the Opinions in Cases in which he sat, even in some Instances where contrary to his own Judgment & vote. But I remonstrated in vain; the Answer was, he is willing to take the Trouble, & it is a Mark of Respect to him. I soon however found out the real Cause. Cushing was incompetent, Chase could not be got to think or write—Patterson was a slow man & willingly declined the Trouble, & the other two3 Judges you know are commonly estimated as one Judge. Some Case soon occurred in which I differed from my Bretheren, & I thought it a thing of Course to deliver my Opinion. But, during the rest of the Session I heard nothing but Lectures on the Indecency of Judges cutting at each other, and the Loss of Reputation which the Virginia appellate Court had sustained by pursuing such a Course &ca. At length I found that I must either submit to Circumstances or become such a Cypher in our Consultations as to effect no good at all. I therefore bent to the Current, and persevered until I got them to adopt the Course they now pursue, which is to appoint some one to deliver the Opinion of the Majority, but leave it to the Discretion of the rest of the Judges to record their Opinions or not ad Libitum. And I presume it must be known to you, that to enforce a different Rule now, would be attended with just the same Difficulties as existed when I first came on the Bench. If it would compel incompetent men to quit the Bench I would say enforce it; but I know that it would not, for others would write their Opinions merely to command their4 Votes. And now Sir permit me to unfold to you the real Evil that exists in the Constitution of that Court. We are too numerous. Among seven Men you will always find at least one Intriguer, and probably more than one who may be acted upon by Intrigue. There will be Cabals; and unfortunately they cannot be exposed. No appellate Court ought to consist of more tha[n] four, & it is a theoretical Folly to have a Greater number. I would alter the present System thus. Let the U–S be thrown into a Southern a Western a Middle and an Eastern Division, & have a Judge appointed to the se Court from each—Give then, Circuit Jurisdiction to the District Court, with a direct Appeal to the se Court—Make us hold two Sessions pr An. & confine us to the Du 218 

10 DECEMBER 1822

se

ties of the Court. Let the Salaries of the three Judges who would be sufferred to die or retire, be divided among the District Judges or even a little more, & I think you would have a System cheap, adapted to our Growth, & safe. Then the seriatim opinions might be required with safety. Whoever may be our next President, he will confer a lasting Benefit on the Community by recommending such a System. But there is a strange Habit now growing upon Congress, of wasting their Time in set speeches, & neglecting the great Interests of the Country. For any of us to recommend the Change, would be to expose ourselves to the Imputation of a Design to curtail our Labours. To me the Consequence would be much the Reverse. My circuit‑duty is nothing in comparison with a second session at Washington. There is no Subject on which I feel myself more at a loss than that of the present State of Parties. Here we are all in Confusion. The Victory is gained and the Troops are scattered over the Field stripping the Slain. For the Spolia opima there is a portentous Contest impending among ourselve[s.] This is a Crisis in the Affairs of the United States. I was in hopes that the late War wd have elicited Characters so commanding as to have directed our Choice of a President for many Years to come. But it has not done so, & we are left to a Choice among Men who boast of neither Scars nor Triumphs, Men who with all their Merits, are not sufficiently removed beyond the Pretensions of those who elect them. I look forward with trembling Anticipation, to the Time when a Multitude of Competitors shall start up for this high Office. It is disgusting to read the Calumnies which are already finding their Way into the Papers against some of the Candidates. But what are these to the Broils and Intrigue[s] and Compromises to which these Struggles seem to be drawing? When the Population of a free State has been once divided into two Parties by an acknowledged Line of Demarkation, the Annihilation of one Party seems necessarily to imply the Extinction of the other. Yet it is impossible for things long to continue in that State. New Parties must arise & indeed ought to be desired. The Office of good Men is to temper their Zeal and direct it to useful Purposes. Along with the monarchists and Consolidaters who calld themselves the Federal‑party, there were always a great many good Men, who seriously had the best Interests of the Country at heart, & who would never have gone into the Excesses to which their Leaders may have been disposed to carry them. These Men abandoned their Party in Disgust during the late War, & many others did the same from a Desire to claim a Participation in the Credit which many Incidents and Consequences of the War gave to the Party that had declared it.  219 

10 DECEMBER 1822

 Their Leaders thus found themselves so decidedly in the Minority, that they appear to have abandoned the Struggle in Despair, & manifested a great Desire to make themselves agreeable to their former Opponents. But, altho’ the Seceders on Principle have been cordially received, I agree with you that there has been no Amalgamation; & tranquil as the Mass of Federalism appears; it exists seperately and will shew itself on the first Occasion. The next presidential Election is looked to anxiously as the Occasion that is to bring them again into Notice—perhaps into Power. Should they eve[r] again be able to give a Tone to the measures of Government, I cannot anticipate what Cours[e] they will pursue. The acquisition of Louisiana in my Opinion put down among the thinking ones, all Idea of ever establishing a general monarchy; the Extent of our Territory and the Scope given to the Propagation of that Class of Men who never can be yoked to the Car of Despotism, ought to have satisfied them that such a Project was ridiculous. The same Cause also, I am inclined to think, produced an abandonment of the Project of general Consolidation; and I fear caused the Adoption of a Plan as pregnant of Evil as either of the others—A separation of the States, as the only means of restoring the Predominance of Massachusetts within the section that she might draw off with her. Hence the unprincipled and ungrateful Separation of her Views and Interests during the late War,—cappd by the Hartford Convention. Here again Louisiana seems to me to have saved us; for its rich Commerce and vast carrying Trade were not to be surrendered—If Great Britain had succeeded in possessing herself of that Country, perhaps it would not have been. The Missisipi manœuvre Succeeded; a measure which besides throwing into the Hands of the white Population of the East the Tillage of our Lands, the Building of our Houses, and finally all the Wealth of our Country, secured the Trade of the Missipi by associating the States North of the Ohio in the Interests of the East. It was a cold hearted, selfish, ungenerous Effort. Thank Heaven it was successfully resisted; and it is a happy Omen, that the good Sense of the People, appears already to have overcome the Impulse that was given to these Passions by a Measure so insidiously mask[ed] under the best Feelings of our nature. From these Considerations I am inclined to think that if the Monarchists and Consolidaters should, through our Dissensions, again get into Power, their Projects can only be pursued through the Medium of a Separation of the States, & that they have already seen it & acted upon it. I feel it my Part to endeavour to persuade every one that whatever be the Result of the ensuing Contest, it is the Duty of every good Citizen, freely to resign himself to the public Will constitutionally ex 220 

10 DECEMBER 1822

pressd. But I see a curious Game going on around me, which I may one Day amuse you with a Developement of. It is very unfortunate for us, that some recent movements of some of the States, have exhibited such Symptoms of antifederal Feeling, as to alarm the Fears of some of those who feel most sensibly for the Preservation of the Union in the pure Spirit of the Constitution. The Conduct of Massachusetts was unequivocal; Georgia, sometime since levelld5 a Provision of one of her stop‑laws at our Marshall; Pensylvania openly by Law instructed all her public Officers to resist the United States; the recent Manœuvre of Kentucky to force her depreciated Paper upon Creditors, and evade the Article of the Constitution which prohibits the States from making any thing but Gold and Silver a legal Tender, would have disgraced the Times of our paper‑money. These Occurrences & a variety of others that I could mention, have actually converted some of our best Republicans into qualified Federalists. Or, if any Amalgamation6 does exist it is between the pure Men of both Pa[r]ties, who never were in Principle, very far removed from each other. Hence, too much leaning to that Bane of our civil Tranquillity—the assertion of implied Powers. I wish the People of the United States could feel as sensibly as I do, the Necessity for a calm and patient Review of those two articles of the Constitution which relate, the one to the Obligation of Contracts, and the other to the general legislating Power of Congress. We should have very little to be uneasy about if those two Clauses could be adequately explained and modified. But it is in vain to hope to bring any human System to Perfection. Our Security must be found at last, in the Virtue and Intelligence of the People, & in the Firmness & Purity of their Rulers. I fear, my dear Sir, that you will repent having drawn upon you the Visitation of this very long Letter; but I pray you to remember it is not often that I am permitted to loiter in such Company. I have now pass’d my Half‑century, and begin to feel lonely among the Men of the present Day. And I am sorry to tell you, particularly so in this Place. This last Summer has furnished but too much Cause for shame and Anguish. I have lived to see what I really never believed it possible I should see,—Courts held with closed Doors, and Men dying by Scores who had never seen the Faces nor heard the Voices of their Accusers. I see that your Governor has noticed the alarm of Insurrection which prevailed in this Place some Months since. But be assured it was nothing in comparison with what it was magnified to. But you know the best way in the World to make Men tractable is to frighten them to Death; and to magnify Danger, is to magnify the Claims of  221 

10 DECEMBER 1822

those who arrest it. Incalculable are the Evils which have resulted from the exaggerated Accounts circulated respecting that Affair. Our Property is reduced to nothing—Strangers are alarmed at coming near us; our Slaves rendered uneasy; the Confidence between us and our Domestics destroyed—and all this because of a trifling Cabal of a few ignorant pennyless unarmed uncombined Fanatics, and which certainly would have blown over without an Explosion had it never come to light. Our Governor has so represented it in his Message No 2., but the Shame of some & the Interests of others, will I expect prevent its Publication. When the Court of Magistrates & Freeholders who tried the Slaves implicated, were pursuing that Course of sitting in Conclave & convicting Men upon the secret ex parte Examination of Slaves without Oath, whose Names were not I believe revealed even to the Owners of the accused,7 the Governor, whose Feeling revolted at this unprece­ dented & I say, illegal mode of Trial, consulted the attorney General (the Gentleman lately elected Senator) on the Legality of their Proceedings, and you will be astonished to hear that he gave a direct Opinion in Favour of it. If such be the Law of this Country, this shall not long be my Country. But I will first endeavour to correct the Evil. And now my dear Sir, permit me to close this unmerciful Letter, by rendering you my sincere Thanks for the very friendly Sentiments with which you honour me. And as there is no one existing whose good Opinion I value above yours, so no one can more sincerely subscribe himself Yours with every Sentiment of Veneration & Friendship Willm Johnson RC (DLC); edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ as received 20 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosed in TJ to James Madison, 6 Jan. 1823, and Madison to TJ, 15 [Jan.] 1823. The profligate attack on Johnson’s Sketches of the Life and Correspondence of Nathanael Greene was published in the North American Review 15 (new ser., 12) (1822): 416–31. Written as four letters to “a Friend,” Johnson published a notice in response to the anonymous reviewer in the Charleston City Gazette, 14–19 Nov. 1822. The other two judges were John Marshall and Bushrod Washington. Article 1, section 10, of the United States Constitution prohibits states from making any thing but gold and silver a

legal tender and emphasizes the obligation of contracts, while section 8 bolsters the general legislating power of congress by allowing it to pass “all laws which shall be necessary and proper” for the execution of its duties. In his annual message to the Virginia General Assembly of 2 Dec. 1822, Governor Thomas Mann Randolph noticed the alarm of insurrection that had been excited and the defense preparations he had made after learning that plans for a massive slave rebellion supposedly led by Denmark Vesey had been discovered in South Carolina (Richmond Enquirer, 3 Dec. 1822). In his 28 Nov. 1822 message no 2 to the South Carolina senate and house of representatives, that state’s governor, Thomas Bennett, provided a

 222 

10 DECEMBER 1822 detailed description of the alleged plot’s detection and suppression (Douglas R. Egerton and Robert L. Paquette, The Den‑ mark Vesey Affair: A Documentary History [2017], 538–51; message briefly extracted in Charleston Courier, 11 Dec. 1822). The attorney general (the gentleman lately elected senator) was Robert Y. Hayne.

 1 Johnson here canceled “any one.” 2 Manuscript: “acknowlede.” 3 Preceding this word, TJ keyed a note in the left margin: “Marshal & Washington.” 4 Johnson here canceled “Aid.” 5 Manuscript: “lvelld.” 6 Manuscript: “Amalgation.” 7 Preceding three words interlined.

From Robert Walsh Dear Sir Philadelphia December 10th 1822 I venture to intrude to the extent of a single page on your kind attention. The place of Civil Engineer to the Board of Public Works of Virginia is vacant, and Major S. H. Long, resident in this city and belonging to the United States corps of Topographical engineers, is a candidate for that place. I know that Major Long is held to be eminently qualified for it, by the gentlemen of this city whose studies and professions render them competent judges in the matter. I have had, myself, good opportunities of becoming acquainted with his general information and capacity, his habits of application and exertion, and his moral principles and social manners. In all these respects he appears to me entitled to the highest esteem and confidence. I write upon the presumption that you feel an interest in the election in reference to the good of the State. Always, with Veneration, Your Faithful servant Robert Walsh Jr RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 18 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Samuel J. Harrison, 5 July 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqre Monticello Virginia”; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked Philadelphia, 11 Dec. Stephen Harriman Long (1784–1864), soldier, explorer, and engineer, was born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1809, Long worked as a teacher in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania until 1814, when he received a commission as second lieutenant in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Following a one‑year

appointment as a mathematics professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Long was promoted to brevet major in 1816 and began a long association with the army’s topographical engineers. After he led army exploratory expeditions through parts of Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Missouri, Secretary of War John C. Calhoun put him in charge of a scientific expedition up the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains. An initial effort failed in 1819, but the following year Long’s party reached the Rockies and returned via the Arkansas River. In 1823 he led another group up the Mississippi River to the Canadian border. Beginning in 1827 Long was a consulting engineer with eastern railroad companies, including

 223 

10 DECEMBER 1822 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Returning to active military service, Long supervised the dredging of navigational channels in several major rivers. In 1861 he was called to service in Washington, D.C., and promoted to colonel. Long became a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1823, published treatises on railroad and bridge construction, and held multiple patents for innovations in steam locomotives and bridge design. He retired in 1863 and died in Alton, Illinois (ANB;

DAB; Richard G. Wood, Stephen Harri‑ man Long, 1784–1864: Army Engineer, Explorer, Inventor [1966]; Roger L. Nichols and Patrick L. Halley, Stephen Long and American Frontier Exploration [1980]; Dartmouth Catalogue, 117; Heitman, U.S. Army, 1:640; APS, Minutes, 17 Oct. 1823 [MS in PPAmP]; List of Patents for In‑ ventions and Designs, issued by the United States, from 1790 to 1847 [1847], 158, 159, 163, 192; Alton Telegraph, 9 Sept. 1864).

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir Monticello Dec. 12. 22. I inclose you a letter recieved yesterday from our engraver in New York. I shall write to Colo Peyton how to dispose of the prints, in the mean time I shall be glad [to]1 have a remittance of the 150.D. made to mr Maverick which I promised should be done as soon as I should recieve his bill. I am waiting for your acct Apr. to October, to send our Report to the legislature, as also the estimate of the probable cost of the library. friendly salutations Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); endorsed by Brockenbrough. PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of James Clarke to TJ, 15 Aug. 1821; endorsed by TJ as a

letter to “Brockenbro’ A. S.” Enclosure: Peter Maverick to TJ, 7 Dec. 1822. 1

 Omitted word editorially supplied.

To DeWitt Clinton

Monticello1 Dec. 12. 22.

I thank you, Dear Sir, for the little volume sent me on the Natural history and resources of N. York. it [is]2 an instructive, interesting and agreeably written account of the riches of a country to which your great canal gives value and issue, and of the wealth which it creates from what without it would have had no value. altho’ I do not recollect the conversation with Judge Forman3 referred to in page 131. I have no doubt it is correct; for that I know was my early4 opinion, and many, I dare say still think with me that N. York has anticipated by a full century the ordinary progress of improvement. this great work suggests a question both curious & difficult, as to the comparative capability of nations to execute great enterprises. it is not from a5  224 

12 DECEMBER 1822

greater surplus of produce after supplying their own wants, for in this N.Y. is not beyond some other states. is it from other sources of industry additional to her produce? this may be. or is it a moral superiority? a sounder calculating mind as to the most profitable employment of surplus, by improvement of capital inst[ea]d of useless consumption? I should lean to this latter hypothesis were I disposed to puzzle myself with such investigations. but at the age of 80 it would be an idle labor, which I [le]ave to the generation which is [to see and] feel it’s effects, & add therefore only the assurance of my great [esteem a]nd respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); on verso of a reused address cover from Craven Peyton to TJ; several words faint, with illegible text supplied from David Hosack, Memoir of De Witt Clinton (1829), 347–8; at foot of text: “Govr De Witt Clinton”; endorsed by TJ.

1  Manuscript: “Monticllo.” Memoir: “Monticello.” 2  Omitted word supplied from Memoir. 3  Manuscript: “Firman.” Memoir: “Forman.” 4  Word not in Memoir. 5  Word not in Memoir.

To John Browne Cutting and Thomas Law

Monticello Dec. 12. 22.

Th: Jefferson salutes Dr Cutting with antient & friendly recollections, and with a mind which does not easily part with early impressions. he hopes the years which have intervened since they last saw each other have been to Dr Cutting years of health and pleasantness, & that he yet has many such to come. Marching abreast with mr Law in the Calendar of time, it is his particular lot to suffer by two dislocated wrists now stiffened by age, and rendering writing slow, painful, and all but impossible. he is happy to find by the pamphlet mr Law has so kindly sent him, that his mind is still equal to the continuation of his useful labors, and that his zeal for the general good is1 unabated. where they are next to meet, in this, or some other untried state of being, he knows not, but if we carry with us the affections of this world he shall there greet mr Law with unchanged esteem and respect. RC (CLSU). PoC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as a letter to Cutting and Law and so recorded in SJL.

1 TJ

 225 

here canceled “still.”

To Robert Greenway Sir Monticello Dec. 12. 22. By your favor of the 3d inst. I find that you cannot have recieved mine of Apr. 17. 1821. I therefore now send you a copy of it. your let­ ters being dated Dinwiddie, and there being no such post office, I presume I sent it either to Dinwiddie C.H. or Petersbg, as I must do the present one, not knowing your Post office. I have since had the MS. volume bound for better preservation, and put it away with other books given to the University, of which disposition I hope you will approve and accept the assurance of my great esteem and ­respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of James Barbour to TJ, 17 Sept. 1821; at foot of text: “Mr Robert Greenway”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: TJ to Green­ way, 17 Apr. 1821.

To Benjamin King Sir Monticello Dec. 12. 22. I have duly recieved your favor covering the drawing of your equi­ lateral level. I think it ingenious and likely to answer well the purposes proposed, and especially that of ascending roads. if your strawcutter answers well and is cheap, it will be in demand. we have a patent one, most excellent for it’s purpose, but so dear that no one buys it. I wish you success with both and hope that the time since I witnessed your useful labors at the navy yard has been agreeably & profitably spent to you.   having this occasion of writing to you I will trouble you with an enquiry. you know the hoisting machine which mr Latrobe used for raising great weights at the public buildings. it was what is called the axle in the wheel, being an axle [of?] [a]bout 8.I. diameter, and an iron spur wheel at the end of about 4.f. diam. the hoisting rope wrapped round the axle. the wheel was moved by a toothed pinion with a double handle. I procured one at Washington for my own use, but our University having need of it I let them have it for what it cost me at Washington. but what that was I cannot now find. I therefore ask the favor of you to inform me of the cost of such a one there. it was compleated finished for use, all the wooden work compleat, but without a rope. it had a spur wheel at one end of the axle only. some of them have two. your information will enable me to settle with the University and greatly oblige me. accept my best wishes and respects Th: Jefferson  226 

12 DECEMBER 1822  PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of A. & J. W. Picket to TJ, 10 Sept. 1821; torn at seal; at foot of text: “Mr King”; endorsed by TJ.

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monticello Dec. 12. 22. You will recieve from N. York1 for the University a box of 250. en­ gravings of it’s plan. the object is to sell in Richmond as many as will sell readily, and to forward the remainder to us. their price is 50. cents to be credited to the Proctor of the University. perhaps besides plac­ ing some of them where you think they will be seen and sold readily, it might be worth while to employ a person specially to attend 2. or 3. days at the Lobby of the legislature to furnish such members as may chuse, or to do any thing else which mr Johnson or mr Cabell may advise. what shall not be sold within 2. or 3. weeks, I should wish to be sent up to mr Brockenbrough, as they will soon go off there. affec­ tionately yours Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Spencer Roane to TJ, 1 Aug. 1821; at foot of text: “Colo Peyton”; en­ dorsed by TJ.

1

 Preceding three words interlined.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 12 Decemr 1822 d I yesterday rec bill of lading from Peter Maverrick of New York, for 1 Box, containing1 250 impressions of a plan of the University of Virginia—on the arrival of the Box, would you allow me to take a copy out of it for myself?—I think it would have a good effect to distribute a few amongst the members of the Assembly—but you know best as to that:—I should be glad of one to keep myself— I am much pleased indeed to hear of your rapid recovery from the fracture you lately met with—I trust by this time you are perfectly well again. With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly Bernard Peyton Flour $6 Wheat 125¢  227 

12 DECEMBER 1822  RC (MHi); dateline beneath signature; endorsed by TJ as received 15 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); ad­ dress cover only; with Dft of TJ to Robert Patterson, 8 July 1823, on verso; ad­

dressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Char­ lottesville”; franked; postmarked Rich­ mond, 12 Dec. 1 Manuscript:

“conntaining.”

From Thomas M. Randolph (1798–1835) Dear Sir Norfolk 12th Decr 1822 I have to day seen a Mr Mauray of this place who has about 4 or 5 quarter casks, of the Scuppernon wine, 2 Yrs. old, which he says he will sell at 87½¢ a Gall. if you take it all, he brought it in from Caro­ lina for a gentleman of Norfolk, who declined takeing it because it is not sweet—It is very different from that I drank at Monticello, I have therefore obtained a bottle which I shall send by tomorrows Steam Boat to Coln Peyton, with a request to forward it to you as early as possible, the wine is scarcely known here, & there is no one who im­ ports it. I informed you in a former letter that Captn Crane had dis­ posed of all of his Marcella, there is a Mr Gatewood here however, a partner of a house in Mallaga with whom I have had some conversa­ tion on the subject of that wine, who says he will import it for you genuine, & of the very best quality, he has sent a considerable quan­ tity to this place, which is said to be the best ever drank here—after recieving the sample of the S. should it please you, I will make what­ ever arrangements you may direct for sending it to you   Yrs. very Affectionately Thomas M. Randolph  As I think it probable my Father will like to take some of this wine I will be much obliged to you to send him a part of the sample— RC (MHi); with Dft of TJ to Ran­ dolph, 19 Jan. [1823], on verso; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Randolph Thos M. (Ashton)” received 20 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

By marcella Randolph presumably meant marsala wine.

From Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir, [received 13 Dec. 1822] Your letter of the 21st Nov was not recd untill wednesday last, Genl Cocke by whom it was sent not recollecting it untill after he got home. I will make out Giacomo Raggis acct in a few days & send it to you— My acct to the 23 Nov: will be sent you in a day or two—I have been waiting for the bills of undertakers that I might show the balance that  228 

14 DECEMBER 1822

will be due to them, they also promise to hand in the estimate of the probable cost of the Library by the last of this week you may calculate on recieving it by Monday in time for the tuesdays mail— I am Sir respectfully your obt sert A. S. Brockenbrough P.S. Mr Garrett will hand you a draft for 150 Dollars for Mr Maverick you will please send me a receipt for it— A. S B—h. RC (CSmH: JF); undated; endorsed by TJ as received 13 Dec. 1822 with the ad­ ditional notation: “Univty” and so recorded in SJL.

From Francisco Solano Constancio Sir, Philadelphia Decr 14th 1822 It was my intention on coming to the United States, to have been myself the bearer of the two enclosed letters, but having by unavoid­ able business been prevented from going this Season to Virginia, I am forced, although with great reluctance, to postpone till the ensuing year my journey to Monticello, and the Satisfaction of becoming per­ sonally acquainted with one of the most respectable and worthy found­ ers of the Liberty of his country, and who has So powerfully and effectually contributed to consolidate and to perfect its institutions. By the letter of our illustrious friend, the Marquis de la Fayette, you will See that I had many years ago formed the project of coming to Settle as a physician in Some part of the Union. I now come in the quality of Chargé d’Affaires from regenerated Portugal, my native country, for whose liberty I have constantly and Strenuously pleaded in my writings. It was highly gratifying for me to have been chosen to represent my nation, at a moment when it had So nobly, So coura­ geously and So calmly reassumed its rights, near the government of the only people that has Since its independence, enjoyed in its full ex­ tent, civil and political liberty. I am only Sorry that the distance be­ tween Monticello and my actual place of residence, deprives me of the advantage of conversing with you on politics, and of learning much from So able and experienced a Statesman I read Some time ago in the Newspapers, and with great concern, that you had been Severely hurt by a fall, but I am happy to learn that you are in a fair way of recovering,1 and hope to hear Soon that you are perfectly restored to health. I remain, with the Sentiments of the highest consïderation and of the greatest respect, Sir your Sincere admirer and most humble Servant Francisco Solano Constancio  229 

14 DECEMBER 1822  RC (DLC); at head of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq.”; endorsed by TJ as re­ ceived 23 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: John F. Oliveira Fer­ nandes to TJ, 28 May 1822. Other enclo­ sure printed below. Francisco Solano Constancio (d. 1846), physician, author, and diplomat, was born in Lisbon. He began studying medicine in Great Britain in 1791, first in London and later at the University of Edinburgh. Writing as “Felix Phantom” in 1796, Con­ stancio published a periodical entitled The Ghost to critique the medical education offered in Edinburgh. After failing his final examination there, he received a medical degree from the University of Saint An­ drews. Constancio returned to Portugal by 1800 but left again by 1808 to settle in Paris. Appointed the Portuguese chargé d’affaires to the United States in 1822, he held the position for about one year but remained in America until his return to Paris late in 1826. Constancio was a pro­ lific author and the translator into French

of writings on political economy by David Ricardo, Thomas Malthus, and William Godwin. His own works included the journal Annaes das Sciencias, das Artes, e das Letras, published in Paris, 1818–22, and a Novo Diccionario critico e etymo‑ logico da Lingua Portugueza (1836). Con­ stancio died in Paris (Diccionario Biblio‑ graphico Portuguez [1859], 65–7; John S. G. Blair, History of Medicine in the Uni‑ versity of St. Andrews [1987], 29; Lon­ don Courier and Evening Gazette, 23 Sept. 1797; Maria Leonor Machado de Sousa, ed., The Ghost. Edição Crítica [1976]; Moses Bensabat Amzalak, Francisco So‑ lano Constâncio e os seus estudos de Eco‑ nomia Política [1923]; José Luís Cardoso, “F. Solano Constâncio on political econ­ omy: A ‘science of proportions,’” History of European Ideas 35 [2009]: 227–35; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 14 Nov. 1822; Savannah Daily Georgian, 12 Oct. 1826; Paris Constitutionnel, 26 Dec. 1846). 1

 Manuscript: “recoving.”

e n c l o s u r e

Lafayette to Thomas Jefferson My dear friend La Grange 8h April 1809 While You Are Enjoying the Quiet of private Life I am Sure You Will Not Be disturbed By the introduction of Such an Acquaintance as doctor Constancio—He is a portuguese, Has Long Been in Great Britain and france, and to His Natural Accomplishments Has joined Acquired ones Both of which insure to Him, wherever He Will Be known, a most Agreable Reception—I Have not Had myself the pleasure to Enjoy His Society But His known Char­ acter makes me Happy in the Opportunity He Gives me through Common friends to present Him With Some Letters for America—Nothing from You, my dear friend, Has Reached me Since the Verbal Message delivered By mr Short—Nor Can I as Yet, Notwistanding our Exertions and our Hopes, in­ form You of the Conclusion of the Measure You Have Recommended—mr and mde de tessé, and my children are in Good Health—two of them, my daugh­ ter in Law, and Virginia are Going to increase the family—most Affectionately, my dear Jefferson Your old loving friend Lafayette doctor Constancio Has Remained two years Longer in Europe. permit me to renew this introduction to you. april 1812

 230 

15 DECEMBER 1822  RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1822 and so recorded (with ad­ ditional bracketed notation: “by Constan­ cio”) in SJL. RC (MoSB); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Elijah Mead, 26

June 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson esq. Monticelo Virginia.” Lafayette’s daughter virginia was Vir­ ginie, marquise de Lasteyrie du Saillant.

Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge) to John Adams Sir Monticello. Dec. 15th 1822. My Grandfather informs me that you have expressed a wish to hear from him through my means, since he is deprived of the power of writing to you himself by the accident which has disabled one of his wrists. this accident was much less serious than might have been ap­ prehended from the circumstances under which it took place. the fall was to the ground from a terrace about three feet high; my grand­ father extended his arm in an effort to save himself & fell upon it, the consequence of which was a fracture of the inner bone not far from the wrist. it was immediately set by a skilful surgeon and we hoped that a few weeks would have sufficed for the complete cure, but owing probably to his advanced age, the bone has not shewn as great a dis­ position to unite again as we could wish. this will subject him for a longer time to the inconvenience of not being able to use his left arm at all, whilst his right hand has been stiff for many years in conse­ quence of a former dislocation of the wrist. his general health is good, and he pursues his usual occupations with the exception of writing, which has become so extremely painful to him, that he avoids it as much as possible. having a horse perfectly gentle & manageable by one stiff hand, he continues to take the only kind of exercise which he has used for many years past, and spends part of every day in riding over his farm. I am acquitting myself of the commission with which you have charged me with the greater pleasure, as it gives me an opportunity of offering to you, along with my grandfather’s greetings, the homage of my own veneration and profound esteem, nor can it, I hope, be considered as presumption in me, to suppose this homage worthy the acceptance of so distinguished a character; since however insignificant the good opinion of one individual might otherwise appear, it acquires impor­ tance when considered as a part of that general admiration to which your great qualities have entitled you; And I may venture to say, Sir, that if public approbation be the best reward of merit, I can wish you  231 

15 DECEMBER 1822

nothing better than that, to form the sum of public opinion, each in­ dividual should contribute as large a portion of esteem as I have the honour to offer you on my own part. My mother desires to be called to your recollection, and joins me in the sentiments with which I remain Most respectfully yours Ellen. W. Randolph. RC (MHi: Adams Papers); addressed (ink stained): “To John Adams Former President of the [U.S]. Montezillo Quincy”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 17 Dec.; endorsed by John Quincy Adams. The skilful surgeon was Thomas G. Watkins. In his reply dated “Montezillo,” 24 Dec. 1822, Adams complimented Randolph (Coo­lidge) on her letter; remarked that

TJ’s “activety and energey almost excites my envy, who have neither a manageable horse, nor capacity to mount him, if I had one. It is delightful to me to see and hear so many proofs of the soundness of his Health, and the entire preservation of his great mental Talents”; and developed further his own views on the advantages of dotage and old age (FC in Lb in MHi: Adams Papers).

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Rich’d 16 Decembr 1822 t I am favor’d with yours of the 12th: cur , & will attend particularly to your wishes, in relation to the sale of the Prints you speak of.—I wrote you on this subject by last mail, suggesting the propriety of allowing the Legislature to see them, which I am glad to find was your object.—I will put a parcel at two of the Book Stores, & offer some in the Lobby of the House of Delegates.—The balance will send on to you as directed—Neither Mr Johnson or Mr Cabell are here yet, & the former will not be probably, before 1 Jany, owing to ill health— The amt recd for sales the Prints in question, shall be credited to the proctor of the University— I have recd a letter to=day, from Mr A. S. Brockenbrough, covering check for $150, which he says you desire may be ford to Mr Peter Maverick of New York, to pay for these prints—which shall be done, & on the best terms possible—& supposing $150 is the sum you wish remitted, will send a dft: for that, charging the University with the premm on the dft; which will not be less than 1 Pr Ct—In haste— With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly B. Peyton RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 20 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to James O. Morse, 30 June

1823, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Charlottesville”; franked; post­ marked Richmond, 16 Dec.

 232 

From William Short Dear Sir Philada Dec: 17. 1822. Very soon after the departure of my last letter, I learned through the newspapers, the accident which had befallen you. I felt much anxiety on account of it notwithstanding these papers gave a favor­ able account of the turn which the disorder had taken. I wished much for more detail & for a more recent account, & was prevented from troubling you with a letter to that end, only from my unwillingness to add to your trouble in any way, & particularly in the way of writing, which I knew to be painful to you, before I saw it confirmed by a late letter from you to Mr Adams, which has been published. I recollect, as if it had taken place yesterday, the dislocation of the wrist you complain of, & the bungling manner in which the Surgeon Louis, so much celebrated for his general skill, treated that particular case. I am sorry to learn that it should still make you feel the effects of his failure. I am not the only friend here, where you have a great many, who desire much to know the present state of this accident. The last ac­ count which we have, is by Mr Walsh from J. Q. Adams at Washing­ ton, who informs him that you are doing well & that no bad conse­ quences are apprehended, & that it is not doubted, that in a short time you will be again in statu quo ante. It would be much more satisfactory to us to know this more directly, if it were possible. Yet I will not ask you to write; but if, as I cannot doubt, you have con­ veniently at your disposal, some other hand, it would be really a great relief & gratification to me if you would dictate the present state of your wound.   I am sure I need not add here that, of which you have had such long & invariable proof, I will not (as so many of your correspondents have done & of which you so justly complain) blazon your letter forth in the newspapers. I am always apt to forget myself when writing to you, & thus pro­ long my letter perhaps beyond your patience—Not to encounter this risk at present, I will stop here, only adding the assurance of those sentiments of affectionate respect with which I have ever been & shall ever be, dear sir, your friend & servant W: Short RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

The late letter was TJ to John Adams, 1 June 1822. Antoine louis set TJ’s dislocated right wrist in Paris in 1786 (MB, 1:639).

 233 

From Richard Emmons Dear Sir, Bloomfield, Nelson County Kentucky, Dcr 18—1822. With a peculiar feeling of veneration, I have taken the liberty to send you a part of my epick poem on the late war.—My mind has for some time vacillated upon the propriety of transmitting to you this canto in the present form, or wait till I should correct, and send you this, or some other in manuscript. To save time I have inclosed the pamphlet.1—Residing upwards of fifty miles from Lexington, I have not had the opportunity of correcting the proof sheet as I could wish; in consequence of which, I have run it hastily over, and corrected some of its errors on the margin. The printer has taken the liberty to alter some of the verses, but it strikes me that his alterations have not been of any real improvement: For instance; verse 34th And bends elastick o’er a noble mind. The M.S. reads And bends elastick o’er his head behind servants, for subjects. &C. Through carelessness I per­ ceive, that in this [blook?] I have rhymed the word heath too often. I find but little difficulty, however, of transposing the language, when­ ever I discover those verbal inaccuracies.—Perhaps a brief history of the poem would not be unacceptable.—The first composition I ever wrote in verse was in Feb. 1819—I commenced the present poem in Jan. 1820. Hence you will perceive that I have hardly been engaged three years.2—I composed the whole outline of the work in ten months, since which time I have been correcting and transcribing. What sat­ isfies me at one time, I obliterate at another. When I began the poem, I was entirely ignorant of criticism and consequently of the difficulty of the undertaking. Doctor Johnson in his life of Milton was the first, who enlightened me upon the subject. But notwithstanding his ap­ palling description, as I had already composed two books entirely fic­ tion, I was determined to proceed. With history for my guide, I was encouraged to believe, that I should advance with greater facility.— But history has often trammeled my imagination.—I gave myself no time to choose my subject, but commenced the poem in three hours after I had conceived the design. But I am confident that no subject would have inspired me with greater interest.—I have interwoven the politicks of the times in order to show the baleful effects of disunion.— I was in my thirteenth year when you came to the Presidency; and although a native of Boston, I have ever felt ardently for the cause of Republickism, too much so for my private interest.—I would keep my poem longer on hand, for every day adds some improvement to it: but my pecuniary situation is poetical, and consequently pressing and demands dispach.—  234 

18 DECEMBER 1822

 As this, perhaps, may be the last communication, which I may have the honour of transmitting to you, you will be pleased to accept of a heart glowing with gratitude for the many exalted servises you have rendered the Republick, which, while letters shall remain and virtue be revered, will be cherrished in the bosom of every freeman. With great solicitude for your welfare, and that your valued life may be preserved many years, Your Obedient Servant Richard Emmons P.S. Any communication that you should be pleased to send to me, you will have the goodness to inclose and superscribe it to Samuel McKay P.M. Bloomfield, Nelson County Kentucky.— R, E, Dcr 21—The eastern mail having past before I sent the letter to the office (I reside 2 miles from Bloomfield) it has given me an opportu­ nity of correcting some of the verses— R. E, RC (DLC); one word illegible; ad­ dressed: “Thomas Jefferson. Ex President. Monticello.—Virginia”; endorsed by TJ as received 13 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Emmons, Battle of the Thames; being the Seventeenth Canto of an Epic Poem, entitled The Fredoniad (Lexington, 1822). Richard Emmons (1788–1834), physi­ cian and author, was a native of Boston. By 1811 he was practicing medicine in Northampton, Massachusetts. Emmons es­ tablished himself by 1817 in Nelson County, Kentucky, where he continued to work as a physician. In 1827 his four‑volume, forty‑canto poem, The Fredoniad: or, In‑ dependence Preserved. An Epick Poem on the Late War of 1812, was published in Boston by his brother William, who later produced two more editions in Philadel­ phia. Emmons worked from 1830 until his death as a clerk in the Post Office De­

partment in Washington, D.C. He owned one slave in 1820, and a decade later he listed a free black woman in his house­ hold in Washington, where he died (Em­ mons, The Fredoniad; or, Independence Pre‑ served. An Epic Poem on the Late War of 1812 [2d ed., Philadelphia, 1830], 1:178; Northampton Hampshire Gazette, 17 July 1811; Madison, Papers, Pres. Ser., 7:416–7; Boston Daily Advertiser, 13 Feb. 1817; Medical Recorder of Original Papers and Intelligence in Medicine and Surgery 9 [1826]: 97–9; Charles L. Squier, “Dulness in America: A Study in Epic Badness: The Fredoniad,” American Literature 32 [1961]: 446–54; National Calendar [1830]: 76; [1834]: 101; DNA: RG 29, CS, Ky., Nelson Co., Bardstown, 1820; Washing­ ton, D.C., 1830; Washington United States Telegraph, 17 Feb. 1834). 1 Manuscript: 2 Emmons

“pamplet.” here canceled “at it.”

From Alexander Garrett Dear Sir Wednessday morning 18th Decr 1822. The child of my daughter Southall, died in yesterday. she is desir­ ous it should be burried by the side of the one you were so good as to permit my wife and self to deposit in your grave yard some time past.  235 

18 DECEMBER 1822

If it is not askeing too much of you, I should be greatly obliged by your permission to gratify my daughter in her wish. Respectfully Alex: Garrett RC (MHi); addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello”; endorsed by TJ. William Garrett Southall (1821–22) was the only child of Mary Anne Garrett southall and Valentine Wood Southall

(James P. C. Southall, “Concerning the Southalls of Virginia,” VMHB 45 [1937]: 291; Vi: Southall Family Bible). For Al­ exander Garrett’s child previously buried in the Monticello grave yard, see Frank Carr to TJ, 21 July 1815, and note.

From Arthur Middleton Dear Sir, Washington Dec: 18. 1822. Here is the work, which, some months ago, you gave me permission to send on to you. And to do this, I should have been happy to have seized an earlier opportunity: but became engrossed on my return to Washington with such absorbing cares, as left little room in my at­ tention even for the most important duties. My distresses continued without respite, & ended at last with the heaviest of all afflictions.— Heavy indeed are most of the calamities which Fate lets fall on our luckless race: we recover from her blows but slowly, while life & na­ ture are consuming fast—Few escape from all the storms of life un­ wrecked; but fewer are cheered amid the tempest with the hopes of such a haven as that which you have reached—A retirement conse­ crated to wisdom, & graced by the love of an admiring people—A Lot which Kings would envy, if they could appreciate it. With best wishes for your speedy recovery from the late accident, & compliments to your family, I remain Sir, with the highest Respect, Yr Obt Servt Arthur Middleton Jr RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. RC (CSmH: JF‑BA); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to John Winn and Oth­ ers, 25 June 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq. Monticello”; franked; postmarked Washington, 18 Dec. Enclosure: Dominique Dufour, baron de Pradt, L’Europe et L’Amérique en 1821, 2 vols. (Paris, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Li‑ brary, 11 [no. 645]). Arthur Middleton (1795–1853), planter, attorney, and diplomat, was born in Gloucester, England. He was the son of TJ’s correspondent and former governor of South Carolina, Henry Middleton, and

grandson of Arthur Middleton (1742–87), a signer of the Declaration of Indepen­ dence. Middleton graduated from Har­ vard University in 1814, read law and was called to the bar, and operated a South Carolina plantation called Niewport (New­ port). He served as secretary to the Amer­ ican legation at Madrid, 1833–42. In the absence of a minister, Middleton was chargé d’affaires there, 1836–37 and 1840. He married Paolina, countess Bentivog­ lio, in Rome in 1841. Middleton died in Naples (Langdon Cheves, “Middleton of South Carolina,” South Carolina Histori‑ cal and Genealogical Magazine 1 [1900]: 243–5, 247; Harvard Catalogue [1925], 191; JEP, 4:344, 362, 511, 524 [21 Jan.,

 236 

19 DECEMBER 1822 28 Feb. 1834, 25 Feb., 16 Mar. 1836]; Register of the Department of State [1871]: 79; [1874]: 99; U.S. Statutes at Large, 5:763; Eliza Cope Harrison, ed., Best Com‑ panions: Letters of Eliza Middleton Fisher and Her Mother, Mary Hering Middleton, from Charleston, Philadelphia, and New‑ port, 1839–1846 [2001], esp. 168, 225; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 23 July 1853). Middleton visited Monticello and the University of Virginia some months

ago (Ellen W. Randolph [Coolidge] to Dolley Madison, [ca. 30 Sept. 1822] [MCR‑S: Mary Elizabeth Estelle Cutts Collection]). On 23 Nov. 1822 he experi­ enced the heaviest of all afflictions in the death of his first wife, Ann Elber­ tina (Van Ness) Middleton, who had re­ cently given birth to a child who also did not survive (Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 25 Nov. 1822; Records of the Columbia Historical Society 22 [1919]: 157–8, 192).

From Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir [received 19 Dec. 1822] I send you the proctors acct for sums paid from april to october last. also a statement of what is due from the University Va to Undertakers to Nov: 30t 1822 and all the proposals I have received for the work of the Library as yet Messrs Dinsmore & Neilson I suppose will hand you in proposals for all the woodwork—I have had some conversation with Thorn & Chamberlain the Philadelphia brick layers relative to the laying the bricks provided we can have them made, which I think we can do upon as good terms as other persons for brick work done in that way will not cost perhaps as [m]uch as Perry asks & I am satisfied it can [be done?] more to my satisfaction if I have any thing to do [with it?] if any thing more is wanting please drop me a line by the boy I am Sir respectfully your Obt Sevt A. S. Brockenbrough P.S. Mr Garretts acct that you loaned me I sent to Mr Dawson with all the reports he has promised to return it by the first opportunity when I will send it you A. S B—h If you think proper you can return the proposals1 made for the Library RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); undated; damaged at seal; addressed: “Thomas Jeffer­son Esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL; with TJ’s notes beneath endorsement: “Perry. brickwork 11,300 Gorman. stonework 3,940. Oldham. Carpenter. lower  story 12,000.” Enclosure: Proctor’s account and propos­ als for Rotunda construction work printed below. Other enclosure not found.

An undated note among TJ’s papers references some of the brick layers mentioned above: “  Joseph Antrim  Abia Thorn Nathanl Chandler [i.e., Chamberlain]” (MS in DLC: TJ Papers, 232:42078; written entirely in TJ’s hand on a small scrap). 1 Manuscript:

 237 

“prosals.”

e n c l o s u r e s

I Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Statement of Construction Payments for University of Virginia Buildings A STATEMENT of the sums paid to the undertakers and other individuals on account of work executed at the University of Virginia, from the 1st day of April to the 1st of October, 1822. This sum paid to the order of Dinsmore and Perry, on account of turning executed for Pavilions,   Do.  To James Oldham, on account of work   on Pavilion, No. 1, 2 Hotels and 15 Dormitories, $ 978 40    Do.  To John Neilson, for work on Pavilions 9 and 10, and seven Dormitories, 226 60   Do.  To A. H. Brooks, for tin gutters for the Dormitories, on the West Street, 120 15   Do.  To Edward Lowber, on account of painting and glazing, at University Va. 255 06   Do.  To Wm. B. Phillips, for brick work in 1821–22,   Do.  To James Dinsmore, for work on Pavilions 8, and 8 Dormitories,   Do.  To Dabney Cosby, for brick work in 1821,   Do.  To Blackford, Arthur & Co. for castings,   Do.  To Bassett & Co. for digging and filling up the West Street,   Do.  To Joseph Antrim, for plastering,   Do.  To Peck & Crawford, for work and materials for west range Dormitories and Privies,   Do.  To Richard Ware, for work on three Pavilions, 1 Hotel and 13 Dormitories,   Do.  To John Gorman, for stone work,   Do.  To George W. Spooner, for work on Hotel B B,   Do.  To John M. Perry, for brick work in 1821–22,   Do.  To Uriah Leonard, for smiths work,   Do.  To A. S. Brockenbrough, on account of salary and hire of labourers,

 238 

$ 4 01  

1,580 21

1,136 55 77 28 1,759 75 51 75 184 50 1,628 85

3,209 83

1,869 46 1,186 96 104 35

4,685 27

549 35 1,321 96 179 12 784 80

2,939 58

19 DECEMBER 1822   Do.  To Alex. Garrett, his commission on the amount disbursed,   Do.  To Robert Johnston, for hardware,   Do.  To James Harrison, for overseer’s wages,   Do.  To Samuel Campbell, for stone work in area of Hotel A A, and garden walls,   Do.  To Bernard Peyton, on account of the caps ordered from Italy, for Pavilions, 2, 3, 5, 8, This amount paid out for hire of labourers in 1821, Do. For provision for labourers and horses, Do. For clothing for the same, Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do.

Bills for nails, and waggonage of nails from Richmond, On account waggonage of hardware, On  do.   do. of tin, On account of tar and oil, For smiths work, For taxes, For plaster, clover seed, &c. For lime for stone work, For repairs of carts, waggons, &c. Mr. Bagby, for laying brick culvert, To Sam (black man) for hire, To A. H. Brooks, for materials for Japan, To John Vowles, for soldering gutters for Hotel C C, and a paint stove, For powder for quarrying For stationary for Bursars and Proctor’s offices,

This amount paid out for iron,

151 27 115 23 50 00 20 00 947 20 537 70 160 89 26 50 73 16 8 28 10 15 12 39

48 01 12 12 28 11 50 70

13 66

725 09

203 32

5 00 2 00 75 14 92 2 00 41 38 4 41

Amount paid to undertakers and other persons for materials furnished for the University of Va. to the 1st October last,

1,283 70

79 71 4 41

$ 14,715 13

A. S. BROCKENBROUGH, P. U. V.  Proctor’s Office, Oct. 4, 1822. Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 22–3; with running totals at page

break editorially omitted. Also enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 23 Dec. 1822.

 239 

19 DECEMBER 1822  west street was subsequently named McCormick Road. hotel b b, hotel a

a, and hotel c c later became Hotels C, A, and E, respectively.

II James Oldham’s Proposal for Rotunda Carpentry Work December 4th 1822. The Honourable bord of visetors of the University at theare last meting in October   1822. Resolved, that conditionall propotials should be receivd for a Portion or Portions of the worke of the Library, imbraceing the intire coste of each, with a reference to the best specemens of worke hearetofore executed at the university, I thearefore in obedeance to the Resolve of the said visetors, have estimated for the carpenters & Joiners worke of the first story of the Library including meterealls intire; with the addition of the second story window‑frames & sashes, at the sum of twelve Thousand dollars. J; Oldham



MS (ViU: Oldham Papers); in Oldham’s hand; at foot of text: “To A. S. Brocken­ brough Esqr Proctor of the university”; endorsed by Brockenbrough: “Oldham James Proposals for a part of the Library.”

III John M. Perry’s Proposal for Rotunda Brickwork Sir december 5th 1822  I propose to do the brickwork of the Library for $10,500 if the attic is of brick, add 800 $11 300 in makeing this proposition I have Considered that the thickness of the walls altho Circular would Justify my estimating the Brick at 10$ per  which I have done Respectfully your obt, St John M Perry MS (ViU); in Perry’s hand; endorsed by Arthur S. Brockenbrough: “J M Perrys Proposals for the brickwork of the Library.”

IV John Gorman’s Proposal for Rotunda Stonework I will furnish & set the following stone work for the library Viz 10 Corin­ thean Bases, Six do Pilasters, five1 flights of steps Viz one to front portico with the Pedestals & coping one at the end of south terras and two in back all of which is to [be]2 finished agreeable to the plan that will be furnish’d & in the best manner including the entire expence of quarrying, working and seting for the sum of three thousand nine hundred & forty dollars—and in addition to the above stone work will furnish the two out door sills & set the

 240 

19 DECEMBER 1822 same, the payment for which will be included in the aforesaid sum of three thousand nine hundred & forty dollars— Jno. Gorman Dec 16 1822 MS (ViU); in Arthur S. Brocken­ brough’s hand, signed by Gorman; en­ dorsed by Brockenbrough: “J. Gorman Proposals for the Stonework of the Library.”

1 Word

reworked from “four.” word editorially supplied.

2 Omitted

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Richmond 19th Dec: 1822. th t I reached this place on the 17 ins and write now merely to apprize you of my arrival. I returned to Williamsburg from the Northern Neck on the 6th inst and immediately wrote to a friend in this place to ascertain whether the usual recess of the Senate would take place. I counted on a recess as a matter of course, & was willing to avail my­ self of it, in order that I might enjoy some rest after much fatigue & trouble. By some accident I did not hear of the determination of the Senate not to adjourn till the 16th when a letter from my brother & Judge Tucker on his return from the Federal Court, informed me of the fact. On the 17th I came up in the stage. Yesterday & to‑day I have been engaged in fixing myself in my lodgings at the Eagle. I have had short interviews with Mr Gordon, Mr Rives, Mr Carey & others. All that I can now tell you is that the House of Delegates has greatly improved in ability, and I am informed that the leading members gen­ erally seem well disposed towards the University. The accompanying Report respecting the Literary Fund, will shew you that the state of the finances is very unfavorable. From what source we are to procure the necessary funds is a subject on which I have not as yet formed any opinion. And I am equally undecided how much we ought to ask in our bill; whether the funds necessary to build the Library, & the re­ linquishment of the debt—or the former singly, leaving the debt to be hereafter disposed of—or the relinquishment of the debt without con­ ditions. This, I presume, is the order of preference. It is the order in which I should myself arrange the propositions. I greatly doubt the practicability of carrying the first, or second. The third would be apt to succeed, if we should1 hit judicously on the proper funds. A certain party will attempt to impose conditions to the 3d proposition. Some of our friends will concur in this view. I hear that Mr Garland professes himself friendly; but requires that we should state what the cost of the  241 

19 DECEMBER 1822

necessary Apparatus & Library will be, and that we should go into immediate operation. He complains that he has not heretofore been consulted. He will be conferred with by some of our friends. But there is some danger in such consultations; for unless you accede to their views such friends often fly off altogether. We shall endeavor to get ready to bring something forward about the 1st January: about which time I hear the Report will be down, together with the estimate of the cost of the center building. Some delay is necessary to ascertain what is best to be done. After that, a straight‑forward, open, & bold course, is what I shall recommend to our friends. Mr Johnson is not yet ar­ rived: & I hear he is sick. I fear we shall differ again about conditions: but I wish to have the advantage of his talents & influence. Thank God, my health is now uncommonly good. But it requires that I should often reflect on the great object in view. to prevent my spirits from sinking under the combined influence of a painful separation from my wife, an encreasing debt, & the reflection that such great exertions are necessary to do the least service to Science in this state. I hope I shall have the pleasure to see Col: Randolph before he leaves town. If I have not heretofore mentioned the subject of your late unfortunate wound, it is not because I was not deeply concerned for your suffer­ ings. I hear with great pleasure that you are recovering. I am Dr Sir, faithfully yours, Jos: C: Cabell. RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. On 10 Dec. 1822 James Brown (1780– 1859), the accountant of the Literary Fund, transmitted to the House of Delegates the enclosed report respecting the lit‑ erary fund (Governor’s Letter, transmit‑ ting a Statement of the Accounts of the Lit‑ erary Fund, Brought down to the last day of ­November, 1822 [Richmond, 1822]; also printed as appendix to JHD [1822–23 sess.]), noting that “the revenue for 1823 will probably be sufficient to meet the ap­

propriations, and contingent expences of that year, provided the unemployed capi­ tal now in the treasury, be immediately invested in stocks or loans producing 6 per cent. interest. Should this, however, not be effected, and should the dividends and interest fall short of what I have esti­ mated them at, there will again be, as there has been the present year, an encroach­ ment upon the surplus revenue accumu­ lated in former years” (JHD [1822–23 sess.], 28). 1 Word

interlined.

From William C. Rives Dear sir, Richmond December 19th 1822.— It affords me great pleasure to inform you that the temper of the present Legislature, so far as it can be collected from conversation with it’s members, is one of improved liberality towards the Univer­  242 

19 DECEMBER 1822

sity. The great difficulty we have to encounter is a repugnance on the part of many gentlemen, otherwise friendly to the University, to un­ dertake, at this time, the erection of the additional building. I enter myself entirely into your views on this subject, & have endeavoured to impress on all of my acquaintances here the exceeding impolicy of putting an institution, from which so much has been expected at home & abroad, into operation, in a half‑formed & unfinished state.—In asking for an appropriation, we must either abstain from indicating, with particularity, the purposes to which it is to be applied, leaving this consideration to the discretion of the visitors, or we must display the utility & importance of those purposes, in the most advantageous points of view. If the latter course should be deemed the proper one, I think a recommendation, from the visitors, of the proposed building would have a favorable effect, as it would carry with it an intrinsic weight of authority, which, I am sure, would influence the sentiments of many.—If the objections which are now felt to the additional build­ ing should not yield to the influence of more liberal sentiments, we may find ourselves under the necessity of temporising a little, in order to acquire, at once, the means of erecting it; that is, it may be expedi­ ent to postpone, until a future session, an applicatio[n] for the remis­ sion of the debt now due, & to limit our demands, at present, to the aid necessary for the accomplishment of the additional building. I think this aid may be obtained, either in the form of an absolute donation, or at least, as a loan. It appears from the accounts of the Literary fund lately communicated to the Legislature, (a copy of which I send you,) that there is now in the Treasury the sum of $66.663.79, being un­ appropriated capital belonging to that fund, which is to be lent out, or otherwise invested. I think we may, at least, hope to borrow this money, which would enable us to finish the proposed building; & when that is done, nothing would be wanting to put the institution into operation but a remission of the loans, which being asked for, under those circumstances, could not be refused.—If we should not be able to obtain, at present, both a remission of the loans & a farther advance of money, the question arises which of these objects it would be best to secure, the remission, or the advance of money? Your views of this question would guide us to a correct conclusion. The report of the visitors is frequently enquired for. I think it is desirable to send it in, as soon after the Christmas holidays as possible. Mr. Cabell is now here, & Mr. Johnson will, no doubt, arrive by that time. The sooner we can bring the subject to the view of the Legislature, the better will be our chance of success.—This day was fixed for the consideration of the petitions for the removal of the seat of government, but, unfortunately,  243 

19 DECEMBER 1822

the House agreed to postpone it until the 10th of January.—We shall endeavour to keep the university free from entanglement with this troublesome question. My own opinion decidedly is that we ought to adhere to old virginia, upon this questio[n.] I trust your health continues good, as when [I had] the pleasure of seeing you, & that you have at length recovered from the effects of your accident. I beg you to be assured, at all times, of my most grate­ ful & cordial respect, and of the sincere interest I feel in your personal happiness, & the accomplishment of your generous plans for the good of your country.— W C Rives. RC (DLC); edge chipped; torn at seal; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq. Mon­ ticello. near Milton”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 19 Dec.; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: enclosure to Joseph C. Cabell to TJ, 19 Dec. 1822. Requests for removal of the seat of government from Richmond to a more central location having failed in the previous session of the Virginia General

Assembly (see Cabell to TJ, 3 Jan. [1822], and note), new petitions from numerous Virginia counties with the same goal ar­ rived in Richmond in December 1822. Consideration of these proposals was de­ layed until 11 Jan. 1823, when a commit­ tee of the whole House resolved “That it is inexpedient, at this time, to remove the seat of government from the city of Rich­ mond” (JHD [1822–23 sess.], 14, 18, 19, 27, 34, 49, 57, 110, 112).

From Francis Adrian Van der Kemp Oldenbarneveld My Dear and High‑Respected Sir!  19 Dec. 1822, It is a long time—Since I was honoured with any favour from your hand, and little less—that for the last time I took the liberty of ad­ dressing you. I plainly perceive, that writing may be to you a penible task—but—would it require great exertions—to induce one of your family, to inform the man, whom you favoured—voluntarily with your kind regards, and influential recommendations—of which he gathered a rich harvest.—that Mr. Jefferson continues to enjoy health? what regards myself I had nothing interesting—or deserving your notice to communicate, and was engaged—nearly night and day in the trans­ lation of the ancient Dutch Records—which I accomplished within four years—viz. 25 vol—from 3– to 500 pages—nearly at the loss of my Sight and my Chief Reward, besides my own approbation—was thus far: that of Gov:. Clinton—bestowed in a highly gratifying man­ ner, and that of a few respectable friends—having received no com­ pensation whatever except that for clerical labour—  244 

19 DECEMBER 1822

My friends in England—delighted with the interesting art. in the monthl. Repos. 1816—regret deeply that they receive nothing else from the pen of that enlightened Statesman—as the Subject is so rich—& so little understood—He must possess some thing more to erect a structure upon that noble foundation—and even a few rem­ nants of marble may enable a good artist, to adorn the edifice— They discovered the man, tho’ I concealed the name, and many would rejoyce, if you would permit me, to publish the name—at least, when you and I shall be no more. But what I observe about these materials must be true in another respect—Is the Sketch of the life in de La Plaine—correct? does it want no addition—which you might wish to see publickly admired, if it was published by me—you may command—and I can not stoop to use many words—of securing your confidence— Does the university of Virginia answer your warm expectation? what is the result. I perused this morning a Lett. of you to Lord Bu­ chan upon Fletcher—I could wish—that with your consent more of these were published— Was it true, as the Duke of Dorset wrote, in a Letter of Pitt of July 9. 89, that you was a great deal consulted by the Leaders of the Tiers d’Etat, and that by your advice that Body called itself L’assemblee Nationale? I find nothing amiss in the case—but I have no implicit confidence in that Duc—True it is, that He was Send, to render the compact between France and Holland void that this Beau had Some influence by Marie Antoinette—although I yet consider it as slander that he was actually a Paramour—when the Palace and the Bedroom of the Queen—was shewn to a Noble friend of mine—Madame La Marquise de Champsenez—lifting a part of Tapestry—showed him an Escalier derobé saying „c’est par la—que la famille Royale est Sor­ tie„   You, who was on the Spot—must be better informed—if it is true or false. but I trust even Pyrrho, if he knew me, would doubt that I remain with the deepest respect My Dear and Worthy Sir! Your devoted and obliged St Fr. Adr. vander Kemp RC (DLC); dateline adjacent to clos­ ing; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with Dft of TJ to Van der Kemp, 19 Jan. 1823, be­ neath endorsement. penible: painstaking or painful (OED). The interesting art. in the monthl. repos. 1816 was TJ’s “Syllabus of an Es­

timate of the Doctrine of Jesus, compared with those of others” (see Van der Kemp to TJ, 4 June 1816, and enclosure). TJ’s 10 July 1803 letter to David Steuart Erskine, 11th Earl of buchan (PTJ, 40:708–10), had recently been printed (with mistaken date of compo­ sition of 10 July 1804) in the London Monthly Magazine; or, British Register 54

 245 

19 DECEMBER 1822 [1822]: 141–2, from which it was repub­ lished in the Concord New‑Hampshire Pa‑ triot & State Gazette, 25 Nov. 1822, and elsewhere. An extract from John Sackville, 3d duke of dorset, to William Pitt, 9 July 1789, which asserted that TJ had been a great deal consulted by leaders of the Third Estate (tiers d’etat) during the early days of the French Revolution,

appeared in George Tomline, Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honorable William Pitt (London, 1821), 2:266. escalier derobé: “hidden staircase.” c’est par la—que la famille royale est sortie: “that is where the royal fam­ ily exited.” The ancient Greek philosopher Pyrrhon of Elis (pyrrho) was a noted skeptic (OCD, 1283), with doubt here used in an old sense meaning “suspect.”

From Thomas Cooper Dear sir Columbia Decr 21. 1822 S. Carolina I understand the inclosed report was adopted by the House of R. this morning. There has been every possible effort made on the part of the Presbyterian and Baptist clergy to put down this College, by denouncing it under my care, as the seat of infidelity and tyranny. The reports propagated by them throughout this State, North Carolina, and (as Mr Preston tells me) Virginia, were, that this College would assuredly be put down by the present legislature owing to my char­ acter, and that it was in vain to Send any Student to it in its present situation. The impression they made was strong: I know of about 20 students who were thus deterred from entering. I thought it best to have their open rather than their secret enmity, and I therefore de­ nounced them en masse. I inclose you the result. I send another copy under cover, in case you should wish to send it any where. Adieu. May God preserve you among us in health and in peace for many years. Thomas Cooper. The Legislature will adopt my plan for a medical school, & appoint a committee to make a detailed report early to the ensuing Session. When our Laws are printed I will send you a copy. RC (MHi); with signature and post­ script run into body of letter; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Jan. 1823 and so re­ corded in SJL. RC: top half of address cover only (DLC), with FC of TJ to Thomas Ritchie, 13 June 1823, on verso; bottom half of address cover only (MoSHi: TJC‑BC), with Dft of TJ to Jared Mans­ field, 10 June 1823, on verso; addressed:

“Thomas Jefferson Montecello Virginia”; franked; postmarked. Enclosure not found. house of r.: the South Carolina House of Representatives. On this date Cooper also sent a letter to James Madison enclosing what was likely the same report (Madison, Papers, Retire‑ ment Ser., 2:617).

 246 

To James Pleasants Dear Sir Monto Dec. 20. [21.] 22. The sollicitn of a friend which wi[ll] be presently explained, is yielded to th[e] more readily as it gives me an occasio[n] of greeting you on your accession to th[e] chair of our govmt1 & of congratulat­ ing you particularly on the honorable majority by which it was con­ ferred. besides the interest I feel in it as a citizen & relation I have another peculiarly interwoven with my most anxious affections.2 it is that of the success of our Univy on which I rest the future prospects of my native state. the progress of this depends much on the dispo­ sitions3 of our first magistrate whether frdly or adverse, and I thus early 4 recommend it to your patronage with a hope & confidence that it will merit & meet on all occasions the advantge5 of your good offices. and may I not flatter myself it may be an addnal inducement for your visiting at convenience6 those here who would be so much gratified by a visit from you. Now to the particular occn of my addressing you.7 a friend in Philada write[s] to me in the following terms. ‘The place of civil engineer to the board of public works of Virga is vacant, & Majr S. H. Long, resident in this city and belonging to the US. corps of topographical engineers is a candidate for that place. I know that Maj[r] Long is held to be eminently qualified for it by the gentlemen of this city whose studies & professions render them com­ petent judges of the matter. I have had myself good oppties of becom­ ing acqd with his general informn & capacity, his habits of applicn & exertion, and his moral principles & social manners. in all these re­ spects he appears to me entitled to the highest esteem & confidce.’ having myself not the least knolege of the8 character or qualifns of Maj[r] Long, I can only say that my opn of the competence of my friend to judge of these would have great weight with me in a case wherein I had to act myself I suppose it to be the same person who conducted the exploring expedn to the Rocky mountains two years ago under appmt from the Secy at war, an acct of which has been publd in 2. v. I have not seen it; if it should have fallen under your notice it may furnish you other materials for comparing his qualifns with those of his competitors. my 1st wish is that that may be done which is best for our country: my 2d that that which is best may happen to be that also which is the wish of my friend.9 I salute you with affectionate frdshp & respect. Dft (ViW: TC‑JP); on portion of a re­ used address cover from Daniel Brent to

TJ; misdated; edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 21 Dec. 1822 to “Pleasants

 247 

21 DECEMBER 1822 James” and so recorded in SJL. Tr (Vi: RG 57, Applications for Position of Prin­ cipal Engineer); extract only; at head of text: “Extract of a letter from Thomas Jefferson esqr to James Pleasants, dated Mon­ ticello Decr 21. 1822.” Pleasants was elected governor by the Virginia General Assembly on 10 Dec. 1822. On the first ballot he received the majority, 151 out of 213 votes, and he accepted the position shortly thereafter (JHD [1822–23 sess.], 26, 40; Richmond Enquirer, 12 Dec. 1822). Robert Walsh, TJ’s friend in philada, had written to him on 10 Dec. 1822. Stephen H. Long’s notes from the ex‑ ploring expedn to the rocky moun‑ tains were compiled by another member of the expedition, Edwin James, and pub­ lished as Account of an Expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains, per‑ formed in the years 1819 and ’20, by order

of The Hon. J. C. Calhoun, Sec’y of War: under the command of Major Stephen H. Long: from the notes of Major Long, Mr. T. Say, and other gentlemen of the ex­ ploring party, 2 vols. (Philadelphia, 1823 [1822]) (Neal Woodman, “History and dating of the publication of the Philadel­ phia [1822] and London [1823] editions of Edwin James’s Account of an expedi‑ tion from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Moun‑ tains,” Archives of Natural History 37 [2010]: 23–38). 1

 Word interlined in place of “state.”  Word interlined in place of “wishes.” 3  Word interlined in place of “functions.” 4  Preceding two words interlined. 5  Word interlined in place of “benefit.” 6  Preceding two words interlined. 7  Tr begins here. 8  TJ here canceled “person.” 9  Tr ends here. 2

To Robert Walsh Dr Sir Monto Dec. 21.1 22. th d Your favor of the 10 is just now rec having loitered by the way, and2 I shall with pleasure second your wishes with our board of pub­ lic works3 for the appmt of your friend to the office of civil engineer. our Governor, who is it’s President, was chosen a few days ago4 while at Congress of which he was a member 5 and I have not yet heard of his arrival in Richmd but, by our first mail 3. days hence6—I will lodge a letter there to be deliv d on his arrival. having no personal acqce however with a single member of the board I fear I can add little to the weight of Majr Long’s own claims, but these I hope may suffice of themselves. in the mean time it furnishes me a welcome7 occn of proving my wishes to do what may be acceptable to you. Our univty in which I know you are so good as to take an interest,8 is under check at present. all the buildings for the accomdn of the Professors9 & students are compleat. one only for a Library & other general purposes remains to be erected. it is expected to cost about 60..D. which sum our last legislature refused us. we have better hopes of the undstdg & liberality of that now sitting. the buildings are in a classical and chaste style of architecture, and the system, altho’  248 

21 DECEMBER 1822

will10

novel when compleated I think meet approbn. our seminaries generally seem to be running medically mad, & threaten to saddle11 us with a doctor for every patient. this mania12 will not be ours. I con­ sider anatomy & surgery indeed13 as geometry but medecine as one of the occult sciences. I reverence it’s experience as far as it goes, but regret it’s ever changing theories and the practices on human life haz­ arded under them.14 we shall endeavor to restore to the other sciences that birthright of respect which this bastard brat has usurped from them in our country15 and guide our youths into pursuits of less equiv­ ocal usefulness. I am gratified by this occasion of renewing to you the assurances of my continued esteem & respect16 in which our family desires to be joined Th:J. Dft (DLC); written on portion of re­ used address cover, with “near Richmond” in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Walsh Robt j” of 21 Dec. 1822. our governor: James Pleasants. 1

 Date interlined in place of “19.”  Reworked from “10th was recd yester­day.” 3   Preceding five words interlined in place of “the Exve of our state.” 4  Preceding four words interlined. 5  Preceding six words interlined. 2

6  Preceding three words interlined in place of “(which will be the day after tomorrow).” 7  Preceding two words interlined in place of “an.” 8  TJ here canceled “goes on.” 9  Manuscript: “Professsors.” 10  Preceding three words interlined. 11  Preceding two words interlined. 12  Word interlined. 13  Word interlined. 14  Sentence interlined, with omitted pe­ riod editorially supplied. 15  Preceding three words interlined. 16  TJ here canceled “as well as that of our family.”

From Charles Yancey (1766–ca. 1825) Dear Sir Richmond 21st Decr 1822. I take the liberty of enclosing for your perusal the prospectus of a Newspaper about to be printed here by Mr Crawford a gentleman well recommended; I have lately enclosed one to the President, and have received for answer “to which as I approve it, you will subscribe my name„ will you be so good as to write me if the paper may be sent to you. you’ll please to accept assurances of my great regard and be­ lieve me to be your unfeigned friend. Charles Yancey—of Richmond Va RC (DLC); in the hand of Joel Yancey (1773–1838), signed by Charles Yancey; endorsed by TJ as received 26 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

On this day Yancey sent the enclo­ sure and a similar letter to James Madi­ son (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:618–9).

 249 

e n c l o s u r e

Samuel Crawford’s Proposal for the Virginia Times PROPOSALS For publishing by subscription, in the City of Richmond, a Semi‑weekly and Daily Newspaper, to be called THE VIRGINIA TIMES:                  BY SAMUEL CRAWFORD.                  The Virginia Times, both semi‑weekly and daily, will be printed on an imperial sheet, (the largest size on which papers are usually printed,) with a neat type. The typographical department will be under the management of a gentleman, who, from long experience, is well acquainted with its duties, and capable of executing them with neatness, accuracy and dispatch. The matter which will usually fill its columns, will be foreign and domestic news; com­ mercial and agricultural information; historical and biographical extracts; political and moral essays; the proceedings of Congress and the State Legis­ lature, during their sessions, with the most interesting debates in those bod­ ies; and such miscellaneous matter as may offer, calculated either to instruct or entertain its readers. The commercial information will be principally con­ fined to the daily paper; and, as dispatch in this kind of intelligence is of incalculable importance, the Editor will avail himself of such means as will enable him to be with the first at all times in giving it.1 To render this paper interesting to the merchants of Richmond, and the neighbouring towns, and to commercial men generally, there will be published in it a collective price‑current of all merchandize, foreign and domestic, in the principal com­ mercial cities in the United States, accompanied by the rate of exchange, price of stocks, and a marine list supplying all the shipping intelligence that can be interesting to our merchants. The price‑current will be regularly examined and carefully corrected as the fluctuations in the different markets may re­ quire. To increase the utility of the semi‑weekly paper to country subscribers, a large proportion of the advertisements, marine intelligence, and other mat­ ter not interesting to them, will be excluded from it: but such a price‑current, and other commercial information, as will be most interesting to country gentlemen will be published in the semi‑weekly paper. The publication of the Virginia Times will commence as soon as the paper and types, already ordered, are received, and which are expected early in the month of January next. It shall be delivered in the city on the days of publication, and be carefully packed up, and forwarded to subscribers resid­ ing at a distance, by the first mail after publication. All subscriptions will be considered as for one year, unless expressly agreed to the contrary, and as continued thereafter from year to year, if not otherwise ordered. Subscribers must pay all arrearages before they are permitted to discontinue their subscription; but the proprietor of the paper may at any time discontinue the subscription of a delinquent subscriber, and be entitled to claim of him payment to the time of such discontinuance.

 250 

21 DECEMBER 1822  ☞Terms of subscription, same as for the other papers of the city, viz: semi‑weekly paper $5—daily paper $6 per annum, payable in advance. ☞Advertisements inserted in both papers, on such terms as are usual in the city. to the public. In soliciting public patronage, custom requires that the Editor of the Vir‑ ginia Times should say something of his political opinions; and give some general outline of the manner in which his paper will be conducted. Custom forms a “common law,” which, in the present case, is so reasonable in itself, that the Editor, intending to demean himself as a peaceable citizen, cheerfully conforms to its requisition. In the common language of the day, the Editor of the Virginia Times is a “democratic republican;” and, granting to others all the privileges he claims for himself, will, as a duty he owes his own creed, endeavour to sustain and enforce it to the best of his abilities. He highly approves the republican form of our General Government; and is an advocate for such an administration of it, as may be best calculated to secure the liberty, guard the rights, promote the prosperity, and effect the happiness of the people; accompanied with the observance of the greatest degree of economy in disbursing the public money compatible with the attainment of these great objects. He approves the gen­ eral features of the administrations of Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe.— That of Jefferson, was a lucid exposition of the principles of our republican form of government, and a clear demonstration of its efficiency in promoting the prosperity and happiness of the people. Madison, influenced by the same republican principles and steady adherence to the rights of the nation which distinguished his illustrious predecessor, and having the same great objects in view, placed the nation, during his administration, in the novel and important attitude of a belligerent—This event; forced upon him by the state of our for­ eign relations, enabled him, not only to prove to the world, that our republican form of Government was able to sustain the shock of war, and protect the rights and liberties of the people, with as little injury to individual and public prosperity as usually attends such a state of things; but to establish for us a national character, highly respected abroad, and honorable to his administra­ tion. Monroe, profiting by the examples of his compatriots, who immediately preceded him in the high and responsible office he at present fills; and by the lessons of experience which the late war afforded, (to the rounding off of which, in a manner pleasing to every American; he so eminently contributed;) and influenced by a prudential and enlightened forecast, alike demanded by hu­ manity and the security of an extensive and exposed marine and inland fron­ tier; has ably bestowed, and yet zealously affords, his full proportion of aid, in raising our government to an eminence, and placing the people in a state of security, prosperity and happiness, which may fearlessly challenge a parallel in the history of any other nation. Of that illustrious man, whose sword achieved, and whose incorruptible virtue and firmness secured our liberty and independence; whose name is venerated by all good men, and whose memory is dear to every patriot; the Editor deems it unnecessary to say more, than that, in common with every lover of his country, his bosom swells with gratitude to the immortal hero and father of his country.

 251 

21 DECEMBER 1822  In conducting the Virginia Times, the Editor will give the events of the day, as they may occur, with all the precision and accuracy which their rapid succession and the best means of information may admit. Any animadver­ sions he may feel it his duty to make on public agents, in discussing public measures, will be decorous, and not calculated wantonly to wound their feel­ ings by impugning their motives. He will not consider himself guilty of apos­ tacy by admitting into the columns of his paper the opinions of those who may think differently from himself on political subjects. A government founded on the principles of justice and equal rights, (as this republic is,) and hon­ estly administered, needs no such exclusion from its editorial friends. A peo­ ple possessing that degree of intelligence which enables them to select and organize such a government, may be safely intrusted with any opinions that can be written on the subject. The Editor who advocates particular doctrines, or measures of public policy, were he to exclude from his columns adverse opinions and arguments, and thus screen them from public examination and discussion, would not only betray an unpardonable degree of arrogance and political dishonesty, but impose a restriction on the freedom of the press rep­ robated by our constitution, and justly abhorred by the people. Despotic gov­ ernments, whose existence depends upon the ignorance of their vassals, may be benefited by censorships over the press; but republics cannot—they become more stable by the diffusion of light and knowledge amongst the people. The columns of the Virginia Times will, therefore, be open to all parties; tem­ per, moderation and dignity being preserved; and all essays, on subjects of general interest, if couched in decent language, will be published without hesitation, subject, however, to the reserved right of the Editor to expose any errors which in his opinion they may contain Against private quarrels, personal invective, and all other matter tending unnecessarily to disturb neighbourhood repose, the columns of the Virginia Times will ever be closed: unless indeed, an irremediable evil would result from such exclusion—a consequence which can but rarely, if ever, follow. As the approaching Presidential Election, notwithstanding the remote pe­ riod at which it is to take place, has excited considerable attention; and the friends of the different persons who are named as candidates, begin already to buckle on their armour and prepare for the contest; it is deemed proper to state, that this paper is not established for the purpose of subserving the views or promoting the election of any particular candidate. On this subject, as well as all others of general interest, the columns of the Virginia Times will be open to free discussion and enquiry; and the Editor will, as freely and frankly as any, give his own opinions whenever occasion shall seem to r­ equire. S. Crawford. December 12, 1822. subscribers’ names.

residence.

Broadside (DLC: Rare Book and Spe­ cial Collections, James Madison Pamphlet Collection). Samuel Crawford (ca. 1775–1857), newspaper editor, was born in North Car­

olina and moved to Petersburg by 1820. Along with publisher William Ramsay, Crawford issued the short‑lived Rich­ mond Virginia Times in 1823. At the end of 1823 Crawford launched the Richmond Phenix, a paper that supported Henry

 252 

23 DECEMBER 1822 Clay’s presidential aspirations but quickly ceased publication. Crawford owned five slaves in 1820, four in 1830, and two in 1850. He died in Richmond (DNA: RG 29, CS, Petersburg, 1820–50, 1850 slave schedules; Lester J. Cappon, Virginia Newspapers, 1821–1935 [1936], 181, 190;

Clay, Papers, 3:641; Richmond Whig and Public Advertiser, 9 Oct. 1857). The illustrious man was George Washington. 1 Omitted

period editorially supplied.

From Joel Yancey (1773–1838) Dear Sir Richmond 21st December 1822 1 I am on my [way] to Key West in East‑Florida, as Collector of Customs for that port. I thought that I wou’d do myself the pleasure of saying to you that I do, and ever shall retain a grateful, and affectionate recollection of you, as a pre‑eminent advocate, and friend to the equal rights of man; and as the illustrious author of the decla­ ration of our independence. I do most Sincerely hope that the eve­ ning 2 of your days, may be as tranquil and happy, as their prime has been useful in the promotion of the best interests of mankind. believe me honoured Sir, your inflexible friend Joel Yancey RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); endorsed by TJ as received 26 Dec. 1822 and so re­ corded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Jonathan Thomp­ son, 18 June 1823, on verso; addressed:

“Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello Va”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 21 Dec. 1

 Omitted word editorially supplied.  Manuscript: “eveing.”

2

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Richmond. 23d Dec: 1822. r r M Gordon & M Rives left this for albemarle on yesterday and will not probably return for eight or ten days. The latter went for his fam­ ily, & the former to visit Mrs Gordon in her distress for the loss of a child. I am very sorry that they were obliged to leave town, as we want the aid of all our friends at this time. Mr Gordon shewed me on saturday, a letter which he had just re­ ceived from Mr Dinsmore, stating that the undertakers had ascertained that they could not afford to build the Library for less than $70,000. At my instance, Mr Gordon threw the letter in the fire. My object was to prevent it from being made an improper use of, in the event of its being seen by our enemies. I have spoken with one or two friends confidentially on this subject, and we all agree that if the price of the undertakers should rise above $50,000, & more especially if it should  253 

23 DECEMBER 1822

reach $70,000, it would be better to abandon the project of a condi­ tional contract on their parts, and leave us at large. In our opinion, we should not ask for more than $50,000, for the Library; suggesting that if the Job should be put up to the lowest bidder among the work­ men of first rate ability in the U. States, that sum would probably suffice, & if it should fall short, the deficiency could be made up from the Annuity or from some other source. At all events we would hope not to trouble the Legislature again on that subject. If matters have not gone too far, we would prefer that no such document as one call­ ing for $70,000, for the Library, should be sent here. It would prob­ ably blow up all our plans. Perhaps a conditional contract for $60,000, might not do harm, as it would bar the door to all doubt about the price of the House. But if $70,000, should be asked for, I fear we shall be totally overthrown. Could you not reject the offer of the undertak­ ers on the ground that we may be able to get better terms & authorize me by letter to ask for $50,000, for the Library? I suggest these ideas with deference to your better judgment.—I should observe to you, that even now there is great hesitancy in the ranks of our friends as to the propriety of building the Library at this time: this too, whilst the be­ lief is that it would cost at most about $50,000. One or two of my best friends in the Assembly tell me, they think that many who would vote for cancelling the debt would oppose any further appropriation for building. I am endeavoring to remove the objections, but am un­ certain how far I shall be able to succeed. What I think of at present is to ask for the 1st proposition in my last letter: that is to cancel & appropriate both. The ways & means which I now contemplate are to ask for a Loan of $50,000, out of the sur­ plus capital on hand, to build the Library; and to put the whole debt of the University, thus augmented to $170,000, along with the other debts of the state, under the operation of the sinking fund. I have lat­ terly struck on this plan on consultation with your grandson, who sug­ gested the idea of resorting to the sinking fund. I have mentioned it to Mr Loyall, Mr Bowyer, & Mr Hunter, who all, on first view, highly approve it. On the best reflection I can give the subject, it is the best plan we can adopt. We had better let the Literary fund stand as it is—not intermeddle with the provision for the schools, or the surplus appropriated to the colleges. Let us have nothing to do with old bal­ ances, or dead horses, or escheated lands, but ask boldly to be exoner­ ated from our debts by the powerful sinking fund of the state. This is manly & dignified legislation, & if we fail, the blame will not be ours. Such are my present views. Some there are who think we had better ask for the Loan only, at this time, and leave the debt for another ses­ sion. There are arguments for & agt this course. It would lessen the  254 

23 DECEMBER 1822

present demand. But it would leave the door open for future applications & postpone the time of our commencement. The public mind seems impatient for a commencement of the operations of the institution. My present impressions are in favor of asking for the whole.—I think it would be important to shew that if we could finish the buildings & get rid of the debt, we could go on without troubling the Assembly again. There are some who say, “you will want a Library & apparatus, and you will be obliged to come here for more money, & is it not better to expend the $50000 in that way, than in building?” I am taking this ground—that no doubt occasional gifts from the Legislature for the purchase of books & apparatus would be of service— nay of great importance: but that we could get along without them, by appropriating half the fees of tuition to that object, & that we have already adopted a resolution whereby half the fees will go into the coffers of the Institution: And that we had rather have $50,000, to finish the buildings, than to purchase books & apparatus. I should wish to be corrected if I err on any of these important points. I have very great confidence in Mr Hunter. Last night he pressed me to write for the Report. He says members will take time to consider the subject, and there is no time to lose. Unfortunately the question abt the seat of govt is fixed for the 10th Jan. It is to be regretted that they could not be separated by a greater interval. I think we should bring our business forward early in January. The prints will be kept back till the Report is made.—I am very happy to hear from Mr Garrett that the Proctor’s accounts are satisfactorily settled. I am, Dr Sir, ever faithfully yours Joseph C. Cabell. RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); addressed: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 26 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL. your grandson: Thomas Jefferson Randolph. The prints were Peter Mav-

erick’s engraving of the ground plan of the University of Virginia, printed above at 12 Nov. 1822. Cabell wrote TJ a second letter of this date, not found, also recorded in SJL as received 26 Dec. 1822 from Richmond.

From Peter Maverick Dear Sir New York Decr 23d 1822 I hearby acknowledge the receipt of One hundred and fifty Dollars from Col. Peyton by Draft (which was pd at sight) in full for engraving and Printing the Plan of the University of Virginia for which you will please accept my thanks I am with much esteem your obliged servant Peter Maverick  255 

23 DECEMBER 1822  RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 30 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL; with ad­ ditional notation by Arthur S. Brocken­ brough beneath endorsement: “Maverick P. N. York, Dec 30h 1822 $150.” RC

(DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to John Laval, 13 June 1823, on verso; addressed: “The honble Thomas Jeffer­ son Monticello Virginia”; stamp canceled; postmarked New York, 23 Dec.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Richd 23d Dec r 1822 The Engravings of the University have arrived, & on consultation with Mr Cabell, have not offered any yet for sale, as he thinks they had better be distributed about the time the question, in relation to the University, comes before the House; when that period arrives, will do with them as you before suggested— I remitted a dft: at sight, for $150, agreeable to Mr Brockenbrough’s desire, to Mr Maverick of New York, to pay for these engravings— the dft cost 1 pr Ct premium, say $151.50, which is at the debit of the University, & it is credited with Mr B’s remittance of $150.— I wish the University question would come up earlier in the session than heretofore, I am sure it has been always injured by delay— I have recd a Bottle Wine for you from T. M. Randolph Jr of Nor­ folk, which I am at a loss how to convey to you safely, probably Col Randolph can take it. With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly B. Peyton P. S. I return you the “Press Copy” by this Mail—

B.P.

Dont forget to send blanks for the renewal of your notes

B.P.

RC (MHi); dateline beneath full signa­ ture; second postscript on verso; endorsed by TJ as received 26 Dec. 1822 and so recorded in SJL.

For the press copy, see TJ to Ritchie & Gooch, 10 June 1822, and note.

To James Pleasants Sir Monticello. December 23. 1822. According to the requisitions of the law, I now transmit to the President and Directors of the Literary fund, for communication to the legislature, the annual Report of the Visitors of the University of Virginia, bearing date the 7th of October last. at that date the regular books were not yet compleated which were under preparation for the  256 

23 DECEMBER 1822

purpose of exhibiting a clear and methodical view of the application of all the monies which have been recieved and employed on this in­ stitution. from the best view which, before that time, had been taken of the affairs of the University it was expected, as is stated in this Re­ port, that the buildings now prepared would be compleatly paid for by the subscriptions still due. these books have been since compleated, and the result (as appears by the certificates herewith inclosed) is that the institution has recieved from the beginning to the 23d of the last month, in the whole, & from D  C all funds, the sum of 199,159.98½ and is still to recieve of subscriptions unpaid 18,343.43½ 217,503.42 that there has been paid, within the same period for the purposes of the institution the same sum of and there remains to be paid of debts settled & unsettled about

199,159.98½ 27,001.63 226,161.61½

being more than the arrearages of subscription will pay by 8,658.19½ which sum must therefore necessarily come from the annuity of the ensuing year. some finishings, of small amount, to the garden walls & pavements also are still wanting, and there will be some loss of sub­ scriptions by bankruptcies and removals, though not considerable in proportion to the whole sum subscribed. a Collector, employed some time since, gives reason to believe that the arrearages which are spe­ rate will be generally paid up in the course of the ensuing spring. The accounts of the Bursar and Proctors1 have been examined, from the beginning to the same date of November 23. by a member of the board of Visitors, appointed a Committee for that purpose, have been tested by their vouchers, and the result certified in the books by the Committee, as is shewn by the certificates, copies of which accom­ pany this Report. from these it will appear that, in a course of so great expenditure, every article (a single one excepted of 75. cents only) has been satisfactorily vouched as faithfully applied to the purposes of the institution, with the sanction of the Visitors. the Bursar and Proctor will proceed without delay, with their accounts and vouchers, to settle with the public accountant the trust which they have so far and so correctly executed. the Proctor’s last semiannual account, not ready at the date of the Report, is now transmitted. An estimate made by the Proctor at an early period, supposed that the last building called for by the Report of 1818. and not yet executed,  257 

23 DECEMBER 1822

would probably cost the sum of 46,847.D. but this did not include two considerable appendages necessary to connect it with the other buildings. an estimate, including these, now recently made by the principal undertakers and executors of the other buildings raises it’s amount to about one third more. It is by instruction from the Visitors that I communicate facts which resulting from investigations not concluded at the date of their Re­ port, and consequently not known to them, constitute an important supplement to the matter of their report; to which I add the assurance of my high consideration. Th: Jefferson Rect[or] MS (ViU: TJP‑VMTJ); entirely in TJ’s hand; one word, partially obscured in right margin due to tight binding, sup­ plied from VMJCC. Tr (ViU: TJP‑­ VMJCC). Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJHC). Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJB). Printed in Report and Documents for 1822, 5, Richmond Enquirer, 7 Jan. 1823, and Charlottesville Central Gazette, 10 Jan. 1823. Enclosures: (1) Uni­ versity of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 7 Oct. 1822, and enclosures. (2) Docu­ ments 1–7 in a group of documents on the Inspection and Settlement of Accounts of Central College and University of Virginia, printed above at 23 Nov. 1822. (3) Enclo­ sure no. 1 in Arthur S. Brockenbrough to TJ, [received 19 Dec. 1822]. In a letter to Linn Banks, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, dated Richmond, 2 Jan. 1823, Peter V. Daniel conveyed the enclosed annual report with “the accompanying documents, il­

lustrative of the several statements com­ prised therein.” Daniel noted that, “in the absence of his excellency governor Pleas­ ants,” he had received the above items and was sending them to the legislature in his own capacity as president pro tempore of the board of directors of the Literary Fund (Report and Documents for 1822, unpagi­ nated frontmatter; at foot of text: “The honorable the Speaker of the House of Delegates”). The collector was John L. Thomas. A sperate debt has some likelihood of being repaid (OED). John H. Cocke was the member of the board of visi‑ tors, appointed a committee. The last building called for was the Rotunda. The report of 1818 was the Rock­fish Gap Report of the University of Virginia Commissioners, printed above at 4 Aug. 1818. 1  MS and Report and Documents for 1822: “Proctors.” Trs: “Proctor.”

From William T. Barry Sir Lexington 24th Decr 1822 I do myself the honour to enclose you by this mail the Report of the Commissioners appointed by the Legislature of Kentucky upon the subject of Common Schools—It was made at too late a period of the Session to be acted on; it will be considered at the next Session, and it is expected that the plan suggested in substance will be carried into execution. We have heard with regret of the accident that has happened to you by a fall from the step of your door, but are at the same time consoled  258 

25 DECEMBER 1822

with the information that no serious consequences are apprehended— That you may speedily recover & enjoy much happiness is the wish of all of us, and especially of one who is proud of the occasion to sub­ scribe himself your friend & obdt. humbl Sert. W. T. Barry. RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Jan. 1823 and so re­ corded in SJL. Enclosure: Report of the Kentucky Commissioners. Barry and his fellow commissioners, David R. Murray, John R. Witherspoon, and John Pope, were appointed to “di­ gest a plan of schools of common educa­ tion, suited to the condition of this state” under the terms of an 18 Dec. 1821 act to establish a literary fund (A Digest of the Statute Law of Kentucky: being a collec‑ tion of all the Acts of the General Assembly .  .  . From the Commencement of the Gov‑ ernment to May Session 1822 .  .  . [Frank­ fort, 1822], 871–2). In the enclosed report, which was presented to the Kentucky Senate on 30 Nov. and to the House of Representatives on 2 Dec. 1822, the com­

missioners called for the establishment of a system of public schools supported by a combination of public and private funds. The select committee of the House of Representatives appointed to review this report was chaired by George Robertson, who delivered its conclusions on 7 Dec. 1822. The committee endorsed the goal of providing common schools that would teach both wealthy and poor children, but it could not settle on a plan to be car‑ ried into execution. It instead recom­ mended publication and dissemination of the report for consideration by the public (Journal of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Kentucky [1822 sess.], 225–48, 253–83, 327–32 [2, 7 Dec. 1822]; Journal of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Kentucky [1822 sess.], 163–86, 189–219, 267–8 [30 Nov., 2, 7 Dec. 1822]).

From Giacomo Raggi Dear Sir, Dec 25th New York, th I arrived at this place on the 11 Instant. I did not immediately send you the enclosed, because I thought before this to have seen you, but I have been awaiting the arrival of a Ship from Livourne with some of my works in marble on board. I, think that all the marble caps will be in the first ship which arrives here. After the marble pieces arrive & the season becomes fine I shall be with you. Mr Appleton particularly requested me to take care of our articles upon their arrival. Mr A. wished many kind things to Mr J.— Very Respectfully Your Humble Servant. Giacomo Raggi RC (ViU: TJP); in an unidentified hand, signed by Raggi; partially dated; addressed in the same unidentified hand: “Hone Thomas Jefferson. Monticello. Char­lotteville. Virginia”; franked; post­ marked New York, 25 Dec.; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 25 Dec. 1822 received

2  Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with additional endorsement by Arthur S. Brockenbrough reading in part: “Apple­ tons letter enclosed.” Enclosure: Thomas Appleton to TJ, 17 Oct. 1822 (first let­ ter), and enclosures.

 259 

From William Zollickoffer Respected Sir Middleburg 25 Dec: 1822 Maryland It has always afforded me an infinite source of pleasure, to have it in my power, to present literary Gentelmen, with Such information, as I conceive of practical utility: as relates to the alleviation of the sufferings of mankind, induced by disease:—and under the influences of an impression of this kind, I do with the greatest of pleasure, forward on to you, four copies of a little treatise on the use of Prussiate of Iron in intermitting1 and remitting fevers; which you will doubtless receive at the time this letter reaches you—I shall consider myself highly hon­ oured by receiving a few lines from you, by way of acknowledging, that they have come safe to hand— I have the honour, to be, Respected Sir, Your most, obt Sert— William Zollickoffer RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Jan. 1823 and so re­ corded in SJL. RC (ViU: TJP‑CC); ad­ dress cover only; with Dft of TJ to Mar­ tha Jefferson, 7 June 1823, on recto and verso; addressed: “To Thomas Jeffer­son Esqr Montcillo Virginia”; franked; postmarked. William Zollickoffer (1793–1853), phy­ sician and botanist, graduated from the school of medicine at the University of Maryland in Baltimore in 1818 and set­ tled in Middleburg, Carroll County, Mary­ land. He was the author of A Materia Medica of the United States (Baltimore, 1819) and lectured on materia medica and medical botany at the University of Mary­ land. Zollickoffer was elected a fellow of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (later part of Columbia University) in 1833. He received a patent in that year for a device to secure wagon wheels when the axle breaks, and others in 1838 and 1842 for his methods of “bating” (soften­ ing) hides and skins. Zollickoffer listed one free black in his household in 1830, and a decade later he owned one slave. He

died in Carroll County (Eugene Fauntle­ roy Cordell, Historical Sketch of the Uni‑ versity of Maryland School of Medicine [1891], 206; Howard A. Kelly and Wal­ ter L. Burrage, American Medical Biog‑ raphies [1920], 1284; Thomas, Columbia University Officers and Alumni, 41, 93; List of Patents for Inventions and Designs, issued by the United States, from 1790 to 1847 [1847], 212, 293; Journal of the Franklin Institute, new ser., 22 [1838]: 412–3; DNA: RG 29, CS, Md., Balti­ more, 1830, Carroll Co., 1840; gravestone inscription in Uniontown Methodist Cem­ etery, Carroll Co.). The little treatise was Zollickoffer, A Treatise on the use of Prussiate of Iron, (Or, Prussian Blue,) in Intermitting and Remitting Fevers (Frederick, Md., 1822). On this day Zollickoffer sent a nearly identical letter and two copies of the work on Prussian blue to James Madison, who likely sent one of them to Thomas Cooper shortly thereafter (Madison, Papers, Re‑ tirement Ser., 2:620, 623). 1 Manuscript:

 260 

“internitting.”

From William Radford Dear Sir Bedford Decr 26th 1822 th o I received your letter of the 30 ult , explaining the nature of the title to our land in the poplar forest, for which I beg leave to tender you my thanks. You state in your letter that you had conveyed to Mrs Randolph first 1000 a. and afterwards 400.a. I find the deed recorded in Bedford Court for the 1000.a but not for the 400.a. instead of which latter, I find a covenant executed by you bearing date the 29th day of October 1810, in which you engage to convey to Chas L. Bankhead1 500.a. in his own right and 500.a. in right of his wife. I have thought it possible that you may have mistaken this covenant for the deed to Mrs Randolph for the 400.a. as this covenant purports to be, “for good considerations engaged to convey to the said Thos M & Martha another parcel of the same tract of poplar forest adjacent” &c. This agreement I saw for the first time two days ago at Bedford court, and supposed at the time it was the conveyance alluded to by you. You will find inclosed a copy of it. The deed for the additional quantity, lying near bear branch, is made directly from yourself to Mr Yancey and myself, and will require the formality of an intermediate convey­ ance in order to pass the title to us.—I inclose you the original of this deed in order that you may have the whole subject before you at once; and that you may be enabled to take such steps to perfect the title as you may think most advisable. If no deed has been made to Mrs Ran­ dolph for the 400.a. it would seem to me that the same ought to be concluded in the conveyance with the additional quantity on bear branch either to herself or to such of her issue as you may select for that purpose. I suppose as this was intended as an advancement to Mrs Bankhead, it would be most proper that the conveyance should be made to Mrs Randolph & that the same should be reconveyed to us from Colo Randolph and herself—I submit this however to your bet­ ter judgment. I would prepare the necessary conveyances myself and save you the trouble, but as you understand the subject so much bet­ ter than I do, and probably would prefer writing them, I will take the liberty of imposing it upon you, whenever your health and convenience may permit. I would have waited until you came to Bedford in the spring, but Mr Yancey and myself wish to make partition of our re­ spective parts, which cannot well be done until our title is complete. Whether you should make Mrs Randolph or your grandson the medium of conveyance, a commission is not now necessary to take the privy examination of the wife of the party, but a certificate on the back  261 

26 DECEMBER 1822

of the deed by two justices of the peace in the form prescribed in pa. 365. 1. vol. new revised code—will be sufficient.2 It is with much reluctance that I impose on you so much trouble in this business, but as it may be the means of preventing much greater to those who may come after us, I hope I shall be excused by you— You will be kind enough to send up the original deed when you shall have done with it— The trial of Billy, Hercules and Gawin took place at Bedford court on monday last—Billy was found guilty of stabbing & was sentenced to be burnt in the hand and whipped—The other two were acquitted, there being no positive proof of a conspiracy. They were defended by Mr Clark who was employed by me to defend them at the request of your grandson— Be pleased to accept my best wishes for your health and ­happiness Wm Radford. P.S. I have enclosed extracts, from the deeds Randolph & wife to Bankhead, & Bankhead & wife to Radford & Yancey, giving a de­ scription of the quantity and bearings of the land conveyed &c WR. RC (MHi); addressed: “Thomas Jeffer­­ son esq Monticello near Charlottes­ ville”; franked; postmarked Lynchburg, 3 Jan.; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. En­ closures: (1) TJ’s Agreement to Convey Bedford County Lands to Charles L. Bank­ head, 29 Oct. 1810. (2) TJ’s Conveyance of Bear Branch Land to Radford and Joel Yancey, 7 Dec. 1811. (3) Thomas Mann Randolph and Martha Jefferson Randolph, Deed to Charles L. Bankhead, 29 Oct. 1810 (see note to the Randolphs’ Convey­ ance of Bedford County Land, [before 19 Feb. 1810]). (4) Charles L. Bankhead and Ann C. Bankhead, Conveyance of Bed­ ford County Land to Radford and Yancey, 7 Dec. 1811 (see note to TJ’s Conveyance of Bear Branch Land to Radford and Yancey, 7 Dec. 1811). your grandson: Thomas Jefferson Randolph. The trial of Billy, Hercules, and Gawen, enslaved laborers of TJ at Poplar Forest, took place at the Bedford County courthouse on 23 Dec. 1823. The first record of the events leading up to this proceeding is an advertisement signed by

Thomas Jefferson Randolph and bear­ ing the headline: “A MURDERER ES­ CAPED.” It stated that “Fifty dollars will be given for the apprehension and delivery of BILLY to the subscriber, or for his being lodged in any jail in the com­ monwealth so that he may be brought to trial for his offences. Billy is a bright mu­ latto, about 22 years old, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, who escaped from the neigh­ borhood of New London on the 3d of November. It is believed that he will en­ deavor to reach Richmond in a boat;—or the neighborhood of Charlottesville, Albe­ marle, through Amherst and Nelson, or through Campbell and Buckingham, cross­ ing at Warren; and may probably endeavor to proceed from Albemarle to the District of Columbia” (Richmond Enquirer, 19 Nov. 1822). Billy was quickly captured. Elizabeth Trist reported from Liberty to her grand­ son Nicholas P. Trist on 28 Nov. 1822 that “we had the pleasure of seeing Jeffer­ son Randolph last Sunday week his visit to this place was in consiquncs of an event which took place at poplar Forest a mu­ latto attack’d the Overseer knock’d him down and wounded him in several places

 262 

26 DECEMBER 1822 with a knife he wou’d have bled to Death but with the assistance of one of the Ne­ groes and Hannah a Black woman who has the care of the House Staunch’d the Blood by holding the wounds together till they sent for a Doctor he had eleven or twelve wounds and tho his face was horibly mutulated they entertain hopes of his recovery they say that he was by no means a severe task master I understand that there are 3 or 4 of them in the jail here and in the course of a month their fate will be decided there has lately been two executions in this Place one Black Man for the Murder of his wife and the other for destroying a child” (RC in DLC: NPT). In the trial that resulted, Christopher Clark acted as attorney for the three men, each charged with having “unlawfully and feloniously stabbed William Gough With intent to maim and kill and also wickedley and feloniously having con­ sulted upon the Subject of rebeling and making insurrection against the law and Government of the Commonwealth of Vir­ ginia and against the Said Gough their Overseer.” Hercules and Gawen were ac­ quitted, but the court found Billy “Guilty of the first & Second Counts and not

Guilty as to the rest” and ordered that “he be Burnt on the left hand and receive thirty nine lashes on his Bare Back at the publick Whipping post and that the Sheriff execute the said Sentence” (23 Dec. 1823 trial proceedings, MS in Bedford Co. Order Book, 18:318–9; with Gawen’s name spelled “Going”). Elizabeth Trist wrote to Nicholas P. Trist on the day of the trial that Gough had recovered and would attend the pro­ ceeding, adding that “we shall know when the Court ajourns what will be the Pun­ ishment of the Villians their intention was to go off with them selves after hav­ ing perpetrated the murder.” Continuing her letter the next day, she informed her grandson of the verdicts rendered and commented that “I dont immagin that Mr Jefferson will have them again on the Plantation and consiquently will have them sent out of the State to be disposed off” (RC in DLC: NPT). TJ did indeed send these enslaved men to Louisiana for sale “as an example” (TJ to Bernard Peyton, 28 Aug. 1824, and note). 1  Radford here canceled “or rather to his wife.” 2  Preceding three words interlined.

From Thomas G. Watkins Dear Sir, Glenmore Decr 2 [26] 1822. I have glanced hastily over the remarks contained in the pamphlet sent you from Ohio, which you were so good as to afford me the pe­ rusal of. Under the existing state of the popular sentiment of Ohio— it seems somewhat difficult to penetrate the writers motive. whether it is seriously to support with a view to present fruition, the views in support of Mr Clay—or whether it is designed to pave the way to the consideration of Mr Crawford. Whatever may have been the original design, when we calculate the effect of the course pursued in Ohio, I think it promises well for the true republican cause. By calling the attention of the state to Mr Clay in the first instance—their local feel­ ings & other considerations were more likely to cooperate in his fa­ vour against an eastern or a northern man, than in that of a Southern candidate. The Northern or Eastern claim once fairly quieted there— it may perhaps be more easy to adjust the conflicting claims of Mr Clay  263 

26 DECEMBER 1822

and a southern candidate suitably to the great and genuine republican views. But the course proposed of legislative nomination seems to me more objectionable on many accounts—than the individual nomina­ tion. The writer prefers a nomination by a convention of the members of the state legislatures for the following reasons. The nomination by members of congress by designating the candidate virtually elects the president. Popular meetings to designate the candidate wou’d be in­ fluenced by the more disinterested intelligence—but got up and di­ rected by the officiousness of designing demagogues—they will mis­ represent the real public sentiment. Without entering minutely upon the insufficiency of the writers arguments in favour of state legislative nominations on any future occasions—it is more material for the re­ publicans to consider of the propriety or impropriety of its adoption on the present occasion. If all the methods hitherto proposed for pointing with united effect the public suffrage to the individual most proper to fill the presidential office, have met with weighty objections, it proves the importance and difficulty of the subject to be great. To accom­ modate these wou’d require great deliberation in a proposed change of the one adopted for any other new plan. But the different legisla­ tures are called upon to decide upon the spur of the occasion—during their present winter session, for if they did not—there wou’d be no time for concert in this plan, as the next winter’s sessions must act upon the measure of actually appointing Electors. If there was time for a deliberate examination of the new plan proposed—must it not result in these conclusions—that the Congressional nomination has been so long established as the more convenient mode of ascertaining the public sentiment—that temporary distraction wou’d be the first consequence of a change. and if so, are the republicans sufficiently certain, that their interests, which are considered to be identified with the public good—might not be greatly endangered if not finally over­ thrown by any distraction or want of concert in their proceedings at this critical moment. The plan of a congressional nomination was established by the federalists to secure their usurped power. If it is nec­ essary to maintain the restored ascendancy of the popular influence— it shou’d be retained untill this may safely dispense with it—I wou’d deprecate intrigue, as such, with a pure Sincerity not exceeded by any other—But if the intrigues of federalis[ts,] the Caput mortuum of monarchy among us—have imposed a necessity for concert and a pro­ found & watchful policy—to defeat hostile views to republicanism— let it not be called intrigue—It is political wisdom, consecrated by the virtuous objects of liberty and rendered respectable by intelligence1 and principle—It is not the dark engine of despotism degraded by  264 

26 DECEMBER 1822

corruption and sanctioned by authority, in its imposition upon igno­ rance and impotence. But if we must suppose the existence of intrigue acting influentially upon selfishness—is it not more reasonable to sup­ pose, that the less enlightened and conspicuous members of a state legislature, might be misled, on a subject not directly affecting their local concerns—than the direct representatives of the people in their national capacity in Congress. The dangers of corruption exist nearly alike every where—To effect the same object in the state legislatures— which they wou’d effect in a congressional caucus—members of Con­ gress need only write a few letters to their confidential friends and agents in the state legislatures. The corrective here is to change mem­ bers of Congress often enough to loose them from presidential depen­ dence. And suffer not their state—to be merged in an entire national capacity. After all the main questions for consideration are—is it nec­ essary to adopt some mode of ascertaining and uniting the real public voice, that is the republican voice, in the choice of a next president? and if it is what is the most efficient mode?—for that now is the para­ mount concern—and not what may hereafter in practice or principle be least objectionable. The Ohio writer himself admits the efficiency of the Congressional nomination—when he asserts that the confidence reposed in it by the people is such as virtually to elect a president through its medium. The people giving themselves little further con­ cern. Supineness in the people is always wrong—they ought to watch all their agents in all their agencies. But the very supineness here ad­ verted to is an evidence of the acquiescence of the people generally in the measure opposed by the writer—and the acquiescence of the people in any measure is prima facie evidence, if not conclusive, of its correctness. Let us see how far in this case it is good evidence of the correctness of the plan. State legislatures are elected to transact state business—their members are not deputed to act upon national matters— having no national capacity as state legislators, in any wise attached to them—what have they to do then with an affair purely national? The members of congress are the direct representatives of the popu­ lar will in its national capacity—as such they wou’d be more likely to know the sentiments of their constituents upon national questions and better able to represent them. While the others in sounding the views and sentiments of their constituents wou’d step out of their proper course if they touched upon other than state matters. State legisla­ tures wou’d be more apt to obey local considerations than national in presidential nominations—whereas it is the very business of con­ gressional members to act upon national ones. Why is a congressional election of a president so much deprecated—because there the election  265 

26 DECEMBER 1822

is taken further from the direct representation of the people in their popular capacity and transfered to the states in their state capacity— Which in practice had well nigh proved fatal to popular right of choice on one occasion already. Who make the greatest objections to con­ gressional nominations now? I believe federalists in disguise together with known federalists, since the latter can’t derive to themselves the benefits of its abuse, which they originally contemplated by the intro­ duction of the practice. Tho’ instituted for a corrupt purpose it has approved itself beneficial to the people2—a strong evidence that it is not very much out of the way in principle. If it is, let it be a warning to its authors, that, “Sæpe intereunt aliis meditantes necem”—All fed­ eral intriguers in the western country, see that the republican prin­ ciples are so firmly and generally established there that they must act under its disguise—By geting up a division among the republicans and fostering it—they hope to weaken their influence & defeat their Ultimate views—but short sighted in this as in many other things not founded in honesty—they do not percieve, how in the end it may be turned against themselves—An Argument used there in favour of Mr Clay is that he is one of the old republicans and that his claims are now advocated by the old heads of the atlantic republican School. This very argument will prepare the people’s feelings to Unite with the atlantic republicans—upon a just comparison of views—The mes­ senger is waiting to take a book to Miss Randolph & your pamphlet back to you—I have no apology to offer for pestering you with my vain speculations but that if I happen to stumble upon a good idea, with you it might be useful—with me of no acct—it is not wholesome for you now to trouble yourself with originating new ideas or com­ bining old—and those offered by your affectionate fellow citizens if no otherwise useful, may serve to remind you of their dependence upon you as long as you live. I sincerely wish you a merry Christmas & many hearty & happy new years while I shall always remain with great affectn & respect yr obdt Servt & friend Th: G Watkins RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39839–41); misdated; edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ, with bracketed “2” for day of composi­ tion, as received 26 Dec. 1822. Recorded in SJL as a letter dated “Dec. 2. for 26” and received the latter day. Enclosure: “A Citizen of Ohio,” Observations on the Nomination of a Candidate for the Presi‑ dency: Submitted for the consideration of the Members of the Legislature now in ses‑ sion ([1822]; dated 12 Dec. 1822 on final

page; TJ’s copy in ViU, with handwrit­ ten, mutilated inscription by Noah Zane on title page: “Noah Zane to Thos. Jeffe[rson]”), calling for an end to presiden­ tial nominations by congressional caucus; proposing instead nomination by state legislatures as a way to mitigate political intrigue and better reflect the desires of the American people; discussing Ohio’s role in the Union and noting that in that state “party distinctions are scarcely known;

 266 

28 DECEMBER 1822 they never influence her councils” (p. 7); expressing doubts about most of the po­ tential presidential candidates for the elec­ tion of 1824 and arguing in general that sitting cabinet members ought not to be considered; commenting on Ohio’s desire for funding of internal improvements and praising Henry Clay’s stance on this issue; and concluding by “expressing a hope, that the members of the legislature, now in session, will proceed, at once, to nomi­ nate a candidate for the Presidency, and that they will put Mr. Clay in nomination” (p. 15).

The occasion on which choice by the states in their state capacity had well nigh proved fatal to popular right of choice was the election of 1800, when voting by state in the United States House of Representatives nearly cost TJ the presidency. sæpe intereunt aliis meditantes necem: “they often perish who plan death for others.” A letter from Watkins to TJ of 20 Oct. 1822, not found, is recorded in SJL as received 21 Oct. 1822 from Glenmore. 1

 Manuscript: “inttelligence.”  Watkins here canceled “in practice.”

2

caput mortuum: literally, “dead head”; figuratively, “worthless residue” (OED).

To Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir Monticello Dec. 28. 22. Yours of the 19th was recieved some days ago, those of the 23d the day before yesterday. at the same time with the former I recieved one of the same date from mr Rives, proposing a question to me, which, as he is absent, I will answer to you.   it was, If the remission of the principal debt, and an accomodation of the cost of the library can­ not both be obtained, which would be most desirable? without any question, the latter. of all things the most important is the completion of the buildings. the remission of the debt will come of itself. it is already remitted in the mind of every man, even of the enemies of the institution. and there is nothing pressing very immediately for it’s expression. the great object of our aim from the beginning has been to make this establishment the most eminent in the United States, in order to draw to it the youth of every state, but especially of the South and West. we have proposed therefore to call to it characters of the first order of science from Europe as well as our own country; and, not only by their salaries, and the comforts of their situation, but by the distinguished scale of it’s structure and preparation, and the promise of future eminence which these would hold up, to induce them to commit their reputations to it’s future fortunes. had we built a barn for a College, and log‑huts for accomodations, should we ever have had the assurance to propose to an European Professor of that character to come to it? why give up this important idea, when so near it’s ac­ complishment that a single lift more effects it? it is not a half‑project which is to fill up the enticement of character from abroad. to stop  267 

28 DECEMBER 1822

where we are is to abandon our high hopes, and become suitors to Yale and Harvard for their secondary characters, to become our first. have we been laboring then merely to get up another Hampden Sid­ ney, or Lexington? yet to this it sinks if we abandon foreign aid. the Report of Rockfish gap, sanctioned by the legislature, authorised us to aim at much higher things; and the abandonment of the enterprise where we are would be a relinquishment of the great idea of the leg­ islature of 1818, and shrinking it into a country academy. the opening of the institution in a half‑state of readiness would be the most fatal step which could be adopted. it would be an impatience defeating it’s own object, by putting on a subordinate character in the outset, which never would be shaken off, instead of opening largely and in full sys­ tem. taking our stand on commanding ground at once, will beckon every thing to it, and a reputation once established will maintain it­ self for ages. to secure this a single sum of 50. or 60.  Dollars is wanting. if we cannot get it now, we will at another or another trial. courage and patience is the watchword. delay is an evil which will pass; despair loses all. let us never give back. the thing will carry it­ self, and with firmness and perseverance we shall place our country on it’s high station, and we shall recieve for it the blessings of posterity. I think your idea of a loan and placing it on the sinking fund an excel­ lent one. Dinsmore’s 70,000.D. evidence only the greediness of an Under­ taker. he declined communicating the details of his estimate lest their exaggeration should be visible. from other undertakers we have the following offers. D the brickwork compleat including columns  11,300. Perry stone work 3,940. Gorman carpentry & joinery of the lower rooms 12,000. Oldham 27,240 there remain the inside work of the upper room, the roof, & the two Appendages, or covered ways in the flanks to connect with the other buildings, of which we have no estimate but they cannot cost as much as all the rest of the building. I asked at what they had estimated the stone work? the answer was 6000.D. I knew at the same time that Gorman must do it for them, and would do it for 3,940.D. so that 50. p.cent was laid on this article for their gains, and probably like advances on the other articles. mr Brockenbrough’s original estimate was carefully & minutely made, and allowing for the two covered ways we are safe in saying that another loan of 60,000.D. will place us be­ yond the risk of ever needing to ask another Dollar on that account.  268 

28 DECEMBER 1822

 You propose to me to write to half a dozen gentlemen on this sub­ ject. you do not know, my dear Sir, how great is my physical inability to write. the joints of my right wrist & fingers, in consequence of an antient dislocation, are become so stiffened that I can write but at the pace of a snail. the copying our report and my letter lately sent to the Governor, being 7. pages only, employed me laboriously a whole week. the letter I am now writing you has taken me two days. I have been obliged therefore to withdraw from letter‑writing but in cases of the most indispensable urgency. a letter of a page or two costs me a day of labor, & a painful labor. I have few now to live. should I consign them all to pain? I ought, if I could to write to yourself, to mr John­ son, mr Rives, mr Gordon, and to mr Loyall too, now one of our fra­ ternity. but what I say to one you must all be so indulgent as to con­ sider meant for the whol[e.] be so good as to express to mr Loyall my gratification at his being added to our board, and my hope that he will make Monticello his headquarters whenever he comes up. our meetings you know are always on Mondays, and the stage passes us the Saturday evening. this gives an intermediate day for rest, enquiry and consideration. ever and affectionately yours Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); edge chipped, with missing text supplied from FC; endorsed by Cabell. FC (DLC); in Virginia J. Randolph (Trist)’s hand, signed and en­ dorsed by TJ. Tr (DLC: Rives Papers); in Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge)’s hand, signed by TJ. Enclosed in TJ to Wil­

liam C. Rives, 29 Dec. 1822, and TJ to James Madison, 6 Jan. 1823. lexington: Washington College (later Washington and Lee University). For Arthur S. brockenbrough’s original estimate, see his letter to TJ of 29 Mar. 1821.

To Arthur Middleton

Monto Dec. 28. 22.

I thank you, Dear Sir, for the work of M. de Pradt which you have been so kind as to send me. I have made progress in it,1 and find his views to be really enlarged; he is eloquent too but his style a little too hyperbolical, too figurative2 for the sober conceptions of politics. still he is consolatory under the obstacles opposed to the amelioration of the condition of man. I heard of your misfortune with real grief. exercised myself in the school of affliction by every form of domestic loss which can rend the heart of man, I have learnt to estimate & sympathise with the dis­ tresses of others under such trials. but I have learnt also that time &  269 

28 DECEMBER 1822

silence are the only medecines which bring relief, that expressions of condolance do but renew our griefs and reopen3 wounds which had better be left undisturbed to the process of nature. on that subject therefore I cease. should health or any other motive lead4 your foot­ steps again into our quarter, our family as well as myself will always5 be gratified by recieving6 you at Monticello and with this assurance I tender you that of my great esteem and respect Th:J. Dft (MHi); on verso of portion of re­ used address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Middleton Arthur.” 1

 Word interlined in place of “him.”  Reworked from “enlarged; but ex­ pressed a little too hyperbolically, too figuratively.” 2

3 Prefix

interlined.  Word interlined in place of “draw.” 5  Preceding two words interlined in place of “shall.” 6  Word interlined in place of “seeing.” 4

To Francisco Solano Constancio

Monto Dec. 29. 22.

I congratulate you Sir on your safe arrival in the US. and hope your passage has been as agreeable as the elements to which you were com­ mitted of wind and water could make it. I congratulate you also & especially on the regenern of your govmt and the prospect it exhibits of going thro’ it soberly and wisely. it is a debt which I owe to truth to say1 that in the course of a public life of some length I have ever found the govmt of Portugal the most uniformly just and courteous of any one with which I have had occn to communicate. the represen­ tative principle now common to both govmts by it’s engraftment into hers becomes an element2 the more of friendly attachment.3 and I con­ fidently trust that the liberal principles which have merited to you the confidence of your country will be cordially4 employed in cherishing the harmony and friendly intercourse so interesting to both nations. I learn with great pleasure that the merits of my friend Dr Fer­ nandes have obtained from the regenerated govmt proofs so distin­ guished of it’s favble disposns.5 Should curiosity ever lead you to visit this part of our Union, I shall be happy to recieve you at Monto & to assure you in person of my high respect & considn. Th:J. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of re­ used address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Constantio, Francisco Solano.”

1  Sentence to this point interlined in place of “I must still do justice to it’s for­ mer form however by saying.” 2  Preceding two words interlined in place of “a motive.”

 270 

29 DECEMBER 1822  3 Word

interlined in place of “intercourse.” 4 Word interlined in place of “zealously.”

 5  Preceding five words interlined in place of “honble of it’s confidence in him.”

To Samuel Crawford Sir Monto Dec. 29. 22. o Col Yancey has been so kind as to inclose me the prospectus of a paper proposed to be published by you under the name of the Virginia times. age and retirement from the affairs of the world have reduced me to the reading of a single newspaper only, the Enquirer which I have taken from it’s first origin. willing however to encourage a paper of promise at it’s outset I subscribe to yours in it’s semi‑weekly form for one year, after which I pray you to consider my subscription as discontd. on presenting this letter to Colo Bernard Peyton he will pay you in advance for the paper which be pleased to forward by the Char­ lottesville mail and to accept my respectful ­salutns Th:J. FC (DLC); on verso of top half of reused address cover of Daniel Brent to TJ, 5 Sept. 1821; in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Mr Saml Crawford”; endorsed by TJ. Re­ corded in SJL with additional notation: “Virga times.”

To William C. Rives Dear Sir Monticello Dec. 29. 22 I was just about acknoleging1 your favor of the 19th when I recieved information from mr Cabell that you were absent on a visit to your family; and as the question you proposed to me was of some urgency, I answered it to him. I borrow the pen of a grandaughter at the same time to send you a copy of that letter which I must pray you to accept as an answer to yours particularly. in this hope2 I shall add to it only my especial3 acknolegements for your diligent4 attention to this sub­ ject, and the assurances of my affectionate friendship & respect Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Rives Papers); addressed: “William C. Rives esquire of the Genl as­ sembly of Virginia now in Richmond”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 31 Dec.; endorsed by Rives. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: TJ to Joseph C. Cabell, 28 Dec. 1822.

The grandaughter was Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge). 1 Dft

here adds: “the rect of.” three words not in Dft. 3  Word interlined in Dft in place of “particular.” 4 Word interlined in Dft. 2 Preceding

 271 

To William Short Dear Sir Monticello Dec. 29. 22. I have duly recieved your favor of the 17th with it’s kind enquiries as to the state in which my late accident has placed me. the fracture was of the most favorable character, of the smaller bone of the left fore‑arm, without, as is still hoped, deranging1 those of the wrist. it was promptly and well set by a skilful surgeon, has been constantly doing well, without incurring any accident, and has given me not much pain. it hinders me from nothing which can be done with one hand, and I have been able to ride out since the 2d week. the only disad­ vantageous circumstance is the sloth with which old bones knit. a younger person would have been clear of his2 sling in 6. weeks. I am now in the 7th and have neither use nor motion of that hand; and I would willingly compromise with my sling for 3. weeks more. it adds much to the difficulty and awkwardness of writing, which a crippled right hand and wrist had before brought on me. while this will3 lessen the frequency of expressing my attachment to my friends, it will not4 lessen the warmth of my feelings towards them, and especially the sincerity of my5 affectionate friendship to yourself. Th: Jefferson RC (ViW: TJP). Dft (MHi); on bot­ tom half of reused address cover of Dan­ iel Brent to TJ, 5 Sept. 1821; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Short Wm.” The skilful surgeon was Thomas G. Watkins.

1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “affecting.” 2  Word interlined in Dft in place of “the.” 3 In Dft TJ here canceled “prevent.” 4  Word interlined in Dft in place of “never.” 5 Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “and.”

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Richmond. Dec: 30. 1822. I am happy to inform you that Mr Gordon & Mr Rives arrived in town last evening, & have attended the House to‑day. Mr Gordon called on me this morning, when I disclosed to him, what I had done in his absence, and my present views & prospects. I have conferred with Mr Hunter, Mr Carey, Mr Bowyer, Mr Taylor of Botetourt, Mr Baldwin, &c and the almost unanimous opinion of us all, is, that we should ask for another loan to finish the buildings, and to leave the debt untouched1 for the present. We propose to move for one object  272 

30 DECEMBER 1822

at a time in order not to unite the enemies of both measures against one bill. Should we succeed in getting the loan, we may afterwards try to get rid of the debt. But the general impression is that we can­ not carry both measures at this session. I presume I am clearly right in the assurance which I give to our particular friends, nay to every body, that if both measures cannot pass, the Board of Visitors would prefer the Loan, to the cancelling of the bonds. It gives me heartfelt pleasure to inform you that the intelligent members generally express the opinion that the Institution should be finished. This confirms the propriety of the course we have taken. of the propriety of that course, you know, I never have doubted. And I may be allowed to feel the gratification natural on such an occasion. Last winter I had to en­ counter a mingled host of friends & enemies, on this point, and yielded the point from a mistake existing between Mr Brokenbrough & Mr Carey. Now the leading members generally say, the Institution should be finished. Mr Baldwin has assured me of his hearty coopera­ tion to this effect. From himself, & from Mr Taylor of Botetourt, I hear that Mr Sheffey will go with us. Mr Doddridge, I expect will do the same. Mr G. of Amherst has twice announced to Mr Carey, on being consulted by him, that he would oppose any further building. Yet Mr Gordon thinks he may be brought over. Mr Watkins of Prince Edward has gone home. The President of Hampden Sidney is here making interest for that Institution. I am on good terms with him. He is very friendly to the University. To‑day he advised me to aim only for a loan, & said he was confident from what he had heard among the members, that the debt should be left untouched for the present. I advised him to take care that his friend Mr Watkins will not kindle a flame against his college, by throwing himself athwart the course of the friends of the University. He observed that Mr W. had not made up his mind finally how he would vote on a bill authorizing us to finish the buildings of the University: but he believed that unless the Bill for Hampden Sidney should be supported Mr W. would oppose us. I advised him to remonstrate with his Delegate as to the propriety & policy of that mode of legislation, & cautioned him not lightly to depart from the system of voting for every measure on the foundation of its own merits. I hope Mr W. may be prevailed on to relinquish his opposition. I am now in more dread of Mr Johnson’s coming to town & advocating the doctrine of curtailing the building, than I am of any other danger. But as the popular prejudice on that subject has abated, I hope he would go with us.—The Report was in town on friday. Mr Daniel told me he was waiting for Governor Pleasants to communi­ cate it. The Governor will probably be in town this evening. The  273 

30 DECEMBER 1822

Report will probably be made to‑morrow. As soon as it is printed, I will get Capt: Peyton to exhibit the prints of the plan of the Univer­ sity. In a few days thereafter our bill will be brought in. I have a loan bill ready drawn. The subject of interest is somewhat embarrassing. We shall be obliged to lose the Interest. I conclude it is better to do so, than stand in our present situation. We must limit the time of our election on the subject of the loan to some short period to avoid the loss of interest to the fund. Such a proviso will help to carry our bill. There shall be no difficulty on that score about a board. If the bill passes, I will come up immediately in the stage, & I make no doubt Genl Cocke & Mr Loyall will also attend. I still think a conditional contract on the part of the Undertakers for $70,000, would do more harm than good. But if they will engage for $60,000. to finish the building out & out, I would rather have the Contract than not. If they will not, I will ask for 50– perhaps, 60, thousand dollars. The year before last we estimated the Library at $40,000—Last year at $45,000. as well as I recollect. Should I now rise to $60,000, some reason will be asked for the difference in the estimates. I have heretofore grounded myself on Mr Brokenbrough’s estimates. If no other document can be furnished, I would suggest the propriety of your writing a short letter to some one here, asking for such sum as you may think proper for the object. The sooner it comes the better. The affair of the Proctor’s accounts seems to be unknown here. I am happy to hear from Genl Cocke that that business has been satisfactorily adjusted. I write in great haste, and remain Dr Sir, ever faithfully yours Jos: C: Cabell RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); endorsed by TJ as received 2 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with notes by TJ beneath en­ dorsement relating to his 13 Jan. 1823 let­ ter to Cabell: “no compromise error in our statemt copy of report special meet­ ing.” Enclosed in TJ to James Madison, 6 Jan. 1823, and Madison to TJ, 15 [Jan.] 1823. For the mistake existing between mr brokenbrough & mr carey, see Cab­ ell to TJ, 18 Mar. 1822. mr g.: David S. Garland. The president of hampden sidney College was Jonathan Peter Cushing. Al­ though there was no formal bill for hampden sidney during the 1822–23 session of the Virginia General Assem­ bly, the Committee of Schools and Col­

leges eventually issued a report on “the situation of the several colleges and acad­ emies in this commonwealth,” including Hampden Sidney, Washington College, and the Ann Smith Academy, which rec­ ommended that the legislature provide each of these institutions with aid from the “unappropriated revenue of the Lit­ erary Fund.” The House immediately ta­ bled this report (JHD [1822–23 sess.], 201–2 [17 Feb. 1823]). The 2 Oct. 1820 University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors estimated the cost of the library (Rotunda) at $40,000, while the 30 Nov. 1821 Report increased it to $46,847. 1 Word

 274 

interlined.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 30 Decr 1822 a I hand herewith statement your quarterly ∕c, to date, as heretofore directed, which I hope & believe will be found correct. I recd to=day yours covering blanks for the renewal your notes at Bank, which shall be attended to— By Woods Thom I sent the Bottle of Wine, reced for you, from Mann Randolph, of Norfolk, which he promised great care of— With great respect Dr sir Yours Very Truly B. Peyton RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; ad­ dressed: “Mr Thomas Jefferson Monti­ cello Charlottesville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 30 Dec.; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found. Although no letter to Peyton cover‑ ing blanks is recorded in SJL at this

time, TJ noted in his financial records that he had “Sent notes of renewal to banks” on 25 Dec. 1822 (MB, 2:1392). mann randolph: Thomas M. Randolph (1798–1835). A missing letter from Peyton to TJ of 2 Jan. 1823 is recorded in SJL as received three days later from Richmond.

Account with Thomas G. Watkins [1822–23] Th. Jefferson Esqr To T. G. Watkins 1822 to   Visit reducing fractured arm & attendance for the 1823. cure &c old rule, £5.0.0 Equal to $16.67. MS (DLC: TJ Papers, 225:40256); in Watkins’s hand and with his notation of “9.” in upper right corner; undated; docketed by Watkins: “Mr Jeff sn A/c”; endorsed by TJ, with his additional notation “acc t.”

From Louis H. Girardin Dear and Respected Sir, Baltimore, January 1rst, 1823. I am so unwilling to disturb a repose which I hold sacred, that I have felt, without expressing it to You, the deepest sympathy at the painful accident which happened to You, some time since. I can not, however, upon hearing that the consequences of it are entirely over,  275 

1 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

or nearly so, refrain from telling You how sincerely I rejoice at your recovery. The recollections of the good and the wise, and the love and esteem of all who know and appreciate them, essentially constitute happi­ ness. My good wishes, therefore, at this, or any other season, can not add to Yours. They are, however, poured out with unabated warmth and sincerity. This College recovers slowly, but must finally flourish. The prog­ ress of my Daughters in Music, drawing &c affords me much conso­ lation, amid a variety of troubles. I derive also considerable gratifica­ tion from a scientific and literary society, which we have lately formed here. My ardent wishes for your happiness, extend to that of Your ami­ able domestic circle. May You all enjoy perfect health! I salute you with sentiments of heartfelt gratitude and respect— L. H. Girardin RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to John Brockenbrough, 4 June 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Baltimore, 1 Jan. this college: Baltimore College. A Baltimore association for the promotion

of science had been formed in 1819. When that group disbanded around 1822, its funds were turned over to a new scien­ tific and literary society, with Gi­ rardin as that organization’s first presi­ dent. In 1826 it became the Maryland Academy of Science and Literature, which endured until its collections were destroyed by fire in 1835 (J. Thomas Scharf, The Chronicles of Baltimore [1874], 395–6).

From William J. Coffee Honrd Sir New‑York. Jany 3rd 1823. The day after receveing your last favour 30 of September I rode over to mr maverick. I Called on him a few day back and Understand, that Worke is Compleated and in your Possession I hope it dos meet with your Entire Approbation. I now have the Pleaseur of Informeing you that on the 15th of last month I Shiped in good Order and in duble Cases the whole of your Ornaments for Bedford House, and from the great Care taken in the Packing I do not doubt but that they will arrive safe. they are di­ rected to you at Bedford House. Linchburgh. To the Care of Coln Peyton in Richmond. but of Corse youe will give the Coln A more particular Order as may refer to his Carefull attention, this I think is necessary.  276 

3 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

 You will now permit me to give you my method of Puting up this kind of work its as follows. Let John Hemmings Put up all the small parte of the Enrichments with Verey strong Glue made Verey Hot and Layed on to Each Ornament with a small brush then to Gently rub the Enrichment to the wood. The Human masks and the Ox sculls should be Put up with white lead as stiff as Book binders Paste, and in to One of those small holes that is in Every Piece, a small Screw should be Put, Only let him take the Precaution to have the Screws1 too Small, then too Large2 and that he must not drive the Screw Head too Close on the work but Only in Such a way that thee Screw3 may Just bite The ribands at the Chin of the Human mask youe will find I was obliged to make in lead owing to the too great thinness for Com­ position, but shall not make aney Extra charge on that Accnt, theas of Corse he will Sprig up to the wood after he has Completely beded the Head or mask with the Stiff white lead, the Ox scull must be Put up in the same maner with the Exception of the Husks which must be Glued up, he will finde a great many more Husk Sent then he will want to Enable him to sute his method,4 I have also sent to spare of all the other Enrichments. When the whole of the ornaments of a Room are Put up John should then mix up a Small Quianty of Dry white lead whiting and good drying Oil, to make a Past for the Purpose of stoping the Joints. and I must not for‑get to say that he will have no Occcation to Soak or Place by the fire theas Ornaments as they are allredy ajusted to Put them up as hear directed which same direction I have given to mr Brockenbrough in my letter of advice to him of thee Shipment of the whole of the Enrichments for the University, and which are contained in the same Vesel Called the Schooner Riseing States. John Cole. master.   As may refer to the Charges of thees Ornaments I shall not stand in need of thee money before next5 march the 28 at which time youe may not think it any trouble to have it Enclosed with mr Brockenbrough remitancs to me which you know will take Placee at that time, but before that time shall take the liberty of forwarding the Particular6 Amont as well as to mr Brockenbrough. Sir I am with much Esteem and Respects Your Obedt servant W. J. Coffee S.P. I have noticed with much Pleaseing Reflection all that has Com Publickly from your7 Pen sincs I had the Pleasure of seeing you last with the Exception of that Part of yours to mr. Adams whearin you say your8 rist is in a bad state and to that I hav Noticeed your having had a fall whearby you hav sustained som Injury, I hope it  277 

3 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

will be no othur Impediment to your Natural Engoyment then thee Paine which I know your knowlage of Human Life will be able to sustain with much good temper which is a Verey great blessing and If it Could be any sort of Consolation to know that you are not a Solitary man in Sufferancs, I have also tasted Verey Latley of the bitter cup of Affliction and from my natural temper Shall not tho So much Younger be able to go through life so Easy as you Can I now Conclude with my Best of weshis and thee Compnts of the season to Every Branch of Your Family Yours Sincerly and Respectfuly W. J. Coffee RC (ViU: TJP‑ER); adjacent to first signature: “To Thos. Jeffer. Eqr monti­ cetto”; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. TJ’s last favour to Coffee was dated 26 Sept. 1822. bedford house: TJ’s home at Poplar Forest. composition, or “compo,” is “a mixture of whiting, resin, and glue, used instead of plaster of Paris for wall and cornice ornamentation” (OED). TJ’s letter to John adams of

1 June 1822 had recently been published in various newspapers. 1

 Manuscript: “Scews.”  Thus in manuscript, with “rather too Small, than too Large” possibly intended. 3  Manuscript: “Scrwe.” 4  Manuscript: “methop.” 5  Manuscript: “mext.” 6  Manuscript: “Particutar.” 7  Manuscript: “you.” 8  Manuscript: “you.” 2

From Joseph Fawcett Mr Jefferson, Rockingham,1 3rd Jany 1823 I avail my self of the opportunity which offers itself, by Mr Dicker­ son, of sending you specimens of marble found in the neighborhood of Mr John Rader of this County, who gave it to me and requested me to send it you, with sentiments of Great Respect I am sir Your Obedt Joseph Fawcett RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 10 Jan. 1823, but recorded in SJL as re­ ceived 9 Jan. 1823. Joseph Fawcett (1771–1844), local offi­ cial and postmaster, was born in Berkeley County, Virginia (later West Virginia). He was appointed a collector of tax arrears for Frederick, Berkeley, Jefferson, Rocking­ ham, Augusta, Shenandoah, and Hamp­ shire counties in 1807, and he was federal revenue collector for Rockingham County from at least 1816 to 1825. Fawcett moved by 1830 to Staunton and by 1836 to Saint

Charles, Missouri, where he was appointed postmaster in that year. He owned two slaves in 1810 and five a decade later, but by 1830 he had none. Fawcett died in Saint Charles (Willetta Baylis Blum and William Blum, The Baylis Family of Vir‑ ginia [1958], 588; CVSP, 9:503; JEP, 2:438, 440, 442, 443 [13, 20, 21, 22, 24 Dec. 1813]; JHR, 35:128 [4 Jan. 1841]; DNA: RG 29, CS, Harrisonburg, 1810, 1820, Staunton, 1830; A Register of Offi­ cers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the service of the United States, on the Thirtieth day of September, 1816 [Wash­

 278 

4 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3 ington, 1816], 28; A Register of Officers and Agents, Civil, Military, and Naval, in the Service of the United States, on the 30th of September, 1825 [Washington, 1825], 68; DNA: RG 28, RAP; Bowling Green,

Mo., Radical, 21 Sept. 1844 [with incon­ sistent age at death of seventy‑six]). 1 Remainder of dateline beneath sig­ nature.

From Benjamin King Hond sir Navy Yard Washington Janry 3rd 1823 nd Yours of the 22 of December, last was duly received and should have been justly honored e’re this. (but having been indisposed for the last ten days prevented my writing sooner) as to the request con­ tained therein was accordant with particular pleasure, and otherwise perfect convenience, the original cost of the raising machine I have ascertained by the assistance of the Architects of the Capital, to have been one hundred and twenty five dollars, exclusive of the rope neces­ sarily employed in the machine. From the multiplicity of business fitting out schooners &ca to go against the pirates, has deprived me, of having the pleasure of pre­ senting you a model of my straw cutting machine. which comes at a very low rate, being about thirty Dollars each. and cuts with ease two bushels of cut straw in one minute. on the present plan, worked by manual power. but may very conveniently be attached to waterpower. I hope e’re long to be able to present you with a model which I flatter myself will give infinite satisfaction for price and ease of Labour,—if you should deem any other information necessary I should have plea­ sure in being competent to your commands.—I am Hond sir Your Most Obedt & Hble servant Benjn King RC (DLC); addressed: “Thos Jeffer­ son Esqr Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Washington, 4 Jan.; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

TJ’s letter to King was dated 12 Dec. 1822, not the 22nd.

From Francis Granger Canandaigua—Ontario Co N. York Dear Sir—  Saturday—4 Jan: 1823. When I had the pleasure of visiting you last fall, you spoke so kindly of my Father that I have felt it a duty that the intelligence of his de­ parture should be communicated in a manner more respectful than through the public Journals.—  279 

4 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

 After wrestling for near six months; with a complication of dis­ eases excrutiating in the extreme, he resigned his spirit on Tuesday last, leaving a fond family buried in that grief which must ever attend a separation of our strongest ties.— Believing you will kindly cherish the remembrance of one with whom you have been so intimately associated; whose political maxims were the same, and whose personal friendship towards you, unchanged by absence and unshaken by the political conflicts of the day, ceased only with his breath—I remain, with the respect due to one, whom from infancy I have been taught to venerate, your friend & servant Francis Granger RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Th: Jeffer­ son Esq.”; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with Dft of TJ to Granger, 24 Jan. 1823, be­ neath signature. Francis Granger (1792–1868), attorney and public official, was born in Suffield, Connecticut, the son of Gideon Granger, who served as postmaster general under both TJ and James Madison. The younger Granger graduated from Yale College (later Yale University) in 1811. Admitted to the bar in 1816, he joined his father in  Canandaigua, New York, and prac­ ticed law. Granger was elected to the New York state assembly as a supporter of De­ Witt Clinton and held the seat for five sessions, 1826–28, 1830, and 1832. He soon achieved prominence when he led the legislature’s committee to investigate the alleged abduction and murder by a group of Freemasons of William Mor­ gan, a critic of that organization. As a result, Granger became the unsuccessful National Republican candidate for lieu­ tenant governor of New York in 1828 when the party failed to form a joint ticket with the Anti‑Masons. The same two parties did join in nominating him for the governorship in 1830 and 1832, but he lost both races. Granger sat in the United States House of Representatives as an Anti‑Jacksonian, 1835–37, and as a Whig,

1839–41. He was the unsuccessful Whig and Anti‑Masonic candidate for vice pres­ ident in 1837, an election decided in the United States Senate. Granger resigned his congressional seat in March 1841 when he was appointed postmaster general by President William Henry Harrison, but he gave up the post later that year along with other cabinet opponents of John Tyler and returned to the House to fill a va­ cancy, 1841–43. Granger chaired an 1850 state Whig convention but, as he had softened his formerly strong antislavery stance in support of the Compromise of 1850, he found himself in the minority there and led a small group of defectors nicknamed the “Silver Grays,” a reference to his notable white hair. He advocated compromise at an 1861 conference in Washington, D.C., that sought to avert civil war. In 1860 Granger owned real estate valued at $100,000 and personal property worth $200,000. He died in Canandaigua (ANB; DAB; Biog. Dir. Cong.; Dexter, Yale Biographies, 6:389–91; Franklin B. Hough, The New‑York Civil List [1858], 204–7, 209, 212; Clay, Pa‑ pers; William H. Seward and Frederick W. Seward, Autobiography of William H. Seward [1877], esp. 171–2; Harriet A. Weed, ed., Autobiography of Thurlow Weed [1883], esp. 391–2; DNA: RG 29, CS, N.Y., Canandaigua, 1860; New York Herald, 1 Sept. 1868).

 280 

From William Canby Esteemed friend Thomas Jefferson, 6th of 1mo 1823— n I lately saw the comm between thee & John Adams (as in the News paper) with som satisfaction, having often had som, in com­ paring Notes with particularly one cotemporary, Respecting the pro­ gressive decay of this body & its Mind, curiously different in degree, yet going on toward dissolution, but how is it with us, with respect to an increasing degree of a divine intimacy, or communion; I am often made thoughtful on this Account, sencible that as from a Child I had som belief in divine direction, or Inspiration, held forth for per­ fecting those who obey’d its call or injunction, by its Rising above, & Ruling over. & subjecting the more Natural Spirit, in the time of its dominion; (making it clear that the information of the more Natural spirit is about the things of time, in which its a mark of good, to act well—however I am often sencible, I have not com up to the mark) & as to the outward, weaknes of Mind it is perhaps som excuse, but as to defect as to inward direction, I must look to that divine Mercy, wh I think far exceeds what Man is capable of, I am also corrected by feeling the power of the Church Militant in our Society, as having a power of Judging (where we have been lazy, & slo in advancing in the highway toward holines in the present time, &1 that almost without, or with very little Verbal or written declaration) now wishing thy ad­ vance toward that more perfect state above hinted at I bid farewel;— Wm Canby NB. a friend who handed me the account, or paper cont g thy letter, noted thy being further disabled (by Acct) from writing, by a broken wrist bone, & tho’ we may sympathize with a friend on such trial, its said all things shall work for good, to those who love God— RC (MHi); dateline adjacent to sig­ nature; addressed (trimmed): “[.  .  .] of North America”; endorsed by TJ as re­ ceived 17 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. The commn between thee & john adams was TJ to Adams, 1 June 1822.

acct: “accident.” all things shall work for good, to those who love god, is from the Bible, Romans 8.28. 1 Superfluous opening parenthesis pre­ ceding this word editorially omitted.

 281 

To James Madison Dear Sir Monticello, Jan. 6. 23. I send you a mass of reading, and so rapidly1 does my hand fail me in writing that I can give but very briefly the necessary explanations. 1. mr Cabell’s letter to me & mine to him which passed each other on the road will give you the state of things respecting the University, and I am happy to add that letters recieved from Appleton give us reason to expect our capitels by the first vessel from Leghorn, done of superior marble and in superior style. 2. Young E. Gerry informed me some time ago that he had en­ gaged a person to write the life of his father, and asked for any ma­ terials I could furnish. I sent him some letters, but in searching for them, I found two,2 too precious to be trusted by mail, of the date of 1801. Jan. 15. & 20. in answer to one I had written him Jan. 26. 99. two years before. it furnishes authentic proof that in the XYZ. mis­ sion to France, it was the wish of Pickering Marshall, Pinckney and the Federalists3 of that stamp, to avoid a treaty with France and to bring on war, a fact we charged on them at the time4 and this letter proves,5 and that their X.Y.Z. report was cooked up to dispose the people to war. Gerry their colleague was not of their sentiment, and this is his statement of that transaction. during the 2. years between my letter & his answer, he was wavering between mr Adams & my­ self, between his attachment to mr Adams personally6 on the one hand, and to republicanism on the other; for he was republican, but timid & indecisive. the event of the election of 1800–1. put an end to his hesitations.7 3. a letter of mine to judge Johnson & his answer. this conveys his views of things, and they are so serious and sound, that they are worth your reading. I am sure that in communicating it to you, I commit no breach of trust to him; for he and every one knows that I have no political secrets for8 you; & from the tenor of his letter with respect to yourself, it is evident he would as willingly have them known to you as myself. You will observe that mr Cabell, if the loan bill should pass, pro­ poses to come up with mr Loyall, probably mr Johnson, and Genl Cocke to have a special meeting. this is necessary to engage our work­ men before they undertake other work for the ensuing season. I shall desire him, as soon as the loan bill passes the lower9 house (as we know it will pass the Senate) to name a day by mail to yourself to meet us, as reasonable notice to all the members is necessary to make the  282 

6 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

meeting legal. I hope you will attend, as the important decision as to the Rotunda may depend on it. Our family is all well and joins in affections to mrs Madison and yourself. my arm goes on slowly, still in a sling and incapable of any use, and will so continue some time yet. be so good as to return the inclosed10 when read and to be assured of my constant and affectionate friendship11 Th: Jefferson FC (DLC); entirely in TJ’s hand. Dft (DLC); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ. These two texts are filed with an additional page contain­ ing a note in Nicholas P. Trist’s hand: “Madison (James) Jan. 6. 23. Found by N.P.T. among letters to Johnson (judge Wm).” Enclosures: (1) TJ to Joseph C. Cabell, 28 Dec. 1822. (2) Cabell to TJ, 30 Dec. 1822. (3) Elbridge Gerry (1744– 1814) to TJ, 15, 20 Jan. 1801 (PTJ, 32:465–9, 489–95). (4) TJ to William Johnson, 27 Oct. 1822. (5) Johnson to TJ, 10 Dec. 1822. TJ’s letter to Gerry (1744–1814) of jan. 26. 99 is in PTJ, 30:645–53. Wilson J. Cary informed Virginia Ran­ dolph Cary in a letter dated Richmond, 2 Jan. 1823, that “Col. Randolph called on me to day, just from Monticello—He

informs me Mr Jefferson has nearly re­ covered from his accident and is in excel­ lent health and spirits” (RC in ViU: CC). 1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “entirely.” 2  Word interlined in Dft in place of “one.” 3  Dft: “the Federal leaders.” 4  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 5  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft. 6  Word interlined in Dft. 7  Sentence added in Dft. 8  Word interlined in Dft in place of “with.” 9  Word interlined in Dft in place of “other.” 10  Dft here adds “under cover to me.” 11  FC: “frienship.” Dft: “frdshp.”

From James Morrison Sir Wash’ City, January 6th 1823— I trust that you will pardon the liberty I have taken, of putting under cover to you, the enclosed letter for Mr Randolph:—one of the Execu­ tors or Administrators of my deceased friend Col W. C. Nicholas— Will you have the goodness to forward it as early as convenient? My apology for imposing this trouble is,—that I have understood Mr Ran­ dolph’s Residence is in Albemarle: but in what Section of the County I have not been informed— I avail myself of this opportunity, of tendering to you as a virtuous Patriot, and able States‑man, my most profound homage and respect for your talents, and the many and essential Services Rendered in a long life to our Common Country— I have the honor to be Sir very Respectfully, your Hul Svt James Morrison  283 

6 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3  RC (MHi); at foot of text: “The Honl Thomas Jefferson Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 10 Jan. 1823 and so re­ corded in SJL. Enclosure not found. James Morrison (1755–1823), soldier, merchant, and public official, was a na­ tive of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He served as an ensign in the Continen­ tal army, 1778–81. Morrison then settled briefly in Pittsburgh, where he was sheriff of Allegheny County. By 1792 he relo­ cated to Lexington, Kentucky, and began a mercantile business. Governor Isaac Shelby appointed him a state land com­ missioner in 1795. Morrison was elected to represent Fayette County in the Ken­ tucky House of Representatives in 1797, and in the same year President John Adams appointed him federal supervi­ sor of the revenue for the district of Ken­ tucky. TJ subsequently named him a bankruptcy commissioner for the state in 1802, James Madison appointed him as a navy agent in 1809, and by the following year he was an army quartermaster. Mor­

rison later served as president of the Lex­ ington branch of the Bank of the Untited States, and he chaired the Transylvania University Board of Trustees, leaving that institution a large bequest. Henry Clay was a longtime friend and an executor of Morrison’s estate. Morrison died in Wash­ ington, D.C., shortly after successfully pe­ titioning Congress for compensation re­ lated to expenses incurred during his time as quartermaster (Horace Holley, A Dis‑ course occasioned by the death of Col: James Morrison, delivered in the Episcopal Church, Lexington, Kentucky, May 19th, 1823 [Lexington, 1823]; Heitman, Conti‑ nental Army, 403; Washington National Intelligencer, 11 June 1802; JEP, 1:247, 2:120 [26, 27 June 1797, 7 Mar. 1809]; JHR [1820–21 sess.], 181–2 [30 Jan. 1821]; Clay, Papers; PTJ, 37:402, 710, 40:654; Annals, 17th Cong., 2d sess., 255–6 [19 Feb. 1823]; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 24 Apr., 16 July 1823; Frankfort Argus of Western Amer‑ ica, 14 May 1823).

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Richmond. Jan: 9. 1823. I thank you very sincerely for your letter of 28 Dec: and am mor­ tified at the circumstance of my having been the cause of so much trouble to you. I am happy to inform you that our prospects are now very favourable. Every thing is understood, every thing is arranged. Our bill will be introduced in the Committee of Schools & Colleges in a day or two. We ought to have had a select Committee to get rid of enemies, & to expedite, but the Report was committed to the Com­ mittee of Schools & Colleges by a member who knew not our views, & there would be certain difficulties in getting it away from that Com­ mittee. We hope we are strong enough to meet our adversaries at every stage. The Report, I am told, will have a very happy effect. I heard a thing last evening which is very pleasing. In McLenburg, Lunenburg, Brunswick, Greensville, Norfolk, & Essex counties, the University was made a test in the election last spring. The members who voted against us last year, were turned out, or compelled to prom­ ise to vote with us. I have the facts as to the four first counties from Col: Powell of Brunswick, as to Norfolk from Col: Lee, and as to Essex  284 

9 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

Mr

from Hunter. The Institution is gaining greatly to the south & to the east. & indeed every where. Clopton will be elected from the Wmsburg district. The University was made a test on the Henrico Hustings yesterday, & Clopton almost universally voted for. I got Mr Mayo to withdraw. If he had offered, he would greatly have jeopar­ dized mr Clopton’s election. The prints of the University will be bought up rapidly. Ever faithfully yours Jos: C: Cabell. RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); endorsed by TJ as received 12 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. As chairman of the Committee of Schools and Colleges, William C. Rives introduced the bill “concerning the Uni­ versity of Virginia” to the Virginia House

of Delegates on 13 Jan. 1823 (JHD [1822–23 sess.], 117). John B. Clopton was elected to the Senate of Virginia during the 1822–23 session to fill the ­vacant seat of William Browne, who had been appointed chancellor of the Wil­ liamsburg and Fredericksburg districts (Leonard, General Assembly, 316).

Transfer of Jefferson’s Debt to the College of William and Mary I. THOMAS JEFFERSON’S CONVEYANCE OF BEDFORD AND CAMPBELL COUNTY LAND TO THOMAS JEFFERSON RANDOLPH, 9 JAN. 1823 II. THOMAS JEFFERSON RANDOLPH’S DECLARATION OF TRUST FOR BEDFORD AND CAMPBELL COUNTY LAND DEEDED BY THOMAS JEFFERSON, [CA. 9 JAN. 1823]

E D I T O R I A L

N O T E

These two documents begin the process by which Jefferson transferred his indebtedness for $20,000 from the Bank of the United States to the College of William and Mary. Jefferson had incurred this debt by cosigning two notes for Wilson Cary Nicholas just before the latter went bankrupt in 1819. In order to initiate the transactions necessary for the transfer to take place, Jefferson enlisted his grandson Thomas Jefferson Randolph, who was the son‑in‑law of Nicholas as well as one of his executors. Jefferson turned to his property in Bedford and Campbell counties to indemnify his grandson but, as Jefferson explained in a 30 Nov. 1822 letter to William Radford, he did not have clear title to the property he obtained when he wed Martha Wayles Jefferson in 1772, because in the marriage settlement he had agreed that land which entered the union through her dowry would be secure “to her issue.” By deeding the Bedford and Campbell property to Randolph, Jefferson was able to abide by the terms of the agreement while ensuring that Randolph pledged the land to the payment of Jefferson’s debts. Jefferson further stipu­ lated that he was to be refunded anything remaining after the debt was paid. The College of William and Mary used income from loans to private per­ sons to supplement its endowment. Because Nicholas had received one of

 285 

TRANSFER OF JEFFERSON'S DEBT these loans, the college already held a lien on his property at Warren. When it sold those lands, it loaned Randolph $24,705 from the proceeds on 22 Jan. 1823, agreeing that $20,000 of that sum should be used to settle the afore­ mentioned debt to the Bank of the United States. With the execution of the trust declaration printed below, Randolph began a decades‑long effort to ex­ punge the William and Mary debt. Although the loan enabled Randolph to pay off the Bank of the United States, interest continued to accrue on the debt now due to the college. In 1830 Randolph renegotiated the terms by putting up Shadwell as collateral. By 1869 responsibility for the loan rested with Randolph’s namesake son. The younger Randolph died in 1872, as did Randolph himself three years later. By then the debt had only grown, due to years of unpaid principal and interest. When Randolph’s creditors finally sold Shadwell in 1879, William and Mary’s share of the proceeds left the col­ lege with a substantial loss (Bond of Thomas Jefferson Randolph, TJ, and Samuel Carr to the College of William and Mary, 22 Jan. 1823; Ludwell Johnson, “Sharper than a Serpent’s Tooth: Thomas Jefferson and His Alma Mater,” VMHB 99 [1991]: 145–62).

I. Conveyance of Bedford and Campbell County Land to Thomas Jefferson Randolph This Indenture made on the Ninth day of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty three between Thomas Jefferson of the one part and Thomas Jefferson Randolph grandson of the Said Th. Jefferson on the other part both of the County of Albemarle Witnesseth that the Said Thomas Jefferson by Virtue of the power and authority to him given by a deed of Settlement duly executed proved and recorded Concerning the lands herein conveyed and in consideration of the Natural affection which he beareth his Said grandson and of certain Security Ships in which he is bound and may hereafter become bound for the Said Thomas Jefferson hath given granted bargained and Sold to the Said Th. J. Randolph all the lands Which the Said Th: Jeffer­ son holds Whether in his own right or that of his Deceased Wife grandmother of the Said Thomas J Randolph in the Counties of Bed­ ford and Campbell on the head Waters of Black Water and Buffalo Creeks to the East and South of the following lines To Wit Begining at Radfords uper Corner Near the double branchs of Bear Creek and the publick road and running thence in a Straight line to the fork of the private road of the Said Thomas Jefferson Near the Barn thence along that private road (as it Was Changed in 1817—) to its crossing of the Main Branch of North Tomahawk and from that crossing in a  286 

9 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

direct line over the Main bridge Which divides the North and South Tomahawks to the Said South Tomahawk at the confluence of two branches Where the old road to the Waterlick crossed it and from that confluence up the Northermost branch to its Source and thence the Shortest line to his Western boundary Which Said parcel of land Contains by estimation two thousand Seven hundred and Nineteen acres be the Same more or less To Have and To Hold the Said parcel of land With its appurtenances to him the Said Thomas Jefferson Randolph and his heirs1 and the Said Thomas Jefferson his2 heirs executors and administrators the Said parcel of land With its appur­ tenances to him the said Thomas Jefferson Randolph and his heirs Will forever Warrant and defend In Witness Whereof the Said Thomas Jefferson hath hereto Set his hand and Seal on the day and Year first above ­Written Th. Jefferson Seal Signed Sealed & Delivered in Presence of Martin Dawson James R Watson Samuel Carr Albemarle County Sc We Samuel Carr and Martin Dawson Justices of the peace in the County aforesaid in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that Thomas Jefferson a party to a certain deed bearing date on the Ninth day of January 1823. and hereto annexed personally appeared before us in our County aforesaid and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed and desired us to certify the Said acknowledgement to the Clerk of the County Court of Bedford in order that the Said deed may be recorded Given under our hands and seals this ninth day of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty three Samuel Carr Seal Martin Dawson Seal Bedford Clerks Office March 17th 1823 This deed of Gift from Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Jefferson Randolph was certified by two Justices of the peace for the County of Albemarle and admited to Record   Teste Ja Steptoe CBC Tr (Bedford Co. Deed Book, 17:300–1); in left margin between certifications: “Exd & Delivd.” James Richard Watson (ca. 1798–1867) was the son of John Watson, of Milton.

He became an Albemarle County magis­ trate in 1832, rose to major in the local militia, and was a hotel keeper at the Uni­ versity of Virginia from at least 1848 to 1856. Watson owned six slaves in 1830, eleven in 1840, eighteen in 1850, and nine

 287 

TRANSFER OF JEFFERSON'S DEBT in 1860, when his real estate was valued at $20,000 and his personal property at $5,000 (Woods, Albemarle, 339, 378, 405; DNA: RG 29, CS, Albemarle Co., 1830–60, 1850, 1860 slave schedules; Rich‑ mond Enquirer, 8 Dec. 1832; Catalogue of the University of Virginia [1848–49 sess.]; [1855–56 sess.]).

 For the 1817 change in the private road, see editorial note and group of documents on Survey of Poplar Forest Boundaries, printed above at 27 Nov. 1817. sc: abbreviation for “scilicet.” cbc: “Clerk of Bedford County.” 1 Clerk

here canceled “executors.” “his his.”

2 Manuscript

II. Thomas Jefferson Randolph’s Declaration of Trust for Bedford and Campbell County Land Deeded by Thomas Jefferson

[ca. 9 Jan. 1823]

To all whom this present Declaration of trust, indented & sealed, may concern, Thomas Jefferson Randolph of Albemarle sendeth greeting. Know Ye that Thomas Jefferson of Monticello in the same county being bound to the bank of the US. as security for a debt1 of 20..D. due from the late W. C. Nicholas, for which the sd Th:J.R. is joint security (but on express covenant that he the sd Th:J. shall indem­ nify the sd Th:J.R. & save him from all loss thereby), and the sd Th:J. being desirous to obtain a loan or loans of money for payment of the sd debt as well as some debts of his own on terms more conve­ nient than those of the sd bank, and supposing that to effect this an hypothecation of lands may be required by the lender or lenders as a security, Now Know Ye that the said Th:J. confiding in me as his agent & trustee hath by deed bearing date the 9th day of Jan. in this same year 18232 bargained and sold to me in terms purporting to convey a feesimple, and without any expression that it is in trust only & for his own and sole uses the following parcel of land on the head­ waters of Blackwater & Buffalo creeks in the counties of Bedford & Campbell to the East & South of the following lines to wit Beginning at Radford’s upper corner near the Double branches of Bear creek and the public road, and running thence in a straight line to the fork of the private road of the sd Th:J. near the barn, thence along that private road [as it was changed in 1817] to it’s crossing of the main branch of N. Tomahawk, and from that crossing in a direct line over the main ridge which divides the N. & S. Tomahawks to the sd S.  288 

9 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

Tomahawk, at the confluence of two branches where the old road to the Waterlick crossed it, and from that confluence3 up the Norther­ most branch to it’s source, and thence the shortest line to his Western boundary, which sd parcel of land contains by estimation 2719. as be the same more or less.4 Now therefore to make known all the premisses with truth & good faith I the sd Th:J.R., subscriber to this deed do for my self, my heirs exrs & admrs hereby solemnly acknolege & Declare that the convey­ ance as aforesd of Jan. 9.5 hath been made to me in trust for the pur­ poses aforesd, that is to say, (saving the rights of the sd bank of the US. in the 956. as of the premisses conveyed to them by prior deed for securing the same debt of 20..D.) to hypothecate the whole or any part thereof which may be necessary for any loans of money which I may be able to obtain for the sd Th:J. & to sell the same accdng to such hypothecation should it become necessary, and after securing myself against the securityship aforesd for the sd W. C. Nicholas, and all other securityships which I have heretofore entered into, or may hereafter enter into for the sd Th:J. to reconvey the whole or so much of the premisses as may remain discharged of it’s incumbrances aforesd,6 to the sd Th:J. or such person or persons as he may, accord­ ing to the powers vested in him allot or assign the same, and that in the mean time, and untill the premisses or any part of them shall have been actually and lawfully sold, the seisin7 possession, use, and per­ nancy of profits shall rest with him as heretofore, and as if the sd con­ veyance of Jan. 9. had never been made. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this day of   1823 Dft (MHi); in TJ’s hand; brackets in original. The prior deed is the Deed of Trust of Bedford County Land to Andrew ­Stevenson and Bernard Peyton, 15 Sept. 1819, document 4 in a group of docu­ ments on Jefferson’s Mortgage of Bedford County Land, 15 Sept. 1819. pernancy: “A taking or reception, as of the profits of an estate” (Black’s Law Dictionary).

1

 Word interlined in place of “sum.”  Text from “by deed” to this point interlined. 3  Manuscript: “conflunce.” 4 TJ here ends the narrow‑column for­ mat typical of his drafts. 5 Manuscript: “Jan. 10.” 6 Preceding two words interlined in place of “hypothecation.” 7 Word interlined. 2

 289 

From Samuel Wydown Dear sir Charlottsville Jany 9th 1823 Some months ago my daughter delivered to me your kind invita­ tion to make your hospitable mansion my home while supplying the office of Mr Hatch It was my sincere intention Sir to have thanked you in person and it has often given me pain that I did not so I am also indebted to Mrs Randolph & the ladies for their very kind atten­ tions to my dear children I hope you are getting over the painful ac­ cident you have suffered Permit me Sir to wish you every blessing and believe to be   Your much obliged servant &c S Wydown RC (MHi); at foot of text: “Thos Jefferson Esqr”; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Weydown S.” received 10 Jan. 1823, but recorded in SJL as received a day earlier. Samuel Wydown (d. 1823), merchant and clergyman, was a native of England. He was ordained and became pastor of an independent Nonconformist church in the city of York in 1797. Wydown left this post by 1799 and evidently engaged in mercantile activity on the continent, pos­ sibly around Antwerp, before immigrat­ ing to the United States. In December 1805 he filed for citizenship in Baltimore, and by 1807 he was working as a mer­ chant there. An ordained Baptist minis­ ter by 1809, Wydown successively served congregations in Woburn and Malden, Massachusetts, and in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1817 he applied to the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church in Newport for testimonials to be used in obtaining orders in that denomination. After an initially favorable report, Wydown’s ap­ plication was rejected the following year due to questions about his character. Nev­ ertheless, the Episcopal bishop of Vir­ ginia, Richard Channing Moore, ordained Wydown as a deacon in 1818 and a priest in 1820, by which time he was serving Saint Martin’s Parish in Hanover County. He died in Albemarle County (An Intro‑ ductory Discourse, by Joseph Cockin .  .  . April 18, 1797, at the Public Separation of Samuel Wydown, to the Pastoral Office,

in the Independent Church, Jubber‑Gate, York [Leeds, (1797)]; William Ellerby and James Pigott Pritchett, A History of the Nonconformist Churches of York, ed. Edward Royle [1993], 25, 27–8; Chris‑ tian Witness, and Church Member’s Mag‑ azine 4 [1847]: 582; Madison, Papers, Sec. of State Ser., 6:35; DNA: RG 21, NPM; James McHenry, Baltimore Directory, and Citizens’ Register, for 1807 [(Baltimore, 1807)], 136; Minutes of the Warren Asso‑ ciation, held at the Baptist Meeting‑House in Haverhill, Sept. 12th and 13th, 1809 [Boston, 1809], 4; Minutes of the War‑ ren Association, held at the First Baptist Meeting‑House in Providence, Sept. 11th and 12th [Boston, 1810], 3; D. Hamilton Hurd, History of Middlesex County, Mas‑ sachusetts [1890], 3:514; John Overton Choules, A Sermon, Preached November 26, 1829, being the Day of Thanksgiving; containing A History of the origin and growth of the Second Baptist Church in Newport, (R.I.) [1830], 17; George Cham­ plin Mason, Annals of Trinity Church, Newport, Rhode Island. 1698–1821 [1890], 318; George Burgess, List of Persons ad‑ mitted to the Order of Deacons in the Prot‑ estant Episcopal Church, in the United States of America, From A.D. 1785, to A.D. 1857 [1874], 10; Journal of the Pro‑ ceedings of the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church [1820]: 94; Christian Journal and Literary Regis‑ ter 7 [1823]: 255; Richmond Enquirer, 4 Mar. 1823).

 290 

From James Barbour Dear Sir Washington Jany 11t 23 The enclosed essays were written for the Enquirer in which they appeared—The partiality of a few here, who read them, determined to give them a more permanent shape—The object cannot fail to have obtained your approbation—What has been the writers success it is for others to decide—He is anxious to submit them to your perusal— I offer to you assurances of my profound respect James Barbour RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ as received 17 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosures not found.

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir Monticello Jan. 11. 23. I recollect that when at Lynchburg I proposed to mr Gorman to come and engage in our service at the University. I observed to him that there being no buildings as yet or accomodations for workmen, he could have the use of one of the dormitories for awhile. I do not remember1 that I specified any particular term, and suppose I did not. an indefinite understanding of that kind2 I should think therefore might be fairly settled at a year, and that he should be free of rent for that term. accept my friendly salutations. Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); at foot of text: “Mr Brockenbrough”; endorsed by Brocken­ brough, in part, as “respecting J. Gor­ man.” Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of a reused address cover from Daniel Brent to TJ; endorsed by TJ.

1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “recollect.” 2 Sentence to this point reworked in Dft from “that being left indefinite.”

To Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir Monticello. Jan. 13. 23. Your’s of the 9th is quite reviving. you say that as soon as the bill has past, yourself and colleagues will come up to a special meeting. this will be indispensable, because our workmen will be obliged to be looking out for other work for the ensuing1 season, if their employ­ ment here is not soon2 decided on. but observe that to make a special  291 

1 3 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

call legal, reasonable notice must be given to all the visitors. as soon therefore as the bill has passed the lower house (as I suppose we may rely on the Senate) yourself, mr Johnson, mr Loyall, may sign a spe­ cial call, and send a copy by mail3 to mr Madison, Genl Breckenridge, Genl Cocke & myself each, fixing a day of meeting within such term as the proceeding of the Senate may require, and not less than a fort­ night. the object of the meeting will be to authorise the commence­ ment of the building, and to talk over4 some ulterior measures,5 which however cannot be finally concluded till April.—mr Dawson tells me we must not commit ourselves too strongly as to the amount of our debts, as stated in my letter to the Literary board. further investiga­ tions incline him to apprehend6 they will be sensibly more than the Proctor authorised me to say;7 there being yet some large accounts to settle.—it would be well if you would always send me8 a copy of the printed report9 for the more convenient use of the board.—with re­ spect to the claims of the local academies, I would10 make no compro­ mise. the 2d grade must not be confounded with the first, nor treated of in the same chapter.11 the present funds are not sufficient for all the three grades. the 1st and 3d are most important to be first brought into action.12 when they are properly provided for, and the funds suffi­ ciently enlarged,13 the middle establishment should be taken up sys­ tematically. in the mean time it may more conveniently than either of the others be left to private enterprise; 1. because there is a good num­ ber of classical schools now existing, and 2. because their students are universally sons of parents who can afford to pay for their education. I am glad to see that mr Rives has taken up the subject of Primary schools. the present plan being evidently inefficient,14 we should take the lead in a new one,15 and become equally their patrons as of the University. the hostile attitude into which we have been brought ap­ parently is equally impolitic and unuseful.16 were it necessary to give up either the Primaries or the University, I would rather abandon the last. because it is safer17 to have a whole people respectably enlight­ ened, than a few in a high state of science and the many in ignorance. this last is the most dangerous state in which a nation can be. the nations and governments of Europe are so many proofs of it. affec­ tionately yours Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); addressed: “Joseph C. Cabell esq. of the Senate of Virginia now in Richmond”; franked; postmarked Char­ lottesville, 14 Jan.; endorsed by Cabell. Dft (DLC); on top half of address cover of John Barnes to TJ, 5 Oct. 1821; en­ dorsed by TJ.

For William C. Rives and primary schools, see TJ to Rives, 13 Jan. 1823, and note. 1 Word

2 Word

 292 

interlined in Dft. interlined in Dft.

1 3 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3  3 Preceding

four words interlined in Dft in place of “it.” 4 Reworked in Dft from “to take into considn.” 5  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft. 6  Word interlined in Dft in place of “suspect.” 7  Preceding four words interlined in Dft in place of “supposed.” 8 Word interlined in Dft. 9  Dft here adds “and documts.” 10  Preceding two words interlined in Dft.

 11 Preceding seven words interlined in Dft. 12 Preceding six words interlined in Dft. 13 Reworked in Dft from “and sfft funds provided.” 14  Word interlined in Dft in place of “abortive.” 15 Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “that.” 16 Reworked in Dft from “and unjust.” 17  Word interlined in Dft in place of “better.”

To William C. Rives Dear Sir Monticello Jan. 13. 23. I am rejoiced to see you have taken up the subject of Primary schools. I consider them equally interesting, perhaps more so than the University. it is impossible the legislature can consent longer to throw away the public money on so desperate a plan as the present.1 I recieved yesterday from Kentucky the most able report on that sub­ ject which we have ever seen. I inclose it to you in the hope you will get the legislature to print it for the use of their members. it is rich in facts and principles, and it’s reasoning is irresistable. I think you will find the Massachusets plan the most simple, and most easily accomo­ dated to our circumstances. indeed it differs from the bill I originally gave mr Cabell on this subject no further2 than local circumstances required,3 and particularly in the substitution of specific for pecuni­ ary contributions. you will find in that bill some provisions which you may think proper to introduce into the new system to be proposed. it is laid on the same basis as that of Massachusets, a division into what they call Townships, but I would call by the more orthodox name of Wards. this will be the entering wedge of incalculable good.4 God bless you, and give you success in this most important of all ­undertakings. Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Rives Papers); at foot of text: “Mr Rives”; endorsed by Rives. Dft (DLC); on recto of bottom half of reused address cover of John Barnes to TJ, 5 Oct. 1821; damaged at seal; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure described at William T. Barry to TJ, 24 Dec. 1822. On 7 Jan. 1823 Rives, as chairman of the Committee of Schools and Colleges

of the Virginia House of Delegates, in­ troduced a motion regarding primary schools. It called for the president and directors of the Literary Fund to be “re­ quested, from such information as they possess and can procure, to report to this house, a statement of the accounts of the school commissioners of each county and corporation with the literary fund; shew­ ing the number of children educated in

 293 

1 3 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3 each, in every year—at what expense, to­ gether with the number of school commis­ sioners, and their charges for their ex­ penses: and the sums drawn in each year from the literary fund. Stating also, what counties and corporations if any, have failed to make the annual returns required by law—and how far, it appears from the reports received, that the present appro­ priation for primary schools is sufficient for the purpose of primary education of indigent children; and to what extent, if any, the said appropriation ought to be increased” (Richmond Enquirer, 9 Jan. 1823; also printed in JHD [1822–23 sess.], 105–6). The enclosed report summarized the massachusets plan, which included the division of that state into townships and

further into school districts based on pop­ ulation density; called for the levying of an ad valorem property tax in each town­ ship for the support of schools; and des­ ignated the responsibilities of the district trustees, the schedule for school sessions, and the amount of teachers’ wages (Re‑ port of the Kentucky Commissioners, 6–7). The bill i originally gave mr cab‑ ell on this subject was TJ’s Bill for Establishing Elementary Schools, [ca. 9 Sept. 1817]. 1  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 2  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 3  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft. 4  Sentence interlined in Dft.

From Ennion Williams Respected Friend Richmond 1st mo. 13th 1823 Being desirous of promoting the Interest of the University, I called upon our friend Bernard Peyton for one of the ground Plans of the University of Virginia; which I have colourd in such a manner as at a Glance, the various Gardens, Yards, Lawns and Buildings can be dis­ tinguish’d; to which are added the Elevations of the Rotunda, the Pa­ vilions and Hotels, adjoining their respective ground Plans, together with that perspective view, which thee preferred; it is placed on the upper part of the print, and above it is written in large conspicuous roman Letters The University of Virginia, and in smaller print, its Situation & distance from Charlottesville & from Richmond, there are also added the Dimensions of the Rotunda, the Pavilions, the Hotels, the Dormitories, the Streets, the Lawn, the Gardens, the whole length & breadth occupied, and the quantity of Land containd; including all the Information on it, that appeared to be necessary to explain the whole; so that Persons who have not seen the Institution may readily comprehend the Plan of it—It has for several days past been suspended, (framed & glazed,) in the Lobby, so that the Members of the Legis­ lature and others might have an opportunity of examining it— Our friend Peyton & others have express’d their satisfaction, with the Ingenuity and Utility of my Arrangement—I am of opinion that the Legislature will grant liberally for the Purpose of compleating the University—  294 

1 5 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

 Several Misrepresentations have been circulated1 among the Mem‑ bers of the Legislature, which a view and explanation of my coloured print will remove—I wish to spread the Print as extensively as prac‑ ticable, and have thought of the following plan, that is, 1st To pur‑ chase at first Cost of the Rector and Visitors, the Copper‑Plate en‑ graved by Maverick, with the print; 2nd then at my expense to have added to that Plate, certain additions similar to those I have added to the Print; 3rd then to have a part of them neatly coloured, and offered for Sale at moderate Prices; and distributed among the Book Sellers of several States— Please to favor me with thy opinion of my Proposal, by an early Mail— Please present my best Respects to the individuals of thy family and accept of my Wishes for the recovery of thy wounded arm, and for the Continuance of thy health & happiness— I am very respectfully Thy Friend Ennion Williams RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 18 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in

SJL; with FC of TJ to Williams, 19 Jan. 1823, beneath signature. 1

 Word interlined in place of “found.”

From Lewis Brantz Sir. Baltimore 15th January 1823. r M F R. Hassler, late astronomer to the commissioners on the part of the United States under the Treaty of Ghent for establishing the Northeren Boundary, is desirous of becoming a Candidate for the, now vacant, office of Engineer of Public Works in Virginia.   His remote retirement in the State of New York, prevented his being in‑ formed in time to make a regular application and prepare the requi‑ site Testimonials. his letter to me of 20th December last, has autho‑ rized me, in Case the shortness of the Time shou’d make it necessary, to make the Tender of his Services in his Name to the President and Directors of the Public Works in Virginia, and I have accordingly done so. To secure the desired attention of the Board to this application, it will be proper to accompany it with such Testimonials as will merit their attention, and as the Time will permit to procure. Mr Hassler was for some Time Professor of Mathematic and the Physical Sciences in the Military Academy at West Point, he was then sent by the Government of the united States to Europe to procure the  295 

1 5 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

Instruments, now at Washington for a National Observatory, after­ which he was employed in the Triangulation of the Coast, and lastly on the Northeren Boundary. If Mr Hassler did not become known to you, during your adminis­ tration, I have no doubt, from the Interest you have always taken in Science, that subsequently he came within your Notice, and that you know how he has acquitted himself in the Situations above stated. If you have any knowledge which you think entitles Mr Hassler to a favorable opinion of the board, it will be serving a worthy Individ­ ual, and the cause of science generally, by calling his emminent1 Tal­ ents into Action, if you wou’d have goodness to adress to the Board of Public works a short Testimonial to that Effect. The Board meets on the 20th of this Month and will probably soon afterwards proceed to an appointment. I have adressed similar requests to some of the members of the present administration, who cannot fail to form a just estimate of Mr Hasslers merits, by their own knowledge. Your wellknown Love for Science and your just Influence in Vir­ ginia has induced me to make this appeal to you, which I beg you will excuse from a Person unknown to you. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Servant Lewis Brantz. RC (Vi: RG 57, Applications for Po­ sition of Principal Engineer); dateline adjacent to closing; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqre Monticello Albermarle C ty Va”; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked Baltimore, 15 Jan.; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Brant Lewis” received 20

Jan. 1823 and so recorded (with TJ’s ad­ ditional bracketed notation: “Haessler”) in SJL. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 21 Jan. 1823. 1

 Manuscript: “emminen.”

From James Madison Dear Sir Montpellier [Jan.] 15. 1823 I have duly received yours of the 6th with the letters of Mr Cabell, Mr Gerry, and Judge Johnson. The letter from Mr C. proposing an Extra Meeting of the Visitors, & referred to in yours was not sent, and of course is not among those returned. The friends of the University in the Assembly seem to have a deli­ cate task on their hands. They have the best means of knowing1 what is best to be done, and I have entire confidence in their judgment as well as their good2 intentions. The idea of Mr Cabell, if successful will close the business handsomely. One of the most popular objections to  296 

1 5 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

the Institution, I find is the expence added by what is called the or­ namental style of the Architecture. Were this additional expence as great as is supposed, the objection ought the less to be regarded as it is short of the sum saved to the public by the private subscribers who approve of such an application of their subscriptions. I shall not fail to join you on receiving the expected notice from Mr Cabell, if the weather & my health will permit: but I am persuaded it will be a supernumerary attendance, if the money be obtained, and the sole question be on its application to the new Edifice. The two letters from Mr Gerry are valuable documents on a subject that will3 fill some interesting pages in our history. The disposition of a party among us4 to find a cause of rupture with France,5 and to kindle a popular flame for the occasion, will go to posterity6 with too many proofs to leave a doubt with them. I have not looked over Mr Gerry’s letters to me which are very numerous, but may be7 of dates not connected with the period in question. No resort has been had to them for materials for8 his biography, perhaps from an idea that his correspondence with me may contain nothing of importance; or pos­ sibly from a displeasure in the family, at my disappointing the expec­ tations of two of them. Mr Austin the son in law was anxious to be made Comptroller9 instead of Anderson, who had been a revolution­ ary officer, a Judge in Tennessee, and a Senator from that State in Congress; and with equal pretensions only had in his scale the turn­ ing weight of being from the West, which considers itself without a fair proportion of national appointments. Mr Austin I believe a man of very respectable talents, & had erroneously10 inferred from Mr Gerry’s communications, that I was under a pledge to name him for the va­ cancy when it should happen. Thinking himself thus doubly entitled to the office, his alienation has been the more decided. with every pre­ disposition in favor of young Gerry, he was represented to me from the most friendly quarters as such a dolt, that if his youth could have been got over, it was impossible to prefer him to the place (in the Customs) to which he aspired. I11 believe that some peculiarities in his manner led to an exaggeration of his deficiences, and that he ac­ quits himself well eno’ in the subordinate place he now holds. Judge Johnson’s letter was well entitled to the perusal you recom­ mended. I am glad you have put him in possession of such just views of the course that ought to be pursued by the Court in delivering its opinions. I have taken frequent occasions to impress the necessity of the seriatim mode; but the contrary practice is too deeply rooted to be changed without the injunction of a law, or some very cogent mani­ festation of the public discontent. I have long thought with the Judge  297 

1 5 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

also that the Supreme Court ought to be relieved from its circuit du­ ties, by some such organization as he suggests. The necessity of it is now rendered obvious12 by the impossibility, in the same individual, of being a circuit Judge in Missouri &c. and a Judge of the Supreme Court at the Seat of Government. He is under a mistake in charging, on the Executive at least, an inattention to this point. Before I left Washington I recommended to Congress the importance of establish­ ing the Supreme Court13 at the Seat of Govt which would at once14 enable the Judges to go thro’ the business, & to qualify themselves by the necessary studies for doing so, with justice to themselves & credit15 to the nation. The reduction of the number of Judges would also be an improvement, & might be conveniently effected in the way pointed out. It cannot be denied that there are advantages in uniting the local & general functions in the same persons if permitted by the extent of the Country. But if this were ever the case, our expanding settlements put an end to it. The organization of the Judiciary16 De­ partment over the extent which a Federal System can reach involves peculiar difficulties. There is scarcely a limit to the distance which Turnpikes & Steamboats may, at the public expence, convey the mem­ bers of the Govt & distribute the laws. But the delays & expence of suits brought from the extremities of the Empire, must be a severe burden on Individuals. And in proportion as this is diminished by giving to local Tribunals a final jurisdiction, the evil17 is incurred of destroying the uniformity of the law. I hope you will find an occasion for correcting the error of the Judge in supposing that I am at work on the same ground as will be occu­ pied by his historical view of parties, and for animating18 him to the completion of what he has begun on that subject. Nothing less than full‑length likenesses19 of the two great parties which have figured in the national politics will sufficiently expose the deceptive colours under which they have been painted. It appears that he has already collected materials, & I infer from your accts of his biography of Green which I have not yet seen, that he is capable20 of making the proper use of them. A good work on the side of truth from his pen will be an21 apt & effective antidote to that of his Colleague22 which has been poison­ ing the public mind, & gaining a passport to posterity. I was afraid the Docr was too sanguine in promising so early a cure of the fracture in your arm. The milder weather soon to be looked for, will doubtless favor23 the vis medicatrix which nature employs in re­ pairing the injuries done her. Health & every other happiness James Madison  298 

1 5 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3  RC (DLC: Madison Papers); partially dated; at foot of text: “Mr Jefferson”; en­ dorsed by TJ as a letter of 15 Jan. 1823 received four days later and so recorded in SJL. Dft (DLC: Madison Papers, Rives Collection); dated 5 Jan. 1823; lacking closing and signature. Enclosures: enclo­ sures to TJ to Madison, 6 Jan. 1823. Following the death of his namesake father, young gerry (Elbridge Gerry [1793–1867]) requested a federal appoint­ ment from Madison (Madison, Papers, Pres. Ser., 8:419–20). deficiences is an obsolete form of “deficiencies” (OED). In his final Annual Message, 3 Dec. 1816, Madison recommended to con‑ gress “a remodification of the judiciary establishment,” noting that it was “called for by the accruing business, which nec­ essarily swells the duties of the Federal Courts; and by the great and widening space, within which justice is to be dis­ pensed by them. The time Seems to have arrived, which claims for members of the Supreme court, a releif from itenerary fa­ tigues, incompatible as well with the age which a portion of them will always have attained, as with the researches and prep­ arations which are due to their Stations, and to the juridical reputation of their country. And considerations equally co­ gent, require a more convenient organiza­ tion of the Subordinate Tribunals, which may be accomplished without an objec­ tionable increase of the number or expence of the Judges” (Madison, Papers, Pres. Ser., 11:536). William Johnson’s colleague on the United States Supreme Court was John Marshall, whose Life of George Washing‑

ton was thought by TJ and Madison to be poisoning the public mind. The docr was Thomas G. Watkins. 1 Preceding six words interlined in Dft in place of “are the best judges of.” 2 Word interlined in Dft. 3 Dft: “must.” 4 Preceding five words interlined in Dft. 5 Dft: “Revolutionary France.” 6 RC and Dft: “posperity.” 7  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “are probably.” 8  Sentence to this point interlined in Dft in place of illegible phrase. 9   RC: “Comptrouller.” Dft: “Comptroller.” 10  Word underscored in Dft. 11  Dft here adds “have reason to.” 12  Word interlined in Dft in place of “essential.” 13  Reworked in Dft from “of making the Supreme Court Stationary.” 14  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “alone.” 15  Word interlined in Dft. 16  RC: “Judiary.” Dft: “Judiciary.” 17  Word interlined in Dft in place of “danger.” 18  Word interlined in Dft in place of “stimulating.” 19  Reworked from “than a full‑length portrait” in Dft. 20  Dft: “very capable.” 21  Word interlined in Dft in place of “a very.” 22  Word interlined in Dft in place of “Judicial brother.” 23  Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “may be expected to.” 

 299 

Thomas Jefferson Randolph and Thomas Jefferson to the President and Directors of the Richmond Branch of the Bank of the United States Gentlemen Richmond Jany 15 1823 We are about to make arrangements for the discharge of the debt of W. C Nicholas, decd to your Bank for $20,000. accrued by Th Jefferson and Th. J. Randolph. in the following manner. viz. an1 amt exceeding one fourth of the principal. to be paid in a few days, a sum not less than two fourth more to be paid in December 1823. the re­ maining fourth to be discharged in december 1824.   The inter­ est which is now due it may be desirable to have put upon the footing of a negotiable note.—we ask your approbation & assent2 of the times & sums proposed to be paid respectfully Th: J. Randolph for himself and for  Th. Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); entirely in Randolph’s hand; between dateline and salutation: “To The President & directors of the office of discount and deposit of the Bank of the U. States Richmond”; addressed: “The President & Directors of the Bank of the U.S. Richmond.” Not recorded in SJL.

A missing letter from Thomas Jeffer­ son Randolph to TJ, 16 Jan. 1823, is re­ corded in SJL as received 21 Jan. 1823 from Richmond. 1 Manuscript: 2 Preceding

“and.” two words interlined.

From Patrick Gibson Dear Sir Richmond 17th Jany 1823 By means of your friendly aid my Son Alexander is now on board the Shark, Captain Perry from whose report I hope he may in due time obtain his warrant and trust that he may do credit to your rec­ ommendation by maintaining the honor of his Country—Your ready compliance with every former request makes me I fear presume too far, but you will pardon me if I do My Son Henry who had the plea­ sure of passing a short time with you in an attempt to benefit me has been practising the law, in this place, but as might be expected, where there are so many eminent men at the bar, he finds but little to do and is desirous of trying his fortune in the Western Country for which purpose he wishes to procure the office of a member of the Executive  300 

17 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

Council of Pensacola should there be any vacancy at present or when­ soever one may take place—I have therefore again to beg (should there be no impropriety in the request)1 that you will aid me with your influence with the President in the attainment of this object—Accept the assurance of my Respect Patrick Gibson RC (DLC); between dateline and sal­ utation: “Thomas Jefferson Esqre”; en­ dorsed by TJ as received 28 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

1 Comma editorially changed to closing parenthesis.

From Jesse B. Harrison Harvard University at Cambridge; Sir  January 17. ’23. It is with considerable hesitation that I venture to intrude upon your retirement and although my name may be strange to you yet I hope you will pardon me when I inform you that I had the honour of waiting on you at Poplar forest in October 1821 for the purpose of requesting a letter of introduction to some gentleman in Boston pre­ vious to my departure from Virginia to join the Law School here. You were at that time kind enough to give me a letter to Professor Ticknor for which allow me, sir, here to tender my sincere thanks as much for the honour you did me, as for the opportunity thus afforded me of becoming well acquainted with Mr Ticknor an accomplished scholar and gentleman. One of the first circumstances that strike the visitor from the South, is the severity of the climate the effects of which I am even now expe­ riencing. It is perhaps not greater than might be expected compared with our own; but there is a singularity attending it; which is, the difference between the cold of this latitude in America and Europe, a point which you well know, sir, has engaged the attention of the learned. Boston is nearly in the same latitude with Rome and yet how vast the difference! while in the former during the course of five or six months the fiercest winds are blowing, the ground continually cov­ ered with snow and the rivers blocked up with ice, in the latter the sky is serene, the air mild and pleasant and snow and ice as rare and un­ expected as they are disagreeable. The same remark holds of the cli­ mate of Spain, and France in the southern provinces; this is certainly a circumstance worthy of reflection inasmuch as it is an exception to a general rule, that points equally removed from the equator enjoy the same mean temperature; an exception too that prevails over one whole hemisphere compared with the other. It is true, we can attribute the  301 

17 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

varieties of climate to no cause but the sun; but we are prevented from forming any general rules upon this head by the many accidental cir­ cumstances that interfere, such as the inequality of the earths surface, the situation of countries with regard to the ocean, exposure to winds and the like, and after all such is the distance of the sun from us at all times, that we can hardly suppose its effects on two places ten degrees apart to be very different or that other, and adventitious causes do not regulate the climate almost entirely. The change too in the old world since the classical days of Greece and Rome remains yet to be fully accounted for; southern Europe seems within two thousand years to have advanced from a state of winter to that of continual spring and a poet might imagine that winter had “called his ruffian blasts,” and retreated into the Scandinavian regions. The traveller that walks over the flowery plains of Italy will find that the rigours of their winter lives only in the song of their former poets; the intense cold that so affected the Roman soldiers in Spain can be proven only by the au­ thority of history; the Danube is no longer frozen over so as to permit heavy waggons to cross it as it did in the incursions of the Goths and the reindeer and elk no longer inhabit the German forests. It is not enough to say that the clearing the immense forests and settlement of desert and uncultivated places have wrought this change as I humbly conceive, sir; numerous other causes have been employed. Harvard University is in a most flourishing state at present; the number and learning of its professors but particularly the extent of its library deservedly give it the first place among our institutions. It is impossible to say how many colleges we have in our country, all how­ ever not equal to more than one large foreign University. Having our Colleges thus scattered over the land in every neighbourhood almost, certainly weakens the effect that might be produced by a more united establishment; it prevents the great accumulation of books that would be the result of concentrated force and the existence of those large liter­ ary bodies of men who reside in the Universities abroad and whose researches and writings constitute the instruction and glory of their respective country; yet the situation of our republic, the absence of united opinions at the beginning as well as that sort of convenience that strikes us at the first view but disappears when we look a second time, will all prevent our soon having any great seminaries—indeed it is probable that our scholars are taught in these seperate colleges, almost as well as in more erudite institutions, for nothing but the ele­ ments of learning are required in a University education at any time; profound scholars such as are to raise the name of their country to unfold the page of philosophy and the works of the mighty dead can  302 

17 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

only be formed except occasionally in the walls of the longstanding, venerable temples where literature is sole mistress. Our system will diffuse general intelligence thro’ society but I fear, sir, that we may not expect many scholars who will soon give us a name in that depart­ ment of human grandeur in which alone we are deficient, in learning. Harvard is advancing fast towards the desired standard. Nor shall it be said that Virginia with all its pride of statesmen and warriors is wanting in this glorious point. We begin late perhaps but we begin in the broad daylight of science, when our own experience is not neces­ sary to teach us dearly, the right mode of instruction but all is known. Our university need have no infancy of imbecillity and ignorance but will spring forth like Pallas full grown. The Universities of Paris and Oxford may perhaps date from Charlemagne and Alfred, but while we shall lose the advantages of their long establishment we shall also be free from the absurd, scholastic method of teaching that is not even now entirely abandoned. Virginia expects this because the same head and heart that directed the national glory are concerned in rais­ ing her temple of Science. It is a remarkable fact that the march of arts and arms has been in an almost due westerly line, and we may trace the empire of the As­ syrians, Persians, Greeks and Romans on the map lying in that direc­ tion. The supremacy in modern Europe has not been so marked as in ancient times when only one of the above empires existed at once, but the fact has rather received confirmation than otherwise from modern history; America lies still farther west and shall we not hope that the star in its motion thro’ the circle of destiny will shine on us too? If we be not a great people, nevertheless, we may not accuse fate, “the fault, dear Brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings.” But, sir, I am afraid your patience is exhausted and you have ere this withdrawn the pardon, which I hope you granted me in the first part of my letter. Forgive my presumption and allow me to sign myself your much obliged and very humble sert Jesse B. Harrison  of Lynchburg. RC (DLC); addressed: “Thomas Jeffer­­son Esq. Monticello, Albemarle, Vir­ ginia”; stamp canceled; franked; post­ marked Cambridge, 21 Jan.; endorsed by TJ as received 30 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. James Thomson described winter call­ ing off his ruffian blasts in his poem

entitled Spring (London, 1728), 2. pal‑ las Athena was a Greek goddess said to have emerged fully grown from the fore­ head of Zeus (OCD, 201–2, 1101). the fault, dear brutus .  .  . that we are underlings comes from William Shake­ speare, Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2.

 303 

From Robert Smith (printer) Sir Greensburgh January 17th 1823 you must know that in the year 1800 the 17th day of May I left Philadellphia, to go on election for you—at Annopolis. I put a card in Mr Greens paper at Annopolis which brought Judge Duwal to ad­ dress a number essays which was inserted in all the papers through the United States—I have got in years and shall thank1 you to trans­ mit by Mail to me at Harrisburgh Pa ten2 or twenty dollars to Robert3 Smith printer which will be rememberd You must know I station myself 4 at Pititsburgh in the5 year 1810 to look over the interest of the United States and I contributed all I could to the capture of the two British fleets on the Lakes Robert Smith printer P.S I expect to be in Harrisburgh about two week or more you will See that I am still striving to promote the high interests which all men should do to promote happiness and peace of the people of the United States The confusion ocasion by having so many banks has put the people on their beam ends that there is little money in circulation RC (DLC); addressed: “Thomas Jeffer­ son Esq. Charlottsville Va”; postmarked Greensburg, 17 Jan.; endorsed by TJ as received 28 Jan. 1823 from “Greensboro’” and so recorded in SJL. mr greens: Frederick Green and Samuel Green. judge duwal: Gabriel Duvall. beam ends: literally, to have the ends of a ship’s beams touching the water,

“so that the vessel lies on its side in im­ minent danger of capsizing.” Figuratively, “to be quite laid aside, utterly at a loss, hard up” (OED). 1 Manuscript:

“than.” from “five.” “Robeert.” 4 Manuscript: “my mysef.” 5 Manuscript: “the the.” 2 Reworked

3 Manuscript:

From Hugh White (of Pennsylvania) and John R. Shannon Claudy Hill Jany 18th,1 1823— Sir Beaver County pensylvania Considering the present moment one of the most Important the World has unfolded; We allude To the “Holy League” 2 (falsely So Calld,) Being proved so, by the Stoical Indifferance Which they Behold the unequal Combat Between Light & Darkness good & Evil, Maintained Between the immortal ‘Heroes of the East,’ (The greek Nation) & the infernal followers of the false prophet: (the3 Barbarian “Legiti­  304 

1 8 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

mater”) The present moment is Certainly an Auspicious one To form a Grand Convention of the modern “heroes of the West” all the South­ ern New Born Sons of Liberty; & A Special Ambassador from the united (States)4 “Northern Republic” (accompanyid by an Elected Deputy ambassador from Each State in the union) this Would be the First Real union of the immense Collumbian Nation: The Rallying point, the “City of Refuge” first Champion on the Stage: in the grand Combat, that Will Finally fix & Establish the meliniom: (& Con­ sumate the Bliss of unborn millions on Earth);5 & no doubt add mech To their Eternal Enjoyments in other unseen Worlds: The leingth & Obstinacy of the Combat, Has Roused the ‘prostrate’ spectators, (& the Slaves in their Chains) & provid no individual has a Right To determine the fate of A multitude: A Grand Convention (or ‘pallavar’) could not fail To prostrate the fanatic & dotard plans of the unfeeling Despots of urope: (awaken­ ing) you Sir have the Honour of Being one of the Immortal founders & finishers of the Temple & ark of Liberty (in the West) it now Can be Rested on the Cloudless6 Summit of (the Western ‘Ararat’) the andees & Rocky mountains: (Commanding a ‘pisgahs’ View of the Land of promise) from Cape Horn To the north pole: The distant Eastern & Western old Worlds: (the Dreary abodes of Horid Cruely Ignorance & opression: The old temples of Dagon & mamon are Tat­ tering To the foundations; the Samsons of urope (tho partly Blind) are grasping the massy pillars of the ‘Infernal prison’ (in Which they are Grinding) & Will Ere Long Bury in destruction Empreors kings princes & “Landlords”: yea all the modern Egyptians & Babylonians: (in the Red Sea of Destruction): The Convention might Either meet in the City of Mexico (or Cusko) or any other Conveniant place: Incalculable advantages Can be Aquired by this meeting: Especially the Long Contemplated Canal To unite the Waters of the Atlantic & pacific oceans; & More Especialy Wher a permanant Settlement is to be Established on the Collumbia River; With What facility might not Emigrants Be Wafted across (& over) in place of around Cape Horn or over the Rocky mountans: the polished Emigrants that could be spared from the Eastern States (In­ dependant of the annual Swarms of opressed uropeans) Would Im­ mediately Consolidatee a Western7 nation Settlement & Barrior that all the growling & Climing of the great (northern) Voracious Bear, Would in Vain overturn; or tear the Cap of Liberty from our young Western Tree: Especially When Guarded by ‘Brother Jonathan’8 & His neighbour pat (from the holy Island) With his trusty ‘Shelelah,’ that “never mist fire”  305 

1 8 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

 By order of the “Select9 Brothers” of the Collumbian union Society:— Hugh White Chairman John R Shannon—Secretary— The Society Wish you immediately To Transmit your opinion To them of the10 propriety of Such A meeting of the Whole American Nation H White Chairman RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); in White’s hand, signed by White and Shannon; post­ script written perpendicularly in margin; addressed: “ Thomas Jeffer­ son Esqr Montecella Virginia”; franked; postmarked Beaver Town, 27 Jan. 1823; mistakenly endorsed by TJ as a letter of 7 Jan. 1820 received 10 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Hugh White (d. ca. 1841), farmer, was a native of Ireland who fled to the United States to avoid persecution for advocat­ ing Irish independence. He acquired land in Economy Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. In 1801 White chaired a meeting of immigrants in that county who urged TJ to obtain repeal of the Alien Act (John W. Jordan, Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County Penn‑ sylvania [1914], 1:112; PTJ, 33:297–9, 34:8–9; DNA: RG 29, CS, Pa., Beaver Co., 1840; Beaver Co. tax records, 1841). John R. Shannon (1784–1860), attorney and public official, was born in Washing­ ton County, Pennsylvania, and admitted to the bar there and in adjacent Beaver County in 1808. He served as a private in the Beaver County militia in 1812. Shan­ non was a district attorney, 1809–24, and he represented Beaver in the Pennsylva­ nia House of Representatives during five sessions, 1826–29 and 1830–32. He was a delegate to the state Democratic con­ vention in 1829, and he helped obtain leg­ islative support for the Beaver and She­ nango Division of the Pennsylvania Canal in the following decade. In 1850 Shan­ non’s real‑estate holdings were valued at $40,000. He died in Erie, Pennsylvania (Joseph H. Bausman, History of Beaver County Pennsylvania and its Centennial Celebration [1904], 212, 219, 247, 342–3, 478; Thomas Henry and Jacob Fraise Richard, History of Beaver County, Penn‑ sylvania [1888], 141, 381; Washington, Pa., Reporter, 7 Nov. 1808; Washington,

Pa., Examiner, And Farmers’ and Me‑ chanics’ Repository, 21 Mar. 1829; Haz‑ ard’s Register of Pennsylvania 15 [1835]: 68, 72; DNA: RG 29, CS, Pa., Beaver Co., 1830–50). holy league: the Holy Alliance. The barbarian “legitimater” was presum­ ably Mahmud II, sultan of the Ottoman Empire, 1808–39. In the Bible, a city of refuge is mentioned in Joshua 21.13, 21, 27, 32, 38, and 1 Chronicles 6.57. meliniom: “millennium.” Noah’s Ark comes to rest after the Flood on the mountains of ara‑ rat (Genesis 8.4). Moses enjoys a ‘pis‑ gahs’ view of the land of promise at the top of that mountain (Deuteron­ omy 34.1). dagon, the “national deity of the ancient Philistines” (OED), is men­ tioned in 1 Samuel 5.2–7, 1 Chronicles 10.10, and Judges 16.23. The blinded Samson pulls down the pillars of the temple of Dagon and thereby kills him­ self and his captors (Judges 13–6). After Moses parts the red sea and thus allows the Israelites to cross, the waters return and drown their Egyptian pursuers (Ex­ odus 15.4–12). The voracious bear was Russia. brother jonathan is a nickname for the American people. Ireland’s association with Patrick (pat) and other saints led to its being called the holy island or “Sa­ cred Isle” (E. Cobham Brewer, Dictio‑ nary of Phrase and Fable, rev. ed. [1898], 180, 688, 1089, 1262). The apparently proverbial description of the shillelagh (shelelah) as a weapon of Irishmen that never mist fire is discussed in the American Farmer 3 (1821): 208. 1 Word

interlined. closing quotation mark edi­ torially supplied. 3 Superfluous opening single quotation mark preceding this word and opening pa­ renthesis following it editorially omitted. 2 Omitted

 306 

1 9 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3  4 Parenthetical 5 Omitted

word added in margin. closing parenthesis editorially

supplied. 6 Word interlined. 7 Manuscript: “Westen.”

 8 Manuscript: “Jo’nathan.” Omitted clos­ ing quotation mark editorially supplied. 9  Superfluous closing quotation mark editorially omitted. 10 Reworked from “Transmit to them the.”

To Thomas M. Randolph (1798–1835) Dear Sir Mont o Jan. 19 [1823] d I rec the bottle of wine you were so kind as to send me about a fortnight ago and have kept it in the hope your father could come and dine & taste it here. he had at length promised for yesterday but his business obliging him to set out to Richmd and having some friends with me we tried it.1 we found it so heavily charged with brandy that all flavor of the wine was absorbed in that of the brandy. this general & detestable practice of our country of putting brandy into their wines will prevent their coming2 into use, whatever their merit may be, until it is discontinued,3 a single glass of brandy will destroy the vi­ nous flavor of a quarter cask of wine. I am not without hopes that this may be a good enough wine for ordinary use, and it’s cheapness would induce me to purchase it habitually if I could find it’s true quality when pure and unadulterated.4 could you possibly get me a sample of it pure & without a drop of brandy or any other mixture with it? if you could be perfectly satisfied of it’s purity I would take a quarter cask by way of trial5 and instruct Colo Peyton to honor your draught on him for it. your friends here are all well, & I salute you with frdshp & respect. Dft (MHi); written at foot of RC of Randolph to TJ, 12 Dec. 1822; partially dated. Recorded in SJL as a letter of 19 Jan. 1823 to (brackets in original) “Ran­ dolph TM. [of Ashton.].”

1

 TJ here canceled “yesterday.” “comiing.” interlined in place of “left of.” 4 Preceding two words interlined. 5 Preceding four words interlined. 2 Manuscript: 3 Word

To Francis Adrian Van der Kemp Dear Sir Monticello Jan. 19. 23. Your favor of Dec. 19. was long on it’s passage to me, and finds me in a condition but shortly to acknolege it’s reciept. a dislocation of my right wrist while in Paris, and the impracticability of reducing the carpal bones to their order has always been an impediment in my writ­ ing, and the effect of age has been gradually increasing the difficulty  307 

1 9 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

till now the motion of the wrist is nearly lost, the fingers of the hand become distorted and their joints1 almost inflexible; and I am under the physical necessity of giving up writing. this disability imposed on me by nature must excuse me to my friends for not doing what it is impossible for me to do. perhaps too it may have been a providential favor to prevent my2 betraying on paper that wane of the mind which is the necessary3 effect of the decline of body, and of which we are apt to be insensible ourselves when become very obvious to others. I shall still hope however to hear from my friends occasionally altho’ I can­ not answer them, and from none with more pleasure than from your­ self, of the continuance of your health & happiness of which I pray you to be entirely assured. Th: Jefferson RC (Sotheby’s, New York City, auction 5575, 13 May 1987, lot 76); addressed: “Mr Fr. Adr. Vander Kemp Oldenbarne­ veld New York”; franked; postmarked Milton, 21 Jan.; endorsed by Van der Kemp as answered 26 May. Dft (DLC); on verso of RC of Van der Kemp to TJ, 19 Dec. 1822. TJ’s recent injury to his left arm also continued to trouble him. Ellen W. Ran­ dolph (Coolidge) reported to Nicholas P. Trist from Monticello on 20 Jan. 1823 that “Grandpapa has got his arm freed from the bandages, but still wears it in a sling, and has scarcely at all recovered the use of it” (RC in DLC: NPT). The next day Elizabeth Trist wrote from Liberty to her grandson Nicholas P. Trist: “I pre­ sume you heard of Mr Jeffersons misfor­ tune he fell down one of those flights of Steps that leads from the Terrace and hurt him self exceedingly; the inner bone of his arm was fractured at the wrist this was the most serious his hand was badly cut

and his head and shoulders a little, they soon got Dr Watkins owing to his skill he has sufferd no pain since the first day and tho Cornelia says from his looks and voice which is always affected by the least in­ disposition he has not found it necessary to keep his room since the first day rest well at night and has a good appetite” (RC in DLC: NPT). And in a letter dated Carr’s‑brook, 22 Jan. [1823], Martha J. Terrell Minor told Dabney C. Terrell that “Mr Jefferson broke his left arm in the fall, and it is supposed, from his advanced age, that he will never entirely recover the use of it. It has not however ‘cost him a day.’ He [has] always appeared at meals, and never even suff[ered a] servant to make up his fire for him” (RC in ViU); par­ tially dated; torn at seal and crease). 1

 Preceding two words interlined in Dft.  Reworked in Dft from “providential care to hinder me from.” 3  Word interlined in Dft in place of “constant.” 2

To Ennion Williams Sir Monto Jan. 19.1 23. d th I rec yesterday your favor of the 13 proposing to purchase the copperplate engraving of the University: but that having been done by order of the board of Visitors could not be sold but by a like order & they will not meet until Apr. I know moreover that it would not suit their views because I am, by their instrns, endeavoring to engage  308 

2 1 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

a Landscape painter of the 1st order from Philada to come and make a perspective drawing of the two rows of pavilions and of the Rotunda to be engraved of the same size of the ground plat and as a companion to that. I am much gratified by the informn you give me of the good disposns prevailing to finish this interesting establmt and salute you with frdshp & respect Th:J. FC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); written en­ tirely in TJ’s hand beneath signature of RC of Williams to TJ, 13 Jan. 1823. For the instructions (instrns) of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors

regarding a perspective drawing of the university buildings, see Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 29–30 Nov. 1821. 1

 Reworked from “18.”

To James Pleasants

Monticello Jan. 21. 23.

Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the Governor and forwards to him the application of another candidate for the place of Engineer. being appealed to for his testimony he thinks it his duty to say that of the writer of the letter mr Brant he knows nothing, nor does he per­ sonally know mr Haessler, but his character is well known to him thro’ many channels. he is a Swiss, has been in this country 14. or 15. years, is a mathematician & astronomer of as high order as any in the US. of a character entirely correct and estimable, was employed by mr Gallatin to survey our coast, sent to England to procure the nec­ essary instruments, and brought the finest set that perhaps ever left that country. with this testimony he presents his friendly & respectful salutations to the Governor. RC (Vi: RG 57, Applications for Posi­ tion of Principal Engineer); addressed: “His Excellency Governor Pleasants Rich­ mond”; franked; postmarked Charlottes­ ville, 22 Jan. Recorded in SJL with addi­ tional notation: “Brant’s lre.” Enclosure: Lewis Brantz to TJ, 15 Jan. 1823. According to SJL, TJ wrote a missing letter to Pleasants on 18 Jan. 1823 en­ closing missives to TJ from Jared Mans­

field of 6 Jan. 1823, the bottom half of address cover only of which has been found (RC in MHi; with Dft of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 10 May 1823, on verso; addressed: “[.  .  .] Monticello Virginia”; postmarked Washington, 6 Jan.; recorded as received 17 Jan. 1823 from West Point, N.Y.), and from Robert Mills, also of 6 Jan. 1823 (recorded as received 17 Jan. 1823 from Columbia, S.C.), also not found.

 309 

From Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir, University of Va Jany 22n 1823 I regret exceedingly at being obliged to trouble you so offen about the affairs of this institution, but circumstances makes it necessary at this time to ask your advice—About a year ago Mr Oldham com­ plained of my not settling his bill. his work now is all measured and the bills made out as far as we can agree, a very large portion is yet unsettled and I am inclined to believe we never shall as we differ very materially in many important articles in the bill—for instence in the price of doors, of six pannels, double or single worked he insists the book gives him double what others have recieved in settlement of their bills—in the Dormitory roofing he claims about $20 per square when others have settled at 8$  Sqr in the framing for the Entab­ latures to the porticos—where others have recd about $5.  Sqr he charges nearly $30 pr Sqr and in several other cases over goes the prices as layed down (in my opinion) in the book—the question is sir what will be the proper course to take to get a settlement? if by arbi­ tration we shall be obliged to call in Workmen for other persons will not engage in the business, and I know from experiance they are too much disposed to favor the undertaker—If however you think it best to let it be settled in that way, I must look out for some man in Rich­ mond to act on our part—there are some parts of John Neilsons bills also unsettled and about as much difficulty as there is [in]1 the other case, he is no doubt urging on Mr Oldham in his course with the views of adopting the same mode of settlement if he gains his point, for my own part I had rather refer it to a jury than to a settlement by arbitration he is presing me constanly to appoint some one on the part of the University to settle it—I have settled the bills of Js Dins­ more, J. M Perry—of Dinsmore & Perry, of Geo: W Spooner, and Wares bills are nearly settled and all without much difficulty how then can I be much out in my ideas about the prices in the book? for surely those men would not have settled if they had not have supposed I had given them the best prices the book allows—I will thank you to ad­ vise what I had best do—for I dislike Law as much as any one and am as much disposed to do justice to an individual as the public— We are indebted to individuals in Richmond for Nails, Hard Ware, Tin &c which I should like to pay off—if you think it adviseable to draw a part2 of the Annuity at this time—there is also about $800 due for hire of Labourers3 & some two or three hundred for Pork which I would wish to pay—  310 

2 2 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

Be pleased to let me hear from you as soon as convenient as I intend seting out for Richd on Friday morning—I am Sir respectfuly your Obt sevt A. S. Brockenbrough RC (CSmH: JF); addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received the day it was written and so recorded in SJL.

Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 6 [no. 243]) were used to determine payments for the labor of workmen constructing the University of Virginia.

The prices as layed down in The House Carpenters’ Book of Prices, and Rules for measuring and valuing all their different kinds of work (Philadelphia, 1812;

1 Omitted

word editorially supplied.  Manuscript: “draw apart.” 3  Manuscript: “Laboures.” 2

Bond of Thomas Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson, and Samuel Carr to the College of William and Mary Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Jefferson Ran­ dolph Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Carr1 are held & firmly bound unto the President and Masters or Professors of the College of Wil­ liam and Mary in Virginia in the just & full sum of forty nine thou­ sand, four hundred & ten dollars for the payment whereof well & truly to be made unto them or their successors, we bind ourselves and our heirs, jointly & severally, firmly by these presents—Sealed with our seals & dated this 22d day of January2 1823— Whereas the said President & masters or Professors of the Col­ lege of William and Mary in Virginia have agreed to lend to the said Thomas Jefferson Randolph the sum of twenty four thousand, seven hundred & five dollars out of the first monies which they shall receive under a decree of the Superior Court of Chancery for the Richmond District for the sale of the property of the late Wilson C. Nicholas or which may hereafter be decreed to them from the proceeds thereof— and it is agreed that3 of the said sum of $24.705 so much is to be ap­ plied by the President & Masters or4 Professors of the College of Wil­ liam & Mary in Virginia or their successors or agent, for the benefit of the said Th: Jefferson Randolph, and by his directions already given, to the discharge of a bond due from the late Wilson C. Nicholas, Thomas Jefferson and Th: Jefferson Randolph to the President, Di­ rectors & Company of the Bank of the United States for $20.000, as shall be necessary to satisfy the said bond with all interest thereon, and for the security whereof the Bank of the United States hold a lien  311 

2 2 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

on a part of the Poplar Forest tract of land—Interest at the rate of six per centum per annum is to be paid semiannually on every part of the aforesaid sum of $24.705 as it shall be received by Th: Jefferson Ran­ dolph or appropriated to his use in the manner before stated—and the principal sum of $24.705 and each part thereof is to be repaid whenever it is required—Now the condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Thomas Jefferson Randolph his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns shall well5 & truly pay unto the President & Masters or Professors of the College of William & Mary in Virginia or their successors, semiannually, interest at the rate of six per centum per annum on the aforesaid sum of $24.705 as it shall be received by the said Th: Jefferson Randolph or appropriated to his use as above recited, and shall repay to the said President and Mas­ ters or Professors of the College of William & Mary or their succes­ sors the said sum of $24.705 and each part thereof whenever it shall be demanded of him, or his heirs or assigns—then the above obliga­ tion to be void or else remain in full force and virtue— sealed and delivered by Th J Randolph Thomas Jefferson & Samuel Carr in presence of 6 Th: Jefferson F. Eppes. D O Carr samuel Carr MS (ViU: TJP‑ER); in an unidentified hand, with portions in TJ’s hand as indi­ cated below, signed by Randolph, TJ, Sam­ uel Carr, Francis Eppes, and Dabney O. Carr; sealed by Randolph, TJ, and Sam­ uel Carr. On this day execution of a comple­ mentary tripartite deed of trust completed this transaction. The three parties were Randolph and his wife, Jane H. Nicholas Randolph; Edmund Christian, the bursar of the College of William and Mary, and Peachy R. Gilmer; and the President and Masters or Professors of the College of William and Mary. In language closely following the above bond, William and Mary agreed to lend Thomas Jefferson Randolph $24,705, the first $20,000 of which would be used to settle the bond in that amount owed to the Second Bank of the United States. As collateral, the Ran­ dolphs conveyed to Christian and Gilmer the 2,719‑acre tract that TJ had deeded earlier that month to his eldest grandson, with the condition that this new convey­

ance would be void unless the Randolphs defaulted on the loan. If they did default, Christian and Gilmer were authorized, at the request of William and Mary, “ver­ bally or in Writing to expose for Sale at publick auction the premises hereby con­ veyed having first advertised the time & Place of Sale for four Weeks in Some Newspaper published in the City of Rich­ mond for ready Money and out of the pro­ ceeds of Such Sale they Shall first pay the expences attending the execution of this trust then the full amount of the debt from the Said Randolph to the President and Masters or professors of the College of William and Mary in Virginia including principal and Interest and lastly the sur­ plus if any to the Said Randolph his heirs or assigns” (Tr in Bedford Co. Deed Book, 17:301–3, with both Randolphs, Chris­ tian, and Gilmer as signatories; delivered to the Albemarle County Court by Jane Randolph in the presence of Samuel Carr, Eppes, and Dabney O. Carr; certified in Albemarle County on 22 Jan. 1823 by Martin Dawson and Samuel Carr, who

 312 

2 2 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3 con­firmed that Jane Randolph had signed it willingly; acknowledged by Thomas Jefferson Randolph in Richmond on 25 Jan. and certified by John H. Eustace and Thomas Brockenbrough; acknowledged by Christian in Richmond on 11 Mar. and certified by William H. Fitzwhylsonn and William Tazewell; acknowledged by Gilmer at the office of Bedford County clerk James Steptoe on 17 Mar. 1823 and admitted to record; attested by Steptoe). A missing letter from TJ to Thomas Jefferson Randolph of this date is re­ corded in SJL, with the additional brack­ eted notation: “deed. bond. fresh.” In his financial records for this date, TJ noted that he had “Executed a bond to The Presi­ dent & masters or professors of the Coll. of Wm. & Mary of Virga. for 24,705.D. of which they are to pay to the bk. US. the 20,000.D. for which I am bound to

them as security for W. C. Nicholas decd” (MB, 2:1392). A record of Randolph’s loan balance and interest payments, pre­ viously conjoined with the above bond but now filed in ViU: ER, shows that on 4 Mar. 1824 Randolph received the last installment completing the $24,705 loan and that by 1830 he had paid it down to $13,070.75, at which point he renegoti­ ated the debt, with Shadwell as collateral. 1

 Preceding five words in TJ’s hand.  Date and month in TJ’s hand. 3   Preceding five words interlined in place of “but.” 4  Manuscript: “of,” followed by can­ celed “the Colleg.” 5  Manuscript: “wll.” 6  Text from “sealed” to this point in TJ’s hand. 2

From Abraham Runnels Sir. St Barts 22 January 1823. By a letter which you did my Son, then at N. York, the honour to write him under the 3 November 22, I perceive you received that, I had the honour of addressing to you in September L.P. And, that, having taken the requisite information from Baron Stackelberg, to whom I took the liberty of referring you without notice of it to him, you had, condescendingly, communicated the result to the Secretary of State. My Son being now in the W. Indies, I expect to be joined by him every moment. He mentions that before he left America he had transmitted his address to you: that should he have obtained an Agency for either of the british colonies enumerated in my solicita­ tions to you for the weight of your name in his favour, the appoint­ ment may follow him. Having not, yet, had any particular communi­ cation from him, I know not if he applied to the department of State for the effect of your intercession. Under this uncertainty; and under the impression that it is my duty to address that Department—I take the liberty of doing so, now, under your protection. Accept, Sir, my best acknowledgements for your readiness to fur­ ther the views of a Father, for the promotion of a cherished child, whose ability to do so himself, has been sadly paralyzed by untoward fortune. And receive, if you please, the homage of my most profound respect. Runnels  313 

2 2 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3  RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 2 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to John B. West, 8 Mar. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jeffer­ son Equire Monticello Virginia”; franked; stamped “SHIP”; postmarked Norfolk, 19 Feb. l.p.: “last past.” On this day Runnels wrote to secre‑ tary of state John Quincy Adams to inquire about the results of TJ’s inter‑

cession “to obtain for my Son Mr George Runnels the appointment of Commercial Agent for the U.S. at Trinidad St Vin­ cents, St Lucia, or St Kitts, I perceive that he has, obligingly, transmitted to you the result of a communication to him from Baron Stackleberg the Minister for Swe­ den, near your Government. Will you, Sir, have the goodness to instruct me of the fate of my Son’s appli­cation to you” (RC in DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1817–25; endorsed as received 7 Mar. 1823).

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Richmond. 23d Jan: 1823. th t Your favor of 13 ins came safely to hand by the mail. I have shewn it to Mr Gordon & Mr Rives. My own impression is that in touching the subject of the unliquidated debt, we should merely guard against future unfavorable imputations, by stating that it might and probably would exceed the conjectural amount mentioned in your let­ ter, and that when you wrote, the settlement was in a progressive state. The county delegates seem disposed to say nothing about it. I have referred the matter to their discretion. When the bill gets to the Senate, I shall say something on the subject. In regard to the Acad­ emies & primary schools,1 I think our most prudent course at this time is neither to enter into an alliance with them, nor to make war upon them. It would be difficult to imagine a state of things in regard to these other branches of the system, more favorable to us2 than that which now exists. The funds are limited, & we wish to avoid a com­ petitor. The Colleges cannot all be gratified, & they will defeat one another. The primary schools are in a state of discredit, and the pub­ lic mind is not now disposed to encrease the appropriation to them. If we amend the system at this time, & give it credit & honor, this ally will become our worst enemy. The popular branch of the system would swallow up all the funds. Even now an effort will be made to divide with us in every appropriation: but the discredit into which the popular branch has fallen will defeat the measure. Besides there are great intrinsic difficulties in the subject. When your bill was brought in some years ago by Mr Taylor of Chesterfield, I consulted all the best heads of my acquaintance then about the seat of government, and  314 

2 3 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

every effort was made to smooth away the difficulties of the subject: & tho’ many plans were suggested, none met with general appro­ bation. At some future time, I would cheerfully enter again on this difficult & thorny question. I think we would do well to decline it at this time, & take advantage of the favorable breeze that now wafts us along. I have imparted these views to Mr Rives, and left him to pur­ sue his own course. Mr Gordon concurs with me. Mr Rives did not propose to move the subject of the primary schools till the Loan bill should be acted on. But the bonds will remain to be cancelled, and the objections would continue till the University should get into op­ eration. I have thought & still think, that we should act with good faith to the primary schools: but that would dictate merely that we should not attempt to take from them any of the $45,0003 till experi­ ence & public opinion demand the measure. I have attempted in the county where I reside to exhibit proofs of my real desire to give that system a fair trial. Our proceedings were printed & distributed over the state. But last year, I saw more clearly than ever the inherent de­ fects of that system. It will require great alteration & amendment. But for us to move in it, I think, the time has not arrived. As to the Colleges & Academies, I differ from some of our friends. I would vote for an appropriation to Hampden Sidney, & not wait till the funds shall be sufficient for the whole corps of Colleges. I think some aid to that College would now be useful & well timed. However, on this subject, as on that of the question of removing the seat of govern­ ment, I think we should not discover the zeal of partizans. Politeness to all, interference with none, & devotion to our object, constitute the policy that ought, in my opinion, to govern the course of the friends of the University at this time. You must be surprized at the slow prog­ ress of our bill. The tardiness of its movement is to be regretted. But I do not know how it could be avoided. If it had been called up out of its regular turn perhaps the irregularity of the course might give rise to animadversions. It will be read in its turn for the first time to‑day or to‑morrow. It went thro’ the Committee without opposition. It will doubtless be opposed in the House, but from every thing I can learn I think there cannot be much doubt of its success. Should it pass late in the session, I should hope that a meeting on the 1st monday in April, might answer the purposes of the Institution. There could be no doubt of the confirmation of the Loan by the Board, & the delay would probably throw the loss of interest on the Literary Fund, & save so much to the University. I am Dr sir, ever faithfully y r friend Joseph C. Cabell.  315 

2 3 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3  RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello”; postmarked Rich­ mond, 23 Jan.; endorsed by TJ as re­ ceived 27 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. your letter: University of Virginia Board of Visitors Report to Literary Fund President and Directors, 7 Oct. 1822. your bill: TJ’s Bill for Establishing a System of Public Education, [ca. 24 Oct.

1817]. For the $45,000 for the educa­ tion of the children of poor Virginians, see TJ to Cabell, 28 Jan. 1819, and note. our proceedings: Proceedings of the Board of School Commissioners, in the County of Nelson (Richmond, 1821). 1 Cabell

here canceled “my own.” two words interlined. 3 Remainder of sentence interlined, with superfluous period editorially omitted. 2 Preceding

To Francis Granger Dear Sir Monticello Jan. 24. 23. Your letter of the 4th, recently1 recieved, has been long on it’s way2 to me. in the mean time I had recieved thro’ the public papers the afflicting information it announced. on this event I offer my sincere condolances to yourself & the family. few had better occasions than myself of knowing the great worth of mr Granger’s character. serving together for eight years, in stations of much connection, I was a con­ stant witness of the ability, the diligence, and fidelity with which he discharged the duties of his office,3 and he was4 a faithful friend and adviser to me5 in mine. his early and zealous patriotism is known to all. with my sympathies for his family on this heavy loss, accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (NCanHi); addressed: “Mr Fran­ cis Granger Canandagua N.Y.”; franked; endorsed by Granger. Dft (DLC); sub­ joined to RC of Granger to TJ, 4 Jan. 1823. TJ probably read the afflicting in‑ formation of Gideon Granger’s death in the 11 Jan. 1823 Richmond Enquirer.

1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “just now.” 2  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “the road.” 3  Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “incumbent on him.” 4 In Dft TJ here canceled “an early pa­ triot and.” 5 Preceding two words interlined in Dft.

From James Pleasants My dear Sir, Richmond 24th January 1823 I beg you to be assured that my not having answered your letter sooner, has not proceeded from want of respect; for you certainly pos­ sess a larger portion of my affectionate attachment & veneration than any other man living. I am much obliged by your kind congratulations on my honorable election to the office in which I have been placed by  316 

2 4 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

the kindness of my fellow citizens. It was very unexpected to me, for I did not know till a day or two before the election that I had been thought of among those who would probably be named for the ap­ pointment. No consideration connected with the situation will give me more sincere pleasure, than to be enabled whilst I occupy it to have it in my power to advance in any way the interests of the University. I have looked to the finishing of it, the appointment of its officers & commencement of its operations, during the lives of yourself & mr Mad­ ison with peculiar interest; indeed should this not be accomplished, within those periods, there is no certain calculations to be made on the time when it will probably take place. I was formerly as well ac­ quainted with the men who annually composed the General Assembly, as perhaps any individual ever was. But things are greatly altered in this respect. An absence of twelve years has left of those with whom I was for so many years associated, only some 12 or 15 persons, and the places of the absentees are generally supplied by a set of young men. I believe however that these may be more generally calculated on for liberal measures than those more advanced in years. From the best opinion I have been able to form, I should pronounce the temper of the two houses to be1 favourable towards the University, and I much hope that no adverse circumstance may intervene to mar the prospect. Your testimonial on the subject of major Long, and also that in favour of mr Hassler have been both filed with the Secretary of the board of public works. Tomorrow is the day appointed by the board for electing the engineer; it is difficult to say who will receive the ma­ jority of votes, the number of candidates being upwards of twenty. You will see by the Newspapers the attempts which are making by the legislature to find out some means of shortening their sessions. I doubt whether any thing short of a convention will do. That event seems to be dreaded by many of our citizens; I think however we must meet it & that before any very long time elapses. I am most respectfully2 & afftly your friend & serv t James Pleasants jr P.S. I hope the ensuing summer will bring along with it the opportu­ nity, which I shall certainly embrace, of seeing you and the U ­ niversity. JP jr RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ as received 30 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Bernard Peyton was the secretary of Virginia’s Board of Public Works. Wil­

liam McRee was elected principal engineer of the Board on 29 Jan. 1823. After he declined the position on 15 Feb., Claudius Crozet was appointed on 9 Apr. 1823 (Richmond Enquirer, 30 Jan., 25 Feb., 11 Apr. 1823).

 317 

2 4 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3  A resolution proposing to find out some means of shortening legisla­ tive sessions was rejected in the Virginia House of Delegates on 25 Feb. 1822. At the next session a committee was tasked on 6 Dec. 1822 with determining whether “there be any other means of shortening, without injury to the public good, the ses­ sions of the General Assembly, and thereby curtailing the expenses of the same.” On 20 Jan. 1823 the committee provided the House with numerous recommendations,

including moving the start of legislative meetings from the first Monday in De­ cember to the first one in January. The report was tabled and no further action was taken (JHD [1821–22 sess.], 199; [1822–23 sess.], 19, 132–4; Richmond Enquirer, 26 Feb., 7 Dec. 1822, 23 Jan. 1823). 1 Pleasants

here canceled “intirly.” “respetfully.”

2 Manuscript:

From William Tudor Sir, Boston Jany 24th 1823. I take the liberty of sending with this letter, a volume which I have just had published. Perhaps you may recollect my having addressed a letter to you on the subject asking some information, two or three years since, and to which I shall never forget that you favored me with a prompt & kind reply. I can hardly presume that in the midst of your numerous engage­ ments, that you will be willing to read through a volume of this thick­ ness. but Sir, I frankly own that I am very desirous that you should peruse the part which relates to Dr Franklin. No person was more intimately acquainted than yourself, or so capable of appreciating the views & character of that celebrated man. I have endeavored, feebly I know, but impartially, to do him justice, and I am very anxious that what I have said respecting him should be wellfounded. If you would give me your opinion, on this portion of my work especially, I should esteem it a particular favor; and if you think me erroneous in any of my statements, I should seek in some way to correct them. I remain Sir with very high respect Your Mo Obd sert W. Tudor. RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; adja­ cent to signature: “President Jefferson— Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 9 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. En­ closure: Tudor, The Life of James Otis, of

Massachusetts: containing also, notices of some contemporary characters and events from the year 1760 to 1775 (Boston, 1823; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 5 [no. 148]).

 318 

From John Ponsonby Martin Sir, Richmond January 25th 1823. Upon examination of the papers left by the late Mr Richard Squire Taylor who was for many years Manager of our family estate at the Point of Fork in the Counties of Goochland & Albemarle I found bonds & book‑debts due to the Store of my deceased Uncle Samuel Martin to whom I am Administrator, on the list of small debts un­ liquidated appears one against your name for £14—Although a con­ siderable length of time has elapsed since the Goods were sold and delivered, I trust it is alone necessary to make you now acquainted with the fact, as, it is, from just and upright men alone, I can expect to recover any part of the wreck of my family’s fortune—I beg to refer you to my worthy friend Col: T. M. Randolph for further particulars, & the original papers in the hand writing of the Store‑Keeper I am yr most obt Servt John Ponsonby Martin RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 28 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with Dft of TJ to Martin, 2 Feb. 1823, on verso. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Thomas Leiper, 31 May 1823, on recto and verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq Monticello”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 25 Jan. John Ponsonby Martin (ca. 1765–1830), soldier, was the son of Lewis Burwell Martin, a member of Jamaica’s legislative assembly and later an assistant justice of its supreme court. The younger Martin was a lieutenant in the Loyal Cheshire Fencible Infantry in 1795, promoted two years later to captain‑lieutenant. He came to the United States by 1821 to pursue claims related to his family’s prerevolu­ tionary landholdings of some 7,750 acres of land in central Virginia, plus more than 200 slaves and other personal property, all of which had been sequestered by Vir­ ginia in 1778 and sold the following year. He died in Hanover County from a bilious fever (Lady’s Magazine 14 [1783]: 112; London Gazette, 12 Sept. 1795, 6 May 1797; DNA: RG 29, CS, Hanover Co., 1830; Richmond Enquirer, 28 Sept. 1830). Martin’s uncle samuel martin was born in Virginia. Lewis Burwell Martin and Samuel Martin were the sons of John

Martin, a representative of Caroline County in the House of Burgesses, 1730–34 and 1738–40. After their father’s death in 1761, Samuel Martin settled in Whitehaven, England. By 1784, the year after Lewis Burwell Martin’s death in Jamaica, Sam­ uel Martin began to seek British com­ pensation for family property seized by Virginia during the American Revolu­ tion (Leonard, General Assembly, 74, 76; UkNA: American Loyalist Claims, A.O. 12/56). Samuel Martin died in 1800 with­ out obtaining such a settlement, and by 1821 John Ponsonby Martin, the only re­ maining heir to the estate, took up the cause and presented a memorial late that year to the Virginia General Assembly seeking redress. He argued that he had a vested interest in the estate, which had been entailed to him in his grandfather’s will, and that because he had still been a minor when the property was confiscated, it should not have been sold. The Com­ mittee on Claims of the House of Dele­ gates deemed his petition reasonable in February 1822, but no legislation resulted (John Wickham, “Case of John Ponsonby Martin” [undated MS in ViHi: Wickham Papers]; JHD [1821–22 sess.], 61–2, 178, 182, 217 [19 Dec. 1821, 12, 13, 28 Feb. 1822).

 319 

From William Carver Dear & Venerable Sir New york Jany 27th 1823 1 I hope you will have the goodness to pardon, the liberty that I have taken, of writeing to you, all the apology that I can make, is on the acount of my reading your exellent letter, to Mr Adams, as lately published in our New york public papers, I can asure you that I found a great deal of pleasure, & instruction by the letter, & was happy to find men of tallents & affluence, vewing human life in the same point of vew, as myself for maney years have thought of it,—Mr Adams says that we need not dread the approach of dotage, but I do dread it for many reasons; I Sir am poor & am afraid of comeing to a state of want, & likewise suffering extreem pain in my last moments, if I was sure of dying like a Cabbage, without sensation for pain, it would yeald me comfort, the quickest death, & the least expected is what I wish for, but my health [is t]olerable good likewise memory; I have lost my hearing [in o]ne Ear, on acount of being struck with the Sun, the Summer before last, allmost all my old friends are dead, & my Children neglect & forsake me, and the recolection that I was in good circumstance, some years past, but now am poor gives pain,2 why their­fore should I covet to drag out a long, & wearysom life, I am in the 67 year of age, their is nothing yealds me comfort but reading good authors, & converceing with inteligent human beings, all the brightest sparks of nature are nearly extinguished, even the brightest spark of our nature the love, & atatchment to the femail Sex, Colonel Ethan Allin calld them the Angelics, & said they ware the only An­ gels in all Gods Creation; The recolection of past enjoyments, yealds3 but litle comfort to the mind, at times my nature is like a Lamp ex­ pireing for the want of oil, flutter flounce & sparcle, before it finaly goes out— After all the loss of our facultyes & friends, & liveing as I am compeld to do, among a set of unfriendly fellow beings, I count Death a bless­ ing, that will releace me from all my sufferings & trials; But after suffering losses disapointments, & pains of Body through life; I am told by Gentlemen that ware Lawn Sleives & black Gowns, that Allmighty God, has prepaired for me & nine tenths of the poor frail Creatures, that he has Created an everlasting burning Hell, in wich he will tor­ ment us to all Eturnity, but of this they know as litle of as my self or have as litle conception; I cannot so dishonor my Creator by harbour­ ing such hard thoughts of him; The celebrated David Hume said, that we had no cause to look out for aney ferther Hells, as their was Hell enuf for us all here, & that the only thing to be dreaded was poverty;—  320 

2 7 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

Nature teaches us plainly what will be our fate in a futer state, That the atoms of wich we are composed, will form other liveing beings, throughout the eturnal ever liveing round of Nature, strictly speaking their is no such thing as Death in all Creation, Nature is constantly changeing & new organizeing all beings that She has created;—when I shall undergo this change, the atoms of which I am composed will form other liveing beings, & it may be ages of ages before two of them reunite if ever— “I am fast decending towards the shore,  of that great Sea where all a voyage must make,  When once embarkd no one will see me more,  Nor liveing man e’er know my futer state,  Atoms to atoms joind new forms attain,  That cover earth & fill the boundless Sea,  These live a while & then dessolve again,  The common fate; the fate of you & me,  We see these forms by Reproduction rise,  Eturnal forms again to people earth,  Glide through the waves or soar amid the Skies,  For death prevails not, tis but change of birth,”4 This is my beleif or Creed, I beleive in one God only, who is the great ruler of all Worlds, & organizer of all Creatures, all that he requires of us, is to live a moral & virtuous life, & releive our fellow beings in distress if posible— I find that you complain of haveing recvd5 a kick from an ass, you my dear Sir must expect to share the fate of all great, & good men that have gon before you; Pope, Milton, Vultair, Dewit Clinton, & the im­ mortal Thomas Paine my Country man, who with your self & other Patrots, obtained the Independence of America, & you with them will live in the memory, & the hearts of generations yet unborn, when the names, & memory of the asses will be finaly [for]gotten;—I have a full length Potrait of your self [in] my pocestion & I asure you that I  hold it in as great veneration & esteem as the Catholic holds his Crusifix & Croos:—If you should sleep with the Dormous, I presume you will never wake up so as to know that you was Thomas Jefferson once President of the United States,—When Allmighty God shall call you to undergo a change nature, I pray that you may rest with ful confidence in his goodness, & mercy, by which you will find more consolation, then in all the Sacrafices, & prayers, of the Jews, Chris­ tians, & Mahmatans; beleive me I am your sincere well wisher al­ though poor William Carver No 2  Republican Alley  321 

2 7 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

PS I wish that I could say with Mr Adams, that your letter was worth five hund Dollars to me, but I am often without five Cents—I never was right but once in Politics through life, which was when you was Elected President, I then had money & spent it freely to support the cause of Liberty RC (MHi); torn at seal; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr late President Montezillo”; franked; postmarked New York, 27 Jan.; endorsed by TJ as re­ ceived 9 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. William Carver (ca. 1757–1840), far­ rier, veterinary surgeon, and author, was a native of Lewes, England, who came to New York City in 1794 and became a naturalized United States citizen later that year. He soon established himself as a far­ rier. Carver was an associate of Thomas Paine, claiming to have met him while in Lewes. He reintroduced himself to Paine in New York and Paine, perceiving Carver’s similar political ideals and deist philoso­ phy, boarded with him. The relationship soured when Carver allegedly colluded with the newspaper publisher and author James Cheetham to publish libels against Paine, attacks that Carver disavowed fol­ lowing Paine’s death. Carver’s publica­ tions included Practical Horse Farrier; or, The Traveller’s Pocket Companion (Phila­ delphia, 1818), Select Pieces in Prose and Verse on Various Subjects (1834), and A Bone to Gnaw for Grant Thorburn (1836), in which he asserted his support for Paine and detailed his own deist principles. Carver spent his final years in poverty. He

died of apoplexy in New York City (Mon­ cure Daniel Conway, The Life of Thomas Paine [1892], 2:364–5, 389, 391–4, 399– 402; New York Daily Advertiser, 27 Sept. 1794; DNA: RG 85, IPNYC, vol. 1, rec­ ord 64; New York Mercantile Advertiser, 7 Dec. 1799; Boston Investigator, 26 Feb. 1840). TJ’s letter to John Adams of 1 June 1822 had been lately published, as had Adams’s 11 June 1822 reply, which commented on dotage. lawn sleives: “Sleeves of lawn, considered as forming part of the episcopal dress. Hence, the dig­ nity or office of a bishop” (OED). Carver published verses similar to those begin­ ning i am fast decending in his Select Pieces in Prose and Verse, 29–30. vul‑ tair: Voltaire. A dormouse (dormous) is a “small rodent of a family intermediate between the squirrels and the mice” which is often characterized by its hibernation pattern (OED). 1  Word mistakenly interlined after suc­ ceeding word. 2  Manuscript: “pan.” 3  Manuscript: “yeads.” 4  Omitted closing quotation mark edi­ torially supplied. 5  Word interlined.

From Robert Mayo and William A. Bartow Sir, Jany 27th 1823 We would be exceedingly sorry to intrude upon you with unbe­ coming importunities even on the subject of education, (which all the world knows enjoys your best wishes) though your written approba­ tion were an indispensible key to the hearts of the Community, ’ere they could be prevailed on to patronise any scheme intended to pro­ mote that important object. But viewing your deep concern for the advancement of literature, we feel assured that we do not incur this risk, by again soliciting—were it only a single commendatory line  322 

2 7 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

from you, in behalf of our library system of education. We have been favoured with communications from several other gentlemen to whom we addressed copies of our circular, and should be afflicted with the most poignant regret, not to [be]1 able, along with theirs, to lay be­ fore the public some remarks, or even a simple benediction, from you on the subject. We beg you will excuse our zeal, and accept assurances of our high consideration and esteem. Robert Mayo W. A. Bartow.  Comtee of the Richd Juvenile Library Co RC (MHi); entirely in Mayo’s hand; dateline adjacent to signatures; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Mayo & Barton” received 2 Feb. 1823 and so recorded (with mistaken date of composition of 22 Jan.) in SJL; with Dft of TJ to Mayo and Bartow, 3 Feb. 1823, at foot of text. Mayo and Bartow were again solic‑ iting TJ’s endorsement for their pro­ posed library system of education. They had previously asked for his sup­ port around 20 Jan. 1823 by sending him an undated printed circular reading “A Card, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Madison, Judge Marshall, T. M. Randolph, Sen. Esq., His Excellency James Pleas‑ ants, Jr., The Rev. Bishop Moore, The Rev. John H. Rice, The Rev. W. H. Hart, President Cushing of Hampden Sidney, and President Smith of William and Mary, are respectfully solicited to fa­ vour us with their views on this subject, and their authorization to publish the same in connexion with this Circular, which is retained at press in hopes of favourable returns from them: the more ample their details, doubtless the more useful they will be to our object.” This earlier appeal is on a slip tipped into and later bound with TJ’s copy of An Address in behalf of the Juvenile Library Company of the City of Richmond (Rich­ mond, 1823; Poor, Jefferson’s Library 6 [no. 226]) in DLC: Rare Book and Spe­ cial Collections, which included an ex­ cerpt of meeting minutes dated 17 Dec. [1822] designating Mayo and Bartow as a committee to solicit donations of money and books; article 1 of the organization’s

constitution, opening membership to “All persons of either sex, not under the age of twelve years” (p. 3), and article 5, estab­ lishing the financial plan and setting the admission fee and annual dues both at $2; and an unsigned address dated 8 Jan. 1823 imploring support for the establish­ ment of libraries for juveniles throughout Virginia, complaining that the educational system at all levels of instruction was con­ ducted “almost without books” (p. 7), and proposing a system of public libraries with trustees in each “county, village, borough, city, or ward of a city, throughout the state” (p. 8) to lead the effort and estab­ lish local literary funds that would each use a portion to set up “a Juvenile and popular library, to consist of the elemen­ tary books in every branch of liberal edu­ cation, digested and arranged in that order in which they should be studied; together with a judicious and full selection of other valuable books in general science, belles lettres, and polite literature, also methodi­ cally arranged. Let another portion of that fund be appropriated to provide rooms suitable for an Academy to receive the Library and the youth of the county, &c. who may find it convenient to attend the Institution for instruction—free of tu­ ition fees or charges for the use of books” (p. 9). A subsequent edition of the Ad‑ dress probably published later in the year contained commendatory statements from James Pleasants, John Marshall, Thomas Ritchie, William H. Hart, John Blair Hoge, John H. Rice, and Richard Chan­ ning Moore. 1 Omitted

 323 

word editorially added.

To Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir Monticello Jan. 28. 23. I have recieved your favor of the 23d and it has entirely converted me to your opinion that we should let the primary schools lie for the present, avail ourselves of their temporary1 discredit, and of the breeze in our favor, until the University is entirely secured in the completion of it’s buildings and remission of it’s debt; and then to come forward heartily as the patrons of the Primaries on some plan which will allow us a fairer share of the common2 fund. our present portion would enable us to have but six professors, whereas the law contemplates3 ten, which number is really necessary, and would require at least 10,000.D. additional to our present annuity. I have accordingly writ­ ten to mr Rives to retract the opinion I had expressed to him in favor of immediately taking up the subject of remodelling4 those schools. but I still differ from you as to giving a dollar to Hampden‑Sidney. let this, with all the other intermediate academies be taken up in their turn & provided for systematically and proportionably.5 to give to that singly, will be a departure from principle, will make the others our enemies6 & is not necessary. the University is advanced to that point, from which it must &7 will carry itself through; and it will strengthen daily.8 in the mean time we need9 take no part for or against either the academies or schools.10 if, after the passage of the bill for the loan the remission of the whole11 debt can be obtained without difficulty at the present session, it would have the effect of enabling us at once to take measures for engaging Professors, and for opening the insti­ tution at the end of the year, which a postponement to the next ses­ sion would delay another year. You suppose that our April meeting will be early enough for acting on the law to be passed. the only thing pressing will be the engaging our workmen. if mr Johnson, mr Loyall and yourself should advise me by letter12 that you approve of the acceptance of the loan, I will take measures to13 get the same opinion from the other three gentle­ men, and shall not scruple to engage the workmen and to have prepa­ rations for bricks commenced. we can do without the money till the April meeting. if this opinion be given as soon as the bill passes the lower house, I presume we may act immediately without fearing a veto from the Senate. I salute you with cordial affection & respect Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); addressed: “Joseph C. Cabell esq. of the Senate of Virginia now in Richmond”; franked; postmarked Char­

lottesville, 28 Jan.; endorsed by Cabell; with additional canceled notation in Cab­ ell’s hand: “relative to the money neces­

 324 

2 8 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3 sary to finish the University.” Dft (DLC); on portion of reused sheet; endorsed by TJ. Not recorded in SJL. Under the terms of “An act for estab­ lishing an University,” the total number of professors at the University of Virginia was not to exceed ten (Acts of Assembly [1818–19 sess.], 16 [25 Jan. 1819]). 1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “present.” 2  Word interlined in Dft in place of “literary.” 3  Word interlined in Dft in place of “establishes.”

 4 Word interlined in Dft. 5 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 6 Preceding six words interlined in Dft. 7 Preceding five words interlined in Dft in place of “that it.” 8 Reworked in Dft from “and will daily become stronger and stronger.” 9  Word interlined in Dft in place of “had better.” 10 Sentence interlined in Dft. 11 Word interlined in Dft. 12  Reworked in Dft from “should ex­ press to me in writing.” 13  Preceding four words interlined in Dft in place of “can.”

To William Foushee Dr Sir Monto Jan. 28. 23. I am aware that an individual has no right to expect that a public office governing itself by general rules should recollect or regard his particular case. I live half way between the post‑offices of Milton & Charlsvlle. the former was most convent while it flourished and all my dealings being there I had daily communcn with it. it is gone down to nothing & our communicns are now1 all transferred to Charlottes­ ville. this being unknown to distant correspdts2 they continue to ad­ dress their lres to the Milton P.O. where they lie sometimes a week or 10. days, if it could be recollected in your office, to put them all, how­ ever addressed into the Charlesvle mail it would be a great accomodn to me and lay me under due oblign. with this request permit me to assure you of my high esteem & respect. Dft (MHi); on verso of portion of re­ used address cover; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Foushee Dr William.”

1 Word

added in margin. from “to my correspdts generally.” 2  Reworked

To William C. Rives Dear Sir Monticello Jan. 28. 23. In my letter of the 13th I expressed to you my great pleasure in the hope you were about taking up and improving the plan of the primary schools. in this I was sincere, being equally impressed with their im­ portance as with that1 of the University. a letter however which I have  325 

2 8 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

just recieved from mr Cabell, explaining the present state of things, converts me to his opinion as to the question of the time when?2 and to the expediency of letting the primary schools lie awhile, of availing ourselves of the present state of discredit under which that plan is, and profiting of the current it produces towards the University.3 I believe with him that we had better secure our object first to the ulti­ mate point of a remission of the debt, and perhaps a larger share of the literary fund, and then take up the primary schools heartily, & become ourselves their foremost patrons. I feel myself bound therefore to retract the opinion I had expressed to you of an immediate proce­ dure to the establishment of the primary4 schools, and to pray5 you to dismiss any respect which your friendship might have disposed you to yield to that opinion. I believe we had better do one thing at a time; the University first, next the primary schools & lastly the intermedi­ ate colleges or academies. ever and affectionately yours Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Rives Papers); addressed: “William C. Rives esq. of the Virginia leg­ islature now in Richmond”; franked; post­ marked; endorsed by Rives. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ. Not recorded in SJL. 1  Reworked in Dft from “with the im­ portance of these schools as of.”

2  Reworked in Dft from “to the point of time.” 3  Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “in our favor.” 4  Word interlined in Dft in place of “public.” 5  In Dft TJ here canceled “that that opn may.”

From James Monroe Dear Sir Washington Jany. 29. 1823. I have long indulged a hope that I should be able to retire from this office, without the sale of any portion of my property, but I begin now to despair of it. The debts contracted in support of plantations, which ought to have made a clear & handsome income, with those incident to most of the trusts which I have held, are such, as almost to deprive me of all hope of retiring under such favorable circum­ stances. To meet a part of these engagments, I am compelled, to raise a sum of money by loan in Phila or N. York, by the mortgage of land of double the value on a fair estimate, of the sum loaned. I have re­ quested some of the gentlemen, in the neighbourhood, through my nephew Lieutt Monroe, to make such valuation for me, of my lands near you, and to request of you, such sanction, by certificate, of their character &a, as you might be willing to give, of which it was my in­  326 

2 9 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

tention, to have apprized you, sooner, but in truth, so unceasing,1 have been my engag’ments, & interruptions, that I fear he will have left the county, before this letter reaches it. If I can avoid the sale, of any por­ tion of my property, I shall certainly do it. my accomodation during the summer, near this place, while in this office, was my great object in building a house in Loudon. The œconomy with which it might be built, under the direction of the manager there, who was acquainted with the business, & raisd on the place abundant food for the work­ men, afforded an additional induc’ment. In the original plan, a sepa­ ration from my friends in albemarle, was not even contemplated, nor will it be acquiesed in, but from necessity, which will not be ascer­ taind, for two years to come. Should that be the result, it will form one of the most painful occurrences of my life. In the one county, I shall leave, those to whom I have been long & affectionately attached, while in the other, I shall find myself an entire Stranger, & at a period of life, when new friends are rarely formd. Wher’ever I may be, I beg you to be assurd, that I shall always recollect with the kindest & most grateful feelings, the relation which was formd between us, in my youthful days, & the many good offices which I have receivd from you, through the whole intervening time. with great respect & sincere regard I am dear Sir your friend James Monroe RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 8 Feb. 1823, but recorded in SJL as re­ ceived a day later.

1

 Manuscript: “uncasing.”

From Oliver Parsons and James Cooley Respected Sir, Granville (Mass.) 29th Jany 1823 The undersigned, a Committee of the Dickinson Library Company in Granville, County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, present to your Excellency our best respects, and beg leave to state that there is established in this Village a respectable Classical School, and by the liberality of a Gentleman in our vicinity, a Library has been formed; and we have also been the beneficiaries of several au­ thors, and editors of periodical publications, among whom we men­ tion, with just pride, Mr Adams, late President of the United States, who has recently honored us with a copy of his works— Feeling, Sir, a desire to have among our archives some memento of the great and venerable men of our Country we have presumed to address your Excellency for a copy of your works or such other work as shall be agreeable to yourself thus to appropriate—  327 

2 9 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

 Humble and remote as we are, perhaps our solicitations1 may ap­ pear presumptious, but Sir, obscure as we are, the fame of Thomas Jefferson has reached us, and humble as we are, we have the arro­ gance to beleive ourselves capable in some measure to appreciate it— Oliver Parsons ⎬⎫ Committee of the Dickinson Library ⎭ James Cooley RC (MHi); in Cooley’s hand, signed by Parsons and Cooley; at foot of text in Cooley’s hand: “Hon. Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as re­ ceived 8 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Oliver Parsons (ca. 1779–1827) was born in Connecticut. He was postmaster of Granville, Massachusetts, by 1806, and later also a town magistrate. At his death he owned real estate worth $925 and per­ sonal property valued at $464.50 (Hart­ ford, Conn., American Mercury, 25 Sept. 1806, 2 Oct. 1827; A Register of Officers and Agents, civil, military, and naval, in the service of the United States, On the Thirtieth day of September, 1816 [Wash­ ington, 1816], 24; A Register of Officers and Agents, civil, military, and naval, in the Service of the United States, on the 30th of September, 1823 [Washington, 1824], 41; Hampden Co., Mass., Probate Court Records, case no. 8717). James Cooley (1779–1851), attorney and public official, was born in East Gran­ ville. He studied law first under Tapping Reeve and James Gould in Litchfield, Connecticut, and later with John Phelps in Granville. Cooley was a paymaster for the Massachusetts state troops during the War of 1812. Admitted to the Hampden County bar in 1814, he practiced law in

Granville, where he also served as town clerk for nine years between 1811 and 1827 and was on the board of selectmen in 1816 and 1829. Cooley represented Gran­ ville in the lower house of the Massachu­ setts legislature for four sessions, 1816–19, 1825, and 1829, and he sat for one term in the state senate in 1850, representing the Hampden district. In 1850 his real estate was valued at $4,000. Cooley died in East Granville (Albion B. Wilson, His‑ tory of Granville Massachusetts [1954], 94, 129, 312, 313, 316, 318, 328; Litchfield Law School, 7; William T. Davis, Bench and Bar of the Commonwealth of Massa‑ chusetts [1895], 2:170; The Massachusetts State Record and Year Book of General Information [1850], 4:45; DNA: RG 29, CS, Mass., Granville, 1850; Boston Daily Atlas, 27 Sept. 1851). A Dickinson Library committee consist­ ing of Parsons, Cooley, and Timothy M. Cooley wrote to John Adams on 9 Jan. 1823 requesting a copy of his book enti­ tled A Defence of the Constitutions of Gov‑ ernment of the United States of America (London, 1787; Sowerby, no. 3004). On 4 Feb. 1823 Parsons and James Cooley acknowledged receipt of that work from Adams (both in MHi: Adams Papers). 1 Manuscript:

“solitations.”

From Alexander Garrett Dear Sir. Charlottesville 30th January 1823. r By request of M Brockenbrough contained in the enclosed letter, I send for your approval, a check on the President & Directors of the Literary fund, for seven thousand dollars. my engagements at home today, prevents my waiting on you in person, on this subject Respectfully Your Obt St Alex Garrett B. U Va  328 

3 1 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3  RC (CSmH: JF); at foot of text: “Tho. Jefferson esq Rector University Va”; en­ dorsed by TJ as received “Jan. 23.” Re­ corded in SJL as received 30 Jan. 1823. Enclosures not found.

 b. u va: bursar of the University of Virginia.

Tench Coxe to James Madison and Thomas Jefferson Gentlemen Jany 31. 1823. The extraordinary operations against the cause of self government is manifest in the old world, and the unprecedented combination against liberty under name of the holy alliance, together with guarded but effective cooperation with them on the part of Great Britain, and some of the minor powers appear to threaten the world, in which we must prosper or suffer and act with many trying circumstances even in the current year. Our internal situation (and particularly in respect1 the movements in the course of the presidential election, which will be made 1823 & 4,) has in my opinion a real great and dangerous rela­ tion to those foreign operations against republican governments, and even such shares of pure popular representation in the French and English lower houses would be were the electors of the same descrip­ tion2 as those who chuse the houses of representatives of those five or ten of our populous states whose constitutions most effectually for3 the electors rights, religious and civil. The manifest adoption, as a candi­ date for the Presidency, of Mr J. Q. Adams by the worst of the federal­ ists of 1797 to 1801, and by their successors (considerably identified as far as alive) and by all those, who openly or in disguise are un­ friendly to our institutions, after openly4 treating him for years as an unprincipled contravener of his unaltered political faith, and the Union with these of a great portion of republican interest of Massa­ chusetts & Maine, with other circumstances, which discussion5 will develope and display convince me that Mr John Quincey Adams had on the 1st day of this year a less divided federal and Massachusetts standing than Mr J. Adams senr had either in 1796 or 1801. Decid­ edly averse to a change of the principles of the constitutions of the U.S. on their proper merits; and as decidedly averse to the various and manifold evils of a revolution in them and on our organization,6 I have been drawn to the consideration of such measures as may be most effectual for the peaceable prevention. It is impossible to turn my heart & understanding into that ground, with out an hundred  329 

3 1 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

recollections of your names from the first measure of œconomical re­ form, which led to the convention at Annapolis in 1786 to the present hour. I have therefore determined to address this uncopied joint let­ ter to you with the general view of opening the subject, and with the intention of offering any specific7 measures or particular requests for consideration or grant. Did my circumstances admit I would spend a week or more as occasion might recommend in your vicinities, for the benefit of such conferences as have heretofore taken place between us, and which are more eligible in their nature, and more consistent with the convenience of your increased years, and especially with those of your elder name. After this introduction permit me [to]8 state that from the time that I have given one deliberate reading to the Essays of Publicola of 1791, I have assimilated him in my own mind to Genl A. Hamilton than to his father Mr Adams senr with whom however, as his precep­ tor governor, and predecessor in political career I think it just and prudent to connect the son, in prudent consideration. I therefore took up the subject by indicating to two [of]9 our daily gazettes copies of Publicola’s essays in the pamphlet form (as reprinted in London & Dublin with the name of “John Adams Esqre” on the title pages) and in the news paper form in John Fennos gazette of the U.S. in 179110 in 11 numbers,11 from which last authority the whole were reprinted. I prepared six papers under the signature of Greene, for the Ameri­ can Sentinel here, which were published after Publicola to show the predecession of Mr Adams senior (in London in 1787.812 & in N. York in 1790 in his “defence” and his Discourses13 on Davila in 1790) to Mr Adams junr in his Publicola’s of 1791, and the succession of Mr Adams junr to his fathers labors, to the same end; the setting up the British, and the undermining the principles and character of our Constitution. While Greene was in the course of publication, I pre­ pared another series under the signature of Sherman, (a name of re­ publican esteem in the East) in five numbers, which will be contin­ ued, if I will. These are in Binnss democratic press. At the same time I published another series more strictly on the demerits and evils of Publicola, of which No 4 has appeared to day. They will be continued. I send nine of the Greene’s, the Sidneys & the Sherman, all I have by me: also two numbers of Publicola, all that I have out of pamphlet. You will collect from these broken papers some of my views on the case; and treat the great case now & till its close [as]14 you think fit. All those papers have appeared in the Dem: Press and Sentinel since the 5th of Jany currt and were in Washington in 36 hours, & in Bos­ ton in 70 hours. But not a syllable has been published in attack, or in  330 

3 1 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3

explanation, justification, extenuation or reply from either place, from Boston to Washington down to the 27th from Boston and to the 28th from Washington, whither many copies go in papers taken by the members of the two houses, by the President & the Heads of Depts including Mr Adams, and by the Washington Editors, and a number of the citizens. The republication, & commentaries (Publicola, & the strictures on him) are so15 recd as far as I learn, as to leave no doubt that Mr Adams will be unsupported in Pennsa by one electoral vote. There is a matter of great importance which I beg leave to state. In the course of the history of republican & anti‑republican exertions since 1786, there are many public facts, many public evidences, many published papers or papers not confidential which would be [of]16 great use if they were collected here in an accessible Situation. Among these are Mr Adams senrs Defence of the Constns ⎪⎫ ⎪ his—Discourses on Davila ⎪ his answers to addresses— ⎪ ⎪ Mr Adams junrs Publicola ⎪ all of which we have here r l ⎬ M John Langdons letter to Gen ⎪ in our collections. ⎪ S. Ringold ⎪ Genl Washington’s answer to Mr Adets ⎪ address on the delivery of the Colours ⎪⎪ ⎭ of France Jany 1. 1796— But there [are]17 many important things which we have not, tho we remember them, and many which we do not remember & yet may have. I should be glad therefore to have, to receive in such confidence as may be prescribed any thing that will bear upon the facts of endeav­ ours to convert the public mind from our institutions, or to oppose, or change or discredit them. One paper I much want is a copy of a letter from Mr John Adams senr to Mr Samuel Adams dated AD 1790 in which he states (if my memory is true) that he Mr J.A. senr never was in favor of republicanism further18 than as a government in which people should have “a Share.” I trust in your excuse for this hasty let­ ter on a solemn subject—and beg you to exercise your recollections19 & revise your files as to any such materials as can be with propriety confidentially imparted, or lent. The time requires effectual measures20 of appeal to the public mind.21 I have the honor to be yr mo. respectful Servt Tench Coxe RC (DLC: Madison Papers); dateline at foot of text. Enclosed in Madison to TJ, 19 Feb. 1823, and TJ to Madison, 24

Feb. 1823. Enclosures: newspaper clip­ pings reportedly in DLC: Madison Pa­ pers, ser. 7, box 2, including copies of

 331 

3 1 JA N UA R Y 1 8 2 3 Coxe’s 1823 republication of John Quincy Adams’s 1791 “Publicola” letters; six ar­ ticles by Coxe signed as “Sherman” from the Philadelphia American Sentinel, Jan. and Feb. 1823; and a series of essays by Coxe signed as “Sidney” from the Phila­ delphia Democratic Press, Jan. 1823. John Quincy Adams published a series of essays of publicola under that pseu­ donym in the Boston Columbian Centinel, 8 June–27 July 1791, and later acknowl­ edged them to be his (PTJ, 20:280–90, 298–301, 302–3, 305–10). Compilations were published in London and Dublin in 1793, attributed to John Adams and en­ titled An Answer to Pain’s Rights of Man. John Adams’s answers to addresses are in A Selection of the Patriotic Addresses, to the President of the United States. to‑ gether with The President’s Answers, ed. William Austin (Boston, 1798; Sowerby, no. 3525; see also PTJ, 32:196–202). A 10 Oct. 1800 letter from John Lang­ don to Samuel Ringgold (ringold) closed with his recollection of an assertion of support by John Adams for hereditary or lifelong tenure by the chief magistrate and Senate. Extracts from this letter contain­ ing this anecdote were printed in John Wood, The History of the Administration of John Adams, esq. late president of the United States (New York, 1802; Sowerby, no. 506), and in the Washington National Intelligencer, 19 Nov. 1800. George wash‑ ington’s answer to Pierre Auguste Adet, 1 Jan. 1796, expressed gratification that France’s “interesting revolutionary movements of so many years” had yielded “a constitution designed to give per­ manency to the great object” of liberty

through “a regularly organised govern­ ment” (Washington, Papers, Pres. Ser., 19:317–8). John Adams discussed the term “re­ publican” in a letter to samuel adams of 18 Oct. 1790: “your Candour will agree with me, that there is not in Lexicogra­ phy, a more fraudulent Word. Whenever I Use the word Republick, with approba­ tion I mean a Government, in which the People have, collectively or by Represen­ tation, an essential Share in the Sover­ eignty” (Robert J. Taylor and others, eds., Papers of John Adams [1977– ], 20:424–9, quote on p. 424; Tr of this let­ ter in DLC: TJ Papers, 57:9798; see also Sowerby, no. 3287). 1

 Preceding two words interlined.  Manuscript: “decription.”  Thus in manuscript. 4  Word interlined. 5  Manuscript: “discusson.” 6  Manuscript: “orgination.” 7  Manuscript: “specfic.” 8  Omitted word editorially supplied. 9  Omitted word editorially supplied. 10  Preceding two words interlined in place of “as publish.” 11  Remainder of sentence interlined. 12  Manuscript: “1797.8.” 13  Manuscript: “Discoures.” 14  Omitted word editorially supplied. 15  Manuscript: “as so.” 16  Omitted word editorially supplied. 17  Omitted word editorially supplied. 18  Word interlined. 19  Manuscript: “rcollections.” 20  Manuscript: “measurs.” 21 Sentence interlined. 2 3

Valuation of Poplar Forest Slaves by Richard Walker and Joel Yancey Fr. Eppes. Maria & 2 children George Phill

[Jan. 1823]

 600   275   400   332 

1 FEBRUARY 1823

Edmond James Hanahs [.  .  .] Hanah Henry 275

340 Sally & young chld 600 Billy—a [.  .  .]

⎧

 300   300   175  20501

⎪ ⎨

1215  32652 ⎪ ⎪

⎪ ⎩

MS (ViU: TJP‑ER); on verso of re­ used address cover of Bernard Peyton to TJ, 16 May 1822; written mostly in pen­ cil in Yancey’s hand; three words illegi­ ble; with related calculations by Yancey in pencil at foot of text and in right margin in ink in Thomas Jefferson Randolph’s hand; endorsed by Randolph: “Valua­ tion of Negroes at Poplar Forest between T Jefferson & F Eppes by R Walker & Joel Yancey Jany 1823.” Richard Walker (1761–1834), farmer, was born in Virginia but spent some years in Tennessee before settling in Bed­ford County by 1820. At his death he owned personal property valued at $7,657.37, including at least 29 slaves (Tyler’s Quar‑ terly Historical and Genealogical Maga‑

zine 14 [1932]: 27; DNA: RG 29, CS, Bedford Co., 1820, 1830; Bedford Co. Will Book, 8:331–2, 389–90; gravestone inscription in Walker family cemetery, Forest, Bedford Co.). In a letter of 2 Oct. 1822 written from Liberty to her grandson Nicholas P. Trist, Elizabeth Trist criticized the treatment of slaves at Poplar Forest: “I mention’d in my last that Mr Jefferson had not dis­ posed of any of his land at the Forest and has put it under better regulations than it had been but I fear the poor Negroes fare hard I wish they were as well treated as Mr Tournillons are” (RC in DLC: NPT). 1 Total

added in ink in Randolph’s hand. illegible total corrected in ink by Randolph. 2  Yancey’s

Tench Coxe to James Madison and Thomas Jefferson Gentlemen Phila Feby 1. 1823 st o1 I took the liberty, on the 31 Ult to address a letter to you, which was covered, with some parts of newspapers, to Mr Madison. In the dusk of the evening, two packets on my table were closed and, inad­ vertently, that to you was closed before revision, and taken to the post office. The direction at bottom to both of you was omitted, which you will be pleased to consider the same as this; and you will be so good as to allow for imperfections in a letter not revised. Papers, which have been published, of the character of the letter to Mr Samuel Adams of 1790, are deeply important, as are such as may be published, bearing on the subject. The case of J. Henry & Govr Sir J. Craig of the Canadas, must be attended with many important evi­ dences facts, & pieces, which it is a duty, as far as proper, to use, since  333 

1 FEBRUARY 1823

they are giving us Mr H. G. O., as Govr of Mtts & Mr J. Q. A. as P. U. S. I am duly impressed with the allowances, in regard to public and to laborious exertions of Gentlemen of your respective ages, long services and standing; but since the times are most dangerous to the cause of liberty, religious & civil, in Europe, and since a total failure (by power, numbers, arms and corruption) there, will endanger us and our system, in the two Americas, I do not doubt, that all conve­ nient aid will be afforded by you both, to preserve our internal tran­ quility and freedom,2 by protecting the inviolability of our principles and institutions. The letter, of 1822, from Mr Jefferson to Lieutt Govr Barry, written without reference to this election, has been of great importance in this year of action. The recognition of the sappings and more open violations of our principles and constitutions down to 1801, and of an actual recovery of the ground from our opponents, and of “a civil revolution” from wrong to right, has supported the firm, open and solemn warnings, which the adoption of a monarchi­ cal candidate had previously drawn forth, from Jany 1822 and thro the subsequent time; particularly since the failures of the regenera­ tion of Naples & Piedmont, the neglect of the Greeks, the menaces to Spain & Portugal, and the falling off of the popular power in France & the Netherlands, together with the persecutions of the reformers in Great Britain. It would be useful, in this season, if the Demc Press, the American Sentinel, & the Boston Statesman were seen in your parts of the coun­ try, as I believe they will contain much of those current views, which will be taken of this great case, till Decemr 1824: the time of action of the boards of Electors. I suppose the most convenient direction of letters to Mr Jefferson is M., near Charlottsville Va and to Mr Madison, Montpr near Orange Court House, Va. Your agricultural or other Societies near Monti­ cello, and Montpellier, would find much useful matter in those three papers in relation to Agriculture, and the whole circle of the arts, that minister, at home & abroad, to its indispensble prosperity—   Tho I most sensibly feel the obligation of apologizing for these two letters, yet, my venerable friends, I cannot but confess the concurrent feel­ ings, which the view around us, at home & abroad, irresistibly sug­ gests to a sound discretion & to a paramount temporal duty. Know­ ing well your hearts and understandings I rest, in ease of mind, yr faithful servant Tench Coxe RC (DLC: Madison Papers); at foot of text: “Mr Jefferson & Mr Madison.” En­

closed in Madison to TJ, 19 Feb. 1823, and TJ to Madison, 24 Feb. 1823.

 334 

1 FEBRUARY 1823 mr

 For the letter to samuel adams of 1790, see Coxe to Madison and TJ, 31 Jan. 1823, and note. For the case of j. henry & govr sir j. craig, see Madison to TJ, [9 Mar. 1812], and note. mr h. g. o., as govr of mtts & mr j. q. a. as p. u. s.:

“Mr. Harrison Gray Otis, as governor of Massachusetts & Mr. John Quincy Adams as president of the United States.” 1 Preceding

2 Preceding

four words interlined. two words interlined.

From William Foushee Dear Sir Post‑office Richmond 1. Febry 1823 Your favour of the 28th ulto came duly to hand & with great pleasure would comply with your request; but as the letters for milton come in an invelope & directed to that Office, I am not at Liberty to open the inclosure1 & take out a Letter to give it a different destination. Any Service I can render you will be most cheerfully performed; & regret much that you shall at any time be delayed in the reception of your letters. With the most Sincere esteem & respect am, Dear Sir, Your Mo Obt W: Foushee RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 4 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

1

 Manuscript: “incloure.”

From James Maury Liverpool 1 Feby 1823 This paper contains the Speech of the King of France just in time for the Newyork Packet Ship. from your obt Set J. Maury RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; ad­ dressed: Mr Jefferson Monticello; stamped “SHIP”; franked; postmarked New York, 11 Mar.; endorsed by TJ as received 15 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

The enclosed paper may have been the London Times of 30 Jan. 1823, which included a 28 Jan. 1823 speech of Louis XVIII that provided an overview of the French economy and called for the resto­ ration of absolute power to Ferdinand VII of Spain.

 335 

From Samuel Smith (of Maryland) Dr sir Washn 1 feby 1823 You will have seen the late nominations to south America and Spain—The opinion of the senate was—that those to Buenos Ayres, Chili and Peru, ought to have been deferred until they had sent their ministers, that ample time had been given them, and their not having accepted the invitation given by our recognition was an indication that a diplomatic intercourse was not desired by them, but it was thought that the law of the last session appropriating $100.000 Concluded the senate; and all except Peru, had been Consented to—There is some difficulty as to Mr Prevost for Peru, something personal, what I do not know—I believe that our navy Officers do not think, that his Conduct has been Correct. The appointment to Spain has astonished some—it may be right— and he may make a good Minister. I hope he will—But—In fact my Dear sir, I am tired with this kind of people we find abroad—Not one worth a button, except Gallatin, and he has such a Character for Cun­ ning, that the French avoid having much to do with him—We have assented to the Convention with France, bad as it is. and it Could not have been much worse, it is better than Commercial Warfare—On that ground I Voted for it—It has but one good trait in it—That, in 5½ years all discriminating duties Cease—unless One or the other no­ tify to the contrary, neither will, for both are tired of the controversy— our imports from France are increasing, and will continue to increase, which will be a Caution to her, and our Enterprize is such, that I rely upon it, to prevent us from annulling the bargain— Our finances are good, and fully justify the Report made by the Com: of Ws & Means, for which I was ridiculed, and laughed at. We shall (if not destroyed by the friends of manufactures) have a surplus in 1825 equal to the demand, that the Commissioners of the sinking fund will have a legal right to make on us—To what is this owing? I answer, to the judicious retrenchments made in the public expendi­ tures for the years 1820. 1821 and 1822. Am’ting to five millions— which the President admits in his message have done no injury to the publick service. he does not say so, in so many words, but in justice to Congress he ought So to have said—but he says—That we are in good Order—and by accompanying it with Certain documents not usual, he seems to imply that this good condition is due to his Secre­ taries, when we know, that some of them opposed the retrenchments to the utmost of their power, and that no saving was recommended by  336 

1 FEBRUARY 1823

them, and that every deduction made was like drawing their teeth—I am now 70 years of Age and may be excused for telling a Story twice, if I do—I am sure you will excuse it— Early in the last session I waited on the President—I told him, that I Called on him to have a frank conversation, and to explain to him the Course I had pursued, and meant to pursue, to wit—To bring the expenditures within our means, that in doing So, my intentions were of the most friendly kind towards him, that I considered myself as the best friend he had—that I did not know what his Ideas were on the subject, that I knew that my Conduct was considered by some of his Admon as hostile, and perhaps he might be of the same Opinion—and therefore I wished to explain myself freely and frankly—He bowed— and I proceeded to say—That when I became Chairman of the W & M. I found that for the service of the year 1820. A loan would be re­ quired of five millions—that loans in time of Peace were obnoxious,— That on a Careful examination of the Estimates, I found that retrench­ ments might be made without injury to the public service, that I made as many as amounted to $2.250.000—That in 1821. The sec y had re­ ported the necessity of a loan of $ Seven million for the service of that year—that on a close enquiry I found that further deductions from the Estimates might be made to the amot of $2.200.000, and they were made and a loan was granted for five millions—and now sir said I— Has any of the publick institutions suffered? No sir, none—was the answer—Then sir I have served the nation, and have subserved your interest as its Chief magistrate—for had I not made those salutary retrenchments, you must now have asked for another loan of five mil­ lion which would have prostrated your administration,—my Object has been to1 make your Admon quoted as that of Mr Jefferson, and I shall succeed—you will leave the government with a full treasury— whereas but the Efforts I have made (and for which I am Censured) you would have gone out leaving a treasury of empty boxes—He then said—No One has a right to Censure you, you deserve the thanks of your Country, and have acted the part of an honest independent ser­ vant of the publick— We parted—and during the session he sent a long injudicious message about fortifying Dauphin Island, which was referred to the Committee of military Affairs, who in their report exposed the folly of Erecting a fort to Contain 108 Guns, for the preventing an Enemy from entering Mobile Bay, by a pass where there was Confessedly but Nine feet, in such a View that not one man in either House (not even Hugh Nelson) would expose himself to the ridicule of the House—by  337 

1 FEBRUARY 1823

moving an appropriation—Mr Adams and Mr Crawford were agt send­ ing the Message, but they were overruled by the superior influence of Mr Calhoun— you will pardon me for the details I have ventured to give you—and will I trust believe, that you have no friend more devoted than is your Obedt servt S. Smith RC (DLC); at foot text: “Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. The Washington Daily National Intel‑ ligencer of 28 Jan. 1823 announced the appointment and confirmation of several of the late nominations to south america, including Caesar A. Rodney to be minister plenipotentiary to buenos ayres and Herman Allen to the same role in chili. The law of the last ses‑ sion appropriating $100.000 was “An Act making an appropriation to defray the expenses of missions to the indepen­ dent nations of the American continent,” passed 4 May 1822 (U.S. Statutes at Large, 3:678). President James Monroe nominated John B. prevost to serve as chargé d’affaires in Peru, but the nomina­ tion was later postponed and ultimately

withdrawn (JEP, 3:320, 327, 340 [13, 27 Jan., 3 Mar. 1823]). Hugh Nelson re­ ceived the appointment to spain as minister plenipotentiary. For the convention with france, see TJ to Albert Gallatin, 29 Oct. 1822, and note. Smith and other members of the Senate voted to ratify the treaty of navi­ gation and commerce on 31 Jan. 1823 (JEP, 3:330). the report made by the com: of ws & means (i.e., Committee on Ways and Means) was presented to the United States House of Representatives on 30 Apr. 1822 (ASP, Finance, 3:807–12). For the failure of Monroe’s effort to obtain funds to fortify dauphin island, Ala­ bama, see Smith to TJ, 13 May 1822, and note. 1

 Smith here canceled “serve.”

Statement of Taxable Property in Albemarle County a list of taxable property in Albemarle county Feb. 1. 1823, for which the subscriber is responsible ? 2597. acres of land ? 56. slaves above 12. years of age 1. Landau horses and mules. Th Jefferson MS (MHi); written entirely in TJ’s hand on a narrow slip; question marks in original; endorsed by TJ: “Sheriff Albe­ marle Taxables Feb. 1. 1823”; with por­ tion of a presumably unrelated note by TJ on verso: “int of the.”

The Virginia General Assembly set property tax rates for 1823 in a law ­enacted on 19 Feb. of that year (Acts of Assembly [1822–23 sess.], 3–4).

 338 

To John Ponsonby Martin Sir Monto Feb. 2. 23. of the transaction which is the subject of your lre of Jan. 25. or of any transaction whatever with either mr Saml Martin or Rob. Sq. Taylor there is not the smallest1 trace in my memory. this perhaps is not strange after a lapse of 50. years. a sight of the acct it’s articles, it’s nature & perhaps names mentd in it mt bring something to my recol­ lection or enable me to turn to some paper respectg it. until that I can add2 nothing on the subject to the assurance of my respect. Dft (MHi); on verso of RC of Martin to TJ, 25 Jan. 1823. Recorded in SJL as a letter of 3 Feb. 1823.

1 Word

2 Word

interlined. interlined in place of “say.”

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Richmond. Feb: 3d 1823. th I thank you for your favor of 28 ult: and feel much gratified that you approve the view which I took of the subject of the primary schools. I am very much pleased at your suggestion of a method by which a meeting of our board may be deferred till the regular period in the month of April. It would be very inconvenient for me to attend an intermediate meeting, and the method you suggest will be readily assented to by all the Visitors here. I take this for granted without the formality of a consultation. It gives me the most heartfelt pleasure to inform you that there is now no doubt of the success of our Loan Bill. I enclose you a copy of the Bill, & of the amendments which were proposed last week. Our friends came to an understanding that in order to detach the primary school party from the College party, they would vote for Doddridge’s amendments, with some alterations. The Bill was taken up to‑day in the House of Delegates, when Griffin’s amendments were rejected, and the Bill, with Doddridge’s amend­ ments amended, was ordered to be engrossed by a large majority. The sense of the House is considered to be definitively ascertained. It will come to the Senate in a day or two, where it will pass without amendment. On friday I hope to send you intelligence of its passage. We would most cheerfully amend the bill in the Senate, so as to pro­ vide for the extinction of the debt: & Mr Johnson wished to do so. But I have persuaded him to let the Bill pass. We had better run no risks. Let us make sure of the $60,000– and then we will survey the ground. It is doubtful whether we can with prudence attempt the extinction  339 

3 FEBRUARY 1823

this winter. If on consultation it should be deemed practicable, you may rely on our will to make the effort. We are within two weeks of the end of the session. I see clearly that we may save a year by extin­ guishing now. But I fear another year’s1 delay is the price of eventual success. I earnestly hope that this Loan will finish the buildings. We must never come here again for money to erect buildings. It would be good policy to expend $60,000, on the Library, should it require so much, & not divert any part of it to the payment of existing debts. Should the funds fall short, I would rather ask for money hereafter to pay off old debts, than to finish the Library. The settlement of Mr Brokenbrough’s accounts in the mode in which they were settled has produced capital effects here. The result has even transcended my ex­ pectations. The members of the Legislature2 will take to themselves the satisfaction of finding fault with this & that, but they are all pleased to see the public money so accurately accounted for & so faithfully ap­ plied. I was from the first confident that no weapon could be wielded by us with more efficacy than this annual rendition of accounts which seemed to be a rod in pickle for us. I think also that your suggestion3 respecting the Religious sects has had great influence. It is the Frank­ lin that has drawn the Lightning from the Cloud of opposition. I write you, dear sir, with a heart springing up with joy, & a cheek bedewed with tears of delight. Accept, I beseech you, my cordial congratula­ tions at this evidence of the returning good sense of the country, & of its just appreciation of your labours. Long may you live to enjoy new & ever recurring proofs of your country’s confidence & favor, is the unceasing prayer of your faithful & aff e friend Joseph C. Cabell RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 3 Feb.; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. “A Bill, Concerning the University of Virginia,” TJ’s copy not found, was printed in the appendix to JHD (1822–23 sess.). The bill as presented there included as an addendum Philip doddridge’s amendments, which related to require­ ments for the reporting and appointment of county school commissioners and, with further revisions, were incorporated into the final text of “An act concerning the University of Virginia, and for other pur­ poses,” when it passed on 5 Feb. 1823 (Acts of Assembly [1822–23 sess.], 13–4).

Thomas griffin’s amendments, also printed with the bill but not implemented, sought both to bring into “effectual oper­ ation, the system of elementary education adopted by the state” and to “complete the buildings of the University of Virginia, and to procure a necessary apparatus and library for the said University.” Griffin’s plan was to be funded with sales and transfers of bank‑stock certificates held by the Literary Fund to benefit primary schools, the colleges in the state, and the University of Virginia. It further specified that fines and pecuniary penalties not yet collected in the counties would henceforth be “vested in the school commissioners” to be used by them to support local acad­ emies. Griffin concluded by proposing that any deficit in the Literary Fund caused by

 340 

3 FEBRUARY 1823 the bank‑stock allocations “shall be equally charged on the annual appropriations to the University and primary schools, so long as such deficit shall exist.” A rod in pickle is “a punishment kept in reserve, ready to be inflicted when required,” while a franklin is a

“lightning‑conductor” or rod, recalling its invention by Benjamin Franklin (OED). 1 Word

interlined. five words interlined in place of “They.” 3 Manuscript: “suggetion.” 2  Preceding

From John Bannister Gibson Dr Sir Carlisle (Penna) 3 Feb 1823. General Rogers of this state, who is compiling a biographical dic­ tionary of the men of the revolution, has applied to me for a sketch of the life of my father, the late Col. George Gibson, who I beleive had the pleasure of being among the number of your friends and ac­ quaintances.1 It will probably be within your recollection that while a Captain in the service of Virginia, (of which I think you were then the Governor) he was employed by that state to effect an arrange­ ment with the Spanish authorities at New Orleans for a supply of Gunpowder the want of which began to be felt. This commission he executed successfully, and perhaps not without address and personal risque, as Captain Gibson was shortly afterwards promoted to the command of one of the Virginia regiments. I have not seen a notice of this transaction in any history of the revolution—it may not have possessed sufficient merit or dignity to arrest the attention of the historian—nor have I any other knowledge of it, than what I retain from a recollection of incidents apparently those of romance, in his descent of the Mississipia and Ohio, and in his return on foot through the wilderness to Pittsburg, related by him for the fire side amuse­ ment of his children; but which, although I was then very young made an impression on my mind among those that will be last effaced. Time has swept away nearly all who were concerned in the matter, and among the survivors you are perhaps the only person at all acquainted with the facts and circumstances connected with it. On this ground I rely on your kindness to the memory of a man of some worth, to par­ don me for obtruding on you a request for information in relation to the date of this mission; the causes which gave rise to it; the manner of its execution; and, in short, any matter connected with it, which you may deem worthy of notice. General Rogers work will go to press about the first of June; at which time it will be necessary for me to have the sketch prepared. I purpose to furnish also a notice of the late General John Gibson, with the circumstances connected with the celebrated speech of Logan,  341 

3 FEBRUARY 1823

as I had them from the Generals lips a few months previous to his death. The question with respect to the genuineness of the speech as published in the notes on Virginia, as well as the causes which gave rise to the indian war, has been put at rest: but all the incidents of that war still2 possess no inconsiderable share of interest; and this may perhaps add a mite to the value of Genl Rogers’ book. In requesting information from you, I am fully sensible how much I trespass on your comfort and ease—the more so, as I discover in your correspondence with Mr Adams, that you do not write without a painful effort; but it is with great pleasure I observe3 that time, although attended with its usual train of bodily infirmities, has been unable to effect anything against the sprightliness and vigor of your mind. It is consoling to us of middle age4 to be convinced by many illustrious examples, that we have at least a chance of encountering old age disarmed of the worst half of its means of annoyance. Believe me sir with sentiments of profound respect and esteem Your obedient Servant John Bannister Gibson RC (MHi); addressed: “The Honor­ able Thomas Jefferson Late President of the United States Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Carlisle, 3 Feb.; en­ dorsed by TJ as received 13 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. John Bannister Gibson (1780–1853), attorney and judge, was born at Westover Mill, Perry County, Pennsylvania. After receiving his early education at a school operated by his mother, he entered Dick­ inson College about 1795, but did not graduate. Gibson studied law thereafter with a local attorney and was admitted to the bar in 1803. He practiced in Beaver, Pennsylvania, and Hagerstown, Maryland, before settling in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Gibson served two terms in the Pennsyl­ vania House of Representatives, 1810–12. A Democrat, he supported legislative sponsorship of internal improvements and during his second term chaired the Com­ mittee on the Judiciary. Governor Simon Snyder appointed him president judge of the court of common pleas for a newly created judicial district in 1813, and in 1816 Snyder promoted him to associate justice on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Gib­ son became chief justice in 1827 and re­ mained on that court for the rest of his life, although he dropped down to associ­ ate justice again in 1851 under a new state

constitution. During his highly influ­ential career, he wrote more than twelve hundred opinions and was known for maintaining a generally restrictive view of judicial au­ thority, aiding measures for internal im­ provements and public works, and disen­ franchising Pennsylvania’s free blacks in a unanimous 1837 court decision. Gibson lived for most of his life in Carlisle, but he died during a visit to Philadelphia (ANB; DAB; Thomas P. Roberts, Memoirs of John Bannister Gibson, Late Chief Justice of Pennsylvania [1890]; Joshua A. Lip­ pincott and Ovando B. Super, Alumni Record of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. [1886], unpaginated frontmatter, 210; Philadelphia North American and United States Gazette, 4 May 1853; gravestone inscription in Old Graveyard, Carlisle, Pennsylvania). The third edition of Thomas J. Rogers’s compiled biographical dictionary, A New American Biographical Dictionary; or, Remembrancer of the Departed Heroes, Sages, and Statesmen, of America (Easton, Pa., 1824), contained new essays on George Gibson (pp. 166–71) and John Gibson (pp. 163–6) without attribution of authorship. The previous editions ap­ peared in 1813 and 1823. While many of TJ’s papers as governor of Virginia were lost in a British raid on Richmond in January 1781, his extant cor­

 342 

3 FEBRUARY 1823 respondence with George Gibson does not mention the latter’s negotiation with the spanish authorities at new or‑ leans. For the controversy over the gen‑ uineness of the speech by the Mingo Indian James Logan, see William O. Allen to TJ, 9 Feb. 1810, and note. The recently published correspondence with mr

adams was TJ to John Adams, 1 June 1822. 1 Manuscript:

“acqaintances.” interlined. 3 Word interlined in place of what ap­ pears to be “find.” 4 Word interlined in place of “life.” 2 Word

To Robert Mayo and William A. Bartow Gent. Monto Feb. 3. 23. I did not answer the note in the pamphlet you were so kind as to send me1 for 2. reasons. 1. because the use of my hand is so much impaired, and I write with so much pain that I am obliged to decline answering any lre which is not of the most indispensible urgency & oblign. 2. because I have never permitted myself to assume the office of recommendg to the public particular books or institutions, or to advise what they should read, or what instns establish. least of all is it necessary2 on your proposn for a circulating library. the establmt of such libraries in every town is so favorable to3 the general instrn, furnishes4 so salutary an employment of spare hours & inducement to pass them at home, and brings the use of books so much within the means of every one that there cannot be two opns on their advge,5 but of all this the public have the right and the understdg to judge for themselves without admonns from me as unauthorised as unneces­ sary. accept the assurce of my respect Dft (MHi); at foot of text of RC of Mayo and Bartow to TJ, 27 Jan. 1823. 1 Preceding

2  Reworked

eight words interlined. from “all could it be ne-

cessary.” 3  Preceding two words interlined in place of “ promotive of.”

4

 Word interlined.  Based on Mayo’s quotation of this pas­ sage in his 24 Apr. 1823 reply, TJ may have substituted “utility” for this word in the missing RC. TJ here canceled “of such instns.” 5

From Leopoldo Pelli‑Fabbroni Monsieur Florence ce 3. Fevrier 1823. L’ancienne, et honorable amitié que Vous aviez eu la bonté d’accorder à mon Pére bien aimé, et qui etoit par lui réligiéusement1 consérvée au fond de son coeur, comme celle de2 l’Homme distingué du Siecle,  343 

3 FEBRUARY 1823

de Celui à qui l’Amérique doit la consérvation de sa Liberté, et l’Êtat florissant, et envié, dans lequel Elle [se trouve,] cette amitié si réspéc­ table,3 me fait un d[evoir], q[uoi]q[ue] très amer, et très‑douloureux d’annoncer à Monsieur Jefferson4 la perte irréparable que je viens d’en faire—L’afféction que le Savant, très célébre, et vénérable M[on]sieur Jefferson portoit à l’Être chéri de mon éxistence, j’en suis sur faira à son coeur magnanime, [e]t s[en]sible entendre les Sentimens d’une vraie douleur, de cette douleur qui pour moi est si forte, et profonde que dans la même intensité, et avec la même force m’accom­pagnera jusque au Tombeau, où j’irai non séulement réjoindre cét éxcellent Père, mais aussi mon éstimable5 Mère, et une Jeune Epouse affec­ tionnée qui a suivi après vingtsix jours seulement ce tendre Beau‑Père6 dans le chemin7 de l’Étérnité, me laissant8 avec trois petits Enfants en bas âge, et dans un vide immense,9 dans la plus cruelle Situation enfin,10 ou mortel puisse jamais se trouver. Permettez‑moi que je joigne ici, Monsieur,11 un éxémplaire de l’Annonce qui a été fait d’une perte si horrible en attendant que je puisse vous envoyer le portrait qu’on va faire en li[thograp]hie.12 Lorsque l’Eloge de cette Personne ch[erie]13 [qui ser]à fait par le prémier Orateur que la france [c]onnoisse dans ce moment Mr Géorge Cuvier qui lui avoit accordé son éstime,14 et son amitié15 au[ra été] publié, je ne manquerai pas de Vous en faire l’envoi, car je suis sur dans l’affliction que Vous eprou[verez pour] le trépas16 de cet Homme, que Vous cherissiez, et qui conservoit pour Vous la plus grande17 vé­ nération, Vous Serez satisfait en voyant un apperçu de Ses [gran]des qualites, qui l’on fait distinguer jusque à ses derniers jours18 parmi les Savans de l’Europe. Intimement persuadé19 que la mémoire de [mon] bon Père sera honorée par quelques larmes de Monsieur Jefferson, ce qui sera de beaume à mon coeur ulceré,20 je suis en même tems persuadé qu’il voudrà bien21 me pardonner la liberté que je me suis prise de lui écrire, et qu’il voudra aussi22 accueillir avec les doux sentimens de son grand23 coeur bon, et sensible ce douloureux hômmage d’un fils infortuné, et lui pérméttre en même tems d’avoir l’honneur vraiment distingué de pouvoir se signer avec la plus haute vénération, et le plus profond réspéct Monsieur Vôtre très‑humble, et très‑obeissant Serviteur, et admirateur profond  Léopold Pelli‑fabbroni24 Sécrétaire du Conseil Royal de Grace, et Justice à Florence  344 

3 FEBRUARY 1823 e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

Sir Florence 3. February 1823. The old and honorable friendship that you were so kind as to bestow on my beloved father, and which he kept religiously, deep in his heart, as that of the eminent man of the century to whom America owes the preservation of its liberty and the flourishing and envied condition it now enjoys, this very respectable friendship obliges me out of duty, even if it is very bitter and painful, to announce to Mr. Jefferson the irreparable loss that I have just experienced. The affection that the learned, very famous, and venerable Mr. Jefferson had for the most cherished person in my life I am sure will cause his magnanimous and sympathetic heart to understand the feelings of real grief, a grief I feel so strongly and deeply and one which will accompany me with the same intensity and strength to the grave, where I hope to rejoin not only my excellent father, but also my estimable mother and beloved young wife, who followed her gentle father‑in‑law on the path to eternity only twenty‑­ six days after him, leaving me with three young children and an immense emptiness, in the most cruel situation in which mortals can find themselves. Allow me to enclose here, Sir, a copy of the notice of this horrible loss, while I wait to send you the portrait that is going to be made in lithograph. The eulogy for this beloved person will be delivered by France’s greatest orator at this time, Mr. Georges Cuvier, who had granted him his esteem and friendship. As soon as it is published, I will not fail to send it to you, as I am certain that, while afflicted by the sorrow that you will certainly experience by the death of a man you cherished and who had for you the greatest venera­ tion, you will be pleased to catch a glimpse of the qualities that until his last days distinguished him among the scholars of Europe. Deeply convinced that the memory of my good father will be honored by a few tears from Mr. Jefferson, which will be a balm to my wounded heart, I am at the same time persuaded that he will forgive me for the liberty I take in writing to him, that he will receive with the tender feelings of his large, kind, and sensitive heart this painful homage of an unfortunate son, and that he at the same time will allow this son to have the truly distinguished honor of signing himself with the highest veneration and most profound respect Sir Your very humble and very obedient servant, and deep admirer  Léopold Pelli‑fabbroni Secretary of the Royal Council of Mercy and Justice in Florence RC (DLC); mutilated, with missing text supplied from Dft; endorsed by TJ as received 6 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Dft (PPAmP: Thomas Jefferson Papers); at head of text: “à Jefferson”; adjacent to closing: “À Mr Thomas Jefferson Monticello en Virginie Etats‑Unis d’Amerique”; with additional notation at foot of text: “N:B: fù spedita poi la pre­ sente li=5=Marzo 1823” (“N.B.: this was sent 5 March 1823”). Translation by Dr. Genevieve Moene. Enclosure: Obit­

uary for Giovanni Fabbroni, Gazetta di Firenze, 31 Dec. 1822, supplement; clip­ ping filed with RC of covering letter; in Italian; announcing the death from apo­ plexy of Giovanni Fabbroni on 17 Dec. 1822; describing his interest in nature, literature, agriculture, and political econ­ omy; listing many of his academic posi­ tions, including service as secretary of the Imperiale e Reale Accademia Economico‑­ Agraria dei Georgofili di Firenze, direc­ tor of Florence’s Reale Museo di Fisica e

 345 

3 FEBRUARY 1823 Storia Naturale, honorary professor at the universities at Pisa and Vilnius, correspon­ dent of the Institut de France, member of the Accademia Nationale delle Scienze, and numerous civic roles including Tus­ can deputy to the Corps Légis­latif, direc­ tor of the Florence mint, and commis­ sioner of mines and ironworks; noting that he was a knight of the French légion d’honneur and a member of the Tuscan Order of Saint Joseph; highlighting the scope of his writings on subjects ranging from political economy to science; prais­ ing his personality and morals; indicat­ ing that his wife, Teresa Bencivenni Pelli Fabbroni, had predeceased him and that he had only one son, Leo­poldo; observing that shortly before his death Fabbroni had been visited by Alexander von Humboldt; and concluding with an homage to Fab­ broni’s mind and life’s work.

4 [1857]: cxxxii; Turin Gazzetta Ufficiale del Regno d’Italia, 13 Jan. 1864). 1 RC

and Dft: “réligéusement.” from “qui etoit” to this point in­ terlined in Dft in place of “qu’il conservoit religeusement pour” (“which he religiously kept for”). 3 Preceding four words interlined in Dft. 4 Text from “d’annoncer” to this point interlined in Dft in place of illegible phrase. 5  RC and Dft: “éxtimable.” 6  Text from “ce tendre” to this point interlined in Dft. 7  RC and Dft: “chemain.” 8  Recto of page one ends here with no­ tation: “T:S:V:P:” (“Tournez S’il Vous Plait”) (“Please Turn Over”). 9  Preceding five words interlined in Dft. 10  Word interlined in Dft. 11  Sentence to this point interlined in Dft in place of illegible phrase. 12 Leopoldo Pelli‑Fabbroni (1786–1864),  Dft: “litographie.” 13 attorney and public official, was the son of  Preceding four words interlined in Dft. 14 TJ’s friend and correspondent, Giovanni  RC and Dft: “éxtime.” 15 Fabbroni. Pelli‑Fabbroni was educated by  Text from “Mr Géorge” to this point his father and developed a keen interest interlined in Dft. 16 in agriculture and political economy. He  Preceding two words interlined in began his career in public service in 1809 Dft in place of “la perte” (“the loss”). 17 as imperial procurator of Florence. By  Dft here adds “amitié accompagné 1818 Pelli‑Fabbroni sat on the Tuscan des sentimens de la plus haute” (“friend­ council of state, serving as its president, ship accompanied by sentiments of the 1861–63. From at least 1833 he was a highest”). 18 secretary, and later an adviser, of the Im­  Text from “l’ont fait” to this point in­ periale e Reale Accademia Economico‑­ terlined in Dft in place of illegible phrase. 19 Agraria dei Georgofili di Firenze. Pelli‑­  Preceding two words interlined in Dft Fabbroni died in Florence (Francesco in place of “Sur” (“Sure”). 20 de Feo, ed., Atti della Reale Consulta di  Preceding nine words interlined in Stato del Granducato di Toscana (settem‑ Dft. 21 Text from “qu’il” to this point inter­ bre 1847–­aprile 1848) [1967; Acta Italica, vol. 13], xxvi; Memoires d’Agriculture, lined in Dft in place of illegible phrase. 22  d’Économie Rurale et Domestique, publiés Word interlined in Dft in place of par la Société Royale et Centrale d’Agri­ “bien” (“well”). 23 Word added in margin of Dft. culture, Année 1835 [1836]: 477; Conti‑ 24 Signature canceled in Dft. nuazione degli Atti dèlla R. Accademia economico‑agraria dei Georgofili di Firenze 2 Text

 346 

To Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir Monticello Feb. 4. 23. Mr Brockenbrough has shewn me a letter, written anonimously, charging him with the grossest frauds and malversation in the office of Proctor of the University, and addressed to Mr Griffin a member of the legislature. I know the hand writing of the letter as well as I do my own, and possess many samples from the same pen. it is from James Oldham one of our undertakers. I have known him 15. or 20 years. he worked on my house some years, is as faithful a workman as I have ever known, and I have ever believed him an honest man. but his temper is unhappy. disagreements with his brother‑workmen oc­ casioned his leaving my service, without any displeasure between him and myself; and knowing his skill and fidelity as a workman I got him employed at the University. he soon got into misunderstandings there with the Proctor, has refused to settle his accounts on the prin­ ciples on which I am informed the other undertakers have settled, and has not yet closed with the propositions of arbitration which have been offered. this has prevented his receiving payments for his work in proportion with others, and has engendered the dispositions of mind manifested in that letter. I did not suppose however that his self‑respect would have permitted him to have attacked an adversary from behind the mask of an anonymous information; or that instead of laying his charges before the board of Visitors whose duty it is to enquire into any malversations of their officers, he would have sent them for enquiry at such a distance, to a gentleman under no particu­ lar relations with the matter and who, I am sure must have felt his justice offended by the presumption of the writer that he would be­ come the instrument of any one who would not risk his own name on his charges. with respect to the charges themselves, I shall say noth­ ing now; because I hold it to be the duty of the board, if the informer will undertake to maintain them, to go into that enquiry at our next meeting, and to go into it uncommitted and unbiassed by former opin­ ions. it is surely our duty to see that those whom we employ act faith­ fully to their trust, and that the money of the public confided to our care be honestly and economically administered. in justification of myself however so far, I may say that so much of the conduct of Mr Brockenbrough as has come under my observation has had the stamp of the most perfect integrity and diligence; that it has kept me in a state of entire satisfaction, and that I have deemed it one of the happi­ nesses of our undertaking to have found two officers so capable and so trust‑worthy as our Bursar and Proctor: and yet that had any of these  347 

4 FEBRUARY 1823

anonymous charges been ever suggested to me on grounds worthy notice, no personal confidence or consideration on earth would have prevented my instituting a proper investigation of them. and I still deem that it would be injustice to suffer the confidence I have had, and still have in Mr Brockenbrough to be impaired by any thing con­ tained in this anonymous letter. should this matter be thought im­ properly referred by that letter, I shall desire Mr Oldham to put his charges into distinct and issuable forms, to give a copy of them to Mr Brockenbrough, and both to be prepared for their investigation at our meeting in April. on this subject I shall await your information, and the advice of our colleagues with you, and that this should be given me as early as the proceedings with you shall enable you, salut­ ing you with affectionate friendship and respect FC (ViU: TJP); in Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge)’s hand; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Cabell Joseph C.” and so re­ corded in SJL. Oldham’s letter written to Thomas griffin under the signature of “A Farmer” has not been found, but in a let­ ter to Oldham of 5 Feb. 1823, Brocken­ brough identified him as the author of the “abominable Slanderous charges, and

insinuations thrown out against me in a letter directed to Thos Griffin Esqr mem­ ber of the General assembly,” and he re­ fused to interact with Oldham further until the University of Virginia Board of Visitors investigated the charges (exhibit T conjoined with Tr of Oldham’s Bill of Complaint against the University of Vir­ ginia Board of Visitors and Proctor, [be­ fore 26 Sept. 1825]).

From John Pickering Sir, Salem, Massachusetts, Feb. 4. 1823. Knowing the interest you take in the inquiries which are now going on respecting the Indian Languages, I beg leave to offer you a copy of the new edition of Dr Edwards’ Observations on the Mohegan Lan­ guage, which is just published by our Historical Society, and consti­ tutes a part of the present volume of their “Collections.” With the hope of stimulating our students of Indian, I have added a few Notes to this edition, and also a Comparative Vocabulary of various dialects. The words are given just as I found them in the vari­ ous authors; which I mention lest I should be thought answerable for blunders which are none of my own. In all our Indian vocabularies there is a shocking want of accuracy and system, as you well know. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient & h’ble servt Jno Pickering RC (ViW: TC‑JP); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 20 Feb.

1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Jonathan Edwards (1745–1801), Observa‑

 348 

4 FEBRUARY 1823 tions on the Language of the Muhhekaneew Indians. A New Edition: With Notes, by John Pickering (Boston, 1823); also printed in Collections of the Massachusetts His‑ torical Society 10 (1823): 81–98.

 The enclosure was originally published in New Haven in 1788 and reprinted in the American Museum 5 (1789): 21–5, 141–4.

From Archibald Robertson Dear Sir Lynchburg 4th Feby 1823 Enclosed I send you a copy of your account to the end of the last year (say 31 July), which if found to be right, please execute1 & re­ turn the Bond enclosed, the object is to close the account to that time in case of accidents—I remain Respectfully Your ob St A. Robertson RC (MHi); between dateline and salu­ tation: “Thos Jefferson Esqr”; with addi­ tional notation at foot of text in an un­ identified hand: “1822 July 31, 1928⁰−− ⁰ ”; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Feb. 1823

and so recorded in SJL. Enclosures not found. 1

 Manuscript: “executeee.”

From Littleton Dennis Teackle Chamber of the House of Delegates Sir,  Annapolis 4 Feby 1823 As chairman of the Committee of Publick Instruction, I take the liberty of transmitting a bill reported for that purpose, and beg the favour of Your Views upon the System proposed, and that you will be pleased to note its defects, & to suggest Amendments. Presuming upon a knowledge of your liberal &1 Philanthropick dis­ position, I venture to Essay this claim upon your time and Attention— I have the Honor to be With the Highest respct & Consideration Your Most Obdt Svt. Littleton Dennis Teackle RC (MHi); at foot of text: “To Thomas Jefferson Eqr”; endorsed by TJ as re­ ceived 10 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: An Act To provide for the Public Instruction of Youth throughout this State, and to promote the important interests of Husbandry and Agriculture ([Annapolis, 1823]), consisting of thirty‑­ five sections presented by Teackle to the Maryland House of Delegates on 30 Jan. 1823 as Bill no. 51 and “ordered to lie on

the table”; proposing the appointment and duties of a state superintendent of public instruction, along with nine commission­ ers and not more than eighteen inspectors in each county; specifying the roles of a clerk, three trustees, and a collector in each school district; describing the imple­ mentation of taxes to benefit the schools and the methods of apportioning this rev­ enue; establishing reporting protocols at the district and state levels; requiring the

 349 

4 FEBRUARY 1823 creation of a classical school in each county and providing for the appointment of a professor of agricultural chemistry at each of the schools; calling for a “pattern farm, for the improvement of husbandry estab­ lished convenient to each of the said aca­ demic institutions in the several counties of this state,” with its own trustees, which was to be “cultivated by free citizens, and the children of such as may be admitted at the discretion of the said trustees, and be bound to serve in the various employ­ ments of the said farm, until they shall arrive at the lawful age of twenty‑one years” (p. 19); noting that the children serving such an “apprenticeship” are to receive education in addition to subsis­ tence and clothing; and establishing a sys­ tem for the distribution of public funds, including provisions for the education of poor children. Littleton Dennis Teackle (1777–1848), merchant, public official, and banker, was born in Accomack County. He relocated by 1800 to Somerset County, Maryland, where he owned two slaves in 1800 and twenty‑five a decade later. Teackle repre­ sented the county for twelve terms in the Maryland House of Delegates, 1822–23, 1824–33, and 1834–36. When he unsuc­ cessfully sought a federal appointment to a foreign consulate or domestic office in

1825, he described himself as having been “a Commissioner, Director, Trustee, or President of nearly all the banks, insur­ ance Companies, manufacturing, or liter­ ary institutions, incorporated since my set­ tlement in Maryland.” Teackle supported internal improvements and a national bank, and he was appointed superintendent of public instruction for Maryland in 1827. He died in Baltimore (John Andrews Up­ shur, Upshur Family in Virginia [1955], 46; George Norbury Mackenzie and Nel­ son Osgood Rhoades, Colonial Families of the United States of America [1907–20; repr. 1966], 4:128; ViU: Quinby Family Papers; DNA: RG 29, CS, Md., Somer­ set Co., 1800, 1810; Edward C. Papen­ fuse and others, eds., An Historical List of Public Officials of Maryland [1990– ], 1:255; DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1825–29; Madison, Papers, Pres. Ser., 7:191–4, 258–60; Clay, Papers, 4:40–1, 587–8, 626; Washington Daily National Jour‑ nal, 20 Mar. 1827; Washington Globe, 16, 24 Dec. 1834; Baltimore Sun, 18 Nov. 1848). On this day Teackle sent similar letters with the same enclosure to John Adams and James Madison (MHi: Adams Pa­ pers; Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:642–3). 1

 Preceding two words interlined.

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Richmond. Feb: 5. 1823. I have now the satisfaction to enclose you a copy of the Act con­ cerning the University, which has this moment passed the Senate, and is now the Law of the Land. The vote on the passage of the Bill in the House of Delegates was 121–to 66. The vote in the Senate was 19 to 3. I hereby give my assent to the Loan authorized by this act. I shall get Mr Johnson and Mr Loyall to write you to the same effect. Mr John­ son is now out of office, but I shall get the Executive to reappoint him. of course, he & Mr Loyall will assent, because they have advo­ cated the Loan.  350 

5 FEBRUARY 1823

 I am now casting about to see if we can cancel the Bonds. on that subject you shall hear from me in due time. In the interim, accept, I beseech you, my congratulations, & believe me, ever faithfully yours, Joseph C. Cabell. P.S. Mr Gordon distinguished himself in the discussion in the House of Delegates: and the county was well represented by both the members. RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); endorsed by TJ as received 9 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); top half of address cover only, with Dft of TJ to Robert Walsh, 5 Apr. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello”; franked; post­ marked Richmond, 5 Feb. The enclosed copy of the act was the 5 Feb. 1823 “act concerning the Univer­ sity of Virginia, and for other purposes” (Acts of Assembly [1822–23 sess.], 13–4). William F. gordon and William C. Rives represented Albemarle County in the House of Delegates for the 1822–23 ses­ sion (Leonard, General Assembly, 313). Alexander Garrett reported from Char­ lottesville to John H. Cocke on 18 Feb. 1823 that “The late good news of a fur­

ther loan to the University of 60,000$ was recieved with heart felt pleasure by Mr J. his manner, conversation, and coun­ tenance, all depict the joy of a father on the birth of a first and long wished for son; the day after recieving the news he rode to the University (for the first time he had been on horse back since breaking his arm) I met with him on his return, when he remarked, that he had recieved from Mr Cabell the welcome news of a further loan to the U. of 60,000$ and he hoped the work men would prepare im­ mediately for the rotunda; so you see the big house is still his first object. he does not intend calling a meeting of the Visi­ tors, says the regular meeting will be in full time for all purposes” (RC in ViU: JHC).

From Robert Smith (printer) Sir Greensburgh Pa February 5th 1823 You must know that it was Robert Smith who electioneered for you in the year 1800—he at Annopolis in Maryland put into Mr Greens paper a card which brought out G Duwal Esq to write those essays which had the effect to put you into station of Presidnt of the United States—I make known to you that I am getting in years am now about sixty.—I therefore think that you might settle a life annu­ ity of   Dollars to aid me—you could have never got the office had not G Duwald come out so frankly and expressly stated to the people—I had thoughts of going on to Harrisburgh and Philadelphia— the winter setting in cold had made me posponee it to a farther1 time—Could you not furnish me with about 20 30 Dollars at the Present time would be a great favour it could be remitted to me by letter to “Robert Smith printer Greensburgh Westmoreland County  351 

5 FEBRUARY 1823

Pa”2—I

must look on you to notice me as certainly I have earned that by my industry and Zeal and am with a degree to serve you Robert Smith printer Greensburgh W. C Pa

RC (DLC); addressed (trimmed): “[.  .  .] Charlottsville (Virginia)”; post­ marked New Alexandria, Pa., 10 Feb.; endorsed by TJ as received 20 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

mr greens: Frederick Green and Sam­ uel Green. g duwal (g duwald): Ga­ briel Duvall. 1 Manuscript:

“father.”  Omitted closing quotation mark edi­ torially supplied. 2

From André Thoüin Monsieur Paris le 5 février 1823 J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser une collection de 107 espèces de graines d’arbres, de céréales, de Légumes, de plantes officinales et de fleurs cultivées en france et que je crois devoir vous intéresser. Puisse cet assortiment vous parvenir en bon état et vous être agréable. J’ai joint dans la même boite un exemplaire d’un petit recueil de quelques notes & mémoires extraits des annales et mémoires du Mu­ séum. Je vous prie de recevoir ce faible témoignage de Souvenir et de Considération et d’agréer, Monsieur L’assurance de mon inviolable et respectueux attachement Thoüin e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

Sir Paris 5 February 1823 I have the honor of sending you a collection of seeds from 107 species of trees, grains, vegetables, medicinal plants, and flowers cultivated in France, which I believe will interest you. May this assortment reach you in good shape and be pleasing to you. In the same box I have enclosed a copy of a small compilation of notes and memoirs excerpted from the annals and memoirs of the Museum. I beg you to please enjoy this small token of remembrance and consideration, and accept, Sir, the assurance of my inviolable and respectful attachment Thoüin RC (DLC); on printed letterhead of the “Administration du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, au Jardin du Roi”; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Thoüin; at foot of text in  same clerk’s hand: “Monsr Thomas

Jeffer­son Ex Président des Etats unis”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 6 Feb. 1823 received 7 May 1823 and so recorded in  SJL. Translation by Dr. Genevieve Moene.

 352 

6 FEBRUARY 1823  The enclosed petit recueil was Thoüin, Quelques Notes & mémoires Sur des cultures forestières, jardinières & cham‑ petres: Extrait des Annales & mémoires du Muséum (undated; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 6 [no. 267]; TJ’s copy in Vi), a bound collection of eight printed articles and pamphlets, with manuscript title page, table of contents, and dedication, in an unidentified hand, the last, signed by Thoüin, reading “A Monsieur Monsieur Thomas Jefferson Ex Président des Etats unis de la part de l’auteur comme un gage de Son respectueux Souvenir” (“To Mr. Thomas Jefferson former president of the United States from the author as a token of his respectful remembrance”). The contents are: (1) “Mémoire sur la Greffe Banks. Nouvelle Sorte” (from Mémoires

du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle 1 [1815]: 257–72). (2) “Description de la Greffe Sainclair, nouvelle sorte” (same, 2 [1815]: 165–74). (3) “Description D’une nouvelle sorte de Greffe, nommée Greffe Vilmorin” (same, 1 [1815]: 417–26). (4) “Descrip­ tion de la Greffe Juge, nouvelle sorte, ou Mémoire sur la Coincidence des Écorces dans la réussite des greffes” (same, 2 [1815]: 253–60). (5) “Histoire et Descrip­ tion D’une nouvelle espèce de Poirier, envoyée du Mont‑Sinaï” (same, 1 [1815]: 169–82). (6) Note Sur la culture et les us‑ ages du Chêne à glands doux ou Ballota. (Quercus Ballota) ([Paris], 1819). (7) Note Sur la Soude d’Alicante ou Barille (Salsola Sativa), L. ([Paris], 1819). (8) Note Sur la culture et les usages du Pin Laricio de Corse ([Paris], 1821).

From William C. Rives Dear sir, Richmond Feb. 6th 1822 [1823].— It is a source of sincere gratification to me to be enabled to com­ municate to you the passage by both branches of the Legislature, of the Bill authorising a loan of sixty thousand dollars to the University. It passed our House by a majority of two to one, & the senate by a still more triumphant vote, leaving but three in the minority. This is cer­ tainly a most auspicious indication, & puts the university beyond the fear of future opposition. The difficulty in relation to the scale of the buildings, which has heretofore furnished the principal topic of com­ plaint, is now overcome, & the measures necessary for putting the institution into operation will follow of course.—Perhaps it might not be politic to attempt any proposition of this sort, during the present session, as there would be some danger of producing a revulsion of feeling in the Legislature by so quick a succession of calls upon their liberality. That an application will be made to the next Legislature for a remission of the loans, or rather for an assumption of the debts of the University by the state, is generally understood & expected, & will then excite neither surprise nor displeasure; but to make it now, I fear, might be considered as evincing too much avidity. Will the advantage to be gained justify the risk?—The very flattering success of our application on behalf of the university is, in part, to be ac­ counted for by the admission into our Bill of certain provisions to give more full effect to the system of primary schools. Until the junction  353 

6 FEBRUARY 1823

between the university & the primary schools was assented to, the partizans of the latter presented a front of the most invincible hostil­ ity to the University, under the idea, no doubt, that we were inimical to their favorite branch of the system of public instruction. As soon, however, as their jealousies were lulled by some seeming concessions on our part, they united heartily with us, & contributed mainly to our success. I am, therefore, thoroughly convinced that the only mode of maintaining the popularity of the university is for it’s friends to become the active allies & peculiar patrons of the primary schools. It is a mistake to suppose that the primary schools are under any degree of discredit with the Legislature. The recent reports from the school‑commissioners shew that they are extending the sphere of their beneficence every day, & have tended very much to confirm, instead of weakening, the attachment heretofore manifested by the Legislature for this part of the system of public instruction. This state of things presents a most interesting consideration of policy to the friends of the University. If the present plan of primary schools is continued, & brought into general activity, five times the amount of the present appropriation will not be sufficient for the education of those who are the particular objects of it. You may, therefore, expect increased & increasing demands upon the Literary fund, from year to year, for the support of the primary schools, until the present system is changed. The only mode of arresting & limiting this demand will be to adopt a system, which shall render the public bounty auxiliary only to the resources of individuals, in establishing a general system of schools throughout1 the state for the education alike of rich & poor. I do not believe that the present appropriation can be withdrawn, but there is no necessity for increasing it, if it be used as an inducement to individuals to contribute something from their private purses to­ wards the establishment & support of common schools. I would do this by dividing each county into wards or school districts, apportioning the quota of the county among these wards, & authorising each ward to draw it’s apportionment of the public fund, so soon as it should build a school house & raise a certain sum to be applied, together with the public money, in paying the salary of a teacher. The portion of the public fund, allotted to each ward, would be an enticement to the people to establish schools upon this system, & would promote the great object of the civil division of the state into small & organised districts, for which alone, if there were no other advantage in the plan, the annual expenditure of $45.000 would be but a moderate2 price.—I have thus stated my views to you very frankly, because I consider the present plan of primary schools as a most wasteful & in­  354 

8 FEBRUARY 1823

judicious one, & because, bad as it is, I do not think that the friends of the University can venture to say any thing against it, without pro­ posing, in it’s place, another & more efficient system. I had intended myself, under the influence of your recommendation, & the conclu­ sive reasoning of the Kentucky report, which you were so kind as to send me, to have offered such a system to the Legislature; but finding some difference of opinion among our friends here, as to the expedi­ ency of the step at this time, I had declined the intention, before I was favoured with your letter of 28th ult. The subject will, therefore, re­ main untouched for the present; but I am satisfied that every day’s experience will more & more evince the propriety of your original suggestion that the friends of the university should take the primary schools under their management, & propose some substitute for the present extravagant & all‑absorbing system.—In the earnest prayer that your health may be preserved to you, & that you may live to give the impression of your own mind to the noble institution, which has risen & flourished under your care, I remain, with sentiments of the most grateful respect & veneration, your obt. serv. W C Rives. RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 221:39539–40); misdated; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 6 Feb. 1822 received 9 Feb. RC: top half of address cover only (DLC), with FC of TJ to John Laval, 7 Apr. 1823, on verso; bottom half of address cover only (DLC), with Dft of TJ to James Brown (1780– 1859), 8 Apr. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq. Monticello near

Milton”; franked. Recorded in SJL as a letter of 6 Feb. received 9 Feb. 1823. For the annual expenditure of $45.000 for the education of the children of the poor in Virginia, see TJ to Cabell, 28 Jan. 1819, and note. 1

 Manuscript: “thoughout.”  Word interlined in place of “small.”

2

From Henry Dearborn Dear Sir, Lisbon February 8th 1823 On the first day of the present month I was honored with your highly esteemed favour of the 31t of October, and on the same day I wrote to the Abbe Corea, and enclosed a copy of what you said in your letter concerning him, I have not met with him since I arrived here, he has expressd his disapprobation of our Government or of the present Administration of it in strong and explisit terms on many oc­ casions, and has, and says he will, oppose any Treaty with the United States, unless we offer to Portugal some very important advantage. he was appointed by the King as Commissioner to treat with me, but  355 

8 FEBRUARY 1823

declined accepting the appointment, since then the Count da Lapa has been appointed, who has been Minister at St Petersburg.1 he is a young man, speaks English, and from what I have seen of him at two informal conferences, I am pleased with him, I shall soon be able to test the sincerity of his professions. the Abbe Corea is now a Member of the Cortes, he is in poor health & very feeble.— we have a convenient & healthy situation and thus far have injoy’d good health, and very good society. we have had 43 days of Southerly wind and heavy rain, with the exception of not more than 50 or 60 hours in the whole time, it has not yet ceas’d and how much longer it will continue is uncertain, the sever gales of wind which has accom­ panied the rain has done much damage among the Shiping in the river and on the Coast.—the Lejitimate Sovereigns of the Holy Alliance, have recently, by their respective notes to the Government of Spain, avowed their policy & principles very explisitly, no change of Govern­ ment can be admited which lessens the authority of the Monarch. the reply of the Spanish Government and Cortes would have done honor to Rome in her best days.—France will not at present risk an open war on Spain, but will give all the aid and encouragement to the Insur­ gents that she can, by supplies of money & munitions of war. Portu­ gal would be going on very well if the Government and people could be cured of the rageing epidemak, for holding the Brazil in subjection, they are exhausting their resources by sending fruitless expeditions to Brazil, it is a subject on which I concider it proper for me to be perfectly silent here.—the King conducts himself in the best possible maner, and is not only very popular but highly respected and beloved by all classes. the Cortes has the appearence of a very respectable & dignified body, their discussions are temperate, and exhibit informa­ tion and talents, there are many very good logical & impressive speak­ ers. but they possess more theoretical, than practical, information, but take them all in all they are doing much better than I should have expected—they have so much to reform before the present sistem can have fair play, that much time and prudence, as well as industry, will be necessary before the new Constitution can apper in full oppera­ tion. every department had becom so depraved & corrupt, with full impunity, as to render a fair & full examination and reform, extreemly tedious & difficult, especially in whatever relates to the finances and the Treasury Department, Committees have been appointed for the examination of each Department, some have reported in part, and oth­ ers are to report soon.— The obstinate refusal of the Queen to Sware to the New Constitution, rendered it necessary for her to quit the Kingdom, a decree of the King  356 

8 FEBRUARY 1823

and Councell, and Ministers of State, for her banishment occasioned some uneasiness, the subject was submited to the Cortes, where after a very animated discussion, it was decided with almost a unanimous vote that the Decree was constitutional & correct.2—She was sent to a Palace about five leagues from Lisbon, deprived of all Regal dig­ nity, with a few servants, to remain until her health will admit of her going to Spain the place of her choice, after the decision of the Cortes we heared nothing more of the Queen.—the three Young Princesses now receive, in company with the King & young Prince, Ladies who are presented at Court.—I think the King is pleased with being re­ leived from so great a part of his former responsibility, by the new order of things, he has an ample support, and appears happy, and I presume not the less so by the absence of the Queen, it is but a few years since she was at the head of a conspiricy for turning her Hus­ band out to grass, as Catharine did Peter. they have had no friendly intercourse since. the young Princesses are from 16 to 22, and are very handsome, the young Prince is 20, and not remarkable for ei­ ther personal or mental qualities. his education has been shamefully neglected. before you reach the end of this long winded cock & Bull epistle you will hope it will be the last of the kind. I will therefore close by assureing you that my respect and esteem for you can never dimin­ ish while my reason and recollection continues Henry Dearborn P.S. Mr s Dearborn desires to present her kindest regards to yourself, and I Join her in presenting our most respectfull compliments to Mr & Mrs Randolph and their charming children.— H.D RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 3 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 28 Dec. 1823, on verso; addressed: “The Honorbl Thomas Jefferson Montecello Virginia U. States”; stamped “SHIP”; other stamp canceled; franked; postmarked Boston, 25 Mar. The Holy Alliance’s notes to the government of spain, as well as the reply of the spanish government and cortes, were published in “A Con­ stitutionalist,” The Holy Alliance versus

Spain; Containing the several Notes and Declarations of the Allied Powers, with the Firm, Spirited, and Dignified Replies of the Spanish Cortes, Accompanied by a few brief prefatory Remarks thereon (London, 1823). Prince Miguel (Michael), who is 20, was born to King John and Queen Carlota Joaquina on 26 Oct. 1802 (PTJ, 38:572). 1 Omitted period at right margin edito­ rially supplied. 2  Preceding three words interlined in place of “perfect.”

 357 

From Charles Willson Peale Dear Sir Philadelphia Feby 8th 1823. Herewith I send your silver springs for your Pollygraph, accord­ ing to my promise in my last letter, I do not know whether they are of the proper length, but I know your talents to render them what they ought to be. By the public papers I find the accident you meet with in a fall, I hope by this time that a cure is made of your arm. and, I have read with pleasure your letter to Mr Adams in which I find that you do not1 like the winter season so well as the warmth of summer, now in my situation I feel comforts in the bracing air of this season. I am ap­ prehensive that you have too much company in summer and too little in the winter. we Citizens have some advantages in this season from the circumstance of paved walks; as much company as we chuse to enjoy, but what is more important, Science & arts in progress. I shall conclude my scrole in giving you some account of my Museum. Hav­ ing employed my two Sons Franklin & Titian. The first makes the Experiments of the evening entertainments, and the latter in preserv­ ing animals and arrainging them in the Museum. Franklin attends to the mineral arrangement & also makes all the apparatus for his lec­ tures, and, he is a very neat & excellent Mecannic; a studious turn, and probably will become an excellent Lecturer. Titian also arranges the Shells & fossils, and bids far to be learned in Natural History— He is fond of Classical arrangements and takes care of the subjects to be exchanged for foreign subjects, & I have given him the charge of corrispondence abroad. I have only the survey of the whole & aid them with my advice. occasionally I paint for the Museum, but of late I have been much engaged in making Porcelain Teeth & now I be­ lieve I shall make them very perfect. Franklin has made a Magnet that promises to be very powerful, its weight is 32 ℔—and at present it has suspended to 85 ℔ but it will lift 200 ℔, and when fully mag­ netized2 considerably more I am with much esteem your friend C W Peale RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 16 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Joseph Bartlett, 9 Feb. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticella Virginea r Mail”; franked; postmarked Philadelphia, 8 Feb. PoC (PPAmP: Peale Letterbook).

TJ’s letter to mr adams was dated 1 June 1822. 1 Preceding

two words interlined. “manetized.”

2 Manuscript:

 358 

From Benjamin Waterhouse Dear Sir, Cambridge 8th February 1823. To read every letter sent to you must be no small task; but to read every book which vanity may transmit would be inflicting an honour upon you, enough, almost, to make a man wish he had never learnt to read. Here, e.g. you have one on the childish subject of whooping‑cough; the title of which is sufficient to make most men, not of the profes­ sion, turn from my “Essay,” as from a dose of physic, without cutting open a leaf. In this case, you can give it to your family physician, who, if he be a man of general reading in the art, can tell you, that this “terrible distemper” has never been clearly understood, or happily treated; neither has it ever been discussed like many disorders of far less consequence. Beside the reasons given in my advertizement, and in the prole­ gomena, I may add, that I have suffered under the disorder myself, within two years past; and these sufferings have taught me to pity others; & encouraged me to commit my thoughts of it to the press. Several older than myself have recently felt the rage of this conquas­ sating disorder. As the subject is “dry as dust,” I have sprinkled it here & there with a few medical episodes; and have ventured to revive the Hippocratic doctrine of the medicative, or self correcting principle within us, which always tends to health, unless baffled by a meddle­ some practitioner. You may be surprized at the fatality of whooping cough in p. 18 & 19; and at the destruction of human life in children in chapter IX.— It is my opinion that since vaccination chased away small pox, mea­ sles & whooping cough have increased in frequency & malignity; so that I am nearly ready to conc[lu]de that they are among “the terrible correctives” of the [na]tural redundance of mankind, suggested by Malthus. Should time & health permit, I shall risk another medical essay, on the melancholly subject of Consumption, which I have viewed near— very near; in which, I only hope to aid the growth of knowledge, by exciting inquiry. Our newspapers mentioned, that through the agency of Mr Madi­ son a professorship—of agriculture was about to be established in your University. Thereupon I directly sent him a copy of my “Bota­ nist” and the printed‑heads of my lectures, that your Professor might see, & improve upon our feeble efforts here. But M[r] Madison, in answer, disclaimed the credit attributed solely to him, & sent a copy of the circular bearing his signature. As you have already a copy of the  359 

8 FEBRUARY 1823

Botanist, I enclose only the heads of lectures.   The “Junto” tore up my course of lectures by the roots, & gave it to another, who after consuming 40,000 dolrs of their money, withered himself on the stalk; an[d] was absolutely the best commentary on the history of Ahab, Naboth, Jezzabel, & the Sons of Belial, as recorded in the book of Kings, I ever met with.—I only wish that John Lowel,* Theophilu[s] Parsons, & Jonathan Jackson had lived to see the product of their planting. As there is a (very natural) mistake in your last letter to me, I shall take some pains to set it right, as the name is local, and the term not clearly understood even in this region, wh[ere] it originated. I mean the term “congregationalist”; a name that marks & dignifies a ref­ ormation but little understood south of Connecticut, but which you appear to apply to the calvinists exclusively; whereas it includes Uni­ tarians, & every other religious society here, the Roman catholic, Epis­ copal church of England, and the Quakers excepted.1 There is not a single Presbyterian church in the State; that is, a church governed by presbyters, according to the discipline of the Kirk of Scotland. The last one was extinguished about 25 years since in Newbury‑Port, after glimmering faintly in its socket from the death of Whitfield; who was too episcopal to favour our democratical mode of ordaining a minister of religion. Our congregational mode of establishing a parish priest, is an im­ provement on that of the Independents, in the days of Oliver Crom­ well; and is, I think, a great triumph over the intolerant spirit of priestcraft. Perhaps the greatest on record. When a pulpit becomes vacant by death, the Parish‑commtee invite candidates, that is, unsettled preachers, to officiate one, two, or three months; and the one whom the congregation appear to like best, is generally requested to perform a second, or third rotine of service; and if they continue to prefer him, they signify their wish to the church, which is composed of those male members only who partake of the sacrament every month. The calvinistic congregation in Cambridge has but about 12 male members in its church, including the minister; and they compose a sort of senate, whose concurrence is deemed proper, but not absolutely, & constitutionally needful, as was recently, & for the first time, demonstrated. The church transact all the nun­ cupative business with the candidate, but the salary, & all money mat­ ters rests with the congregation, or House of commons. The church * Yesterday a son of this gentleman, an excellent character & a man of fortune, preached an admirab[le] unitarian sermon in our calvinistic pulpit; while our calvinistic Dr preached in his.—

 360 

8 FEBRUARY 1823

fix the time, and circumstances of the ordination. Previously to which they call a council made up of the ministers of the nearest congregations, which send to it two lay delegates, who are always church‑members. They confer, and if they have no objection to the character of the can­ didate, they call him before them, when any member of the council may put any question to him they think fit. When they have concluded to ordain him, the time, and the officers of it are by them selected. Originally the candidate preached the ordination sermon himself; but at present it is usual for a Father, or some near friend, in the same line. I transmit a sample of it, among my own family connections. An ordination is a brilliant thing in Massachusetts. Sometimes there is a collection of three thousand people of both sexes; and while perhaps 50 clergymen with their deacons,* are decently dining in some public hall, the young people are dancing in another; for after the religious ceremonies, an ordination is the merriest meeting in New England; and certainly the most democratical mode of making a Priest that chris­ tendom can record. This public ordination is certainly a very impressive ceremony; es­ pecially the monitory charge, and the affectionate right hand of fellow­ ship; & with some, the prayer on the laying on of hands: after which he is solemnly declared minister of the church & congregation, & invested with gown & band. The intervals are filled up with select music, composed of choirs from neighbouring churches. The whole forming a proud triumph of democratical freedom over the hierachy of England, and the narrow spirit of Scotland. This ceremony was a novel scene to the citizens of New York, at the ordination of the first Unitarian minister in Decr 1821. (see ser­ mon of Prof r Ware.) Such then are Massachusetts congregationalists, both calvinistic & unitarian. If a congregation chuse to dismiss their minister, he has the right to call for the judgement of the council which ordained him. As to his salary while minister the law of the State secures it to him. No one feels it particularly; for it is thrown into the annual tax‑bill. Even the Quakers swallow it without knowing it. The famous Dr Osgood died a few weeks ago, a calvinist; he will be succeeded by an Unitarian; & so the reformation is silently work­ ing, just as you have predicted. * Deacons are very often some of the riches men in Massts, or of most consequence. Our present Lieut Govr worth more than a million of dolrs. is a Deacon. My son in law’s D. is worth nearly as much. General Lincoln was a D, and so was Govr Strong.—

 361 

8 FEBRUARY 1823

 I yesterday had a short letter from my venerable friend at Quincy. He is blind; and I fear will hardly live to see his son in the high sta­ tion, where all New‑England wish to place him. That son was with me at the University of Leyden; and we have corresponded ever since. Take him “all in all,” I never met his equal.   But I am trespass­ ing on forbidden ground and I hasten to conclude with sentiments, of an high degree of esteem & respect. Benjamin Waterhouse  P.S. I, as yet, write & read without the help of glass, yet find the aid of lines convenient, which gives a school boy aspect to my letter, which I hope you will excuse. I once wrote a fuller account of our ordination in a work2 entitled, “the Natural & political history of New England,” & sent it to Dr Lettsome to be published in London; but the M.S. wc would have made 400 8vo pages was stolen from the Bookseller, & never found, excepting the drawings The M.S. must have been de­ stroyed, as nothing like it has appeared.— RC (DLC); mutilated; edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ as received 22 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); ­address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Robert Simpson, 14 Feb. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Honorable Thos Jefferson.” Enclosures: (1) Waterhouse, An Essay con‑ cerning Tussis Convulsiva, or, Whooping‑­ Cough. with observations on the diseases of children (Boston, 1822). (2) Waterhouse, Heads Of a Course of Lectures, Intended as an Introduction to Natural History, Now delivering in the University at Cambridge ([Providence, R.I.], undated broadside). Other enclosure described below. In enclosure no. 1, p. 17, Waterhouse notes that whooping cough was described as the terrible distemper by John Fothergill. conquassating: shaking violently (OED). Thomas malthus dis­ cussed the ways in which nature prevents a redundant population in An Essay on the Principle of Population, as it affects the Future Improvement of Society (London, 1798; for a different ed. see Sowerby, no. 2938), 126, 128, 358. The suggestion by the Agricultural Soci­ ety of Albemarle that a professorship— of agriculture be created at the Uni­ versity of Virginia was published in the Baltimore American Farmer, 22 Nov. 1822, the Washington Daily National Intelli‑

gencer, 30 Nov. 1822, the Independent Chronicle and Boston Patriot, 4 Dec. 1822, and elsewhere. James Madison sent Wa­ terhouse a copy of the circular bear‑ ing his signature on 27 Dec. 1822 (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:589– 91, 612–3, 621; broadside version in Vi: Nathaniel Francis Cabell Papers). The history of ahab, naboth, jezzabel, & the sons of belial, demonstrating the danger of coveting another’s property, appears in the Bible, 1 Kings 21. A majority at a town meeting in Ded­ ham voted in 1818 to install a Unitarian minister in the municipality’s Congrega­ tional church over the objections of its for­ mal members. In the ensuing landmark 1820 case of Baker v. Fales, the Massa­ chusetts Supreme Judical Court sided for the first time with the town’s inhabi­ tants and awarded them, rather than the official members, the church’s property, an important step on the road to the for­ mal disestablishment of the Congrega­ tional Church in Massachusetts in 1833 (John D. Cushing, “Notes on Disestab­ lishment in Massachusetts, 1780–1833,” WMQ, 3d ser., 26 [1969]: 188–90; Bos‑ ton Commercial Gazette, 2 Nov. 1818). The calvinistic dr was Abiel Holmes. The enclosed sample of an ordination sermon was Henry Ware (1764–1845), A Sermon delivered January 1, 1817, at the

 362 

9 FEBRUARY 1823 Ordination of the Reverend Henry Ware, to the pastoral care of the Second Church in Boston, by his Father Henry Ware D.D. (Boston, 1817; possibly Poor, Jeffer­ son’s Library 10 [no. 545]). The younger Henry Ware (1794–1843) was Water­ house’s son‑in-law. The Bible, Galatians 2.9, refers to extending the right hand of fellowship, and or­dination sermons often included closing sections by guest ministers quoting that phrase. The con­ cept of the laying on of hands appears in Acts 6.5–6, 8.14–9. The elder Henry Ware also delivered the ordination sermon for another son,

William Ware, the first unitarian min‑ ister in New York (Ware, A Sermon Delivered Dec. 18, 1821. At the Ordination of the Rev. William Ware, to the pastoral charge of the First Congregational Church in New‑York [(New York), 1821]). our present lieut govr was William Phil­ lips. my venerable friend at quincy was John Adams, and his son was John Quincy Adams. The phrase all in all appears in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 12.6, 15.28, and Ephesians 1.23. 1

 Word interlined.  Manuscript: “worked.”

2

From Edward Everett Dear Sir Boston Feb. 9. 1823 I duly received the letter which You did me the honor near a Year ago to address me on the Subject of my brother’s work on the Politi­ cal State of Europe.—I should have thanked You for it at the time, but that I felt myself unauthorized to intrude on so Slight occasion upon Your leisure. Permit me now to forward You a Pamphlet which my brother has just published in reply to a notice of his work in the North American Review for July 1822 by Mr Francis C. Gray, who I beleive is personally known to You. My brother Alexander was highly gratifyed by the favorable opinion You were pleased to express of his book; and w’d be doubly so should he find You to sanction his Vin­ dication of Statements which have been called in Question.—Of all persons living You are the most competent to decide; as the only sur­ viving member of the American cabinet at the period in question.—1 I also beg leave to offer You on my Own account a copy of a transla­ tion w’h I have lately published of an approved German Greek Gram­ mar. Tho’ I call it but a translation, the Syntax has been almost wholly remoulded by Me.— Permit me to add my congratulations on the recovery of Your health which the public papers make known and the assurance of the high Respect with which I am Your faithful humble Servant Edward Everett. RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 17 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. En­ closures: (1) [Alexander H. Everett], A Few Notes on certain passages Respecting

the Law of Nations, contained in an arti‑ cle in the July No. of the North American Review, upon the work entitled “Europe, By A Citizen of the United States” (Bos­

 363 

9 FEBRUARY 1823 ton, 1823), responding to an anonymous review, supposed above to have been au­ thored by Francis C. Gray, published in the North American Review 15 (new ser., 6) (1822): 177–204, and to an anonymous pamphlet, later attributed to Christopher Gore, Remarks on the Censures of the Gov‑ ernment of the United States, contained in the ninth chapter of a book, entitled, “Eu‑ rope, Or, A General Survey of the Present Situation of the Principal Powers; With Conjectures On Their Future Prospects. By A Citizen of the United States” (Boston, 1822); arguing first, that Everett was not in fact condemning the entire 1795 Jay Treaty and its negotiators when he ex­ pressed regret at the United States gov­ ernment’s acceptance of a clause allowing the treatment of provisions as an article of contraband; second, disputing the claim by Everett’s reviewers that he doubted the legality under the law of nations of con­ fiscating enemy property found aboard neutral ships, and contending instead that while such confiscation was indeed deemed

valid, this was a de facto result of British naval dominance rather than actual set­ tled law; and third, justifying Everett’s position that the United States had “ac­ quiesced in the rule of 1756” (p. 21), which stated that Great Britain would sever trade relations with neutral nations who also traded with its enemy, but clar­ ifying that this opinion should not be construed as a censure of the American government. (2) Edward Everett, Greek Grammar, translated from the German of Philip Buttmann (Boston, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 13 [no. 854]). TJ resigned as secretary of state on 31 Dec. 1793 and was thus no longer a mem‑ ber of the american cabinet at the time of the Jay Treaty. On this day Everett also sent the first enclosure to James Madison (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:661–4). 1

 Manuscript: “qustion.”

From Thomas G. Watkins [9 Feb. 1823] When I first was enabled to distinguish, for myself between the views of federalism and Republicanism, since the year 99 I have been un­ deviatingly attached to the latter cause, and have on all occasions afforded its interests what aid I cou’d—In this whole time for myself I have never asked a favour of the people or the Government—After the commencement of the late war—many respectable officers of my acquaintance, having discovered that the service was abused, by ig­ norant surgeons who had contrived to obtain appointments without merit, urged me to accept of some appointment in the medical staff of the army—this I was prevailed on to do, much against my private interests, as my private practice was generally worth double the high­ est surgical appointment under the government—I voluntarily re­ signed upon the first approach of peace—after having served without reproach, and expended above $2000. more than my pay amounted to—and this without any thing more expensive in my establishment, than the bare comfort and decency of my family required.—It was my intention after to remain contentedly in the unambitious walks of pri­  364 

9 FEBRUARY 1823

vate life, and still occasionally render disinterestedly what service I cou’d, to the cause I prefered, as best calculated to promote the In­ terest of my country—several circumstances have combined more re­ cently to induce me to change this determination, & to wish to obtain the appointment of Clerk of the house of Representatives of the U.S.— The duties of which I have reason to think myself competent to dis­ charge in a manner, calculated to give satisfaction, to the public & my friends—Patrick Magruder was appointed during Mr Jeffersons administration—he was a heavy headed incompetent clerk—yet was continued in untill the close of the late war—he was succeeded by Mr Dougherty of Kentucky—an excellent clerk—and republican as well as an honest man, he was a powerful auxiliary to secure popularity to Mr Clay (his patron) among the members—he lived in the city gave dinners. &c &c—After his death Matthew St Clair Clarke was ap­ pointed to succeed him for the present session of congress—Matthew I am well acquainted with—he studied law in George Town D.C. with Elias B. Caldwell now clerk of the supreme federal court & a most obsequious disciple of the chief justice—Matthew afterwards married Caldwells niece in the City of New york—& removed to Chambersburg Penna where he lived when elected clerk—He was always a high federalist—a devoted admirer during the whole war; of Mr Hanson chief conductor of the federal republican—but finding the democrats most numerous in Chambersburg district he turned dem­ ocrat, & finally offered for congress 2 years ago—but being distrusted was not elected—when he offered for clerk last winter his first votes were quite inferior to many others for several ballotings—untill Mr Caldwells activity secured the federal aid, which, added to what strength he derived from Penna effected his election. He will be opposed at the next election. If I cou’d in any way obtain the support of Va. I have well grounded reasons for supposing that I cou’d be elected—which I feel much interest from views & motives if fairly explained cou’d not I think be disapproved—both as relating to myself & the public. The aid of my friends wou’d be a double incen­ tive to my exertions to do justice as well as credit to the appt & impose the most lasting gratitude RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39910–1); undated and possibly incomplete; endorsed by TJ as a letter from Thomas G. Wat­ kins written 9 Feb. 1823 and received the same day and so recorded in SJL. In December 1822, following the death of United States House of Representatives

clerk Thomas Dougherty, matthew st clair clarke was elected to fill that po­ sition on the eleventh ballot. Clarke was unanimously reelected when the next ses­ sion opened in December 1823 (JHR, 16:7, 18, 17:8 [2, 3 Dec. 1822, 1 Dec. 1823]). The chief justice of the United States Supreme Court was John Marshall.

 365 

From John Adams Dear Sir. Quincy February 10th 1823. Your Virginia Ladies have always been represented to me, and I have always believed it, are among the most beautiful, virtuous, and accomplished of their sex, One of them has given me a most luxurious entertainment in a narration of her Visit to your Domicil. Her discrip­ tion of the Mountain, the Palace, the Gardens, the vast Prospect, The lofty Mountains at a distance, The Capacious valley between them, The Ocean of Fogg and vapours appearing in the morning, There dissipation with the rising sun, and everything else, are painted in colours so distinct and lively, that I seem to have as clear1 an idea of the whole scene, as if I had led her by the hand, in all her rambles. Her account of the hospitality of the Family, almost gave me2 a jeal­ ous, and envious fit, as Swift Says Popes Couplet gave him.   But now to the point, This Lady says she saw in your sanctum, sancto­ rum, a large folio volume, on which was written libels, On opening which, she found it was a magazine of slips of news papers, and pam­ phlets, vilifying calumniating and defaming you. I started as from a trance, exclaming, what a dunce have I been all my days, And what lubbers my Children, and Grand Children, were, that none of us, have ever thought to make a similar collection. If we had I am confident I could have produced a more splendid Mass than yours, I could have enumerated Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Paine. The two most extraordinary men, that this Country, this age or this World, ever produced. “Ridendo dicere verum quid vetat?[”] I most sincerely congratulate you on the recovery of your hand, and am your friend for this, and I hope, and believe, for all future Worlds J: Adams RC (DLC); edge trimmed; in Louisa C. Smith’s hand, signed by Adams; at foot of text: “President Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 20 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in MHi: Adams Papers); in Smith’s hand; dated 8 Feb. 1823. Margaret Bayard Smith’s narration describing the mountain, the palace (i.e., Monticello) was in an expanded newspaper version of her Account of a Visit to Monticello, [29 July–2 Aug. 1809], which had appeared in the Rich‑ mond Enquirer, 18 Jan. 1823, and been widely reprinted.

On 3 Feb. 1823 Adams had written to his grandson, George Washington Adams: “I think you and your Brothers ought to imitate Mr Jefferson, A Virginian Lady who has given us a florid history of her visit to montecello, informs us that she saw in his sanctum, sanctorum, a huge folio Volume with the words Libel written on the back, upon opening it she found it consisted of Slips cut out of Newspapers, and pasted in the Book, Mr Jefferson in­ formed her, they were a collection of de­ famatory papers printed against himself. Now I think that you and your Brothers, ought to make a collection for your Fa­ ther, but in justice to your Country, you

 366 

11 FEBRUARY 1823 ought to preserve panegyricks, as well as the Philippicks. Some of my Children or Grand Children, ought to have done the same thing for me, my volume would have been the most splendid of all—I would get it bound in Moroco, gilt and Lettered, in honour of the taste and elegance, gold and diamonds of the contents” (MHi: Adams Papers). Jonathan swift reflected enviously on Alexander Pope’s poetry skills in his Verses on the Death of Dr. S—, D.S.P.D. occasioned By reading a Maxim in Roche‑ foulcault (London, 1739): “In Pope, I cannot read a Line, But with a Sigh, I wish it mine: When he can in one Cou­ plet fix More Sense than I can do in Six: It gives me such a jealous Fit, I cry, Pox take him, and his Wit.” For Smith’s description of the large folio volume, see note 38 to her Account.

alexander hamilton attacked Adams in a Letter from Alexander Hamilton, con‑ cerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams, Esq. President of the United States (New York, 1800; Sowerby, no. 3237; reprinted in Harold C. Syrett and others, eds., The Papers of Alexander Ham‑ ilton [1961–87], 25:186–234). The sec­ ond essay in a series by thomas paine, printed in the Washington National In‑ telligencer, 22 Nov. 1802, also disparaged Adams. ridendo (ridentem) dicere verum quid vetat (“what is to prevent one from telling truth as he laughs”) is in Horace, Satires, 1.1.24–5 (Fairclough, Horace: Sat‑ ires, Epistles and Ars Poetica, 6–7). 1

 RC: “cleare.” FC: “clear.”  FC here adds “such.”

2

To Bernard Peyton Th: Jefferson to Colo Peyton Monto Feb. 10. 23. I rejoiced to learn that Jefferson had filled up my deficit with you. T.E.R. failed me mortifyingly be so good as to place the inclosed note of Th:J.R. for 400.D to my credit. it will quickly be drawn for. in the mean time be so good as to send me about 100. ℔ Java or Bourbon coffee, the latter preferably if to be had, as also a quarter cask of Sicily Madeira, the best your place affords and in a double cask and by a trusty boat for security. remember that the unsold balance of the prints are to be sent to mr Brockenbrough, affectte salutns FC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; in TJ’s hand; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 10 Feb. 1823, but recorded in SJL as a letter of 9 Feb. Enclosure not found.

jefferson (th:j.r.): Thomas Jefferson Randolph. t.e.r.: Thomas Eston Randolph.

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Richmond. 11 Feb: 1823. Your favor by Mr Brokenbrough has been duly received. I have shewn it to some members for the purpose of evincing the willing­ ness of the board to meet all charges. But the letter of Oldham made  367 

11 FEBRUARY 1823

no impression here; and I believe it was met so promptly, there has been no attempt to use it for mischievous purposes. It deserves, in my opinion, no serious notice from any one. Mr Brokenbrough’s feelings may prompt him to ask a further scrutiny of his conduct, but I believe no candid man would request it. Mr Johnson informs me that by his failure to attend two successive meetings, he is no longer a visitor. I called to‑day to notify the Gov­ ernor of the fact, & to request his reappointment. The Governor said he would have him reappointed, as soon as he should be regularly notified. Not having time to examine into the subject of the form pre­ scribed by the law, I promised to see Mr Johnson again, & to return to the Executive. I mention this circumstance merely to account for your not hearing from Mr Johnson, in regard to the Loan. Yesterday Mr Gordon moved in the House of Delegates the adop­ tion of a resolution authorizing the Committee of Finance to enquire & to report to the House the best means of paying the debts of the University. It was rejected by an overwhelming majority. To‑day a similar resolution was moved by Mr Loyall, & supported by Mr Bald­ win. The vote was 70 odd to 90 odd. The subject is at rest for this session—Some of the friends of the University were opposed to bring­ ing forward the motion at this session. However, Mr Johnson, Mr Loyall, Mr Baldwin, Mr Taylor (of Botetourt), Mr Bowyer, Mr Gor­ don, Mr Watkins of Goochland, Genl Tucker, &c &c being of opinion, that the character of the present Legislature, having shewn itself to be very favorable, we should not lose the opportunity it might afford for getting the debt remitted, and the measure being right in itself, & important to the state, I entirely concurred in the movement of the question, and wish to share with my friend Gordon, in the responsi­ bility arising out of the proceeding. I know our indulgent friends would forgive us, if we had done wrong. But the failure of the propo­ sition does not demonstrate that we were wrong. We have broken the Ice, & prepared the public mind for a future application. Besides, if such men as I have named above, agreed with us, the movement must have been justified by appearances. We could not dive into the breasts of members. I have now a strong wish to return to my family, & as soon as I can dispose of some small local bills from my district, I shall go to Wil­ liamsburg and remain there1 engaged in reading, till our regular meet­ ing in April; when, if life & health should permit, you may expect to see me at Monticello. We have done much; but much, very much, remains to be done. In the course of the ensuing year, we must avail ourselves of the press. This Assembly has gone as far as the public  368 

11 FEBRUARY 1823

mind will now bear. It is necessary to bring up the people to the level of the age. Their representatives will readily go along with us. I think the best interests of the institution require that we should come here for no more money for building. Doddridge and others have told me their patience is thread bare on this subject. It is of the utmost impor­ tance that the buildings should be finished with this third Loan.— Fortunately no one thought of limiting the time within which we should avail ourselves of the power to borrow. Till April the loss of interest will fall on the Literary fund, & not on the University. I have received a letter from Doctor Jones of Williamsborough, North Carolina, formerly Professor of chemistry in the College of Wm & Mary, desiring to know of me, if I thought he could obtain the chemical chair in the University of Virginia. I have, in reply, advised him to look elsewhere for promotion. You have already heard from him. I have found nothing like hostility, this session, from the delegation about Staunton. Mr Johnson has made no sort of opposition to the p[lan for?] finishing the buildings. On the contrary, he has encour­ aged the Loan [for?] that purpose. Mr Sheffey & Mr Baldwin have shewn a friendly disposition. The latter has been very friendly. Mr Taylor of 2 Botetourt, has ably supported us. At one time we feared Doddridge; but I believe, on the whole, his primary school amend­ ment was of service to us. We have shaken hands & interchanged cor­ dial congratulations. Mr Loyall, Mr Hunter, & many other gentlemen, have greatly aided us. The Hampden Sidney interest was opposed to us. The influence of Wm & Mary, as usual, was adverse; but it is sensibly diminishing. Mr Garland of Amherst gives us now a pretty uniform support. I heard of hostile remarks from him early in the session, but, his future course, I think, will be friendly I am, Dr Sir, ever faithfully yours Joseph C. Cabell RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); clipped at seal; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 11 Feb.; endorsed by TJ as received 16 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. your favor by mr brokenbrough: TJ to Cabell, 4 Feb. 1823. For the form

prescribed by the law regarding dis­ qualification from the University of Vir­ ginia Board of Visitors, see Thomas Mann Randolph to TJ, 14 Jan. 1821, and note. 1 Cabell

2 Cabell

 369 

here canceled “with my wife &.” here canceled “Rockbridge.”

From George Loyall Dear Sir Richmond 13. Feb: ’23 Mr Cabell has informed me that, to facilitate the operations, for the erection of the additional building to the University, it is desirable the sanction of the Visitors, to the loan just granted by the Legislature, should be had at an early day—: It pleased the Executive, some short time since, to appoint me—certainly a very unworthy Member of the board—and, in compliance with Mr Cabell’s request, my sanction is hereby given to the loan. Allow me the occasion, Sir, to offer you my gratulations, at the prospect now opened, of completing this work, which promises a quota so large to the common weal; and which Virginia must take a just pride, in registering among the numerous claims you have secured, to her everlasting gratitude and thanksgiving. The present Legisla­ ture having, by the loan granted, redeemed the insensibility to the public interest betrayed by the last, in refusing all aid towards the completion of the buildings; affords moreover, the pleasing presage of obtaining, through the force of public opinion, at a future, and not distant day, whatever may be required to bring the Institution into active usefulness. With sentiments of great Consideration, and respect, I am, Sir, Yr: Most Obdt: Servt: Geo: Loyall RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 16 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Samuel Barnard, 8 Mar. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monti­ cello Albemarle”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 13 Feb. George Loyall (1789–1868), public offi­ cial, attended the College of William and Mary, 1807–08. He represented Norfolk Borough in the Virginia House of Dele­ gates for ten sessions, 1817–27, and was a delegate to a state constitutional conven­ tion, 1829–30. Loyall served three terms in the United States House of Represen­ tatives, 1830–31 and 1833–37. He was an elector for Andrew Jackson in 1832. First appointed federal navy agent for Norfolk in 1837, Loyall remained in that position, with the exception of 1851–53, until 1861. He served on the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 1822–28, and on that of William and Mary in 1842. Loyall

owned eight slaves in 1830, four in 1840 and 1850, and two in 1860. After United States forces captured Norfolk during the Civil War, Loyall remained there but did not take the oath of allegiance (William and Mary Provisional List, 26, 53; Leon­ ard, General Assembly; Ellen W. Ran­ dolph [Coolidge] to Nicholas P. Trist, 3 May 1823 [DLC: NPT]; Biog. Dir. Cong.; Manual of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia [2005]: 39; Rich‑ mond Enquirer, 4 Sept. 1832, 21 Mar. 1837; JEP, 5:374, 376, 10:263, 266 [11, 12 Mar. 1841, 10 (i.e., 17) Dec. 1857]; DNA: RG 29, CS, Norfolk, 1830–60, 1850, 1860 slave schedules; John Y. Simon and others, eds., The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant [1967–2009], 12:450–1; Charles‑ ton [S.C.] Daily News, 2 Mar. 1868; grave­ stone inscription in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Norfolk). A likeness of Loyall is reproduced else­ where in this volume.

 370 

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 13 Feby 1823 I am favor’d with yours covering Mr. Th: J. Randolph’s df t on me in your favor for $400, which is at your credit, & can be drawn for at sight, at your pleasure—   Nothing would have induced me to call on you or Jefferson, for the balances due me, when it possibly might not be convenient to either, or both of you to pay the amount, but the expectation of having to raise a large sum of money, in order to complete our first payment into the Treasy, on a∕c of our security ship for John Preston, the Trustees for our benefit, being baffled in almost all their efforts to raise the requisite sum from the Trust Prop­ erty in time, but being thus circumstanced, I was sure neither of you could or would take it unkind or oppressive in me— There is not a pound of Bourbon Coffee in this market, I will send 100 ℔s the best Java, the City affords, together with a Qr Cask of Sicily Madeira Wine, doubled cased, & by the first safe Boat. Mr. A. S. Brockenbrough is here, & I informed him the engravings of the University should be forwarded to him, which shall be done— very few of them have met with sale here, principally owing to the absence of explanations I think, without which, strangers to the insti­ tution can scarcely comprehend the design—I congratulate you upon the recent loan of $60,000, & hope the extinguishment of the whole debt will follow— With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly Bernard Peyton RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; en­ dorsed by TJ as received 16 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); ad­ dress cover only; with Dft of TJ to Pey­ ton, 9 Feb. 1824, and FCs of TJ to Peyton,

25 Feb., 1 Mar., and 3 [Mar.] [1824], on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monti­ cello Charlottesville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 13 Feb.

To Oliver Parsons and James Cooley Messrs Parsons & Cooley Monticello Feb. 14. 23. I have duly recieved your favor of Jan. 29. in which you are pleased to request a copy of my works to be deposited in your library. I have never published any work but the Notes on Virginia, of which I have but a single copy, and they are now very rarely to be found. all other writ­ ings of mine have been of an official character, and are only to be found among the public documents of the times in which I have lived. to shew however my respect for the request you have been pleased to  371 

14 FEBRUARY 1823

make,1

I select one of these, the subject of which is not altogether foreign2 to institutions like yours, and which was so little altered by the body for whom it was prepared, that I may truly call it a work of mine. this is a Report on the plan of an University in Virginia, which is now nearly compleated, and in the course of a year or two will com­ mence it’s operations. with this, be pleased to accept the assurance of my high respect & consideration Th: Jefferson

RC (TxDaHCL). Dft (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Littell & Henry to TJ, 24 Sept. 1821; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: Proceedings and Report of the Commissioners for the University of Vir‑ ginia. Presented December 8, 1818 (Rich­ mond, 1818; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 6 [no. 233]).

1 Preceding four words interlined in Dft, where TJ canceled “and my sense of the honor done me.” 2  Preceding four words interlined in Dft (with order of last two words reversed) in place of “has relation.”

To Littleton Dennis Teackle Sir Monticello Feb. 14. 23. I have duly recieved your favor of the 4th inclosing the draught of a Bill providing for the public instrn of the youth of the state of Mary­ land, with a request from the commee on that subject that I would give them my views of the system proposed and suggest any amend­ ments which might1 occur to me. I am very sensible of the honor done me by the committee by this reference, and wish it were in my power to be useful to them on an occasion of so much importance. but could I2 suggest any thing worthy of their notice I should not be able to commit it to writing, the use of my hand being so much impaired as to disable me from writing but what is very brief.3 I have however considered the bill with care, and must say that I see little to alter for the better in it. the details of the system are doubtless adapted to the organisation of the state authorities of which yourselves are better judges than any one not of the state could be. were I to indulge a single doubt on it’s provisions it would be whether it does not employ too many agents. experience has not proved I think the advantage of multitude in executive details. the responsibility heavily felt on the shoulders of one, or a few, is insensible when divided among many. yourselves4 can best judge whether one trustee annually chosen would not be better than three? whether the Commrs are not too numerous, and whether the functions of the Inspectors might not be divided be­ tween the Commrs & trustees. the subdivision of counties into districts, called townships to the North and wards here is one of the wisest de­  372 

14 FEBRUARY 1823

vices and the firmest basis of a5 republican government which has ever occurred to the wit of man. altho’ proposed here for6 schools only, your7 govmt will soon find to how many good purposes these little elementary republics may be used in future. but age, debility of body necessarily sympathised by the mind warn me that I am past service & ought no longer to meddle8 in things which belong to9 younger & more vigorous counsellers and to the warmest wishes for your success to add only the assurances of my high respect and considern Dft (MHi); on verso of a reused address cover from Arthur S. Brockenbrough to TJ; at foot of text: “Littleton Dennis Teackle esq.”; endorsed by TJ. 1

 Word interlined.  Preceding two words interlined in place of “were it in my power to.” 3  Reworked from “but in the briefest way.” 4  TJ here canceled “however.” 2

5  Preceding seven words interlined, with “devices” substituted for “institutions,” in place of “provisions for a.” 6  Reworked from “altho’ first proposed for.” 7  Word interlined in place of “the.” 8   Reworked from “warn me against medling.” 9  Preceding two words interlined in place of “require.”

To William Tudor Sir Monticello Feb. 14. 23. I have duly recieved your favor of Jan. 24 and with that a copy of your life of James Otis, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. the character of mr Otis the subject of this work1 is one which I have always been taught to hold in high estimation,2 and I have no doubt that the volume will on perusal be found worthy of it’s subject. with respect to the part of it respecting3 Dr Franklin, on which you ask my opinion particularly I have perused it with attention, and as far as my personal acquaintance authorises me to say,4 I think it generally just & correct. of one point however I was not aware, to wit, that the Dr came more tardily5 into the idea of resistance by arms than others generally. when he returned from England6 and took his first seat in Congress, which was before our second petition to the king, he was7 as forward as any of us, and he first laid on our table a form of con­ federation. however it is very possible that while he continued in England surrounded by the appalling means of that powerful nation,8 and compared them with ours, he might have doubts whether the array in arms might not be better postponed awhile. on this subject however I have no particular information.9 with my thanks for the copy of your work be pleased to accept the assurance of my great es­ teem & respect Th: Jefferson  373 

14 FEBRUARY 1823  RC (MHi: Tudor‑Adams Correspon­ dence); addressed: “William Tudor esq. Boston”; redirected in an unidentified hand to “Gardner Maine”; franked; post­ marked Charlottesville, 14 Feb.; endorsed by Tudor. Dft (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ. Tudor described Benjamin Franklin’s supposed tardiness in supporting resis‑ tance by arms in The Life of James Otis, of Massachusetts (Boston, 1823; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 5 [no. 148]), esp. 391–4. The Continental Congress approved the second petition to the king, the so‑­ called “Olive Branch Petition,” on 8 July 1775 (PTJ, 1:219–23). Franklin’s form of confederation was read to the Continental Congress on 21 July 1775, but later tabled in the com­ mittee of the whole. Asked by Franklin

for his opinion of the plan, TJ later re­ called that “I approved it highly” (Leon­ ard W. Labaree and others, eds., The Papers of Benjamin Franklin [1959– ], 22:120–5; PTJ, 1:177–82, 10:372). 1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “volume.” 2  Word interlined in Dft in place of “respect.” 3 Dft: “relating to.” 4  Preceding four words interlined in Dft in place of “went.” 5  Word interlined in Dft in place of “ lately.” 6  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 7  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “I found him.” 8  Word interlined in Dft in place of “country.” 9  Omitted period supplied from Dft.

From William J. Coffee Honbl Sir New York Februry 15 1823 It gives me much pleasure to heare, your arm is in a State of recov­ ery but Cant help saying that your moste Active mind must take care that you dont weary or take Cold in the fracture as you know at this season of the yeare thair is much fragility in the bones of a leg or an Arm, it would be to you a grievous misfortune to have a second frac­ ture, and a Publick affliction and from the happyness1 that I hold in personally knowing you would I do assure you be a seceret sorrow; besides your incapability of action would be a great Loss to the Uni­ versity in it’s Present state. I must tharfore Conclude with a Trust that Care and Your good Constitution will yet sett all things to right by a perfect Concretion of the Bone.   With Respects & Sincere Esteem Yours Wm J. Coffee Should thair be any thing that you may want from this City I hope you will Honor me with the Commands, and I now take the liberty of saying that I must leave N. York a day or two before next April Your Bill on the other side RC (DLC); dateline beneath signature; adjacent to signature: “To Thoms Jeffer­ son. Esr.”; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

1 Manuscript:

 374 

“happysess.”

e n c l o s u r e

Account with William J. Coffee New. York Feby 15–1823 The Honbl Thos Jefferson Drt       To Wm John Coffee To goods Shiped ⎪⎧ on the 16 of last ⎨ as follows ⎪⎩ Dcember 1822 20 Human masks in Composition at $1.25. Each 25.00 24 ox sculls1 in Composition at $1 36—Each 32.64 80 Feet of Swag and Boy frize in Composition at 3/6 pr Foot 35.00 3 Boxes at 75 Cents Each and One at 62² −₄ 2.87 1 Box at 56 and [5]2 at 37² −₄ Each 2.44 4 Quire of Packing Paper at 9 Cnt 36 Cartage. Shiping and Bills of Lading 56 4 Doz of 1¾ Screws at 10 Cents 40 $99.27 MS (ViU: TJP‑ER); in Coffee’s hand.

1

 Manuscript: “sulls.”  Omitted number editorially supplied.

2

From Henry Roi Hamburg Berks County Pensilvania Right Venerable Sir! february the 15th 1823. Without any recommendation of Individual, I take the freedom to apply to the friend of Mankind.! with great sorrow I have learned your painfull accident, but with great Joy your recovring from it. Your great Age ought to liberate you of a farther care of the others. But remarking in the public Prints that, notwithstanding your many past & glorious Efforts for the happiness of humanity, you jet tend your usefulness to those in want of your Superior Capacity. May I hope that your Celebrity will condescend & listen to a Wisher of the wellfare of Men? For nine months & also for four months past I dirrected to my old Countryman Mr Leschot, an Extract of principles for a new Govern­ ment of men to be submitted to your Censureship, if thought prati­ cable. But as I learned since from his Relations in Jersay that he had removed from your Vicinity, I attribute his silence to having not re­ ceived my addresses.   A Copy of said Extract with additions & retranchment is permitted anew on this paper. No attention is desired to be paid to the tongue I now badly professe, less jet to my great want of Literary informations, its order of matter is ill attended. but to the  375 

15 FEBRUARY 1823

intended usefulness those principles may possess your Censure is very respectfully sollicited. And if not allowed, no publicity shall be attempted as diriving from your distinguished Source. Living retreated with Nature, my Ideas must differe immensly from the common acceptions. Convainced that Men do not live in circon­ stances dictated by Nature; a trial has been made, to follow her, in her Calls & wants. By an abundance of the necessairys of life procured by industry seems to prevent the mischiefs that need creats. By the abstinance of superfluitys, much time is gained for better use, much disturbance & disorder avoided.   It is however understood that this Plan can but in few instances be admittable in our comon ruling, although it is thought praticable in a new Country distanced from old habits & it is given only as an Idea to others to do better.   Please Sir to pardon my boldness, it is my wants which prescribe me to apply to Superiority for help, may it suit you to grant my prayers. I beseech you Sir to accept my most perfect Veneration with which I have the honour to souscribe myself. with my most sincere wishes for your health. Your most humble & devoted Servant Henry Roi NB. My final object is to make a Book from 3 to 400. pages small 8o for if possible, sparing to my only females issues each a couple of Acres of land for their settlement, on what I am in doubt to succed without other means, for my former occupation is at an end by the banefull revolution of business. [D.] RC (ViW: TC‑JP); written on a sheet folded to form four pages, with letter on p. 1, address on p. 2, and enclosure be­ ginning on pp. 3–4, continuing at foot of p. 2, and concluding at foot of p. 1; date­ line adjacent to signature; final word il­ legible; addressed: “To the right Vener­ able Thomas Jefferson Esquire Virginia”; stamped; postmarked Reading, 16 Feb.; endorsed by TJ as received 27 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Henry Roi (d. 1826), clock‑ and watch­ maker, was a native of Switzerland who

immigrated to the United States in 1796, settling in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. He purchased at least eighteen real‑estate lots there and became a naturalized citizen in 1806 (Journal of the Senate of the Com‑ monwealth of Pennsylvania [1813], 10, 32, 510; James W. Gibbs, Pennsylvania Clocks and Watches: Antique Timepieces and Their Makers [1984], 152; DNA: RG 29, CS, Pa., Berks Co., 1800; Roi’s will, proved 2 Oct. 1826, and estate inventory in Berks Co. Probate Estate Files).

 376 

e n c l o s u r e

Henry Roi’s Essay on Establishing a New Community

[ca. 15 Feb. 1823] Extract of A new System, or a new order of things, delightful Dreams if ever any were! An Essay.1 Man seems to have been set upon Earth to cultivate the Plan of his Creator, to be his Second, to perfectione the produces of Nature for his necessairy maintenance & comfort. Therefore it is infered, that superfluity, unneces­ sairys, luxury, have never been intended to be cultivated, as being looses of time & creating propensities to many mischiefs & vices. Industry applyed to the produces of the Soil keeps to innocence, gards from ill doing. Rewarded in proportion to the labour bestowed, man is recompensed at his own will. Provided with Intilligence to direct, strangth to execute, an order of Action is necessairy with his fellow men. To do unto others as they will have the others to do unto them seems indispensable. In Studying Nature, with his Reason, he learned his dutys, towards his fellow Creatures & his due ac­ knowledgment to his Maker. After the Industry the harmony of His worck, he saw that, all able Idlers were undeserving to be maintained at the expence of the toils of the laborious therefore with all the committer of disorder lost their freedom, were bound to worck for their full maintainance, untill cor­ rected, or untill a new Discovery a Masterpiece made might liberate him or alleviate his suffirings, then reintegrated among his Brethern & viewed as more meritorious for having mended himself. Liberty of dissolving conjugal union, when ill consequences are not fore­ seen. Childern of disorderly Perents raised up by the public. Unable pitied & maintained by others. Tallents gifts of the Creator, none to be neglected. but all even cultivated for the advantage of the Society. Reason, Philosophy, In­ dustry, Morality, freedom, as the best Guides to arrive to the happiest state possible. All the wants restricted to utility, no luxury, no superrfluity, all use­ fulness; an explicit treaty made for the government of all. The first principles of medicine & Surgery thougth. No instrumental musik, but vocal cultivated for recreation. No gaming as destructive of feeling for others. No Poetry, enemy of truth & morality, except its usefull part. No navigation out of our own Territory, to keep on our own ways & manners. No trade with all the Wold, they create a conflict of interest destructive of the disinterestness, of the Morality ruling in the Republic. No relation, no communication with foreign Countrys to guard against infection & vices. No mine of precious Metals & Stones. In forbidding them all representations of fictitious value are of course forbidden. By that proscription the sources of disturbances, treachery, cor­ ruption, tyrany, luxury & demoralising are mostly at an end. Instead of a mischiefious trade, an exchange of the Productions of the Soil is substituated, one for an other & for necessairy articles for the comfort of life, all manufac­ tured by our own people. All the usefull Metals searched & brought to all the usefulness they are susceptible. For the above purpose & others following, a strict principle of distinction shall stand that, Where ever utility ends, luxury begins. Where advantage ends, loss begins. That to arrive to the highest state of perfection possible, conces­ sions must be made, rather relinquish minors, for obtaining major advantages.

 377 

15 FEBRUARY 1823 No house of entertainment where every Brother’s house is one. If ever a for­ eigner appears, non will be for plundering, their property is not of easy trans­ port, to be well supplyed, escorted & reconducted out of the Territory. No spirituous liquors, they consume produces hard acquired, applicable to better use, then much ruin, brutality, disorder presented, health, agreable comfort gained. But Wine, Cider, Bear used with reason are wholesome provoque hilarity, the two first consume no produces, raised on land not the most valu­ able, agree with the taste of the many, are prefered. All foreign productions prohibited. All productions of our Soil permitted under the above & follow­ ing restrictions The main Aim being to make man happy with less objets; to reduce his wants to the necessairys, all imajinairy & created wants are discarded. If to­ baco is util in medicine, is it the same in dayly use? In husbandry the best methodes researched & followed, for obtaining an uniform & most usefull way of tillage, also lessening the labour & geting with less land as much as with more. Public Officers compensated with produces. No Domesticity. Childern & Apprentices to worck for their father & Master & occasionaly for their Neighbours by turn or paid in produces.2 The jung people to receive after mar­ ried from their father & Master the necessairy for their sittling, to be more considerable as they did longer & more steadyly attend to their duty. Trads­ men paid of manufactured article in produce. The Community shall own all the land, who is to divide it among the in­ tended Settlers. To prevent an undue influence, to keep to equality, so neces­ sairy for independence & happiness. None shall possesse more than double the land alloted equaly to every Chief of a family. even to be reduced by the will of the majority of the District.3 The permit of more than an equal share of land, to be granted for reward of industry &ra taken from those who lost their liberty from misconduct, or from vacant land, at their death to return to the State, or to become the lot of one of the Childern, as well as the primitive share for another Child. Dying without Issue to return to the Community, except it had been disposed of for a deserving friend. None has any right to dispose of his land except by exchange for a like tract. And to be approved by the administration of the District. The number of Cattles restricted to that their land can feed. All their moveable property disposable at their will. A tract of land alloted to the Gl Governmt for raising produces for their own consumption & their Attendants & for providing by exchange their necessairy Moveables. Ways of communication all over the Community, to receive & forward weakly gratis, the new law & all kind of news. but no Dispatch, Letter &a shall be sealed, this meaning secrecy a s[nare?] 4 upon confidence, is punishable Wiewing the Society as an Association for certain interests. Its Agents ought to be selected by all its Members. the Chief of a family a full vote, his Wife & Childern each a fraction of vote, all to be modelled by the Chief. en­ titeled to vote only after married. A prealable Election to take place for nomi­ nating Candidates. A Gl Government for objets of a general tendency. Each District a Gt for its own ruling. Kept constantly of a equal influence. Every District to have three Protectors, whose dutys shall be to visite a neighbouring District every six months5 to inquire into their moral, the observance of the restrictions, Industry, order, remonstrate when needed, praised when due. Take a view of

 378 

15 FEBRUARY 1823 their Crops & of their probable amount, of their ways of Husbandry. Whether tradsmen are wanting or too many exist & generaly about all their wants & take memorandum. To review the Institutions of high grade & the houses of correction. Then to report to their Superiors who are to provide to the wants of the individuals. Protectors are forbidden when officiating of anything on politics. No Power of pardoning, new trial may take place. The highest punishment the loose of liberty for life, except when regenerated, freedom of Speech, but answerable6 for its veracity. Revealers of mischiefs acknowledged. Concealer punishable. Reparation & Restitution invariably observed. Crimes, mischiefs invariably punished. A good action has its worth where ever it comes from. All to be usefull, none to live on the toils of others. Ruler more punishable on account of more trust. Editor of news, a public agent paid by it, forbidden to medle with politic, they may publish the politics of others [when this is?] known & answerable. No party engrossing priviledges, but to discover the truth. Every year the Sovereign People have a right to call a Convention to reform their principles of Gt. its fondamentals are unalterable, as freedom guided by morality, Equality of right, Civil & religious rights. right of prop­ erty except of land. free Press, punishment of the offenders, reward to the well doers, our Restrictions. The Year recommence with the vegetation. Every Being owes its acknowledgment to7 a supreme Dispensator, none are obliga­ tory. No law for repos, the need of it calls for its enjoyment. Tradsmen for our necessairys indispensable. Husbandry the most inocent pursuit highly prefered. The culture of Reason as the most powerfull Con­ ductor. Freedom never for injuriing others. A Supreme Arbitrator a future destiny, rewarding the good & punishing the guilt. A Cult desired as a second­ airy for the observance of the civil regulations. Civil & religious laws having the same tendency, the good government of Men, they are8 become united. Who ever breaks any of them offends the soverign Ruler. Every District provided with a Judiciairy, composed of Justice of order. Arbitrators. three Justices joigning to form a second Tribunal with Jurys & a tribunal of Appeall with Jury. All the Judge shall attend on trial being but 3 or 5. a majority of them is not sufficient, the Judge abscente might throw light on the Case & bring to an other decision; for its possibility supernumer­ ary Juges appointed, those attending only compensated. A Tribunal composed of members of all the Districts9 shall dicide all Con­ troversies, betwixt the Gl Government & the District Government & the Gts & the Individuals. All questions of the constituanlity of the law. All antici­ pation of or neglect of power, on the part of the several Government shall be restricted to due Bounds. The same for the Judiciairy Power. The Gl Government shall make annualy an estimate of the Quantum of Produces of the Soil required for the maintenance of the Officers attending on public affaires. Regulated on a standard of tarif made yearly by them to wit. One Bushell of Wheat being worth any other quantity of other produces, & any kind of moveables. So leading to collect an assortement of produce & Goods proportioned to the use to be made of. & not bearing harder than the real value of object. Divided on all the settled inhabitants of the Districts. & delivred duly & in due time to the Collectors choosen for that purpose. New settlers or others afflicted by some misfortune to be exempted, but not the lazy & neglectful. This disability to be10 made out in weakly Meetings of each

 379 

15 FEBRUARY 1823 Section. This Contribution equaly divided on account of the same means to satisfy it. With those not having an article wanted to borrow it or exchange it with a Neighbour. When higher than the Share demanded, to join two or more, or the Collector to give Credit or Debit for that over or less given, to be settled even the next year. Of tradsmen when their articles not wanted, to get them from others by exchange. If one refuse to contribute, the Collector with two other men to take the contribution out of his property & rapport the case to his Superiors. So making up a Stock of keepable provisions of all the necessairys of life & transportable by turn to the Officers. Of those not keep­ able to be obtained by their own industry or by exchange. Nothing wasted, when more produce than needed to store it up in the public Grenairys for times of want. The Contribution to be some thing higher than wanted for replanishing the public stocks. District Legislators to make the estimate of 11 provisions 6. months before the time of delivrery, the Share falling to each Officer & published over their District. Collectors inspected by Officers selected by the Legislature. No favour or disfavour, well compensated & severely restricted. No public Contribution for minister of Cult. Houses of correction & worck made to maintain themselves fully. for all the Criminals of the District, besides Idlers Drunkards, Unrevealers, Adultery, Bas­ tardes, all disturbers of order & the contraveners to the principles of the Gov­ ernment Bearing in vue correction & not inhumain treatements.   Every one free of expatriating, provided giving due notice to the Gt, provided with provisions, but loosing its share in the Community & forbidden to return. It is laid as a fondamental. That the Officers ought to be entrusted with such Power only that it would be dangerous for the multitude not to confide them & to be kept as tenants of the property of the people, returned to the Owners in due time unimpaired. Exercised to the sevrals Whipons for hunting & deffencive war only. Observations for the better menagement of rural & domestik oeconomy & other Topiks. but room wanted. [Continuation upside down on upper portion of address leaf:] New Discovrys, the fruit of tallent belong to the Society at large. Publicity, [.  .  .] warrent of Secrecy, the Alliment of fr[e]e P[r]ess & of Speech, conducts to good deeds, retains mischiefs. Insolvability its causes to be found out, if by misfortune helped, by vices corrected. Remonstrance acting on the feeling, causes Shame12 prefered to infliction on the Boddy creating revange. Beauty, belongs to the Nature, in machanical worcks it disfigures her, it clothes Men as to passe for other beings than they truly are. Custom, acting after it, is acting through the faculties of others, without our own intervention. Neu­ trality, a system of dependance, uncaring for others, contrairy to Sympathy. Pleasure & Paine seems to be equally divided among all, an alternate use of the first. Keeps its enjoyment.ᴓ Superstition, what man can not comprehend destructive of Reason. Manufacturing on a large Scale, for reason of equality, seems to belong to the Commonwhelth & to be attended by the Convicts. In other Seats by Orphans & unable to do other worck. Richness, Commerce, ᴓ quietness, uniformity of life may be preferable.

 380 

15 FEBRUARY 1823 13

x

Trade, create ondue influence, dependance, even, the first not profitable to the offspring who have depended on it for their ease, an equality of fortune the most fit for freedom. Electing an incapable, is electing a single & unfit Elector, for to perform his duty he must elect another officer which is not answerable to the Electors. Money, its prohibition restrains ambition, guards from many disorder. Authorship is often more tasted on the luxury of the Art, than on his usefulness. A tongue loaded with unnecessairys letters & others wanted to exprime the several sounds, for the facility of the learning ought to be brought to a natural simplicity, even in some gramatical Rules. Posterity, ought to be attended to, by lasting monuments for their use, in Building, trees, improving land, that they have more leisure for improving their minds. Dependance on others, deprives Man of the knowledge of his Capability. Patriotism, seems to be a self love, love & hatred acting for its support, to be advantage enjoyed by some & refused to others externa, an Universal patri­ otism, an impossibility, however necessairy for the firm support of the Re­ public. Priesthood creates differing interets & views. If Belief is the Creator of Conviction & Conviction the fruit of the minds feeling, then inocent feeling acting for the best, like its descendant Belief can not be controverted, they are independant of Authority. Popularity gained by flatery over ignorance, instead of merit deserving it. Freedom giving the right of action & Morality giving the limits of that Action, it seems the last is the necessairy Guide of the first. Reason & Prejudices are constantly at variance. Modesty derogating from Truth looses its merit. Luxury calls for working for others without any pay. Childern raised in simplicity as probably they will have to do when eman­ cipated, prevent disappointment.14 Secrecy intollerable among Associated, twards an enemy it is necessairy. Education, equal to all Childern, untill su­ perior tallents are discovred then cultivated to the highest grade & for the advantage of the Public, who pays its expences. Repos is the remedy for fa­ tigue, when the last existe it calls for the use of the first. Lenity of Law, is a participation with mischiefs.15 &ra On account of saving time, only one single tongue in usage. Books in foreign language, translated. We hold it as sanctioned by Reason. That when Man has in his Power the means of procuring by a reasonable Industry the objets of necessairy exis­ tance, even a variety of them & the enjoyment of innocent pleasures, that he can not claim justly any thing els on Earth, that stepping over this Rule he falls in superfluity, luxury, disorder, Imorality—is its resulte. That he has then lost his right to felloship, punishment is deserved, untill corrected, then con­ cidered by his fellows as meritorious for having reformed himself.

x Experience, is the Preceptor of Reason. Reason the Conductor of Man. Man the Leader of Nature. Gode the Supreme Author—of all.

 381 

15 FEBRUARY 1823 [Remainder at foot of covering letter:] ⎧ ⎪ Where at shall settle our Colony? We must look for a Coun-

⎪ try where the objects are nearer of the primitive Nature. ⎪ ⎪ Hoist the Standard of W: Penn. Explore the Countrys North ⎪ ⎪ & West of the U:S: following its streams & selecte in those ⎪

⎪ vaste Regions a Country proper for rural purposes. Acquire ⎪ In this limits ⎪⎪ of the natives the Soil, even incorporate some of them, pro­ ⎪ vided our People be constantly much more numbrous & the & for not ⎪ ruling party. In new Settlement our restrictions to useful­ wearing out ⎪ ness would be easier observed, at a great distance from old ⎨ patience, ⎪ habits, & by a succession of endevours & years become a much more ⎪ detail would ⎪⎪ Standard for a just & lasting Government of Men, discard­ be necessairy ⎪⎪ ing at first however those principles which maybe deemed ⎪ too austhere for actual adoption, leaving them at rest to be ⎪ reconcidered when our Reason will be more fit for diges­ ⎪ ⎪ tion, which will happen when the novalty of our ruling has ⎪ ⎪ grown to habits, & especialy enforced by a new Generation. ⎪ ⎪ A permit of purchase of the Indians from the Government ⎩ of the U:S: would be necessairy. Where ever money, Commerce, trade dont take place, ambition is allmost extinct. Where is left only a portion to encourage industry & this to procure the ease of life, the feeling of mine & thine much disappear. All luxury & superfluity abolished spare much toil & time better devoted, to improve the mind, to recreation, Repos & the admiration of the Creator. Good Deeds re­ varded, Ill Deeds invariably punished by the privation of freedom.+ Pursu­ ing husbandry as the most inocent, & by the best methodes lessening its toils, sparing Capitals, & procuring an abundance of the generositys of the Soil, also multipliing the means of disinteresteness & honesty the best seeds of friendship. Reason perfectioned to attain the above advantages. An equal Education, even to the highest & usefull grades for competent talents, but all founded on Morality & Liberty. And Protectors to watch over their wants. On such a System it seems Man becomes independant, he enjoyes all the Bountys of Nature, but few opportunitys of doing wrong are left him, if he does his exemple is not permitted to infect the others, then the attendance of Moralists is much lessened, a vaste field for virtue, Liberty presents itself. And his Rulers & Rules must be but few. Thus are the austherity of the views of an old Man in the diclining of facultys, much wanting in Capacity for so an extinsive Undertaking. but very respect­ fully submited to a great Superiority. +

 None to live on the toils of others, except the unables.

MS (ViW: TC‑JP); conjoined with covering letter; in Roi’s hand; undated; damaged at crease and seal. to do unto others as they will have the others to do unto them paraphrases the Bible, Matthew 7.12 and Luke 6.31. prealable: the French word

for “prior.” exprime: from the French verb “exprimer,” meaning “to express.” 1 Preceding two words added in a different ink. 2 Omitted period at right margin edito­ rially supplied.

 382 

16 FEBRUARY 1823 3 Omitted

period at right margin edito­ rially supplied. 4 Word illegible.  5 Preceding three words added in left margin and keyed to this point with an “x.” 6 Manuscript: “ansewrable.” 7 Manuscript: “to to.” 8 Text from “having the same” to this point added in left margin and keyed to this point with a + sign.

 9 Manuscript: “Dristricts.” 10 Roi here canceled “known.” 11 Manuscript: “of of.” 12 Preceding two words interlined. 13 Word interlined. 14 Omitted period at right margin edi­ torially supplied. 15 Remainder of paragraph interlined.

To James Madison and James Breckinridge Dear Sir. Monticello Feb. 16 —23 You already know that the legislature has authorised the literary board to lend us another 60,000 D. it is necessary we should act on this immediately so far as to accept the loan, that we may engage our workmen before they enter into other undertakings for the season. but the badness of the roads, the uncertainty of the weather and the personal inconvenience of a journey to the members of our board, render a speedy meeting desperate. Mr Cabell and Mr Loyall have by letters to me expressed their approbation of the loan & that they will confirm it regularly at our april meeting. If you think proper to do the same, Genl Cocke and myself will authorise the engagement of the workmen and they will be satisfied to begin their work immediately and to provide materials for the library.1 The sooner you can conve­ niently give me your answer, the sooner the operations may be com­ menced. Accept my affectionate esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Madison Papers); in Vir­ ginia J. Randolph (Trist)’s hand, signed by TJ. RC (ViU: TJP); in Randolph (Trist)’s hand, signed by TJ; signature torn at seal. Dft (DLC); on portion of re­ used address cover to TJ; in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ as separate letters to “Mad­ ison James” and “Breckenridge Genl ” and so recorded in SJL. The uncertainty of the weather had already caused difficulties for TJ. In the postscript of a letter of 4 Feb. 1823 to

Nicholas P. Trist from Monticello, Vir­ ginia J. Randolph (Trist) noted that “The late fresh in our river has carried away Grand‑Papa’s mill dam which he had been employed about nearly the whole sum­ mer and fall. the season has been with us unusually mild; there has not been snow enough yet to fill Grand‑Papa’s snow­ house, but incessant clouds & rain” (RC in DLC: NPT). 1  Preceding three words interlined in Dft.

 383 

From Richard Bruce Sir Buckmountain February 17 1823 A man so far advanced in life as I am and of my age Should live in daily expectation of being called off this stage of action to another world But Sir I cannot feel satisfied to leave this world untill I have an opportunity to tender you my most greatful thanks for the great things that you have done for the human race as one of the worthies that laid the foundation of Independence whereby America was freed from British Tyranny and oppression altho it has been my misfor­ tune to move in the lower walks of life yet I sensibly feel the blessing emminating from a free goverment founded on the Basis of Justice— Thousands yet unborn will loudly praise thy name when they see and hear of the Tyranny and oppression of despottic monarchs in the old world and all distant nations that have arrived in America will with Joy loudly proclaim the name of Jefferson But I fear few of us rightly appreciate the blessings we enjoy—as vice appears to be common and crimes of murder &c often Committed when a republican goverment Should much depend on the virtue of the citizens—for no upright­ ness of conduct can Shield a man from the callumny of Base design­ ing men—pray Sir excuse my freedom and if you think proper you may make this letter public as I wish my sentiments known to the world before I dye as I am so sick now I can scarcely write— Now may the ruler of the universe long preserve you in health Strength and vigour of mind for years to come so that you may live to cause an alteration in our Judiciary sistem so as to lessen the number of county court majestrates and for those that do act to be examined and have licence and be paid for their servics— I am Sir with due respect and much esteem your Humble Servant Richd Bruce P.S. When I take a retrospective view of the little band of worthies that laid the foundation of our Independence and of the great Wash­ ington that fought our Battles brought us through a bloody war and laid the British Lyon Submissive at his feet I want words to express my gratitude1 for that instible2 Blessing RB RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 18 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Richard Bruce (d. ca. 1824), attorney and farmer, was a deputy sheriff of Albe­ marle County from at least 1778 until 1783. He also practiced law. Besides in­ teractions with TJ in his role as deputy

sheriff, in 1791 Bruce asked him for help settling clients’ military claims and men­ tioned “Having repeatedly Experienced favors of this kind from you.” TJ also pur­ chased corn from him in 1813 and 1814. Bruce was expelled from the bar in 1800, and he owned seven slaves in 1810 and five a decade later. He died in Albemarle

 384 

17 FEBRUARY 1823 (MB; PTJ, 22:393; JHD [1792 sess.], 33 [11 Oct. 1792]; Woods, Albemarle, 380, 401; Bruce to St. George Tucker, 25 Aug. 1800 [ViW: TC]; DNA: RG 29, CS, Albemarle Co., 1810, 1820; Vi: RG

48, Personal Property Tax Returns, Albe­ marle Co., 1824–25). 1 Manuscript:

“gratitue.” in manuscript, with “inestima­ ble” possibly intended. 2 Thus

From Thomas W. Maury Th: W. Maury with best respects  to Thomas Jefferson Esqe 17th February 1823 Thankfully acknowledges the receipt of his order on Mr Raphael for $40 and believes it to be the amt of the balance due. RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; ad­ dressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqe Monti­ cello”; endorsed by TJ, with his additional notation: “recd 40.D.”

In his financial records for 13 Feb. 1823, TJ recorded this transaction with the Charlottesville firm of Jacobs & raphael (MB, 2:1393).

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 17 Feby 1823 The corks you write for shall go by the first Waggon I can find, to the care of Jacobs & Raphael of Charlottesville—   I only wait for a trusty Boat, by which to send your coffee and Sicily Madeira Wine, as heretofore ordered— With all respect & esteem Truly Yours B. Peyton I have pd your dft: favor Jacobs & Raphael for $375— RC (MHi); dateline beneath full signa­ ture; endorsed by TJ as received 20 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. TJ wrote to Peyton to order corks in a letter of 14 Feb. 1823, not found, but recorded in SJL with additional brack­ eted notation: “for 12 gross corks.” In his financial records for 12 Feb. 1823, TJ noted the details of his dft: favor jacobs & raphael:

B.P.

“Drew on B. Peyton in favr. Jacobs & Raphael for 375.D. this pays their last quarter’s bill groceries 83.25 I now recieve cash 50. leaving balance in his hands 241.75 375.” (MB, 2:1393).

 385 

From G. F. H. Crockett Dear Sir. Herndonsville Ky. Feby. 18th 1823. Tho’ I have never had the pleasure of an acquaintance with you, I have taken the liberty (unwarranted, it may be) of addressing you. Expecting to visit you, on my way to or from the state of Delaware, e’er a great while, & knowing your fondness for any thing literary, or otherwise valuable—are the only apologies I offer. I will briefly state, that, I was born in the state of Delaware—was a lieutenant in the 32d Regt. U.S. Infy. during the late war—after peace came to Ky.—turned my attention to the study of the ‘Healing Art,’ for 3½ years, in which time I attended two courses of medical lectures, & recieved the degree of M.D. in Transylvania University March 18th 1822 [see the catalogue] in the 28th year of my age; & I am practicing at the above named place, in Scott Cy. (near the seat of Col. Rh. M. Johnson.) I transmit herewith some pamphlets which will doubtless be ac­ ceptable. No 1. Is a discourse by one of our best—most profound west­ ern orators. It contains as much original matter, perhaps, as any thing of the size you have ever read; & the application of the subject to a system of education, I think very good. The doctrine is, in some re­ spects, original with Dr Fishback. No 2. Beside the latin theses, &C. contains a catalogue of all the graduates of T.U. up to its date. No 3. A catalogue of the officers & students of the present session. No 4. Act of incorporation, constitutions, &C. of the ‘Lexn Medl. Society.’ I had this institution principally under my care for near 2, & have been a member about 5 years—I principally framed its constitution; & but for exertions exclusively my own, it would not have been incorporated. All medical graduates of T.U. are (by the authority of its byelaws) Honorary members of the Medical Society. No 5. Extracts from Dr Percivals Medical Ethics. The “Κ.Λ. Society of Hippocrates” is a re­ vival of, & an improvement upon the one formed by Hippocrates (for the benefit of his students) in the isle of Cos—it is confined to medi­ cal men—it is intended as a means by which to elevate the character of the medical profession, & prevent its members from “preying upon each other.” Its meetings are held in secret, similar1 to those of the free masons. It was resuscitated in Lexn Ky. but has took root in most of the medical schools in the Union. I have the honor to be Dear Sir, very respectfully, &C. G. F. H. Crockett P.S. On the morning of the 8th inst. the mercury here (18½ miles from Lexn) stood at 14° below zero of Farenheit. On the 14th inst. a  386 

18 FEBRUARY 1823

snow fell 15 inches deep—the deepest in this section of country for upwards of 20 years. C— RC (MHi); brackets in original; adja­ cent to full signature: “Thomas Jefferson Esq”; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclo­ sures: (1) James Fishback, The Substance of A Discourse, in two parts; delivered in the Meeting‑House of the First Baptist Church in Lexington, February 3, 1822; To the Class of the Medical School of Tran‑ sylvania University (Lexington, [1822]), arguing that man can know God only by scriptural revelation and not by observa­ tion or experimentation in nature. (2) Cla‑ rissimo Johanni Adair, Armigero, guber‑ natori .  .  . Reverendo Horatio Holley, A M, A A S, Præsidi .  .  . Reique Publicæ nostræ Literariæ Fautoribus; Theses hasce, Ju‑ venes in Artibus initiati, .  .  . humillime dedicant (Lexington, 1822), listing the­ ses presented by Transylvania University students in 1822. (3) Catalogus Senatus Academici, eorum qui munera et officia gesserunt, quique alicujus gradus laurea donati sunt in Universitate Transylvani‑ ensi, Lexingtoniæ in Republica Kentuckiensi (Lexington, 1822). (4) A Catalogue of the Officers and Students of Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky, January, 1823 ([Lexington, 1823]). (5) Thomas Percival, Extracts from the Medical Eth‑ ics, or a code of Institutes and Precepts, adapted to the Professional Conduct of Physicians & Surgeons, in private or gen‑ eral practice (Lexington, 1821), an edition published by order of the Kappa Lambda Society. Other enclosure accounted for below. G. F. H. Crockett (ca. 1795–1864), physician, was a native of Delaware. He rose from ensign to second lieutenant in the 32d Infantry Regiment of the United States Army between 1813 and his honor­ able discharge in 1815. Three years later

Crockett published in Lexington, Ken­ tucky, An Essay on the divinity of Jesus Christ; proving him to be the incarnate Son of God. He received a medical degree from Transylvania University in 1822 with a thesis on asthma and practiced medicine afterward in Scott County, Kentucky. By 1829 Crockett lived in Woodford County in the same state. He continued his med­ ical practice in Mississippi, where he lived from about 1835 until at least 1844. Crockett had returned to Woodford by 1850 as a physician and owned real estate valued at $100. By 1861 he was also a Bap­ tist minister, then residing in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Crockett served in the Confederate army as an acting as­ sistant surgeon. He is buried in Harri­ sonburg, Virginia (Heitman, U.S. Army, 1:339; Philadelphia Journal of the Medi‑ cal and Physical Sciences 4 [1822]: 226; Transylvania Journal of Medicine and the Associate Sciences 2 [1829]: 528; DNA: RG 29, CS, Ky., Woodford Co., 1830, 1850; Charles Adams Gulick Jr. and Kath­ erine Elliott, eds., The Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar [(1921–27)], 3:48–50; Baptist Missionary Magazine 24 [1844]: 153; George W. Purefoy, A History of the Sandy Creek Baptist Association [1859], 250; Charlotte Western Democrat, 17 Sept. 1861; DNA: RG 109, CSRCGSONEM; gravestone inscription in Woodbine Cem­ etery, Harrisonburg). Enclosure no 4, pertaining to the lexn medl. society, has not been found as a separate publication, but its constitution and 21 Dec. 1821 act of incorporation were printed in the Acts Passed at the First Ses‑ sion of the Thirtieth General Assembly for the Commonwealth of Kentucky (Frankfort, 1821), 420–4. 1 Manuscript:

 387 

“sinilar.”

From Sidney E. Morse Sir, New Haven Conn. Feby 18th 1823. Accompanying this letter is a New System of Modern Geography, prepared by me during the past year, for the use of colleges and academies. The part of the work, in which I have presumed you would be in­ terested, is the Appendix, & more especially, the Tables relating to the population of the United States, included between pages 604 & 622. Some of the results mentioned in the Remarks on the Tables, I think will strike you as novel & singular. My object in preparing this work, being merely to furnish an ele­ mentary volume on Geography and Statistics for the use of students, I have not gone into any of the subjects introduced in the Appendix, as extensively as I otherwise should have done. It is my intention, however, to resume the inquiry in relation to population, with refer­ ence, especially,1 to several of the questions which have recently ex­ cited so much interest in the old world. I should esteem it a great honor if I could be assisted by any hints, which your intimate knowl­ edge of the subject and habits of philosophical research would enable you to suggest. It seems to me that there is no country in the world where the population presents so fine a field for philosophical speculation as our own. We here see man in every stage of improvement, from the high­ est degree of civilization and refinement, down to the savage state; under every climate, from the northern limit of profitable agriculture to the borders of the torrid zone; on every elevation of surface, from the swamps and lowlands of the Southern Atlantic States to the summits of the Alleghany mountains; of every color, black, white and red. We have some districts of country in which all the laborers are freemen, and others in which they are all slaves; some districts, in which all the inhabitants are agriculturists and others in which they are all seamen. In short, the moral and physical causes, which, in other parts of the world, are scattered over a whole continent, seem to be here collected; and with the aid of an accurate census, in which the inhabitants are minutely classed, according to age, sex, color, occupation and civil con­ dition, their operation can be distinctly traced. With all these advan­ tages, have we not the best opportunity of bringing every principle relating to population to its proper test? With sentiments of respect & veneration, I am, Sir, Your obedt servant Sidney E. Morse.  388 

18 FEBRUARY 1823  RC (CSmH: JF‑BA); endorsed by TJ as received 27 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Chiles Terrell, 8 Mar. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Hon. Thomas Jefferson, Albemarle county, Virginia. With a parcel”; franked; postmarked New Haven, 20 Feb. Enclosure: Morse, A New System of Modern Geography, or a View of the Present State of the World. With an appendix, containing statistical tables of the population, commerce, revenue, expen‑ diture, debt, and various institutions of the United States; and general views of Eu‑ rope and the world. Accompanied with an Atlas (Boston, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Li‑ brary, 7 [no. 311]). Sidney Edwards Morse (1794–1871), author, editor, and inventor, was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, the second son of TJ’s correspondent Jedidiah Morse. He attended the Phillips Academy, grad­ uated from Yale College (later Yale Uni­ versity) in 1811, and studied law after­ ward under Tapping Reeve and James Gould in Litchfield, Connecticut. During this time Morse wrote a series of essays for a Federalist Boston newspaper argu­ ing against the admission of new south­ ern states, which was reprinted as The New States, or a comparison of the Wealth, Strength, and Population of the Northern and Southern States (Boston, 1813). He helped establish and edited the Boston Re‑ corder, a religious newspaper, for a little over a year before attending the Andover Theological Seminary, 1817–20. With his brother Samuel F. B. Morse, he received a patent in 1817 for a piston pump for “rais­ ing and forcing water, and other fluids.” Morse’s numerous publications included An Atlas of the United States, on an Im‑ proved Plan (New Haven, 1823), A Geo‑ graphical View of Greece ([New Haven, 1825]), A Geographical, Statistical and Ethical View of the American Slaveholders’

Rebellion (1863), and Memorabilia in the life of Jedidiah Morse, D.D. (1867). Hav­ ing moved to New York City in 1823, he and his brother Richard C. Morse estab­ lished a Protestant newspaper, the New York Observer, which he edited until 1858. Morse developed a new method of print­ ing maps using a printing press and pub­ lished an atlas of North America and a textbook containing these “cerographs” in the 1840s. In 1866 he and his son received a patent for a bathometer for measuring sea depths. One year before his death in New York City, Morse owned real estate valued at $300,000 (DAB; Dexter, Yale Biographies, 6:399–402; Litchfield Law School, 16; Brigham, American Newspa‑ pers, 1:341; General Catalogue of the Theo‑ logical Seminary, Andover, Massachusetts, 1808–1908 [(1909)], 59; List of Patents, 182; Annual Report of the Commissioner of Patents for the Year 1866 [1867], 1:966; DNA: RG 29, CS, N.Y., New York, 1870; New York Herald, 24 Dec. 1871; grave­ stone inscription in Green‑Wood Ceme­ tery, Brooklyn). Morse based his tables relating to the population of the united states on census data and estimates of the value of houses and lands in 1815, with most of the analysis concentrated on the 1820 cen­ sus. His wide‑ranging remarks on these tables included observations on the scale and direction of westward expansion; over­ all rate of population growth, attributable far more to natural increase than immi­ gration; variable increases in numbers broken down by race; differences in sex ratio by region, race, and level of urban­ ization; geographic and racial variations in age; geographic distribution of the ag­ ricultural, commercial, and manufactur­ ing sectors; and breakdowns by sex, age, and race of the six largest United States cities. 1 Word

 389 

interlined.

From Pierpont Potter Norfolk Litchfield County State of Mr Jefferson  Connecticut Feb 18. 1823— You are a great man and an eminent one. I revere you as one of the principal founders of our republic which I hope will be as lasting as time.1 I regret that your age is so great that I have no reason to be­ leive that you will answer the letter of a Stranger. I have been excited to address you by reading the letters that passed between you and the venerable John Adams. I was surprised that in those letters nothing is said about a future state—I wish that I knew your sentiments re­ specting religion and more particularly Christianity. please sir to be so kind as to favour me with a letter if the burden will not be too great. I am but one of the Vulgus although I have inteligence enough to read a newspaper and have read and heard much of you. I am but 28 years of age and possessed of but little property.2 I have hessitated some about writing to a man of your eminence and respectability but finally concluded that since I had nothing either to hope or fear from you I would make the attempt—If you will please to favour me with a letter you may hear from me again—I am sir with much respect your most obedient and very humble Servant Pierpont Potter RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 4 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Elisha Copeland, 5 Feb. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Hon Thomas Jeffer­ son Esq Late President of the United States (Vir) Monticello.” Pierpont Potter (1794–1886), attorney, was a native of Connecticut. An 1829 newspaper advertisement indicated that he had been “for several years .  .  . head of the English and Elementary depart­ ment” of the Union Hall Academy in Ja­ maica, Queens County, New York. Potter was admitted to the New York Supreme Court as an attorney in 1834 and prac­ ticed law until at least 1870. He was also appointed cashier of the Bank of Jamaica at its creation in 1861, and he served as clerk of the Queens County Board of Su­ pervisors from 1835 until 1876, after which he became assistant clerk until his death. Potter owned real estate worth $2,500 in 1850, with none listed in 1860 and 1870 but personal property both years valued

at $1,000. He died in Jamaica (New York Commercial Advertiser, 14 Oct. 1829; New‑York Spectator, 6 Nov. 1834; DNA: RG 29, CS, N.Y., Queens Co., Jamaica, 1830–80; New York Herald, 6 Jan. 1861; Benjamin F. Thompson, History of Long Island [3d ed., 1918], 2:42; Robert Sea­ bury and Pierpont Potter, comps., Pro‑ ceedings of the Board of Supervisors, of the County of Queens, for the year 1885 [1886], 38, 252–3; Frank Leslie’s Illus‑ trated Newspaper 61 [1886]: 359; grave­ stone inscription in Josephine C. Frost, “Inscriptions from Prospect Cemetery at  Jamaica, Long Island, N. Y.” [1910 typescript]). The letters that passed between TJ and John Adams and had been printed late the previous year were dated 1 and 11 June 1822. vulgus: “the com­ mon people; the ordinary ruck” (OED). 1 Omitted period at right margin edito­ rially supplied. 2 Omitted period at right margin edito­ rially supplied.

 390 

To Richard Bruce Dear Sir Monto Feb. 19. 23. The use of my hand is so much impaired that I must be brief in acknoleging your favor of the 17th. we have lived in times as remark­ able as the1 history of the world has presented. we have had our full share in the events which have passed and have all acted with zeal in the posts assigned to us severally. as Providence intended that such events should take place, we should be thankful they were destined for our times and we chosen as instrunts for effecting them. I salute you with wishes for your better health, & a continuance of life as long as you think it worth enduring. FC (DLC); on verso of portion of a re­ used address cover from TJ to Frederick A. Mayo; in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ as a

letter to “Bruce Richd.” Recorded in SJL as a letter of 21 Feb. 1823. 1 TJ

here canceled “preceding.”

From Jeremiah Elkins Sir, Washington City February 19. 1823 It is my wish to collect the few remaining fragments of the official let­ ters of our land and naval officers of the revolution, together with such other documents and anecdotes as relate to the war of that period— I have in part accomplished the work, and shall, perhaps, be able to render it more complete than at this time could be expected—it will, I hope, serve to rescue from the grave some portions of the most in­ teresting period of our history as a nation. It is unnecessary for me to advert to the superior knowledge which you possess of the incipient stages of the history of  1 our country, as an apology for troubling you with this, and for presuming to request of you the favor, either by reference or otherwise to afford me such information as will facilitate the work in hand. Very Respectfully Your obedient humble Servt Jeremiah Elkins RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 23 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 20 [Feb.] 1824, on verso; addressed: “To Thomas Jeffer­ son Esqr Monticello Va.”; franked; post­ marked Washington, 19 Feb. Jeremiah Elkins (1795–1854), attorney, was born in Andover, New Hampshire,

and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1817. He studied law afterward in Vir­ ginia and practiced from 1823 until 1833 in Washington, D.C. In 1823 James Mon­ roe appointed Elkins surveyor and inspec­ tor of the revenue at Saint Marks, Florida, but he resigned early the next year and likely never filled the post. He was named a justice of the peace for Washington in 1831. Two years later Elkins removed to

 391 

19 FEBRUARY 1823 Gilford, New Hampshire, where he re­ sumed his legal practice. A few years later he moved within that state, locating first in Barnstead and later settling permanently in Meredith Bridge, where he owned real estate worth $6,000 in 1850. Elkins ad­ dressed a meeting opposing the abolition of slavery in 1835 (John R. Eastman, His‑ tory of the Town of Andover, New Hamp‑ shire, 1751–1906 [1910], part 2, 132, 134; Dartmouth Catalogue, 127; Charles H. Bell, The Bench and Bar of New Hampshire [1894], 338; Concord New‑Hampshire Patriot & State Gazette, 15 Apr. 1822, 16 Dec. 1833, 28 Sept. 1835; Hallowell [Me.] Gazette, 2 Apr. 1823; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 11 Aug. 1823; JEP, 3:357, 4:178, 247 [20 Jan. 1824, 7 Dec. 1831, 30 Apr. 1832]; DNA: RG 29, CS, N.H., Stafford Co., Barnstead, 1840, Belknap Co., Meredith, 1850; Concord New Hampshire Statesman, 4 Mar. 1854; gravestone inscription in Meredith Bridge Cemetery, Laconia). Elkins does not appear to have pub­ lished his work in hand. On 9 Feb. 1824 he presented a memorial to the United States Congress proposing to create a com­

plete index of state papers, to be combined with important documents, extracts of pro­ ceedings from the Stamp Act and Conti­ nental congresses, and the presidents’ mes­ sages at the start of each congressional session. Such a compilation, Elkins argued, would greatly assist members of Congress seeking to navigate “the present confused state of the public records and documents,” in which “whole days are often wasted in a fruitless search for the documents to which members wish to refer.” He esti­ mated that the work would fill two vol­ umes of about 400 pages each and cost four dollars apiece. Elkins asked that Con­ gress support his project by purchasing 1,000 copies, “or such number as they may deem expedient.” On 25 Feb. 1824, after hearing a report of the Joint Library Committee, the House of Representatives tabled his memorial (Memorial of Jere‑ miah Elkins, of Washington City [Wash­ ington, 1824]; JHR [1823–24 sess.], 212, 270). 1  Preceding three words added in margins.

From James Madison Dear Sir Montpellier Feby 19. 1823 The inclosed letters & papers being addressed to you as well as me, I am not at liberty to withold them, tho’ I know the disrelish you will feel for such appeals. I shall give an answer, in a manner for us both, intimating the propriety of our abstaining from any participation in the electioneering measures on foot.1 I congratulate you on the loan, scanty as it is, for the University; in the confidence that it is a gift masked under that name; and in the hope that it is a pledge for any remnant of aid the Establishment may need in order to be totus teres atque rotundus. Can you not have the hands set to work without the formality of a previous meeting of the Visitors? I have recd no notice from Rich­ mond on the subject. Health & every other happiness James Madison RC (DLC: Madison Papers); first half only; with notation in an unidentified hand at foot of text: “Taken off for an autograph

for Mrs Judge White. March 12th 1838”; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (ViU: TJP);

 392 

20 FEBRUARY 1823 second half only; at foot of text (corner chipped): “[Mr] Jefferson”; with nota­ tion on verso in an unidentified hand: “Montpellier Feb y 19th 1823.” Tr of sec­ ond half (ViU: TJP); mutilated; filed with note in an unidentified hand reading: “The orignl in the Livingston Collection—N.B. Mrs Livingstons grandmothr who made this colection was a Miss Peyton and mar­ ried Senr White of Tennesse.” Enclosures:

Tench Coxe to Madison and TJ, 31 Jan., 1 Feb. 1823. totus teres atque rotundus: “whole, smoothed and rounded” (Horace, Satires, 2.7.86, in Fairclough, Horace: Sat‑ ires, Epistles and Ars Poetica, 230, 231). 1  DLC text ends and ViU: TJP texts begin here.

From Thomas Magruder Dear Sir, Oak Spring, near Veille‑boro va 20th Feb: 1823 May I be permitted, once more, to trouble You on the Subject of the university? I perceive with great pleasure, (indeed I was at Richmond at the time), that the Legislature has loan’d the Sum required for the Com­ pletion of the buildings necessary to Carry that institution into Op­ eration. My boys are almost idle now; and unless I Can dispose of them almost immediately in my own State, advantageously, I must Send them to the north, very much against my will—a note from You, informing me when the university will be ready to receive them, will be very thankfully received. Could you add any thing like the probable terms? My Brother Allan B. Magruder, Some where about 1804 or 5 wrote a book on the Subject of the purchase of Lousiana:—I recollect that it was dedicated to You. He Sent me a Copy, which I loan’d to a friend, and have never been able to regain it. Now that he is dead, and Seeing that the view he took at that time, of the necessity of the united States’ owning the Island of Cuba one day or other, is likely to be realised, I feel an irresistable inclination to read that book again— no doubt he Sent you a Copy. If I Carry my boys to the university this Summer, or in the fall, I must take Occasion to Call on You, for the purpose, if no other, of looking over that book once more. I am, with the Sincerest wish for Your health & happiness Dr Sir, yr mo: ob St Thomas Magruder RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 25 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Elisha Copeland, 25 Feb. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello near Charlottsville v a”; stamped; postmarked Veilleboro, 21 Feb. 1823.

Shortly after its publication, Allan B. Magruder sent TJ a copy of his book, Po‑ litical, Commercial and Moral Reflections, on the late cession of Louisiana, to the United States (Lexington, Ky., 1803; Sow­ erby, no. 3472), which he dedicated to TJ (PTJ, 42:413–4; 458). The work’s dis­ cussion of cuba emphasized the island’s

 393 

20 FEBRUARY 1823 economic significance and urged the United States to acquire it, suggesting that it was “the key to the commerce of almost one

half of the empire; and should not be sub­ mitted to the caprice, or the jealousy of any foreign nation whatever” (p. 107).

From Bernard Peyton Dr sir, Richd 20 Feby 1823 Your Coffee and Corks went by a Waggon on tuesday last, to Char­ lottesville, care Mr Raphael, the Wine is double cased, & ready for the first trusty Boat— With sincere regard Yours very Truly Bernard Peyton RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; en­ dorsed by TJ as received 23 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); ad­ dress cover only; with Dft of TJ to James

Monroe, 20 Feb. 1824, on verso; ad­ dressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Char­ lottesville”; franked; postmarked Rich­ mond, 20 Feb.

From John Watson 20th Feby 1823 o At the request of Col Monroe, Hugh Nelson, John Kelly, Martin Dawson and myself Valued, his Lands, from his own papers. there is Stated to be 2000 Acres of Mountain Lands, which was Valued at $25.  Acree 1,500 below1 the Road at $10  acree a Certificate to this effect was Sent on to the president by his Nephew James Mon­ roe. Signed by Hugh Nelson John Kelly and John Watson Very Respectfully John Watson RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; ad­ jacent to closing and signature: “Tho Jefferson Esqe Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received the day it was written and so recorded (as sent from Milton) in SJL. Hugh Nelson, Watson, and John Kelly gave James Monroe a signed certifi­ cate of their appraisal of the value of his Albemarle lands, dated 31 Jan. 1823. Nelson and Watson agreed on the valua­ tion above, excluding the value of the im­ provements on the 1,500 acres of “what are called the flat‑woods, or piney lands, adjoining the lands of Thomas Jefferson Eli Alexander and David Higginbotham.” These improvements consisted of “sev­ eral dwelling houses and all necessary buildings for the accomodation of a family,

two good barns with a Threshing Ma­ chine in each, a grist and saw Mill con­ veniently situated for sawing timber of which there is an inexhaustible stock in the piney‑woods contiguous, and of ex­ cellent quailty,” all located within three‑ and‑a‑half miles of Milton and thus ac­ cessible by batteau. Kelly, however, added a postscript arguing that the values should be “$25 per acre” for the “mountain land” and for “the flat land $20—independant of improvements” (MS in DLC: Monroe Papers). Monroe had recently been assessed by the Albemarle County commissioner of the revenue with taxes of $60.92 based on a value of $19 per acre for 3,562.25 acres, with the buildings, valued at $3,000, in­ cluded in the estimate, for a total estate

 394 

21 FEBRUARY 1823 value of $67,687.94. Albemarle County clerk Alexander Garrett added that “upon an examination of the records of said Court I find a Deed of Mortgage exe­ cuted by the said James Monroe to Rich­ ard Smith; for the benefit of the United States Bank, Conveying one thousand acres of the above Tract to be taken off of

the Southern part thereof,” with no other encumbrances observed (certificate of value of Monroe’s property, 30 Jan. 1823 [MS in DLC: Monroe Papers; in Garrett’s hand, with his signed attestation]). 1 Manuscript:

“blow.”

To John H. Cocke Dear Sir Monticello Feb. 21. 23. You know that the legislature has permitted us to borrow another 60,000.D. from the literary fund. to accept this in form would re­ quire an immediate meeting of the board that we may engage our workmen before they are taken off by other engagements for the sea­ son. but the weather, the season, the roads & the convenience of our brethren rendering a meeting precarious if not desperate1 mr Cabell & mr Loyall have sent me their written approbation of an acceptance, I expect to recieve mr Madison’s tomorrow & Genl Breckenridge’s2 some time hence. this will authorise us to engage our workmen, & them their aids & to provide materials immediately. there are also some other points for consultation which will require your presence. you need not fix a day, but come the first that the weather & your own convenience will permit, but the sooner the better. you can easily come here between breakfast and dinner, and the next morning we will go to the University and have a consultation with mr Brockenbro’ Nel­ son & Dinsmore, on necessary points, and the preparations of bricks may commence immediately. to lose no time the bearer is sent express. affectionately yours Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP‑Co); addressed: “Gen­ eral Cocke Bremo”; endorsed by Cocke as received the day it was written and an­ swered on 22 Feb. Recorded in SJL with additional notation: “to meet at Univty.” John Neilson (nelson) informed Cocke from the University of Virginia on 22 Feb. 1823 that “According to your advice I went to Mr Jefferson and told him how I was situated as to mony matters, he was good enough to tell me he would attend to it. I have found the benefit of his inter­ ference as I yesterday got a check from the Proctor for $500 though far below what I in justice ought to have recd my wants

made it very aceptable.” Neilson contin­ ued: “Mr Jefferson seems in high spirits in consequence of the mony granted by the Asembly, he said he should write to the Visittors for them to sanction his mea­ sures and fall to work imediately. I be­ lieve he would be anxious that Dinsmore and my self would undertake the carpen­ ter work but I avoided the subject being resolved to be guided entirely by your judgement.” He described TJ as “full of brick making ideas at present, he said they had or would engage Mr Thorn (a brick‑layer who came here in partner­ ship with Mr Ware) as superintendent of the brick‑yard Mr Jefferson being better

 395 

21 FEBRUARY 1823 pleased with the colour of his brick in No 2 and 4 than he is with other that was made here, he does not know that Thorn was not the maker he that made them left this at the very time I came up here with Fittz Thorn has since been in the employ of J Perry so that I think Mr Jefferson ought to look at No 8 Hotel C. and the Proctors House, as it was with those jobs only he was engaged in the making of the brick.” Neilson advised Cocke that security “to the full amount of the mony they are to recieve” should be required of the bricklayers, and he ob­ served that Arthur S. Brockenbrough in­ tended to dispute “a good part of An­ trims plaistering.” Neilson estimated that the brickwork could be done “for $9 a 1000” and urged Cocke not to “impute it to vanity or impertinence my thus intrud­ ing my opinion upon you, it arises from a sincere desire that the work may be exe­ cuted in a manner that will reflect credit on all who are concerned in it, in short I would wish it equal to the grandeur of the

design, which I have never seen equaled.” Noting further that “Mr Jefferson thinks the funds will barely enable to close in the building and complete the exterior part of it,” Neilson offered suggestions for cutting costs in the finishing of the Rotunda but omitted details “untill I see or hear from you.” Neilson communicated his dismay regarding work at the University, stating that “when I take a veiw of the place and the way things has been conducted the more I get disgusted with it. our work­ men are nearly all Africans Peck employs four of the Proctors carpenters.” In clos­ ing he stated that he could scarcely “trust myself with a thought of the future work being resolved whilst I remain in Virginia to be wholly guided by your counsel. I have nearly finnished all the drawings I intended and then I may take Holiday” (RC in ViU: JHC). 1

 Word interlined in place of “doubtful.”  Manuscript: “Brackenridge’s.”

2

From Joseph Delaplaine My dear sir, Philada Feby 21: 1823 The enclosed letter is from one of my best & worthiest friends. He is the Cashier of the Bank of Germantown near us, & is well known for exemplary conduct.—It would afford me peculiar gratification if you would answer his letter. Wishing you every happiness, I remain your devoted friend Joseph Delaplaine RC (DLC); addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Philadelphia, 22 Feb.; endorsed by TJ as received 4 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: John F. Watson to TJ, 22 Feb. 1823.

To James Monroe [Dea]r Sir Monticello Feb. 21. 23. The inclosed answers your favor of the 29th Ult. on the value of your lands. I had had great hopes that while in your present office you would break up the degrading practice of considering the President’s house as a general tavern, and1 economise sufficiently to come out of  396 

21 FEBRUARY 1823

it clear of difficulties. I learn the contrary with great regret. your so­ ciety during the little time I have left would have been the chief com­ fort of my life. of the three portions into which you have laid off your lands here, I will not yet despair but that you may2 retain that on which the3 house stands. perhaps you may be able to make an equiva­ lent partial4 sale in Loudon before you can a compleat one5 here. I had flattered myself that a particular and sure6 resource would have saved me from my unfortunate engagements for W.C.N. but they fail me, and I must sell property to their amount. You have had some difficulties and contradictions7 to struggle with in the course of your administration; but you will come out of them with honor and with the affections of your country. mine to you have been, and ever will be constant and warm. Th: Jefferson RC (NN: Monroe Papers); with edge trimmed, and missing text supplied from Dft. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Monroe James.” Enclo­ sure: TJ to Monroe, 21 Feb. 1823 (sec­ ond letter). W.C.N.: Wilson Cary Nicholas.

1

 In Dft TJ here canceled “might.”  In Dft TJ here canceled “be able to.” 3  Dft: “your.” 4  Word interlined in Dft. 5  Preceding three words interlined in Dft, with final word mistakenly reading “on.” 6  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 7  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 2

To James Monroe Dear Sir Monticello Feb. 21. 23 Your favor of Jan. 29. did not get to hand till a few days past, and as I could not answer it without some information and the weather severe, I had to wait till it became a little milder, so that I could ride to the Highlands to make my enquiries. I recieved the information I asked from mr Landrum yesterday. I learn that within your lines are about 2000 acres of Carter’s antient patent, almost the first located in this neighborhood. I know that he run his boundary exactly along the line which divides the red mountain land from the grey and Piny. the former is of our first quality altho’ hilly, and is rarely at market. the last sale I have known of that kind of land in this neighborhood was a little before the great Catastrophe of banks, & bankruptcies of 1819. that sale was at 30.D. an acre. but lands fell instantly, and have set­ tled according to the general opinion1 at about ⅓ less than their prices during our flooded circulation. I think your lands within Carter’s pat­ ent are worth 20.D. an acre. your grey piny lands I have never gone over, nor do I know their particular quality; but if like those of the  397 

21 FEBRUARY 1823

same range, colour & growth I should consider them worth from 15./. to 20/ an acre. I remember offering you a piece of that character ad­ joining you several years ago at 20./ an acre. I understand you have about 1500. acres of this. your red lands are much better furnished than is usual in this country with all necessary buildings, as barns, threshing machines, overseers’ & negro houses, of much better built than usual, and I think there is very little, if any, of those lands over­ worn. you have however had the opinions on this subject of judges so much more competent than I am that mine have no other merit than as proofs of my friendly regard to your requests. Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Monroe Papers); addressed: “President Monroe Washington.” Re­ corded in SJL with additional notation: “value of his lands.” Enclosed in TJ to Monroe, 21 Feb. 1823 (first letter).

TJ recieved the information on 20 Feb. 1823 in a letter of that date from John Watson. For TJ’s offer of a piece of that character, see Monroe to TJ, 9 Sept. 1818. 1

 Manuscript: “opini‑.”

From John H. Cocke Dear Sir, Bremo Febry: 22d 1823 Being the sole superintendent & director of a difficult & important job which employs many hands, who wou’d be almost idle in my ab­ sence; to leave home just at this time, or for a few days hence,1 wou’d be attended with unusual inconvenience to me: but all private con­ siderations shou’d certainly yield to publick duty, and your summons obey’d forthwith, did I not hope from the tenour of your letter, that the most essential & pressing object may be attained by giving you the assurance of my agreement with Mr Cabell & Mr Loyal as to their approbation of an acceptance of the loan. Shou’d you, however, still deem my presence of importance, and will be so good as to write me by Mr Southall or Mr Dyer to Fluvanna Court on Monday next, or by the 1st post thereafter to Wilmington, I will come2 immediately. Upon the subject of engaging workmen, & providing materials3—I will take the liberty to say, I think it advisable as well to avoid disap­ pointment to ourselves & the publick upon the score of Estimates, as to guard against difficulties already experienced in the settlement of accounts, that the Building now to be erected be undertaken by a plan to be furnished,4 for a stipulated Sum—the undertakers finding all & doing all5—subject to the inspection of the Proctor.— Yours with the highest respect & Esteem John H. Cocke  398 

22 FEBRUARY 1823  RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ as received the day it was written and so recorded in SJL. FC (ViU: JHC); in Cocke’s hand. The building now to be erected was the University of Virginia Rotunda.

 1 FC: “to come.” 2  Remainder of sentence in FC reads “up immediately after I hear from you.” 3 FC here adds “&c.” 4 FC here adds “giving all the details.” 5 FC here adds “but all materials as well as workmanship to be.”

From John F. Watson Sir, Germantown February 22 1823. Our mutual friend Mr J. Delaplaine, who conveys you this, has often endeavoured to persuade me that the subject of the present let­ ter may have sufficient interest to make it acceptable to you. I surely have not the vanity to presume that I could offer any light to your enlightened mind: but I presume he rests his opinion upon the sup­ posed congeniality of our sentiments, on points of Christian Faith & Practice, which in the opinion of many would be regarded as Eccen­ tric, if not Heterodox. There is perhaps another point, in which the interest of the subject, is encreased to Mr Delaplaine, & I may add to myself,—namely,—As Fame, which has often lied, has expressed doubts of your christianity, & as I am an avowed Christian in full Communion with the Church, any coincidence of thought on funda­ mental points, may manifest an identity worthy of an innocent Curi­ osity, to further compare & Explore. To be more explicit, by coming direct to the matter in hand, suffer me to say, I introduce myself to you as a christian Professor, so far freed from the shackles & prejudices of doctrinal Creeds, as to be equally unfriendly to Creeds in genl, of human invention, & very heartily desirous to see no other Rule of Life & Salvation, than the Gospel can afford,—thinking, with Jeremy Taylor, that “those Creeds are best which keep to the very words of Scripture; & that Faith is best, which hath the greatest simplicity”. From thoughts like these, I once set upon the task of compiling the Elements of such a Rule under appropriate heads from the New Testt exclusively,—not for Publication; but for my own government. It was the sight of those pages which led Mr D. to tell me, of your prosecution of a similar work. I felt I must confess a very natural affection for the success of such a labour, by such a hand, & could not forbear to wish that circumstances had given me access to pages of which I so well knew the value. I cannot perhaps better elucidate my sentiments & give the grounds of Mr Delaplaine’s alleged Congeniality of our sentiments, than by here transcribing the  399 

22 FEBRUARY 1823

title which I affixed to the unfinished pages, which I had compiled, to wit: “Synopsis of the New Testament, or the Revelation of God to Man, of Himself, & the Duties of Men to God & to one another,—seperated from all human Creeds, and analytically told in the very words of the New Testament—Thus making every man, in the business of his Faith & Practice, his own sole Judge”—The Advertisment read thus: “I have attempted in the following pages to derive from the New Testt exclusively, all the required duty of Man to God, to himself & to his fellow Men. I have therefore endeavoured to collect under ap­ propriate heads all that is said on Each subject. This arrangement will enable the Enquirer speedily to know the will of God concerning himself. And as it contains nothing but duty, or notices of Gods prom­ ises, favours &ce, all that relates to history is excluded—Having gone through Mathw Mark & Luke, I have thus shown what I mean & what might be done, if one of more leisure & patience, would after the same manner extract consecutively from the whole remaining parts of the New Testament. In another place, I have expressed my belief, at large, that the old Testament dispensation is passed away & that we have nothing of duty1 to follow therein. Its “moral law” so called, is still better taught in Christs Sermon on the Mount. The Gospels & Epis­ tles were not written by any of their writers as a whole System or complete Creed of Divinity—. They were occasional writings & were written for special occasions—Therefore we find therein no rules for marriages, christenings, burrial service—; no forms of Psalmns & Hymns are left to us. In short many things are omitted,—Therefore as they were not written as a System, to understand them most read­ ily as a whole, we must rearrange & systematise their various teach­ ings, in their own words & phrases—”—Heads of arrangement are: “Instructions to & Duties from the Creature”—“Threatenings & punishments on the Disobedient”—“Acts & powers of Satan & Evil spirits”—“Acts & miracles &c of J Christ” “Special Calls & Duties of Apostles & Primitive Ministers, & of their peculiar Gifts & abilities thereto”—“Promises & Blessings from God”——— The Bible has often been analysed & recompounded in a Syntheti­ cal form, but it has not answered my views, in such cases, because it always equally embraced the old testament—dispensation—rule— “which could not bring the comers thereunto perfect”—“by reason of the weakness & unprofitableness thereof”—“Carnal ordinances (they were) imposed till the time of the Reformation”—Thus Gastons Col­ lections, & the Porteusian Bible, were both equally aside from my wish, by equally incorporating both the old & the New Testament;—  400 

22 FEBRUARY 1823

indeed the superior & even superceding excellency of the Gospel rule, has been hitherto invariably overlooked by such compilers. My at­ tachment to the Gospel then is this:—by it, the Holy Ghost (“not yet given”) was “made manifest”—It “brought life & immortality to light,”—by it, the “Kingdom of heaven” was “brought nigh” unto us,— It “opened a way into the Holiest” “not before made known,”—and it bid us, depart from the ceremonies of former types & shadows & to “worship him in spirit & in truth”—Then heart‑worship was substi­ tuted for the former sacrifices of the Temple; then our hearts were constituted Temples for the Holy ghost to dwell in & purify—“The days come (said Jeremh) to make a New Covenant, when I will put my Law in their inward parts”—To learn all this Law of the New Covenant, we must have as I conceive, all our Rules drawn from the New Test t, giving our respect & veneration nevertheless to the Old Testament, as equally the assured Word of God for the uses & pur­ poses therein mentioned. I feel a fear Sir, least the Synopsis which you have made for your private use, may not be deemed by you or your heirs of such value as I feel for it. I therefore venture an expression of my great desire to in­ herit such a MS., if you have not a good ground of hope, that it will be preserved to posterity by publication, or by your surviving Friends— Mr D. will perhaps explain to you, My manner of binding up & pre­ serving valuable Mss.— May God in his mercy bless you with abundant health in your few remaining years, & qualify you & I, to confirm our acquaintance in his kingdom above— John F Watson. RC (DLC); addressed: “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqre Monticello Va”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosed in Jo­ seph Delaplaine to TJ, 21 Feb. 1823. jeremy taylor wrote of creeds in A Discourse of The Liberty of Prophesying, shewing The Unreasonableness of prescrib‑ ing to other mens Faith, and the Iniquity of persecuting differing opinions (London, 1647), 47. TJ’s similar work was “The Philosophy of Jesus” (EG, 45–122). Watson’s unfinished pages, with his title of synopsis of the new testa‑ ment .  .  . his own sole judge, are in PHi: John Fanning Watson Examination of Christian Doctrine Collection. which could not bring the com‑ ers thereunto perfect is a variant of

the Bible, Hebrews 10.1. by reason of the weakness & unprofitableness thereof derives from Hebrews 7.18, and carnal ordinances .  .  . reforma­ tion is in Hebrews 9.10. gastons collections: Hugh Gaston, A Scripture Account of the Faith and Prac‑ tice of Christians (Dublin, 1763). A por‑ teusian bible was one of various edi­ tions appearing by 1796 and continuing as late as 1835 that contained annotations by Beilby Porteus (Thomas H. Darlow and Horace F. Moule, Historical Catalogue of the Printed Editions of Holy Scripture in the library of the British and Foreign Bible Society [1903], 1:312–3; The Porteusian Holy Bible [(1835)]). holy ghost (“not yet given”) comes from John 7.39. made manifest .  .  . immortality to light is found in

 401 

22 FEBRUARY 1823 2 Timothy 1.10. kingdom of heaven .  .  . unto us is a variant of Luke 10.9. opened a way into the holiest .  .  . made known paraphrases Hebrews 9.8. worship him in spirit & in truth

is  a version of John 4.23–4. the days come .  .  . inward parts comes from Jeremiah 31.33. 1 Preceding

two words interlined.

From James Breckinridge Dear Sir At Home Feb. 23d 1823 th I hasten to say in reply to yours of the 16 inst, just recd, that I am much pleased with the loan authorized by a late act of the Legislature & will confirm it regularly at our April meeting & hope that in the mean time Genl Cocke & yourself will find it convenient to proceed immediately to authorize the commencement of operations for build­ ing the Library &c Accept my affectionate esteem & regard James Breckinridge RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ, with his additional notation: “Fincastle.” Re­ corded in SJL as received 26 Feb. 1823.

From John A. Graham Most Venerable and Respected Sir New york. Feby 23d 1823— Permit me the honor of presenting you, with the Inclosed Speach—as a Specimen of my Bar=talents—my love of liberty—and humanity— Should the sentiments therein contained meet with the Approbation of the Man, whoes, dareing and luminous pen drew the decleration of American Independence—it would be more flattering to my feel­ ings, than any one event, I have ever experinced in the whole course of a long life. I have nothing so good to add; as to Assure you, I pray that you may long enjoy health, and happiness, without a Sigh; and that a tear may never fall upon your cheeks. I am— Most Venerable & Respected Sir, Your Most. Obt—Most Humbl Svt John A, Graham —No 298—Broad=way— —N. York— RC (DLC); adjacent to closing and signature: “To Thomas Jefferson Esqr &c

&c &c:”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. En­

 402 

24 FEBRUARY 1823 closure: Speech of John A. Graham, LL. D. before the Court of General Sessions, Held at the City Hall, in the City of New‑York, on Monday, Feb. 3, 1823 ([New York, 1823]), arguing, as counsel for Hiram Maxwell, who was charged with grand larceny for stealing a horse and gig, that prior to examining anyone accused of hav­ ing committed a crime, a prisoner ought to be informed that they are entitled to counsel, that their confessions must be voluntary and not coerced, that they need not incriminate themselves, and that what­ ever confessions they do make may be used against them in a trial. John Andrew Graham (1764–1841), attorney and author, was born in South­ bury, Connecticut. He received a private education, entered a law office in 1781, was admitted to the Connecticut bar four years later, and began practicing law in Rutland, Vermont. Starting in 1796 Gra­ ham spent three years in England and there wrote A Descriptive Sketch of the Present State of Vermont (London, 1797). After returning to the United States he again practiced law in Rutland before mov­ ing in 1803 to New York City, where he was admitted to the bar in 1805. Graham

specialized in criminal cases and published his Speeches, Delivered at the City‑Hall of the City of New‑York, in the Courts of Oyer & Terminer, Common Pleas, and General Sessions of the Peace (New York, 1812). In 1823 he argued that testimony taken in private without the aid of counsel should not be admitted as evidence in a criminal trial, a principle that New York State in­ corporated in its legal code. Having be­ friended the English radical politician and philologist John Horne Tooke during his time in England, Graham authored Mem‑ oirs of John Horne Tooke, together with his valuable Speeches and Writings: also, containing Proofs Identifying Him as the author of the celebrated Letters of Junius (New York, 1828). He died in New York City (DAB; Longworth’s New York Direc‑ tory [1803]: 157; Graham to TJ, 2 Jan. 1805 [DLC]; Graham, The Report of Hiram Maxwell’s Case, decided at the City‑Hall of the City of New‑York, On the 3d day of February, 1823; with the speech and doc‑ trine advanced by John A. Graham, LL. D. [New York, 1823]; New York Herald, 30 Aug. 1841). Graham sent a similar letter with the enclosed speech to John Adams on the same day (MHi: Adams Papers).

From Joseph Antrim Dear Sir Feby 24–1823 I am under the disagreeable nessity of disturbing your repose, by a call upon you, if in your wisdom you think it right to put in the reach of the Proctor the means, to release me from my present1 wants for money, I am in such wan[t] of about $1500 that if I fail in getting it, the consequence will be maney Suits, and what is still worse the in­ ability to pay about 5 or 600$ borrowed money, which Mr Heiskell had the goodness to lend me, a part of which was lent me as long ago as last fall to pay the mens wage[s] that I brought on from the north last August that together with about $300 store Act he will stand in need of to go on to the north with on the 10th day of March, If that cannot be obtained no other way I feel bound to sacrafise any thing I have to pay it; Now in regard to my Claim, I will speak with all the candour that a man should, In the first place I did not receive on act of last years work more than would pay for the materials used, and  403 

24 FEBRUARY 1823

that I do fully and honestly beleave that was the work done that is under way the institution would be in debt to me in the sum of be­ tween 4 & 5 thousand dollars and as to the cost to me of complating the said work it will be inconsiderable as all the lath is paid for and nailed on and lime and hare neerly enough on hand and paid for, and will take me but a short time to finish I hope that in consequence of my work not being measureed and priced, that I am not to suffer, as your honour I dare say reccollects that I once or twice troubled you on the same subject, I exerted my self all that I could to obtain the prices, and the cause for not getting them was by the Proctor that the funds could not be spared for to get them on, And as the principal cause of my not finishing last fall agree­ able to your request may be unknown to you, I say was the loss of about 3 or 4 weeks work that might of been done at the University more than was but for the want of lime and hare which we was sev­ eral times out of, in consequence of not haveing laid a quantity in ad­ vance, which is nessary to always keep up a supply, and that grew out of the scarsity of funds, The amount of money drawn by me out of this years anuity is $500 which was pd for a draft of mine given be­ four the money h[ad] come to hand, the person to whom I gave it told me the Proctor said I might draw it on him and that he would pay it in Richmond, so I gave it, not thinking, that was all I was to get out of this last fund, I did not call on the Proctor to know how much I was to get untill about 3 days after he got home, and was then told it was all out except enough for the hire of negroes, I then told him I should be obliged to lay my case befour you intreating you to enable him to help me out of my difficultys, I shall be ankseious to know your decision as it will be important to me, If any thing in this appears wanting in respect, for you, I hope you will have the goodness to ex­ cuse me as in you great disearnment you will think it not intended, And beleave me to be your Most Obet Huml Set J Antrim RC (CSmH: JF); edge trimmed and chipped; dateline at foot of text; at head of text: “Mr Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed

by TJ as received the day it was written and so recorded in SJL. 1 Manuscript:

 404 

“pesent.”

From Isaac Briggs My dear Friend, Richmond 2nd mo. 24th 1823. Permit me to introduce to thee my young friend Herman Boye. He is by birth a Dane, very modest and unassuming, yet possessing a handsome stock of science. He has been appointed to complete the map of Virginia left unfinished by Wood, and I think the appoint­ ment a good one. I need not say more, as he will present himself to thy observation. I will speak now of myself. The Board of Public Works are called to meet on the 7th of April next for the purpose of choosing a Prin­ cipal Engineer. I am a candidate for that place. Although I have been heretofore in the service of the Board, yet I believe that a testimonial from thee, in my favor, would be of great use to me. If thou should think it proper to give me such a testimonial, and canst do it in the course of next month, be pleased to address it to James Pleasants junior, President of the Board of Public Works, and send it by mail, under cover to me, at “Sandy Spring, Maryland.” Accept my salutations of veneration, respect and affection. Isaac Briggs. RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 27 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (CSmH: JF); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Ira H. Taylor, Benjamin F. Nourse, and John C. Tidball, 8 Mar. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson, Monticello.” Herman Bo˝ÿe (1792–1830), cartogra­ pher and engineer, was a native of Rud­ købing, Denmark, and served in the Dan­ ish military as a corporal, 1813–14. In 1816 he moved to the United States, arriving at Plymouth, Massachusetts, but settling by 1818 in Richmond, where he worked in the office of the clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates. Bo˝ÿe assisted John Wood in surveying and drafting maps of Virginia’s counties. After Wood’s death in 1822, Governor Thomas Mann Ran­ dolph hired Bo˝ÿe to complete the series of individual county maps and produce one of the entire state. To aid him in this work, TJ lent Bo˝ÿe “a fine Borda’s Cir­ cle of reflection” and his “best telescope.”

After drafting the state map, Bo˝ÿe over­ saw its engraving by Henry S. Tanner in Philadelphia, 1825–26. It was first pub­ lished in the latter year as A Map of the State of Virginia Constructed in confor‑ mity to law, from the late surveys autho‑ rized by the Legislature and other origi‑ nal  and authentic Documents. The state also contracted with Bo˝ÿe to produce a reduced version in 1827. He declared his intention to become a naturalized United States citizen in Philadelphia in 1825. Beginning three years later Bo˝ÿe was resi­ dent engineer working in Maryland on construction of the Monocacy Aqueduct of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, in which capacity he fell ill and died (DVB; CSmH: Bo˝ÿe Papers [microfilm in Vi]; DNA: RG 21, LRAEDP; CVSP, 10:504, 524, 531, 547–8, 555–6, 562–3; TJ to William Short, 3 Jan. 1826; Annual Report of the President and Directors of The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company 1 [1829]: li; Richmond City Hustings Court Will Book, 5:225–6, 310–2, 508–9).

 405 

To Edward Everett Dear Sir Monticello Feb. 24. 23. I have read with much satisfaction the reply of mr Everett your brother to the criticisms on his work on the state of Europe, and con­ cur with him generally in the doctrines of the reply. certainly provi­ sions are not allowed, by the consent of nations, to be contraband but where every thing is so, as in the case of a blockaded town with which all intercourse is forbidden.   On the question Whether the principle of ‘free bottoms make free goods & enemy bottoms enemy goods’ is now to be considered as established in the law of nations, I will state to you a fact within my own knolege, which may lessen the weight of our authority as having acted in the war of France and England on the antient principle ‘that the goods of an enemy in the bottom of a friend are lawful prize; while those of a friend in an enemy bottom are not so.’ England became a party in the general war against France on the 1st of Feb. 1793. we took immediately the stand of neutrality. we were aware that our great intercourse with these two maritime nations would subject us to harrasment by multiplied ques­ tions on the duties of neutrality, and that an important and early one would be Which of the two principles above stated should be the law of action with us? we wished to act on the new one of ‘free bottoms free goods,’ and we had established it in our treaties with other na­ tions, but not with England. we determined therefore to avoid, if pos­ sible, committing ourselves on this question until we could negociate with England her acquiescence in the new principle. altho’ the cases occurring were numerous, and the ministers, Genet & Hammond, eagerly on the watch, we were able to avoid any declaration until the massacre of St Domingo. the Whites, on that occasion, took refuge on board our ships, then in their harbour, with all the property they could find room for; and on their passage to the US. many of them were taken by British cruisers, and their cargoes siezed as lawful prize. the inflammable temper of Genet kindled at once, and he wrote, with his usual passion, a letter reclaiming an observance of the prin­ ciple of ‘free bottoms free goods,’ as if already an acknoleged law of neutrality. I pressed him in conversation not to urge this point; that altho’ it had been acted on, by convention, by the armed neutrality, it was not yet become a principle of universal admission; that we wished indeed to strengthen it by our adoption, and were negociating an acquiescence on the part of Great Britain: but if forced to decide prematurely, we must justify ourselves by a declaration of the antient principle, and that no general consent of nations had as yet changed  406 

24 FEBRUARY 1823

it. he was immoveable, and on the 25th of July wrote a letter, so in­ sulting, that nothing but a determined system of justice and modera­ tion would have prevented his being shipped home in the first vessel. I had, the day before, answered his of the 9th in which I had been obliged, in our own justification, to declare that the antient was the established principle, still existing and authoritative. our denial there­ fore of the new principle, and action on the old one were forced upon us by the precipitation and intemperance of Genet against our wishes, & against our aim; and our involuntary practice therefore is of less authority against the new rule. I owe you particular thanks for the copy of your translation of Butt­ mann’s Greek grammar, which you have been so kind as to send me. a cursory view of it promises me a rich mine of valuable criticism. I observe he goes with the herd of grammarians in denying an Ablative case to the Greek language. I cannot concur with him in that, but think with the messrs of Portroyal who admit an ablative. and why exclude it? is it because the Dative and Ablative in Greek are always of the same form? then there is no Ablative to the Latin plurals,1 be­ cause in them, as in Greek, these cases are always in the same form. the Greeks recognised the Ablative under the appellation of the πτωσις αφαιρετικη, which I have met with and noted from some of the Scho­ liasts, without recollecting where. Stephens, Scapula Hederic acknol­ ege it as one of the significations of the word αφαιρεματικος. that the Greeks used it cannot be denied. for one of multiplied examples which may be produced take the following from the Hippolytus of Euripides. ‘ειπε τω τροπῳ δικης Επαισεν ἁυτον ῥοπτρον.’ ‘dic quo modo justitiæ Clava percussit eum.’ ‘quo modo’ are ablatives. then why not ‘τω τροπῳ’? and, translating it into English, should we use the *Dative or Ablative preposition? it is not perhaps easy to define very critically what constitutes a case in the declension of nouns. all agree as to the nominative that it is simply the name of the thing. if we admit that a distinct case is constituted by any accident or modification which changes the relation which that noun bears to the actors or action of the sentence, we must agree to the six cases at least; because, for ex­ ample to a thing, and from a thing are very different accidents to the thing. it may be said that if every distinct accident or change of rela­ tion2 constitutes a different case, then there are in every language as many cases as there are prepositions; for this is the peculiar office of the preposition. but because we do not designate by special names all * see Buttmann’s Datives pa. 230. every one of which I should consider as under the accident or relation called Ablative, having no signification of approach according to his definition of the Dative.

 407 

24 FEBRUARY 1823

the cases to which a noun is liable, is that a reason why we should throw away half of those we have, as is done by those grammarians who reject all cases but the Nominative, Genitive & Accusative, and in a less degree by those also who reject the Ablative alone? as push­ ing the discrimination of all the possible cases to extremities leads to nothing useful or practicable, I am contented with the old six cases, familiar to every cultivated language antient & modern, and well un­ derstood by all. I acknolege myself at the same time not an adept in the metaphysical speculations of grammar. by analysing too minutely we often reduce our subject to atoms of which the mind loses it’s hold. nor am I a friend to a scrupulous purism of style. I readily sacrifice the niceties of syntax to euphony and strength. it is by boldly neglecting the rigorisms of grammar that Tacitus has made himself the stron­ gest writer in the world. the Hypercritics call him barbarous; but I should be sorry to exchange his barbarisms for their wire‑drawn pur­ isms. some of his sentences are as strong as language can make them. had he scrupulously filled up the whole of their syntax, they would have been merely common. to explain my meaning by an English example, I will quote the motto of o[ne,] I believe, of the regicides of Charles I. ‘Rebellion to tyrants is obedience [to] God.’ correct it’s syntax, ‘Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God,’ it has lost all the strength and beauty of the antithesis. however, dear Sir, I profess again my want of familiarity with these speculations, I hazard them without confidence, and offer them submissively to your consideration and more practised judgment. Altho’ writing, with both hands crippled, is slow and painful, and therefore nearly laid aside from necessity, I have been decoyed by my subjects into a very long letter. what would therefore have been a good excuse for ending with the 1st page, cannot be a bad one for conclud­ ing in the 4th with the assurance of my great esteem and ­respect Th: Jefferson RC (MHi: Everett Collection); dam­ aged at seal, with affected text supplied from FC; endorsed by Everett. FC (DLC); in Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge)’s hand, with Greek text and signature by TJ; at foot of first page in TJ’s hand: “Mr Ed­ ward Everett.” The 22 Apr. 1793 proclamation by the United States taking a stand of neu‑ trality is in Washington, Papers, Pres. Ser., 12:472–4, and PTJ, 25:xlii, 583–4. The treaties with other nations included France, the Netherlands, Swe­

den, and Prussia (PTJ, 35:244, 245n). The massacre of st domingo marked the beginning of the Haitian Revolution, 1791–1804. Edmond Charles Genet’s 9 July 1793 letter reclaiming an observance of the principle that free ships make free goods and TJ’s notes on his conversa­ tion  with him the following day are in PTJ, 26:458–60, 463–7. In the League of armed neutrality established by con­ vention in 1780, a number of European nations banded together to resist by force Great Britain’s assertion of a right to search

 408 

24 FEBRUARY 1823 their ships for French contraband during wartime (PTJ, 27:600–1n). TJ’s message of 24 July 1793 and Genet’s insulting reply the next day are in PTJ, 26:557–9, 563–5. The messrs of portroyal included Antoine Arnauld, Claude Lancelot, and Pierre Nicole (see John Laval’s List of Books and Prices, [ca. 9 Oct. 1821], en­ closed in Laval to TJ, 9 Oct. 1821, and note). πτωσις αφαιρετικη: “ablative case.” stephens: Henri Estienne (Stepani; Stephani). αφαιρεματικος: “separative.” The phrase ειπε τω τροπῳ δικης επαισεν ἁυτον ῥοπτρον, and its Latin equivalent,

dic quo modo justitiæ clava per‑ cussit eum (“Tell me, how did the cud­ gel of Justice strike him”), comes from Euripides, Hippolytus, 1171–2 (Euripides, Children of Heracles Hippolytus Androma­ che Hecuba, ed. and trans. David Kovacs, Loeb Classical Library [1995], 236–7). quo modo and τω τροπῳ: “in what way.” For the motto, which TJ used on his own seal, known as “Bradshaw’s Epitaph” and often attributed to Benjamin Frank­ lin, see PTJ, 1:677–9. 1

 RC: “pluarals.” FC: “plurals.”  Preceding four words interlined.

2

To James Madison Dear Sir Monticello Feb. 24. 23. I have read mr Cox’s letters and some of his papers, which I now return you.1 it is impossible for me to write to him.2 with two crippled hands I abandon writing but from the most urgent necessities; and above all things I should not meddle in a Presidential election, nor 3 even express a sentiment4 on the subject of the Candidates. as you propose to write to him, will you be so good as to add a line for me of the above purport? it will be a great relief to me; as it hurts me much to take no notice of the letter of an old friend. The acceptance of the loan being now approved by five of us I shall proceed immediately to have the workmen engaged. as there are some very important points to be decided on previously to embarking in5 such a building, I sent to request Genl Cocke to join me in setting the thing agoing. but he had engagements which prevented his leaving home; and as the case admits no delay, I shall proceed according to the best of my judgment, with the aid of mr Brockenbrough, and with all the caution the case admits.6 ever & affectionately yours Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Madison Papers). Dft (DLC); on verso of top portion of reused address cover of Tarlton Saunders to TJ, 15 Sept. 1821; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Madison James.” Enclosures: Tench Coxe to Madison and TJ, 31 Jan., 1 Feb. 1823, and enclosures. Madison advised Coxe from Montpel­ lier, 1 Mar. 1823, that TJ had just re­

turned to him Coxe’s letters and some of his papers, and added: “Supposing that I had yet to acknowledge them he annexes a line requesting me to do it for him also: observing that it would hurt him much to leave unnoticed an old friend, and that the difficulty of using his pen with his crippled hand, had compelled him to abandon writing, but from the most ur­ gent necessities. I find he thinks it best to

 409 

24 FEBRUARY 1823 abstain strictly from the Presidential Ques­ tion, not expressing even a sentiment on the subject of the Candidates. Having thus made the communication desired, I have only to repeat assurances of my continued esteem & friendly wishes” (RC in posses­ sion of Roger W. Barrett, Chicago, 1947; Dft in DLC: Madison Papers; printed in Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:1). On 21 Feb. 1823 Madison had already re­ plied to Coxe refusing for his own part to comment on the upcoming election (Mad­ ison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:666–7). such a building: the University of Virginia Rotunda.

 A letter from Madison to TJ of 23 Feb. 1823, not found, is recorded in SJL as re­ ceived two days later from Montpellier. 1 Preceding

2 Reworked

five words interlined in Dft. in Dft from “to write him

an answer.” 3 Dft: “never.” 4  Reworked in Dft from “express an opn.” 5 Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “engaging for.” 6  Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “practicable.”

To John Adams Dear Sir Monticello Feb. 25. 23. I recieved in due time your two favors of Dec. 2. & Feb. 10. and have to acknolege for the ladies of my native state their obligations to you for the encomiums which you are so kind as to bestow on them. they certainly claim no advantages over those of their sister states, and are sensible of more favorable circumstances existing with many of them, & happily availed of, which our situation does not offer.   but the paper respecting Monticello to which you allude was not written by a Virginian, but by a visitant from another state; and written by mem­ ory at least a dozen years after the visit. this has occasioned some lapses of recollection, and a confusion of some things in the mind of our friend, and particularly as to the volume of slanders supposed to have been cut out of newspapers and preserved. it would not indeed have been a single volume, but an Encyclopedia in bulk. but I never had such a volume. indeed I rarely thought those libels worth read­ ing, much less preserving and remembering. at the end of every year, I generally sorted all my pamphlets, and had them bound according to their subjects. one of these volumes consisted of personal alterca­ tions between individuals, & calumnies on each other. this was lettered on the back ‘Personalities,’ and is now in the library of Congress. I was in the habit also, while living apart from my family, of cutting out of the newspapers such morsels of poetry, or tales as I thought would please, and of sending them to my grand‑children who pasted them on leaves of blank paper and formed them into a book. these two vol­ umes have been confounded into one in the recollection of our friend. her poetical imagination too has heightened the scenes she visited, as  410 

25 FEBRUARY 1823

well as the merits of the inhabitants to whom her society was a de­ lightful gratification. I have just finished reading O’Meara’s Bonaparte. it places him on a higher scale of understanding than I had allotted him. I had thought him the greatest of all military captains, but an indifferent statesman and misled by unworthy passions. the flashes however which escape from him in these conversations with O’Meara prove a mind of great expansion, altho’ not of distinct developement and reasoning. he siezes results with rapidity and penetration, but never explains logically the process of reasoning by which he arrives at them. this book too makes us forget his atrocities for a moment in commiseration of his suffer­ ings. I will not say that the authorities of the world, charged with the care of their country and people had not a right to confine him for life, as a Lyon or Tyger, on the principle of self‑preservation. there was no safety to nations while he was permitted to roam at large. but the putting him to death in cold blood by lingering1 tortures of mind, by vexations, insults, and deprivations, was a degree of inhumanity to which the poisonings, and assassinations of the school of Borgia & the den of Marat2 never attained. the book proves also that nature had denied him the Moral sense, the first excellence of well organised man. if he could seriously and repeatedly affirm that he had raised himself to power without ever having committed a crime, it proves that he wanted totally the sense of right and wrong. if he could con­ sider the millions of human lives which he had destroyed or caused to be destroyed, the desolations of countries by plunderings, burnings and famine, the destitutions of lawful rulers of the world without the consent of their constituents, to place his brothers and sisters on their thrones, the cutting up of established societies of men and jumbling them discordantly together again at his caprice, the demolition of the fairest hopes of mankind for the recovery of their rights, and ame­ lioration of their condition, and all the numberless train of his other enormities, the man, I say, who could consider all these as no crimes must have been a moral monster, against whom every hand should have been lifted to slay him. You are so kind as to enquire after my health. the bone of my arm is well knitted, but my hand and fingers are in a discouraging condi­ tion, kept entirely useless by an oedematous swelling of slow amend­ ment. God bless you and continue your good health of body and mind. Th: Jefferson RC (MHi: Adams Papers); addressed: “President Adams Montezillo Quincy”; franked; postmarked. FC (DLC); in Vir­

ginia J. Randolph (Trist)’s hand, signed by TJ; in TJ’s hand at foot of first page: “John Adams.”

 411 

25 FEBRUARY 1823  The visitant was Margaret Bayard Smith. The volume that TJ originally en­ titled personalities is probably the one at the Library of Congress now labeled “Political Pamphlets vol. 105,” a bound collection of twenty‑two pamphlets (Sow­ erby, nos. 3421–42). The four scrapbook volumes of newspaper articles and poetry that TJ clipped and sent to his family and grand‑children are in ViU: TJP. TJ had just finished reading Barry E. O’Meara’s Napoleon in Exile; or, A Voice from St. Helena. The Opinions and Reflections of Napoleon on the most im‑ portant events of his life and government, in his own words, 2 vols. (London, 1822). On 23 Feb. 1823 TJ’s granddaughter Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) indicated to Nicholas P. Trist that she was also read­ ing this work and that “Grand‑Papa does not I think attribute to it’s illustrious sub­ ject all the virtues that you do, but has

since the perusal of the book, a higher opinion of his talents” (RC in DLC: NPT). Earlier this month she wrote from Mon­ ticello that TJ’s injured arm was improv­ ing: “Dr. Watkins called however at a very critical moment the other day for the swelling in his hand had increased so frightfully, that nothing but the timely bandaging saved it from bursting in a few hours. and Dr. W. and Papa both thought that the consequences of such an accident might have been very alarming. the swell­ ing is now very much reduced; the bone has united, and he is gradually recover­ ing the power of moving the limb” (Vir­ ginia J. Randolph [Trist] to Nicholas P. Trist, 4 Feb. 1823 [RC in DLC: NPT]). 1  Preceding five words interlined in place of (one word illegible) “by [.  .  .].” 2  Word interlined in place of “Robespierre.”

From Martha Jefferson Dear Sir Lunenburg Spring Grove Feb. 25th 1823 You will doubtless be surprised at receiving a letter from an utter stranger, but altho you may be ignorant that there is such a person in existence as myself, yet you do not feel to me like a stranger, I have been taught from my earliest infancy to revere your virtues. My Fa­ ther I never saw, but I have often heard of the great regard he had for you, I have also heard of your great kindness to two of my Brothers— these reasons I hope my dear Sir will excuse1 my presumption in trou­ bling you with this letter—I trust that the daughter and Sister of those persons will not be entirely indifferent to you, when you hear that she is greatly distressed for the advice of some able counsellor, and knows of no person better qualified to give it than yourself, and I have that opinion of your benevolence, that I do not think you will withhold it from me—You were probably acquainted with some of the affairs of my dear departed Brother, George Jefferson, I dont believe he ever done any thing of importance without consulting you—I imagine you knew he had bought a plantation and a parcel of negroes, and had settled his Mother and Sisters on it long before his death—when he died he lent it all to me, for the same generous purpose that he had always intended it—My Brother and Mr Gibson had made an agree­ ment some time previous to his death, that their mercantile partner­  412 

25 FEBRUARY 1823

ship should continue twelve months after the decease of either—un­ fortunately my Dear Brother died first—after the twelve months had elapsed I urged Mr Gibson for a settlement, he wrote me word there was a law‑suit of a very considerable2 amount depending between himself and a Mr Werth of Richmond, and that he could not have a settlement until that was decided—I made myself perfectly easy for I had full confidence in him, and thought he would do whatever was right—I wrote to him sometimes to know how the law‑suit came on, and when he supposed we could have a settlement, he would always say he could not have one, until that was decided, at length to my utter astonishment he wrote me word he was willing and anxious for a settlement, but that the estate was very considerably indebted to him, and that we must go prepared to have a final settlement, he said it was very uncertain when the suit would be decided as it was then in Chancery, but that need not be a bar to it, a valuation by a commis­ siner made upon equetable princeples could injure neither party, and enable us to come at once to a settlement—I cant imagine why he could not have done this years ago, when property would have been valued so much higher than it would now, and when I was so very anxious for a settlement, I think tis very strange that he should not have recollected this before—I am at an entire loss what to do, and beseech you to advise me, I am not prepared to pay such a consider­ able debt—I suspect what he would call considerable, would perhaps take every thing on the place, as property now sells—indeed I did not know but it would even take from us our home—If you please my dear [Sir to?] inform me if the land of a deceased person is subject to the payment of debts—what few male friends I have that are capable of giving advice (tho’ they are not much acquainted with law busi­ ness) advise me not to pay him, that it cannot be a just claim, that my Brother never could have been so much out in his calculations, as for his estate to fall short of so many thousand dollars—he gave each of his brothers and Sisters a thousand3 dollars as a small memorial, they have never been able to get a cent from him, and still the estate is so much indebted to him—I think myself tis very strange—You were sufficiently acquainted with him my dear Sir to know that he was not extravigant in his calculations—My Brother requested in his will that Mr Taylor a commission Merchant in Richmond should sell his imported horses, and to pay the money to Mr Gibson—Brother Gar­ land attended the sale, and bought one of the horses for himself, and one for me, and told Mr G it might4 go as a part of our legacy, which I suppose he consented to, but of that I do not know, he has however demanded the money, since he has made the discovery that the legatees  413 

25 FEBRUARY 1823

cant get a cent, that there is not near enough in his hands to pay ­himself—tell me my dear Sir if you think I ought to pay him the money, as he did not demand it during the time that the partnership business continued—Brother Garlands Executer I understand, says he never will pay it, that brother Garland did not give his bond, and they cannot make him pay it, but I dont think they ought to have it, I dont see any justice in our having four and five hundred dollars, and the other legatees not a cent, I should imagine it ought to go to the estate to help pay this enormous claim he has brought against it5—but in this, and every thing else I shall depend on your advice, if you will deign to give it me—There is another circumstance which makes me think more unfavorably of Mr Gibson than any thing he has ever done—his refusing to send my brothers watch, soon after his death he wrote to me requesting to buy it, that I might set my own price, he would give any price—I wrote him word that I would sooner part with any thing I had on earth, but to keep it until I applied for it, he said my brother and himself had exchanged watches when they parted, the one my brother had was his wifes, which he wish to reclaim, that he wished keep his friends also—I recollected very well the last time my dear and ever to be lamented brother was here we observed to him that it was not his watch, he told us he had got Mr Gibson to take his and have it repaired—I sent frequently for the watch, but he would always evade an answer, at last I got a friend to apply for it in person, he then wrote me word, that he was surprised at my sending for it, as the estate was indebted to him, no devise or legacy could with propri­ ety,6 or of right be claimed until that debt was paid and that he should hold it subject to the issue of our final settlement—this was cruel in him even if it was lawful, as he knew how highly I prized the watch— I had always understood that a watch was considered as wearing ap­ parel and was not subject to the payment of debts, but I know very little about such things—please to give me your opinion concerning it—Now my dear Sir I have laid my case before you, in my imperfect manner, will you deign to give me your advice and pardon my pre­ sumption in asking it—if I know my own heart I wish to do what is right, and what I think my dear Brother would wish me to do were he now living if it took every thing we have on earth—but I am not the only one concerned, the estate at my death was lent to our youn­ gest Brother Samuel Jefferson, and at his death, it was given to his Son George Jefferson, now nearly grown, he was intended for a Phy­ sician, but Mr G has frustrated all our plans—I know that my dear Brother intended what little he had accumelated with so much care and industry, should do all the good it could, and ultimately be given  414 

26 FEBRUARY 1823

to the one he wished to keep up the name—I should be extremely sorry for George not to get it, as tis his only dependence—Accept my dear Sir of my sincere good wishes for your health and happness Yours with the highest Esteem Martha Jefferson Please to excuse every thing amiss in this letter RC (ViU: TJP‑CC); two words faint; endorsed by TJ as received 5 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Martha Jefferson (ca. 1780–1823), was the youngest child of TJ’s first cousin George Jefferson and Elizabeth Garland Jefferson and sister of TJ’s correspondents George Jefferson and John Garland Jefferson. In 1820 she was living in Lewiston, Lunenburg County, and owned twenty‑­ one slaves (Tyler’s Quarterly Historical

and Genealogical Magazine 8 [1927]: 39–41; DNA: RG 29, CS, Lunenburg Co., 1820; Richmond Enquirer, 21 Oct. 1823; Lunenburg Co. Will Book, 8:313, 473–4, 13:99–103). 1

 Manuscript: “escuse.”  Manuscript: “sonsiderable.” 3  Manuscript: “thousan.” 4  Manuscript: “migh.” 5  Manuscript: “it against it.” 6  Manuscript: “propiety.” 2

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Williamsburg 26th Feb: 1823. The Legislature being on the eve of adjournment, & all the busi­ ness of my district, & indeed of the state in general, being compleated, or so nearly so, as to admit of my departure, I left town on the 23d inst & arrived here on the evening of the same day. During the latter part of the session we provided by law that visi­ tors of the University should not lose their seats by the mere fact of being absent from two successive meetings, but only after a notification of that fact to the Executive by the Board of Visitors. I do not recol­ lect whether the provision had a retrospective bearing so as to em­ brace Mr Johnson’s case. Perhaps it did not. I think Mr Johnson seemed to wait for you to state to the Governor whether you would wish him reappointed. I would take the liberty to recommend that you should do so. Then you would certainly hear from him in approba­ tion of the loan. Genl Cocke, in a letter lately received from him, expresses the strongest wish that in contracting for the building of the Library the undertakers should be bound down to compleat it for a definite amount. This wish is general among our friends. Nothing, in my opinion, would be more advantageous, or grateful to them. Great fears are entertained that the workmen will be left too much at large. A strong & general wish prevails that we should finish the buildings with the third loan. If we do this, I think, all will ultimately succeed.  415 

26 FEBRUARY 1823

The opposition in this quarter is broken. I think the enemy is ready to strike his colors. My friend Doctr Smith confesses that the public sentiment is decidedly with us; & if he admits it, it must be so. Thro’ the Senators & Delegates, I have, in conjunction with the1 delegates from Albemarle, dispersed the circulars respecting the Professorship of agriculture over the whole state. I remain, Dr Sir, faithfully yours Joseph C. Cabell RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); endorsed by TJ as received 6 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. The law stating that members of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors should not lose their seats by the mere fact of being absent from two successive meetings was “An act to require all annual reports to be made to the legislature on the first day of the session, and for other purposes” (Acts of Assembly [1822–23 sess.], 12–3 [15 Feb. 1823]). It stipulated that the Board of Visitors henceforth make its annual re­ ports to the president and directors of the

Literary Fund by the first Monday in De­ cember, and provided that when a visitor failed to perform his duties for a year, the governor was to be notified and the va­ cancy filled, but that if the Board was given satisfactory reasons for the visitor’s ab­ sence, the governor need not be informed nor the seat vacated. The measure took effect from its passage, without a specified retrospective bearing. For the circulars respecting the professorship of agriculture, see Benjamin Waterhouse to TJ, 8 Feb. 1823, and note. 1

 Cabell here canceled “county.”

From Walter Case Sir New Burgh February 26 1823— You will probably recollect that in the month of December last I called upon you in Company with two other gentlemen on my way to North Carolina with letters from Judge Spencer govenor Clinton Doctor Mitchell & others—The object of my Journey was to ascer­ tain the practicability of forming a settlement of Northern People on the highlands of North Carolina in the County of Rutherford—The Country is healthy & elegantly watered The Climate is delightfull and the soil of the same kind as that about Monticello & is represented as being naturally productive for Wheat Corn Cotton & tobacco as the value of those lands in the opinion of Northern planters who have been for many years accustomed to the use of Plaister of Paris would greatly depend on the effects of that manure you would confer a last­ ing favor on me and many others by informing m[e] whether in Vir­ ginia it is beneficial as a manure on the red lands & also whether those red lands are congenial to the growth of red clover which is much used as a manure in this State—The experiment with Plaister and Clover has not yet been tried at Rutherford & I am not acquainted  416 

26 FEBRUARY 1823

with any other person from whom I could derive the information—I am well aware of the importance of your time to yourself & your fel­ low Citizens & therefore request that when perfectly convenient you will give me the information desired and not till then I Remain Sir with great Respect yours Walter C[ase] RC (MHi); edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Case Walter” re­ ceived 15 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 23 Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Hon— Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello— Virginia”; stamped; postmarked New­ burgh, 6 Mar. Walter Case (1776–1859), attorney and public official, was a native of Dutchess County, New York, who graduated in 1799 from Union College in Schenectady. Three years later he was admitted to the bar in Newburgh, Orange County, where he was president of the town’s board of trustees, 1813–15. A Republican ally of DeWitt Clinton, Case represented Orange in the United States House of Represen­

tatives, 1819–21. He moved to New York City around 1843 and continued to prac­ tice law for a few years until he retired to Fishkill, Dutchess County, where he died (NSchU: Alumni Files; A General Cata‑ logue of the Officers, Graduates and Stu‑ dents of Union College, from 1795 to 1854 [1854], 11; Edward M. Ruttenber and Lewis H. Clark, comps., History of Or‑ ange County, New York [1881], 144, 145, 203; Ruttenber, History of the Town of Newburgh [1859], appendix, iii; New York Columbian, 20 Mar. 1817; The New‑York City and Co‑Partnership Directory, for 1843 & 1844 [(1843)], 65; DNA: RG 29, CS, N.Y., Dutchess Co., Fishkill, 1860 mor­ tality schedules). The letters of introduction for Case, likely presented to, but not retained by TJ, have not been identified.

To Thomas Magruder Sir Monto Feb. 26. 23 I am sorry to inform you that the time of opening the Univty is still uncertain. on the 3. loans which the legislre authorised to erect the buildings, we are paying annually an interest of 10,800.D. absorbing our whole annuity to within 4,200.D. which after the necessary care of the buildings leaves little surplus. we take for granted however that the legislre will remit the whole debt. if they do it at their next session, we shall be able to open within a 12 month from that time, or from any other time the remissn may be made. it will require a 12 month to procure professors & get them into place. accept the assur­ ance of my respect Th:J. P.S. I have no copy of your brother’s book. FC (DLC); on verso of top half of reused address cover of Nathaniel Macon to TJ, 20 Oct. 1821; in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Magruder Thos.”

 417 

To Charles Willson Peale Dear Sir Monticello Feb. 26. 23. Your favor of the 8th has been recieved with the Polygraph wire you were so kind as to send me. your friendly attention to my little wants kindle the most lively sentiments of thankfulness in me.1 the breaking of an ink‑glass, the derangement of a wire, which cannot be supplied in a country situation like ours, would render an instrument of cost and of incalculable value entirely useless; as both of my Polygraphs would have been, but for your kind attentions. It must be2 a circumstance of vast comfort to you to be blest with sons so capable of maintaining such an establishment as you have effected.3 it has been a wonderful accomplishment, is an honor to the US. and merits their patronage. The fractured bone of my arm is4 well reunited, but my hand and fingers are in discoraging5 condition, rendered entirely useless by a dull oedematous swelling, which has at one time been threatening, and altho’ better, is still obstinate. it is more than three months since the accident, and yet it indicates no definite term. this misfortune with the crippled state of my right hand also renders me very helpless, and all but incapable of writing. ever and affectionately yours Th: Jefferson RC (TxU: Thomas Jefferson Collec­ tion). Dft (MHi); on verso of top half of reused address cover of Edward Wiatt to TJ, 29 Oct. 1821; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Peale C. W.” Writing from Monticello on 7 Mar. 1823, Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) re­ ported to Nicholas P. Trist regarding TJ’s arm that “Grand‑Papa’s hand still con­ tinues to swell, and the enlargement about the wrist he thinks is occasioned by the dislocation of some of the small bones, and will be permanent. the bandage is still

used in the day, but nevertheless his arm & hand are both much better” (RC in DLC: NPT). 1 Dft:

“thankfulness to you.” two words interlined in Dft in place of “is.” 3  Word interlined in Dft in place of “made.” 4 Sentence to this point reworked in Dft from “my broken bone is.” 5 Preceding five words interlined in Dft in place of “is in bad.” 2 Preceding

From Peter Perpignan Respected Sir Philadelphia Feby 26h 1823 Inclosed You will find the smallest representation, of our departed patriot, Genl George Washington, that has ever been offered to our countryman.  418 

26 FEBRUARY 1823

 Should You be pleased to accept, it, Your answer to its reception, will Serve Your friend and fellow Citizen Peter, Perpignan RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as a letter of 28 Feb. 1823 received 4 Mar. and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to James Mon­ roe, 5 Feb. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson, Esquire Late Presi­ dent. U.S. Montecello Virginia”; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked Philadel­ phia, 26 Feb. Peter Perpignan (ca. 1787–1832), jew­ eler and watchmaker, arrived in Philadel­ phia in May 1807 from Havana, Cuba. By 1809 he had set up shop there as a goldsmith, and he continued to work as a  watchmaker and jeweler until at least 1825, despite a period of insolvency in 1819. Perpignan served in the Pennsylva­ nia militia during the War of 1812, and he owned one slave in 1820. He died in Philadelphia (DNA: RG 36, PLVP; James Robinson, Directory for 1809 [(Phila­ delphia, 1809)]; Philadelphia Democratic

Press, 9 Dec. 1814; Philadelphia Franklin Gazette, 19 Mar., 10 June 1819; DNA: RG 29, CS, Pa., Philadelphia, 1820; [Thomas Wilson], Philadelphia Directory and Stranger’s Guide for 1825 [(Philadel­ phia, 1825)], 110; Philadelphia Poulson’s American Daily Advertiser, 21 June 1832). On this date Perpignan also sent letters with copies of the same enclosed repre‑ sentation, not found, to John Adams and James Madison (MHi: Adams Papers; Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:670). In his reply of 4 Mar. 1823, Adams thanked Perpignan for his “infinitessinal miniature of President Washington,” al­ though he “cannot see it even with the help of a solar microscope.” However, Adams reassured him, “the young‑eyes of my family & friends say that it is as good a Likeness of him as they have seen from any pencil or chisel” (FC in Lb in MHi: Adams Papers).

To John Pickering

Monticello Feb. 26. 23.

I thank you, Sir, for your treatise on the Indian languages, and re­ joice to see them thought worthy of your attention. a collation of them with one another is the only means we can ever have of tracing the1 filiation of those numerous tribes, and of remounting thro’ the gloom of ages towards their origin. nor is it without curiosity that the analy­ ses of their languages unfold to us structures of speech2 so radically different from those of the whole European families.3 I was pleased to learn from mr Everett’s preface to his translation of Buttmann’s4 grammar, that you were engaged in preparing a Greek & English Dictionary. it will be a most valuable present to the Ama­ teurs and students of that first of human languages. Planche in his Greek and French Dictionary5 has done this for his country, and done it well. his work is truly valuable; and altho’ an 8vo of 1000. pages, yet, printed on thin paper, it is entirely handy, and not too weighty6 even for the nerveless hand of old age. I should have liked it better  419 

26 FEBRUARY 1823

however on the plan of Scapula or Stephens, who have given us the roots only in alphabetical order, & have arranged all the branches7 in family together under them. this is more instructive, more8 satisfac­ tory, and saves much repetition, which the sparse location of the words renders9 necessary. With my thanks, accept the assurance of my great esteem and ­respect. Th: Jefferson RC (John Pickering, Salem, Mass., 1951). Dft (ViW: TC‑JP); on portion of reused address cover; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Pickering John.” stephens: Henri Estienne (Stepani; Stephani). 1  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “the origin and.” 2  Preceding two words interlined in Dft.

3 Preceding four words interlined in Dft in place of “Europe.” 4  RC: “Buttman’s.” Dft: “Buttmann’s.” 5  Preceding six words interlined in Dft. 6  Word interlined in Dft in place of “much.” 7  Reworked in Dft from “arranged the whole family of branches.” 8  Word interlined in Dft in place of “and.” 9  Reworked in Dft from “which a sparse location renders.”

To William Radford Dear Sir [before 27 Feb. 1823] Your favor of Dec. 26 has been duly recieved. I had entirely forgot­ ten that I had only covenanted to convey to my grandaughter Bank­ head but had not actually conveyed the lands on the East side of the 1000. as first given to my daur Randolph, and that my conveyance of what was between that & Bear br. was to yourselves directly, and I was for some time at a loss by what forms I should cover those blots in the conveyances to you. the following considerns removed my doubts. the English law permits a conveyance by a person in possn of more title than he rightfully has to work a disseisin. and our law was the same till the revised code by mr Wythe mr Pendleton & myself in 1779. when we altered it by declaring that no deed should pass more estate than the party might lawfully convey. this you will find 1. Revised code of 1819. 368. this makes the case plain. my deed for 1000. as to my daur Randolph conveyed to her both the equitable and legal estate. consequently the conveyance by mr Randolph and her to mrs Moseley & to Bankhead et ux. was valid and their deed to you for what was East of mrs Moseley’s was good. as to the 450. as E. of that, my cov­ enant to convey gave them the equitable estate but was a nullity as to the legal right, because I had not actually conveyed it. their deed to you in like manner gave you the equitable right but was null as to1 the  420 

27 FEBRUARY 1823

legal because it was not in them. for the lands again between that & Bear br. my deed conveyed an equitable right, because it could be proved by averment to have been in advancement of my grand daur Bankhead but did not convey the legal estate because that was more than I could lawfully convey to a stranger. to compleat your title therefore I have conveyed to my gr. son Th: J. Randolph the whole of the lands between the 1000. as of my daur Randolph and our lines near Bear creek, and my gr. son has conveyed the whole to mr Yancey & yourself. these deeds I now inclose to you & hope they are sufficient & will be satisfactory, and I really rejoice that the defect has been dis­ covered while it was in my power to rectify it. Dft (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; undated, but prepared be­ tween 12 Jan. 1823, the date of receipt of Radford to TJ, 26 Dec. 1822, and 27 Feb. 1823. Not recorded in SJL and evidently not sent, with TJ to Radford, 27 Feb. 1823, dispatched in its stead. For the revised code by mr wythe mr pendleton & myself, see bill no. 29 in a grouping of documents on “The Revisal of the Laws 1776–1786,” PTJ, 2:417. my deed for 1000. as to my daur randolph was dated 21 Feb. 1790 (PTJ, 16:189–91). For the convey‑ ance by mr randolph and her to mrs moseley and the conveyance to bankhead et ux., see note to Thomas Mann Randolph and Martha Jefferson

Randolph’s Conveyance of Bedford County Land, [before 19 Feb. 1810]. their deed to you for what was east of mrs moseley’s: Charles L. Bankhead and Ann C. Bankhead’s Conveyance of Bed­ ford County Land to Radford and Joel Yancey, 7 Dec. 1811, noted at TJ’s Con­ veyance of Bear Branch Land to Radford and Yancey, 7 Dec. 1811. my covenant to convey: TJ’s Agreement to Convey Bedford County Lands to Charles L. Bank­ head, 29 Oct. 1810. The deeds i now inclose were apparently sent instead in TJ to Radford, 27 Feb. 1823, and are de­ scribed there. 1  Preceding four words interlined in place of “not.”

To William Radford Dear Sir Monticello. Feb. 27. 23 After many little causes of delay I am enabled at length to inclose you deeds for the completion of the titles for the lands held by your­ self and mr Yancey. I first conveyed the whole to my Grandson Jefferson & he has conveyed to yourself & mr Yancey. I return my deed to you also. the lines are described1 with great care. I hope these papers will get safe to hand and be found satisfactory. accept the assurance of my great esteem and respect. Th:J FC (MHi); on verso of bottom half of reused address cover of Nathaniel Macon to TJ, 20 Oct. 1821; in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Mr Radford”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosures: (1) TJ’s Conveyance of Bear

Branch Land to Thomas Jefferson Ran­ dolph, 20 Feb. 1823, printed below. (2) Conveyance of Bear Branch Land from Thomas Jefferson Randolph and Jane H. Nicholas Randolph to Radford and Joel

 421 

27 FEBRUARY 1823 Yancey, 21 Feb. 1823, noting that one dollar had been paid to Randolph and his wife and specifying that the same land was conveyed as in the preceding enclosure (Tr in Bedford Co. Deed Book, 18:7–8; witnessed by Albemarle Co. justices of the peace Martin Dawson and Thomas Eston Randolph, certified by them on the same

day to the clerk of Bedford County, and ordered recorded by the Bedford County Court on 24 Mar. 1823). (3) TJ’s Con­ veyance of Bear Branch Land to Radford and Yancey, 7 Dec. 1811. 1  Word interlined in place of “laid down.”

e n c l o s u r e

Thomas Jefferson’s Conveyance of Bear Branch Land to Thomas Jefferson Randolph This Indenture made on the 20th day of Febuary 1823 between Thomas Jefferson of Albemarle on the one part & Thomas Jefferson Randolph of the same County on the other Part Witnesseth that the said Thomas Jefferson & Martha his wife deceased were during her life and in her right seized and possesed of a certain tract of land in Bedford County called the Poplar Forest containing by Patent 4000 acres and being so seised and possesed it was agreed and settled by deed intended duly executed and recorded by the said Thomas and Martha his Wife that if the said Thomas should survive the said Martha he should have full power and authority to convey the whole of the said lands or any part thereof to such of the issue of the said Martha by the said Thomas in such parts or proportions and for such estate & estates & in such sort manner & form1 and subject to such conditions limitations restric­ tions and power of revocation as he the said Thomas from time to time by deed or will should deem meet and good that the said Thomas Jefferson Randolph is the grandson of the said Thomas Jefferson and of Martha his wife by Martha Randolph their daughter and that the said Thos Jefferson by Virtue of the powers and authoritiees Vested in him as aforesaid and for the sum of one dollar to him in hand paid and other good considerations him hereunto moving doth give grant bargain sell and convey to the said Thomas Jefferson Randolph all that portion of the said tract of land called the poplar forest which is contained within the following lines To Wit Begining at a Hiccory sapling marked as a corner on the Western side of the public road and of Bear Branch 5 poles and 10 links from an ash on the Branch and at a place called the double Branches and running thence N. 38° E 12 poles 17 links N. 2 E. 14 pole 202 links N. 66 E. 14 po. 3 links. N. 28. E. 26 poles 11 links Bear Branch distant 3 pole 20 links. N. 54. E. 24 po 24 links Bear Branch distant 2 pols 20 links N. 22 E 11 pole 22 links to a Branch Bear Cr being distant 8 poles N. 25 E. 17 po 15 links Bear Cr distant 6 po. N. 84½ E. 6 po 20 links Bear Cr distant 2. 20. N. 30½ E. 23 po 5 links Bear Cr dst 4 po 20 links N. 5 W.3 15 po 5 links Bear Cr dist 6 po N. 34. E 16 poles to a branch same course 11 pole 15 links Bear Cr dist 9 po N. 47 E. 18 poles 15 links Bear Cr dist 3 po 3 links No. 29½ E 20 pols to a remarkable point of rock within 2 pols of a Branch from the west & 8 Po from Bear Cr N. 69 [E.]4 10 po 20 links Bear Cr. dist 3 pols 5 links N. 59 E. 14 pole 20 links Bear Cr dist 2 po N. 36½ E. 12 pols 20 links Bear Cr dist 10 pols N. 71½ E. 20 po 3 links Bear

 422 

27 FEBRUARY 1823 Cr dist 1 pole 5 links N. 2½ W. 10 po 20 links Bear Cr dist 1 po 5 links N. 24. E. 14 po 4 links Bear Cr dist 4 po N 8 W 15 poles Bear Cr distant 2 poles N. 40 E. 11 po 5 links Bear Cr dist 4 po 10 links S. 85 E 9 po 5 links to a large poplar in the woods on the Eastearn Edge of Bear Branch. which courses from the hicory aforesaid on the publick road to the said poplar are marked by trees wherever they occured on the courses are always on the western side of Bear Cr and are in their general course parralell with it leaving room for a road on firm ground between them and the branch Then running from the said poplar S. 85 E 18 po N. 43½ E. 62 Po S 80 E 52 po to where Gill5 cor­ ners with the lands of the said Thomas purchased from Robinson in the antient Poplar forest line thence along the said line N 28½ W 50 po S 77 W 80 po along the said poplar forest line to Bear Branch and the same last course continued on the same line S 77 W 252 po and still along the poplar forest line S 65 E 164 po to the line of that parcel of the said Poplar forest tract which the said Thomas Jefferson heretofore conveyed to Martha Ran­ dolph before mentioned daughter of the said Thomas & Martha Jefferson as an advancement on her marriage with Thomas Mann Randolph her present husband and along the said line across the said poplar forest tract to the in­ tersection of the two poplar forest lines S 53½ W 40 po & N 65 W 31 po and from that intersection S 65 E 70 po S 21 E 73 po S 10 E 11 poles S 35 E 19¼ thence new lines n 26 E 200 po to the same public road first mentioned and thence along the said Public road S 85½ E 65 p 5 l to the hiccory at the Be­ gining within which boundaries are contained by estimation nine hundred and sixty two acres be the same more or less To Have and To hold the said parcel of land with its appurtenances to him the said Thomas J. Randolph and his heirs and the said Thomas Jefferson his heirs Exors and admrs the said parcel of land with its appurtenances to him the said Thomas J. Ran­ dolph and his heirs will forever warrant and defend In Witness whereof the said Thomas Jefferson hath hereto set his hand and seal on the day and year above Written Th: Jefferson Seal Sealed signed & delivd in Presence of Martin Dawson John Watson James R. Watson Albemarle County to Wit We John Watson and Martin Dawson Justices of the peace in the County aforesaid in the state of Virginia do hereby certify that Thomas Jefferson a party to a certain deed bearing date the 20th day of Febuary 1823 and hereto annexed personally appeared before us in our County aforesaid and acknowl­ edged the same to be his6 act and deed and desired us to certify the said ac­ knowledgement to the Clerk of the County Court of Bedford in order that the said deed may be Recorded Given under our hands and seals7 this 26th day of Febuary 1823 John Watson Seal Martin Dawson Seal At a Court held for Bedford County at the Courthouse thereof on the 24th day of March 1823 This Deed between Thomas Jefferson of the one part and Thomas Jefferson Randolph of the other part was Certified by two magis­ trates for the County of Albemarle and ordered to be Recorded   Teste Ja Steptoe CBC

 423 

27 FEBRUARY 1823  Tr (Bedford Co. Deed Book, 18:20–1). cbc: “Clerk of Bedford County.” 1 Manuscript:

“from.” of Bear Branch Land from Thomas Jefferson Randolph and Jane H. Nicholas Randolph to William Radford and Joel Yancey, 21 Feb. 1823 (see note to covering letter): “21.” 2 Conveyance

3 Tr: “N. SW.” Conveyance from Thomas and Jane Randolph: “N. 5 W.”  4 Word, ink stained, supplied from Con­ veyance from Thomas and Jane Randolph. 5 Tr: “Bill.” Conveyance from Thomas and Jane Randolph: “Gill” (i.e., John Gill, of Bedford County). 6 Manuscript: “her.” 7 Manuscript: “sals.”

To Archibald Robertson Dear Sir Monto Feb. 27. 23. I now inclose you my bond as requested. the account had crept up considerably beyond my expectn. on examination however I find1 right what is within my own knolege, and what is not, is probable and I presume right. I hope my crop in Bedford this year will enable me to do there more than heretofore,2 and will assure you that it shall not become a lingering matter. Accept the assurance of my esteem & respect Th:J. Dft (MHi); on verso of left half of re­ used address cover of James Madison to TJ, 10 Nov. 1821; endorsed by TJ as as letter to “Robertson Archbd.” On this date TJ recorded his execution of the enclosed bond, not found, which

was “for 1918.85 D. with int. from July 31. 1822. for store acct.” (MB, 2:1393). 1

 TJ here canceled “it.”  Word interlined in place of “I have been able.” 2

To Samuel Crawford Mar. 3. 23 Th: Jefferson begs leave to remind mr Crawford that his paper should be addressed to Charlottesville, without which it goes to the Milton office with which he has no commn FC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Hutchins G. Burton to TJ, 8 Nov. 1821; in TJ’s hand; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ.

A letter from TJ to Crawford of 2 Jan. 1824, not found, is recorded in SJL with additional bracketed notation: “to dis­ continue his paper.”

 424 

The Dining Room at Poplar Forest

Charles Willson Peale’s Self-Portrait Study for The Artist in His Museum

Charles Willson Peale’s The Artist in His Museum

Commemorative Medals of American Worthies (Obverse)

Commemorative Medals of American Worthies (Reverse)

The “Cuddy” at Monticello

Jefferson’s Granddaughter’s Description of the “Cuddy,” 5 June 1823

Thomas Jefferson’s Drawing and Specifications for Serpentine Walls at the University of Virginia

A Reconstructed Serpentine Wall at the University of Virginia

George Loyall, in The Convention of 1829–30, by George Catlin

To Return J. Meigs Dear Sir Monticello Mar. 3. 23. I am aware that no individual ought to expect that a post office, in distributing it’s letters,1 will attend to any thing but their superscrip­ tion. yet it would be a signal service to me if your distributor could recollect to put my letters into the Charlottesville mail, instead of that of Milton. with the former place I have daily communication, with the latter none. but if this request2 is out of order, I pray you to consider it3 as not made, and to be assured of my great esteem and ­respect. Th: Jefferson RC (InU: Meigs Manuscripts); ad­ dressed: “Return J. Meigs esq. P.M.G. Washington”; franked; postmarked; en­ dorsed in an unidentified hand. Dft (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); on verso of a reused address cover from James Oldham to TJ; endorsed by TJ.

1  Preceding four words interlined in Dft. 2 Word interlined in Dft. 3  Word interlined in Dft in place of “the applicn.”

To Thomas Ritchie [3 Mar. 1823] Th Jefferson asks the favor of mr Ritchie to add Charlottesville to the address of his paper, without which it goes to the Milton P.O. with which he has no intercourse, & the consequence is that his Enquirers1 accumulate there till some accident offers a conveyance2 whereas with Charlottesville he has daily communicn. he salutes him with esteem & respect Dft (MHi); undated; endorsed by TJ: “Ritchie Thos Mar. 3. 23.” A missing letter from TJ to Ritchie of 17 Feb. 1823 is recorded in SJL.

1 Word

interlined in place of “papers.” three words interlined in place of “brings them.” 2 Preceding

From William Baxter Respected Sire, Paradise, Lancaster county Pa March 4. 1823 With diffidence and awe, I beg leave to present to your worthy consideration, and your opinion would likewise conduce much to my own satisfaction—in knowing whether such an undertaking would be any benefit to our present rising republic. Knowing that your Excellency has always been a friend and patron to every thing which may conduce to the welfare of that Republic,  425 

4 MARCH 1823

which your venerable Self was a principle1 cause in achieving—I therefore ask leave to present you with a copy—and cherish the hope that I may be allowed to dedicate my work to your Excellency. With sentiments of profound esteem, I have the honor, to sub­ scribe myself your most humble and obedient Servant Wm Baxter RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39935–6); written adjacent to enclosure; addressed: “His excellency Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Monticello. Va”; endorsed by TJ as re­ ceived 12 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. William Baxter, journalist, may have been a native of Ireland. He lived in Lan­ caster County, Pennsylvania, by 1820, when he published a short‑lived literary weekly, the Hive. In 1839 he became a justice of the peace there (Newton Bate­

man, Paul Selby, and David McCulloch, eds., Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Peoria County [1902], 2:557; DNA: RG 29, CS, Pa., Lancaster Co., 1820, 1830; Lancaster Free Press, 1 June 1820; Lottie M. Bausman, A Bibliogra‑ phy of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 1745–1912 [(1917?)], 64; Franklin Ellis and Samuel Evans, History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania [1883], 218). 1

 Manuscript: “princple.”

e n c l o s u r e

William Baxter’s Prospectus for the Washingtoniana

[ca. 4 Mar. 1823]

 426 

4 MARCH 1823             PROPOSALS, BY W. BAXTER, For Publishing in Lancaster, (Penn.) a weekly paper, to be entitled, the WASHINGTONIANA.             IN presenting this Prospectus to the Citizens of the United States, the publisher begs leave to say, that this journal will be the most important state paper, that has ever yet appeared in the United States. The Editor intends to devote it entirely to those great important eras which have occurred in this happy America, and will contain the most complete and satisfactory history of the United States, from its discovery, up to the present period, viz: Discovery of America. How peopled by the Indians. Settling of our fore­ fathers. Lands purchased by the whites. Massacres of the whites and Indians. Biography of the most distinguished personages during that time. The causes and correspondence which led to American Independence. An accurate account of the battles and skirmishes during the Revolutionary war. A biography of General George Washington, with an elegant portrait accompanying the same. Also, a biography of Presidents Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe, with a striking likeness of each. A biography of Generals Wayne, Mercer, Putnam, Morgan, Montgomery, Gates, St. Clair, De La Fayette, Koskiusko, and others. An account of the Whiskey Insurrection, with the names of the most promi­ nent actors in that scene. Burr’s Conspiracy. History of the Barbary wars. His­ tory of the late war. Biography of Generals Jackson, Brown, Ripley, Winder, Boyd, Miller, Wilkinson, Scott, Gaines, Harrison, &c. as well as Commodores Decatur, Perry, Porter, Bainbridge, Chauncey, Hull, Lawrence, and Biddle. Being well aware that this paper will contain the most interesting History of America now extant; and on account of publishing it in numbers, it will enable every individual to take a copy—as well as the cheapness of the work, must induce every man to patronize such a laudable and praise‑worthy under­ taking. Let every Subscriber take care of his paper for a year, and then get them bound, and they must become a public benefit to the rising generation. It will contain many adventures—many battles—and many anecdotes which have never been published to the world—Many a horrid tale of Indian barbarity and British cruelty, will be recorded in this paper, as a beacon to guard against. Conditions. 3. This paper will be commenced on 1. The Washingtoniana will be the fifth day of May, when the first published every Tuesday morn­ number will appear, and shall be ing, on a new type and beautiful carefully packed up and forwarded paper, and shall contain four large to Subscribers, in any part of the quarto pages each week. United States, with all possible 2. The price to Subscribers will be speed; and in case of any number two dollars a year—one dollar at being lost, the publisher will send the time of receiving the first it free of expense. number, and the other at the 4. Any person procuring nine good commencement of the half year. subscribers, shall receive one copy for their trouble.

 427 

4 MARCH 1823 Subscriber’s Names,

Residence.

Broadside (DLC: TJ Papers, 223: 39935–6); undated; conjoined with cov­ ering letter.

No evidence that the Washingtoniana commenced publication has been found.

To William Johnson Dear Sir Monticello Mar. 4. 23. I delayed some time the acknolegement of your welcome letter of Dec. 10. on the common lazy principle of never doing to‑day what we can put off to tomorrow, until it became doubtful whether a letter would find you at Charleston. learning now that you are at Washing­ ton, I will reply to some particulars which seem to require it. The N. American Review is a work I do not take, and which is little known in this state; consequently I have never seen it’s observations on your inestimable history, but a Reviewer1 can never let a work pass uncensured. he must always make himself wiser than his author. he would otherwise think it an abdication of his office of Censor. on this occasion he seems to have had more sensibility for Virginia than She for herself: for, on reading the work, I saw nothing to touch our pride or jealousy; but every expression of respect and good will which truth could justify.—the family of enemies, whose buzz you appre­ hend, are now nothing. you may learn this at Washington; and their military relation has long ago had the full‑voiced condemnation of his own state. do not fear therefore these insects. what you write will be far above their grovelling sphere. let me then implore you, dear Sir, to finish your history of parties, leaving the time of publication to the state of things you may deem proper, but taking especial care that we do not lose it altogether. we have been too careless of our future repu­ tation; while our tories will omit nothing to place us in the wrong. besides the five volumed libel which represents us as struggling for office, & not at all to prevent our government from being adminis­ tered into a monarchy, the life of Hamilton is in the hands of a man, who, to the bitterness of the priest adds the rancour of the fiercest federalism. Mr. Adams’s papers too and his biography will descend of course to his son, whose pen, you know, is pointed, and his preju­ dices not in our favor. and doubtless other things are in preparation unknown to us. on our part we are depending on truth to make itself known, while history is taking a contrary set which may become too inveterate for correction. Mr. Madison will probably leave something, but, I believe, only particular passages of our history, & these chiefly confined to the period between the dissolution of the old, and com­  428 

4 MARCH 1823

mencement of the new government, which is peculiarly within his knolege. after he joined me in the administration he had no leisure to write. this too was my case. but, altho’ I had not time to prepare any thing express, my letters (all preserved) will furnish the daily occur­ rences and views from my return from Europe in 1790. till I retired finally from office. these will command more conviction than any thing I could have written after my retirement; no day having ever passed during that period without a letter to somebody. written too in the moment, and in the warmth and freshness of fact and feeling they will carry internal evidence that what they breathe is genuine. selections from these after my death, may come out successively as the maturity of circumstances may render their appearance seasonable. but mul­ tiplied testimony, multiplied views will be necessary to give solid es­ tablishment to truth. much is known to one which is not known to another, and no one knows everything. it is the sum of individual knoleges which is to make up the whole truth, and to give it’s correct current thro’ future time. then do not, dear Sir, withold your stock of information; and I would moreover recommend that you trust it not to a single copy, nor to a single depository. leave it not in the power of any one person, under the distempered view of an unlucky moment to deprive us of the weight of your testimony, & to purchase by it’s de­ struction the favor of any party or person, as happened with a paper of Doctor Franklin’s. I cannot lay down my pen without recurring to one of the subjects of my former letter, for in truth there is no danger I apprehend so much as the consolidation of our government by the noiseless, and therefore unalarming instrumentality of the Supreme court. this is the form in which federalism now arrays itself, and consolidation is the present prin­ ciple of distinction between republicans, and the pseudo‑republicans but real federalists. I must comfort myself with the hope that the judges will see the importance and the duty of giving their country the only evidence they can give of fidelity to it’s constitution, and integrity in the administration of it’s laws. that is to say, by every one’s giving his opinion seriatim and publicly on the cases he decides. let him prove by his reasoning that he has read the papers that he has considered the case, that in the application of the law to it he uses his own judge­ ment independantly and unbiassed by party views, and personal favor or disfavor. throw himself in every case on god and his country: both will excuse him for error and value him for his honesty. the very idea of cooking up opinions in Conclave begets suspicion that something passes which fears the public ear, and this spreading by degrees must produce at some time abridgement of tenure, facility of removal, or some other modification which may promise a remedy. for in truth  429 

4 MARCH 1823

there is at this time more hostility to the federal judiciary than to any other organ of the government. I should greatly2 prefer, as you do, four judges to any greater num­ ber. great lawyers are not over‑abundant, and the multiplication of judges only enables the weak to out‑vote the wise; and the necessity of three concurrent opinions out of four, gives a strong presumption of right. I cannot better prove my entire confidence in your candor than by the frankness with which I commit myself to you, and to this I add with truth assurances of the sincerity of my great esteem and ­respect. Th: Jefferson FC (DLC); in Virginia J. Randolph (Trist)’s hand, signed by TJ; at foot of first page in TJ’s hand: “ Judge Johnson.” TJ included the opposite of never doing to‑day what we can put off to tomorrow in his so‑called Canons of Conduct (TJ to Paul A. Clay, [ca. 12 July 1817]; enclosure to TJ to Thomas Jefferson Smith, 21 Feb. 1825). Henry Lee (1756–1818) was the mil­ itary relation. The five volumed libel: Marshall, Life of George Wash‑

ington. John M. Mason had proposed to write a life of hamilton (Joel Barlow to TJ, 15 Jan. 1810). TJ embarked on his final journey from europe on 22 Oct. 1789 and arrived at Monticello on 23 Dec. of that year (MB, 1:747, 749). For TJ’s concern over the loss of a paper of doctor franklin’s, see his Notes on Early Career (the so‑called “Autobiography”), [6 Jan.–29 July 1821]. 1

 Manuscript: “Revewer.”  Word interlined.

2

To James Pleasants Dr Sir Monto Mar. 5. 23 The law concerning the University makes the non‑user for a whole year vacate the office of a visitor. mr Chapman Johnson failed to at­ tend both our semiannual meetings of the last year from sickness, which has determd his commn. I should have sooner notified you of this & asked a renewal but that mr Cabell wrote me he would do it.1 yet not hearing from him again, and anxious that it shd not be preter­ mitted I take the liberty of mentioning the fact, and if a new commn be not already issued to rqust that you will be pleased to do it2 at your first convenience and forward it, as we meet at the beginning of the next month, and mr Johnson’s aid is much valued by us. Accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect Th:J  Dft (DLC); written on a half sheet; en­ dorsed by TJ: “Pleasants Govr James.”

 1 Omitted period at right margin edito­ rially supplied. 2 Reworked from “issued that it may be done.”

 430 

From Ann C. Morris Dear Sir March 6th 1823 Your goodness will excuse the liberty I take—Your name is held so Sacred by the post masters that it prevents the loss of my scrawls— Your’s with the greatest respect and esteem Ann C. Morris RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; en­ dorsed by TJ as received 15 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); ad­ dress cover only; with Dft of TJ to Jo­ seph C. Cabell, 22 Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monti­

cello Albemarle County Virginia”; franked; postmarked Harlem, 7 Mar. This letter presumably covered uniden­ tified correspondence to Randolph family members.

From Thomas Law [D]ear Sir. March 7th 1823— n Permit me to introduce to You Cap Chapman an accomplished British officer the nephew of an old East India friend— I have been deprived of my only daughter & of my son John & my only son Edmund has been much afflicted with a rheumatism which I feared would leave me fatherless—these successive blows & the severity of the winter have much affected my nerves—Could I see a Nl Cy established & manufactures promoted, and Canals made, & a System introduced to check the rapid encrease of slaves to the South, who may be aided by Hayti & Cuba to the West & the motley Crew West of the Sabine, I could lay down in peace—I have a plan long considered to accomplish the latter important object, but there is too much warmth on this subject for calm discussion— If my health permits I will if I do not go to England have the great satisfaction of seeing you in health, I join in the common lamentation that your useful hands are so weakened I remain With much respect & Esteem Thos Law RC (DLC); corner torn; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Apr. 1823 “by Capt Cha[pman]” and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to John Hol­ lins, 1 Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed: “To Thomas Jefferson Esqr Montecello Virginia Favour’d by Capn Chapman.”

Law’s daughter, Eliza Rogers, died in August 1822, and his son john Law passed away two months later (Rogers’s gravestone inscription in Rogers‑Buchanan family cemetery, Baltimore, Md.; Wash­ ington Daily National Intelligencer, 7 Oct. 1822). nl cy: “National Currency.”

 431 

From Return J. Meigs Dear Sir General Post office Dept March 7th 1823, I have received yours of the 3rd instant—and have given directions— That letters and packets—addressed to You be mailed for and di­ rected to Charlotteville— Accept the assurance of my veneration & respect R J Meigs. RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Meigs; endorsed by TJ as received 12 (reworked from 13) Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Eliz­

abeth Chase, 26 Jan. 1824, on verso; ad­ dressed by Meigs (trimmed): “[Thoma]s Jefferson [late] President [o]f the United States Charlotteville Va”; franked.

Memorandum to Arthur S. Brockenbrough [before 8 Mar. 1823] not a single samel brick to be used nor more than 2. bats in 10. bricks. the bond to be header & stretcher through the whole thickness and in every course every course of bricks to be solidly grouted the cement ⅔ lime & ⅓ pure clean sand1 the wall to be ½ a brick2 thicker than in the drawings, to be added inside. the outer bricks uniform in colour, and of the colour of Pavilions II. & IV. the brick work to be contracted for to the top of the Corinthian cor­ nice only at first the Carpenters to have a right to examine the correctness of the brick­ work as it goes on, and to notify the Proctor in time for correction if any thing be going on w[rong] the plank used by the Carpenters [to] be compleatly [se]asoned.3 the ribs of the roof to be compleat semicircles of four thicknesses break­ ing joints.4 [3.I.] thick the curbed plate of 4. thicknesses also of 3.I. each b[re]aking joints and iron bolted.5 the first undertaking to be only of the walls,6 roof, Corinthian entab­ lature,7 windows, doors, floo[rs] and staircases.  432 

8 MARCH 1823

the Carpenter’s work at the Philadelphia8 printed prices, & where not specified among them to be settled beforehand. MS (ViU: TJP); written in TJ’s hand on portion of reused address cover; un­ dated, but evidently written before Brock­ enbrough’s Agreement with Abia B. Thorn and Nathaniel Chamberlain for Brickwork for the University of Virginia Rotunda, 8 Mar. 1823; mutilated and edge frayed, with missing text supplied from Tr. Tr (ViU: TJP‑PP); in Brock­ enbrough’s hand; undated; endorsed by Brockenbrough as a “Copy” of “Mr Jefferson instructns for Brick laying & Car­ penter W.” samel (also sammel, sammen, or salmon) bricks are soft due to underheat­ ing in the kiln, while bats (brickbats) are fragments “occasionally inserted into walls as closers or as makeups” (Carl R.

Lounsbury, ed., An Illustrated Glossary of Early Southern Architecture and Land‑ scape [1994; repr. 1999], 48, 49; OED). For the printed prices used for car­ pentry work in Philadelphia, see Brock­ enbrough to TJ, 22 Jan. 1823, and note. 1

 Reworked in Tr to “⅔ sand & ⅓ lime.”  MS: “bricker.” Tr: “brick.” 3  Word faint and damaged, with miss­ ing letters supplied from Tr. 4  Remainder of line not in Tr. Follow­ ing number and abbreviation faint. 5  Beneath this line TJ canceled “the balestrading to be of locust.” 6  Omitted comma at right margin sup­ plied from Tr. 7  Word interlined in place of “cornice.” 8  Word not in Tr. 2

Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Agreement with Abia B. Thorn and Nathaniel Chamberlain for Rotunda Brickwork We Arthur S Brockenbrough Proctor of the University of Virginia on the one part and Abiah B Thorn and Nathaniel Chamberlain on the other part, do hereby enter into the following articles of agreement— Witnesseth, that the said Brockenbrough as Proctor of the Univer­ sity of Va doth agree to let the said Thorn and Chamberlain have the laying of the bricks of the Rotunda, the said Brockenbrough doth further agree to furnish the bricks, lime, Sand and scaffolding at the expence of the University of Va all of which is to be delivered at con­ venient distances from the building— The said Thorn and Chamberlain doth agree on their part to have the work done in the following manner, viz they are not to put in the wall any samel bricks, nor to use more than one bat to five whole bricks, the bricks to be layed in what is called flemish bond that is a header & Stretcher1 alternately, the walls to be solidly grouted from bottom to Top and in every course if deemed necessary by the Proctor with cement of a fourth lime and three fourths good pure sand, for the out­ side work the mortar to be made of a third lime and two thirds good sharp sand—The outside bricks to be of the best rubed stretchers and  433 

8 MARCH 1823

equal in quality and regular colour to the fronts of the Pavilions No 2 and 4 the Walls in all cases are to be run perfectly plum and true, under the penalty of being taken down and put up correctly by other persons at the expence of the said Thorn and Chamberlain if they object to doing it themselves and the waist of materials by said alter­ ation to be charged to them—the carpenters to have the right to ex­ amine into the correctness of the work as it goes on and to notify the Proctor if any thing be going on wrong in time for correction—but if any alteration is deemed necessary in any part of the brick work ex­ ecuted agreeable to the instructions of the carpenter or Proctor, then the said Thorn & Chamberlain is to be paid the full value of such alteration agreeable the prices of the other work—the said Thorn & Chamberlain is to put up all the necessary scaffolding for their work in a good & substancial manner which is to remain for the use of the Carpenters—they are to find the labourers to make up the mortar and attend the brick layers—for the brick‑work executed faithfully and agreeable to the foregoing Memoranda, the aforesaid A. S Brocken­ brough Proctor will pay unto the said Thorn & Chamberlain as the work progresses two dollars and seventy five cents for every2 thousand bricks in the said building measured as heretofore at this place that is3 with one half of the openings deducted from the solid contents—it is understood by the contracting parties that none but experienced and compitent workmen are to be employed in laying the bricks of this building—Witness our hands & seals this 8h day of   March One thousand eight hundred & twenty three—4 A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor⎬⎫ Seal ⎭  of the University of Va    A B Thorn Seal   Nathl Chamberlain A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor of the University of Va and A. B Thorn do hereby agree to the following articles Viz—The said Thorn is to superintend the making and burning the bricks for the Rotunda from the commencement of the making to the end at the rate of fifty dollars per month to see them properly killed & burned and before hand give the necessary instructions for the preperation of the yard witness our hands this 8th day of March—1823 A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor   A B Thorn MS (ViU: PP); written on a sheet folded to form four pages, with agreement with Thorn and Chamberlain on pp. 1–2,

second agreement with Thorn on p. 3, and docket by Brockenbrough on p. 4 reading “Contract of A. S. Brockenbrough Proc­

 434 

8 MARCH 1823 tor with Thorn & Chamberlain for Lay­ ing Brick of the Rotunda”; in Brocken­ brough’s hand, signed by Brockenbrough, Thorn, and Chamberlain. Enclosed in TJ to Brockenbrough, 12 Mar. 1823. Abia B. Thorn (1795–ca. 1835), brick mason, was born in Burlington, New Jer­ sey. He was among the Philadelphia work­ men recruited in 1819 to build the Uni­ versity of Virginia, and TJ praised his brickwork on the Rotunda when he left Charlottesville five years later. By 1825 Thorn worked as a bricklayer in New York City, and two years later he be­ came a member of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New‑­York. Thorn likely died in New York, where his wife remained after his death (PSC‑Hi: Chesterfield Monthly Meeting Records; note to University of Virginia Workmen to TJ, 9 Feb. 1820; TJ’s Rec­ ommendation of Thorn, 25 Sept. 1824; Longworth’s New York Directory [1825]: 415; [1835]: 645; [1836]: 654; Thomas Earle and Charles T. Congdon, eds., An‑ nals of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New‑York, from 1785 to 1880 [1882], 413). Nathaniel Chamberlain (1784–1848), brick mason, was a native of Salem, Mas­ sachusetts. He worked in Philadelphia before going to Charlottesville, where he  did brickwork for the University of Virginia Rotunda, 1823–25. In the latter year Chamberlain considered moving to New York, but he was still in Albemarle County at the beginning of 1827. He re­ turned to Salem by 1834, and in 1846 he became the superintendent overseeing con­ struction of the Beacon Hill Reservoir in Boston. Chamberlain died on a visit to Albemarle (Brockenbrough to TJ, [re­ ceived 19 Dec. 1822], and 21 Jan. 1825; petition of Albemarle Co. citizens to the General Assembly of Virginia, 17 Jan.

1827 [Vi: RG 78, Legislative Petitions, Albemarle Co.]; Memorial of Citizens of Salem, Massachusetts, In relation to the Currency. April 14, 1834 [23d Cong., 1st sess., Executive Documents, no. 327], 9; History of the Introduction of Pure Water into the City of Boston [1868], 101; Bos‑ ton Daily Atlas, 11 Mar. 1848; Albemarle Co. Will Book, 18:406; gravestone in­ scription in Lewis‑Clarkson family grave­ yard, Albemarle Co.). sharp sand is “hard, angular, gritty” (OED). A rubbed (rubed) brick is “a soft clay brick with a smooth polished surface, chiefly used for ornamental and high‑quality brickwork” (OED). killed: “kilned.” In an undated proposal made prior to this agreement, Thorn and Chamberlain offered to do the Rotunda’s stonework, laying the stone and grouting the walls at a rate of 75 cents per perch, with the stone, lime, and sand provided by the uni­ versity. They would perform the brick­ work, laying and grouting the walls for $2.75 per thousand bricks, with the bricks, lime, and sand also supplied to them. Thorn and Chamberlain would also fur­ nish the laborers and attendants and raise the scaffolding. In a subjoined proposal, for an additional $50 per month Thorn offered to oversee the requisite brick mak­ ing and provide the necessary instruc­ tions for preparing the yard (MS in ViU: PP; in an unidentified hand, signed by Thorn on behalf of himself and Chamber­ lain; endorsed by Brockenbrough: “Pro­ posals of Thorn & Chamberlain”). 1 Manuscript: 2  Preceding

“Strecher.” two words interlined in

place of “per.” 3 Preceding two words interlined. 4 Text from “Witness” to this point in a different ink.

 435 

From Creed Taylor Dear Sir, Richmond 8. Mar. 1823. Will you have the goodness to accept a copy of the journal of the law school; and believe me, when I assure you, how much gratified I should be, if the system should meet your approbation, and you would allow me, to make it known, through the medium of the press. Permit me, as one of your fellow citizens, to tender you, my most sincere thanks, for your unwearied exertions in the establishment of the University of Virginia, and for the prospect of its accomplishment. That you may long live, in the enjoyment of good health and hap­ piness, to witness its prosperity and benefits to the community, is the most sincere wish, dear Sir, of yours most respectfully, and truly. Creed Taylor RC (MHi); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson, Esquire, late president of the United states”; endorsed by TJ as re­ ceived 15 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Taylor, Journal of the Law‑School, and of the Moot‑Court At‑ tached To It, at Needham, in Virginia: with an Appendix, comprising a variety of precedents adapted to the proceedings of the courts, agreeably to the revised code, of 1819; and of the pleadings in law and eq‑ uity, with complete records thereof (Rich­ mond, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 10 [no. 585]). Creed Taylor (ca. 1767–1836), attor­ ney and public official, was born in Cum­ berland County, where he studied law in the county clerk’s office before beginning his own legal practice in 1791. Taylor represented Cumberland in the Virginia House of Delegates, 1788, and Amelia, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Nottoway, and Powhatan counties in the Senate of Vir­ ginia, 1798–1805, serving in the last two sessions as Speaker. A Republican who was a presidential elector for TJ in 1800, Taylor supported James Monroe in the presidential election of 1808, and he allied himself with John Randolph and John Taylor. He sat briefly on the General Court, 1805–06, and in the latter year he

became chancellor for the Richmond dis­ trict of the Superior Court of Chancery. In 1814 the Lynchburg district was added to his jurisdiction, and Taylor served as chancellor until the the court system was reorganized under the state constitution of 1831. He attended the Rockfish Gap Meeting in 1818 as a commissioner to help create the University of Virginia. In 1821 Taylor established a law school at Need­ ham, his Cumberland County estate, which lasted nearly a decade. He owned six slaves in 1810 and fifty‑eight in 1830. Taylor died at Needham (ANB; DAB; W. Ham­ ilton Bryson, ed., Legal Education in Vir‑ ginia, 1779–1979: A Biographical Approach [1982], 589–95; ViU: Taylor Papers; Leonard, General Assembly; Rockfish Gap Report of the University of Virginia Com­ missioners, 4 Aug. 1818, document 5 in a group of documents on The Founding of the University of Virginia: Rockfish Gap Meeting of the University of Virginia Com­ missioners, 1–4 Aug. 1818; DNA: RG 29, CS, Richmond, 1810, Cumberland Co., 1820, 1830; Richmond Enquirer, 28 Jan. 1836). On 21 Dec. 1822 Taylor sent a copy of the enclosed Journal to James Madi­ son (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 2:617–8).

 436 

To John A. Graham

[9 Mar. 1823]1

Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to mr Graham for the copy of his speech in Maxwell’s case which he has been so kind as to send him. he has read it with the pleasure which he2 recieves from every in­ stance of attention to the preservn of  3 our rights, and especially to the principles by which those of life are protected. mr Graham by his advocation of them in this case has deserved well of the whole family of mankind and as a member of it Th:J. tenders him his portion of the acknolmts due from his exertions Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39939); on verso of right half of reused address cover of James Madison to TJ, 10 Nov. 1821; undated; endorsed by TJ: “Graham John A. Mar. 9. 23.” Printed in Graham, The Report of Hiram Maxwell’s Case, decided at the City‑Hall of the City of ­ New‑York, On the 3d day of February, 1823; with the speech and doctrine advanced by

John A. Graham, LL. D. (New York, 1823), 27. 1 In Report of Hiram Maxwell’s Case there is a dateline at foot of this letter reading “Monticello, Mar. 9, ’23.” 2 TJ here canceled “always.” 3 Preceding three words interlined.

To Sidney E. Morse

Monticello Mar. 9. 23.

I thank you, Sir, for the copy of your geography which you have been so kind as to send me. I have examined the Statistical part to which you particularly refer my attention, and I find it truly a very valuable addition to the book, and constituting a convenient Reper­ tory of the matters of which tabular views are presented. there is yet one table which has never been given, and would be equally1 curious and interesting.2 it is that of the produce or exchangeable matter of each state respectively3 exported either to other states or to foreign countries. the tables pa. 624. 626. furnish some views towards it, but too general for special comparisons.4 In your list of colleges pa. 645. you have omitted that of William and Mary in Virginia, founded by the sovereigns of those names about 1692, and probably the most liberally endowed of  5 any one in the US. it is now much reduced by ill management of it’s funds,6 and less resorted to on account of climate. it has generally had from 60. to 80. students and has furnished constantly from it’s first institution it’s full quota of distinguished characters. You ask for such hints as I could furnish on the subject of these tables; but, good7 Sir, I am past that service. the torpitude of 80. years  437 

9 MARCH 1823

has relaxed the habits of research, and two crippled wrists render writing the most tedious and painful operation I can undertake. with my regrets therefore that I cannot be useful to you in this way be pleased to accept the assurance of my esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ViW: TC‑JP); addressed: “Mr Sidney Morse Newhaven”; franked; post­ marked; endorsed by Morse. Dft (CSmH: JF‑BA); on verso of bottom half of re­ used address cover of John Griffiths to TJ, 13 Aug. 1821; undated; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 9 Mar. 1823. The tables pa. 624. 626. of Morse’s A New System of Modern Geography (Bos­ ton, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 7 [no. 311]) gave the “Exports and Ship­ ping of each state” and a “List of Articles Exported.”

1 Word

interlined in Dft. interlined in Dft in place of “satisfactory.” 3  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft. 4  Reworked in Dft from “for the special objects in view.” 5  Manuscript: “of of.” 6  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft. 7  Word interlined in Dft in place of “Dear.” 2  Word

To Peter Perpignan

Monticello Mar. 9. 23.

Th Jefferson returns his thanks to mr Perpignan for the miniature1 likeness of Genl Washington, which he has been so kind as to send him. it’s motto may truly be multum in parvo, as presenting the great­ est man in the world2 within the smallest compass, and condensing within it the faithful expression of his countenance. Th:J. with his thanks requests mr Perpignan to accept his respectful salutations. RC (CLjC, 2002); dateline at foot of text; addressed: “Mr Peter Perpignan Philadelphia”; franked; postmarked Char­ lottesville, 14 Mar. Dft (DLC); on verso of top half of reused address cover of John

Griffiths to TJ, 13 Aug. 1821; undated; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 9 Mar. 1823. 1 Word

interlined in Dft. in Dft from “as giving us the greatest man who has ever lived.” 2 Reworked

From John Adams Dear Sir. Quincy1 March 10th 1823 The sight of your well known hand writing in your favour of 25. Feb. last, gave me great pleasure, as it proved your arm to be restored and your pen still manageable—may it continue till you shall become as perfect a calvinist as I am in one particular. Poor Calvins infirmities his rheumatism his gouts and sciatics made him frequently cry out  438 

10 MARCH 1823

Mon dieu Jusque au quand Lord how long! Prat once Chief Justice of new york always tormented with infirmities dreamt that he was situated on a single rock in the midst of the Atlantick ocean, He heard a voice. “Why mourns the bard Apollo bids thee2 rise, renounce the dust,3 and claim thy native skies.”— The Ladies visit to monticello has put my readers in requisition4 to read to me Simons travels in Switzerland, I thought I had some knowledge of that country before, but I find I had no idea of it. How degenerated are the Swiss—They might defend their country against France, Austria, and Russia—neither of whom ought to be suffered to march armies over their Mountains—Those powers have practised as much tyranny5 and immorality as ever the Emperor Napoleon did over them or over the Royalists6 of Germany or Italy. neither Fran[c]e Austria or Spain ought to have a foot of land in Italy— All conquerors are alike. Every one of them. “Jura negat sibi lata nihil non7 arrogat armis.”8 We have nothing but fables concerning Theseus Bacchus and Hercules and even Sesostris, but I dare say that every one of them was as tyranical and immoral as Napoleon,— Nebuchandnezzar is the first great conqueror of whom we have any thing like history and he was as great as any of them. Alexander and Cesar were more immoral than Napoleon—Genghis9 Kan was as great a conqueror as any of them and destroyed as many millions of lives and thought he had a right to the whole globe if he could subdue it— What are we to think of the crusades in which three millions of lives at least were probably sacrificed10—and what right had St Louis and Richard Coeur de Lion to Palestine and Syria more than Alexander to India, as Napoleon to Egypt and Italy. Right and justice have hard fare in this World, but there is a power above who is capable, and willing to put all things right in the end, et pour mettre chacun a sa place dans l’Universe and I doubt not he will Mr English a Bostonian has published a volume of his expedition with Ishmael Pashaw up the river Nile. He advanced above the third Cataract and opens a prospect of a resurrection from the dead of those vast and ancient Countries of Abyssinia and Ethiopia.11 A free com­ munication with India and the river Niger and the City of Tombuctou. This however is conjecture and speculation rather than certainty— but a free communication by land between Europe and India will e’re long be opened—A few American steam boats, and our Quincy Stone Cutters would soon make the Nile as navigable as our Hudson Po­ tomac or Missisippi. you see as my reason and intellect fails my imag­ ination grows more wild and ungovernable, but my friendship remains the same—   Adieu John Adams  by proxy  439 

10 MARCH 1823  RC (DLC); entirely in Louisa C. Smith’s hand; mutilated; endorsed by TJ as re­ ceived 22 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Thomas Carstairs, 13 Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed in Smith’s hand: “Thomas Jefferson Late President of the US Monticello Virginia”; franked; post­ marked Quincy, 12 Mar. FC (Lb in MHi: Adams Papers); in William Smith Shaw’s hand, with final paragraph in an uniden­ tified hand; dated 9 Mar. 1823. In his diary in February 1763, Adams recorded the quoted rhyme from Benja­ min Prat’s dream that he was situated on a single rock (Lyman H. Butter­ field and others, eds., Diary and Auto­ biography of John Adams [1961], 1:241). simons travels in switzerland: Louis Simond, Switzerland; or, a journal of a Tour and Residence in that country, in the Years 1817, 1818, and 1819, 2 vols. (London and Boston, 1822). jura negat sibi lata nihil non ar‑ rogat armis: “he denies that laws were enacted for him, he makes all his claims

by warring,” from a variant text of Hor­ ace, Ars Poetica, 122 (Fairclough, Horace: Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica, 460–1). et pour mettre chacun a sa place dans l’universe: “and to put everyone in their place in the universe.” The work by George Bethune english was A Nar‑ rative of the Expedition to Dongola and Sennaar, under the command of his Excel‑ lence Ismael Pasha (London, 1822; repr. Boston, 1823). 1

 FC: “Montezelo.”  RC: “the.” FC: “thee.” 3  FC: “dirt.” 4  RC: “requsition.” FC: “requisition.” 5  RC: “tyrrany.” FC: “tyranny.” 6  FC: “Roytelets” [i.e., “roitelets”: minor or insignificant kings (OED)], with “quer” added in margin in a different hand. 7  RC: “non non.” Word not repeated in FC. 8  Omitted closing quotation mark edi­ torially supplied. 9  RC: “Zingis.” FC: “Genghis.” 10  RC: “sacreficed.” FC: “sacrificed.” 11  RC: “Etheopia.” FC: “Ethiopia.” 2

From Thomas J. O’Flaherty Venerable and Rappahannock Academy. Caroline. Patriotic Sage,  10th March 1823. Your cooperative and successful efforts in procuring happiness not only for the present, but future generation of this Mighty Republic are encircled with immortal honours. Your triumphant exertions in erecting the house of mental illumination on the mountain‑top will throw a light on the unborn sons of Virginia and direct and compel them to associate with the name of Jefferson every thing Patriotic, Enlightened and Great. In the proper organization of this nursery of Genius what may not she expect? She will at length have the happy opportunity of condensing her re­ sources, of preserving her domestic and public features, and of con­ tinuing to be, like some of her Sons, the first in War, in Peace, and in the Affection of the Sisterhood. Fortunate are they, who will be raised to the enviable station of infusing into the minds of her children the varied lights of Science and of Truth. Contented must be even the unsuccessful Candidates, by the reflection that others have been found,  440 

10 MARCH 1823

more worthy and better qualified than they. Will be deemed unsea­ sonable if I enter the list, as Candidate for the Professorship of Lan­ guages? I should have had the honour of an interview, with you, had my duties, as Principal of this Institution permitted. As this honour is, at present, denied me, I herewith send for your inspection a few documents relative to my views. Hoping to be honoured with an answer from you, I am, Venerable and Patriotic Sage, with sentiments of profound respect, your obedient humble servant Thomas J OFlaherty RC (ViU: TJP); written on a sheet folded to form four pages, with enclosures on pp. 1–2, letter on p. 3, and address on p. 4; dateline at foot of text; addressed: “Thomo Jefferson Civitatum fœdere po­ pulari Conjunctarum Ante‑præsidi, hanc epistolam D.D.D Auctor” (“The author gave and dedicated this letter to Thomas Jefferson, former president of the states joined by a popular pact”); endorsed by TJ as received 13 Mar. 1823 and so re­ corded in SJL. Enclosed in TJ to James Madison, 14 Mar. 1823, and Madison to TJ, 21 Mar. 1823. Thomas John O’Flaherty (ca. 1801– 46), educator and Catholic clergyman, was born in County Kerry, Ireland. Having been educated in Ireland and France, he moved around 1820 to Virginia, where he was principal of the Rumford Academy in King William County and the Rappa­ hannock Academy in Caroline County be­ fore conducting his own classical school in Richmond in 1823. O’Flaherty gradu­ ated from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1828. He decided not to practice medicine, moving instead to Boston and soon being ordained into the Catholic priesthood. O’Flaherty coedited the Jesuit or Catholic Sentinel, a weekly journal in Boston, 1829–33, and became diocesan vicar general in 1830. After spending seven years in Ireland, he re­ turned to Boston and officiated at Saint Mary’s Church, 1840–42. Due to a fac­ tional dispute with his co‑pastor, in the latter year O’Flaherty transferred to Saint

Mary’s Church in Salem, where he died (Robert H. Lord, John E. Sexton, and Edward T. Harrington, History of the Arch‑ diocese of Boston [1944–45], 2:49, 198– 200, 267, 273–4, 301–6; Richmond En‑ quirer, 28 Dec. 1820, 16 Sept., 24 Oct. 1823; Washington Daily National Intel‑ ligencer, 11 Feb. 1822; George M. Gould, ed., The Jefferson Medical College of Phil‑ adelphia [1904], 2:82; Boston Daily Atlas, 31 Mar. 1846; Boston Emancipator, 8 Apr. 1846; O’Flaherty’s will in Essex Co., Mass., probate records, vol. 413, book 113, pp. 347–8). house of mental illumination: the University of Virginia. first in war: O’Flaherty is evoking the famous de­ scription by Henry Lee (1756–1818) of George Washington as “First in war— first in peace—and first in the hearts of his countrymen” (Lee, A Funeral Ora‑ tion, on the death of General Washington, delivered in the German Lutheran Church, Philadelphia: at the request of Congress, on the twenty‑sixth of December, 1799 [Phila­ delphia: John Ormrod, 1800], 16). In ad­ dition to the demonstrations of skills in Greek, Latin, and French printed below, the few documents enclosed here also included a letter by Robert S. Garnett, another by Thomas Cooper, and two let­ ters by O’Flaherty to which these were probably replies, with one or more of these otherwise unidentified documents prob­ ably among those sent to TJ by James Monroe on 12 Jan. 1824 and described there.

 441 

e n c l o s u r e s

I Thomas J. O’Flaherty’s Demonstration of His Skill in Greek Ω Πατερ Αιδοιε, ος Δημοκρατιαν Μεγαλην, ουκ επιεικτην συνεθεμελιωσας/ [ca. 10 Mar. 1823] Αθηναιον Ουιργινιανον δια της επιμελειας σης ῳκοδομεμενον, και εν βραχιστῳ ανεῳχθησομενον επιγηθεω ιδειν. Παντες ουν συνειρομεν, χαιρετε δωματα καλα ταων Μουσαων Ολυμπιαων, εν αις Εθεα αγαθα, και Ευφυïα υπερ τους θρονους συγκαθιζομενα κυριευσουσι. Μακαρτατοι δηλαδη και τιμηθεντες1 εσονται οι Καθηγηται Αθηναιου τουτου, εν τοις Επισκοποις αυτου γαρ αριθμησονται ανδρες ευδοκιμοι δε σεβαϛοι, μαλιστα δε Θωμας Ιεφφερσον και Ιακωβος Μαδισον. Της Ἵβερνιας Δημοκρατικος οζος, ος εγω ειμι, λιαν μεν γε βουλοιμην εν ταυτῳ Αθηναιῳ Διδαςκαλος ειναι. Φυλακτηρ’ Αμερικης ῳϊδε τοσσα μεμηλε Συμβουλον αγαθον δε μεγαν, εν γραμμασι μακροις Ει κατεχω, επι κοινον πραγματα κακα φεροιμι Ιεφφερσονε Πρεσβυτα σου κλεος ουποτ’ ολειται. Επιστολην εμοι εγραψε Θωμας Κοοπερ, ανηρ πεπαιδευμενος, Επιστατης δ’ Αθηναιου του εν τῃ Καρωλινᾳ Μεσημβρινῃ, και εμοι δοκει την Καθεδραν της Φωνης Ἕλληνικης και Ρωμαïκης εν αυτῳ με σχησειν. Προαιροιμην μεντοι εν τῳ Ὕμετερῳ, ει δυνατον εστι, τινα δεχεσθαι. Επιστολας τεσσαρας ταυτην ακολουθησασας, απο Ροβερτου Γαρνεττ, της Ουιργιανας, ανδρος αγαθου, και εν γραμμασι ασκεθεντος, δε Θωμου Κοοπερ, και εμου γεγραμμενας αναγινωςκειν σοι πεμπω. Ειπω σοι χαιρειν και της Ὕγιειας ες μακρον απολαυειν Θωμας Ιωαννης Ω Φλαερτυ e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

O Revered Father, Who Helped Lay the Foundation of a Great, Unyielding Democracy/ [ca. 10 Mar. 1823] I am delighted to see that the University of Virginia has been built through your care and will open very shortly. Together we all say: Hail, fair houses of the Olympian Muses, in which good habits and natural character, sitting to­ gether on their thrones, will have authority. The professors of this University will clearly be most blessed and honored, for numbered among its overseers will be renowned and venerable men, especially Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. As the democratic scion of Ireland that I am, I would like very much to be a teacher in this University. If I detain the guardian of America, who has so many concerns, A good and great adviser, in long letters, May I bear difficult troubles for the common good— Aged Jefferson, your fame will never perish. Thomas Cooper, an educated man and president of the University in South Carolina, wrote a letter to me, and I think that I will get the chair of Greek

 442 

10 MARCH 1823 and Latin language in it. However, I would prefer, if it is possible, to accept one in your University. Following this one I send four letters for you to read, written by Robert Garnett, of Virginia, a good man and practiced in letters, and Thomas Cooper, and myself. May you fare well and enjoy health for a long time Thomas J. O’Flaherty MS (ViU: TJP); in O’Flaherty’s hand; undated; conjoined with covering letter, with second and third enclosure sub­ joined. Translation by Dr. Coulter George.

The quatrain in this text is an attempt to write in the dactylic hexameter of Ho­ meric poetry. 1

 Manuscript: “τιμεντες.”

II Thomas J. O’Flaherty’s Demonstration of His Skill in Latin Reipublicæ Magnæ atque Potentis Fundator, Paterque Conscripte) [ca. 10 Mar. 1823] Athenæum Virginianum tuo sub præsidio locatum, ædificatum inque usum brevi venturum, magnopere lætor videre. Ingenii Cunabulum, Legum Morumque tutamen nemo qui non salvet. Beati terque felices formandis Ju­ venum animis, Te atque Jacobo Madison auspicibus, operam qui navant. Hiberniâ natum reique Popularis rite clientem, valdeque tenacem. Professo­ ris Linguarum munus in eo implendi magna me tenet cupido. Examen insti­ tui morum animique dotum, quæ ad occupandam Institutoris sedem sunt necessariæ uolo. In præsens autem verbis Poëtæ, pace tuâ, parce detortis utar. Cum tot sustineas et tanta negotia Æger Americæ vigiles in publica commoda peccem Si longo sermone morer tua tempora, Pater. Literis quæ hanc comitantur oculos intendas te precor; epistolam ibi invenies mihi missam a Thomâ Cooper, Collegii Columbiani, in Carolinâ Meridionali Præside, quæ spes Subgratas mihi præbet. Ratione verò in Virginiâ primùm me Academiæ fuisse Præsidem, in hâcqùe Civitate spiritum efflare velle, cæteris paribus, habitâ, vivam obeamque contentus, sede dictâ haud jam donata, ejus si munia inire potero. Hanc si non feram magnis tamen excidam ausis. Mihi rescribas litterasque huic inclusas remittas oratus. Semper honos no­ menque tuum laudesque manebunt mecum, Servo tuo obedientissimo devinctissimoque Thomâ J. O’Flaherty e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

O founder and senator of the great and powerful republic) [ca. 10 Mar. 1823] I greatly rejoice to see the Athenaeum of Virginia contracted, built, and about to come into use in a short while under your guardianship. There is no one who would not preserve the cradle of genius, the protection of the laws

 443 

10 MARCH 1823 and customs. Blessed and three times happy are those who devote themselves to forming the minds of young men under the auspices of you and James Madison. I am gripped by a great desire of filling its professorship of lan­ guages, I who was born in Ireland and am duly a client of the people’s en­ terprise and exceedingly steadfast. I wish to undergo an examination of the character and qualities of mind that are necessary for occupying the post of instructor. However, for the present, with your permission, let me use the words of the poet, contorted somewhat. Since you bear the weight of so many and such great duties while sick, And are vigilant for America, I would offend against the public interests If I were to waste your time with a lengthy discourse, o father. I beg you to direct your eyes to the letter which accompanies this; with it you will find a letter sent to me by Thomas Cooper, president of the college at Columbia in South Carolina, a letter which offers me somewhat welcome hopes. If indeed it has been considered that in Virginia I was the first presi­ dent of the Academy, and that I wish to spend my last breath in this state, all other things being equal, I would live and die content, even though the position mentioned has not now been granted, if I shall enter upon its du­ ties. If I do not acquire this, I will nevertheless have fallen short of a great venture. Write back to me and, as I request, send me back the letter included with this one, Your most obedient and most devoted servant Thomas J. O’Flaherty MS (ViU: TJP); in O’Flaherty’s hand; undated; subjoined to preceding enclosure and with following enclosure subjoined. Translation by Dr. John F. Miller. cum tot sustineas .  .  . tua tem‑ pora, pater: O’Flaherty here adapts the opening lines of Horace, Epistles, 2.1.1–4, “Cum tot sustineas et tanta negotia solus, res Italas armis tuteris, moribus ornes, legi­

bus emendes, in publica commoda peccem, si longo sermone morer tua tempora, Caesar” (“Seeing that you alone carry the weight of so many great charges, guard­ ing our Italian state with arms, gracing her with morals, and reforming her with laws, I should sin against the public weal if with long talk, O Caesar, I were to delay your busy hours”) (Fairclough, Horace: Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica, 396–7).

III Thomas J. O’Flaherty’s Demonstration of his Skill in French Grande appui de cette Puissante République) [ca. 10 Mar. 1823] Il me fait beaucoup de plaisir de voir l’Université, sous vos auspices tirer à sa dernière perfection. L’organisation interieure en doit bientôt arriver. Dans cet Établissement on voit le foyer du Gènie. Que tous ceux sont heureux, qui sous votre surintendance, et celle du Grand Madison seront employés de pètrir les mœurs et les esprits des Élèves! Que Je voudrais être du nombre des Professeurs qui doivent être distingués par ces fonctions honorables. Si les qualités qui sont necessaires pour prendre la chaise de Professeur de

 444 

10 MARCH 1823 Langues ne me manquent, rien ne pourra m’inspirer plus de bonheur et de reconnaissance que d’y être élevé. J’ai l’honneur de transmettre sous enve­ loppe quatre lettres, que vous aurez la bonté de me remettre le plutôt qu’il vous sera convenable. Il y en a une, écrite par Monsr Robert S. Garnett, une par Monsr Thomas Cooper, Président du College de la Caroline du Sud, et les deux autres par moi même. En cas que cette place ne soit pas encore en­ gagée, ayez la complaisance de m’en avertir. Daignez accepter, Monsieur, l’estime la plus profonde que J’ai pour vous, et pour les qualités que viennent de vous éterniser. Étant avec considération parfaite votre très obéissant Serviteur Thomas J. OFlaherty e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

Mighty support of this Powerful Republic) [ca. 10 Mar. 1823] It gives me great pleasure to see the University under your auspices near­ ing its utmost perfection. The internal organization will soon be arrived at. In this establishment we see the crucible of genius. May all be happy who, under your superintendence and that of the great Madison, will be employed to mold the morals and minds of the students! How I would like to be among the professors who shall be distinguished by these honorable functions. If I possess the qualities needed to assume the chair of professor of languages, nothing would inspire me with more happiness and gratitude than being elevated to that position. I have the honor to transmit four letters in an enve­ lope, which you will be so kind as to return to me as soon as possible. One is written by Mr. Robert S. Garnett, another by Mr. Thomas Cooper, president of South Carolina College, and the remaining two by myself. If this post is not yet pledged, please be so kind as to let me know. Deign to accept, Sir, my deepest esteem for you and for the qualities that have assured you a place in eternity. Being with perfect consideration your most obedient servant Thomas J. OFlaherty MS (ViU: TJP); in O’Flaherty’s hand; undated; subjoined to first and second en­ closure. Translation by Dr. Roland H. Simon.

From James Pleasants Dear Sir, Richmond 10th March 1823 th Yours of the 5 inst: reached me last evening. I enclose to you a sketch (cut from a newspaper) of certain acts passed at the late ses­ sion. Among them you will observe one relating to the subject of your letter. Mr Cabell mentioned to me during the session the circumstance of r m Johnson’s commission as a visitor having expired by failure to attend two meetings, and requested that he might be reappointed. I stated to him the probability that the law or some regulation of the  445 

10 MARCH 1823

corporation had pointed out some method by which cases of the kind should be made known to the executive. He said he would enquire further & let me know. He did not do so, & understanding a day or two before the adjournment of the Legislature that mr C. had left town, I applied to mr Johnson, who pointed out to me the provision contained in the new act; the one you will find in the enclosed sketch. I am with highest respect, James Pleasants jr RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ as received 13 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. The enclosed sketch of recently passed state legislation from a newspaper was

likely that printed in the Richmond En‑ quirer on 25 Feb. 1823. It included the one relating to the subject of your let‑ ter, for which see Joseph C. Cabell to TJ, 26 Feb. 1823, and note.

From Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir, University of Va March 11h 1823 I enclose you a contract entered into between myself as Proctor of the U. Va and Dinsmore & Neilson subject to your approval—I have adopted this plan for several reasons, I found great difficulty in fixing the prices of a great portion of the work, to fix the prices of a few items only, would be almost giving them their own prices for the bal­ ance, for a great part could not be correctly settled at this time, and again giving them that part would prevent any competition hereafter, and contracts should be made for lumber without delay for the roof &c—this plan has advantages over any other in my opinion, for it ensures the faithful performance of the work, by men competent to the task, whereas if it had have been undertaken even by the same persons by the job1 they must have made very large calculations or hazarded too much for their safety, any alterations that might have2 been hereafter made would be attended with considerable loss to the institution, and again I believe that Carpenters work is executed in Philadelphia at 10 or 15 percent below the book of Prices—The work perhaps might have been let for less money than it will cost agreeable to this contract, but sir it would not have been done as faithfuly as I now think it will be there will [be]3 an expence of some few hundred dollars in the measuring charges but not equal to the saving in the percentage below the book of prices, and there will be no difficulty in settling the Bill—I shall be happy to hear you are satisfied with the arrangement entered into with Messrs Dinsmore & Neilson— I have made one other contract, with Wm B Phillips for 400,000 hard bricks to be taken from the kiln at $4.50 per thousand—one hundred  446 

11 MARCH 1823

& twenty thousand of which will be ready by the time the weather will permit their being layed, so that I think we shall make an early start at the work— I am Sir most respectfully your obt sevt A. S. Brockenbrough P.S. If you think any alteration necessary in the enclosed contract you will please give it me in writing A. S B— RC (ViU: TJP); endorsed by TJ as a letter of 12 Mar. 1823. Recorded in SJL as a letter of 11 Mar. 1823 received the day it was written.

1

 Preceding three words interlined.  Word added in margin, with succeed­ ing word editorially altered from “be.” 3  Omitted word editorially supplied. 2

e n c l o s u r e

Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Agreement with James Dinsmore and John Neilson for Carpentry and Joining for the University of Virginia Rotunda We, Arthur S Brockenbrough Proctor acting for and in behalf of the Univer­ sity of Virginia on the one part, and James Dinsmore and John Neilson for themselves on the other part, do hereby enter into the following articles of agreement—Viz 1st A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor agrees that the said Dins­ more & Neilson may do the following parts of the Carpenters and Joiners work of the Rotunda. Viz, All the Window frames & sashes, the two princi­ pal floors, the out side doors including the outside finishing, the staircases, all the centers for the brick work, the framing of the roof and sheeting, The portico framing & sheeting the Corinthian entablature all round complete— the Base & Cornice of the attic, the steping on the roof, the wood bricks and bond timbers &c that may be required hereafter for the finishing of the inside work, all to be executed in the best and most substantial manner—2nd The materials for the above named work to be furnished at the expence of the University—3rd The bills of Lumber to be made out by Dinsmore & Neilson and they to contract for the same on the best possible terms, to have the same well seasoned before it’s used, to take care of the same and see that there is no unnecessary waste—the Proctor to be furnished with1 a copy of all the bills of lumber contracted for, as well as for bills of other articles that will be required for the said work 4th the brick‑work to be layed off at the com­ mencement by the said Dinsmore & Neilson and they are to examine the correctness of it as it progresses, and if not done agreeable to their directions to notify the Proctor in time for correction, but if any part of the brick work done agreeable to the directions of the said Dinsmore & Neilson or either of them, should be found wrong, they the said Dinsmore & Neilson must pay for the necessary alteration of the brick work including the loss of materials & labour—5th The prices of the aforesaid Carpenters work to be governed by the average2 prices of work in Philadelphia undertaken between the time of

 447 

11 MARCH 1823 signing this contract and the completion of the work3 to be assertained in the following manner We are mutually to agree on two Philadelphia measurers to come on and measure the work, the prices for which shall be fixed agree­ able to the present prices of work in Philadelphia that is at the percentages above or below their price Book, for all work not embraced in the said Book, they shall be guided by what they shall deem justice to both parties—6th Money to be paid from time to time as the work progresses say   Dollars per month for each good hand employed on the said building including the undertakers—the Balance of the Bill at the completion4 of the work—each party to pay an equal proportion of the measuring charges—this contract to be null & void untill approved by the Rector of the University of Virginia, Witness our hands and seals this 11th day of March One thousand eight hun­ dred & twenty three A. S. Brockenbrough Proctor Seal acting for the University Va   Jas Dinsmore Seal Test John Neilson Seal  John M Perry MS (ViU: TJP); in Brockenbrough’s hand, signed by him, Dinsmore, Neilson, and Perry; endorsed by Brockenbrough: “Brockenbrough A S. Proctor with Dins­ more & Neilson for the work of the Ro­ tunda.” Also enclosed in TJ to Brocken­ brough, 12 Mar. 1823.

1

 Manuscript: “will.”  Word interlined. 3  Reworked from “undertaken about the time of signing this contract.” 4  Manuscript: “completin.” 2

From Benjamin Tasker Dulany Bensfield March 11th 1823 Respected Sir.  chs County Maryland. An unfortunate Man who is a total Stranger to you, but who is nevertheless acquainted with your Character and your worth, has prevail’ d upon himself with much difficulty (and he fears it may be thought with much presumption) to solicit a Loan of $1000 on good Security for 12 Months. In making this entreaty he cannot but be aware that he shall create surprise, and perhaps suspicion,—He re­ grets it, they are unpleasant feelings; and he has no right to occasion them, sed, “Res dura, et conditionis novitas illum talia cogunt moli­ mine„. Adversity has forced him to Solicit this Loan, and although he believes he entreats it from One1 of the best of Men, it is still coercion,—’tis the first pecuniary favour he ever askd though he has been for more than Ten years struggling ag st the Storms of fate and reduced a debt of considerable magnitude to $1800—Comparatively small as this sum is such is the pressure of the Times that he cannot raise it in time to save his few remaining slaves from the persecution  448 

11 MARCH 1823

of his Creditors—, This never happened yet, it will be a new era in my life, to see my property sold by the sheriff to satisfy my Creditors who are not ignorant of my industrious efforts, nor of the misfortunes I have met with,—My Houses consumed by fire, and more than two thirds of my Blacks cut off by Death,—apprised as they are of my Losses what can I urge in my behalf that wd awaken their sympathy—? They also know that I have a number of children, and that I have a Son at this time a wandering maniac, a Youth of great promise at the time he was stationed at Pensacola where he became deranged—my expenses have not been small in endeavouring to restore this unfortu­ nate Boy. The Subject has become painful & I feel too much agitated to trespass longer, I shall therefore conclude this Letter by assuring you that I am in distress, & that should you feel disposed to lend me succour yr Benevolence shall be requited not only by the gratitude and thanks of an unfortunate family, but by their promptitude in re­ storing the Loan. With the highest consideration & respect I am Dr sir yr Obt servt Benjn Taskr Dulany NB. My Character and my circumstances I believe (notwithstanding the retired life I have led) is known in the district of Columbia, Genl Jno Masson once knew me well, but I am now at the foot of Ladder & he is upon the summit. RC (MHi); postscript written perpen­ dicularly at foot of text; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Alexan­ dria, 17 Mar.; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 4 Mar. 1823 from “Dulany Benj. Tas­ coe” received 23 Mar. 1823 and so re­ corded in SJL. Benjamin Tasker Dulany (d. 1835) was the eldest child of Elizabeth French Dulany, who was a ward of George Wash­ ington when she married Dulany’s name­ sake father in 1773, after which the cou­ ple moved to Maryland. Dulany owned twenty‑three slaves in Charles County, Maryland, in 1810, twenty‑one a decade later, and seventeen in 1830. He died in Charles County (Benjamin Lewis Du­

laney, Something About the Dulaney (Du‑ lany) Family [(1921)], 42; Washington, Papers, Colonial Ser., 9:178; DNA: RG 29, CS, Md., Charles Co., 1810–30; Alex‑ andria Phenix Gazette, 12 Dec. 1826; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 19 Oct. 1835). sed is Latin for “but.” res dura, et conditionis novitas illum talia co‑ gunt molimine (“Stern necessity and the rare circumstance force him to ex­ pend his effort on such things”) is a vari­ ant of “res dura et regni novitas me talia cogunt moliri” (“Stern necessity and the new estate of my kingdom force me to do such hard deeds”) from Virgil’s Aeneid, 1.563–4 (Fairclough, Virgil, 1:300–1). 1 Manuscript:

 449 

“Once.”

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir Monticello Mar. 12. 23. I return you the contract with Dinsmore & Nelson which I approve of for the strong reasons assigned in your letter. I think my Col­ leagues, as well as myself are very desirous of being able at certain stages of the work to ascertain the exact state of our funds, that we may stop where they fail. the having to bring measurers from Phila­ delphia may be some obstruction to that. but I presume we may here­ after find means of effecting that I return you also the contract with Thorn & Chamberlain1 and sa­ lute you with friendship and respect Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); addressed (trimmed): “Mr B[rockenbrough] [.  .  .]”; endorsed by Brockenbrough. FC (ViU: TJP); written in TJ’s hand on a half sheet; undated; mutilated; endorsed by TJ (corner torn): “Brockenbrough A. S. Mar. 12. 2[3.]”; with page numbers 624 and 626 and the year 1692 written by TJ on verso, related to his 9 Mar. 1823 letter

to Sidney E. Morse. Enclosures: (1) en­ closure to Brockenbrough to TJ, 11 Mar. 1823. (2) Brockenbrough’s Agreement with Abia B. Thorn and Nathaniel Cham­ berlain for Brickwork for the University of Virginia Rotunda, 8 Mar. 1823. 1  Word interlined in FC in place of “Chandler.”

From Thomas Cooper Dear Sir March 12. 1823 Columbia south Carolina I sent you last winter two printed copies of the report of the legisla­ tive committee on the affairs of the College, unanimously adopted by the house. I sent them, because every public testimony in my favour, tends to justify your former kind recommendation of me to the Visi­ tors of your University. I hope that report will serve as sufficient proof that you were not mistaken, the clergy notwithstanding. I am in hopes I shall keep them under subjection here. I send you a new edition of our laws which the Trustees have put forth, with a few remarks of my own in the margin. It will furnish you with hints and suggestions, for your own Institution. Pray in­ form me how that goes on; & when and in what manner you com­ mence operations. I am with the sincerest respect Dear Sir Your affectionate friend Thomas Cooper MD RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 23 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with notations by TJ beneath endorse­ ment related to his 12 Apr. 1823 reply

to Cooper: “pamphl  Univty  Divinity schools.” Enclosure: Laws of the College of South‑Carolina (Columbia, 1823; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 6 [no. 226]; TJ’s copy

 450 

12 MARCH 1823 in DLC: Rare Book and Special Collec­ tions), trimmed, causing the loss of por­ tions of Cooper’s handwritten comments on, and proposed amendments to the reg­ ulations, with these suggestions includ­ ing elimination of teaching the evidences of Christianity; permission for students to board off campus, since “There can be no steward with whom they will not contrive to quarrel” (p. 10); an end to a rule against students combining together to oppose the faculty’s authority, which was unen­ forceable, since the students “are all mu­ tually sworn never to give informa[tion] against each other” (p. 13); statements that

the faculty did not have time to adhere to a rule that they monitor the expenses of each student, that another prohibiting unauthorized meetings of students was “Impossible to be executed,” and that a prescribed student dress code “Will not [be] complied with” (p. 15); the view that a plan to provide public recognition of the most learned and best‑behaved stu­ dents would be a “perpetual [so]urce of [je]alousy [and] suspicion of the faculty” and “will not be considered as an hon­ our” (p. 16); and the belief that the faculty should be authorized to expel wayward students.

To George Loyall Dr Sir [12 Mar. 1823] Since the reciept of your favor of Feb. 13. and of mr Cabell’s ap­ proving the acceptance of the late loan to the Univy I have recd like approbns from mr Madison, Generals Cocke & Breckenridge.1 I con­ sequently authorised the Proctor to engage & commence the work. Genl Cocke, with his approbn expressed a wish that the whole building might be let to an Undertaker, so that we should know with absolute certainty it’s cost, but this mr Brockenbrough found impossible. we have no workmen of capital sfft for so large an undertaking,2 and mr B. assigned other decisive reasons agt it in which I concurred. his contracts I think ensure us the most reasonable terms for which the work can be substantially3 done. all this will be a subject of explana­ tion when we have the pleasure of seeing you in April. I hope you will do me the favor of making Monticello your head quarters. the stage passes regularly at the foot of the hill, & when not much loadd will come by our door. our brethren4 are generally so kind as to come here the day before. this gives us time to talk over our business more lei­ surely, and we go the next day to the Univty to sign our proceedings for form sake. in the hope therefore of recieving you here a day or two beforehand at your convenience (the stage arriving on Saturday)5 I pray you to accept the assuran[c]e of my great esteem & respect. Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39944); on verso of portion of reused address cover; undated; one word faint; endorsed by TJ: “Loyall George Mar. 12. 23.” 1 Manuscript:

“Brackenridge.”

2  Preceding four words interlined in place of “that.” 3 Manuscript: “substatially.” 4  Preceding two words interlined in place of “the Visitors.” 5 Parenthetical phrase interlined.

 451 

To University of Virginia Board of Visitors Dear Sir Monticello. March 12. 23 Having received from all our brethren approbations of the loan, I authorised Mr Brockenbrough to engage the work of the Rotunda,1 and have it commenced immediately. we had only two bricklayers and two carpenters capable of executing it with solidity and correct­ ness; these had not capital sufficient for so great an undertaking, nor would they have risked their little all but for a great advance on the estimated cost, probably 50. per cent. for this reason and others very decisive Mr Brockenbrough declined that mode of engagement, and on consideration of his reasons I approved of them. he has engaged Thorn and Chamberlain for the brickwork, and Dinsmore & Nelson for the roof and carpenter’s work, on terms which I think will make our money go the farthest possible, for good work; and his engage­ ment is only for the hull compleat. that done, we can pay for it, see the state of our funds and engage2 a portion of the inside‑work so as to stop where our funds may fail, should they fail before it’s entire completion. there it may rest ever so long, be used, and not delay the opening of the institution, the work will occupy three years. all this will be more fully explained at our meeting and will I hope receive your approbation. I shall hope to see you at Monticello the day before at least.3 Accept the assurance of my friendly esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); in Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge)’s hand, signed by TJ; ad­ dressed by TJ: “Joseph C. Cabell esq. Wil­ liamsburg”; franked; postmarked Char­ lottesville, 13 Mar.; endorsed by Cabell as answered 24 Mar. 1823. RC (ViU: TJP); in Virginia J. Randolph (Trist)’s hand, signed by TJ; addressed by TJ: “General John H. Cocke Bremo. Fluvanna to the care of W. M. Cary esq. [i.e., Miles Cary] near Wilmington Fluvanna”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 13 Mar.; en­ dorsed by Cocke as received 25 Mar. 1823. RC (DLC: James Madison Papers);

in Mary J. Randolph’s hand, signed by TJ. RC (MiDbEI); in Virginia J. Ran­ dolph (Trist)’s hand, signed by TJ; torn at seal. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of reused sheet; endorsed by TJ as a letter to Madison, James Breckinridge, Cabell, Chapman Johnson, and Cocke. Recorded as five separate letters in SJL. 1  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 2 In Dft TJ here canceled “another.” 3 Sentence interlined in Dft.

 452 

To Frederick W. Hatch Dear Sir [13 Mar. 1823] I observe that a meeting of the inhabitants of Charlottesville is called on Satu[rday] on the subject of our proposn for [.  .  .] a circu­ lating library by annual subscription.1 I shall not be able to attend it,2 but sollicit to become a member of the society on any scale they may chuse to adopt great or small.3 as our stock will be small it should be confined to the purchase of books of general instruction, in the En­ glish language, excluding Professional & sectarian books, that is to say those of Law Physic, & divinity and excluding Novels also. this may be an instrn to the Commee who may be appd to4 act as the Exve of the society. accept my wishes for the success of the proposition and the assurance of my high esteem and respect. Th:J Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39945); on verso of portion of reused address cover to TJ; undated; mutilated; endorsed by TJ: “Hatch revd Mr Mar. 13. 23.”

1 Preceding

three words interlined. interlined, with caret mistak­ enly placed after the comma. 3 Preceding three words interlined. 4 Preceding three words interlined. 2 Word

From Frederick W. Hatch Dear Sir Charlottesville March 13th 1823— I receiv’d your note of today & am happy to inform you that consid­ erable interest is felt on the subject of the establishment of a Library amongst us. For myself I am fully convinc’d, that if effected, & then properly manag’d, it must be productive of great good. The meeting to which you allude was notified by the Printer at my suggestion but will be defer’d to next week in consequence of the absence from Town of several Gent: whose aid & influence it is desirable to secure. I find that a subscription to the amount of nearly $200 has been obtain’d some time since for the same object—it will be necessary to dispose of this by concert with the subscribers. The sums on the old paper are mostly $10. but it wd probably be better in our new arrangements, to create a Stock, ye interest of ye proprietors to be certified by Certifi­ cates, & each share rated at 50$ payable in five Annual Instalments. Afterwards, the number of books may be increas’d by1 the sale of new Certificates or by an annual tax, or both. I perfectly coincide with you Sir, as to the propriety of excluding Novels, & books peculiarly pro­ fessional. My duties have allow’d me to give but a few moments con­ sideration to this subject wh I have much at heart; & tho’ I have taken  453 

13 MARCH 1823

ye

liberty to suggest these few ideas, yet I could wish to stand corrected by your better judgt & will be oblig’d to you for any further sugges­ tions w h you may have leisure to communicate.— It is time that something were done by our citizens by way of inter­ nal improvement in this Village—but much cannot be expected, & it is a subject upon wh from my peculiar station, I dare say but little. It gives me pleasure to inform you that your Grandsons seem inter­ ested in their studies & are attentive & studious, & I believe, improv­ ing fast. Benjn is rapidly emerging from ye Labyrinth wh has preplex’d him so long—James spends no time in idleness & is advancing at a steady pace & Lewis is as studious & amiable as his parents need wish him to be— I have trespass’d longer on your time, my dear Sir, than I had in­ tended but I beg you will excuse me, & believe me to be as I truly am very sincerely Your friend & Servt F W Hatch RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 16 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. TJ’s grandsons included benjn F. Ran­ dolph, james M. Randolph, and Meri­ wether lewis Randolph. The TJ Editorial Files contain infor­ mation from a broadside, not found, ad­ vertising an auction to be conducted by Anthony J. Bleecker in New York City on 26 Apr. 1856. The sale apparently in­ cluded a dinner invitation from TJ to Hatch of 8 Jan. 1823 and a letter from TJ to Hatch of 13 Feb. 1823 supposedly en­ closing $100 for his pastoral contribution and tuition for his grandsons. Neither let­ ter has been found and neither is recorded in SJL, but on the latter date TJ did re­ cord drawing on the Charlottesville firm of Jacobs & Raphael for $100 in favor of Hatch, presumably covering a portion of the tuition for his Randolph grandsons, who had begun studying with Hatch on 4 Feb. 1823 (MB, 2:1392, 1393). In the

preceding month TJ and Martha Jeffer­ son Randolph had been instructing them at Monticello, as Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) reported to Nicholas P. Trist on 16 Jan. 1823: “We have had quite a school here of late; the boys spend this month at home saying their latin lessons to Grand‑Papa, and learning french with Mama: Ellen [i.e., Ellen M. Bankhead (Carter)] has also begun french and the emulation between her Uncles and her self, makes them all very industrious at present. D. O. Carr has been here for a week past to carry on his Italian studies. You may imagine the degree of quiet reign­ ing during the time in the house and es­ pecially the sitting room” (RC in DLC: NPT). A missing letter from TJ to Hatch of 15 Mar. 1823 is recorded in SJL with the bracketed notation “by mrs Hudson.” 1 Hatch

 454 

here canceled “creating.”

From James Pleasants Dear Sir Richmond 13th March 1823 I sent you two days since a sketch of the law of the last session re­ lating to the Visitors of the University. Recollecting1 after that letter was in the mail that you might want an authentic copy of the act at your next meeting, I applied to the Keeper of the rolls for one; he informed me the public acts would probably be completed this week & a copy could be forwarded to you in time for your meeting, which I think takes place on the 7th of April. With greatest respect, yrs James Pleasants jr RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ as received 16 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Joseph C. Cabell, 23 Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson esqr Monticello”; franked; post­ marked Richmond, 13 Mar. The previous letter from Pleasants to TJ was dated 10 Mar. 1823, not two

days since. William Munford, clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates, was ex officio keeper of the rolls (Richmond Enquirer, 6 Dec. 1825). A missing letter from Pleasants to TJ of 17 Mar. 1823 is recorded in SJL as re­ ceived six days later from Richmond. 1 Manuscript:

“Recolletig.”

From John Adlum Dear Sir Vineyard near George‑Town D.C. March 14th 1823 I send for your acceptance through the Post Office a bottle of wine made last September, from a grape I call Tokay, A German Priest who saw the grapes ripe said they were the true Tokay, such as he had seen growing in Hungary, I have no doubt but that these grapes are like them, but I have a strong suspicion that they are native—I found them at Clarksburg in Montgomery County at a Mrs Scholls, and she does not know where they came from—Mr Scholl in his life time called them the Catawba‑grape—This wine is made without brandy but there was twenty five ℔s of Sugar to the barrel—This was the first year of the vines bearing, but I have no doubt that in two years more no sugar will be required—In a few days I will send you a bottle of my Burgundy also made last September—And I send a small book on the cultivation of the vine and making wine—After you have received both bottles of wine, I will thank you for your opinion of them—These wines are rather green yet, they would be much dryer two years hence— I am Dear Sir Very Respectfully yours &c John Adlum  455 

14 MARCH 1823

 P.S. If you wish to have any grape cuttings I will send you some of the Tokay and others—The Tokay is the most abundant bearer of any grape I am Acquainted with J.A— RC (DLC); adjacent to closing and full signature: “The Honble Thomas Jeffer­ son”; postscript on verso; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Mar. 1823 and so re­ corded in SJL.

The small book sent to TJ was Adlum, A Memoir on the Cultivation of the Vine in America, and the Best Mode of Making Wine (Washington, 1823; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 6 [no. 260]).

To James Madison Dear Sir Monto Mar. 14. 23. The inclosed lre in Gr. Lat. Fr. and Eng. with it’s accompaniments being intended for your inspection as much as mine, is now for­ warded for your perusal. you will be so good as to reinclose them that I may return them to the writer. the answer I propose to give is, what I have given on all similar applications, that until the debt of the Uni­ versity is discharged, and it’s funds liberated, the board has thot it wd be premature to act at all on the subject of Professors. but however qualified mr O’Flaherty may be, a character taken from an ordinary grammar school, whose measure is of course exactly known, would not be so likely to fulfill our views of eclat, and to fill the public imagi­ nation with so much expectation as one selected for us by distin­ guished men from an institution of the first celebrity in the world, as Oxford; and from which we may justly expect a person of the highest qualifications. ever & affectly yours Th:J. FC (DLC); written in TJ’s hand on a half sheet; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Madi­ son James.” Enclosure: Thomas J. O’Flaherty to TJ, 10 Mar. 1823, and enclosures.

From Destutt de Tracy Monsieur Paris Ce 15 Mars 1823. Il y a bien longtems que je n’ai eu le bonheur de recevoir de vos nouvelles; et la Crainte de vous importuner m’a empeché de recom­ mencer à vous donner des miennes. la derniere lettre que j’ai pris la liberté de vous ecrire est du 22 fevrier 1821, elle repondait à la votre du 26 Xbre 1820 que j’avais reçue depuis trois jours. je vous y remer­ ciais de la bonté avec laquelle vous aviez bien voulu accueillir l’edition de mon Commentaire à laquelle j’ai mis mon nom et où je vous rends Un juste et trop Court hommage. votre protection et le nom de Mon­  456 

15 MARCH 1823

tesquieu ont valu à Ce petit ouvrage un Succès auquel j’etais loin de m’attendre. on l’a reimprimé ici plusieurs fois et il est traduit actuel­ lement dans toutes les langues de L’Europe. Mais ce dont je Suis bien plus flatté C’est que le 4eme Volume de mes elemens d’ideologie ait eu assez de Succès Chez vous pour que Vous ayez jugé à propos d’en faire faire une Seconde Edition. Je Crois en effet que Ce petit traité d’Economie politique vaut mieux que Ce que j’ai dit Sur le meme sujet dans Ce Commentaire qui a été accueilli avec une indulgence Si universelle. je desirerais bien voir1 Cette se­ conde Edition et Savoir Si Vous avez bien Voulu y faire ajouter le chapitre Second de ma 5eme partie qui traite de l’Amour et dont je vous envoyai le manuscrit. je vous envoyais aussi avec Cette lettre deux exemplaires de mes principes logiques dont vous aviez la bonté de vous occuper. Je n’ai pas eu le bonheur de recevoir de reponse à tout cela non plus qu’a la lettre que j’avais eu l’honneur de vous ecrire le 24 9bre 1820 et qui S’est croisée avec la votre du 26 Xbre de la meme année.2 dans Celle là je vous disais que l’on reimprimait à Londres mon Com­ mentaire Sur l’esprit des Lois. je le croyais, mais cela n’a pas eu lieu. on S’en occupe actuellement, mais je ne sais Si Cela reussira mieux. j’ai pourtant sujet de le Croire parceque dans ce moment dans ce pays en haine du gouvernement français et de sa Conduite à l’égard3 de l’Espagne on parait moins tenir aux Vieilles routines et mieux ac­ cueillir les idées liberales. Si je vous fais Ces details, Monsieur, Ce n’est pas que j’espere que vous preniez la peine de m’y repondre mais C’est pour vous exprimer de nouveau combien vos bontés me Sont cheres et precieuses. L’objet de ma presente lettre est de vous presenter et de vous re­ commander l’interessant jeune homme qui aura l’honneur de vous la remettre. C’est M. Dandolo fils d’un Savant Italien distingué dans les Sciences chimiques et physiques et qui a joué un rôle honorable dans le gouvernement de la republique Cisalpine. le fils est digne du père. il voyage pour accroitre Ses Connaissances. aimant la liberté il tourne Ses regards avec un vif interet vers votre hemisphere qu’il espere visiter Sur plusieurs points, et comme de raison il tient à grand hon­ neur d’etre reçu par l’homme à qui Cette moitié du monde a le plus d’obligations et qui est l’objet de l’admiration de tous ceux qui pensent de l’autre coté de l’ocean. je Serais très heureux, Monsieur, que l’interet que je porte à M. Dandolo put vous disposer à l’accueillir avec bonté et ce Serait une nouvelle obligation que je vous aurais. Veuillez bien agreer avec mes hommages tous les voeux que je fais pour votre conservation et votre bonheur. Le Cte de Tracy  457 

15 MARCH 1823

 P. S. Quoique Cette lettre n’en vaille guere la peine je prends la liberté de vous l’envoyer par duplicata parceque je Crains que mon jeune Italien ne puisse pas arriver jusqu à vous et que pourtant j’ai bien envie d’etre rappellé à votre Souvenir. Je ne puis plus m’y recommander par aucune production nouvelle. je Suis plus aveugle que jamais; je perds la memoire; & je m’eteins avec le regret de ne pouvoir Continuer mon ouvrage dont je Crois qu’au moins le plan etait bon. mais je finis Comme j’ai vecu en vous cherissant & vous admirant. Ce Serait une grande Consolation pour moi de recevoir encore une de vos lettres avant de mourir. e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

Sir Paris 15 March 1823. It has been quite a long time since I had the pleasure of receiving news of you, and the fear of disturbing you has kept me from sending you mine. The last letter I took the liberty of writing you was dated 22 February 1821. It was a reply to yours of 26 December 1820, which I had received three days earlier. In it, I thanked you for the kindness with which you welcomed the edition of my Commentaire sur l’Esprit des Lois de Montesquieu that bears my name, in which I paid you a just and too‑brief homage. Your patronage and Montesquieu’s name earned this little work a success that I was far from ex­ pecting. It has been reprinted several times here and is currently being trans­ lated into all the languages of Europe. But I find it even more flattering that the fourth volume of my Élémens d’Idéologie enjoyed so much success in your country that you judged it ap­ propriate to have a second edition printed. I do indeed believe that this little Treatise on Political Economy is better than what I said on the same topic in the Commentaire, which was welcomed with such universal indulgence. I would greatly like to see this second edition and to know if you agreed to the addition to it of the second chapter of my fifth part, which deals with love and which I sent you in manuscript. With that letter I also sent you two copies of my Principes Logiques, to which you were so kind as to attend. I have not had the pleasure of receiving a reply to any of this, nor to the letter I had the honor of writing you on 24 November 1820, which crossed yours of 26 December of the same year. In that letter, I told you that my Com‑ mentaire sur l’Esprit des Lois de Montesquieu was being reprinted in London. Or so I thought, but this did not take place. It is currently being worked on, but I do not know if this attempt will have better results. Yet I have reason to believe it will, because at this moment in that country, which hates the French government and its behavior toward Spain, it seems that people are less attached to old routines and more open to liberal ideas. I give you all these details, Sir, not because I am expecting you to take the trouble of answering me, but to express to you again how dear and precious your kindness is to me. The object of my present letter is to introduce and recommend to you the interesting young man who will have the honor of presenting it to you. He is Mr. Dandolo, son of an Italian scholar distinguished in the sciences of chem­

 458 

15 MARCH 1823 istry and physics and who played an honorable role in the government of the Cisalpine Republic. The son is worthy of the father. He is traveling to broaden his knowledge. A lover of freedom, he is turning his gaze with a keen interest toward your hemisphere, several locations in which he hopes to visit, and of course he would regard it as a great honor to be received by the man to whom that half of the world is most obliged and who is an object of admiration by all thinking people on the other side of the ocean. I would be very happy, Sir, if the interest I have in Mr. Dandolo could dispose you to welcome him with kindness. This would be a new obligation that I would owe you. Please accept, with my respects, all my wishes for your preservation and happiness. Count de Tracy  P. S. Although this letter is hardly worth the trouble, I take the liberty of sending it to you in duplicate, because I fear that my young Italian friend will not be able to reach you, and I nevertheless very much wish to be remem­ bered in your thoughts. Due to lack of any new work on my part, I do not deserve such notice. I am more blind than ever; I am losing my memory; and I am fading away with the regret of not being able to continue my work, for which I believe the plan at least was good. But I am finishing as I have lived, cherishing and admiring you. It would be a great consolation for me to receive one more letter from you before I die. Dupl (DLC); entirely in an unidenti­ fied hand; between dateline and saluta­ tion: “Duplicata”; endorsed by TJ as received 10 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with additional notation by TJ beneath endorsement related to his 5 Nov. 1823 reply: “his works. continue them.  our Univty  France, Spain, Engld Dandolo.” Translation by Dr. Genevieve Moene. Tullio Dandolo (1801–70), author, was born in Varese, Italy. The son of Vicenzo Dandolo, in 1819 he inherited a large for­ tune following his father’s death. Dandolo studied law and, after graduating from the

University of Pavia in 1820, spent a few years traveling in Europe. In 1823 the Austrian government ordered him to re­ turn to Italy under suspicion of participa­ tion in past conspiracies, but he was not prosecuted. Dandolo pursued historical and literary studies and published numer­ ous works beginning late in the 1820s. He died in Urbino (Alberto M. Ghisalberti and others, eds., Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani [1960– ], 32:507–9). 1

 Manuscript: “voirr.”  Manuscript: “annéee.” 3 Manuscript: “légard.” 2

From Philip N. Nicholas Dear Sir, Richmond. March 15th 1823 r M Joseph Tate, who is the son of one of the most respectable citi­ zens of our Town, is about to publish a Digest of the laws of Virginia, with notes which will contain an explanation of the principles of the common law which may be applicable to our statutory provisions, and a reference to the adjudged cases, both here & in England. Mr Tate is the son of Mr Benjamin Tate, who by his industry in a mechanical employment, has amassed a considerable fortune, and has  459 

15 MARCH 1823

given his son the best education the country could afford, after which he studied law for several years in Philadelphia, & settled there but his health compelled him to return to his native state. Mr B. T. has been always one of the most zealous & ardent republicans in this state, and tho’ probably personally unknown to you, has been a steadfast supporter of the great principles, which you so long & so successfully labored to establish.1 The work under taken by the younger Mr Tate, I have no doubt will be ably executed, and will be of great service to the lawyer, the magistrate, and even the private citizen as being the most compendious view of our complicated system, which will be ex­ tant among us. It would gratify Mr Tate the father & son, to have the sanction of your name to his work, and on that account I take the liberty to send you his prospectus; and to request, that after you have examined it, you will have the goodness to place it in the hands of Mr Alexr Garrett, to whom I have written to beg he will procure s[u]b­scribers for Mr Tate. With Sentiments of the highest respect & most sincere & cordial regard I am   Dr Sir Yr faithful friend & Sert. P. N. Nicholas. RC (DLC); damaged at seal; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Mar. 1823 and so re­ corded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 5 Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson esq Monticello Albemarle County va”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 15 Mar. Joseph Tate (1796–1839), attorney and public official, was born in Richmond. He was practicing law in Philadelphia by 1818. Having returned to Richmond, in 1823 Tate published there A Digest of the Laws of Virginia, which are of a perma‑ nent character and general operation; il‑ lustrated by Judical Decisions: to which is added, an Index of the Names of the Cases in the Virginia Reporters. He served as mayor of Richmond from 1826 until his death. Tate owned three slaves in 1830 (John Adems Paxton, The Philadelphia Directory and Register, for 1818 [(Phila­ delphia, 1818)]; W. Asbury Christian, Richmond: Her Past and Present [1912], esp. 546; DNA: RG 29, CS, Richmond, 1830; Richmond Enquirer, 28 May 1839; gravestone inscription in Shockoe Hill Cemetery, Richmond). Benjamin Tate (ca. 1765–1823), tan­ ner, currier, and public official, was born

in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. By 1798 he moved permanently to Richmond, where he owned a leather tanning and currying business. Tate sat on the city’s common council, 1803–12, was chosen an elector for the 1808 presidential election, and served one term as mayor of Rich­ mond, 1811–12. He was a founding di­ rector of the Farmers’ Bank of Virginia in 1812 and an officer of the Mutual Assur­ ance Society in 1821. Tate owned six slaves in 1810 and two a decade later (Rich­ mond Virginia Argus, 20 Nov. 1798, 9 Apr. 1803, 7 Apr. 1804, 9 Aug. 1808; Chris­ tian, Richmond, esp. 83, 546; Richmond Enquirer, 6 Apr. 1805, 5 Apr. 1811; Rich­ mond Virginia Patriot, 7 Apr. 1812; The Richmond Directory, Register and Alma‑ nac, for the Year 1819 [Richmond, 1819], 19, 71; DNA: RG 29, CS, Richmond, 1810, 1820; Richmond Enquirer, 17 July 1821, 29 Apr. 1823; Henrico Co. Will Book, 6:139–40). In the enclosed prospectus, not found, but also printed in the Richmond Enquirer, 9 Jan. 1823, Thomas Ritchie & Company proposed to publish Joseph Tate’s Digest of the Laws of Virginia, which would use the Revised Code of 1819 to supply those state laws “of a permanent character and general operation,” adding legislation en­

 460 

17 MARCH 1823 acted up to the date of publication and the texts of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Virginia state constitution; noted that, in order to safe­ guard against readers relying only on the text of each law, the work would also in­ clude “the judicial construction of the words of the Legislature, by the Court of Appeals, and by the General Court; refer­ ring, occasionally, to the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States, on the Virginia laws, and to analogous cases, from the judicial tribunals of England, and of our sister States”; anticipated that the digest “will be useful to our citizens, generally,” as well as “to those profes­ sional gentlemen who attend the circuits;

to our inferior courts; and, to professional gentlemen of our sister States”; stipu­ lated that the volume would run between 500 and 650 pages, including an index, cost subscribers $5 and nonsubscribers $6.50, and be printed as soon as three hundred subscribers were obtained; and concluded with a testimonial to the pro­ posed publication’s utility signed by Fran­ cis Brooke, William H. Cabell, John W. Green, and William Brockenbrough. When Tate published the work later this year, the Richmond firm of Shepherd & Pollard printed it. 1

 Word interlined in place of “support.”

From John Rhea Washington 15th March 1823 Please to accept the inclosed copy of a circular Letter with the sincere esteem of Your Obt st John Rhea RC (MHi); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr late President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 29 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

On this day Rhea also sent his enclosed circular letter, not found, to John Adams, adding that “You will by it per­ ceive that I am not willing to have the commerce of the united States subverted” (MHi: Adams Papers).

From Abiel Holmes Sir, Cambridge (Mass.) 17 March 1823. By the encouragement and aid you were pleased to give me in pre­ paring the American Annals for publication, I am emboldened to ask your advice in reference to another edition, which I am preparing for the press. One of the English Reviews, while, with other foreign Jour­ nals, sufficiently honouring the work with its commendation, sug­ gests, that it had better have begun with the English colonization, and restricted itself to Anglo‑American history. It early appeared to me desirable, to have a thread to guide us through the entire history of this New World. It was the want of one for myself, that induced me to form chronological tables, commencing with the time of the discov­ ery of America, and extending to our own times. These were after­ wards filled out, and published as Chronological History—a method  461 

17 MARCH 1823

of historical writing of which you spoke in commendation, as prac­ tised in Europe. I have not found sufficient reason to alter the original plan; for it appears to me best adapted to satisfy those, who would wish to obtain some general knowledge of this Western Continent. We enter with more delight and interest, upon the adventures and settlements of our own nation, when we have observed what had been previously done by other nations. On that prior history I was very concise; nor am I sure that it could be advantageously abridged. It has occurred to me, however, that, as every thing material in that portion of the work closes just at the time of Sir Walter Ralegh’s pat­ ent, it will be an improvement, to divide the volumes into books, or chapters, and to conclude all that pertains to Spanish America with the first book, or chapter. The second may embrace the years from the patent for Virginia to the settlement of Massachusetts; the third, to the conquest of New York by the English; the fourth, to the Revo­ lution of William & Mary; the fifth, to the settlement of Georgia; the sixth, to the Peace of 1763; the seventh, to the Declaration of Inde­ pendence; the eighth, to the adoption of the Federal Constitution; and the ninth, to the present time. This extension of the work, and an enlargement on many articles in the first edition, will require an ad­ ditional volume; and the three volumes, if three books, or chapters, be assigned to each volume, will be proportionate to each other. My design is, to be more full and particular from 1765 to the Amer­ ican Revolution; and from 1783 to the present time; and to give a more distinct view of the causes, the principles, and the agents of our glorious Revolution, and of the characteristic features of our govern­ ments and institutions. On the last of these topics I shall avail myself of the lucid exposition, presented in your Inaugural Address, which, if duly regarded, will, under Divine Providence, ensure the stability and prosperity of our united and happy Republic. From the Library of the late Professor Ebeling of Hamburg, and from other sources, I am enabled to make what, I hope, will be useful additions to some articles in our early history; for the later periods I shall rely on official documents. I have in my possession the Ameri­ can State Papers; and shall also have recourse to the Journals of Con­ gress, and the Laws of the United States. Might I be favoured, Sir, with your indication of other authorities for what pertains to the United States, or to any individual State, from the commencement of the Revolution, and with your judgment on my proposed alterations, I should gratefully acknowledge my additional obligation to you. Original communications, or papers not in our pos­ session, relating to Virginia, desirous as I am to do justice to that an­  462 

17 MARCH 1823

cient and highly respected State, I dare not ask. The lapse of nearly forty seven years since you penned the Declaration of Independence, and the recent notice of your infirmities in your letter to President Adams, admonish me to stop here. If I have already gone too far, your benevolence, I persuade myself, will pardon what proceeded from my respect to your character, and my desire to promote the cause of Truth, and the interests of our Country. Should the infirm hand, which signed our Magna Charta, be so far recovered, as to give your own signature to an answer, however short, I should feel myself greatly honoured and obliged by it, and preserve it as a valued and perpetual memorial. In any case, it is my intention to make a public acknowledgment of my great obligations to you for the loan of the Memoires de l’Amerique—a very important work, which I should not otherwise have seen, from which I have made large extracts, of which I shall now make considerable use. Wishing your health and happiness, I am, Sir, with great respect, Your much obliged and very humble servant Abiel Holmes. RC (DLC); between dateline and salu­ tation: “To the Honr Thomas Jefferson”; mistakenly endorsed by TJ as received 3 Mar. 1823, but recorded in SJL as re­ ceived 3 Apr. 1823. Abiel Holmes (1763–1837), Congrega­ tional minister and historian, was born in Woodstock, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale College (later Yale University) in 1783 and served as a tutor there, 1786– 87. Having been ordained in 1785, both before and after his tutorship Holmes min­ istered to a Congregational church in Mid­ way, Liberty County, Georgia. In 1791 he returned north, serving as pastor of the First Church in Cambridge, Massachu­ setts, 1792–1829. Holmes published The Life of Ezra Stiles, D.D., LL.D., a biogra­ phy of his late father‑in‑law, in Boston in 1798. He followed this with American An‑ nals; or a chronological History of America from its discovery in MCCCCXCII to MDCCCVI, 2 vols. (Cambridge, Mass., 1805; Sowerby, no. 444). Holmes served as corresponding secretary of the Massa­ chusetts Historical Society, 1813–33, and he was elected to the American Philosoph­ ical Society in 1816. Amidst the rise of Unitarianism, the more orthodox Holmes and a large portion of his congregation

split from First Church in 1829 and formed a new society, at which he officiated until his retirement in 1831. The father of the poet Oliver Wendell Holmes, the elder Holmes died in Cambridge (DAB; Dexter, Yale Biographies, 4:277–85; William B. Sprague, Annals of the American Pulpit [1857–69], 2:240–6; PTJ, esp. 44:551–2; APS, Minutes, 18 Oct. 1816 [MS in PPAmP]; gravestone inscription in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge). TJ gave Holmes encouragement and aid for his American Annals in a let­ ter of 7 Dec. 1804 (PTJ, 45:140–1). In his first inaugural address on 4 Mar. 1801, TJ outlined “the essential princi­ ples of our government, and consequently those which ought to shape its adminis­ tration” (PTJ, 33:150–1). TJ’s letter to president adams was dated 1 June 1822. In 1807 TJ loaned Holmes his copy of Étienne de Silhouette and others, eds., Mémoires des Commissaires du Roi et de ceux de sa Majesté Britannique, Sur les possessions & les droits respectifs des deux Couronnes en Amérique (memoires de l’amerique), 4 vols. (Paris, 1755–57; Sowerby, no. 1452). Holmes returned it the following year (TJ to Holmes, 20 Mar. 1807 [MHi]; Holmes to TJ, 9 Nov.

 463 

17 MARCH 1823 1808 [DLC]). Holmes eventually used this work and thanked TJ for its loan in the preface to his second edition, renamed

The Annals of America, from the discovery by Columbus in the Year 1492, to the Year 1826, 2 vols. (1829), v.

To William Huntington

Monday Mar. 17. 23.

Th: Jefferson asks the favor of mr Huntington to dine at Monti­ cello with mr Dodge of Marseilles tomorrow. RC (photocopy in ViU: TJP); dateline at foot of text; addressed: “Mr Hunting­ ton.” Not recorded in SJL. On 25 Mar. 1823 one of TJ’s grand­ daughters wrote from Monticello that “Mr. Dodge the consul at Marseilles has just been here on a visit to Grand‑Papa, I did not return from Ashton until a day or two before he went away, but every one here was pleased with his frank manners and agreable conversation, and he certainly is very handsome and genteel” (Virginia J. Randolph [Trist] to Nicholas P. Trist, 25 Mar. 1823 [RC in DLC: NPT]). Three days later another of TJ’s granddaugh­ ters commented further on Dodge’s visit: “since the spring came on we have re­ ceived one visit and made one very pleas­ ant acquaintance, a certain Mr Dodge, in whom I could find no fault but his name. this gentleman, the American Consul at Marseilles & returned to his country after an absence of seven years, left Monticello, from the visit of a week, carrying with him the good will of the whole family, and their sincere regret that being but a bird of passage, and waiting only for the ‘warn­ ing voice’ of another autumn to wing his way to the bright skies of France, there is

but little probability of our ever seeing him again—I was so unwell when he first arrived & indeed continued so during the whole time of his stay, that I could not derive from his acquaintance the pleasure it seemed to afford others, but the little I saw and heard, shewed him young, hand­ some, intelligent and well‑bred, very much of a frenchman in his manners & so much so in his tongue, as not always to express himself elegantly in english, & now and then, not even grammatically, but then he apologized so genteely, & his french or italian words dropt so gracefully from be­ tween white teeth and rosy lips, that I dare say I should have thought him and them charming if ‘pleasures had not lost the power to please’ with me” (Ellen W. Randolph [Coolidge] to Nicholas P. Trist, 28 Mar. 1823 [RC in DLC: NPT]). The quotations in the second letter reference John Milton’s Paradise Lost, 4.1–2 (“O for that warning voice, which he who saw The Apocalypse heard cry in Heaven aloud”), and Thomas Campbell’s 1799 poem, The Pleasures of Hope, 2.225–6 (“Her musing mood shall every pang ap­ pease, And charm—when pleasures lose the power to please!”).

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 17 Mar: 1823 I have been out of blanks for a considerable time, for the renewal of your several notes at Bank— The prospect of War in Europe has revived us a little here, & put Flour up to $7—I wish it may not turn out to be a Ne=epolitan affair—  464 

17 MARCH 1823

 With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; en­ dorsed by TJ as received 21 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with Dft of TJ to Pey­ ton, 21 Mar. 1823, beneath endorsement.

Bernard Peyton

A missing letter of 7 Mar. 1823 from Peyton to TJ is recorded in SJL as re­ ceived 22 Mar. 1823 from Richmond.

From William Short Dear Sir Philadelphia March 17. 1823 Contrary to all precedent I have by me a letter from you which has remained for two months unanswered. I have been silent only be­ cause I feared to give you trouble. I know how laborious it is for you now to write—& I have always known how unwilling you were to employ an amanuensis. Yet I am not the less anxious to hear that you are perfectly restored to the use of your arm, & have retained your general health. When you last were so kind as to write to me (Dec. 29) the prospect was most favorable—I indulge the hope that the pros­ pect has been realized. I saw with great pleasure, because I know how much pleasure it would give you, that the last legislature has been much more enlight­ ened & liberal to the University than its predecessor. Every contribu­ tion which they make in this way, I consider as an additional pledge for their perseverance in the good path; & I hope you will live to see the good fruit produced by it. Yet it is certain that this establishment has many & most dangerous foes to contend against—none more so than those who appear to me, to be a compound of what in Catholic countries composed Jesuitism & Jansenism two principles so oppo­ site that it could never have been expected that they could be united, & wch nothing but Calvinism could unite. If you take any interest in what is going on beyond the Atlantic, I have no doubt that interest is highly excited by the present attitude of France & Spain. I judge from the effect which it produces on me who have so long renounced all attention to what is going on in the political world. I was so egregiously mistaken in the opinion which I formed at the time, of the success of the Duke of Brunswic when in a position simi­ lar to that of the Duke d’Angouleme at present, that I should not venture to have an opinion now if I were not supported in it by one of Napoleon’s favorite Generals who was engaged in the Peninsular war—but yet he & I may both be mistaken—For as to my opinion of  465 

17 MARCH 1823

the success of the Duke of Brunswic, I was supported in that also by I believe, every impartial military man in Europe—& I had moreover a full ocular demonstration of the public feeling in France; having travelled through it on my way to Holland at that moment. And not­ withstanding this, (what an humiliation to the reason of proud man!) there was not a whiskey drinker in any of the grog‑shops of Philadel­ phia, a thousand leagues from the scene, who did not, both drunk & sober, form a more accurate judgment of the result than I did on the spot, with all the force of my mind bent on the examination of the subject. As to the public feeling in France at that time, of which I speak, it would be idle & worse than useless for me now to describe it—for my best friends would not believe it was as I really saw it—The change was as total & as sudden as that of a scene at the Opera—& as this change made it what friends at a distance had pronounced it to be, without seeing or knowing any thing about it, nothing is so natural as that they should insist on the triumph of this lucky guess, insist that there had been no change, & attribute all to their own penetra­ tion. Yet the same kind of change had taken place in a contrary sense, at Amsterdam a few years before, after the entry of the Prussians— the same at Brussels at a later period—In passing through that City on my way to Holland all the Belgic Provinces were in such a state of patriotic fermentation, breathing victory or death & infinite danger to any individual who should have expressed a doubt on the subject, that I could scarcely believe my own eyes or ears, when returning through Brussels two short months after that, I saw & heard nothing but Austrian signals & rage & horror against Van Eupen & all his follow­ ers. Now what produced this magical change? nothing but the magic of success. And I still believe, however absurd it may appear at this day, that if the Duke of B. had made a rapid march on Paris, he would have arrived there without very great loss—& if he had arrived there & got possession of the person of Louis 16. I will not venture to say what I have always believed & still believe would have been the consequence. Should the Duke of A— now pursue a different course, arrive at Madrid & also get possession of the person of the adored Ferdinand, this may enable us to form a better conjecture. It is really painful to have one’s opinions & wishes so directly opposed to each other as mine are on this subject. If the war is to be carried on in the ordinary way between the Governments of France & Spain I see no chance for the successful resistance of Spain, & every prospect that Ferdinand will again be allowed to re‑enter on his bloody & revengeful career.  466 

17 MARCH 1823

 There is a remedy however I firmly believe—but whether the Cor­ tes will not think it worse than the disease I cannot say—It would be immediately to pronounce the decheance of Ferdinand & take posses­ sion of him & his family in all its branches, as hostages—call a Con­ vention to be elected under the present excitement; wch would insure the election of such men as the French Convention if to be found— that is to say the greatest scoundrels & men of the greatest energy, who have everything to gain & nothing to lose but their lives; w ch they do not value—At the same time address Louis 18. in a language somewhat like this—“We had determined to make the experiment of a constitutional Monarchy with Ferdinand at our head—Had you left us to ourselves the experiment would have been fairly made, & he would have been probably placed in a situation similar to that in which you are, by the Charter which you in your wisdom have ‘oc­ troyé’1 to France. It has pleased you to decide otherwise as to Spain, & are at this moment marching a powerful army to invade & ‘souiller’ the territory of constitutional Spain. Well aware that we cannot resist this army with Ferdinand as the head of our government, & with all his predilections & wishes in favor of the enemy, we have had no alternative left, & we have thought no guide so safe as to follow the example so lately furnished us by the brave French nation under sim­ ilar circumstance[s.] We have therefore pronounced the decheance of Ferdinand—We will not follow the example further in instituting a prosecution before the Representatives of the Nation—A trial of this kind necessarily presupposes a determination to condemn—We will not make his life to depend on the judgment of these who may be supposed excited to take it—We adopt a course wch you at least ought to consider as more humane—We make his life to depend on you—& we now say to you that the decree is passed & irrevocable which ordains that his life shall be forfeited & the execution follow the first moment of intelligence being received that your army has passed the frontier. And thus if he die let his death be on your head.—” If this were to be acted on by L. 18. of himself I believe firmly it would suffice to stop his army. Indeed of himself I equally believe he would never have put his army in motion—but with some of the mad­ caps with whom he has unfortunately become surrounded it would probably have less effect, if left to them. Under the influence of the passions w ch excite them, they would be inclined (for “les sottises des peres sont perdues pour les enfants”) to apply to Ferdinand what the advisers of the French Princes made them write to the poor good L. 16—when they were in safety on the Rhine, & their unhappy brother in the hands of his enemies—“Sire—Ne transigez point avec le crime.  467 

17 MARCH 1823

Les monstres n’oseront jamais porter leurs mains sur votre personne sacrée.” &c.— But, my dear sir, here is a great deal of speculation & of idle specu­ lation I may say, since every day may bring us accounts to shew that all speculation is at an end. I remember in a former letter you said—O fortunati mercatores. I think if you were here now you would recall this—There is a degree of mercantile distress that is really alarming—My paper does not leave me room to mention to you instances wch have passed under my eyes of families thought the most wealthy, now redu[ced] to nothing—No class seems to me more reduced, except the great landholders of the State of N. York—My friend LeRay, of whom I have formerly spoken to you, & who seemed to have transported a French Chateau, as to his mode of living, on the borders of Lake Ontario, is now considered as ruined—I am almost alarmed myself from being the forced owner of three large tracts of land in that State—They force me also to visit them—I go this summer to see the third wch as yet I have never seen— but I have to be back in time to go & see you & assure you vive voix of my constan[t] RC (DLC); edge trimmed and chipped; incomplete; endorsed by TJ as a letter from Short received 22 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to James Mad­ ison, 7 Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello mail to Milton: Virginia”; franked; postmarked. In 1792 Short had been egregiously mistaken in his expectation that a force of Austrian, Prussian, and French émigré soldiers led by Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick, would overthrow the French revolutionary regime in Paris, which led him to be more cautious in his predictions about the ultimately success­ ful efforts of a French army commanded by Louis Antoine, duc d’Angoulême, a nephew of Louis XVIII of France, which invaded Spain in the spring of 1823 to restore Ferdinand VII to absolute power

(PTJ, 24:324–5; Owen Connelly and oth­ ers, eds., Historical Dictionary of Napole‑ onic France, 1799–1815 [1985], 88; Paul W. Schroeder, Metternich’s Diplomacy at Its Zenith, 1820–1823 [1962], 232). decheance: “dethronement.” oc‑ troyé: “granted.” souiller: “defile.” les sottises des peres sont per‑ dues pour les enfants: “the foolish­ ness of fathers is lost on children.” ne transigez point avec le crime. les monstres n’oseront jamais porter leurs mains sur votre personne sacrée: “Do not compromise with crime. The monsters will never lay their hands on your sacred person.” The phrase o fortunati mercatores (“O happy traders”) is in TJ’s 9 Nov. 1813 letter to Short. vive voix: “in person.” 1  Double quotation marks editorially changed to single.

 468 

From Lewis Brantz Sir. Baltimore 18th March 1823. On the 15th January last, I did myself the honor to adress you in behalf of Mr F. R. Hassler, respecting the Office of Engineer of Public works in Virginia, for which he became a candidate, and to which Colonel McRee was preferred by appointment in January. This Field being again opened by Colo McRee’s declining the Situ­ ation, Mr Hassler continues his wish to be considered a candidate at the next Election to that office for which the Board is convened on the 7th April next. His remote residence precludes his procuring extensive recommen­ dations in time. I wou’d therefor, in referring to what I have stated in my former letter, ask your permission to suggest, that in case you think well of Mr Hasslers Merits, and have no other motive to the contrary, you wou’d have the goodness to State to the Board of public Works in Virginia, what you may think proper respecting him; I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obedient Servant Lewis Brantz. RC (Vi: RG 57, Applications for Posi­ tion of Principal Engineer); endorsed by TJ as received 27 Mar. 1823 and so re­ corded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Joseph C. Cab-

ell, 19 Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqre Monticello Al­ bermarle Co Va”; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked Baltimore, 20 Mar. Enclosed in TJ to James Pleasants, 3 Apr. 1823.

From DeWitt Clinton Dear Sir Albany 18 March 1823. I have the honor to enclose the last Report of the Canal Board & to be With the most perfect respect Your most Obedt servt DeWitt Clinton RC (NNPM); at foot of text (trimmed): “[Th]omas Jefferson Esqr”; endorsement by TJ trimmed. Recorded in SJL as re­ ceived 29 Mar. 1823. Enclosure: The An‑

nual Report of the Canal Commissioners of the State of New‑York, Presented to the Legislature, the 24th February, 1823 (Al­ bany, 1823).

 469 

From Caesar A. Rodney Honored, Revered & Dear Sir, Wilmington March 18th 1823 When I had the pleasure of visiting you at Monticello, I mentioned a letter from the late Governor M’Kean to me, relating to ocurrences, on the day that Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence,1 which I had lent to Mr Binns, who, unfortunately, mislaid it. The other day he was lucky enough to find it, & to deliver it to me; and I now enclose you, agreeably to my promise, a copy of the original, that you may compare it with your minutes, to ascertain whether it be correct. I have searched the Secret Journals of Congress, as published, and do not find the resolution, supposed to have been adopted. It was my intention, and indeed my anxious desire, to have visited you, & to have received your parting blessing before I left the U States, perhaps never to return; but as I must be prepared to embark by the middle of April, I fear that I shall not enjoy this consolation. At this moment, all the acts of personal kindness & friendship, the distin‑ guish marks of political confidence and your uniform un‑varying sup‑ port crowd on my recollection. With every sentiment of respect gratitude & affection, I bid you adieu C. A. Rodney RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 29 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

1 Manuscript:

“Indepence.”

e n c l o s u r e

Thomas McKean to Caesar A. Rodney Dear sir Philadelphia Augt [Sept.] 22nd 1813 Your favor of the 22nd last month, with a copy of the journal of the Con‑ gress at New‑York in october 1765, printed in the Baltimore register, came safe to hand. Not having heard of this publication, I had the proceedings of that body (not the whole) reprinted here about two months ago, from a copy I found in the 1st Vol. of “American tracts” (contained in four volumes oc‑ tavo) edited by J Almon, of London, in 1767. Such an important transaction should not be unknown to the future historian, I recollect what passed in Congress, in the beginning of July 1776, respecting Independence; it was not as you have conceived. On monday the 1st of July, the question was taken in the committee of the whole, when the state of Pennsylvania (represented by seven gentlemen then present) voted against it: Delaware (having then only two representatives present) was divided; all the other states voted in favor of it. Whereupon, without delay, I sent an express (at my private expense) for your honored uncle Cæsar Rodney Esquire, the remaining member for

 470 

18 MARCH 1823 Delaware, whom I met at the state‑house door, in his boots and spurs, as the members were assembling; after a friendly salutation (without a word on the business) we went into the hall of Congress together, and found we were among the latest; proceedings1 immediately commenced, and after a few min‑ utes the great question was put, when the vote for Delaware was called, your uncle arose and said; “as I believe the voice of my constituents and of all sensible and honest men is in favor of Independence & my own judgement concurs with them, I vote for Independence,”2 or in words to the same effect. The state of Pennsylvania on the 4th of July (there being only five members present, Messrs Dickinson and Morris, who had in the committee of the whole voted against Independence were absent) voted for it; three to two, Messrs3 Willing and Humphries in the negative. Unanimity in the thirteen states, an all important point, on so great an occasion, was thus obtained; the dissen‑ sion of a single state might have produced very dangerous consequences. Now that I am on this subject, I will tell you some truths not generally known. In the printed public journal of Congress for 1776. vol. 2nd. it would appear, that the declaration of Independence was signed on the 4th of July by the members whose names are there inserted, but the fact is not so, for no person signed it on that day, nor for many days after, and among the names sub‑ scribed, one was against it, Mr Read, and seven were not in Congress on that day, namely, Messrs Morris, Rush, Clymer, Smith, Taylor, and Ross of Penn‑ sylvania,4 and Mr Thornton of New‑Hampshire; nor were the six gentlemen last named, at that time members; the five for Pennsylvania were appointed Delegates by the Convention of that state on the 20th of July, and Mr Thorn‑ ton entered Congress for the first time on the 4th of November following: when the names of 5 Wisner of New‑York, and Thomas McKean of Delaware are not printed as subscribers, though both were present, and voted for Independence. Here false colours are certainly hung out; there is culpability somewhere. What I can offer as an apology or explanation is; that on the 4th of July 1776 the declaration of Independence was ordered to be ingrossed on parchment, and then to be signed; and I have been told, that a resolve had passed a few [days] after; and was entered on the secret journal, tha[t] no person should have a seat in Congress during that session,6 until he should have signed the declara‑ tion, in order (as I have been given to understand) to prevent traitors or spies from worming themselves amongst us. I was not in Congress after the 4th for some months, haveing marched with my regiment of associators of this city, as Colonel, to support General Washington until a flying camp of ten thou‑ sand men was completed. When the associators were discharged I returned to Philadelphia, took my seat in Congress and then signed the declaration of Independence on parchment. Two days after I went to New‑Castle, joined the Convention, for forming a constitution for the future goverment of the state of Delaware, (having been elected a member for New‑Castle county) which I wrote in a tavern, without a book or any assistance. You may rely on the accuracy of the foregoing relation. It is full time to print and publish the secret journal of Congress during the revolution. I have thus answered your request and [trust it] may reform errors. Accept dear sir my b[es]t wishes for your hapiness Thomas McKean  Tr (DLC: TJ Papers, 199:35407–8); misdated; mutilated, with missing text sup‑ plied from FC; at head of text: “(Copy)”; at foot of text: “Cæsar Augustus Rodney

Esquire.” FC (PHi: McKean Papers); mis‑ dated 22 Aug. 1813; endorsed: “Copy of a Lre to Cæsar A. Rodney Esq; at Wilming‑ ton. Septr 22d 1813.”

 471 

18 MARCH 1823 Thomas McKean (1734–1817), attorney and public official, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He was educated at Francis Alison’s New London Academy, studied law in New Castle, Delaware, and was admitted to the bar in 1754. McKean was appointed Delaware’s deputy attorney general in 1756, and he served in Dela‑ ware’s legislative assembly for seventeen years beginning in 1762, with election as Speaker in 1772 and 1777. He attended the Stamp Act Congress in 1765, represented Delaware almost continuously as a dele‑ gate in the First and Second Continental congresses and the Confederation Con‑ gress, 1774–83, and signed the Declara‑ tion of Independence. In 1776 McKean was also a Pennsylvania battalion colonel in the Continental army, and in 1781 the American Philosophical Society, of which he had been a member since it merged in 1769 with a predecessor to which he be‑ longed, named him a counsellor. While representing Delaware in Congress, he was concurrently chief justice of Pennsylvania, 1777–99, and in the latter year he was elected governor of Pennsylvania as a Re‑ publican, winning reelection in 1802 and 1805. McKean died in Philadelphia (ANB; DAB; PHi: McKean Papers; Heitman, Continental Army, 372; PTJ, esp. 4:544–6, 6:113–4; American Philosophical Society Year Book [1998/99]: 142, 160; APS, Minutes, 5 Jan. 1781 [MS in PPAmP]; Philadelphia Poulson’s American Daily Advertiser, 26 June 1817).

Rodney’s letter to McKean of the 22nd last month is dated 22 Aug. 1813 (RC in PHi: McKean Papers). The journal of the proceedings of the 1765 congress at new‑york was printed in the Baltimore Weekly Register 2 (1812): 337–42, 353–5, and in an Authentick Ac­ count of the Proceedings of the Congress held at New York, A. D. 1765, on the sub­ ject of the American Stamp Act (Philadel‑ phia, 1813). McKean supplied the text for the latter publication from A Collection of Tracts, on the subjects of Taxing the Brit­ ish Colonies in America, and Regulating Their Trade (London, 1773), 1:1–37, which reprinted a 1767 work on the Stamp Act Congress. For a more accurate outline of the pro‑ ceedings of the Second Continental Con‑ gress in the beginning of july 1776 and an explanation of discrepancies con‑ cerning the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the secret journal of congress, published in 1820–21, see TJ to Samuel Adams Wells, 12 May 1819, with TJ’s 6 Aug. 1822 Note. 1

 Tr: “procedings.” FC: “proceedings.”  Omitted closing quotation mark sup‑ plied from FC. 3  Tr: “Merssrs,” here and below. FC: “Messrs.” 4  Tr: “Pensylvania.” FC: “Pennsylva­nia.” 5  FC here adds “Henry.” 6  FC: “year.” 2

From Robert Walsh Dear Sir Philadelphia March 18h 1823 I take the liberty of recommending to your attention, the Prospec‑ tus sent herewith. My object in addressing it to you, is to induce you either to furnish me with the dates & principal incidents appertaining to your career, or to indicate to me where they may be found recorded with accuracy. I need not say that I wish to be exact & full, in noting the services which you rendered to your country—in commemorat‑ ing the share which you had in public measures. The Dictionary in question is not a literary job, but a patriotic en‑ terprise. You will understand my views, should you be so kind as to  472 

18 MARCH 1823

read the prospectus. The work shall be authentic and liberal. It may serve the national character abroad. I venture to hope that you will pardon this application in consider‑ ation of the motive. I am, Dear Sir, with profound respect & esteem Your obt servt Robert Walsh Jr RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 27 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to James Barbour, 20 Jan. 1824,

on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqre Monticello Virginia”; stamp can‑ celed; franked; postmarked Philadelphia, 19 Mar.

e n c l o s u r e

Robert Walsh’s Prospectus for his American Biography

[1 Mar. 1823] PROPOSALS FOR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION, A NEW WORK, to be prepared BY ROBERT WALSH, Jun. and entitled AMERICAN BIOGRAPHY; or, HISTORICAL DICTIONARY OF EMINENT AMERICANS.            The term Americans, thus employed, is meant to include all individuals of superior merit or reputation, civil or military, who have at any time belonged to the communities which now compose our extensive and flourishing Re‑ public. In their colonial state, from their first settlement, they were ennobled by genius and learning; by ability and virtue, in the council and the field. That period of their existence ought, therefore, to be laid under contribution for instances of individual excellence and distinction. Every reader conversant with their general annals, must have remarked the want of a work such as the one now projected, and will readily perceive the important purposes, to which, if it should be well executed, it may be lastingly subservient. Biographical Dictionaries of American Worthies do indeed exist; but they are confined to particular eras, or particular classes of persons; and, for the most part, are far from having general currency and authority. There is none comprehensive both in the plan and the execution—none which can be called an authentic repertory of dates and events, appertaining to American Biog‑ raphy, viewed on the scale above mentioned. It is a repertory of this kind which is designed, wherein shall be carefully specified the deserts not only of Statesmen and Warriors, but of the heads and ornaments of the learned and1 liberal professions—in which leading historical traits may be registered, and beneficial American inventions and writings designated conjointly with the Bio‑ graphical Notices of those to whom they can be traced. Without being rendered

 473 

18 MARCH 1823 too voluminous, it may be made to comprise much that is valuable and as yet recondite, in regard to American History, Chronology and Bibliography.2  American citizens, almost universally, have occasion to possess or seek in‑ formation, which this sort of compilation can best supply, and which, in the absence of it, is unattainable by the greater number, and to be procured by the rest, only with much trouble and loss of time. Its utility and convenience to American youth, and to regular Annalists, are too obvious to require il‑ lustration. The future historian is deeply interested in the accuracy as to date and circumstance, with which the lives of the public men of the present age are sketched. A complete American Biographical Dictionary would disclose to Europe honourable names, labours, and achievements, with which, perhaps, even her most diligent enquirers into our history, are altogether unacquainted. In the mass, as well as in particular details, it would cause our national character and pretensions to be better understood and more highly appreciated. To prevent misapprehension and disarm political prejudice, the editor em‑ phatically states, that he aims at furnishing a record of simple incidents; of meritorious services, and laudable qualities—he will use no colouring of party, admit no invidious interpretations, enter into no discussions, and abstain from all reflections except those which may tend to increase the efficacy of bright examples. When a general character of an individual is added to the abstract of his life, it shall not be tinged with the feelings, nor founded upon the rep‑ resentations of his adversaries; but framed according to the facts related, and the opinions of dispassionate friends and biographers. The formal exposition or scrutiny of demerits is not essential to this species of publication. Its object is the commemoration of 3 what has been done for the advantage and credit of society, in connexion with the names of the agents, and an outline of their personal history. Implicit reliance may, therefore, be entertained that an impartial and patri‑ otic use will be made of the materials which may be employed for the work. These will be drawn from the histories, biographical dictionaries, memoirs, sketches, &c, extant, and from private sources—to the best of which it is be‑ lieved that ready and successful access can be obtained. It is not necessary nor desirable that originality should be attempted in all, or in the greater part of the contents—truth, exactness, and condensation are to be chiefly studied— what is suitable concurrently with these ends, may be adopted wherever found. At the same time, on several accounts, it is proper that the productions from which articles may be borrowed entire, or principally extracted, should be cited, in acknowledgment of their utility; and it is confidently expected that the work will be rich in new and striking facts, and possess enough of fresh‑ ness, besides the fullness and accuracy upon which, mainly, claims to patron‑ age are to be rested. Particulars of the lives of the most distinguished among the first settlers in the new States and Territories, will be anxiously sought. From this field much may be gathered, uniting an exhibition of manly virtues and splendid results, with the interest and variety of romantic adventure. The exclusion of the names of all persons yet alive, might seem a just rule; but, upon reflection, it will hardly be deemed eligible. We have contempo‑ raries who have finally retreated from public life, after a brilliant career; and others, who may be considered as fixed in the highest honours of their pur‑ suits. They would of course be introduced, after death, into some biographi‑

 474 

21 MARCH 1823 cal record: but it is now that the most correct sketches of them can be taken; and while the curiosity of the present may as reasonably be gratified as that of 4 future generations, it is desirable that the benefit of good models should be enjoyed as soon as possible. Moreover, in this case, a strict, narrow limita‑ tion may be imposed on the choice. Of the advantages of Biography in itself, so much has been written, and the conviction has been so general, both in ancient and modern times, that scarcely any portion of any lettered nation can need to be told in what they consist. The following passage of Dryden’s Life of Plutarch is quoted here, in order that attention may be excited to the peculiar force with which the influence he so happily describes, must act upon Americans when “the great and worthy men” celebrated are their countrymen. “Though we allow that Biography is in dignity inferior to History and An‑ nals, in pleasure and instruction it equals or even excels both of them. It is not only commended by ancient practice to celebrate the memory of great and worthy men, as the best thanks which posterity can pay them, but also the examples of virtue are of more vigour, when they are thus contracted into in‑ dividuals. As the sunbeams, united in a burning‑glass to a point, have greater force than when they are darted from a plain superficies, so the virtues and actions of one man, drawn together into a single story, strike upon our minds a stronger and more lively impression, than the scattered relations of many men, and many actions; and by the same means that they give us pleasure, they afford us profit too. For when the understanding is intent and fixed on a single thing, it carries closer to the mark; every part of the object sinks into it; and the soul receives it unmixed and whole.” It is supposed that two volumes Octavo, of about 6005 pages each, will suffice for this Historical Dictionary. Subscription papers, mentioning the terms, &c. will be placed in the principal Book Stores. Broadside (DLC: TJ Papers, 223: 39956); printed on both sides of a single sheet in double columns separated by ver‑ tical rules; undated. Also printed in Phil‑ adelphia National Gazette and Literary Register, 4 Mar. 1823, which dates the advertised proposal 1 Mar. This work was never published. The passage of dryden’s life of plu‑ tarch is adapted from John Dryden and

others, Plutarchs Lives. Translated From the Greek by Several Hands. To which is  prefixt the Life of Plutarch (London, 1683–86), 1:89–90. 1  Broadside: “aud.” National Gazette: “and.” 2 First column of recto ends here. 3 Recto ends here. 4 First column of verso ends here. 5 National Gazette: “500.”

From James Madison Dear Sir Montpellier Mar. 21. 1823. I have recd your two letters of the 12 & 14. inst: You will have in‑ ferred my approbation of the course taken in order to avoid a loss of time in executing the Rotunda. I shall be with you at the Meeting of the Visitors, if possible.  475 

21 MARCH 1823

The letter from O. Flaherty with its companions, are herewith in‑ closed. It is quite presumable that he possesses the technical qualifications for the professorship he aims at, but there are adventitious recom‑ mendations also which must be attended to in filling it. Your proposed answer to him, is doubtless the proper one. I have been lately led into a transient correspondence with Profes‑ sor Everett of Boston. From some of his enquiries on the subject of our University, and the embarrassments of which he speaks as inci‑ dent to the Sectarian monopoly of his own, I am not sure that a trans‑ lation may not be within his speculations. There is nothing however in his letter, inconsistent with his disclaiming such a thought. He is unquestionably a man of superior talents, of valuable acquirements, and is said, as he appears, to be of fine temper & manners. He says he has relinquished, and shall never re‑enter the Pulpit. He is, I per‑ ceive, tho’ a heretic in the general Creed of N. England, not entirely weaned from its mixture of ecclesiastical and civil polity. But I sus‑ pect, he has taken le premier pas qui coute, towards some revolution in his local notions. I have named him on this occasion, [because Ticknor,]1 who is understood to be of an inferior grade, was at one time under your consideration. yours with all my best wishes James Madison RC (ViU: TJP); at foot of first page: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as re‑ ceived 25 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. FC (DLC: Madison Papers); in Dolley Madison’s hand; dated 26 Mar. 1823; endorsed by James Madison. En‑ closure: Thomas J. O’Flaherty to TJ, 10 Mar. 1823, and enclosures.

Madison discussed the sectarian mo‑ nopoly of Harvard University’s theo‑ logical professorships and the decision to exclude such religious affiliations at the University of Virginia (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:15–8). le premier pas qui coute: literally, “the first step that costs,” thus, “the first and hardest step.”

In his 19 Mar. 1823 reply to a missing letter of 2 Mar. from Edward Everett,

1  Preceding two words, heavily canceled in RC, supplied from FC.

To Bernard Peyton Dr Sir. Monto Mar. 21. 23. e th I this inst. recieve your of y  17 and hasten to inclose the blanks whch had escaped me. I am in hopes1 they are still2 in time altho’ I do not recollect their exact days. will you be so good as to send up to mr Brockenbro’3 the remainder of the plans of the Univty. I expect you have recd from mr Coffee and forwarded4 for me to Bedford a box of ornaments of Architecture.5 I suppose the Sicily Madeira is waiting  476 

22 MARCH 1823

for conveyance. should Colo Sam. Carr’s boats be coming up at any time6 & his white boatman in it he assures me he may be trusted aff ly yours Th:J  Dft (MHi); written on verso of RC of Peyton to TJ, 17 Mar. 1823. Recorded in SJL with additional bracketed notation: “blanks.” Enclosure not found. 1  Preceding three words interlined in place of “think however.”

 2 Preceding two words interlined in place of “must yet be.” 3 Preceding three words interlined. 4 Manuscript: “fowarded.” 5 Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 6  Preceding three words interlined.

To William J. Coffee Dear Sir Monto Mar. 22. 23. d I rec in due time your favor of Feb. 15. mr Brockenbrough has recd a part of the ornaments & expects the rest dayly. as mine were to come with them I presume Colo Peyton has recd and forwarded them to Bedford.1 I this day inclose him an order for 100.D with a request that he will remit them to you immediately, and I some time ago in‑ formed mr Brockenbro’ that his remittance must be with you before the last day of this month. the ornaments for the interi[or] of the rooms appearing to be of the nature of potter’s ware and not of putty as usual & therefore of unknown effect with us2 I desired an experi‑ ment to be made of their adhesion to wood. one ox scull3 was accdly applied accdg to your directions and4 appears to stand well. I should be glad to know when and at what times you will be at N.Y. during the present year, in case I should have occn to write to you. if the orna‑ ments of burnt clay5 succeed we may perhaps venture to call for those of the Rotunda in the same material, which I should expect to stand weather as well as lead.6 accept the assurce of my friendly esteem & respect. Th:J. Dft (DLC); on verso of top half of re‑ used address cover of Joel Yancey to TJ, 25 Oct. 1821; torn at seal; at foot of text: “Mr Coffee.” 1 Preceding

two words interlined. seven words interlined. 3 Preceding two words interlined. 2 Preceding

4 TJ here canceled “answered” followed by a superfluous uncanceled “and.” 5 Word interlined in place of “earth.” 6 Sentence added beneath signature and keyed to this point in text with a caret (mistakenly inserted before preceding pe‑ riod) and “if the ornamts Etc.”

 477 

From Alexander Garrett Dear Sir Charlottesville 22d March 1823. I send for your perusal, a letter recieved yesterday from Mr Brock‑ enbrough, stating the want of $500. to meet some pressing demands upon the University, I also send a check for the $500. for your ap‑ proval provided you consent to apply the $500. heretofore reserved to meet the freight &c of the marble caps as Mr B. proposes: there is yet a balance of the annuity of 23. undrawn, how much exactly I cannot say, we have drawn only $7000. this balance I presume will be about what Mr Brockenbrough states it, and can be drawn at any time, the caps &c may arrive Respecty Your mo obt Alex: Garrett RC (CSmH: JF); at foot of text: “Mr Jefferson Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as re‑ ceived the day it was written and so recorded in SJL. Enclosures not found.

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monto Mar. 22. 23 I yesterday inclosed to you the necessary blanks, and now forward a draught on you for 100. D the proceeds of which I must pray you to forward to mr William John Coffee at New York. he is to leave that place the last day of this month which gives no time for delay in the remittance. will you also be so kind as to send me the school books mentd below. they are for my grandsons. They may come by mail, but separately and successively1 not to overburthen it yours affectionately Th:J. Testament Greek & Latin2 Æsop’s fables Greek & Latin3 Græca minora. FC (MHi); on verso of portion of re‑ used address cover to TJ; in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Peyton Ber‑ nard.” Recorded in SJL with bracketed notation: “100.D. for Coffee.” The enclosed draught in favor of Wil‑ liam J. Coffee, not found, was “to pay his bill for ornaments for the Bedford house”

(MB, 2:1394). græca minora: an uniden­ tified edition of Andrew Dalzel, Ἀνάλεκτα Ἑλληνικὰ Ἥσσονα. sive Collectanea Græca Minora (Edinburgh, 1787; 1st American ed., Cambridge, Mass., 1804). 1 Preceding

two words interlined. here canceled “or E.” 3 TJ here canceled “or Eng.” 2 TJ

 478 

From John Adlum Dear Sir Vineyard near George Town D.C. March 24th 1823 I sent you some days since a bottle of domestic wine that I call Tokay—I now send you a bottle of what I call Burgundy. neither of these wines have had any brandy in them,—I will after I have bottled it send you a bottle of my Champaign, made of the miller Burgundy grape, which will have to be kept perhaps two months before you drink it, when I expect it will be brisk and sparkle—I have but about five gallons of this quarter cask of my Burgundy wine left—; but I have a barrel & quarter cask more but not so good as this,—I will be glad to have your opinion of the wines and also of the book I sent you—I called last spring upon Mr Robert Smith President of the Ag‑ ricultural Society of Maryland to endeavour to get a premium offered for the cultivation of the grape and making wine; but I believe it is not yet acted on, and I presume will not untill some persons above the common prejudices take it up,—If a premium was offered, I could not look upon myself a candidate as I have at1 least three Years advan‑ tage of any person now begining—But I have the pleasure of seeing a considerable interest taking place in Virginia, this spring, on the cultivation of the Vine &c And have sold at least ten times the number of cuttings to Virginians, that I have to other persons—If you think it would be of any advantage to this Country to recommend to Mr Mad‑ ison to patronize this object, I would thank you to recommend it to him, not as an individual, but as President of an Agricultural Society— And as I said above I will not consider myself a candidate for the pre‑ mium if one is offered—I intend in a few days to send Mr Madison, the same wine, I have the pleasure of sending you—I am sorry to take up so much of your time; but I hope my anxiety to promote an object which I hope will produce a new era in this Country for the better, will plead my excuse— I am Dear Sir very respectfully Your most Obedt Servt John Adlum RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 29 Mar. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. The miller grape is “so called from the flour‑like powder that forms on the underside of the leaves” (OED). On 28 Mar. 1823 Adlum wrote to James Madi‑

son sharing his wine and asking him to patronize premiums for vine cultiva‑ tion (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:24–6). 1 Manuscript:

 479 

“a.”

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Williamsburg. March 24. 1823. I have had the pleasure of receiving your favor of 12th inst. I am at all times disposed favorably to every thing which you think best for the University, and make no doubt but that on this occasion you have pursued the course best calculated to promote its interests. I certainly intend to leave this on thursday the 27th inst and after making a visit to my farm in Nelson, to come to Monticello on the day before the next meeting. But something now unforeseen may occur to prevent my coming. I will therefore remark to you by letter, that it is highly probable that our friend Genl Cocke, may propose at the meeting to adopt a course of proceeding somewhat different from the one you seem to have adopted in regard to the Library. He has written to me, that he should propose, first, to pay off all existing debts, and, then to adapt the plan of the Library to the residue of the funds. Perhaps the contracts which you have authorized may divert him from this course. Possibly Mr Johnson may concur with Genl Cocke in this opinion, but of this I have no evidence. I shall be at Bremo on the 29th when I will endeavor to divert the Genl from the course he lately contemplated. I fear from the indications furnished by your late letters that the money will fall short. Be that as it may, I would venture to recommend to you to conduct affairs in such a way as to avoid another application to the Legislature for building funds. It appears to me that the plan you have adopted, of engaging for the Hull of the Library is a prudent one, in reference to this object. I earnestly hope that the House may be got into a condition to be used, with the proceeds of the Last Loan: & that we may be able to make this Assurance to the next Assembly, when we apply for the remission. I am persuaded that this is a point of great importance. Mr Doddridge requested me to state to you that he had supported the third Loan, but that his patience was worn out, and that another application would not & could not be received. Such he said was the sentiment of all his friends. It would probably be in itself useful and very satisfactory to the Board of Visitors, and the public, if some unusual degree of care should be given to the subject of the materials of the Library, so as to ensure their being furnished at prices the most reasonable, & worked up without waste or imposi‑ tion. Precautionary measures, such as resolutions of instruction to the Proctor, & requisitions of particular & detailed reports, would prob‑ ably allay the anxiety of some of the members.—We have a difficult course to steer in the Assembly. Among the most dangerous of our  480 

24 MARCH 1823

opponents, are a certain class of politicians, who are friendly to the University, but very fastidious about the manner in which you con‑ duct it. These persons seem desirous to exhibit themselves in the ranks of its friends, as leaders whose support is a sine qua non of its existence, but nothing which they do must imply an approbation of its management. Perhaps I may be uncharitable; but it does appear to me, that there is a powerful party in this state with whom it is al‑ most a passport to reputation to condemn the plan & management of the University. They have extended their influence over some honest & intelligent men who do not concur in their political prejudices.— Perhaps this may be the natural result of old political conflicts. Yet I sometimes think I can see something more. Another difficulty which embarrasses our course, is that of not asking too much on the one hand, and not committing ourselves improperly as to the future on the other. I was often enquired of last winter, as to what we should do about a Library and apparatus. My reply was, that it would certainly be good policy in the Legislature to grant occasional aids towards those ob‑ jects; but that the Institution could go into operation & flourish with‑ out them. I stated that a portion of the fees of tuition, by a resolution of the board of Visitors already adopted, was to pass into the coffers of the institution, and would probably be appropriated to the purchase of books & apparatus. I think it would be politic & proper at a suit‑ able time to ask the Legislature to anticipate this fund, by a loan of some 50 or 60,000$ for the purchase of books & apparatus, charging the loan on that portion of the fees as a sinking fund, & pledging the state merely eventually, by way of ensuring the success of the Loan. Not a man of sense in the state would de[ny] the great importance of furnishing to the professors of physical scien[ce the] means of bring‑ ing out with them from Europe the necessary apparatus [col]lected by themselves. It would be well not to give currency to this scheme, (should it be approved) till about the time of bringing it forward. It is the only plan on which I could venture to approach the Legislature on that branch of our affairs after the ground we have taken; but I am strongly in hope it would be admissible & successful. I should be grati­fied if you & Mr Madison would take it under your consideration. I am, dear Sir, ever faithfully yours Joseph C. Cabell RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); torn at seal; ­addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello”; franked; postmarked Williamsburg, 24 Mar.; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 14 Mar. 1823 received 30 Mar. and so re‑ corded in SJL.

Anticipating the upcoming meeting of the University of Virginia Board of Visi‑ tors, on 30 Mar. 1823 Chapman Johnson wrote from Richmond to John H. Cocke (one word editorially corrected) that “I have much satisfaction in reflecting that

 481 

24 MARCH 1823 our opinions have generally concurred, on the subject of this institution; and I am glad to find, that on the subject of the rotunda, they are likely again to concur— I fear, however, that the old chief [i.e., TJ] has us bound beyond our power of extrication—But we should not suffer this appre[hen]sion to prevent us from doing our duty; which requires, I think, that we should go, enquire what is done, how far it is prudent to proceed, how far practi‑ cable to retreat—. I am very desirous to build the rotunda, if we can do it with prudence—Though I believe the public disapproves the build‑

ing, yet they expect it, and consider it a part of the system which they have authorised— The Legislature, however, have, no doubt, for the most part, acted under the belief, that the appropriation made, was adequate or nearly adequate to its completion—and I fear with you, that they would ill bear an application for another $60000 dollars, to complete the buildings—My conjectures lead me most strongly to anticipate that, if the rotunda is built under the system here‑ tofore pursued, an additional $60000, is the least sum, that would probably suffice to finish the buildings” (RC in ViU: JHC).

John W. Davis’s Mail Schedule for Fredericksburg, Richmond, and Lynchburg

Charlottesville 24 Mar 1823

Fredericksburg Mail arrives Tuesday & thursday 8 Am & Saturday 6 pm departs Monday Wednesday & Friday 3 pm Richmond Mail Arrives Tuesday 8 Am & Wednesday & Saturday 6 pm departs Tuesday 6 Am. Wednesday 3 pm & Saturday 6 Am Lynchburg Mail arrives Sunday 6 pm departs Thursday 10 Am J. W. Davis APM MS (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); in Davis’s hand; endorsed by TJ: “Mails. Mar. 1823.” John Winn Davis (1798–1862), mer‑ chant and farmer, was born in Hanover County. His father, Hardin Davis, was postmaster at Charlottesville in 1801, and he had a mercantile partnership with John Winn. In 1829 the younger Davis ended his own partnership with Winn, Char­ lottesville’s longtime postmaster. Davis moved permanently in about 1837 to Pike County, Missouri. In 1840 he was chosen as a Whig candidate for the state legisla‑ ture, but he declined to run. Davis owned

twenty‑two slaves that year and thirty in 1860, with his real estate and personal property then valued at a combined $98,700 (Mary Rawlings, ed., Early Char­ lottesville: Recollections of James Alexan­ der, 1828–1874 [1942], 31; Charlottesville Virginia Advocate, 2 Oct. 1829; Woods, Albemarle, 208, 253; Dennis Naglich, “The Slave System and the Civil War in Rural Prairieville,” Missouri Historical Re­ view 87 [1993]: 254, 260, 263; Bowling Green, Mo., Salt River Journal, 25 Apr., 9 May 1840; DNA: RG 29, CS, Mo., Pike Co., 1840–60, 1860 slave schedules; grave­ stone inscription in Saint John’s Episco‑ pal Church Cemetery, Eolia, Pike Co.).

 482 

24 MARCH 1823  apm: “assistant postmaster.” TJ used the verso of an undated printed dinner invitation to transcribe the sched‑

ule above in a different format, undated, lacking Davis’s name, and not necessarily derived from this text (MS in ViU: TJP).

To James Madison Dear Sir Monticello Mar. 24. 23. Mr Dodge, our Consul at Marseilles, wishing to pay his respects to you on his way to Richmd and apprehending that altho presented to you some half dozen years ago, you may not now recollect him, re‑ quests me to give him a line of re‑introduction. you will find him a person of very general information and good sense, and particularly familiar with the affairs of Southern Europe. We shall hope to see mrs Madison & yourself some time before the 7th prox. I hope you recieved mine of the 14th inclosing the recommen‑ datory papers of a mr O’Flaherty to be returned at your convenience that I may restore them to him. ever and affectionately yours Th: Jefferson RC (MoSHi: Lewis F. Linn Papers). Recorded in SJL (brackets in original) as a letter to “Madison James [intrody of Dodge].”

In a letter dated Salem, Massachusetts, 30 Oct. 1815, William Bentley had pre‑ sented Joshua Dodge to President Mad‑ ison (Madison, Papers, Presidential Ser., 10:16–7).

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Rich’d 24 March 1823 I am favor’d with yours of the 21st: & 22d Inst: with their several enclosures: I will forward, without loss of time, to Mr W. J. Coffee of New York, a dft: for $100, as directed by you, to cover which, you have credit by Th: J. Randolph’s dft:, in your favor, for that amt, on me.   The Books you write for shall be immediately procured, & forwarded, as directed—one by this mail— The engravings of the University have been forwarded by a Wag‑ gon to Mr Brockenbrough, & the Sicily Madeira Wine went some time ago, by Brice Harlow, & I hope is to hand safely before this.   The Boxes from Mr Coffee have been fordd also by Harlow, to Monticello, altho’ they were directed to Bedford, because I thot’ Mr Coffee had certainly made a mistake in the direction, I find now however that his  483 

24 MARCH 1823

direction was correct, & am extremely sorry for the mistake—how can I rectify it?— With great respect & esteem Yours very Truly Bernard Peyton RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ without date of receipt, but recorded in SJL as re‑ ceived 27 Mar. 1823. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Rembrandt

Peale, 19 Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Charlottesville”; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked Rich‑ mond, 24 Mar.

From Edmund Bacon Deare Sir. Kentucky Christian county March 26th 1823. It is with much pleasure I proceed to send You a few lines. the sincere respect which I posses for you certainly compels me to a re‑ memberance. I have cut a little short my Journey in stead of going on to Missouri have haulted in Kentucky. we had the wost weather while travelling that ever travellers experienced after our departure from albemarle about the end of the first weeks travel it began to raine and we had never after wards for the space of 4 more weeks three fair days together. consequently the roads became a complete mire and wost of all after travelling all day our people had to set up their tents upon ground commonly quite wet. Just as we arrive to the court house of this county at which place is a handsome town about 3 times as large as Charlottesville the weather set in cold and severe some of our com‑ pany of nigroes began to complain of something of a disentery and in less than two weeks 8 persons consisting of three whites and five nigroes was1 dead out of one family of 40 in number. one other family of about 15 in number lost two. as to my part thanks be to Kind provi‑ dence I lost none of my family tho I had a few sick. I garded against the badness of the weather as much as I could by puting my people in a house Genrally rather than to let them lay upon wet ground my wife had her helth better than she has done for a few years past. I have rented a very valueable farm well improved with 3 or 400 acres cleard land and as rich as either of the squares of your Garden every person say it is common to produce from 8 to 10 barrills corn pr acre. I have 150 acres nearly ready to plant in corn I have a smart crop of fine promising wheat growing which I get by paying one fourth part of the grain the price which I am to pay is one fourth of all the grain I raise. not bound for a dollar. if I raise a grait crop I pay a grait rent. my experience of this part of world is not such as to enable me to say much about it. my neighbourhood is quite respectable mostly virgin‑  484 

26 MARCH 1823

ians. I live in the fork betwen the Ohio and cumberland rivers land is cheap I can almost pick and chuse for 5$ pr acre and quite as rich as hart can wish it is a fine country for good living and every man who is calculated to accumulate wealth are doing it. this part is I hope neither two cold nor two hot a climate sootable to the production of cotten flax hemp and all sorts of vegetables. fine for Tobacco and I suppose as good for corn as any part in the united states I shall not perchase untill I try the convenienceis and inconvenienceis takeing at least a yeare for trial the bank paper of the state is freely circulateing and is improving fast. this state is wealthy and I hope in time will establish good regulations in all its public Concerns. corn is now worth two dollars pr. barrill in paper money and 1$ 50 cents in silver Bacon is worth from 6 to 10 cents pr pound. horsis sells as high here as they did when I left virginia thare. forchins are to be made here by raiseing stock. I wish I could get some of my old breed of hogs from Monticello. when it soots your convenience to pay the balance of John Bacons money I must beg the favour of you to deposit it in the bank at Rich‑ mond   in the united states bank if possible I can dispose of such deposit here easily my brother was requested to apply for it. but I prefer it being put into the bank be so good as to inclose me a bill of the deposit directing your letter to Hopkinsville Kentucky Christian county I live within 8 miles of that place and viset thare frequently. I should be at any time glad to here from You and believe me sir to be your faithfull and sincere well wisher and Ob. St. E: Bacon My best respects to Mrs Randolph and the little boys and all the family. RC (MHi); addressed: “Thomas Jeffer­son Esquire Albemarle virginia Monti‑ cello Milton office”; stamped; postmarked Hopkinsville, Ky., 10 Apr.; endorsed by

TJ as received 8 May 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL. 1 Bacon

here canceled “burrieed.”

To Thomas J. O’Flaherty Sir Monto Mar. 26. 23. The papers which I now return have been delayed only long enough to be communicated to mr Madison & returned by him. they are advantageous testimonials certainly of your familiarity with the languages in which they are written.1 but until the debt of the Uni‑ versity (180,000.D) shall be discharged and it’s funds liberated, the institution cannot be opened, and the uncertainty when this will be  485 

26 MARCH 1823

effected, renders it in the opinion of the visitors premature to act at all on the subject of professors. after the debt shall be discharged they will allow themselves one year additional to procure professors. ac‑ cept my respectful salutns Th:J FC (ViU: TJP); with TJ’s Notes on Plantation Cloth Distribution, [ca. 26 Mar. 1823], on verso; in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “O Flaherty Thos J.” Enclosures: enclosures to O’Flaherty to TJ, 10 Mar. 1823, not printed there. En‑

closed in James Monroe to TJ, 12 Jan. 1824. Extract printed in Philadelphia National Gazette and Literary Register, 30 Sept. 1826. 1

 National Gazette extract ends here.

Notes on Plantation Cloth Distribution

1    2    3 fractions 49.3 66.1 44 58.2 40.1 5 45   20   40 5½ 33   38½   33 7   15=105   11=77      6   8 women  10 + 4 + 8 + Men   6 + 7  woolen 2d   3d 4 st 1 col. fractions. 49¾  44   40¼   20½ 5s 45 20   40 20 5½ 33 38½   33 16½ 127¾ 102½  113¼ 57  6 133¾ linen 1st1 col fractions 66⅓ 58⅔   53.⅔ 27⅓ 7s 105 77   98 49 171⅓ 135⅔  151⅔ 76⅓ MS (ViU: TJP); on verso of FC of TJ to Thomas J. O’Flaherty, 26 Mar. 1823; in TJ’s hand; undated. Based on similar calculations in TJ’s Farm Book, enslaved adult women were supplied with 5 yards of woolen cloth while men received 5½, and shirting was

[ca. 26 Mar. 1823]

  53.2     14=98

 4 20.2 20 16½  

  27.1     7=49

dispersed in 7‑yard increments. Enslaved children under seventeen were given cloth in various fractions smaller than the adult allotments (see, for example, Betts, Farm Book, part 1, pp. 167, 168). 1

 486 

 Reworked from “2d.”

From William J. Coffee Honbl Sir New‑York march the 27 1823 Your goodness will Please to Excuse this application for as Cir‑ cumstances stand, it is not to be avoided, I think I stated to you in mine of the 15. Last Febry my Intentions to leave this City on the first day of April and wishing to be as Punctual as I can to aney Contract made, I have tharfore packed up all my moveables. my House is Let and my self only waiting your verey obligling remittance inclosed with that from the University to thee Proctor of wich I have by thee Sam Post made the same request. And at the same time favour me with a knowledg of the state of your Arm & wrist which I hope by this time is so far recovered as to be no obstruction to your Common Engoyments of Life. With Every Respect & Esteem I am Sir your Obeat Sv & &— W J Coffee NB the Quicksilvr stands this moing at 40 and yesterday it snowed all day it is now two Inchs on the ground on a Level RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to William Matthews, 30

Dec. 1823, on verso; addressed: “To The Honbl Thomas Jefferson: Monticello State of Virginia”; franked; postmarked New York, 27 Mar.

From William J. Coffee Honorabl Sir New York March 27–23. I receved Valuued favor a few howers after I sent to you my Last let‑ ter and am sory I have given you that Trouble. I also recved a Letter from Mr Brockenbrough of which I Cant help saying that I am not only Very much astonished but much dis‑ apointed, your Condesention to peruse the Inclosed letter will Inform you of my dissatisfaction, you be so kind as to Inclose as soon as you & mr B. has seen the original Contract. and cause it to be returned back to me, the Confeidens I Place in you Honor is to any amount.1 I am sory to say that the Loss of time & som Contract which in Conse‑ quns shall not be Able to fullfill—owing to the delay of time that now must take Place will be of som Considerabl disadvantage to me. The Composition Ornaments are not of the nature of Potters ware still they hav been hardend by fire. and should you at any time wish to have others I must beg to dicline at those Pricees yet any kind of Ornaments for Inside or out side to stand any Climate. Eaquel to2  487 

27 MARCH 1823

marble can be made in this Composition ajusting the Composition to the Situation Caps of all kind can be don in it finer then can be Cut in Stone of any kind and as to the adhesion to wood, stone or Brick—nothing is so sure the only thing is Care and atention—no other Composition can recve so delicate work and at a less Price then any other mater. one half Less then Led or stone As to my Place of Location I Can not at this moment Infom you but will take that liberty soon you will Please to accept my best of wishes for you Health. and receve my Esteem & Respects W. J. Coffee NB as soon as I recve mr Peyton Infomation I Shall Inform you RC (DLC); dateline between signature and postscript; endorsed by TJ as re‑ ceived 5 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Thomas Mann Randolph, 4  Jan. 1824, on verso; addressed: “The Honbl Thomas Jefferson Monticello State of Virginia”; franked; postmarked New York, 29 Mar. The inclosed letter from Coffee to Arthur S. Brockenbrough has not been

found. It contained Coffee’s copy of his original contract of 18 Mar. 1822 with Brockenbrough as proctor of the University of Virginia, printed below as an enclosure to Brockenbrough to Uni‑ versity of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 Apr. 1823. 1  Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 2  Manuscript: “to to.”

To Creed Taylor Dear Sir Monticello Mar. 27. 23. I recieved in due time your favor of the 8th and have to return you my thanks for the copy of the Journal of the Law‑school which you have been so kind as to send me,1 requesting at the same time2 an opinion on it’s merits3 for the press.4 it is now 50. years since I retired from5 the practice of the law, and my vocations since that time have not been of a character to keep me in familiarity with questions of law. it would therefore be great presumption in me to give an opinion for the public on this subject, and especially after so many and so great authorities have given it their sanction. of the utility of the in‑ stitution there can be no doubt. it gives opportunities to Students of practising their lessons in Rhetoric, of habituating themselves to think and to speak with method,6 and lessens the shock of a premier debut at the bar, so terrible in a first essay of strength before7 the public.8 the particular object of the book seems to be to furnish correct forms of entries in judicial records. of their merit in that line, I judge, not  488 

28 MARCH 1823

from my own imperfect recollections,9 but from my knolege of the learning & abilities of the author. with this apology for my incompe‑ tence, be pleased to accept the assurance of my great and respectful esteem and consideration. Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: Taylor Papers); addressed: “The honble Chancellor Taylor Rich‑ mond”; redirected in an unidentified hand to Farmville; franked; postmarked. Dft (MHi); on verso of portion of reused ad‑ dress cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ. Ex‑ tract printed in Richmond Enquirer, 27 June 1823, as noted below. 1  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft. 2  Preceding four words not in Dft and interlined in RC.

3 Dft:

“on it.” extract begins here. 5 Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “ceased.” 6 Remainder of sentence added at foot of text in Dft and keyed to this point with “and lessens the.” 7  RC: “befor.” Dft: “before.” 8  Printed extract ends here. 9  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “competence.” 4 Printed

To William Short Dear Sir Monticello Mar. 28. 23. From your letter of prophecies I too have caught the spirit of proph‑ ecy: for who can withold looking into futurity, on events which are to change the face of the world, and the condition of man throughout it, without indulging himself in the effusions of the holy spirit of Delphos? I may do it the more safely as, to my vaticinations, I always subjoin the Proviso ‘that nothing unexpected happen to change the predicted course of events.’ if, then, France has invaded Spain, an insurrection immediately takes place in Paris, the Royal family is sent to the Temple, thence perhaps to the Guillotine; to the 2. or 300,000. men able to bear arms in Paris will flock all the young men of the nation, born and bred in principles of freedom, and furnish a corps d’armée with Orleans, Beauharnois, or Fayette at their head; the army of the Pyranees catch the same flame and return to Paris with their arms in their hands: the Austrian and Prussian armies march to the relief of Louis XVIII. a descendant as well as Ferdinand of Henri IV.   as soon as their backs are turned, an universal insurrection takes place in Germany, Prussia, perhaps the Netherlands, thro’ all Italy certainly, who besides a force sufficient to settle their own govern‑ ments, can send aids to France. Alexander, in the mean time, having dexterously set all the South of Europe together by the ears, leaves them the bag to hold, and turns his whole force on Turkey, profiting of the opportunity at length obtained, which never occurred before, and never would again.  489 

28 MARCH 1823

 In the mean time Great Britain and the US. prepare for milking the cow, and, as friends to all parties, furnish all with cabotage, commerce, manufactures and food. Great Britain particularly gets full emploi‑ ment for all her hands, machines and capital; she recovers from her distresses & rises again into prosperity and splendor. she goes hand in hand with us in reaping1 this harvest, and on fair principles of Neutrality, which it will now be her interest to settle and observe: she joins us too in a guarantee of the independance of Cuba, with the consent of Spain, and removes thus this bone of contention from be‑ tween us: We avail ourselves of this occasion of a cordial conciliation and friendship with Spain, by assuring her of every friendly office which even a partial neutrality will permit, and particularly that, during their struggle, they need fear nothing hostile from us in their colonies; and Spain and Portugal wisely relinquish the dependance of all their American colonies, on condition they make common cause with them in the present conflict.—Is not this a handsome string of events, which are to give Representative governments to all Europe, & all of which are surely to take place, ‘if nothing unexpected happens to change their course’? it might be amusing, half a dozen years hence, to review these predictions and see how they tally with history. I shall recieve, with high pleasure, your visit in the autumn. when the time approaches, we must secure a concert between that and mine to Bedford to which all times are indifferent.—our University is now compleat to a single building, which, having seen the Pantheon, your imagination will readily supply, so as to form a good idea of it’s ulti‑ mate appearance. you must bequeath it your library, as many others of us propose to do. The bone of my arm is well knitted and strong; but the carpal bones, having been disturbed, maintain an oedematous swelling of the hand and fingers, keeping them entirely helpless, and holding up no definite2 term for the recovery of their usefulness. I am now in the 5th month of this disability. Nothing could have carried me thro’ the labor of this long letter, but the glow of the Pythian inspiration, and I must rest, after exhaustion, as that goddess usually did, adding only assurances of my constant and affectionate friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ViW: TJP). FC (DLC); in Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge)’s hand, signed by TJ; at foot of first page in TJ’s hand: “Wm Short esq.”; endorsed by TJ. Tr (DLC: Monroe Papers); in Virginia J. Randolph (Trist)’s hand, signed by TJ; at foot of first page in TJ’s hand: “Wil‑

liam Short esq.” Enclosed in TJ to James Monroe, 29 Mar. 1823. To set by the ears is to “put at vari‑ ance” (OED). The single building still wanting at the University of Virginia was the Rotunda. In ancient Greece the Py‑

 490 

31 MARCH 1823 thia was a mortal priestess, not goddess, who transmitted the oracular pronounce‑ ments of Apollo at Delphi (OCD, 445–6).

 1 Word interlined. 2 TJ here canceled “view.”

To James Monroe Dear Sir Monticello Mar. 29. 23. In answering a letter from mr Short I indulged myself in some off‑­hand speculations on the present lowering1 state of Europe, ran‑ dom enough to be sure; yet, on revising them, I thought I would haz‑ ard a copy to you, on the bare2 possibility that, out of them, you might, as we sometimes do from dreams, pick up some hint worth improving by your own reflection. at any rate the whole reverie will lose to you only the few minutes required for it’s3 perusal, and therefore I hazard it with the assurance of my constant affection and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Monroe Papers); addressed: “James Monroe President of the US. Washington”; franked; postmarked; en‑ dorsed by Monroe. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of reused address cover of Dupl of Thomas Appleton to TJ, 7 July 1821; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: TJ to William Short, 28 Mar. 1823.

1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “turbid.” 2  Word interlined in Dft. 3  Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “of.”

From William J. Coffee Honbl Sir New York 31st march 1823 It would be proper for me to apologize for this Intrusion on your retirement was it not at the request of Coln Peyton who wishes me to advice you of the recept of One Hundered Dollars which I have placed to your Acnt. It came to hand this day the Coln1 took the most Prompt & Proper means to expedite Buisness, he obtained an order from One of the Banks in Richmond upon one of the Banks in this City Payable at sight in which case thair was no loss of Interest on your Side, or Loss of time to me and I know that you well know how to Esteem time as money, I am Sory mr. Brockinbrough did not Pro‑ seed in the same Prompt way inn respct to the whole of my moderate Bill and mode of Payment in which case I should not now have been detaned from other Buisness With much Due‑Esteem I am Sir You Obtt Servt W. J. Coffee  491 

31 MARCH 1823  RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thos Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 9 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

 1 Manuscript: “Colm.”

From William W. Hening Sir. Richmond. March 31. 1823 I sent you, to the care of Mr Winn Mercht of Charlottesville, a few days past, two copies of the 10th Vol of the Statutes at Large, for your‑ self, and the 9th Vol. for the University.1—retaining the 10th for the purpose of preserving uniformity in the binding. The three first volumes are now re‑publishing in New York and Philadelphia, with some additional matter, gleaned from ancient M.SS since the publication of the first edition. The caption in the acts, taken from your M.S. which I received from Edmund Randolph esqr has been corrected.—As soon as they are published, I will send you an‑ other complete copy. In the appendix to the 10th Volume, I have given a series of papers in relation to the cession of the north western territory.—On page 565, you will find the Resolution of the General Assembly of Virginia, of the 2d of January 1781,2 as taken verbatim from the Original M.S. now in the clerks office of the House of Delegates. The words “and upon their own state establishment,” which occur in the original, are omitted in our act of Novr3 1783, and in the deed of cession.—I have been utterly at a loss to account for the omission, except on the ground of mistake, in the copy of the resolution first made for the governor, to be sent on to our delegates in Congress.—For, in the resolutions of congress of the 13th of Septr 1783, our resolution of the 2nd of Jany 1781, there called an act, is truly recited, except as to the omission above noticed.—Those words, consequently, do not appear to have been drawn into discussion in Congress.—Our act of cession of Novr 1783, conforms to the resolutions of Congress, and the deed literally recites it. As you were a party to the deed of cession, which I intend to pub‑ lish in the Appendix to the 11th Volume, I have thought it probable that you could cast some light on this subject. If so, I should be4 much gratified in receiving a communication5 from you. I am respy Yrs Wm W: Hening RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 3 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

The Virginia resolution of the 2d of january 1781 provided “For a cession of

 492 

31 MARCH 1823 the lands on the north west side of Ohio to the United States” (Hening, 10:564–7). The misdated act of novr 1783, which the Virginia House of Delegates actually passed on 19 Dec. 1783 and the Senate of  Virginia confirmed a day later, was “An Act to authorize the Delegates of this State in Congress, to convey to the United States in Congress assembled, the right of this Commonwealth to the terri‑ tory north westward of the river Ohio” (JHD [Oct.–Dec. 1783 sess.], 131, 148; Hening, 11:326–8). It was copied into the 1 Mar. 1784 deed of cession, which TJ drafted and cosigned as a delegate to the United States Confederation Congress (PTJ, 6:571–80; Hening, 11:571–5). This body had previously reviewed Virginia’s 2 Jan. 1781 resolution offering to cede the state’s northwest territory to the federal government and agreed to accept such a

cession on the 13th of septr 1783 (JCC, 25:558–64; Hening, 11:567–70). In the appendix to the 11th volume of his Statutes at Large, Hening concluded that the phrase in question was mistak‑ enly omitted because in the original text a word was repeated at the beginning and end of the same line and the transcriber, “seeing the same word again at the end of the line, passed on to the next line; a circumstance which frequently occurs in copying” (Hening, 11:566). A missing letter from TJ to Hening of 11 Apr. 1823 is recorded in SJL. 1

 Manuscript: “Universty.”  Preceding six words interlined. 3  Word interlined. 4  Manuscript: “me.” 5  Manuscript: “comnunication.” 2

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Rich’d 31 Mar: 1823 Agreeable to the request contained in yours of the — Inst:, have purchased for you Cruden’s Concordance, at $9, and will forward it by the first Waggon, for charlottesville, to the care of Mr Raphael— I send by this mail the last of the three Books formerly ordered, for your Grand sons, all of which hope will reach you safely— With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly Bernard Peyton RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; en‑ dorsed by TJ as received 3 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. TJ conveyed his request for a copy of Alexander Cruden, A Complete Concor­ dance to the Holy Scriptures of the Old and

New Testament (London, 1738, Sowerby, no. 1495; Philadelphia, 1806, Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 9 [no. 516]) in a letter to Peyton of 24 Mar. 1823, not found, but recorded in SJL with the bracketed nota‑ tion: “Cruden’s concordance.”

 493 

        Apr. 15           June. 1 June June June   Aug. 4. Sep. 1.   May. 7.  

to be pd in 1823

Rawlings James 84.40   Antrim abt 12.    Cosby Dabney abt 8.    Eppes Francis 45.89   Eppes J. W. 300.    University 25.    Massie Charles 23.16   Watkins Dr   Ragland Dr   Bishop Joseph 39.13   Dawson Martin 80.    Winn John 48.    Jones John R. 96.36   Branham & Bibb 16.62   Bacon E. for J. 160.58   Hatch 75.    Proctor Hanah 800.  ⎬⎫   int. 43.603 ⎭ ⎫ Leroy & Bayard 2083  ⎬ 4 ⎭   int. 125  

[Cr]editors                                        

principal remaing                                        

Int. to July 1. 23.

List of Debts and Assets

                             

         

resources for this year Bedford tobo 4000 Albemarle do 800. frm N. Orleans 20002 Albem. flour 2400 Mill rent. say 1200 10,400

annual1   int.

    Nov. 6. 22.                   Jan. 23. 19   Nov. 4. 11   May 31. 20              

Pini Lyle James Miller B. Leitch James Robertson Arch. books Dodge & Oxnard taxes Gorman John Gough   Higginbotham D. Ham Elijah. Carden Youen Brand’s exrs Chisolm Hugh Nielson John Yancey Joel Bank US.  Farmers  Virginia   Welsh                      

   

                     

abt

444  1200.  750.  801.17 918.85 100  200  280  200.   700 9659.76

7400.    5378.84   1677.22 65.41 5730.  925.41 1000.  115.14                         2848.67 1504.  419.61 111.86 300.    339.60 238.43     843.50 156.  1950.  509.73 5250.    6000     1125     40,262.44 2121.985        

444.      343.80 60.                    20.46   50.58               April 1. 1823.

1 APRIL 1823  MS (ViU: TJP‑ER); with TJ’s Plan for Debt Repayment, [ca. 1 Apr. 1823], on verso; in TJ’s hand; one word faint. TJ expected to receive $2,000 when he sent four of his enslaved men to New Or‑ leans (n. orleans) to be sold (TJ to Bernard Peyton, 28 Aug. 1824). TJ owed the university of Virginia a refund for an overpayment he had received when selling the school his hoisting machine (Receipt from TJ to Arthur S. Brocken‑ brough, 22 Nov. 1821; Benjamin King to TJ, 3 Jan. 1823). The four june entries were to be paid in favor of TJ’s debt to Edmund Bacon (note to TJ’s Promissory Note to Bacon, 7 Apr. 1813). A missing letter of 3 Oct. 1822 from Hannah Proc‑ tor (proctor hanah) to TJ is recorded in SJL as received the day it was written. TJ noted in his financial records for the following day the receipt from Proctor of

“800.D. for which with interest I gave my note payable Sep. 1. 1823” (MB, 2:1389). TJ’s financial records include much of the same information given above in a similar “statement of debts” recorded on 21 Mar. 1823 (MB, 2:1393–4). That list differs in showing $1,150 due to Boyd miller and including additional debts of $99.27 to William J. Coffee and $5,529 on James Leitch’s bond, while omitting the three bank loan entries. 1

 Manuscript: “annua.”  Reworked from “1000.” 3  Preceding two words and brace interlined. 4  Preceding two words and brace interlined. 5  TJ failed to include the figure for David Higginbotham. The correct amount is 3,625.98. 2

Plan for Debt Repayment Albemarle Expences.    Monticello Income Store acc t includg 400.B. iron 800  flour Groceries includg 10.. salt 400. ℔ tobo wines 200 Mill. books. 100. clear. boys. tuition.  150. Barrels 1650 taxes 140 superinten  clear dance. 840  700  2490

[ca. 1 Apr. 1823]

Bedford D store 50..  account. 400  tobo 4000. 2400  taxes 140 400.B. super  flour 2400 800   intendce 1200  6400   1740 1740 1000   Bedf d 1500   clear 4660 5700     Albem. 2490  clear  3210 3210    7870       D  1823. Apr. 1. my own debts principal 40,262. July 1. interest to this day  2,122. 42,384 By sale of 80. negroes @ 250. D  20,000 22,384  496 

1 APRIL 1823

W.C.N.’s debt. principal  20000          interest   1200  21,200 Total principal & int. to July 1. 23. 43,584   1824. 1. year’s interest on 43,584  2,615 46,199 payment  7,870 38,329 1825. 1. year’s int.  2,300 40,629 paymt  7,870 32,759 1826. 1 year’s int.  1 966 34,725 paymt  7,870 26,855 1827. 1. year’s int.  1,611 28,466 paymt  7,870 20,596 1828 1. y’s int.  1,236 21,832 paymt  7,870 13,962 1829. 1. year’s int.    838 14,800 paymt  7,870 6,930 1830. 1. year’s int    416 7,346 payment  7,870 overpaid    524 my own debts1 will thus be paid by 1827. Mr Nicholas 1830 the lands will all be saved and the 150. negroes, at 3. p.c. increase compd2 will be 190. in 1830. MS (ViU: TJP‑ER); on verso of TJ’s List of Debts and Assets, 1 Apr. 1823; in TJ’s hand; undated.

w.c.n.’s: Wilson Cary compd: “compounded.” 1 Reworked 2 Word

 497 

Nicholas’s.

from “The debts.” interlined.

From Thomas Appleton Leghorn 2nd April 1823 I had the honor, Sir, to write you very fully, on the 17th of October by  Raggi, and in which, I explain’d the impediments thrown in the way, by jealousy and other unworthy passions, to retard the completion of the capitels.—they would have been sent in Decem‑ ber, as I then assur’d you, but owing to the most boisterous winter, experienc’d probably in 50 years, the vessel which has now brought them to this port, is the first from Carrara, Since Christmass.—The Capitels are now Shipp’d on board the Brig Draco; captn Perkins for New York, and directed to the care of Jonathan Thompson Col‑ lector of that port, to hold them to your order.—The delay you have experienc’d, I hope you will find fully compensated, by their very superior execution, and the beauty of the marble, which is nearly equal to Statuary; I hope you will also find, that they are perfectly conformable to your wishes, and to your instructions. The cases are of the Strongest materials, and the capitels so plac’d within, as al‑ most to preclude the possibility of accidents—in a word, Sir, no expence has been spar’d, that they may reach you in safety.— Statement of Account1 Dollars To 18 corinthian & Ionic capitels 1850. To cases for the same 50 To custom house duties, expences on Shipping &     postage of letters2 13 total.— 1913. 189.75 To balce due & held to your order dollars.— 2102.753 Credit By cash receiv’d in two remittances4 dollars— 2102.75.—5 The reason of the balance in my hands, you will, at once perceive, sir, is owing to the 200. dollars, destin’d for Giacomo Raggi, which, he did not receive of me, as he inform’d me he had been fully paid by you.—this balance, I therefore hold to your order.6—I have been earnestly waiting a Second order for the capitels of your Pantheon, which should you determine upon, they will, with punctuality, be compleated in one year, from the arrival of your instructions. The Sculptor contracted here, without consulting Palladio; thus he has really lost by the contract, for there is in truth, a considerable differ­ ence, between the usual ornaments of Ionic capitels, and those of  498 

2 APRIL 1823

Palladio—he is, however, contented in bearing this loss if they re‑ ceive your approbation.—  accept, Sir, the expressions of my great esteem & respect— Th: Appleton RC (DLC); in Appleton’s hand; with stamp of the New York City Custom‑ house at foot of text certifying of the brig Draco that “this Invoice was presented to me on entry,” signed by Jonathan Thomp­ son as “Collector,” and with the addi‑ tional signatures of James Brodie and John Cockle; with signed notation writ‑ ten perpendicularly in margin of recto by A. R. Lawrence: “Correctly Charged”; en‑ dorsed by TJ as received 17 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with TJ’s additional notations beneath endorsement: “print of Rotunda  pavement  Capitels + astra‑ gal.” FC (Lb in NNGL); in Appleton’s hand; with additional notation at foot of text: “Sail’d 12. April.” FC (MBPLi: Ap‑ pleton Account Book); statement of ac‑ count only; in Appleton’s hand. RC (MHi); address cover only, and possibly covering instead Appleton’s second letter of this

date; with FC of TJ to Philip P. Barbour, 12 Oct. 1823, on verso; addressed: “To Thomas Jefferson, esquire Monticello U:S. of America by Brig Draco Capt: Perkins for New York.” Enclosed in TJ to Jona‑ than Thompson, 18 June 1823, and Thompson to TJ, 27 June 1823. 1  MBPLi FC begins here with “Leg‑ horn April 1823 Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia. U.S.A.—Dr.” 2  Preceding two words not in MBPLi FC. 3  Recto ends here with “carried over” at foot of page. 4  NNGL FC: “payments.” 5  MBPLi FC ends here with Appleton’s additional notation: “N:B. the above Set‑ tles all accounts to the present 2. April.” 6  Sentence not in NNGL FC.

From Thomas Appleton Leghorn 2nd April 1823. It was my intention, Sir, by this conveyance, to have written to the late Governor Miller of North Carolina, requesting the favor of you, to give it a safe course to him; but uncertain as I am, if he is even Still1 in existance, and not knowing the name of any other individual in the State, will you allow me, so far to trespass on your kindness towards me, as to relate to you, the motive of the letter, I intended to write to him. I feel persuaded, in perusing the follow‑ ing, you will think I have some cause, if you should perceive, any feeling of irritation, at the improper neglect I have receiv’d from the executive of that State.—2 About six years ago, Governor Miller wrote to me, requesting my utmost attentions, to the Statue of Washington, to be sculptur’d at Rome, and which request was strengthen’d, by a letter from Mr Mon‑ roe, then Secretary of State, to the same effect; to which, I immedi‑ ately acquiesc’d, in a letter of reply to Governor Miller.—two or three  499 

2 APRIL 1823

letters mutually pass’d on the subject, when in his last to me, he left uncontroul’d to my judgement, the Size, attitude, emblems on the piedestal, and indeed, every object relating to it—however flattering, was this confidence placed in me, it was one, I was, in no wise, ambi‑ tious of receiving, as the fear of reproach, was more powerful on my mind, than the hopes of applause—there was no time to waste, in corresponding with the extremes of the earth, and I thus acceeded to his very earnest desires.—I made an agreement with Mr Canova for the Statue, and with the incomparable Mr Trentanove for the piedes‑ tal, with all the emblems and3 ornaments. I determin’d on the size, attitude and garb; I designated all the allusive figures4 which adorn the four sides of the piedestal, for the single light I receiv’d from Governor Miller, was the heighth of their Senate‑hall.—I sent to Rome, my colossal bust of Washington, by Cerracchi, as the only guide, for the portrait in possession of a Mrs Custus, though promis’d me, was never sent.—I receiv’d all the remittances; a continual cor‑ respondence of four years; a journey to Rome; terminated the busi‑ ness; embark’d it at Civita Vecchia, and it has, as I learn through, american gazettes, safely arriv’d, and drawn the general approbation of the government and the people.5—On its embarkation, I wrote triplicate letters,6 with the most minute7 Statement of the Statue and the8 basso releivos, with triplicate accounts, and vouchers for every charge.—I made not the smallest charge, for my labours and time; for though I am not affluent, I merely added, it was an item, that I left to his own feelings, if they merited any reward, beyond the approba‑ tion of my conduct, in the completion of the Statue; but to the present hour, now two years elaps’d Since its embarkation, and for three years previous,9 I am without a syllable from the government, or any subordinate authority.—I consider, Sir, the little services mutually render’d among men, as a currency, which leaves no debt on either Side; but I cannot conceive, agreeably to my views of civilization, that a continued attention of four years, with a correspondence of more than one hundred & fifty letters,10 my journey to Rome, and on an object which is to be immortal, that I am not intitled, at least, to a decorous reply;11 even the knowledge of the remittances, were made known to me, only by the bankers in Europe.—it may be convenient to terminate the business in this summary way, but I know too well, the extreme correctness of your judgement, to beleive, you will view it, as becoming the dignity of the State, or to disapprove my own sensibility of so indecorous a neglect, of what long habits of Society have taught me, as an indispensable duty in the intercourse of life.— Were I a merchant, I should have charg’d a large commission on the  500 

2 APRIL 1823

amount, and my time in the journey to Rome.—I have done all that a merchant could have done, and I have designated all they approve, if I may judge by the gazettes—both the artists have only follow’d my instructions, as I was left, alone to determine all they admire.—I have an office whose wretched12 product, little exceeds the rent of a modest house; and our patriotism, like our charities, should13 be limited to our means. Will you allow me then, Sir, to request of your goodness, to point out to me, what steps I should pursue, or what I should greatly prefer, is, that you would have the kindness,14 to intimate this neglect, to some confidential friend of your’s in that State, that it may be recall’d to the memory of the Governor.—It is possible,15 that the pres‑ ent chief magistrate, is ignorant even of my name; but the government of the State, has lately sent through my hands, a resolution of thanks to Canova, (without a line to me,)16 which I have learnt is express’d in the Strongest terms of approbation17 and applause, comparing the Statue to the divine labours of Praxitelles & Phidias.—In a word, Sir, my single wish is, that I may receive a Suitable reply to my triplicate letters, sent with the Statue.—to recognize my services, is becoming to the government, and a justice which is due to me; the mode they will determine, though I was inform’d, in the origin of the business, it would be pecuniary—this I confess would best suit my finances, for I am not rich enough, to appreciate in an equal degree, expressions of approbation.—18 Allow19 me, Sir, on this day, on which, I beleive, you have compleated your 80th year, to offer you, my sincere congratulations, that Provi‑ dence seems to have seconded all the noblest views20 to which your heart could aspire, by filling up your years with virtues & glory, which the whole world acknowledge and admire; and endowing you with a bodily firmness which scarcely leaves you to regret the vigour of youth.— It is rare, indeed, that we discover any one, who was born on the same day of the year with ourselves; in truth, it is so rare, that I had never known any one born on the 2nd of April, the day of my own birth, until I read your age in a biographical history printed in the U: States—thus, I have this day compleated my 60th year.—accept, Sir, my most heartfelt wishes, for a long continuance of your health, for your virtues will outlive the forms of government.— Th: Appleton RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 17 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in NNGL); in Appleton’s

hand; with additional notation at foot of text: “Sent under cover to Jona Thomp‑ son, Collector New York. Sent by Brig Draco, Capt Perkins & Sail’d 12. April.”

 501 

2 APRIL 1823 Tr (Lb in Nc-Ar: Gabriel Holmes Gover‑ nor’s Papers); undated extract subjoined to Tr of TJ to Holmes, 3 Aug. 1823.  After the North Carolina legislature voted to commission a statue of George Washington in December 1815, Washing‑ ton’s step‑granddaughter Elizabeth Parke Custis (mrs custus) proposed that a drawing be made of the “small full length picture of the General, painted by Colo‑ nel Trumbull” in her possession, and that it be sent to Italy to aid in the design of the sculpture (Robert D. W. Connor, Canova’s Statue of Washington [1910], 36n). Newspapers announced that the statue had safely arriv’d in Raleigh on 24 Dec. 1821 (Raleigh Register, and North‑­ Carolina Gazette, 28 Dec. 1821; Wash‑ ington Daily National Intelligencer, 2 Jan. 1822). Governor William Miller’s term had ended on 6 Dec. 1817. Gabriel Holmes, the present chief magistrate of North Carolina, addressed a letter to the sculp‑ tor Antonio Canova from Raleigh on 4 July 1822 in which he forwarded a reso‑ lution of thanks from the legislature and compared the example that Antonio Canova’s statue of Washington would set for young artists of the Western Hemi­ sphere to that which the labours of prax‑ itelles & phidias provided “to their imitative brethren and admiring specta‑ tors, chaste models of admiration and per‑ fection” (Connor, Canova’s Statue, 54–5).

 TJ was born on the 2nd of april, 1743. When Great Britain and its colonies shifted from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday moved to 13 Apr. 1 Word

not in FC. not in FC. Tr begins here. two words not in FC. 4 Instead of preceding seven words, FC reads “all the emblems.” 5  Instead of preceding two words, FC reads “from their Citizens.” 6  FC here adds “to the Governor.” 7  FC: “detail’d.” 8  Remainder of sentence in FC reads “emblems, with my accounts & all the Attendant vouchers.” 9  Instead of preceding five words, FC reads “at Civita Vecchia.” 10  FC here adds “my time.” 11  FC here adds “for I have not been honor’d with a line, since the retiring of Govr Miller from the office of chief mag‑ istrate of the State, nor from any of his Successors.” 12  Word not in FC. 13  FC: “must.” 14  Tr: “goodness.” 15  FC: “It may be.” 16  Parenthetical phrase not in FC. 17  FC: “admiration.” 18  Tr ends here. 19  FC: “Permit.” 20  FC: “wishes.” 2 Sentence

3 Preceding

To Lewis Brantz Sir Monticello Apr. 3. 23. Your favor of Mar. 18. is recieved, as had been in due time that of Jan. 15. which I forwarded to Govr Pleasants immediately with my own testimony of mr Haessler’s merit. I did not inform you of it hav‑ ing done what was requested1 and writing being very painful to me. I have repeated to the Governor on the present occasion2 my recom‑ mendation of mr Haessler, to whose worth I always willingly bear witness. accept the assurance of my respect. Th: Jefferson RC (NNGL). Dft (MHi); on verso of portion of reused address cover; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Brantz Lewis.”

1 Preceding five words interlined in Dft in place of “because I thought it not necessary.” 2 Preceding four words interlined in Dft.

 502 

To James Brown (1780–1859) Sir Monto Apr. 3. 23. I have to acknolege the receipt by the last mail of your favor of Mar. 24. addressed to the Rector and Visitors of the University. the letter shall be laid before that body which will meet on Monday next, and their answer to it shall be communicated without delay. accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect. Th:J. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of re‑ used address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Brown John” and so recorded in SJL. Brown’s favor of mar. 24, not found, is recorded in SJL as a letter from “Brown John. Audit’s office” received 31 Mar. 1823. The president and directors of the Literary Fund resolved on 24 Mar. 1823 “that the Accountant be, and he is hereby, directed to address a letter to the Rector & Visitors of the University of Vir‑ ginia requesting to be informed by them

whether the sum authorised by the last legislature to be loaned to that institution will probably be called for in any short time, and stating that this Board, being desirous that the Capital of the Literary Fund shall be as fully and constantly ­employed as possible, wish to invest the amount to be loaned to the University (should it not be wanted for 6 or 8 months to come) in some productive Stock that can be readily reconverted into money when the purposes of that institution may require it” (Vi: RG 27, Virginia Literary Fund Minute Book).

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 3d April 1823 Agreeable to your standing request, I hand herewith, your quar‑ terly a∕c to 1st Instant, which will, I believe, be found correct— I thank you for your introduction of Mr Dodge, who I am quite pleased with, & will endeavour to make some arrangement for a regu‑ lar supply of his Wines, should the first importation meet with such a reception as to justify it, which I am persuaded it will, as well on account of the quality as the price— With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly Bernard Peyton RC (MHi); addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Charlottesville”; franked; post‑ marked Richmond, 3 Apr.; endorsed by TJ as received 6 Apr. 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL. Enclosure not found.

TJ’s 23 Mar. 1823 introduction of Joshua Dodge to Peyton, not found, is re‑ corded in SJL with the additional brack‑ eted notation: “introdn of Dodge.”

 503 

To James Pleasants Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 3.1 23. Duty obliges me to forward to you such letters as the inclosed. I do it willingly on behalf of men of the merit of mr Haessler, but at the same time without any other view than that of enlarging the field of selection, and enabling you to chuse the best subject. I salute you with affectionate esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (Vi: RG 57, Applications for Posi‑ tion of Principal Engineer); addressed: “Governor Pleasants Richmond”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 5 Apr.; en‑ dorsed in an unidentified hand as a letter of 23 Apr. 1823 with the additional nota‑ tion “(Mr Hassler.).” FC (DLC); on verso of portion of reused address cover to TJ;

in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ. Recorded in SJL with TJ’s bracketed notation: “Haessler.” Enclosure: Lewis Brantz to TJ, 18 Mar. 1823. 1 Reworked from “4” in FC, with year omitted.

 504 

 505 

Josephus’s Works, by Whiston Herodotus, by Beloe Thucydides, by Smith Xenophon’s Grecian History, Smith Xenophon’s Retreat of the ten thousand Spelman Gillies’ History of Greece Anacharsis’ Travels Livy, Eng. London, 1745 Sallust, by Gordon Cæsar, by Bladen, Plutarch’s Lives, by Dryden Cornelius Nepos Middleton’s Life of Cicero Tacitus, by Gordon Suetonius, by Thomson Gibbon’s Roman Empire Segur’s Abr. Universal History,  about Priestly’s Lectures on History Millot’s5 Modern History

3 vols. 8vo Uncertainty of the Signs of Death 8vo 4 8vo Xenophon’s Memoirs of 2 Socrates, by Fielding, Epictetus, by Mrs. Carter Cicero’s Offices 8vo Cicero on Old Age, by 2 Franklin, 8vo 4 8vo Cicero’s Thoughts, by 5 D’Olivet, Eng. 8vo 6 12mo Seneca’s Morals, by 1 L’Estrange, 8vo 1 12mo Enfield’s History of 6 Philosophy 12mo 1 8vo Stanley’s Lives of the 3 Philosophers 8vo 4 Locke on the Human 1 Understanding 12 Stewart’s Philosophy of the Human Mind 4 Condorcet’s Progress of the 2 Mind 3

           

8vo

1

1

2

4vo

8vo

1

2

1

1 12mo

1

1 8vo 2 12mo 1

1

THE ALBEMARLE LIBRARY SOCIETY. British Cicero Scott’s Swift Harrington’s1 Oceana Beattie’s Works Johnson’s Lives of the Poets Leland’s Demosthenes Duncan’s Cicero Adams’ Lectures Blair’s Lectures Alison2 on Taste Rabelais’s3 Works Paley’s Works British Spy Junius (Woodfall) Lyttleton’s Letters Aikin’s Letters Moore’s Letters on France and Italy Bigland’s4 Letters on History Chesterfield’s Letters

Presented by the Committee appointed for that purpose, and received by the General Meeting of

CATALOGUE OF BOOKS,

Albemarle Library Society Catalogue of Books

1 3

2 8vo

2 8vo 2 1 2 2 1 4 12mo 3 8vo 1 12mo 2 1 1

3 24 12mo 1 10 12mo

 506 

Russel’s Modern Europe Hallam’s Middle Ages Millot’s History of France Sully’s Memoirs Voltaire’s Age of Louis XIV Voltaire’s Age of Louis XV Baines’s Wars of the French Revolution Madame de Stael on the French Revolution, Eng. Toulongeon’s Revolution of France  ab’t La Cretelle’s Hist. of France, 18th cent’ry, Segur’s History of Frederick, Wm. II. Voltaire’s Charles XII. Voltaire’s Peter the Great Voltaire’s General History Robertson’s Charles V. Rapin’s History of England Hume’s History of England Baxter’s History of England Ludlow’s Memoirs Fox’s History of James II. Mrs. Macaulay’s10 History of England Orrery’s History of England Belsham’s History of Great Britain 12mo 8vo

12

4vo 8vo

12mo 8vo

8 2

3 1 1 6 3 15 8 1 3 1

6

4

3

4

5 4 3 4 2 1

Pufendorf’s6 Duty of Man The Economy of Human Life Locke on Toleration Rochefoucault’s Maxims Charron on Wisdom, by Stanhope, Locke on Government Sidney on Government Montesquieu’s Spirit of Laws Tracy’s Commentaries on Montesquieu Burgh’s7 Political Disquisitions The Federalist Chipman on Government Malthus on the Principles of Population Say’s Political Economy Tracy’s Political Economy Ferguson’s Astronomy Ferguson’s Mechanics A Collection of Travels and Voyages, Lond. 1761, Pope’s Homer’s Iliad Pope’s Homer’s Odyssey Dryden’s Virgil Milton’s Paradise Lost, Lond. 1784, Telemachus Pope’s Works 1 Pliny’s Letters 1 12mo Cicero’s Letters 1 Fitzosborne’s Letter 1 St. Evermond and Waller Lady M. Montague’s 1 8vo Letters 1 Campbell’s Philosophy of 2 Rhetoric 2 Columbian Eloquence McCries Life of Knox 1 Kett’s Elements Boswell’s Johnson 3 Grattan’s Speeches 2 12mo Curran’s Speeches 1 Hooker’s Ecclesiastical Polity 1 Lord Ba[c]on’s Works 2 8vo Home’s Sketches 1 Smith’s Moral Sentiments 1 Berkeley’s Essays8 1 Reid on the Mind Stewart’s9 Philosophical 20 12mo Essays 2 Smith’s Wealth of 2 Nations 3 Walpole’s Reminisences Marmontel’s Memoirs 2 British Poets 2 Oxberry’s British Theatre 9 Colman’s11 Terence

folio

2 1 1 75 12mo

1

1 10 2 1 1 4

1 1 1 1 3 1 2

4

2 3 1 1 12mo

 507 

Robertson’s America Belknap’s History of New Hampshire Hutchinson’s History of Massachusetts Williams’s History of Vermont Smith’s History of New York Proud’s History of Pennsylvania Smith’s History of Virginia Stith’s History of Virginia Burke’s & Girardin’s History of Virginia Williamson’s History of N. Carolina Hewat’s14 History of S. Carolina Gordon’s Independence of the U. States Mrs. Warren’s History of the American Revolution Ramsay’s Hist. of the Amer. Revolution Marshal’s Life of Washington Botta’s History of the War of Independence, by Otis, Minot’s History of the Insur‑ rection of Massachusetts Findley’s18 History of the Insurrection of Pennsylvania 1

1

3

2 5

3

4

1

1

4

2 2 1

2 1 1

3

4

Addison’s Works Potter’s Aeschylus Potter’s Sophocles Potter’s Euripides Shakespear, by Capell ⎫ Dryden’s Tragedies ⎪ ⎪ Otway’s  do ⎪ Rowe’s  do ⎪ ⎪ Young’s  do ⎬ Mallet’s  do ⎪ ⎪ 8vo Thomson’s13  do ⎪ ⎪ Mason’s  do ⎪ Moliere’s Comedies, Eng. ⎭ Spectator Tattler Guardian Kaim’s Elements of Criticism Lowthe’s English Grammar Franklin’s Works Hampton’s Polybius Mitford’s15 Greece Ferguson’s Roman Republic Gillies’ History of the World Rollin’s Ancient History Guicciardini’s Wars of Italy Roscoe Leo—10 Roscoe16 De Medici Memoirs Cardinal de Retz Gramont’s19 Memoirs 1 1 8 3 5 5 3 10 10 4 3 3 2

8 2 2

about 20

3 1 1 2 8

Lord Byron’s Works 8vo Scott’s  do Campbell’s  do Moore’s  do Cowper’s  do Burn’s  do Crabbe’s  do Rowe’s Lucan12 12mo Gifford’s Juvenal Mitchell’s Aristophans Francis’s Horace Hoole’s Ariosto Hoole’s Tasso German Theatre Goldsmith’s Works Fielding’s do Smollet’s do 8vo Don Quixotte 12mo Gil Blas 8vo Rasselas Rambler Idler World Adventurer Mirror Connoisseur Lyttleton’s Dialogues Life of Benvenuto Cellini17 Cuvier’s Theory of the Earth Milner’s Church History

6 12mo 6 3 6 4 4 3 1 2 2 1 4 4 6 5 8vo 8 8 4 12mo 2 1 4 2 4 4 2 3 1 1 8vo 1 2

 508 

Clarke’s Naval History of the U. States 2 Mosheim’s Ecclesiastical History 6 The Geoponics, by Owen, 1 Dickson’s Husbandry of the Antients 2 Tull’s Horse‑Hoeing Husbandry 1 Hale’s Body of Husbandry 4 3 Young’s Rural Economy 2 Young’s Farmer’s Guide 1 Sinclair’s " " 1 Taylor’s Arator 1 Barton’s Elements of Botany 2 Conversations on Chemistry 8 in 4 Scientific Dialogues 18 Buffon’s Natural History, Eng. Blumenbach’s Manual of Nat. 2 History Philosophical Survey of the 1 Animal Creation 12mo

Calvin’s Memoirs 12mo Clarendon’s History McIntosh’s History of 8vo England Robertson’s History of Scotland Chalmer’s Mary Dalrymple’s Memoirs Watson’s Philip 2 and 3 Davilla’s Civil Wars Thuanus’ History of France Tomlin’s Life of Pitt Memoirs of Elizabeth and 12mo James Colman’s Plautus Kennett’s and Potter’s Roman and Grecian Antiquities 8vo Jefferson’s Notes Burke’s Works 2 1 3

5 1

2

2 2 2 5

1 6

8vo

1 1 9 12mo 3 8vo 1 12mo 1 8vo

1

APPROVED, April 5, 1823.

Chalmers on Astronomy Malthus on Political Economy Hudibras Hannah More’s Works Female Biography Memoirs of Henry Martyn20 Edwards on the Will

5 APRIL 1823  Broadside (MHi); damaged at crease; addressed in Frederick W. Hatch’s hand: “T Jefferson Esqr.” The Albemarle Library Society was founded in March 1823 and opened its cir‑ culating library on Charlottesville’s Court Square shortly thereafter. TJ subscribed for four $10 shares on 22 Apr. 1823 and, along with Francis Bowman and John Or‑ mond, sat on a committee that compiled the library’s catalogue. Having been in‑ corporated by the Virginia General As‑ sembly on 22 Jan. 1824, the organization counted among its early leaders a number of TJ’s friends and acquaintances, includ‑ ing Ira Garrett, Valentine W. Southall, and William Wertenbaker. The society existed into the 1830s (Woods, Albemarle, 103; MB, 2:1395, 1404; Extract from Virginia J. Randolph [Trist] to Nicho‑ las P. Trist, 13 May 1823; Acts of Assem­ bly [1823–24 sess.], 74–5; Char­lottes­ville Virginia Advocate, 16 Apr. 1830). This catalogue records desired ac‑ quisitions rather than the possessions of the Albemarle Library Society and re­ flects TJ’s influence in both the exclusion of novels and the inclusion of a number of titles that he had previously owned, but which would have been very difficult to obtain. For example, in 1815 TJ had sold his copy of John Baxter, A New and Im­ partial History of England, From the most Early Period of Genuine Historical Evidence to the Present Important and Alarming Crisis (London, [1796–1801]; Sowerby, no. 405), to the nation to help reestablish the Library of Congress. His repeated at‑ tempts thereafter to obtain another copy of this book for himself or to have it re‑ printed were unsuccessful (note to TJ to William Duane, 12 Aug. 1810, doc­ument 1 in a group of documents on Jefferson and the Publication of Destutt de Tracy’s Commentary on Montesquieu). The num‑ ber of books listed above that actually found their way onto the library’s shelves is unknown. anacharsis’ travels was presumably an English translation of [Jean Jacques Barthélemy], Voyage du Jeune Anacharsis en Grèce, dans le milieu du quatrième siècle avant l’ère vulgaire, 5 vols. (Paris, 1788). british spy: William Wirt, The Letters of the British Spy (Richmond, 1803, and other eds.; Leavitt, Poplar Forest, 40 [no.

670]). st. evermond and waller was [John Langhorne], Letters Supposed to have passed between M. De St. Evremond and Mr. Waller (Dublin, 1769, and other eds.). a collection of travels and voy‑ ages: The World displayed; or, a Curious Collection of Voyages and Travels, Selected from The Writers of all Nations, 20 vols. (London, 1759–61). orrery’s history of england: [Oliver Goldsmith], An His­ tory of England, in a Series of Letters from a Nobleman to his Son, 2 vols. (London, 1764, and other eds.; Sowerby, no. 399). telemachus was probably an English translation of François de Salignac de la Mothe Fénelon, Les Avantures de Tele­ maque (Paris, 1699, and other eds.; Sow‑ erby, nos. 4305–7). gil blas was likely an English trans‑ lation of Alain René Le Sage, Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane, 4 vols. (Paris, 1715–35; repr. London, 1769; Sowerby, no. 4346). rasselas: [Samuel Johnson], The Prince of Abissinia. A Tale, 2 vols. (London, 1759, and other eds.). the geo­ ponics by owen was Thomas Owen, trans., Γεωπονικά. Agricultural Pursuits, 2 vols. (London, 1805–06). A letter from Bowman and Ormond to TJ of 1 Apr. 1823, not found, is recorded in SJL as received from Charlottesville the day it was written. A missing letter from TJ to Ormond of 3 Apr. 1823 is also recorded in SJL. 1

 Broadside: “Harington’s.”  Broadside: “Allison.” 3  Broadside: “Rabelain’s.” 4 Broadside: “Begland’s.” 5 Broadside: “Milot’s,” here and below. 6 Broadside: “Puffenderf’s.” 7 Broadside: “Bargh’s.” 8 Broadside: “Esssays.” 9 Broadside: “Steuart’s.” 10 Broadside: “Mucauley’s.” 11 Broadside: “Coleman’s,” here and below. 12 Broadside: “Lucien.” 13 Broadside: “Thompson’s.” 14 Broadside: “Hewitt’s.” 15 Broadside: “Milford’s.” 16 Broadside: “Roscue.” 17 Broadside: “Cellini Bevenuto.” 18Broadside: “Findlay’s.” 19 Broadside: “Granmont’s.” 20 Broadside: “Martin.” 2

 509 

To Abiel Holmes Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 5. 23. Your favor of the 17th ult. is just now recieved. it brings to my rec‑ ollection our correspondence of 1806.7.8. I was then about 63. or 4. years of age, had still a good memory, a tolerable degree of energy1 and industry of body and mind, and great desire of being useful. now, at the age of 80, I have still indeed2 the will, but not the ability of use‑ fulness. decay of memory, prostration3 of strength, inertness of mind, torpidity of age, easy only in the passive occupation of reading,4 a mutilation of both hands rendering writing very painful, in this con‑ dition, dear Sir, I am no longer able to aid at all your useful and laud‑ able labors.5 the two volumes of your Annals which I possessed went with my library to Congress, so that I have no means of refreshing my memory as to their plan. that of President Henault’s history of France has been more generally found useful and approved than any one I have known. it is indeed but a full Chronological table of historical events, of which the Chronological tables of Fresnoy furnish also a fine model.—but an aching hand admonishes me to stop here, and with my regrets that I cannot be useful to offer you the assurance of my great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (MeB); addressed: “The reverd Abiel Holmes Cambridge (Mass.)”; franked; postmarked; endorsed by Holmes. Dft (DLC); written on a half sheet; en‑ dorsed by TJ. 1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “vigour.” 2 Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “truely.”

3  Word interlined in Dft in place of “decline.” 4 Preceding eight words added in Dft at foot of text and keyed to this point with “easy only E tc” in place of previously added and canceled “aversion to all active exer‑ tion of thought.” 5  Word interlined in Dft in place of “views.”

To Robert Walsh Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 5. 23. Your favor of Mar. 18 has been duly recieved. I have had several1 applications, within a few years past,2 from different persons, to fur‑ nish them with materials for writing my life, and have uniformly de‑ clined it on the ground of the decay of my memory, the decline of the powers of body & mind, the heaviness of age, and the crippled state of both my hands, which renders writing the most painful labor I can undertake. these causes are becoming every day stronger; and I assure you, dear Sir, that they should not be urged in answer to a request  510 

5 APRIL 1823

from you but from their unwelcome and absolute reality.3 I am greatly changed since I had the pleasure of seeing you here; and am going down hill so rapidly as to be sensible of it from month to month. were my biography worth the desire of the public, there is certainly no pen by which I could be more flattered to have it given them than your’s. with these uncontroulable obstacles, I must moreover question4 an opinion stated in your prospectus. I do not think a biography should be written, or at least not published,5 during the life of the person the subject of it.6 it is impossible that the writer’s delicacy should permit him to speak as freely of the faults or errors of a living, as of a dead character.7 there is still however a better reason. the letters of a per‑ son, especially of one whose business has been chiefly transacted by letters, form8 the only full and genuine journal of his life; and few can let them go out of their own hands while they live.9 a life written after these hoards become opened to investigation must supercede any previous one:10 it may be observed too11 that before you will have got through with the dead, the living will be dying off and furnish‑ ing fresh matter.12 however I do not pretend13 but to suggest these considerations to you,14 nor to urge more than my regrets at my own disability. I have just recieved some information of our former friend Correa. he is a member of the Cortes,15 is in poor health, & very weak. he retains his dissatisfaction with our administration, whom he thought not zealous enough in procuring the pyracies of Baltimore to be pun‑ ished.16 I salute you with17 friendly esteem and respect Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); at foot of text: “Mr Walsh.” Dft (DLC); on verso of top half of reused address cover from Joseph C. Cabell to TJ, 5 Feb. 1823. 1 In

Dft TJ here canceled “indeed many.” five words interlined in Dft. 3 Reworked in Dft from “from the real‑ ity of my disqualification.” 4 Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “express a doubt of.” 5 Preceding four words interlined and added in margin of Dft, with “or” omitted there. 6 Preceding four words interlined in Dft. 7  Word interlined in Dft in place of “person.” 8 Word interlined in Dft in place of “is.” 2 Preceding

9  Reworked in Dft from “out of his hand while he lives.” 10  Next sentence and remainder of this sentence initially reversed in Dft by TJ, who then used brackets to indicate the change in sequence. 11 Preceding five words interlined in Dft in place of “but may add.” 12  Reworked in Dft from “and giving fresh materials.” 13  TJ here canceled “to judge,” with following clause in Dft reading “to judge for you on this subject.” 14 Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft, with “or” instead of “nor.” 15 Dft: “Cortes of Portugal.” 16  Reworked in Dft from “enough to have the pyracies of Baltimore punished.” 17 In Dft TJ here canceled “affec.”

 511 

From James Breckinridge Dear Sir At Home Apr 6th 1823 My friends here have got me up as a candidate for the Assembly & insist that I shall meet them at the Superior Court tomorrow, which I consented to & therefore ask to be excused for failing to attend the board of visitors. I have taken the liberty of enclosing to you $100 which Mr Charles Johnston gave to me a few days ago on account of his subscription to the Central College, which I promised to deliver to the Treasurer of the University1 & obtain his rect. Will you do me the kindness to hand it to him? I would not trouble you but for the consideration, that it will be more likely to go safe under your address than his. Mr John‑ ston desired me to apologize for part of money being in N. Carolina bank paper. He had no other sort & with difficulty procured that. Accept assurances of my best wishes Your Fd Sert James Breckinridge RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 10 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 18 Apr. 1823, on verso; addressed (trimmed): “Mr Thomas Jefferson M[on]t[ice]ll[o]”; franked; post‑ marked Fincastle, 8 Apr. 1823.

The treasurer was the University of Virginia bursar, Alexander Garrett. 1 Manuscript:

“Univsity.”

General View of the Finances of the University of Virginia Apr. 6. 1823. a general view of the finances of the University mr Brockenbrough estimated the debts at 20.D. at the date of the last report, mr Dawson at 27,000. call them then 27,000 the resources to pay that are as follows. the arrears of subscription were then 18,343. D our Collector has called on almost every man, obtained his assumpsit verbal or written to pay out of his crop this season. he says we shall lose between 4. & 5000.D. by bankruptcies & removals but that we may count on about 14,000. this year’s annuity has been recd & pd towards the debts 7,800  512 

7 APRIL 1823

the annuity of the next year payable Jan. 1. will be *4,200 It may be hoped that the legislature remitting the principal of the debt, will not exact the interest of the present year, which would furnish the 1000.D. deficit and leave us 10,000 D. in hand; if they do not, this deficit will cut in on the late loan and leave that only 59,000. with this sum clear we enter on the Rotunda.     But one half of the debts (13,500 D) must be paid imme­ diately the other half the 1st day of Jan. next, and as the 14,000.D. are not in hand, we must borrow it from the new loan to be replaced. for this purpose we must call immedly for we shall need for lumber & other advances for the Rotunda about consequently we must call now for we shall have occasion by the 1st of Jan. next for about and the 1st of Jan. 1825. for the balance this will save us of interest 18,001 D. this year and 9,00. the next 2,700 

26,000.

14,000 16,000 30,000 15,000 15,000 60,000

* this shd have been 6300 MS (ViU: TJP‑PP); in TJ’s hand; in‑ consistently endorsed by TJ: “State of the Finances. Oct. 1823.”

1 Reworked from “18,000,” with num‑ ber below altered from “9,000.”

our collector: John L. Thomas.

Arthur S. Brockenbrough to University of Virginia Board of Visitors Gentlemen, Proctors Office April 7h 1823 I beg leave to lay before you my contract with Mr Wm J Coffee for Composition & Leaden ornaments for the buildings, I do this be‑ cause Mr Coffee is dissatisfied and complains heavily of his bargain, and I am not willing to take upon myself the responsibility of advanc‑ ing more than the contract calls for—he has sent on an acct amount‑ ing to $487.46—the cost agreeable to my estimate on the back of the  513 

7 APRIL 1823

contract amts to $382.39 which I have authorized him to draw for— since doing so I find he has not completed his contracts— It will be necessary to make some provision for the debts of the Uni‑ versity of Va. three or four of the accts are unsettled therefore I can’t say to a certainty the amt of them but as near as I can come I suppose them to be a little over $20,000—including the completion of the garden Walls & Privies— I must beg permission to call your attention to what materially con‑ cerns myself—my character has been furiously attacked by an anony‑ mous writer under the name of a “Farmer”—I must ask an investi­ gation of my official conduct as proctor of the University of Va. if my conduct has been as represented by that writer you will no doubt act as you should do in that case by dismising me your service if on the contrary the charges alledged against be found without foundation, I hope you will do me the justice to make some public declaration to that effect, my feelings have been much wounded by those calumnious charges—I ask a public declaration of your sentiments for the satis‑ faction of my distant friends and my posterity, the most fervent wish of my heart is to leave an untarnished reputation as an inherietance to my children   I am Gentlemen most respectfully your obt sevt A. S. Brockenbrough RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); addressed: “To the Rector & Visitors of the University Va”; endorsed by TJ as received the day it was written. This letter to the University of Virginia Board of Visitors is presumably the one

of this date from Brockenbrough to TJ re­ corded in SJL. For the anonymous letter James Oldham wrote to Thomas Griffin under the pseudonym of a “farmer,” see TJ to Joseph C. Cabell, 4 Feb. 1823, and note.

e n c l o s u r e

Contract between Arthur S. Brockenbrough and William J. Coffee Pav: 1—

Pav: 2—

  12 Female heads size 10½ in: in Led $2. each 83.8 Frize 6 in: wide Boy & Swag 36 cents pr foot           Led frize a $2 pr f t 34—4 in 51 Ox heads for Doric Entablature1 (drawing room) 26 cents each 48 Flowers for same 24 cts do   

 514 

$ 24. 30.24 54.24 68.67 13.26 11.52 93.45

7 APRIL 1823 Ionic frize 36 cents pr f t 77 f t 27.72 175 Flowers2 in pannels3 6c each 10.50 77 f t Egg & anchor 12c pr f t  9.284    47.50 Pav 4 107 Roses betwen Modillions each 6c 6.42    Pav 5— 75 Oxheads each 26c5 19.50 75 Flowers 25c 9.256 75—do Lozenges 18c 13.50    37.257 Pav No 6 Female heads 46 cts each 48 heads 38.088    Pav: No 7— 74 ft Same ornaments9 as pav: 1 same price 26.64    Pav No 8 Cor: Frize 30 cts pr f t 79.3 24.0010 115 flowers in Pannels 9 cts each 10.35 34.35           Pav 9 same as No 6   —62 28.5211    Pav 10 Flowers in frize 26 cts 48 12.48  same in plancier 48 12.48 24.96 W. J. Coffee March 18h 1822 A. S Brockenbrough

Pav: 3

We12 the subscribers do hereby agree to the following articles, Viz. Mr Coffee is to furnish suitable ornaments for the entablatures of the drawing rooms in each Pavilion, the ornaments to be made of composition, and the necessary ornaments for the fronts of the Porticos of Pavilions No 1 and 2 to be made of lead at the prices affixed to each article agreeable to the memorandum given in by him, the aforesaid ornaments to be delivered in Richmond in good order and to be consigned to A. S. Brockenbrough to the care of Brockenbrough & Harvie of Richmond:—the aforesaid ornaments to be delivered in Richmond by the first day of October next A. S. Brockenbrough agrees to pay to said Coffee on or before the first of April 1823 the full cost of the said ornaments at the aforesaid stipulated prices & for the necessary quantity—witness our hands this 18th day of march 1822 Arthur S Brockenbrough Proctor of the University of Va W. J. Coffee13  Pavilion No 1.  12 Human Masks a 2$  85 f t frize 36 cents pr foot

24.00 30.60 54.60  7.4314

      Pav: No 2  34 feet Lead freize at 2$ pr ft  52 Ox Sculs &c a 26c  48 Flowers  a  24c     

68.00 13.52 11.52

 515 

93.04  7.41

62.03

100.45

7 APRIL 1823 Pav 3—

Pav 4—

78 ft of Ionic freize a 36c 175 flowers a 6c 77 f t Egg & anchor a 12c

28.08 10.50  9.24

   107 Roses a 6c

Pav 5—

   78 Ox sculls & Patterers a 36c 28.08 78 Spandal flowers a 18c 14.04

Pav. 6—

50 Human Masks a 46

Pav 7—

75 ft Frieze a 36 cents

Pav 8—

81 ft freize a 30c 115 flowers a 9c

Pav: 9—

62 Doric Masks a 46c

24.30 10.35

Pav: 10— 97 Flowers a 26c

Pavilion15 No 1 Pav 2  " 3  " 4  " 5  " 6  " 7  " 8  " 9  " 10

47.82  7.41

55.23

6.42  7.41

13.83

42.12  7.41 23.00  7.41 27.00  7.41 34.65  7.41 28.52 7.41 25.22 7.41 $382.39

49.53 30.41 34.41 42.06 35.93 32.63 456 51

 Short Dbt 23.03 61.45 16.23 over dbt  25.17 10.53   8.59   4.59 3.06   3.0616   6.52 114.30 off 66.37 47.93

RC (ViU: PP); written on two sheets pasted together with sealing wax as indi‑ cated below; in Brockenbrough’s hand, signed by Brockenbrough and Coffee; endorsed by Brockenbrough on verso of  upper sheet: “Contract Proctor with Coffee.” Probably also enclosed in TJ to Brockenbrough, 10 Apr. 1823. boy: “putto.” egg & anchor are “va‑ rieties of the echinus, produced by the alternation of vertical with egg‑shaped

ornaments” (OED). cor: “Corinthian.” Planceer (plancier): “the underside of the corona of a cornice; any soffit of a cor‑ nice” (OED). Coffee’s original memorandum of prices has not been found. Pateras (patterers) are ornaments or decorations “resembling a shallow round dish” (OED). spandal: “spandrel.” 1 Manuscript:

2 Manuscript:

 516 

“Entablatur.” “Flowes.”

7 APRIL 1823  3 Manuscript:

“pannls.” correct amount is $9.24. 5 Manuscript: “36c,” with product to the right of this number reworked from “27.00.” 6 The correct amount is $18.75. 7 Reworked from “36.25,” although the correct sum is $42.25 as rendered or, ac‑ counting for correction in previous note, $51.75. 8 The correct amount is $22.08. 9  Manuscript: “ornamets.” 10  The correct amount is $23.79. 11  Manuscript: “28.25.” 4 The

 12 Recto of subjoined sheet begins with this word. 13 Recto of subjoined sheet ends here, and verso of upper sheet begins. 14 This number and the subsequent nine “7.41” entries below were interlined by Brockenbrough at a separate sitting, as was the entire far right column. TJ dis‑ cussed the discrepancy in the totals of the two columns in his letter to Coffee of 10 Apr. 1823. 15  Verso of subjoined sheet begins with this table. 16  Reworked from “4.07.”

To John Laval Sir Monto Apr. 7. 23. Presuming that Las Casas’s book respecting Bonaparte in French must by this time have come to Philada I will ask the favor of you to send me a copy, and if of more than 1. vol. to let them come by succes‑ sive mails, with a note of the price which shall be promptly remitted. I salute you with esteem and respect Th[:J.] FC (DLC); on verso of top half of re‑ used address cover of William C. Rives to TJ, 6 Feb. [1823]; in TJ’s hand; torn at seal; endorsed by TJ: “Laval John.” The book respecting bonaparte was Emmanuel Auguste Dieudonné,

comte de Las Cases, Mémorial de Sainte‑­ Hélène, ou Journal ou se trouve consigné, jour par jour, ce qu’a dit et fait Napoléon durant dix‑huit mois, 8 vols. (Paris, 1823; for a different ed. see Poor, Jefferson’s Li­ brary, 4 [no. 102]).

Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors A meeting of the Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia was held at the University on 7th April 1823, at which were present Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Chapman Johnson, George ­Loyall and Joseph C. Cabell. It was resolved that the Loan of sixty thousand dollars which the President and Directors of the Literary Fund were authorized by an Act of the last General Assembly to make to the University be ac‑ cepted; and that the Rector be authorized to execute the proper bonds,  517 

7 APRIL 1823

and to take the necessary steps for drawing the money: and that it be drawn in the following times & sums; that is to say, thirty thousand dollars immediately; and the remaining thirty thousand dollars on the first day of January next; or in such other sums, and at such other times, as the President & Directors of the Literary Fund, and the Ex‑ ecutive Committee of the University may agree upon. It was resolved that the charges of mr Coffee for materials, packages &c be allowed him. An anonymous letter, supposed to be in the handwriting of James oldham, a carpenter, formerly employed at the University, which bears date 18. Jany 1822 (by error, as is supposed for 1823)1 and addressed2 to Thomas Griffin Esq. a member of the legislature of Virginia, con‑ taining various charges, of misconduct, against Arthur S. Broken‑ brough, the proctor of the University, having been laid before the board, by the said Brokenbrough, and the board, thinking that if the said James Oldham will avow himself the author of this letter, and profess himself willing to afford any evidence3 of these charges, they ought to be investigated— Therefore resolved, that the executive committee be charged with the duty of calling on the said oldham, to declare whether he is the author of the letter aforesaid, and is willing to give any information as to the charges therein mentioned, and if he avow himself the au‑ thor, and willing to give the information, then that they enter into the investigation thereof, upon evidence taken in such mode as they may prescribe, and report thereupon to this board at their next meeting. Resolved that the Executive Committee be authorized & required to employ from time to time an Accountant, to settle and state the accounts of the University and to report thereon to the Board, at each meeting; and that they allow to the said accountant a reasonable com‑ pensation for his services. Resolved that Joseph C. Cabell and John H. Cocke or either of whom may act, be appointed a committee to settle & report to the board the accounts of the Bursar and Proctor of the University, with authority if they deem it expedient to require a statement thereof by the accountant.4 The board adjourns indefinitely Th: Jefferson Rector Apr. 7. 1823. MS (ViU: TJP‑VMTJ); in Joseph C. Cabell’s hand, with closing and signature in TJ’s hand as noted below. Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJCC). Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJHC). Tr (ViU: TJP‑VMJB).

In a letter dated “Mrs Tinsley’s” [i.e., Tinsley Tavern, Goochland County], 8 Apr. 1823, Cabell advised General John H. Cocke’s wife, Louisa Maxwell Holmes Cocke, that “Mr Johnson was at our meet‑

 518 

8 APRIL 1823 ing & seemed as if he wished the Genl was there. However we had a pleasant meeting, and the Rotunda goes on, and Mr Jefferson is delighted. The buildings appear more & more beautiful every time I see them” (RC in ViU: JHC). On 9 Apr. 1823 Dolley Madison wrote to her son John Payne Todd “We return’d yesterday from Monticello after passing three days with that family [i.e., the Ran‑ dolphs] & one with Judge Nelsons—

Ellen & Virginia were indisposed—all the rest—with Mr Jefferson, quite well—They hoped to have seen you with us” (RC in ViU: Miscellaneous Correspondence of Noted Virginians). 1 Parenthetical

phrase interlined. Tr: “directed.” at right margin, possibly trimmed. Trs: “evidences.” 4 Remainder in TJ’s hand. 2 VMJCC 3  Word

To James Brown (1780–1859) Sir Mo Apr. 8. 23. I communicated to the Visitors of the University, at their meeting yesterday your favor of the 24th of March which was not recd till the 31st of that month. they were happy to infer from it a disposn in the literary board concurrent with their own to save the Institn as much as may be from loss by dead interest. the sums and times most ad‑ vantageous to them for1 recieving the loan lately authorised by the legislature would be 30,000 D. immediately, 10. D. 6. mo. hence & 20.M. a 12 mo. hence. should this be inconvent to that board or less consistent2 with the course of it’s proceedings we would propose 40,000 D immedly & 20 a twelve month hence.3 but if it must be furnished all at a single paymt they must then ask the whole immedly and4 submit for the instn to the loss of the interest. I will ask the pleasure of the board at it’s earliest convenience as the calls for money are very urgent.5 accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect. Dft (DLC); on verso of bottom half of reused address cover of William C. Rives to TJ, 6 Feb. [1823]; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Brown John” and so recorded in SJL. For Brown’s favor of 24 Mar. 1823, see note to TJ to Brown, 3 Apr. 1823. After this letter was read at the 6 May 1823 meeting of the president and direc‑ tors of the Literary Fund, they “Resolved that this Board will lend to the said Uni‑ versity the sum of Forty thousand dollars on the terms directed by an act of the General assembly passed the 5th February 1823, entitled ‘An act concerning the Uni‑ versity of Virginia & for other purposes,’

on receiving a bond of the Rector & Visi‑ tors of that institution in due form there‑ for” (Vi: RG 27, Virginia Literary Fund Minute Book). 1 Preceding five words interlined in place of “of.” 2 Reworked from “or inconsistent.” 3  Preceding four words interlined in place of “on the 1st of Jan. next.” 4 TJ here canceled “subject.” 5 Preceding seven words interlined in place of “I must delay a journey urgently called for by my affairs until I recieve their decision, execute a proper bond and au‑ thorise the rect of the money.”

 519 

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir Monto Apr. 10. 23. I now return you your papers in the case of mr Coffee. I have ma‑ turely considered them and send you the result in a letter to him left open1 for your perusal in order that there may be no discrepancies between your letter and mine. when perused be so good as to stick a wafer in it and commit it to the Post office. I confess that had I ob‑ served the agreemt he inclosed to me and which is returned in mine before we decided on the question of lead, my opinion would have been changed. but as it has been decided and there are so many other articles2 to be disputed, I let it go3 with soft words which is always best. I think you should make his remittance immediately and better in the way I suggest. affectionately yours Dft (DLC); on verso of top half of re‑ used address cover of Richard McCall to TJ, 3 Dec. 1822; endorsed by TJ as a let‑ ter to “Brockenbro’ A. S.” Enclosure: TJ to William J. Coffee, 10 Apr. 1823. The papers in the case of mr coffee likely included the Contract between Brockenbrough and Coffee, 18 Mar. 1822, enclosed in Brockenbrough to University

of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 Apr. 1823, and Coffee’s account with the university for ornamental work, not found (see Brock‑ enbrough to University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 Apr. 1823). 1 Preceding

two words interlined. interlined in place of “subjects.” 3 Remainder of sentence interlined. 2 Word

To William J. Coffee Dear Sir Monto Apr. 10. 23. I recieved yesterday evening your favor of Mar. 31. acknoleging the rect of the remittance of 100.D. for the ornaments of my Bedford house, and I am particularly happy that it was in hand by1 the very day which you had originally requested. Your favor of Mar. 27.2 with that inclosed for mr Brockenbrough, was recd on the eve of the meeting of the visitors which took place on the 7th inst and was laid before them for decision on the articles of your account which mr Brockenbrough thought himself not autho‑ rised to allow. the charges for packing boxes, paper, carting, shipping & screws, amounting to 13.64 they unanimously thought just. on that for lead 60.483 there was some difference of opn on considering the written agreement in the hands of mr Br. signed by yourself & him, in which the stipuln was that you would deliver the ornaments speci­ fied in Richmd at the prices expressed without a word said that the  520 

10 APRIL 1823

‘lead was to be paid for extra.’ a majority however of the board, in­ fluenced by your declaration that it had proved a very4 losing under‑ taking on your part, were of opinion it should be allowed and so ordered. on my shewing mr Br. the paper you inclosed me (and now herein5 returned) signed by himself, he solemnly protested that the words ‘lead to be paid for extra’ in the 2d line of this paper, and the words ‘the whips of lead to be paid for extra’ in the 6th line were not in it when he signed the paper, and he observed that in both instances these words6 were crouded in a smaller hand into parts of 7 lines which had been left vacant. this however was a question into which the board had not entered.8 there appear to be over‑charges in the following articles of your9 acct Pavilions No 1. 3. 7. charges of 3/6 N.Y. currcy = 43¾ cents10 instd of 36. cents pr foot o N 2. 4. 8. overcharges of ½ cent on each article No 8. 3/6 N.Y. currency instead of 30. cents In the agreemt in mr Br’s hands signed by yourself & him the articles at 36. cents are distinctly written. in that now11 inclosed they are also distinctly written but there appears a fine stroke drawn between the 3 and the 6 thus with s. & d superscribed so that it reads cents per foot or three shillings and12 sixpence cents per foot13 which is un­ intelligible and denied by mr Br to have been so when he signed the paper14 so in the articles of Nos 2. 4. 8. the ½ cent is not in the agreemt signed by both and in that now inclosed seems to be an insertion.15 in an article of No 8. the 30. cents are clearly written in both copies of the agreemt but it is extended in your acct @ 3/6 N.Y. money, a cur‑ rency in which it does not seem probable that mr Br would make an agreemt here. one other16 article moreover remains for observation.17 mr Br. & mr Dinsmore positively declare that not a single oxscull for the Dorics in No 2. & No 5. is come; that none are come18 longer than 4⅝ I. which fit the Ionic frizes & no more of these than enough for the Ionic frizes. the Doric metops being 8 I. sq. the one & 9. I. sq. the other would require larger sculls than of 4⅝ I.19 these two articles are charged in your acct 13.78 and 28.08 amounting to 41.86 enquiry seems to be necessary whether they have been omitted to be delivd in N.Y. or Richmd or whether they have miscarried between Richmd & this place. the20 1st enquiry it will be easiest for yourself to make, the latter will be incumbent on mr Br. if lost after delivery at Richmd the loss is our’s, if before we shall hope you will supply them, and in  the mean time it is thot fair to suspend the payment21 for them until ascertained. on the whole the22  521 

10 APRIL 1823

result seems to be as follows the charges for lead, boxes paper, carting, shipping, screws, allowed the other articles extendd accdg to agreemt (if all were here) would be  making (instead of 487.46 as pr your acct)

74.12

382.39 456.51 (to wit 30.95 less) but suspending until due enquiry 41.86  leaves to be remitted at present 414.65 I shall advise mr Br. to make this remittance by a note of one of our banks or some bank in N.Y. as you seem to have approved of that mode in my case, and it will be instantly done. should your draught on him be presented here after23 he will of course refer it back to you The brittleness of the material, however carefully handled, occa‑ sions some loss. it does not answer our purpose so well as the flexible24 putty composn which it was supposed the simple term composition used in the agreemt implied in technical25 understanding and the more especially26 in our case as you had made some of putty while here as a sample27 to shew28 that you were familiar with the subject. I am in hopes however that our losses by breakage may not be such as to occasion a deficit, and with the further hope29 that the ox sculls missing30 will still be found I salute you with frdshp and respect. Dft (DLC); on portion of reused ad‑ dress cover of Azaola Gregorio Gonzales to TJ, 1 Nov. 1822 (not found; see note to Richard McCall to TJ, 3 Dec. 1822); en‑ dorsed by TJ as a letter to “Coffee Wm J.” Enclosure not found (see note to Coffee to TJ, 27 Mar. 1823 [second letter]). En‑ closed in TJ to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 10 Apr. 1823. 1 Word

interlined in place of “at.” here canceled “came to hand.” 3 Amount interlined. 4 Reworked from “it was a.” 5 Word interlined. 6 Reworked from “in both cases they.” 7 TJ here canceled “both.” 8 Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 9 Word interlined in place of “the.” 10  Text from equal sign to this point interlined. 11 Word interlined. 12 Manuscript: “an.” 13 Preceding eight words interlined. 14 Preceding nine words interlined. 2 TJ

15  Reworked from “be a subseqt insertion.” 16 Word interlined in place of “difficulty.” 17 Reworked from “article still remains for question.” 18 TJ here canceled “large.” 19 Reworked from “require much larger than 4⅝ I.” 20 TJ here canceled “former.” 21 Remainder of sentence interlined, with superfluous period editorially omitted. 22 TJ here canceled (one word illegible) “sum as stated accdg to agreemt is for lead, boxes, paper, carting, shipping, screws 13.64 the other articles of your acct extended accdg to agreement mr Br. makes 382.39  but the charges for [.  .  .] Doric oxsculls suspendd per enquiry 41.86 340.53 340.53 354.17.”

 522 

10 APRIL 1823  23 Preceding

gin.

24 Word 25  Word

two words added in mar-

interlined. interlined in place of “com-

mon.” 26 Word interlined in place of “strongly.”

 27  Preceding three words added in margin. 28 TJ here canceled “me.” 29 Reworked from “with hopes.” 30 Word interlined.

Notes on William J. Coffee’s Agreement with University of Virginia [ca. 10 Apr. 1823] In the agreemt signed by mr Brockenbrough and inclosed to me by mr Coffee, and again returned to him, under Pavilion No 1. the words ‘lead to be paid for extra’ and under Pavilion No 2. the words ‘the whips of lead to be pd for extra’ are expressly inserted in the body of the description Coffee 413.34 Br. 382.39  packg Etc 13.64 396.03  lead 60.48 60.48 487.46 74.12 456.51 3/6. N.Y. = .43¾    487.46 456.51 30.951 3/6 No 1. 3. 7 ½ No 2. 4. 8 3/6 for 30. 8 MS (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39915); written in TJ’s hand on a small scrap, with TJ’s Notes on Doric Ornamentation for University of Virginia Pavilions, [ca. 10 Apr. 1823], on verso; undated, but likely composed in conjunction with TJ’s letter to Coffee of 10 Apr. 1823.

For the agreemt signed by mr brockenbrough, see note to Coffee to TJ, 27 Mar. 1823 (second letter). 1 Remainder of text written perpendic‑ ularly in left margin.

 523 

Notes on Doric Ornamentation for University of Virginia Pavilions Doric rooms No 2. 8 I. sq.   we have not 5. 9. sq. Palladio 1. 16 we have not 6. 9 i sq.  Dioclesian’s baths 9. 9 I. sq.  Dioclesian baths 10. 8 I. sq.  Albano. we have MS (DLC: TJ Papers, 223:39915); written in TJ’s hand on a small scrap, on verso of TJ’s Notes on William J. Coffee’s Agreement with University of Virginia, [ca. 10 Apr. 1823]; undated. This memorandum refers to the Doric ornaments made by Coffee for the draw‑ ing rooms of the pavilions under construc‑ tion at the University of Virginia and gives the contents of two boxes of ornaments missing at the conjectural date of compo‑ sition (see TJ to Coffee, 10 Apr. 1823).

[ca. 10 Apr. 1823]

TJ’s model for the drawing room of Pavilion X was the Doric temple at al‑ bano, near Rome, for which his source was a drawing by Roland Fréart de Cham‑ bray in Charles Antoine Jombert, ed., Bibliothèque portative d’Architecture élé­ mentaire, a l’usage des Artistes (new ed., Paris, 1764–66; Sowerby, no. 4216; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 12 [no. 723]; TJ’s copies in DLC: Rare Book and Special Collections and MoSW), vol. 4, plate opp. p. 28.

To John Adams Dear Sir Monticello April 11. 23. The wishes expressed, in your last favor, that I may continue in life and health until I become a Calvinist, at least in his exclamation of ‘mon Dieu! jusque à quand’! would make me immortal. I can never join Calvin in addressing his god. he was indeed an Atheist, which I can never be; or rather his religion was Dæmonism. if ever man wor‑ shipped a false god, he did. the being described in his 5. points is not the God whom you and I acknolege and adore, the Creator and be‑ nevolent governor of the world; but a dæmon of malignant spirit. it would be more pardonable to believe in no god at all, than to blas‑ pheme him by the atrocious attributes of Calvin. indeed I think that every Christian sect gives a great handle to Atheism by their general dogma that, without a revelation, there would not be sufficient proof of the being of a god. now one sixth of mankind only are supposed to be Christians: the other five sixths then, who do not believe in the Jewish and Christian revelation, are without a knolege of the exis‑ tence of a god! this gives compleatly a gain de cause to the disciples  524 

11 APRIL 1823

of Ocellus, Timaeus, Spinosa, Diderot and D’Holbach. the argument which they rest on as triumphant and unanswerable is that, in every hypothesis of Cosmogony you must admit an eternal pre‑existence of something; and according to the rule of sound philosophy, you are never to employ two principles to solve a difficulty when one will suffice. they say then that it is more simple to believe at once in the eter‑ nal pre‑existence of the world, as it is now going on, and may for ever go on by the principle of reproduction which we see and witness, than to believe in the eternal pre‑existence of an ulterior cause, or Creator of the world, a being whom we see not, and know not, of whose form substance and mode or place of existence, or of action no sense in‑ forms us, no power of the mind enables us to delineate or compre‑ hend. on the contrary I hold (without appeal to revelation) that when we take a view of the Universe, in it’s parts general or particular, it is impossible for the human mind not to percieve and feel a conviction of design, consummate skill, and indefinite power in every atom of it’s composition. the movements of the heavenly bodies, so exactly held in their course by the balance of centrifugal and centripetal forces, the structure of our earth itself, with it’s distribution of lands, waters and atmosphere, animal and vegetable bodies, examined in all their minutest particles, insects mere atoms of life, yet as perfectly organ‑ ised as man or mammoth, the mineral substances, their generation and uses, it is impossible, I say, for the human mind not to believe that there is,1 in all this, design, cause and effect, up to an ultimate cause, a fabricator of all things from matter and motion, their preserver and regulator while permitted to exist in their present forms, and their re‑ generator into new and other forms. we see, too, evident proofs of the necessity of a superintending power to maintain the Universe in it’s course and order. stars, well known, have disappeared, new ones have come into view, comets, in their incalculable courses, may run foul of suns and planets and require renovation under other laws; certain races of animals are become extinct; and, were there no restoring power, all existences might extinguish successively, one by one, until all should be reduced to a shapeless chaos. so irresistible are these evidences of an intelligent and powerful Agent that, of the infinite numbers of men who have existed thro’ all time, they have believed, in the pro‑ portion of a million at least to Unit, in the hypothesis of an eternal pre‑existence of a creator, rather than in that of a self‑existent Uni‑ verse. surely this unanimous sentiment renders this more probable than that of the few in the other hypothesis.2 some early Christians indeed have believed in the coeternal pre‑existance of both the Cre‑ ator and the world, without changing their relation of cause & effect.  525 

11 APRIL 1823

that this was the opinion of St Thomas, we are informed by Cardinal Toleto, in these words ‘Deus ab æterno fuit jam omnipotens, sicut cum produxit mundum. ab æterno potuit producere mundum.—si sol ab æterno esset, lumen ab æterno esset; et si pes, similiter vestigium. at lumen et vestigium effectus sunt efficientis solis et pedis; potuit ergo cum causâ æterna effectus co‑æterna esse. cujus sententiæ est S. Thomas Theologorum primus.’ Cardinal Toleto.3 Of the nature of this being we know nothing. Jesus tells us that ‘God is a spirit.’ 4. John 24. but without defining what a spirit is. ‘πνευμα ὁ θεος.’ down to the 3d century we know that it was still deemed material; but of a lighter subtler matter than our gross bodies. so says Origen. ‘Deus igitur, cui anima similis est, juxta Originem, reapse4 corporalis est; sed graviorum tantum ratione corporum incor‑ poreus.’ these are the words of Huet in his commentary on Origen. Origen himself says ‘appellatio ασωματον apud nostros scriptores est inusitata et incognita.’ so also Tertullian ‘quis autem negabit Deum esse corpus, etsi deus spiritus? spiritus etiam corporis sui generis, in suâ effigie.’ Tertullian. these two fathers were of the 3d century. Cal‑ vin’s character of this supreme being seems chiefly copied from that of the Jews. but the reformation of these blasphemous attributes, and substitution of those more worthy, pure and sublime, seems to have been the chief object of Jesus in his discources to the Jews: and his doctrine of the Cosmogony of the world is very clearly laid down in the 3 first verses of the 1st chapter of John, in these words, ‘εν αρχη ην ὁ λογος, και ὁ λογος ην προς τον θεον και θεος ην ὁ λογος. οὑτος ην εν αρχη προς τον θεον. παντα δε αυτου εγενετο, και χωρις αυτου εγενετο ουδε ἑν ὁ γεγονεν.’ which truly translated means ‘in the be‑ ginning God existed, and reason [or mind] was with God, and that mind was God. this was in the beginning with God. all things were created by it, and without it was made not one thing which was made.’ yet this text, so plainly declaring the doctrine of Jesus that the world was created by the supreme, intelligent being, has been perverted by modern Christians to build up a second person of their tritheism by a mistranslation of the word λογος. one of it’s legitimate meanings indeed is ‘a word.’ but, in that sense, it makes an unmeaning jargon: while the other meaning ‘reason,’ equally legitimate, explains ratio‑ nally the eternal preexistence of God, and his creation of the world. knowing how incomprehensible it was that ‘a word,’ the mere action or articulation of the voice and organs of speech could create a world, they undertake to make of this articulation a second preexisting being, and ascribe to him, and not to God, the creation of the universe. the  526 

11 APRIL 1823

Atheist here plumes himself on the uselessness of such a God, and the simpler hypothesis of a self‑existent universe. the truth is that the greatest enemies to the doctrines of Jesus are those calling them‑ selves the expositors of them, who have perverted them for the struc‑ ture of a system of fancy absolutely incomprehensible, and without any foundation in his genuine words. and the day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the supreme being as his father in the womb of a virgin will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter. but we may hope that the dawn of reason and freedom of thought in these United States will do away all this artificial scaffolding, and restore to us the primitive and genuine doctrines of this the most venerated reformer of human errors. So much for your quotation of Calvin’s ‘mon dieu! jusqu’a quand’ in which, when addressed to the God of Jesus, and our God, I join you cordially, and await his time and will with more readiness than reluctance. may we meet there again, in Congress, with our antient Colleagues, and recieve with them the seal of approbation ‘Well done, good and faithful servants.’ Th: Jefferson FC (DLC); in TJ’s hand; brackets in original; at foot of first page: “John Adams.” TJ recorded this letter in SJL with Adams’s name as addressee in brack‑ ets, an unusual circumstance that, coupled with Adams’s failure to acknowledge or respond to the missive, may mean that it was never sent. gain de cause: “winning of the case.” deus ab æterno .  .  . producere mundum (“God has already from eter‑ nity been omnipotent, as when He pro‑ duced the universe. From eternity He has been able to produce the universe”) and si sol ab æterno esset .  .  . the‑ ologorum primus (“If the sun were in existence from eternity, light would be in existence from eternity; and if a foot, then likewise a footprint. But light and foot‑ print are the effects, respectively, of the efficient cause sun and foot; therefore, the effect has been able to be coeternal with the eternal cause. Of this opinion is Saint Thomas, the first of theologians”) are from Francisco de Toledo, Commen­ taria unà cum Quæstionibus in octo libros Aristotelis De Physica Auscultatione, 8.2, with TJ quoting from Jean Baptiste de Boyer, marquis d’Argens, Ocellus Luca­

nus en Grec et en François (Berlin, 1762; Poor, Jeffer­son’s Library, 8 [no. 418]), 95, 96. Jesus taught that god is a spirit in the Bible, John 4.24. πνευμα ὁ θεος: “God is a spirit.” The quotations deus igitur .  .  . cor‑ porum incorporeus (“God, therefore, to whom the soul is similar, is, according to Origen, in fact corporeal, but, by reason of so much heavier bodies, incorporeal”), appellatio ασωματον apud nostros scriptores est inusitata et incog‑ nita (“The term ασωματον among our writers is not used or known”), and quis autem negabit .  .  . in suâ effigie (“Who, however, will deny that God is body, although God is spirit? Yet the spirit of a body in a class of its own”) are all from Boyer, Ocellus Lucanus, the first from p. 97 and the other two from p. 6. In the King James Version of the Bible, the 3 first verses of the 1st chapter of john read “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” well done, good and faithful servants

 527 

11 APRIL 1823 refers to the biblical parable of the talents (Matthew 25.21, 23). 1 TJ

here canceled “not.”

 2 Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 3 Manuscript: “Toleta.” 4 Manuscript: “reapte.”

To John Adlum Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 11. 18231 I recieved successively the two bottles of wine you were so kind as to send me. the first, called Tokay,2 is truly a fine wine, of high flavor, and, as you assure me there was not a drop of brandy or other spir[it in i]t, I may say it is a wine of a good body of it’s own.3 the 2d bottl[e,] a red wine, I tried when I had good judges at the table. we agreed it was a wine one might always drink with satisfaction, but of no pecu‑ liar excellence.4 of your book on the culture of the vine it would be presumption in me to give any opinion, because it is a culture of which I have no knolege either from practice or reading. wishing you very sincerely compleat success in this your laudable undertaking, I assure you of my great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ViCMRL, on deposit ViU: TJP); mutilated, with missing text supplied from facsimile; at foot of text: “Majr John Adlum.” Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ. Printed in American Farmer 5 (1823): 63; Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 26 May 1823; and excerpted in Adlum, A Memoir on the Cultivation of the Vine in America, and the Best Mode of Making Wine (2d ed., 1828), 150, with

lithographed facsimile of RC tipped into some copies. 1  Year supplied in an unidentified hand. Dft: “23.” Excerpt in Adlum, Memoir, begins here. 2  A note keyed to this point in Adlum, Memoir, reads “I now call this Catawba wine.” 3  Reworked in Dft from “it is of good body within itself.” 4  Excerpt in Adlum, Memoir, ends here.

From William Johnson My dear Sir Charleston April 11th 23. It was near the close of the Session of the supreme Court that I recd your welcome Letter of the 4th ult., and as well the Bustle of such an Event, as the Scenes of Distress which attended it, and the Habit of Procrastination which with much less Propriety you attribute to your‑ self, have prevented me from making an earlier Acknowledgment of the Favour I feel bestowed upon me, when you devote an occasional Half‑hour to the Purpose of writing to me.  528 

11 APRIL 1823

 I am exceedingly gratified to hear that we are to have the Benefit of your Correspondence to rescue us from the Odium which our Federal Opponents have certainly succeeded thus far, in casting upon us, every where, where our Principles and Conduct have not been candidly, and under favorable Circumstances, investigated. Marshall’s Book has had a Circulation in Europe, and there particularly I fear that we have been quite misunderstood. What a Pity that Genl Ws Correspon‑ dence could not pass into Hands, that would not select from it those Parts only that have a particular Bearing. But I predict that after the present Selection shall be published the rest will go into the Flames. You are aware I presume that a Selection has been made with a View to Publication. How much rather would I see those Letters that have been pass’d over! How much more interesting to the World & to the American‑people are their Contents probably, than the Contents of those that will appear. You are under the Impression I presume, that the Life of Hamilton is in the Hands of Mason. He undertook the Task but found it impos‑ sible to get on with it. It was then put into the Hands of Hopkinson of Philadia, but he, after a Year of Correspondence and Reflection abandoned it. One of his Son’s then contemplated unde[r]taking it, and I supposed was actually engaged in it. You have heard I presume of the Controversy on the Subject of the General’s farewell Address. Mrs H. insists on asserting it to have been altogether Hamilton’s Pro‑ duction, and one of his Sons once told me that the Evidence was conclusive. Hopkinson & Judge W. had some Correspondence on the Subject, and he positively refused to support her Pretensions to it. I cannot believe it myself, & make no Doubt Hopkinson was glad of the Excuse for getting out of a very difficult Undertaking. For a Min‑ ister of Religion to write the Life of Hamilton would present a curious Spectacle; unless it should be done in the Style and Manner of the Ordinary of New‑gate. The Encouragement you give me, and the Motives you suggest have induced me to resolve to continue my History of Parties; but I will pursue it Leisurely, and must take the Liberty to trouble you with occasional Queries on the Subject. Whether it shall ever see the light or not, shall depend upon the question whether I have to my own Satisfaction and that of the few Friends to whom I may submit it, supported the Position which I have acknowledged as “my End and Aim”—that the distinguishing Characteristic of the Republican Party was, to check the Intemperance of both Democrats and Feder‑ alists and administer the Government agreeably to the true Views of the Constitution, equally uninfluenced by the Pretensions of the States  529 

11 APRIL 1823

or the United States. Pray give me an explicit Opinion on the Cor‑ rectness of my general Proposition. Sacrifices to be sure, were neces‑ sary to fix the Democrats, without whose Aid there was no getting on, but they were mere Sacrifices, and ancillary to the great End. They were the Means, not the End of our political Course. I concur with you entirely in Opinion that the Prejudices of Mr Adams are not in our Favour; and have always thought that both Father & Son came over to us merely from the Disgust produced by their Squabbles with Pickering & others at the Close of his Adminis‑ tration. I confess to you also that altho’ I held my Peace, I never did approve of the great Liberality with which we rewarded him and one or two others whom I could name, for their Secession. I presume it was done as a Measure of Policy, perhaps of Conciliation; but it dis‑ gusted many a sound Republican and held up an unfortunate Motive to others. We may one Day feel its Influence in our own Ranks. Nor could I ever feel that Preeminence of Talent which might have been pleaded, had it been possessd, as the Groundwork of extraordinary Claims upon the Administration. Mr Adams has had more opportu‑ nities than any Man of modern Times, unless it was Mr Pinkney, and I do not recollect any thing that either of them ever effected abroad or at home. It is true he has a biting, satyrical Pen; but some think there is full as much ill‑temper as Talent usually displayed by it. However, a Treat may be expected from his Father’s Correspondence, should the Public ever get at it. His Vanity will not let him des‑troy much of it; but the Son is more politick, & it will be bolted in passing through his Hands. The latter will no doubt write his Biography, unless he has prepared it himself, which I truly hope may be the Case. It will contain some precious Communications, if written since he fell out with his Party. Pickering’s Pen is actually in Moti[on.] I have it from the best Authority that he is engaged in giving an Exposè of his mili‑ tary and political Career. This will be a precious Production. He and Armstrong and Eustis and Brooks could tell us some curious Anec‑ dotes about the Events with which the War of the Revolution termi‑ nated. I presume you have seen Armstrongs Philippic against me. I was resolved to force him out, and my Friends know that I wrote ex‑ pressly with that View. His Abuse can injure no one; but I am really at a Loss to know what to think of Genl W’s supposed Letter to him. There is some Mystery about it, which I think I have the Means of developing. As to the New‑berg Letters, I still d[o] not believe that he wrote the first of them. The two others I have no Doubt he wrote. Armstrong thought that the Design, in suggesting the Measure of marching to the Western Country, was too profound to be seen through,  530 

11 APRIL 1823

but their Course lay through Philadia, where the Public‑creditors awaited them, and would have been prepared to receive them, and to give Direction to their ulterior Purposes. One thing is very clear, that Gr Morris attempted to tamper with Greene, and was cooperating with the Conspirators at New‑berg in doing so. But he trusted his subal‑ terns as far as he saw it was safe to trust them. If we could only bring out Govr Brooks of Massachusetts the whole Mystery would be de‑ veloped; for he was one of the Committee who had just returned into Camp from Philadia. On the subject of seriatim Opinions in the supreme Court I have thought much, and have come to the Resolution to adopt your Sug‑ gestion on all Subjects of general Interest; particularly constitutional Questions. On minor Subjects it is of little public Importance. But now, my dear Sir, will you permit me to solicit of you one Favour. I will not press it: but if you could find Leisure to turn your Thoughts to the Subject, you would confer on me a singular Favour if we could amicably and confidentially examine the question how far the supreme Court has yet trespassd upon their Neighbours Territory, or advanced beyond their own constitutional Limits. And believe me, there is no Affectation of a Deference I do not feel when I assure you, that my leading Motive in making the Request is to relinquish or adhere to the Doctrine I have assented to, according as I find them capable of withstanding such a Scrutiny. I will not pretend that I have no View to bringing about a Change of your Opinions on the subject, not for the Triumph, but for the support it would afford me; but to have my own fairly & fully tried, believe me is my leading Motive[.] I cannot I acknowledge but flatter myself that in the main the Country is sat­ isfied with our Decisions; and I urged our Friend Stevenson to bring forward his Motion on the 25th section of the Judiciary‑act, in the Hope that there would be some Expression of public Sentiment upon the subject. The Resolution unfortunately could not be taken up at the late session, and we are still left to conjecture. I acknowledge that some things have fallen from particular Judges which are exception‑ able, and I exceedingly regret their Publication. But when the Deci‑ sions are examined upon their own Merits independantly of the bad or defective Reasons of the Judge who delivers them, I do flatter my‑ self that all in which I ever concurr’d will stand constitutional Scru‑ tiny. It will be impossible to avoid however, conducting the most of our Business in Conclave; for I do verily believe that there is no Body of Men, legislative judicial or executive, who could preserve the public Respect for a Single Year, if the public Eye were permitted always to look behind the Curtain. I have had to examine the human Character  531 

11 APRIL 1823

in various Situations, Your Experience has been infinitely Greater, but I never met with but one Man who could absolutely leave his Vanity and Weaknesses at home! And have been often absolutely astonished at the Predominance of little Passions over Men in the most elevated Stations. I have taken the Liberty to inclose a Letter to Miss Ellen from my eldest Daughter a very warm Friend, and earnest Admirer of hers, and will accompany it with a Request that you will tender a very cor‑ dial Remembrance from myself to her. And with Sentiments of the most unaffected and respectful Friend‑ ship I subscribe myself Your most obedt Willm Johnson RC (DLC); edge trimmed and chipped; endorsed by TJ as received 24 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with notations by TJ at foot of text: “  his memoirs  Gen. W’s lres   his Adieu  true views of constn pa. 4  Mr A, his own biograph  Pickering Armstrong Caucus if necessary for respect? state rights.” Enclosure not found. As early as 1815 John Marshall had a  view to publication of a selection of George Washington’s correspondence (Mar­shall, Papers, 8:82–3). In 1826 he passed the project to Jared Sparks, who published a twelve‑volume edition, 1834– 37. mrs h: Alexander Hamilton’s wife, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. judge w.: Bushrod Washington, who had inherited the papers of his uncle George Wash­ ington. For many years the ordinary (chaplain) of London’s Newgate Prison published descriptions of the executions of felons that typically included sermons condemning their crimes. “Happiness! our Being’s end and aim” is the opening line of Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Man. In Epistles to a Friend. Epistle IV (London, [1734]), 1. John Arm‑ strong’s philippic was his published

review in the United States Magazine, new ser., 1 (1823): 3–44, of Johnson’s Sketches of the Life and Correspondence of Nathanael Greene, 2 vols. (Charleston, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 4 [no. 136]). In it, Armstrong disputed John‑ son’s claim that Gouverneur Morris had penned the infamous Newburgh letters of 1783, instead reasserting that he was the original author, and including Wash‑ ington’s 23 Feb. 1797 letter to him (pp. 43–4) exonerating him of any ill intent. On 26 Apr. 1822 Andrew Stevenson brought forward his motion in the United States House of Representatives that “the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to prepare and report a bill re‑ pealing the 25th section of the act, enti‑ tled ‘An act to establish the judicial courts of the United States,’” but the resolution was tabled (JHR, 15:494–5). The 25th section of that 1789 act gave the United States Supreme Court the right to exam‑ ine the decisions of any state’s highest tribunal under a writ of error in circum‑ stances concerning the validity of federal or constitutional treaties or laws (U.S. Statutes at Large, 1:85–7). miss ellen: Ellen W. Randolph (Coo­ lidge). Johnson’s eldest daughter was Anna Hayes Johnson (Saunders).

 532 

From Pleasant M. Miller D Sir Knoxville april 11th 1823 Between persons who heartily wish to promote the interest of their country an interchange of opinion, upon the best method to do so, cannot be condemned, atho no previous acquaintance exist between them. that you may know some thing of me, I will state that I was born in the county of Campbell near the quaker meeting hous 4 miles west of Lynchburg & not a great way from your poplar forest planta‑ tion,1 without Education, & read the Law with Archibald Stuart than whom you have not a greater admirer if their be any one who thinks better of you than another2 it is him, I mention those circumstances, to shew you that I am a native of Virginian, & that I was nurturd amongst your admirers. I have not forgotton to feel for my mother state, & for those who contributed to give Rank & stability to this union—I offer for your consideration the following observations & remarks let them go for what they are worth Since the distinction of whig & Tory or Feds & Anti feds has been broken down, (a thing much to be regreted)—the Slave question— The Tariff, & a sort of monied influence by & through the Treasury & Banks seems at present to occupy the President makers—or in other words our inlightend members & others, it is not dificult in my opinion to see how this matter is to end, the monied interest for it includes the merchant & their debtors must I should think prevail, to my mind this is frightful—why should Virginia give her aid to this— I grant that if New york assist which is probable tho not certain she may succeed, but what then—she will to be sure have succeed in get‑ ing a native of Virginian—& she will have suced in securing Georgia with the probable loss of South Carolina—& she may have one of her sons stall fed for the next Presidency—but even in this New York must be equally considered & perhaps obtain the preference—let us turn over, & cast our eyes to the Great valley of the mississippi & see what she will probably loose, where can she lean some Ten years hence when the people to the west shall set up for Themselves—New york must before that time set up for herself & it is no matter how friendly they may move in the present contest at the end of 4 or 8 years they must & will divide this union if the monied interest now prevail I mean in opinion about their great men—why Should not Virginia Turn her3 eyes to the West, her citizens are strewed through every county— there is at present no hostile feeling towards her, & every thing as far as I know is I4 as it should be to receive an act of kindness from a state that they have always zealously supported under all circumstances—  533 

11 APRIL 1823

from W. C. C. Claiborne upwards—I believe you knew him—it does seem to me that the course virginia is about to take (for she too is a good deal bothered) will ere long be repented of how is it possible with the slave question before her can she expect to hold up her head without the west—She may then look to Georgia in vain—if she pro‑ ceeds upon the principal of stall feeding you know the west can fatten for half price, I have spoken here as tho I suppose there was no prin‑ cipal amongst the Politicians of the day I do not assert that it is so— but this I will say that it does seem to me that there is some ground to suspect, that it is so & if we are to proceed on that principal every calculation is opposed to the pollicy that virginia is about to pursue, a policy in which defeat will serve her better than success—but ought we not to return to our old ground of whig a5 Tory—the distinction between those two are not calculated, to demoralize man kind as is clambering into office, through the filth of the monied concerns of this very bad world of ours—permit me to say that there is but one man now alive & who is known to world, who can & who I know will put an end to this matter if he should be placed in a situation to do so he will take his stand & banish instantly, & that too without form or ceri­ mony every man (& I was going to say woman & child, but I know he is a kind & generous man) who was ever suspectd of Toryism—he will have no spies in his camp you may rely on it—such a prosedure is the only one that can bring us back. nothing but violence will do it, & he is the only man that I know of in this wide world who would venture upon such a course and that too6 as regardless of consequences, as he was when he sent Calava to Prison you will recognize Andrew Jackson in these remarks than whom you have not a greater admirer in this world Archibald Stuart always execpted—but if your People do not like him do not suffer them (if you can help it) to loose sight of this one thing that the west is in the opinion of one poor politician at least the only point upon which She can rest for future power, this Tariff & slave question must & will keep her in the Background so far as the eastern & southern states are concerned, Henry clay to be sure is a very great talker, and quite a manageing sort of man, & not void of Tallents, as to that however he is nearly if 7 not quite equal to Crawford, he is the least precipitate man of the two, & we need not fall out about principal between them I hope they are both possessed of a great deal It would seem to me therefore if they do not like old Hickory, that pollicy would dictate that they should take up Clay, beside8 the very instant it is assertained that Virginia & New york are making a sort of family matter of this as it is said they are9 there will [be]10 a mon‑  534 

11 APRIL 1823

strous flying off of the smaller States, it is impossible to get Pennsyl‑ vania, as I suppose11 even if mr Gallatin should come home to help out this Tariff must when the slaves are thrown in, blow all sort of calcula‑ tion to Tatters, beside I think it absolutely certain, that Tennessee Alabama—Misssipi & Louisianna will not vote for crawford under any set of circumstances, its no matter what you see or hear to the con‑ trary12 they may be got to vote for Clay adams or calhoun but not for the other—I see the Enquirer is for a caucus here. your politicians13 are out again. a caucus may do when there are but two candidates, sup‑ pose crawford should succeed the friends of the other four nem con will agree that such a procedure is damnable, add to this the unpopu‑ larrity of the measure, & he is beat as certainly as he is nominated—I should think the enquirer Editors are a little posed upon this subject, they had as well be still for I should guess that the people fully intend to have something [to]14 do in making the next President & if they do a great many very wise speculations will be blown up— I will now conclud what I fear will have been a Tiresome letter to you, I do not expect or wish an answer from you because I know writing pains you, & you may believe me my dear sir when I say that to give you pain never entered my head what I have writen proceeds from a wish that my mother state should not unwisely as I think place her‑ self between two fires without a single outwork to defend herself, I have a sort of guess how she feels I do very much suspect, that if it were not for the fear of the charge of returning to Federalism in her old days, that she would support Adams who by the bye is no small man, there is a little weakness in this, they would be liable to the charge to be sure, but then they would gain strength, if Virginia wishes to return to their old favorite doctrines the man they are about to choose is the very last man in this wide world to succeed with. he who comes in by managing Banks & the distribution of offices, can‑ not keep his seat by any Other means all parties must be consulted, and that of course confounds all—you sir are I believe exclusivly in‑ titled to the credit of fixing the principal that the people may be safely trusted to govern themselves take away the means of corruption & I think it will do these Banks & the Treasury are dangerous engines, I do not remember whether in your time you suffered the other heads of department to make the appointment connected with their respec‑ tive15 departments this is a sore evil—it is this that inables our Secre‑ taries to hold up their heads, & to keep up an eternal cabal, to the great annoyance of the President and people, but sir I must have done and may you be happy in this world, & the world to come is the sincere wish of Pleasant M Miller  535 

11 APRIL 1823  RC (DLC); addressed: “Thomas Jeffer­ son Esquire charlottsville Virginia”; stamped; postmarked Knoxville, 13 Apr.; endorsed by TJ as received 22 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Pleasant Moorman Miller (ca. 1773– 1849), attorney and public official, was born in Campbell County and studied law under Archibald Stuart in Staunton before moving in 1796 to Rogersville, Tennessee. Four years later he moved to Knoxville, where he practiced law. Miller served one term in the United States House of Representatives, 1809–11, and repre‑ sented Knox County in the Tennessee House of Representatives, 1811–12. In the latter year he resigned from the legisla‑ ture to join the militia during the War of 1812, during which he participated in campaigns against Seminole and Creek Indians in Florida and Alabama, respec‑ tively. Miller again represented Knox in the state House of Representatives, 1817– 23. Around 1824 he moved to West Ten‑ nessee and resumed his legal practice in Jackson. Having long been a supporter and friend of Andrew Jackson, Miller broke with the president in 1829 over his choice of cabinet members. In 1836 he was elected chancellor of a newly formed chancery court for West Tennessee, but he resigned the next year. Miller continued to practice law and became active in the Whig Party. He owned twenty‑two slaves in Madison County in 1830 and twenty‑­ seven there a decade later. Miller moved in 1847 to Gibson County, Tennessee, where he died (Robert M. McBride, Dan M. Robison, and others, Biographical Direc­ tory of the Tennessee General Assembly [1975– ], 1:519–20; Russell Fowler, “Pleasant M. Miller, 1773–1849: The Last of the Titans of Tennessee’s Founding Age,” West Tennessee Historical Society Papers 49 [1995]: 23–45; Jackson, Pa­ pers, esp. 1:243–4, 5:281–3, 7:140; Jack­ son Gazette, 4 Apr. 1829; DNA: RG 29, CS, Tenn., Madison Co., 1830, 1840; Franklin, Tenn., Western Weekly Review, 11 May 1849; Robert T. Shannon, Re­ ports of Cases argued and determined in the Supreme Court of Tennessee 29 [Hum‑ phreys 10] [1905], 415–6).

 Southerners feared that the tariff, a  proposed protective duty on imported manufactured goods, would result in lower demand for their agricultural products, especially cotton, while it would increase the prices they paid for imported manu‑ factures and primarily benefit northern in‑ dustry. The United States Congress even‑ tually passed the measure on 22 May 1824 as “An Act to amend the several acts im‑ posing duties on imports” (U.S. Statutes at Large, 4:25–30). As the new governor of Florida, Andrew Jackson briefly jailed the outgoing Span‑ ish governor, José María Callava (calava), at Pensacola in 1821 over disputes sur‑ rounding the transfer of Florida to Amer‑ ican control (ASP, Miscellaneous, 2:807, 809; Jackson, Papers, 5:32–4, 95–7). old hickory: Jackson. The editors of the Richmond Enquirer argued on 28 Mar. 1823 that a congres‑ sional caucus ought to select the Republi‑ can presidential candidate for the 1824 election, rather than risk a runoff election decided by the United States House of Representatives if no one were to obtain a majority in the Electoral College. posed, in this context, means “confused, perplexed” (OED). the man they are about to choose: William H. Crawford. 1

 Manuscript: “plantion.”   Word interlined in place of “you derserve.” 3  Manuscript: “he.” 4  Thus in manuscript, but followed by an illegible cancelation, with the “I” pos‑ sibly also intended to be canceled. 5 Thus in manuscript. 6 Preceding three words interlined. 7 Manuscript: “if it.” 8 Miller here canceled “it will probably and I think certainly Turn.” 9 Preceding six words interlined. 10 Omitted word editorially supplied. 11 Preceding three words interlined. 12 Preceding three words interlined. 13 Manuscript: “polititicians.” 14 Omitted word editorially supplied. 15 Preceding three words interlined in place of “each,” with duplicate uncan‑ celed “with” preceding that word editori‑ ally omitted. 2

 536 

From James O. Morse Sir Cherry Valley N.Y. April 11. 1823. As by common consent you are regarded as the Patriarch, of the Democratic Republican family; a number of your republican Fellow Citizens in the interiour of the State of New York, feel a strong desire to know whether you consider Mr John Quincy Adams as a member of the Republican party in the United States? Your answer would only be shewn to a few of your old Republican Friends unless you consented to have it made public. I have the honour to be with great respect Your Obt Servant. James O. Morse. RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); endorsed by TJ as received 24 Apr. 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Henry Remsen, 19 Dec. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson late President of the United States Monticello Albemarle County Vir‑ ginia”; franked; postmarked Cherry Val‑ ley, 12 Apr. James Otis Morse (1788–1837), attor‑ ney and judge, was born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and as a child moved with his family to Bridgewater, Oneida County, New York. He graduated from Union College at Schenectady in 1809 and after‑ ward studied law in Cherry Valley, where he settled and practiced. Morse became a director of the Central Bank in Cherry Valley in 1818, served as president of the  Central Asylum for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb in Canajoharie in 1824, helped to found the New‑York State Colonization Society in 1829, and was a delegate to the national convention that nominated Martin Van Buren in 1832 to be Andrew Jackson’s running mate in that year’s presidential election. In 1828

Morse was appointed an Otsego County judge, and four years later he rose to first judge. He also speculated in western lands, and his estate was said to have been worth about $60,000 early in the 1830s. Morse died in Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York, after attending the circuit court of neighboring Montgomery County (Cyrus Felton, A Genealogical History of the Fel­ ton Family [1886], 73, 146; A General Catalogue of the Officers, Graduates and Students of Union College, from 1795 to 1854 [1854], 16; Aaron Clark, Manual, compiled and prepared for the use of the Assembly [Albany, 1816], 39; John Saw‑ yer, History of Cherry Valley From 1740 to 1898 [1898], 84, 93, 110; Levi Beards‑ ley, Reminiscences [1852], 156, 171, 180–3, 429; New‑York Spectator, 20 July 1824, 11 Dec. 1837; Albany Argus, 17 Apr. 1829; Washington Globe, 29 May 1832; Roger Sherman Skinner, The New‑York State Register, for the year of our lord 1830 [1830], 233; Franklin B. Hough, The New‑York Civil List [1858], 363; gravestone inscription in Cherry Valley Cemetery).

To James Oldham Dear Sir Mo Apr. 11. 23. I inclose you the copy of a resolution of the Visitors of the University of Virga entered into at their late meeting and also a copy of the letter to mr Griffin1 which is the subject of it, the original being depositd  537 

11 APRIL 1823

with the papers of the board in my possession and open to your in‑ spection, if desired. you will observe that the first duty enjoined on me by the resoln is to ask of you2 whether you are the author of the letter aforesd and are willing to3 afford any evidence of the charges against mr Arthur S. Brockbg4 therein mentioned. on your answer affirmatively to these questions proper measures will be taken for recieving5 the evidence to be produced as well by yourself as by mr Brockenbrough. you will be so good as to give me an answer stating in a distinct and issuable form the particular of the charges in the let‑ ter on which you will produce evidence that mr Brockenbrough may know to what specific facts he is to answer and produce evidence. do this if you please6 at your earliest convenience as I propose to7 go to Bedf d the ensuing week and shall8 be absent some time. I salute you with frdshp & respect Th:J Dft (MHi); on verso of bottom half of reused address cover of Richard McCall to TJ, 3 Dec. 1822; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Oldham James.” The enclosed copy of a resolution, not found, was taken from the Minutes of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 7 Apr. 1823. For Oldham’s letter to mr griffin, also not found, see TJ to Joseph C. Cabell, 4 Feb. 1823, and note.

1

 Preceding three words interlined.  Preceding two words interlined. 3  TJ here canceled “give any information.” 4  Preceding five words interlined. 5   Word interlined in place of “obtaining.” 6   Text from “stating” to this point added by TJ at foot of text and keyed to this point with “stating Etc.” 7   Preceding two words interlined in place of “shall.” 8  Word interlined. 2

To James Breckinridge Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 12. 23. I recieved, the day before yesterday, your favor of the 6th covering 100.D. for the University of Virginia on account of mr Johnson’s sub‑ scription, for which I now inclose you the bursar’s reciept. we should certainly have been happy in your assistance at our late meeting, but are much more so at the cause which kept you away, as that is to give us the benefit of your aid in the legislature. I trust it ensures us a remission of the debt of the University at the next session,1 and the opening the institution a twelvemonth after. the state of our finances at present is nearly thus. D  our present debts about2 20,000. arrears of subscription which can be counted on3 14,000 of the next years annuity, after payment of interest 6,300 20,300.  538 

12 APRIL 1823

this compleats the cost of 4 the 4. rows of buildings, the5 lands & all past expences so that we enter on the building of the library with the whole of the last loan which I have no doubt will compleat it; and6 if with that they give up t[he in]terest of the current year, it will give us 8700.D. as a contingent fund [to cover] all errors.7 so be it, with your good assistance, and, with the assuranc[es of my] friendship and respect, may the well deserved8 thanks and blessings [of poster‑ ity] attend you. Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); torn at seal, with miss‑ ing text supplied from Dft; addressed: “General James Breckenridge near Fin‑ castle”; franked; postmarked Charlottes‑ ville, 14 Apr.; endorsed by Breckinridge. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ; with canceled “18343” by TJ at foot of text, this being the arrearage still due on the original subscription to Central Col‑ lege. Enclosure not found.

1

 Preceding four words interlined in Dft.  Word not in Dft. In left margin of Dft adjacent to this line TJ added “Dr.” 3  In left margin of Dft adjacent to this line TJ added “Cr.” 4  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 5  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 6  In Dft TJ here canceled “especially.” 7  Preceding four words interlined in Dft. 8  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 2

From DeWitt Clinton Sir Albany 12 April. 1823 I have the honor to enclose a small Memoir on a non‑descript Ani‑ mal and I avail myself of this opportunity to assure you of my sincere ­respect DeWitt Clinton RC (MHi); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq”; endorsed by TJ as a let‑ ter of 11 Apr. received 24 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Clinton,

Account of the Salmo Otsego, or the Otsego Basse. In a Letter to John W. Francis, M. D. (New York, 1822).

To Thomas Cooper Dear Sir Mo Apr. 12. 23. I have to thank you for the copy of the laws of your College, from which I am sure we1 shall recieve good2 aid whenever we proceed to form those for our institn if ever that day is to come. our last3 legislre indeed has had better disposns than the preceding one. they agreed to lend us another 60.M.D. but4 on interest also. this will compleat our buildings. but then our annuity of 15..D will be in sequestrn for a debt of 180.. bearing interest. it cannot redeem this during the present generation. in the mean time our doors will be shut up, until5  539 

12 APRIL 1823

in the course of our annual elections we may6 be lucky enough to have one of persons7 who may think the institution worth the remission of the debt. this may or may not be within my time. at present the pe‑ riod of our commencemt is entirely indefinite8 I very much rejoiced at the report you sent me of the legislative commee, so honorably9 acknoleging their obligns for your services. it holds up a hope that priestcraft has not in that body the baleful ascen‑ dancy it has elsewhere. here their effort has been to represent ours as an anti‑religious institution. we disarmed them of this calumny10 however in our last report by inviting the different sects to establish their respective divinity schools on the margin of the grounds of the University, so that their students might attend it’s schools & have the benefit of it’s library, to be entirely independent of it11 at the same time, and no ways incorporated with it. one sect, I think, may12 do it, but another, disdaining equality, ambitioning nothing less than a soaring ascendancy, will despise our invitation. they are hostile to all educn of which they have not the direction, and foresee that this instn, by enlightening the minds of the people and encoraging them to ap‑ peal to their own commn sense13 is to dispel the fanaticism on which their power is built. this great consummation is for the next genera‑ tion. I shall not live to see it. that you may is my sincere wish with the assurances of my great frdshp and respect Th:J. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of re‑ used address cover. Recorded in SJL as a letter to “Cooper Tho.” 1

 Word interlined in place of “I.”  Word interlined. 3  Word interlined. 4  Word interlined. 5  Word interlined in place of “unless.” 2

6  Word added in margin in place of “should.” 7  Preceding two words interlined. 8  Sentence interlined. 9  Word interlined in place of “compleatly.” 10  Preceding three words interlined. 11  Preceding two words interlined. 12  Word interlined in place of “will.” 13 Preceding ten words interlined.

To George W. Erving Dear Sir Monto Apr. 11. [12] 23. r M Madison, a few days ago, presented me, in your name a case of bronze medals, for which I pray you to accept my best thanks. I shall place them in our University, as soon as it is ready, as a deposit in which, more probably than elsewhere, they will be preserved longer1 to eternize the memory & effigies2 of men who have deserved well of all mankind. the fruits of their labors are now in growth. it is surely3 by the benevolent4 order of providence that the infatuated5 Lewis is  540 

12 APRIL 1823

now putting the match to a train which will blow up despotism from the fa[ce] of the earth. the insurrection beginng in any one spot will spread like wildfire over the civilised world. the great contest between men & monarchs must now be decided. it can no longer remain in suspense.6 and I trust it will end with the extermination of the Holy conspirators agt the human race and leave not a wreck of their exis‑ tence behind. I hope you will live to see this great consummation, and live in health, prosperity7 and happiness. Th:J. Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:39981); on verso of portion of reused address cover; misdated; one word faint; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 12 Apr. 1823 to “Erving George W.” and so recorded in SJL. The case of bronze medals that Erving gave TJ contained seven pieces individually honoring George Washing‑ ton, Benjamin Franklin, William Wash‑ ington, John Eager Howard, Christopher Columbus, John Paul Jones, and Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The set later passed to TJ’s descendants, however, rather than being deposited at the university of Virginia (Stein, Worlds, 245–7). Images of this set are reproduced elsewhere in this volume.

lewis: King Louis XVIII of France. The holy conspirators alludes to the Holy Alliance. leave not a wreck of their existence behind: in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, act 4, scene 1, Prospero says “And, like this insub­ stantial pageant faded, Leave not a rack behind.” 1

 Word interlined.  Word interlined in place of “figures.” 3  Word added in margin. 4  Word interlined in place of “bountiful.” 5  Word interlined in place of “stupid.” 6  Reworked from “remain suspended.” 7  Manuscript: “properity.” 2

To Caesar A. Rodney Dear Sir Mo Apr. 12. 23. Your favor of Mar. 18. has been duly recieved, and in it the copy of 1 Govr Mckain’s letter. what he says of your respected2 uncle is all true, and within my own3 recollection. his memory has failed him in some other particulars of no importance. he has confounded two distinct votes and blended together the transactions on them4 as if on one, to wit5 the vote on the Virga proposn to declare indepdce and the ulti‑ mate declaration. but the error is quite unimportant. I learnt with pleasure your mission to our new brethren of the South. God prosper them, and make you an6 instrument in their at‑ tainment of a free & a wise govmt. may they never concur7 in pollut‑ ing the American soil with royalism8 or imperialism. I should have been happy indeed in a farewell9 visit from you. it would have been affectionately10 recieved but could not be expected under the load of 11 business which must be crouding on you as the moment of your de‑ parture approaches. while I live & wherever you go, my best affections  541 

12 APRIL 1823

will be with you, and my cordial prayers for the prosperity and hap‑ piness of yourself & all12 yours. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of re‑ used address cover to TJ. Recorded in SJL as a letter to “Rodney Caesar A.” 1 Preceding

three words interlined. from “respectable.” 3 Word interlined. 4  Preceding two words interlined. 5   Preceding two words interlined in place of “that is.” 2 Reworked

6 Word

interlined in place of “the.” interlined in place of “join.” 8 Reworked from “royalty.” 9 Reworked from “indeed at receiving a last.” 10  Word interlined in place of “tenderly.” 11  Preceding two words interlined. 12  Word interlined. 7 Word

From James Monroe Dear Sir Oak hill Loudn April 14. 1823 I receivd with great pleasure your favor of the 29 of march, with a copy of one which you had sent to our friend mr Short, and should not be surprised, if the predictions containd in the latter, should be veri­ fied, by a rapid succession of events, proceeding from the mov’ment of the French government lately announcd in the Speech of the King. When it is recollected that he, his whole family, & all those around him, were 20. years, in banishment & poverty, & restord, more by accident and the folly of a man then at the head of affairs, than the gallantry or wisdom, of all Europe embodied against him, and when we also see that the position of this King is unsettled & precarious, gaining strength more by habit, and time, taking off gallant spirits to the grave, than by any merit of his own, it is difficult to express the feeling, which the declaration in his speech, that any rights which the people enjoy are derivd from him. If the spirit of the revolution, & of liberty, is not extinct, in France & throughout Europe, the passage of the pyrinees by the French armies promises to be a signal for great events. That Alexander will profit, of the state of things, west and south of him, is probable; what Britain will do is uncertain. The na‑ tion presses in one direction, the King in another. If he can controul, he will watch the mov’ment, and endeavour to give to Spain a consti‑ tution like that of England, and to turn every occurrence to British account, by neutral commerce, acquisition of territory &a I should be surprised however, if the nation which had been misruled by Pitt, & thrown onto the scale of despotism, against human rights, should get the ascendancy, & direct the course, in which case, it would be on the side of the Cortes, & of [.  .  .]. Canning has more talents, & a better heart than his predecessor, but yet I fear that he has not those fixd  542 

14 APRIL 1823

principles, which distinguishd Fox among modern English Statesmen, and can not therefore be thoroughly relied on, for a persevering effort against the crown, and in support of the right [cause?].1 Respecting Cuba the idea which you suggest had occurrd, of a mutual guarantee of it to Spain, by the U States & G.B., but a diffi­ culty occurrd, shall it be of a character, to prevent the people of the Island, from following the example of Columbia, Buenos Ayres &a, and would Spain accept it, if it did not extend to that object, or would England unite in it? The situation of Mexico, is peculiar in our hemisphere. when a nom‑ ination of ministers to the new govts was made Iturbide alone had sent a minister here. To have nominated to the other govts & not to Mexico, would have been so marked a proceeding, that it would have been felt by the holy alliance, as well as our neighbour—By the nomi‑ nation of genl Jackson the compliment was paid, & by his declining to accept the appointment, as was anticipated, the object, in not send‑ ing one, there, is attaind, as no other will be made for the present. I shall remain here a few days only, then return to washington, and shortly afterwards proceed to albemarle, where I hope to find you & in perfect health— with great respect & affectionate regards I am dear Sir always yours James Monroe RC (DLC); two words illegible; en‑ dorsed by TJ as received 17 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. On 14 Mar. 1823 the Washington Daily National Intelligencer published the 28 Jan. 1823 speech of the king, in which Louis XVIII of France announced that 100,000 Frenchmen “are about to march and invoke the God of St. Louis to pre‑ serve the throne of Spain to a grandson of

Henry IV. to preserve that fine kingdom from ruin, and to reconcile her to Europe.” Napoleon was the man then at the head of affairs. Monroe nominated Andrew jackson to be envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Mexico on 21 Jan. 1823 (JEP, 3:325). 1 Word illegible, with “course” another possible reading.

From Robert Walsh Dear Sir Philadelphia April 14h 1823 You must not suppose, on seeing my handwriting that I mean to importune you. I would not consent that you should suffer any incon‑ venience like that to which you refer. The remainder of your brilliant and valuable life ought to be exempt from whatever is irksome, and arduous for the bodily powers. I trust and fervently hope that it will prove more considerable and easy than you seem to expect.  543 

14 APRIL 1823

 But I would take the liberty to mention that in the notices of living persons, which I propose to introduce into the Biographical Dictio‑ nary, I do not mean to discuss character, or enter into details which would induce the expression of opinion concerning faults or errors. My main purpose is to record their public services & writings, with accuracy as to dates & leading circumstances. I aim at a correct out‑ line, in order that the country may have a body of general, authentic information with regard to its benefactors. An outline is all that is practicable consistently with the physical limits which I have pre‑ scribed to the work. All the happiness of M. Correa was destroyed by his appointment as minister. He became fretful, suspicious, valetudinary, and has been more or less wretched ever since. So much for reaching the summit of our wishes[.] All his philosophy vanished before the reason of state. Your example ought to have had a salutary effect upon his mind, when he enjoyed your society.   God grant that your existence may be prolonged, with all possible comfort, for many years! I pray you to accept this my sincere wish, and the homage of the profound respect with which I am,   Dear Sir, Your faithful servant Robert Walsh Jr RC (DLC); edge chipped; at foot of text: “T. Jefferson Esqre”; endorsed by TJ as received 1 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

From John H. Cocke Dear Sir, Bremo April 15, 1823 Thinking that fresh Shad wou’d be a rarity, I avail myself of an oc‑ casion1 I had of sending up to the University, to forward you a few of the first we have obtained this Season— Yours respectfully John H. Cocke RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ. RC: top half of address cover only (MHi), with Dft of TJ to James Oldham, 16 Apr. 1823, on verso; bottom half of address cover only (DLC), with Dft of TJ to Ar‑ thur S. Brockenbrough, [16 Apr. 1823], on verso; addressed (trimmed): “Mr Jeffer­ son M[on]ticello By Ralph with 4 Shad.”

Cocke wrote to Brockenbrough from Bremo on 14 Apr. 1823 that the next day he would be sending up to the uni‑ versity seven enslaved laborers to be hired out for molding and “bearing off bricks” for the Rotunda, and another to work under John Neilson (ViU: PP). 1  Word written over “opportunity,” erased.

 544 

From James Oldham Deare Sir University Aprail 15th 1823— th Youre letter of the 10 instant with its enclosurs was receivd on friday nite, i must Sir apologise to youre excelency for the delay, some persons are at a distance that i wished to of seen, and prevents my answering as distinctly as you request, and must be a subject of an‑ other communication. the charges contained in the letter to Mr griffin first that settlements cannot be obtained, secondly the demand of a lone of money as a condition to settle a clame, 3rd that theare has been money certified for and drawn by an individuall and refunded to the proctor, 4th that in the laste yeare theare was some 5 or 7 hundred dollars of the publick funds paid to an individuall to whome theare was nothing due, these statements have been1 communicated to me by respectable persons, theare are other things that i do not consider nesary to mention at this time as i have never sean the proctors books or contract. i have no volinteare evedince, and i am not informed of the measures that will be taken to obtain the evedence. With Grate respect i am sir your Obt svt J: Oldham RC (CSmH: JF); addressed: “Thos Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received the day it was written and so recorded in SJL. Enclosed in TJ to Arthur S. Brockenbrough, [16 Apr. 1823].

TJ’s letter of the 10th instant was actually dated 11 Apr. 1823. 1 Manuscript:

“bee.”

From Robert Smith (printer) Sir Pittsburgh April 15th 1823 I have made known to you of going on to Annopolis in the year 1800—and put a card into the Newspaper printerd at this city that brought out Judge Duvald to write essays which was inserted in all the Newspapers through the Unit States that was not in the federal interest as I am getting in years I think you should notiece me—and shall expet it at your death when it shall please the allmighty Disposer to call away from this life Some help would be of gratefal remonstrance and Shall think that I have not lived in vain to do [so?] great an act to bring in a man that has done [a gre]at deal of Good and am your fellow citizen Robert Smith printer PS I shall stay and settle near to Pitts burgh Pa  545 

15 APRIL 1823  RC (DLC); torn at seal; endorsed by TJ as received 27 Apr. 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Samuel H.

Smith, 19 Dec. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esq. Charlotsville vir‑ ginia”; franked; postmarked Pittsburgh, 16 Apr.

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dr Sir [16 Apr. 1823] Annexed I give1 you a copy of a letter I have recd from mr Oldam specifying the charges he means to alledge against you. I can do no more at present than to furnish the copy.2 on my return from Bedford measures shall be taken3 for recieving the evidence which shall be adduced4 on both sides. it can only be however such as will volun‑ tarily offer, at your respective requests; as the visitors having no judi‑ ciary authority, can issue no compulsory process for witnesses. in the mean time I have requested mr Oldam to name the individuals al‑ luded to in his 2d 3d & 4th charges, without which they do not suffi­ ciently specify the particular5 cases for which you are to prepare your evidence.6 Accept the assurance of my esteem & respect Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40002); on verso of bottom half of reused address cover of John H. Cocke to TJ, 15 Apr. 1823; undated; endorsed by TJ: “Brock‑ enbro’ Arthur S. Apr. 16. 23.” Enclosure: James Oldham to TJ, 15 Apr. 1823. 1  Preceding three words interlined in place of “I inclose.”

2  Reworked from “furnish you a copy of it.” 3  Reworked from “I will take measures.” 4  Word interlined in place of “offered.” 5  Word interlined. 6  Sentence added at foot of text and keyed to this point with a caret.

From John Laval Sir, Philadelphia April 16th 1823 After diligent inquiry, I have ascertained that no Bookseller, in Philadelphia, has received a Copy of Las Casas in french, I have rea‑ son to doubt that any has been Sent to this Country—the Count de Survilliers (Napoleon’s Brother) to whom, generally all new publica‑ tions of the kind are addressed, has none, & I do not know that any Edition of the Original has ever been printed. I can Supply you with the work in english, of which 2 volumes have appeared, & 2 more will in a few days, at $1 per vol. in boards— Mr Saml F. Bradford has published, for our Joint account, the 25 last volumes of an Edition of the British Poets, in fifty, originally un‑  546 

16 APRIL 1823

dertaken by Mitchell, Ames & White; if you desire to have a complete Set, or the 25 last Volumes only, I will Send them to you at the Prices mentioned in the annexed circular. Wilson’s Ornithology, of which a few volumes are wanting, is also to be completed for the Same Concern to a limited number of copies, if you do not possess that Valuable Work & wish to add it to your Collection, I will thank you for your Subscription. Any Books that may be wanted for the Library of the University of Virginia, I will procure at the lowest Commission & on the most mod‑ erate terms that can be obtained. With the highest Consideration & respect—your hble Servt John Laval RC (DLC); dateline adjacent to signa‑ ture; at foot of text: “Ths Jefferson, Esq.”; endorsed by TJ as received 24 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found. count de survilliers: Joseph Bonaparte. The english translation of the work by Emmanuel Auguste Dieu­donné, comte de Las Cases, was Memorial de

Sainte Helene. Journal of the Private Life and Conversations of the Emperor Napo­ leon at Saint Helena, 8 vols. (Philadel‑ phia, 1823; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 4 [no. 102]). The edition of the brit‑ ish poets was Ezekiel Sanford and Rob‑ ert Walsh, eds., The Works of the British Poets, with Lives of the Authors, 50 vols. (Philadelphia, 1819–23).

To James Oldham Dr Sir Mo Apr. 16. 23. th I have duly recieved your letter of the 15 specifying the charges you propose agt mr Brockenbro’. I can do no more at present than to furnish him with a copy of it. on my return from Bedford measures shall be taken1 for recieving the evidence which shall be2 adduced3 on both sides. it can only be however such as will voluntarily offer at your respective requests as the visitors having no judiciary authority can issue no compulsory process for witnesses. in the mean time it is proper that you should name to me the individuals alluded to in your 2d 3d & 4th charges, without which they do not sufficiently specify the particular4 cases for which mr Br. is to prepare his evidence.5 accept the assurance of my esteem & respect. Dft (MHi); on verso of top half of re‑ used address cover of John H. Cocke to TJ, 15 Apr. 1823; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Oldam James.” 1 Preceding four words reworked from “I will take measures.”

2 TJ

here canceled “offered.” four words interlined. added in margins. 5  Sentence added at foot of text and keyed to this point with a caret. 3 Preceding 4 Word

 547 

From William J. Coffee Honbl Sir April 17th 23 New‑York You must not consider me importunate but If you Please consider my applycation in the following maner. Viz I have at a considerable distancs from this Place made a contract which ought to have been fulfiled on the first of April (or to forfitt a sum of money).1 it is now2 the 17th day and I have not been able to comply, in consequencs I am not only likely to lose my forfeiture but also lose a very considerable advantageous contract. The knowledge of this to your feeling mind I am confident will be Painfull, and on which accnt3 I am sorey to cause you the trouble of thinking on this subject. but as the matter stands I know of no other way then to perplex your goodness to see that Mr Brockinbrough do favour me with the Remitance as r my Bill, by the next Post, after you receve this troublesom espistol   Sir your will bee Pleased to accept my Dutifull Respects W. J. Coffee RC (DLC); dateline at foot of text; en‑ dorsed by TJ as received 24 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); ad‑ dress cover only; with FC of TJ to David Hoffman, 21 Dec. 1823, on verso; ad‑ dressed: “To The Honbl Thoms Jefferson

Monticello. State of Virginia”; franked; postmarked New York, 17 Apr. 1 Omitted closing parenthesis editorially supplied. 2 Manuscript: “mow.” 3 Manuscript: “acccnt.”

From Andrea Pini and Elisabetta Mazzei Pini Monsieur Livourne ce 17. avril 1823. Il y a deux ans que vous eûtes la bonté de nous écrire pour nous offrir la restitution du Capital appartenant à ma femme, qui se trouve entre vos mains, & du quel vous nous avez toujours éxactement payé les interêts. Ces fonds ne pourraient être mieux placés, & nous au­ rions été très heureux de vous les laisser encore si des circonstances de famille ne nous eussent obligés de faire face à des dépenses1 éxtraor‑ dinaires en nous obligeant par conséquent à nous prévaloir de l’argent, dont nous pouvons disposer.—   Nous nous trouvons par là dans le cas de vous adresser la présente pour vous prier, Monsieur, d’avoir la bonté d’accèder à notre démande en nous faisant tenir le plus promp­ tement possible le Capital qui se trouve entre vos mains de la proprieté de ma femme.—  548 

17 APRIL 1823

 Nous vous sérons infiniment reconnaissants2 de l’empressement que vous voudrez bien mettre à nous rendre ce service, qui est pour nous d’une très grande importance. Les lettres, & les fonds que vous me fairez passer à cet Éffet pour‑ ront être mis sous mon adresse c’est‑à‑dire à Monsieur André Pini Conseiller de Collège de Sa Majesté L’Empéreur de Russie, et son Consul général provisoire à Livourne. En vous priant très instamment de n’envisager l’objet de notre de‑ mande que comme un éffet de nos circonstances particulières, nous avons l’honneur d’être avec un sincère respect. Monsieur Vos très humbles, & très obéissants serviteurs  Andre Pini, Elisabetta Mazzei ne Pini e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

Sir Leghorn 17. April 1823. Two years ago you were so kind as to write us offering to repay the capital that belongs to my wife that is in your hands, the interest of which you have always punctually paid. These funds could not be better placed, and we would have been very happy to leave them with you if family circumstances had not forced us to deal with extraordinary expenses, which oblige us to avail our‑ selves of all the money accessible to us.—   We thus find ourselves in the situation of sending you this letter to pray you, Sir, kindly to grant our re‑ quest and send us, as promptly as possible, the capital from my wife’s prop‑ erty that is in your hands.— We will be infinitely grateful to you for doing us this favor, which is of great importance to us, as soon as possible. The letters and funds that you will forward to me for this purpose can be sent to my address, that is to say to Mr. André Pini, college councillor of his majesty the emperor of Russia, and his provisional consul general in Leghorn. Urging you very earnestly not to interpret our request as anything but the result of our particular circumstances, we have the honor to be with sincere respect, Sir, your very humble, and very obedient servants  Andre Pini, Elisabetta Mazzei née Pini RC (MHi); in an unidentified hand, signed by Andrea Pini and Elisabetta Mazzei Pini; at foot of first page: “Mon‑ sieur De Jefferson, Ex‑Président des États unis d’Amérique à Virginia”; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Pini Elizabeth” received 17 Sept. 1823 and so recorded (as a letter from “Pini Eliz. & André”) in SJL. Dupl (DLC: TJ Papers, 211:37653);

in same unidentified hand, signed by both Pinis; torn at top, with loss of date and most of TJ’s endorsement. RC and Dupl (both in DLC); address covers only; with Dft of TJ to James Madison, 15 Feb. 1825, on verso of one, and FC of TJ to James Barbour and Littleton W. Taze‑ well, 15 Feb. 1825, on verso of the other; both addressed in same unidentified hand

 549 

17 APRIL 1823 as RC and Dupl (with the latter text in‑ cluding a hyphen after “Ex” and omitting the final two words): “Monsieur Mon‑ sieur De Jefferson Ex Président des États unis d’amérique à Virginia à monticello”; both stamped “SHIP,” franked, and post‑ marked New York, 10 Sept. Translation by Dr. Genevieve Moene. Andrea Pini was a college councillor (conseiller de collège) in the Col‑ lege of Foreign Affairs, one of several ex‑ ecutive departments of the Russian im­

perial government since 1717 (Edouard Ferdinand de Beaumont‑Vassy, Histoire des États Européens depuis le Congrès de Vienne: Empire Russe [1853], 404; Anna Joukovskaïa‑Lecerf, “À propos de la cré‑ ation du collège des Affaires etrangères sous Pierre le Grand,” Cahiers du Monde Russe 43 [2002]: 57–66). 1 RC:

“depenses.” Dupl: “dépenses.” “reconnaissans.” Dupl: “reconnaissants.” 2  RC:

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monto Apr. 18. 23. I shall set out in 3. or 4. days for Bedford, and not having money for the road, & having also some petty nbhood debts I have drawn on you this day for 140.D. in favr Jacobs and Raphael. I hope on my ar‑ rival in Bedf d to find my tobo crop beginning to be ready to go down. I shall be absent about a fortnight.1 I owe mr Rawlings for the fire2 insurce co. 84.40 which I gave him reason to expect before now. should you see him be so good as to let him know that I have waited only to get my tobo down when he shall3 certainly4 recieve the money.   al‑ ways yours Th:J Dft (MHi); on verso of portion of re‑ used address cover of James Breckinridge to TJ, 6 Apr. 1823; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Peyton Bernard.”

1

 Sentence interlined.  Word added in margin.  Manuscript: “sall.” 4  Word interlined. 2 3

To Francis Eppes Dear Francis Mo Apr. 21. 23. I am necessarily detained here by a negocian for the Univy with the Literary board not yet closed, and our next ct which I must attend is now so near as not to allow me time for my visit to you and to get back to court. I must then defer it until our court is over. I mentd to yourself and to Jefferson that you must make use of our dairy, our flock of sheep Etc for your table until your own should become sufficient, and lest mr Gough should not have been apprised of this I write him the inclosed letter, which I pray you to deliver him. I think I shall be with you about the 10th or 12th of May. my crippled wrist and hand  550 

21 APRIL 1823

are still in an useless situation and not likely soon to be otherwise.1 Joe having got his axletree broken yesterday, is detained here to‑day while we make a new one. present me affectionately to2 Elizabeth and be assured yourself of my constant attachment. Th:J. FC (CSmH: JF); on verso of bottom half of a reused address cover from Alden Partridge to TJ, the other half of which was used for Dft of enclosure; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: TJ to William Gough, 21 Apr. 1823.

jefferson: Thomas Jefferson Randolph. 1 Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 2  Sentence to this point canceled, pre‑ sumably unintentionally.

To William Gough Dear Sir Mo Apr. 21. 23. I intended to have gone to Poplar Forest with my grandson Francis, in order to fix him in the house there and see with what accomodns we could aid him in the beginning1 as beginnings are always difficult with young H‑keepers. but indispensible business has kept and will keep me here till our court. in the mean time I pray you to attend to his wants, to let him have the use of our dairy particularly2 as I should myself use it were I there, lambs for his table as his flock is small and any3 other accomodns or services you can render him will be approved by me and considd as obligns to myself. Accept my friendly4 respects & best wishes Th:J Dft (MHi); on verso of top half of a reused address cover from Alden Partridge to TJ, the other half of which was reused for FC of covering letter; at foot of text: “Mr Gough”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosed in TJ to Francis Eppes, 21 Apr. 1823.

1

 Remainder of sentence interlined.  Word interlined.  Word interlined. 4  Word interlined. 2 3

From Frederick W. Hatch Dear Sir Monday Morng— [21 Apr. 1823] g It was not until this morn that I could procure the Constitution, & in consequence of my engagements I am oblig’d to send it to you in its original rough state.— It has been propos’d to me to call a meeting of the Committee which will probably take place on Wednesdy, at which time, if con‑ venient, I should be glad to receive any suggestions which you will be so good as to communicate.  551 

21 APRIL 1823

 If our Constitution must be amended it had probably better be done before the list of Subscribers is very much enlarg’d, as it may be diffi­ cult to obtain a majority of Shares afterwards.— F W Hatch— I am Sir Very respecty RC (MHi); partially dated at foot of text; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Pr Lewis [i.e., Meriwether Lewis Ran‑ dolph]”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 21 Apr. 1823 received the day it was written and so recorded in SJL.

The enclosed constitution of the Albemarle Library Society has not been found.

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 22. 23. Mr Dinsmore consulted me yesterday on the entablature of the Ro‑ tunda & of it’s windows. I reviewed them,1 and find no reason to sub‑ stitute any other than that of my original drawing for the main en‑ tablature, which was that of Palladio Book. 1. Pl. 26. taking the base however from his plate 23. that of Pl. 25. having too much work as well as that of the Pantheon. I have examined carefully all the antient Corinthians in my possession, and observe that Palladio, as usual, has given the finest members of them all in the happiest combination. I think too that his plates 35. 36, give the handsomest entablatures for windows that I can find any where, but I would2 adopt the archi‑ trave at the left hand bottom corner of pl. 35. give it a plain frize in‑ stead of his swelled one, and the dentil cornice at the bottom of pl. 36. Will you be so good as to communicate this to messrs Dinsmore & Nielson who I believe wait for them Your’s with friendship & respect, Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); at foot of text: “Mr Brockenbrough”; endorsed by Brocken‑ brough. Recorded in SJL with bracketed notation: “Rot. entabl. pl. 26. base 23. wind. 35. 36.”

1  Preceding two words interlined in place of “have done so.” 2 TJ here canceled “select.”

To John H. Cocke Dear Sir Monto Apr. 22. 23. I am first to thank you for the shads you were so kind as to send us. they were the first and only ones we have seen this season. The visitors at their late meeting being requested by mr Brocken‑ bro’ to enquire into the charges brought against him by Oldam, came  552 

22 APRIL 1823

to a resolution that their Exve commee should first enquire of Oldam whether he avowed the anonymous lre to mr Griffin, and would fur‑ nish evidence of the charges: & in that case that we should have the deposns taken and report them to the next meeting. I wrote to Oldam accdly. he neither acknoleged nor denied the letter, but, gave me the charges in a distinct form, and undertakes to furnish proofs. I have informed both parties that on my return from Bedford measures will be taken for recieving the evidence. I do not know that we need at‑ tend1 in person, both or either. indeed I am not able. I suppose it will be best for us to employ a lawyer to interrogate & take the deposns. I shall be glad of your opinion on this subject and will act conformably with it on my return. The view of our finances presented at the late meeting was as fol‑ lows. our debts were estimated in October by mr Dawson at 27,000.D. since which the annuity of this year 7800.D. has been recieved & chiefly applied to them; so that mr Br. now estimates them at 20,000. of the 18,343.D. arrears of sbscrption our Collector thinks we shall lose about 4000.D. but that we may count on about 14,000, for most of which he has recent assumpsits to pay this season, say 14,000 Jan. 1. we shall recieve of next year’s annuity clear of interest 6,300 20,300. so that the 4. rows & all expences of land Etc will be compleated without taking a dollar from the last loan, which it is the opinion of mr Br. Dinsmore Etc will be quite sufficient to compleat the Rotunda. still we think it prudent to contract only for a part at a time, so as never to go beyond our funds. the contracts now made are for the hull, floors, stairs, doors & windows.2 but as neither the arrears of sbscrptn nor next year’s annuity are in hand we must borrow 20,000 D. from the last loan, to pay off our debts to be repd from the proper3 funds when recieved. a considble sum will be immediately wanting too to lay in lumber for the whole building and for current payments to the work men.4 May 4. 23. I had written thus far at the date of this letter; but having on the 8th of Apr. communicated a proposn of the Visitors to the liter‑ ary board to let us draw our money by instalments, & expecting daily an answer; I laid by my letter till now to add the result. but no answer being yet recieved I close it with the assurance of my great frdshp and respect Th:J Dft (DLC); on reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 4 May

1823 to “Cocke John H.” and so recorded in SJL.

 553 

22 APRIL 1823  our collector: John L. Thomas. 1 Remainder of sentence interlined, with superfluous period editorially omitted.

 2 Sentence added in margin and interlined. 3 Word interlined in place of “old.” 4 Recto ends here.

To Frederick W. Hatch Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 22. 23. I have examined the proposed constitution of the Library society, which I like well, and now return, suggesting only some doubts on particular parts. Art. 9. ‘the committee to purchase such books as shall be agreed upon by the shareholders.’ the committee of 7. will be more likely to make a good choice, than the 200. Art. 11. does not say distinctly whether all, or what, votes are to be counted by shares. I think the use of the books should not be confined to shareholders, but open to all; our object being to diffuse instruction as extensively as possible. but non‑shareholders besides a pawn of the value of the book1 should pay a certain compensation by the week for the use of a book in proportion to it’s volume, & the volume to be decided by it’s weight, not by it’s format in folio, 4to 8vo 12mo Etc. perhaps it would be just to allow shareholders the use of a book gratis for a reasonable time, and if longer kept they should pay as non‑shareholders. this however should not be in the constitution, but in the form of a law, subject to alterations from time to time as experience might point out. I suggest these things for consideration only. not knowing where to enquire for the subscription paper I will ask the favor of you to set me down for four shares. affectionately & respectfully yours Th: Jefferson P.S. I ask your acceptance of a dish of sea‑kale. RC (IaHi: Charles Aldrich Autograph Collection); addressed: “The Revd Mr Hatch Charlve”; endorsed by Hatch: “No 5—Library.” Recorded in SJL with brack‑ eted notation: “on the Alb. library.” En‑

closure: enclosure to Hatch to TJ, [21 Apr. 1823]. 1 Preceding

 554 

nine words interlined.

From Richard Rush Dear sir. London April 23. 1823. Mr. Blaetterman called upon me a few days ago, to make some inquiries relative to the University. I told him that I believed its op‑ erations had been suspended for a while, through some unfortunate causes, but that I was under a like belief that its prospects were again as good or better than ever. He asked me if I thought he might write to you on the subject, and if I would forward his letter, to both which I replied in the affirmative, and he has accordingly sent me a letter, which I beg leave to enclose. If, touching this, or any other object con‑ nected with the Institution, I can render any services whatever here in London, permit me to renew my assurances of the pleasure it will yield me to be commanded by you. Mr John Hunter, the interesting young man of our country, who was so long among the Indians, lately spent a day with me. I was happy to hear from him that your health was good when he left you, and that you had recovered from the effects of your late accident. Amidst the occupation and excitements of this capital, he does not forget to speak with affection and gratitude of all your kindness to him. I remain, dear sir, with the highest respect, your attached and faith‑ ful servant Richard Rush. RC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 16 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: George Blaettermann to TJ, 24 Apr. 1823.

From Martin Van Buren

[ca. 23 Apr. 1823]

With the best respects of your friend & hble Servt. M. V. Buren

RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40006); subjoined to enclosure; undated; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson E”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 23 Apr. 1823 from Wal‑ ter Bowne in Albany received 6 May and so recorded in SJL. Martin Van Buren (1782–1862), pres‑ ident of the United States, 1837–41, was born in Kinderhook, New York. There he apprenticed to an attorney, and after a fur‑ ther stint working in a law office in New York City for two years, he returned to Kinderhook in 1803 and started his own

practice. Five years later Van Buren moved to Hudson. A staunch Republican, he sat in the New York state senate, 1812–20, and also served as the state’s attorney gen‑ eral, 1815–19, having moved to Albany in 1816. Van Buren helped form the new Bucktail faction in New York and was elected to the United States Senate, 1821– 28. He visited TJ at Monticello in 1824. Van Buren was elected governor of New York but only held the position for two months in 1829, resigning to become the United States secretary of state under An‑ drew Jackson. He soon influenced Jackson

 555 

23 APRIL 1823 to embrace the political spoils system. In 1831 Van Buren left the cabinet to become envoy extraordinary and minister pleni‑ potentiary to Great Britain. After the Sen‑ ate rejected this appointment early the next year, he returned to the United States and was elected vice president. In 1835 a Democratic convention unanimously nomi‑ nated Van Buren to be its presidential candidate, and he narrowly won the en‑ suing election. He lost his bid for a sec‑ ond term in 1840, then failed to gain the Democratic nomination in 1844 and was defeated as the Free Soil candidate in 1848.

Van Buren’s Inquiry into the Origin and Course of Political Parties in the United States was edited and published posthu‑ mously by his sons in 1867. He died at his home in Kinderhook (ANB; DAB; DLC: Van Buren Papers; John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., “The Autobiography of Martin Van Buren,” Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the year 1918 [1920], vol. 2; JEP, 4:6, 7, 494, 507–8 [6 Mar. 1829, 7 Dec. 1831, 25 Jan. 1832]; Donald B. Cole, Martin Van Buren and the American Political System [1984]; New York Evening Post, 24 July 1862).

e n c l o s u r e

Resolutions of the Republican Members of the New York State Legislature ARGUS OFFICE,

ALBANY, APRIL 23, 1823. AT a meeting of the Republican Members of both branches of the Legisla‑ ture of the State of New‑York, held at the Assembly Chamber in the city of Albany, on the 22d day of April, 1823. The Hon. WALTER BOWNE, of the Senate, was called to the Chair, and JAMES MULLETT, Jun. Esq. of the Assembly, appointed Secretary.  On motion of the Lieutenant‑Governor, it was RESOLVED, That a committee be appointed by the Chair, to prepare and report resolutions expressive of the sense of this meeting, in regard to the approaching presidential election; and thereupon, the Hon. Erastus Root, the Hon. Messrs. Redfield and Dudley, of the Senate; the Hon. Peter R. Liv­ ingston, Speaker of the Assembly, and Messrs. Gardiner, Goodell, Seaman, Birdseye, and Hager, of that body, were appointed such committee. The following resolutions, being reported by the committee, were after discussion, unanimously adopted. WHEREAS the period fixed for the election of a Chief Magistrate of the United States, has so nearly approached, that the Members of the Legisla‑ tures of several of our sister States, have already thought it advisable to ex‑ press their feelings upon the occasion, and have thereby rendered it proper, that those who have been elected in a similar capacity to represent the state of New York, should leave no reason for supposing, that this state is more insensible than other members of the confederacy to the importance of such a question: Therefore— RESOLVED, That we consider an explicit avowal of our sentiments in the matter, as not only called for by the occasion, but due to the commendable so‑ licitude which is felt by our republican brethren in other parts of the Union:—

 556 

23 APRIL 1823  That it is highly essential to the interests of those who have the happiness to live under a republican form of government, that its administration should be committed to persons, whose opinions and feelings are in coincidence with its fundamental principles, and whose lives and conduct furnish the most unequivocal evidence of their entire devotion to the preservation of those principles:— That the practice of making nominations for the office of President by individual states, has a tendency to disturb the harmony of the great repub‑ lican family, by creating and strengthening individual predilections and local feelings, and thereby preventing that concert of action, which has heretofore crowned their exertions with success:— That although a nomination by the Republican Members of Congress is not entirely free from objections, yet that assembled as they are from the differ­ent quarters of the Union—coming from the various classes of the community— elected during the pendency and discussion of the question, and in a great degree with reference to it, they bring into one body as perfect a representa‑ tion as can be expected of the interests and wishes of all, and of each; and that a nomination made by them in the manner which has heretofore been usual, is the best attainable mode of effecting the great object in view, which has as yet been suggested:— That we fully believe, that a convention thus constituted, will be less liable to be influenced by those sectional jealousies, against which the father of his country has so solemnly and justly cautioned us; more likely to cherish those purely national feelings, which it is the interest, and should be the pride of every state to protect; and better calculated to preserve unbroken, those po‑ litical ties, which bind together the Republicans of the north and of the south, the east and the west, and are consecrated by the recollection of times and events, dear to the democracy of the nation, which triumphed in the election, and prospered under the administration of the illustrious Jefferson:— That we feel an unhesitating confidence, that when the proper time for making such nomination shall arrive, the Republican Members of Congress will select as a candidate, for an office of general supervision over the great Political, Agricultural, Manufacturing and Commercial interests of the Na‑ tion, one who is not only a sound Democratic Republican in principle and practice, but who will labour with equal assiduity for the just promotion of all those great interests; and to whom the Republicans of New‑York can give their willing support. RESOLVED, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chair‑ man and Secretary, and published. WALTER BOWNE, Chairman. JAMES MULLETT, Jr. Sec’ry. Printed circular (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40006); with covering letter subjoined. Walter Bowne (1770–1846), merchant and public official, was born in Flushing,

New York. In 1795 he supported the gu‑ bernatorial candidacy of John Jay, and by 1796 he operated as a merchant in New York City, where he chaired a meeting of Republicans in 1815. Bowne represented the Southern and later the First districts

 557 

23 APRIL 1823 in the New York state senate, 1816–24, sat on the state’s Council of Appointment in 1817 and 1820, and served as mayor of New York City, 1829–33. He was presi‑ dent of the Phœnix Insurance Company of New‑York in 1815, and in 1833 he be‑ came the first president of the Seventh Ward Bank. In 1842 Bowne’s wealth was estimated at $400,000. He died in New York City (Edith King Wilson and Jacob Titus Bowne, Bowne Family of Flushing, Long Island [1948], 16, 24; New York Herald; A Gazette for the Country, 7 Mar. 1795; John Low, The New‑York Direc­ tory, and Register, for the year 1796 [New York, 1796], 19; New York National Ad­ vocate, 20 Apr. 1815; Franklin B. Hough, The New‑York Civil List [1858], 101, 123–5, 428; New York Mercantile Adver­ tiser, 23 Feb. 1815; New‑York Spectator, 18 July 1833; [Moses Yale Beach], Wealth and Wealthy Citizens of New York City [1842], 3; New York Evening Post, 1 Sept. 1846; New‑York Semi‑Weekly Tribune, 5 Sept. 1846; New York Surrogate’s Court Will Book, 92:693–704; gravestone in‑ scription in Flushing Cemetery, Queens). James Mullett (1784–1858), attorney and public official, was born in Whit­ ingham, Windham County, Vermont. He moved with his family to Genesee County,

New York, where he apprenticed as a joiner and millwright before working in 1810 as a clerk in a mercantile firm in Fredonia, New York. There Mullett stud‑ ied law and was admitted to the Chautau‑ qua County bar in 1814. Six years later he was licensed as an attorney by the New York supreme court. Mullett represented Chautauqua County in the New York Assembly for two sessions, 1823–24, and served as district attorney for Chautauqua, 1826–28. He was prominent in the Buck‑ tail faction of the Republican party. In 1841 Mullett moved to Buffalo, where he was appointed the city’s attorney in 1846. The following year he was elected a jus‑ tice of the state supreme court. Mullett won reelection in 1851, resigned in 1857, and died in Fredonia (Lucien B. Proctor, The Bench and Bar of New‑York [1870], 84–103; Andrew W. Young, History of Chautauqua County, New York [1875], 489, 654–6; New York American, 3 Nov. 1820; Hough, New‑York Civil List, 199, 200, 352, 371; Buffalo Morning Express And Daily Democracy, 11 Sept. 1858; gravestone inscription in Forest Hill Cem‑ etery, Fredonia). The lieutenant‑governor was Eras‑ tus Root. the father of his country: George Washington.

From George Blaettermann London the 24the of April 1823 Sir,  69 Grace church Street. About nineteen months ago, I had the honor of receiving, through Mr Rush, a communication from you, informing me of the favourable disposition, which you entertained towards me as candidate for the chair of professor of modern languages in the College about to be or‑ ganized, under your auspices, in the state of Virginia; and having in consequence mad[e] such arrangements in my affairs as would have enabled me to proceed to that country, about the conclusion of the last year, I find myself rather aukwardly situated now, from the cir‑ cumstance of not having received any kind of information on the sub‑ ject since. This, I trust, will be a sufficient apology for thus intruding on your valuable time, and troubling you to request that I may be informed when it is likely my services will be required, as well as to  558 

24 APRIL 1823

solicit a communication of any other intelligence on the subject, you may please to impart. I beg leave to state, that in the course of the last summer, I made a tour through Germany, France and Holland, for the purpose of visit‑ ing the Universities of those countries and collecting materials for a series of lectures, on the rise, progress and present state of modern languages, intended to be delivered to my pupils: This has led me to add considerably to the extent of my library and I should feel obliged by being informed whether my books will be liable to pay duty on importation into America or whether they will be admitted to entry duty free. I have the honor to be with the deepest sense of respect, Sir, your very obedient humble servant George Blaettermann RC (ViU: TJP); mutilated; endorsed by TJ as received 16 June 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL. Enclosed in Richard Rush to TJ, 23 Apr. 1823.

From Jacob Constable Dr Sir/. Charlottesville Apl 24th 1823 If there is any tie by which nature has a claim on man I Should be under the Strongest1 obligations to you if you would come here in time for the first Court here as I am confin,d within the walls of a prison and expect the Council of Genl Taylor. Mr Tazewell. & Wirt also Mr Southall & Barbour for me.2 Your presence would have great weight. I have been in Buisiness Unfortunate but never Unjust in all my Dealings with Mankind Yours Respectfully Jacob Constable PS. Republican principals have Great feeling. RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 27 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Constable was jailed in Charlottesville for “having on the night of the 20th of March, last .  .  . feloneously taking steal‑ ing and carrying away from the barroom of Elijah Brown of this County one pair of saddle bags containing five hundred dollars in Cash, and two pair of panta‑ loons of the property & goods and chat‑ tles of James Campbell” (Albemarle Co.

Order Book [1822–23], 305). He pleaded not guilty at a 10 Oct. 1823 session of the Albemarle County Circuit Court, where he was described as a yeoman lately of Albemarle. The next day a jury convicted him and sentenced him to one year in the state penitentiary (Albemarle Co. Law Order Book [1822–31], 82, 83). 1 Manuscript:

“Strogest.” period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 2 Omitted

 559 

From Robert Mayo Sir, Richmond 24th April —23 rd Your letter of the 3 Feb. has placed us in a dilemma, from which time & reflection have Suggested to us no other probable mode of extrication, but by consulting you on the subject. Even this alterna‑ tive has its difficulties, as we greatly apprehend the impropriety of approaching you a third time on the occasion under any pretext. On the first perusal of your letter, we doubted whether you con‑ templated it shd be made public, with other communications we were receiving. Your remark, that “The establishment of libraries in every town is so favorable to general instruction, furnishes so salutary an employment for spare hours & inducement to pass them at home, and brings the use of books so much within the means of every one, that there cannot be two opinions on their utility” seemed so happily ex‑ pressive of our design, and so well calculated to make a favorable im‑ pression on the public, that we were exceedingly solicitous to avail ourselves of its beneficial and fostering influence. But, when you con‑ tinued to remark that “Of all this the public have the right and the understanding to judge for themselves, without admonitions from me, as unauthorised as unnecessary,” after having stated, in the commence‑ ment of your letter, that you have “never permitted yourself to assume the office of recommending to the public particular books or institu‑ tions, or to advise what books they should read or what institutions establish,” we concluded, that at the same time you expressed the high‑ est approbation of our object, the general tenour of your letter was a severe censure upon our officiousness in obtruding the subject on public attention, and therefore determined to withhold it, as its effects might be no less equivocal than your desires were, to us, uncertain. It is a matter of pleasing curiosity, & indeed of admiration, to see the effort Mr Adams has made, in his extreme age, to bestow on us his benediction. Mr Madison, and many others of our distinguished fellow citizens have done the same; and we should be very sorry to come before the public with these names subject to so great a preju‑ dice as the want of yours. When Jacob sent his sons into Egypt to buy corn, he retained the favorite of the family, Benjamin, at home. Joseph recognised the features of his brethren, and finding that his beloved brother Benjamin was not among them, put on a severe look, and demanded in an angry voice—“Whence came ye” &c. I fear the pub‑ lic will also put on a severe look, and with an angry tone, demand, “where is the favorite of the people? why has he not united with others in recommending your object.” &c So true is it, that there are instances  560 

24 APRIL 1823

in which neutrality is equivalent to hostility. If you will permit us to use the commendatory part of your letter, or will favor us with your sentiments expressed in any manner divested of censure, our wishes will be accomplished.—Yr very respectful & obdt Servt (on the part of the Commttee)   Robert Mayo. RC (MHi); addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello”; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked Richmond, 24 Apr.; endorsed by TJ as received 27 Apr. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. John adams and James madison wrote to Mayo in support of the Juvenile Li‑ brary Company of Richmond on 18 and

31 Mar. 1823, respectively (MHi: Lb in Adams Papers; Madison, Papers, Retire­ ment Ser., 3:26–7; both printed in Mayo, Political Sketches of Eight Years in Wash­ ington [1839], 46, with Adams’s letter dated 21 Mar. 1823). The biblical story in which jacob sent his sons into egypt is in Genesis 42.1–15.

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monto Apr. 24. 23 1 A negociation with the Literary board on behalf of the University which I expected would have been closed by the reciept of their an‑ swer on the day I last wrote to you & drew on you is still unclosed, awaiting their answer. this has obliged me to put off my journey to Bedford till after our next court which I am obliged to attend. I men‑ tion this lest you should have occn to write to me. I inclose blank2 Notes for the banks for the next month that I may be in time. affectly your’s Th:J. FC (MHi); written by TJ on a half sheet; endorsed by TJ as a letter to ­“Peyton Bernard.” Recorded in SJL with bracketed notation: “renewals.” Enclosures not found.

1

 Word interlined in place of “fund.”  Word interlined.

2

From Samuel Smith (of Maryland) Dr sir Baltimore 24. May [Apr.] 1823 All history tells us, that the minister who attempted to reduce the public burthens, by the dismissal of useless Officers; by the reduction of pensions improperly granted; by the destruction of sinecure Offices; in fine by Reform however salutary, has been disgraced and a man with more liberal Ideas (as the Blood suckers term it) is brought in. Your Administration is an exception to this general Rule. But your situation, your high Standing in the confidence and the Affections of  561 

24 APRIL 1823

the people, added to the hostility to the federal measures, operated highly to favour your plans of salutary Economy—you had Scarcely gone into private life until what Gallatin said to me was Verified— “We (said he) are Starving ourselves—another set will Come in, that will expend all we save by our frugality”—In fine it Can scarcely be denied, what Mr Harper has written, “that our measures are so Closely allied to those of the federalists, that no good federalist can object to them.”—Mr Calhoun who has Spent the public money ad libitum has the Ear of the President, is Eulogized by the Press, and every where puffed—Whilst Mr Crawford, who is anxious, that the Expenditures should be brought within the means of the Govern‑ ment, is traduced Vilified, and Stigmatized with the name of Chief of the Radicals—And why? Because his friends have Checked the extravagant and in some instances illegal expenditures in another department—The Course pursued by the two last Congresses has gained for them the Nick Name of Radicals, and the name has its influence among the people—How much does Colo Monroe owe to those who reduced His public Estimates five million in three years? and that without injury to any one of the institutions of the Country, suppose it had not been done, he must have applied for another loan of five million for the service of 1822 and the Revenue of 1823 would only have been adequate to the Expences—How is it now? A full treasury, not Created by new burthens on the people, but by retrench‑ ment of needless expenditures—He will probably have a good trea‑ sury when he goes out of Office, but there will not be means adequate for the service of 1825, for then the Stocks will be redeemable at plea‑ sure, and the sinking fund will have the Object on which to operate— a Reduction of the sinking fund to the Eight million of your day, might relieve us for the year 1825—but we Cannot (I think) meet even that, in the subsequent years without an increase of Duties, or an Excise on Whiskey—25 Cents  Gall. would give us five million of Revenue, from which ought to be deducted One million for a loss of Revenue on spirits imported, for if we lay an Excise, we ought to lay additional say nearly1 prohibitory duties on Imported Spirits. That system would Encourage our produce of Rye and Corn.—This ought to be recom‑ mended by Colo Monroe as a fair Relief to his successor and if adopted, would give us means fully adequate, to meet the [tempory?] expences and the demand for the sinking fund. I had thought that I would never again after Mr Madison’s first Election, have concerned myself about the Presidential Election. But I fear, that I shall be involved in it—I am decidedly of Opinion, that Mr Crawford is the best Candidate for that Office, and I shall give him  562 

25 APRIL 1823

my support. He may at present calculate on N. York. 362 N. Jersey. 8 Delaware 3 Maryland 4 perhaps more, Virginia, 24 N. Carolina 15 Georgia. 9 Tenessee 3 (at least)—102 Votes Mr Adams’s Chance is only, the NE. States 49 and in Maryland 6.— in all 573—Indeed I think it highly probable, that Maine and R. Is‑ land will Vote for Crawford—I Cannot bring myself to believe, that the democratic State of Maryland will Vote for a Gentleman who was among the highest toned federalists, whilst in senate, the Embargo Vote only excepted, &4 has in no instance recanted—I do not believe in Men after 40 years of Age—Changing a principle of their political Creed—Could you or I Change ours to federalism? I judge of others by myself—With sincere Esteem I am Dr sir your friend & servant S. Smith RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40040–1); one word illegible; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 24 Apr. 1823 misdated 24 May and received 29 Apr. 1823. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Louis H. Girardin, 19 Dec. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello near Charlottesville Virginia”; franked; postmarked Baltimore, 24 Apr. Recorded in SJL as a letter of 24 Apr. received 29 Apr. 1823. In a letter dated Baltimore, December 1822, Robert Goodloe harper, a Feder‑ alist and former congressman, declared

that his party was “content with seeing their system substantially adopted by their former opposers” and that Federalists now “almost universally, declared their appro‑ bation of the leading measures of the gov‑ ernment, and gave it their cordial sup‑ port” (Philadelphia National Gazette and Literary Register, 24 Dec. 1822). 1

 Word interlined.  Here and below, number of electoral votes, written above state name, brought down to the line immediately after it. 3  Thus in manuscript. Correct sum is 55. 4  Preceding nine words interlined. 2

From James W. Wallace Mr Jefferson, dear Sir, Fauquier April 25—23 in Washington I saw the fracture of your arm announced in a newspaper, it filled me with anxiety, I hope it has been well mended: Virginia has now but two joints of her back bone left, when it shall please providence to draw for them we must wait for A new supply untill the University shall yield it; will it ever, can it furnish out of the disintegration of the soul such splendid lights of patriotism, Liberty and justice as are now almost burnt out? there an’t much difference in the Original gas’ s which form the Animal and Vegetable Kingdoms, the true difference is in their proportions, we see daily proofs of the degeneracy in the Vegetable Kingdom in changes of soil, Clime and region, principles which act with1 Matter are fitted to compounds, and rather act in Unison than dictate on the One hand, or yeild obedience  563 

25 APRIL 1823

to a foreign power on the other: Philosophy draws on her magazines of facts & analogies as food for reason: as time rolls over new compounds form, the accommodating genius of principle bonds, and change called improvement or degeneracy is at hand. Buffon asserts that man de‑ generates in the Western hemisphere, in the “Notes” you have rea‑ soned well against the apparent physical absurdity; but, let me ask an’t we mere Englishmen strained through a republican Sifter varying only from our forefathers2 in the enjoyment of that Liberty which they loved but could not attain; Buffon was full of notions, but was right that man degenerates in the West; look at the Aborigines fully in the Arms of nature profiting3 but little from her Core.4 Cuvier thinks that the change in nature is in the causes influencing the compounds of Matter forming the Earth, giving new strata on its crust, whence new Animals, new Minerals & Vegetables;5 can this explain the change in human nature which Seems now developing? the Anglo‑American has changed even in the last [30?]6 years, where now can we find those Virtues in a whole region, of late familiar as whortleberries, every where? the approaches of death are sometimes in the Animal functions, Sometimes in the natural functions, and Sometimes in the Vitel—So, when the disintegration of the Soul commences tis some times in one, and Sometimes in another faculty, with Us it begins in the Moral faculty— I have for You enough millet seed for 5 or six Acres, tis Sowed broad cast 2 pecks p[er?] Acre: ground high, rich and dry—th[ey?] will be with you ere long god preserve you James W. Wallace. RC (DLC); torn at seal; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello”; stamped; postmarked Warrenton, 27 Apr.; en‑ dorsed by TJ as received 1 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. For the announcement of TJ’s frac‑ tured arm in a Washington newspaper, see John Barnes to TJ, 22 Nov. 1822, and note. Wallace presumably thought of TJ and James Madison as the two sur‑ viving joints of Virginia’s back bone. TJ argued against the theory of Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de Buffon, that

man degenerates in the western hemisphere, in Query VI of his Notes on the State of Virginia (Notes, ed. Peden, 58–64). 1  Preceding two words interlined in place of “govern.” 2 Manuscript: “forethathers.” 3 Manuscript: “profitiing.” 4 Thus in manuscript, with “Care” pos‑ sibly intended. 5 Manuscript: “Vgetables.” 6 Number faint.

 564 

From James Madison [ca. 28 Apr. 1823] What is the proper quitus for the solicitudes within expressed? J.M. RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40010); on a small slip; undated; endorsed by TJ as received 29 Apr. 1823 and so recorded (with bracketed notation: “inclosg J. C. Cabell’s”) in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Thomas J. Rogers, 20 Dec. 1823, on verso; addressed:

“Mr Jefferson Monticello Charlottesville Virginia”; franked; postmarked Orange Court House, 28 Apr. By quitus Madison presumably meant “quietus.”

e n c l o s u r e

Joseph C. Cabell to James Madison Dear Sir, Williamsburg 16 April. 1823. In travelling down the country Mr Loyall & myself had much conversation together on the plan & interior distribution of the Library House. I take the liberty to express to you the solicitude we feel on the structure of the two large oval rooms, and on the arrangement of a suitable apartment or apart‑ ments for the Philosophical apparatus. I infer from what Mr Jefferson said to us, that the oval rooms, would have plane floors. If it should not interfere too much with Mr Jefferson’s architectural views, might it not be well to have at least one of the rooms fitted up with seats runing around the room parallel to the walls, & rising one above another, so that the Lecturer’s eye & voice would distinctly reach the eye & ear of every student present? Such is the approved modern construction of large lecturing rooms at the principal Uni‑ versities in Europe & in this country. It seems to me that on no other plan can a class of some hundreds be conveniently accomodated. For my own part I should suppose it would be proper to fit up both the large rooms on this modern plan. Nor would it unfit them for any of the purposes ever contem‑ plated, unless for dancing, and I presume that it would be no disadvantage to the Institution, if this art should be taught rather more in the background of the scene. Is it not also to be apprehended that the Apparatus will require rather more space than Mr Jefferson seems to be preparing for it. In some of the Universities of Europe which I visited I found the Apparatus occupying considerable space. As well as I can recollect, in none that I saw, was there less than one large room, & in some, as at Bologna, a suite of rooms was, ap‑ propriated to this object. Perhaps on this head, some eminent Professor might be advantageously consulted. To make the University compleat, within the limits heretofore proposed, is highly desirable; and with a view to this object, I should think it essential to provide in the larger apartments of the Library House, convenient accomodation for the greater classes, of chemistry, Natu‑ ral Philosophy &c which from their numbers require space, & from the neces‑ sity of witnessing experiments demand seats rising one above another. Per‑ haps I only repeat here, what I may have said to you at Monticello. If so, you

 565 

28 APRIL 1823 will be good enough to excuse me, and to ascribe the repetition to the effect of my conversation with Mr Loyall on my journey down the country. I ask the favor of you to communicate with Mr Jefferson on these subjects, and trust‑ ing in your superior judgments, shall entertain no doubt that your decision will be for the best. I remain Dr Sir, ever faithfully yours Joseph C. Cabell RC (DLC: Madison Papers); addressed: “James Madison esq. Montpellier Orange”; franked; postmarked Williamsburg, 16 Apr.; endorsed by Madison. Also enclosed in TJ to Madison, 30 Apr. 1823.

From Samuel L. Mitchill and Felix Pascalis Sir Newyork, april 28th 1823 The Linnean Society of Paris in electing you one of its honorary members, has of course informed you that since its reorganization, the 24th day of may has been selected for a fête botanique, annually. It is also recommended, as you know, to non‑resident members, to as‑ sociate wherever they can, and to establish similar celebrations. There being several associates in Newyork, an intention has been expressed of honouring the anniversary of Linnæus’s birth, in a becoming man‑ ner at the garden of Mr Prince in Flushing. We beleive it [r]espectful to give you information of this design, for the execution of which several preparatory steps have been taken already. We shall think of you on the occasion; since we feel an assurance that you will not dis‑ approve an attempt to render science popular and attractive. We have the honour to assure you of our high & particular respect Samuel L Mitchill ⎬⎫ Honorary Felix Pascalis, M.D. ⎭ Members, &c. RC (DLC); in Mitchill’s hand, signed by Mitchill and Pascalis; one word faint; endorsed by TJ as a letter from Mitchill and Pascalis received 3 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Henry A. S.

Dearborn, 9 Dec. 1823, on verso; ad‑ dressed by Mitchill: “His Excellency Thomas Jefferson honorary Member of the Linnean Society in Paris, &c, &c Monticello.”

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Dear Sir Monto Apr. 29. 23. 1 After opening 3. of my boxes of ornaments I found the one con‑ taining the missing ox‑sculls Etc for pavilions 2. & 5. and I now send the box. it was marked by mistake T.I. No 1. as we retained from mr Coffee2 the cost of it until it could be found, it will now be proper to  566 

30 APRIL 1823

remit him the money with3 the short payment also of your former remittance. the statement I think is thus. Lead, packing boxes Etc   74.12 ornaments accdg to prices pr agreemt 382.39 456.51 retained for the articles missing 41.86 414.65 your late remittance −390.14 due to mr Coffee 24.51 add the money retained 41.86 sum now to be remitted 66.37 which to end the matter & his complaints had better be remitted promptly and by a bank draught or some other payable on N.Y.   friendly & respectful salutns Th:J. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of re‑ used address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “ Brockenbro A. S. Apr. 29. 23.”

1

 Preceding two words interlined.  Preceding three words interlined. 3  Manuscript: “withe.” 2

To DeWitt Clinton Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 30. 23. I have duly recieved your favor of the 11th with the description it covered of the Otsego Basse. born and bred among mountains, I have had less opportunity of becoming acquainted with the fishy tribe, how‑ ever interesting,1 than with any other the objects of natural history. I should expect that the great inland seas of our country, insulated as  they are, would furnish many examples of non‑descript species, and afford2 ample matter for the employment of your own attentions, and those of the other literati in the region of those waters. with my thanks, be pleased to accept the assurance of my most3 friendly recol‑ lections & great respect Th: Jefferson RC (NNC: Clinton Papers); addressed: “His Excellency Governor Clinton Al‑ bany”; redirected in an unidentified hand to “new‑York”; franked; stamped; post‑ marked Charlottesville, 2 May, and Al‑ bany, 9 May; endorsed by Clinton, with additional notation in an unidentified hand: “acknowledging receipt of descrip‑ tion of Otsego Basse”; with apparently unrelated penciled notes in a different un­ identified hand. Dft (DLC); on verso of

portion of reused address cover; endorsed by TJ. Clinton’s favor of the 11th was actu‑ ally dated 12 Apr. 1823. 1 Preceding 2  Word

two words interlined in Dft. interlined in Dft in place of

“give.” 3 Word interlined in Dft.

 567 

To William J. Coffee Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 30. 23. Notwithstanding your particular1 request to Colo Peyton to send my boxes of ornaments to Bedford, he persuaded himself it was a mis‑ take, and sent them here. as soon as it was observed at the University that some of theirs were missing we suspected they might be in my boxes. I opened one, found at once that it contained ox‑sculls Etc2 for Bedford, and so well packed that I could not resolve to open any more, as Colo Peyton’s mistake had made it necessary for me to send them in a waggon, by land, 90. miles. but on the reciept of your favor of the 20th3 ascertaining that a box too many had been marked for me, and a box too few for the University, and specifying the contents of each, and particularly that my No 5. contained the missing metops of Pavil‑ ions 2. & 5. I opened it and found it to contain what your letter allot‑ ted to No 4. of Bedford ornaments.4 I then opened No 4. and found in it the Bedford articles allotted in your letter to No 1. then I opened No 1. and found in it the articles you supposed to be in No 5. that is to say the missing articles of Pavilions 2. and 5. I therefore sent the box No 1.5 yesterday to mr Brockenbrough, with a request to remit you without delay6 to N. York the 41.86 D cost of the articles now found,7 and the 24.51 short remitted before, making 66.37 D as stated in your letter. thus all I hope is finally brought to rights, except the delay which errors have produced. the inconvenience which8 falls to my lot, by that of Colo Peyton, I hope I may remedy by bedding my boxes in a good quantity of straw in the waggon. hoping you will re‑ cieve mr Br’s remittance nearly as soon as this letter I salute you with friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson [Remainder supplied from Dft:] P.S. I return the bills of lading. RC (NRU); lacking postscript; ad‑ dressed: “Mr William J. Coffee New York”; franked; postmarked. Dft (ViU: TJP‑ER); including postscript; endorsed by TJ. Enclosures not found. Coffee’s favor of 20 Apr. 1823, the ad‑ dress cover only of which has been found, is recorded in SJL as received 27 Apr. from New York (RC in DLC; with Dft of TJ to James Monroe, 19 Dec. 1823, on verso; addressed: “The Honbl Thoms

Jeffer­son. Monticello State of Virginia”; franked; postmarked New York, 22 Apr.). 1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “express.” 2 Word not in Dft. 3  Preceding three words interlined in Dft as “of Apr. 20.” 4 Dft: “articles.” 5 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 6 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 7 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 8 Reworked in Dft from “that which.”

 568 

To John Laval Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 30. 23. I have duly recieved your favor of the 16th and must accept your offer of sending the English copy of Las Casas of which you say that 2. vols have appeared, and 2. others are soon expected, sending them volume by volume by successive mails: regretting at the same time to recieve the dicta of Buonaparte in any other than his own words. Wilson’s work is too expensive for the purchase of an Octogenary. I have always hoped that when the copyright should be expired, an 8vo edition of the text alone would be published. the figures of the birds are sufficiently familiar to us all. or light sketches of them might be added of little expence. such an edition would be bought up rap‑ idly and spread the science much more extensively and usefully than the folio edition, to which few purses are equal. I wish mr Bradford would turn his attention to this more important enterprise. Accept my friendly and respectful salutations. Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP). Recorded in SJL as a letter to “Laval John.”

To James Madison Dear Sir Monticello Apr. 30. 23. The anxieties expressed in the inclosed letter are pointed to 3. ar‑ ticles. 1. the size of the lecturing rooms. 2. depositories for the Appa‑ ratuses. 3. the arrangement of the seats for the Students. 1. if we could have foretold1 what number of students would come to our Univer‑ sity, and what proportion of them would be in attendance on any one Professor at one time, lecturing rooms might have been constructed exactly to hold them. but having no data on which we could act with precision,2 we were obliged to assume some numbers conjecturally. the ordinary lecturing rooms were therefore adapted to3 an audience of about 150.4 students. I question if there ever were more than 25. at any one school of Wm & Mary, at one time, except the Grammar school. I doubt if in Harvard even5 they have 100. in attendance, in any one school, at a time. in the great Medical schools of Philadel‑ phia, N. York Etc.6 there are doubtless more. if any school should go with us beyond the contents of the ordinary lecturing rooms,7 the Oval rooms in the Rotunda will accomodate double the number.8 but no human voice can be habitually exerted to the extent of 9 such an audience. we cannot expect our Professors to bawl daily to multitudes  569 

30 APRIL 1823

as our stump orators do once a year.10 they must break the numbers into two or more parts accomodated to voice and hearing,11 & repeat the lecture to them separately. 2. The Apparatus for Natural philosophy, even the fullest, does not occupy much space. not more than may be arranged on shelves along the walls of the lecturing rooms. if more space however should be wanting, a door of communication with12 the adjacent dormitories will supply it to any extent. an Astronomical apparatus must have more room. my expectation has always been that the houses now oc‑ cupied by mr Brockenbrough must, in the beginning, be taken, and perhaps improved for Astronomical purposes. their insulated situa‑ tion, & the elevation of the ground fit the position for that purpose. but if the Professor prefers having his apparatus13 annexed to his lec‑ turing room, the adjacent dormitories offer an abundant resource. for the Professor of Chemistry, such experiments as require the use of furnaces, cannot be exhibited14 in his ordinary lecturing room. we therefore prepare the rooms under the Oval rooms of the ground‑floor of the Rotunda15 for furnaces, stoves16 Etc. these rooms are of 1100. square feet area each. 3. as to the arrangement of the seats, some schools require them to be by steps, one above another, others not. Natural philosophy, Chem‑ istry, Anatomy will be the better with rising seats; but such are not at all necessary for lectures on languages, history, ethics, metaphysics, belles lettres, Law, Politics Etc.17 whenever it shall be known what particular Pavilions will be allotted to the Professors of the former schools, the rising18 benches for them can be readily set up.19 no doubt that where the numbers to be prepared20 for are so totally uncertain, their conjectural accomodations will be found to have been miscalcu‑ lated in some instances, and will require modifications to actual facts when they shall become known. in the mean time our plan is such as to admit much facility of adaptation to varying circumstances. Immediately after our last meeting I made to the literary board the proposition of letting us recieve our money by suitable instalments; but have no answer as yet. in the mean time our workmen are distressed, the discharged ones especially: and, not to prolong their suffer­ings by my absence, I put off my visit to Bedford till after our next court.21 ever affectionately & respectfully yours Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Madison Papers). Dft (DLC); on portion of reused address cover; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Madison James.” Enclosure: enclosure to Madi‑ son to TJ, [ca. 28 Apr. 1823].

TJ to James Brown (1780–1859), 8 Apr. 1823, included the proposition to the president and directors of the Liter‑ ary Fund. Madison provided TJ’s expla‑ nations above to Joseph C. Cabell in a let‑

 570 

30 APRIL 1823 ter dated 10 May 1823 (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:50–1). 1 Reworked

in Dft from “foreseen.” five words interlined in Dft in place of “to foresee this.” 3 In Dft TJ here canceled “150. or 200.” 4 Reworked in Dft from “of 150. to 200.” 5 Word interlined in Dft. 6 Remainder of sentence reworked in Dft from “perhaps there may be more.” 7  Preceding eight words interlined in Dft in place of “to more than 200.” 8  Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “them to 500.” 9  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 10  Sentence added perpendicularly in left margin of Dft and keyed to this point. 2 Preceding

 11 Preceding five words interlined in Dft. 12 Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “into.” 13 Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “their being.” 14  Word interlined in Dft in place of “ventured.” 15 Preceding three words added in mar‑ gin of RC and interlined in Dft. 16 Word interlined in Dft. 17 Omitted period at right margin edi‑ torially supplied. 18  Word interlined in Dft. 19  Reworked in Dft from “can be set up just as readily as the dressers, boilers Etc of the kitchen.” 20  Reworked in Dft from “provided.” 21  Dft ends here.

To James O. Morse Sir Monticello Apr. 30. 23. I must beg to be excused from answering the question proposed to me in your favor of the 11th inst. on the subject of the Candidates named for the next Presidency. I lay it down as a law to myself to take no part in that election. advice on such an occasion, were I even qualified1 to give it, would incur a fearful responsibility. I shall be perfectly con‑ tented with any choice my fellow citizens shall make, hoping always it will be of a character friendly to peace, to economy, to the republican principles of our constitution, and to it’s salutary distribution of pow‑ ers between the two co‑ordinate branches of government foreign and domestic. Accept the assurance of my great ­respect. Th: Jefferson FC (DLC); in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Mr James O. Morse.” Original text not found; letter revised and enclosed in TJ to Morse, 30 June 1823, with extant FC and newspaper versions evidently re­ flecting these changes. Reprinted in Al­

bany Argus, 18 July 1823, and elsewhere, from an unidentified issue of the Cherry‑­ Valley Gazette. 1  Word interlined in place of “disposed.”

 571 

From Thomas Cox Respected Sir Plymouth 2nd May 1823— o Through the request of our friend Col H G Burton of Halifax I have had the pleasure of furnishing you with Scuppernong Wine for the last two or three years—My exertions to procure Wine of the best quality, have come short of my wishes in all instances—Believing however that our last season has furnished better fruit and as a neces‑ sary consequence better Wine than any of the two preceeding years I have taken the liberty of sending a Cask containing 20 Bottles which I must solicit you to make trial of—The Cask is addressed to my friend and correspondent Bernard Peyton Esquire who I am assurd will take pleasure in seeing it in a train to reach you—Colo Burton remarked in a conversation last week that you had had it in contemplation to fur‑ nish me with the outlines of the French manner of providing Wines (the result of your observations and enquiries in France)—for the pur‑ pose of having some manefacturd for your use—It will give me great pleasure to attend to any such request next season which commences in September— I am Sir with great respect yr ob Servt Thomas Cox RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded (with bracketed notation: “N.C.”) in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Samuel Williams, 22 Nov. 1823, on verso; addressed by Cox: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire,” with “Monticello Char­ lottes­ ville” added in Bernard Peyton’s hand; stamp canceled; franked; post‑ marked Richmond, 13 May; with signed note by Peyton on address cover: “for‑ warded by your Obd: Sevt:.” Thomas Cox (d. 1836), merchant and public official, was born in Chowan County, North Carolina. He moved to Washing‑ ton County by 1820, where he was a com‑ mission merchant and traded extensively with the West Indies. Cox represented Washington County in the North Caro‑

lina Senate in 1823, and in 1827 he was a Plymouth delegate to a conference to pro‑ mote navigational improvements at Ocra­ coke. He moved permanently by 1829 to Halifax County, North Carolina, where he owned 104 slaves the following year (Sam‑ uel A. Ashe, ed., Biographical History of  North Carolina [1905–17], 1:226–7; Nc‑Ar: Cox Letter Book; Journals of the Senate and House of Commons, of the General Assembly of the State of North‑­ Carolina, At its Session in 1823 [Raleigh, 1824], 81; New Bern Carolina Sentinel, 8 Dec. 1827; Raleigh Star, and North Carolina State Gazette, 29 Jan. 1829; DNA: RG 29, CS, N.C., Washington Co., 1820, Halifax Co., 1830; Raleigh North Carolina Standard, 3 Mar. 1836; Halifax Co. Will Book, 4:127).

 572 

From Alexander Garrett Dear Sir Charlottesville 2d May 1823. I send for your perusal the enclosed letter recieved today, from Mr Brown relative to the loan to the University, I send you a couple of fresh shad, of which I beg your acceptance. Respectfully Alex: Garrett RC (CSmH: JF); at foot of text: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received the day it was written and so recorded in SJL.

The enclosed letter from James Brown (1780–1859) to Garrett, not found, is described in Brown to TJ, 8 May 1823.

To Samuel Smith (of Maryland) Dear General Monticello May 3. 23. I duly received your favor of the 24th ult. but I am rendered a slow correspondent by the loss of the use, totally of the one, and almost totally of the other wrist, which renders writing scarcely and pain‑ fully practicable. I learn with great satisfaction that wholesome econ‑ omies have been found,1 sufficient to relieve us from the ruinous ne‑ cessity of adding annually to our debt by new loans. the deviser of so salutary a relief deserves truly well of his country. I shall be glad too if an additional tax of ¼ D. a gallon on whiskey shall enable us to meet all our engagements with punctuality.2 viewing that tax as an article in a system of excise, I was once glad to see it fall with the rest of the system, which I considered as prematurely and unnecessarily intro‑ duced. it was evident that our existing taxes were then3 equal to our existing debts. it was clearly4 foreseen also5 that the surplus from excise would only6 become aliment for useless offices,7 and would be swallowed in idleness by those whom it would withdraw from usefull industry. considering it only as8 a fiscal measure, this was right. but the9 prostration of body and mind which the cheapness of this liquor is spreading thro’ the mass of our citizens, now10 calls the attention of the legislator on a very11 different principle. one of his important12 duties is as guardian of those who from causes susceptible of precise definition, cannot take care of themselves. such are infants, maniacs, gamblers, drunkards. the last, as much as the maniac requires restric‑ tive measures13 to save him from the fatal infatuation under which he is destroying his health, his morals, his family and his usefulness to society. one powerful obstacle to his ruinous14 self indulgence would be a price beyond his competence. as a sanatory measure15 therefore  573 

3 M AY 1 8 2 3

it becomes one of duty in the public guardians. yet I do not think it follows necessarily16 that imported spirits should be subjected to17 sim‑ ilar enhancement, until they become as cheap as those made at home. a tax on whiskey is to discourage its consumption; a tax on foreign spirits encourages whiskey by removing its rival from competition. the price18 and present duty throw foreign spirits19 already out of com‑ petition with whiskey, and accordingly they are used but to a salutary extent. you see no persons besotting themselves with imported spir‑ its, wines, liqueurs, cordials &c whiskey claims to itself 20 alone the ex­ clusive office of sot‑making.21 foreign spirits, wines, teas, coffee, sugar, salt, are articles of as innocent consumption as broadcloths and silks; and ought like them to pay but the average ad valorem duty of other imported22 comforts.23 all of them are ingredients in our happiness,24 and the government which steps out of the ranks of the ordinary ar‑ ticles of consumption25 to select and lay under disproportionate bur‑ thens a particular one, because it is a comfort,26 pleasing to the taste or necessary to health, and will therefore be bought,27 is, in that par‑ ticular a tyranny. taxes on consumption like those on Capital or In‑ come, to be just, must be uniform.28 I do not mean to say that it may not be for the general interest to foster for a while certain29 infant manufactures, until they30 are strong enough to stand against foreign rivals: but when evident that they will never be so,31 it is against right to make the other branches of industry support them.32 when it was found that France could not make sugar under 6₶ a ℔. was it not tyranny to restrain her citizens from importing at 1.₶? or would it not have been so to have laid a duty of 5₶ on the imported?33 the permit‑ ting an exchange of industries with other nations is a direct encour­ agement of your own, which without that would bring you nothing for your comfort, and would of course cease to be produced. On the question of the next34 presidential election I am a mere looker on. I never permit myself to express an opinion,35 or to feel a wish on the subject. I indulge a single hope only, that the choice may fall on one who will be a friend of peace, of economy, of the republi‑ can principles of our constitution, and of the salutary distribution of powers made by that between the general and local governments. to this I ever add sincere prayers for your happiness and prosperity. Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); in Virginia J. Ran‑ dolph (Trist)’s hand, signed by TJ; ad‑ dressed by TJ: “General Samuel Smith Baltimore”; franked; postmarked; en‑ dorsed by Smith. 2d Dft (DLC). 1st Dft

(DLC); written on both sides of a narrow sheet; mutilated; endorsed by TJ. sanatory: “Conducive to healing; cu‑ rative” (OED).

 574 

4 M AY 1 8 2 3  1 In

1st Dft TJ here canceled “which have enabled us.” 2 Preceding two words interlined in 1st Dft. 3 Word, not emphasized, added in mar‑ gin of 1st Dft. 4 Word interlined in 1st Dft in place of “easily.” 5 Sentence to this point interlined in 1st Dft. 6 Word interlined in 1st Dft. 7  Remainder of sentence interlined in 1st Dft in place of “only, and fill the ranks of gaping office hunters.” 8  Reworked in 1st Dft from “consid‑ ered as.” 9   In 1st Dft TJ here canceled “depravity.” 10  Word interlined in 1st Dft. 11  Word interlined in 1st Dft. 12  Word interlined in 1st Dft. 13  Remainder of sentence interlined in 1st Dft in place of “to save him from the degradn of health & morals.” 14  Word interlined in 1st Dft. 15  Remainder of sentence interlined in 1st Dft in place of “it is rigorously a mea‑ sure of duty.” 16  Word interlined in 1st Dft. 17  In 1st Dft TJ here canceled “the same.” 18  Text from “a tax on whiskey” to this point interlined in 2d Dft in place of “their price.”

 19 Text from “a tax on whiskey” to this point interlined in 1st Dft. 20 Reworked in 1st Dft from “herself.” 21 Reworked in 1st Dft from “the whole tribe of sots.” 22 In 2d Dft TJ here canceled “articles.” 23 Preceding four words interlined in 1st Dft. 24 In 1st Dft TJ here canceled “& comfort.” 25 Word interlined in 1st Dft in place of “comfort & happiness.” 26  Preceding two words interlined in 1st Dft. 27  Preceding nine words interlined in 1st Dft. 28  Period supplied from 1st and 2d Dfts in place of comma. Sentence interlined in 1st Dft. 29  Word interlined in 2d Dft in place of “an.” 30  Text from “the general interest” to this point reworked in 1st Dft from “the interest of the whole state to foster certain inf t manufactures for a while till they can stand on their own legs.” 31  Reworked in 1st Dft from “they never can.” 32  In 1st Dft TJ here canceled (one word illegible) “it would certainly be de‑ sirable to [.  .  .].” 33  Sentence interlined in 1st Dft. 34  Word interlined in 1st Dft. 35  Preceding two words interlined in 1st Dft in place of “a thought.”

From Green Clay Sir Madison County, Ky. May 4th 1823 I hardly Expect you recollect me, I am the Brother of Parson Charles Clay once of Albemarle Co—I went out with a Troop of light horse to the Northward in company with your Brother Randolph: in 1778. from your house. The Object of this letter is to enquire of you if you have a knowl‑ edge or recollection of any Treaty made with the Cherokee Indians which was in force in 1779 at the opening of the land Office under the Commlth of Virga. The first Treaty we have any knowledge of is the Treaty of Hopewell of the 3d Jany 1786.  575 

4 M AY 1 8 2 3

 we think a Treaty might have been made with the Cherokees: after the Decleration of Independance, which might not have been pub‑ lished: if such was the fact, we know of no person more likely to pos‑ sess a knowledge of it, than yourself: The lands below the Tennessee River now the subject of controversy betwen Kentucky & Virga may be effected by such a Treaty so far as respects Individuals only. The land law of Va Excepts from location by Treasury warrants The Coun‑ try and limits of the Cherokee Indns &c Any Information in your power, which you may be pleased to give us on this Subject will con‑ fer a lasting Obligation on Many Persons1 in this State and Virginia deeply Interested in this question. May God give you many days yet, in health and much happyness. Green Clay. RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Green Clay (1757–1828), surveyor and public official, was the brother of TJ’s friend and correspondent Charles Clay (1745–1820) and the father of the aboli‑ tionist Cassius Marcellus Clay. Born in what later became Powhatan County, in 1777 he accompanied a surveying party to Kentucky. Clay became deputy surveyor of Lincoln County in 1781 and through this profession acquired a great deal of Kentucky land. He settled at White Hall, his estate in Madison County, and repre‑ sented that county in the Virginia House of Delegates for three sessions, 1787–89, and at the state convention of 1788, where he voted against ratifying the United States Constitution. After Kentucky achieved statehood in 1792, Clay represented Madi‑ son County in the Kentucky House of Representatives, 1793–94, and in its Sen‑ ate, 1795–98 and 1802–08, serving as Speaker, 1807–08. He also helped draft the state’s constitution in 1799. Clay’s ex‑ tensive landholdings and commercial and industrial investments brought him great wealth. As a major general in the Ken‑

tucky militia, during the War of 1812 he led volunteers in 1813 to relieve American forces besieged at Fort Meigs, Ohio. In his will Clay listed about 115 slaves, and ordered at least 10 emancipated. He suffered for several years from cancer and died at White Hall (ANB; DAB; DVB; Leonard, General Assembly; Clay, To the People of Kentucky and of The United States [1825]; Lexington Kentucky Reporter, 19 Nov. 1828; gravestone inscription in Rich­ mond Cemetery, Richmond, Ky.; Madi‑ son Co. Will Book, D:461–9). The United States concluded a treaty on the 3d jany 1786 at Hopewell, South Carolina, with the Choctaw Indians, not the Cherokee. Its first treaty with the lat‑ ter people, also negotiated at Hopewell, was signed on 28 Nov. 1785 (U.S. Statutes at Large, 7:18–23). A year after the decleration of independance, at the Long Island of the Holston River on 20 July 1777 the Overhill Cherokee ceded land to Virginia and North Carolina (Ar‑ chibald Henderson, “The Treaty of Long Island of Holston, July, 1777,” North Caro­ lina Historical Review 8 [1931]: 55–116). 1 Manuscript:

 576 

“Persens.”

From William B. Giles My Dear Sir. Wigwam May 4. 1823 This letter will probably be presented to you by my son, Mr Thomas T. Giles; whom, with some of his college companions, I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance.—These young Gentlemen, propose to make a rambling visit to your university on foot; and they cannot reconcile it to their feelings, to pass so near to your residence, as the university, without presenting their respects to you, Sir, in person.— After having been visited with afflictions and sufferings, almost in‑ tollerable, and unexampled, for more than seven years, it affords me real pleasure, to be favored with an opportunity of offering you my heartfelt congratulations, upon the signal favors, you have received during the same time, at the hands of a merciful God; and of once more, tendering to you, Sir, assurances of my high considerations, and sincere personal regards &c Wm B. Giles RC (NNPM); endorsed by TJ as re‑ ceived 9 May 1823 and so recorded (with TJ’s bracketed notation: “by his son”) in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Thomas Cooper, 11 Dec. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire Monticello” to be “Pre‑ sented by Mr T. T. Giles.” Thomas Tabb Giles (1803–83), attor‑ ney, was the son of William B. Giles, of Amelia County. He attended Hampden‑­ Sydney College, 1820–24, and studied law at Harvard University, 1825–26. Giles af‑ terwards lived in Amelia County and prac‑ ticed law. He ran unsuccessfully as a Whig candidate for the Virginia House of Del‑ egates in 1836 and was active in Amelia’s Democratic Republican party late in the 1840s. Giles served on the executive com‑ mittee of the Virginia Historical Society for many years starting in 1847. He had a

law office in Richmond by 1848 and con‑ tinued to practice there until at least 1874. In 1860 Giles owned real estate worth $5,000 and personal property valued at $15,000, including one slave. He died in Richmond (Alfred J. Morrison, College of Hampden Sidney Dictionary of Biog­ raphy, 1776–1825 [(1921)], 246; Quin­ quennial Catalogue of the Law School of Harvard University, 1817–1924 [1925], 5, 112; Walter A. Watson, Notes on South­ side Virginia, in Bulletin of the Virginia State Library 15 [Sept. 1925]: 19; Rich­ mond Enquirer, 5 Apr. 1836, 11 Aug., 6 Oct. 1848; Southern Literary Messenger 14 [1848]: 57; VMHB 39 [1931]: 306, 316–23; DNA: RG 29, CS, Richmond, 1860, 1860 slave schedules; Sheriff & Cha­ taigne’s Richmond City Directory [1874], 99; Richmond Daily Dispatch, 19 Jan. 1883).

From John T. Mason (1787–1850) Dear Sir Indian Fields. Bath Cty Ky May 4. 1823 Mr José A. Miralla, a distinguished South American patriot, wishes to see & know you—the great apostle of liberty. An enlightened for‑ eigner, seeking in our country a knowledge of our free institutions  577 

4 M AY 1 8 2 3

and collecting maxims of political Science from our wisest statesmen, has a passport to the good feelings & kind offices of every patriot & philanthropist. With you he will want no other recommendation than that he is a fellow labourer, longo intervallo, in the great cause of human liberty, a scholar & a gentleman; and as such, I beg leave to make him known to you. With sentiments of profound regard & veneration, I tender you the salutations of grateful friendship. John Thomson Mason Jun RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 18 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

longo intervallo: “at some remove, after a long gap; in spite of the gulf be‑ tween” (OED).

To James W. Wallace Dear Doctor Mo May 4. 23. d Your frdly lre of Apr. 25. was duly rec and altho so much a cripple in both my wrists as to make writing slow & painful I cannot resist the impulse of the spirit to acknolege it’s rect. the degeneracy of man, it’s interesting1 subject is still a moot question,2 but if a fact I do not think it is on this side the Atlantic we are to seek it. were Buffon alive the holy alliance would now point it to him3 nearer home. if it be true, as you suppose, of our own country this admits some explann. before the revoln a good grammar school was kept in almost every parish by it’s incumbent and the pupils finished at Wm & M. so that every man who could afford it had schools convenient for4 educating his sons. it is not so now and we have been and still are declining in character. I look to our University to raise us again in the respect of our co‑states with whom5 at present we are held in low rank. this establmt is now well worth a rid[e] altho it will be more so when our last building shall be finished [w]hich6 just now begun, shall and will form the key‑stone of the whole fabric.7 it will depend on our legislature, to say when the instn shall be opened by declareg that the monies furnished for the buildings8 under the name of loans were legitimate approprians of so much of the Literary fund, and that their reimbursement is dispensed with. we9 shall require one year only to provide professors, among whom we shall admit none who is not of the 1st order of science in his line, on whichever side of the Atlantic he is to be found.10 if I can live to see this instn put well under way, I shall say with old Simeon, ‘Lord now lettest thou thy servt depart in peace for mine eyes have seen the salvn of my country.’ accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect.  578 

4 M AY 1 8 2 3  Dft (DLC); written on half of a reused sheet; damaged at seal. Recorded in SJL as a letter to “Wallace Dr James W.” wm & m.: College of William and Mary. The last building under construction at the University of Virginia was the Ro‑ tunda. In the Bible, as simeon held the infant Jesus he declared “Lord, now let­ test thou thy servant depart in peace, ac‑ cording to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation” (Luke 2.29–30).

 1 Word interlined in place of “principal.” 2 Word interlined in place of “point.” 3  Preceding nine words interlined in place of “he would have to look.” 4 Reworked from “had convenient means of.” 5 TJ here canceled “we have sunk into contempt.” 6 Preceding four words interlined. 7 Word interlined. 8  TJ here canceled “shall stand.” 9  TJ here canceled “may.” 10  Word interlined in place of “sought.”

From Thomas G. Watkins Dear Sir, Jonesborough East Tennessee May 4. 1823— I have been much rejoiced to hear from a friend in your vicinity that your general health has continued good and the amendment of your arm progressive, and although I have much reason to believe and indeed to know that your correspondents are already too numer‑ ous for your comfort, I must not resist the desire I feel to tell you, how sincerely I pray, that, God may continue to you the blessings that surround you, & extend them to the greatest desirable length,—Mrs Watkins who expresses as she feels much gratitude and attachment for your kindness to her particularly desires to be included in the ex‑ pression of these sentiments. We had a wet and muddy journey to this country but the trouble is all over, and we are enjoying now a delightful spring and the society of our friends. After crossing the blue ridge we lost all traces of the drought which so severely oppressed some of our counties last year below the ridge—Corn, the staff of the poor, and the dumb beast, is every where abundant and cheap—corn 25 cents pr bushel—bacon 8 cents depreciated currency—Yet the people are not happy—Farming is too plodding—every one wou’d be dashing into some more rapid scheme of wealth—or selling out & trying somewhere else. restless man! when blessings surround you, you prize them not—when absent you murmur at providence! Of all the prolific sources of restlessness and misery I believe emigration is the greatest.1 Our habits uptorn root and branch from the native home of the heart—can never take deep root, nor know steadiness again— every2 passing breeze wafts them to and fro and the little bundle scat‑ tered before the four winds is divided and destroyed. The pioneers of souls to a happy eternity—perceiving the restlessness produced by  579 

4 M AY 1 8 2 3

these causes here, are anxiously pointing out the superior blessings of another world and are every where gathering a fruitful harvest from the disposal of their preemption rights & the proffered location there. In your quiet and happy retirement from the busy bustle of political cares & strife, I do not know whether I ought to obtrude upon you any remarks in that way—but as you must catch some of the passing ex‑ citement on the grand subject of the approaching presidential election— it may not be entirely uninteresting to hear what is passing here. The election of Genl Jackson to the presidency and reelection of Colo John Williams to the senate of U.S. absorb all other points—these two gen‑ tlemen have been considered in the most pointed opposition to each other—and as those who wished to prevent the reelection of Colo Wil‑ liams,3 Whose term expired with the last session of congress, were impressed with a belief a year ago that he was too strong to be post‑ poned by—a direct attack—an indirect one was proposed—I speak what I believe to be most probable from all I hear—It was supposed that to act consistently Colo Williams must be opposed to the Genl for the presidency—consequently if the Genl cou’d be nominated to the presidency with legislative authority—Colo. W. woud be thus un‑ avoidably in array against the voice of his state pronounced with great authority—but although the people from a mixture of gratitude state pride &c &c cou’d readily be brought to honour one man who has brought military honors home to them—they will not feel so clearly the necessity of aiding this measure by dishonouring another whose merits in a civil & military point of view both—have been conspicu‑ ous and extensively admitted—there is much reason to believe there‑ fore that the Colo. will be reelected—he and his friends are silently but determinedly for Mr Crawford for the presidency. but, one thing at a time, they push to secure his election first—that done they take the field for Crawford or whoever the republicans nominate in caucus next session of Congress—his election lost—they will do the next best they can—at present in this state the Genl friends are loud and unopposed— but I have had free conversations with some of his leading friends— they admit he has no chance—but they wish to wield all the influence of his name to defeat Colo Williams4—and next to that their object is—“the world against Crawford”—Adams is their next object—but say they—the general may be brought to terms with mr Clay—mr Calhoun & Dewit Clinton seem not to be thought of here. There is a strong Presbyterian interest silently but actively in operation for mr Adams—and a few old time republicans say that about the same course is adopted by the presbyterians in relation to mr Adams Jr & Mr Crawford—that used to be pursued towards Mr Adams senr and  580 

4 M AY 1 8 2 3

yourself. If Colo John Williams gains his election and a caucus nom‑ ination is effected—I shall consider half the votes if not all of this state, certain, in behalf of the nominated candidate.5 I have seen Colo Williams—he has heard from every county & if his friends are not greatly deceived, he says he feels secure of his election—Judge White th[e] spanish commissioner and president of the state bank of Ten‑ nessee is said [to] be openly now for Colo. Williams—heretofore there has certainly been a cool[ness?] and the Judge was believed to be opposed to the Colo. & in the interest of the Genl—I consider the contest in favour of Williams somewhat doubtful yet but all the facts in East Tennessee6 so far are in favour of him—no opponent has been agreed upon yet—none can be started any way equal to him in E.T.— Tennessee is politically as well as geographically divided—and pre‑ scription gives a senator to each end—West Tennessee has her Sena‑ tor & shou’d she offer another, it woud be in violation of the established prejudices of both East & west Tennessee—It will be very difficult therefore to defeat Colo. W. who is highly approved and popular upon every other score than Genl Js dislike of him—on this ground the op‑ position is inveterate as well as powerful—and it is difficult to say what 3 months may effect—the election for the legislature that must decide comes on in august next—and the test of the candidates publicly required is—for or against Colo. Williams for Senator to Congress— I beg you to present me with Mrs Watkins affectionately to all your family with the greatest respect I am Dear Sir affectionately yr friend & obedt Servt Th G Watkins I have imparted my wish to Colo. Williams only—it will meet his sup‑ port certainly and all he can effect—I still look to Virginia! RC (DLC); torn at seal; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Albemarle County Virginia”; franked; postmarked Jones‑ borough, 6 May 1823; endorsed by TJ as received 10 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. On 23 Feb. 1823 TJ’s granddaughter Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) had written to Nicholas P. Trist with respect to TJ’s arm that the “hand is improving still, though rather more swelled than it was a few days ago. but we are upon the eve of losing our sole prop in sickness Dr. W.

[i.e., Watkins] his b—ch of a wife has at length prevailed and will set off with him for Tennessee immediately. he has prom‑ ised to return in May but I fear for a very short time” (RC in DLC: NPT). 1 Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 2 Manuscript: “eve‑.” 3 Manuscript: “William.” 4 Manuscript: “William.” 5 Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 6 Manuscript: “Tenessee.”

 581 

From John Neilson Sir. University May 5. 1823. I send you the north front of the Rotunda, by comparing it with the flank veiw, you will perceive a small difference in the North front the lower edge of the Architrave falls in the same line as the centre of the Sphere, the column being then taken, leaves 10 ft for the height of the Pedestal, if this be deemed too much, which of the following modes would be agreeable to you to reduce it. First. to raise the sphere in its cylinder, so as to shew a greater portion of the roof above the Steps, or it might be Acomplished by adding to the height of the col‑ umn: I beleive you have objected to depressing the Sphere in the earth. The scale I used for the Attic is 19.8 in divided into ′105.1 My anxi‑ ety to please, emboldens me to trouble you. I am with the most sincere respects your most humble Servant John Neilson RC (ViU: TJP); addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; inconsistently endorsed by TJ as a letter of 5 May 1823 received the day before and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found.

1 Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied.

From Thomas Cooper Dear Sir Columbia May 6. 1823 I am much obliged by your letter. I fear however that you overrate the theological liberality of this State. my representation to the legis‑ lature last session, and some pieces on the pretensions of the clergy to Tythes which have been copied into a paper here, from a Philadel‑ phia publication the “Reformer,” have so exasperated the Presbyterian clergy, that they have been, and now are holding meetings in every part of the State, with the express and avowed intent of procuring my expulsion from this Institution. In the formation of the Board of Trustees, it was for some time con‑ sidered as a matter of fairness between the Sects, to elect half episco‑ palians, and half presbyterians. At present the majority are presbyte‑ rians; and I am given to understand that many of that party have organized a plan for expelling me, in conformity to the wishes of their own clergy. How this is to be managed I know not: for the students were at no period so well satisfied as at this moment; and it is not pretended that  582 

6 M AY 1 8 2 3

I have in any one respect failed in discharging [m]y duties, with ex‑ pected ability, and unexpected industry and fidelity—in a manner ex‑ emplary. Nor is it pretended by any one of my enemies, that I have ever made at any time or on any occasion, any declaration of religious opinion whatever to any Student, directly or indirectly. Could they have laid their finger on any part of my conduct, they wd most gladly have done so long ago. No insinuation of misconduct has yet been made. But such is the industry exerted by the clergy, and such their influence, that my friends consider me in jeopardy. That I may look somewhat ahead therefore, I write to request your opinion, whether in case of being turned out from hence with un‑ impeached conduct, I should be likely to meet with success as a private teacher of Chemistry or Law, or both, in the vicinity of Charlottes­ville? Whether my unitarian professions, are so obnoxious in your State, that I should be an obstacle to the success of your university? I am too old to go again to the Bar: & I should not like to carry my family to New Orleans, to which place however I shall write by this post; not choosing if I can avoid it, to starve with my family when turned adrift. I remain with affectionate respect Your friend Thomas Cooper  I send you a newspaper published here, because it contains edito‑ rial remarks and other matter, that will give you an idea of the war carried on. The letter of Ignatius Thompson, is the sequel to one re‑ lating to your presidential election which if you have not seen, I will send to you as a part of the history of that day. It is published in the first volume of the Reformer. RC (DLC); edge torn; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Montecello Virginia”; franked; postmarked; endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found. Anonymous arguments against tithes (tythes) appeared in the Reformer 3 (Sept.–Oct. 1822): 200–5, 237–9. The first volume of that periodical, pub‑ lished in 1820, reprinted two letters by Ignatius Thomson that originally appeared in the Philadelphia Herald of Gospel Lib­ erty on 15 Oct. 1813. In the first, undated letter, Thomson described asking an ac‑ quaintance in 1799 about rumors of TJ’s

religious infidelity and being informed that, despite TJ’s “correct morals,” Thom­ son should instead support the Federal‑ ists because it was “generally understood among the clergy” that under a Federalist majority they might receive government‑­ sponsored patronage (pp. 241–3). In the second letter, dated 27 Sept. 1813, Thom‑ son recalled a meeting in 1807 or 1808 at which Congregational clergy in Vermont openly discussed ways to exert Calvinist influence on institutions of higher educa‑ tion, particularly by supporting or attack‑ ing individual university presidents (pp. 243–5).

 583 

From John Laval Sir, Philadelphia May 6th 1823 I Send you, by this day’s Mail, the first volume of the Journal of Las Casas, I will forward the others Successively. I am with the highest Consideration & respect Sir,   your very humble Servt John Laval RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; en‑ dorsed by TJ as a letter from “Delaval John” received 10 May 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover

only; with FC of TJ to Laval, 7 Dec. 1823, on verso; addressed (trimmed): “Thomas Jefferson, Esq. [.   .   .]”; franked; post‑ marked Philadelphia, 6 May.

From Robert B. Sthreshly Dear Sir Henderson Kentuckey May 6. 1823 Mr Larkin Towles the bearer of this Letter is returning to Virginia and has a great wish to visit Monticello he is a respectable Gentle‑ man and your attention to him will be an obligation ever binding on me Mrs Sthreshly desires to be remembered to the Ladies of Monti‑ cello   I am Dear Sir your most obt Servant Robert B Sthreshly RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 6 June 1823 and so recorded (with mistaken 8 May date of composition) in SJL.

Receipt from William D. Fitch Milton 7 May 1823 Recvd of Mr Thomas Jefferson  Boy Seven fag‑ gots nail Rod on Storage W D. Fitch MS (MHi); on a small scrap; endorsed by TJ (ink stained): “F[itc]h W. D. 7. bdles nail r[od].”

From James Brown (1780–1859) sir 2d Auditors office Richmond 8th May 1823— In reply to a letter received from Mr Garrett the 28th Ulto on the subject of your favor of the 8th of the same month, I intimated to him that in order to avoid inconvenience, as a meeting of a Board of the Literary Fund could not be immediately held on account of the absence of two of its members, it might be well that a bond for $30.000 be pre‑  584 

8 M AY 1 8 2 3

pared & transmitted, and that as to the residue of the $60.000 autho‑ rised to be lent, the board could determine subsequently—   The absent Members having returned, a board was held the 6th inst at which it was determined that it would lend immediately to the Uni‑ versity the sum of Forty thousand dollars, for which amot a single bond may be prepared. I make use of this opportunity to express my very great regret that your intended trip to Bedford should have been prevented or delayed in consequence of my silence after the receipt of your letter. I trust however that the explanation I made to Mr Garrett has cleared me in your opinion from any imputation of neglect. With the highest respect I am sir Yr Mo. Obt st J. Brown Jr. Accountant  of the L. Fund RC (ViU: TJP); at head of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr”; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Brown John jr” received 11 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

For the resolution passed by the presi‑ dent and directors of the Literary Fund at a meeting held the 6th inst, see note to TJ to Brown, 8 Apr. 1823.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 8 May 1823 Your note for $2,000, due at the Farmers Bank to=day, was cur‑ tailed 10 pr Ct, without any previous notice, say $200, which I paid— This I understand to be a general thing, with all the dealers at that Bank, of course not to be complained of, but think they might have timed it better for their customers—This curtail is to be regular, on both your notes, say $200 each round on the late $2,000 note, & $400 each round on the $4,000 note, until the curtail ceases at the Bank, which will not be, I fear, until they get in their whole debt—   This course, together with the refusal of all three of the Banks to discount paper almost entirely, even for 60 Days, renders money exceedingly scarce & the distress very great— Very respectfully Dr sir Yours very Truly B. Peyton RC (MHi); dateline beneath signature; endorsed by TJ as received 11 May 1823; notation by TJ at foot of text: “2000— 200 4000—400.” RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to John Fry, 2 Dec. [1823], on verso; addressed: “Mr Thomas Jefferson Monticello Charlottes‑

ville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 8 May. all three of the banks: the Bank of Virginia, the Farmers’ Bank of Vir‑ ginia, and the Richmond branch of the Second Bank of the United States.

 585 

From George W. Erving Respected Sir— New York May 9th 1823 I have been honored with your letter of april 12;—the very small collection of medals which you are pleased to mention, I ventured to offer to you through the hands of Mr Madison, that it might have the best chance of being favorably received,—& am highly gratified in find­ing that it has been acceptable;—that it is so inconsiderable, proves only that but a narrow compartment in the temple of fame is allotted to this hemisphere, by the envy & jealousy of Europe:—an extensive collection of “les grands hommes morts” lately published in France, contains only two Americans, viz Washington & Franklin (& these coud not have been omitted)—they follow,—Montgolfier! & Abelard! Cimarosa! & Calvin!—even Quirorga a worthy, moderate, accidental hero (who is yet alive, & it is to be hoped may yet live to reach at least the glory of his Lieutenant Riego) has been thrust into the collection. Perhaps when our mint shall be brought to perfection, we shall do that justice to ourselves, which is denied to us by the old world:—but tho’ the effigies of our sages & heroes may never be stamped on bronze, the records of their labors cannot be effaced from history,—nor can they fade or be superseded, as has heretofore been the fate, more or less, of all great reputations;—they must on the con‑ trary acquire fresh lustre as the principles which have been firmly secured here; shall Extend their influence over the yet enslaved & bigotted nations of the European continent:—I think that the regular progress of these principles is in the order of “providence,”—that is to say that man must necessarily improve his intellect, & of course as he improves, unshakle himself from the absurd preoccupations by which he has hitherto been governed,—& finally place himself under the rule of common sense;—but I do very much apprehend that this great con‑ summation which you Sir contemplate, & which your benevolence desires that I may live to witness, is far removed into futurity:—I can‑ not flatter myself with the hopes of seeing any material improvement in the condition of mankind:—revolutions are but convulsive, because they commence against the wishes, & all the efforts, of numerous classes interested in the maintenance of oppression;—they arrive but “in Extremis,” & are quickly converted into struggles for power amongst the “well‑born”—, the enlightened, & the wealthy;—the philosophy of government is the dream of a few; the masses in movement lose their way because they know not the road,—they are artfully led or forced into defiles or ambushes, where they are cut to pieces, or into laby‑ rinths where they are confounded, & after much labour & fatigue, they  586 

9 M AY 1 8 2 3

terminate (as far as relates to their interests) where they began, or nearly so:—if this view be correct then I must conclude that it will Require a long succession of such revolutions to produce the good which might readily be obtained if reform were to commence with the education (political) of the people;—but this cannot be,—there are too many interests opposed to it, & above all that of the priests, the influence of whom, from various causes appears to be indestructible, which even in this country never ceases to act, to the end of rooting up, if possible, all the good that has been planted, (thank heaven that is “past praying for”)—for all priests,—of all religions,—in all coun‑ tries, are of the same family;—all working to the same end, each ac‑ cording to his means & faculty;—on this point I have found myself obliged to enlist under the banners of Anas—Cloutts.— The present struggle between the Bourbons & the constitution of Spain I doubt not will end in favor of the latter, & thus something (however little) will be gained for Europe, & the finest portion of it be brought out of the abyss of misery into something of a rational existence;—the kingly office which has found place in that constitu‑ tion is as yet a necessary evil,—but there are radical virtues in it which even we might adopt with advantage, such as an article which fixes a certain epoch, after which no man shall exercise the rights of citizen who cannot read & write,—& again that which prescribes a constitu‑ tional catechism to be taught in the schools, & the constitution itself from the pulpits,—since pulpits they must have.—my confidence in the issue of this struggle is founded more on the peculiarities of the span‑ ish character, the mountainous nature & the poverty of the peninsula,— than on the supposed insufficiency of the french means, or the dan‑ gers of reaction on their government:—withal I doubt not but that Louis 18—who is a man of great ability & political forecast, & who desires only to die quietly in his gouty chair in the Tueilleries, leaving the care of bringing france back to the good old times of Louis 15 to his successors, has been forced into this crusade by Russia & Austria, who under cover of the smoke will march on in their projects against Turkey—& Greece; England sees this no doubt, & since she has not been able by open negotiations,—first with france to induce her to Relinquish her Expedition,—then with Spain to persuade her to Re‑ linquish her constitution, or which is the same thing to adopt the brit‑ ish “summum bonum” an house of Lords,—why it is now her business to make the war as short as possible,—& to that end to assist the french to achieve their object Expeditiously;—for the british ministry is as little friendly as the french to the constitution of spain;—under the semblance of friendship then, sticking close to the spanish government,  587 

9 M AY 1 8 2 3

she will labour “Spargere voces,”—by secret intrigues to Excite & maintain parties in opposition to the constitution, & will thus be the most efficient ally of France;—the two have common cause as regards spain, & also as regards the views of Austria & Russia about to be developed:—In this estimate I1 make no more account of the “publick opinion” of England, than of that of france (if perchance there be any there)—Mr Canning, or whoever else be minister, must govern ac‑ cording to the sense of the aristocracy,—that is priviledged classes & monied interests,—or, cease to be minister.—What is most to be feared then in spain according to my system is the friendship of the english, & next the corruption of the ministers & others acting under the im‑ mediate orders of the spanish Executive:—french & English gold may possibly effect, what I am persuaded that french & English arms united, coud not Effect:—yet I confide on the clear sighted penetra‑ tion by which the spanish character is distinguished,—thus I have formerly Seen many of the plans of the corrupt defeated,—& thus lately those of carrying the king to Coruña, then to Badajos, which were but plans for his Escape; he has now taken the road of Andalu‑ sia, the only safe one;—it is an hard thing that the people are obliged to carry this heavy idol on their shoulders whereever they go,—it is an hard case that even the spanish, who by their intelligence,—their unsophisticated nationality (having the advantage of being two cen‑ turies behind the rest of Europe in “civilization,”—that is demoral‑ ization) their moral habits,—their political Reminiscences, and by the remains of ancient liberty which still exist in perfect preservation in some of their most important provinces, are better formed to Receive a republican scheme of government than any other people in Europe,— it is an hard case that even these cannot venture on any amelioration of their system without keeping at the head of it a king, who must be (independent of his personal character) necessarily & ex‑officio an Enemy to all such improvements, & must therefore necessarily Exer‑ cise all the powers which it has given him to undermine & destroy it.— I pray you Sir to be indulgent to this long dissertation on the affairs of spain, which I have been led into by the very anxious interest which I take in the fate of a people to whom I was first introduced under your auspices, & whom in a long residence I have learnt to esteem & respect above all others.— I am here at New York with the intention of embarking on the 1st of June for Europe;—what is doing there,—& still more what may be done, excites all my curiosity,—& not having business or pursuit of any kind, & not forseeing that I can do any good at home, I have determined to go & place myself in the centre of the parterre (which  588 

9 M AY 1 8 2 3

is Paris) & see the melo‑drame;—I do not know that I can do any good there, but at all events I shall have a sufficiency of my habitual mental pabulum:—I have not failed to offer my services to the President,— but tho I continue to enjoy his friendship, & to a certain degree, his confidence,—as a private man, it woud seem that I have already run my course as a publick one:—diplomacy is not a career in the United States, there are domestick pretensions of various sorts which take precedence of experience in 20 years service, a mere diplomatick in‑ strument is rarely wanted, or if wanted, used; new hands must be employed, & the publick must pay for their education;—“les absents ils ont tort”—& still more those who have been long absent, thus con‑ trary to the rule in other services, the years count backwards, that is against the pretensions of the candidate;—finally I have no friend at court,—but Mr Crawford who is the best of friends, & tho he may not be the most efficient at this moment, he is the only man now on the scene whose friendship I coud value or even desire to have;—as to Mr Adams he contrived to make me leave spain (after having prevented my making a good treaty that he might make a bad one) whether under any of the aforementioned considerations I will not pretend to say, but certain it is that he woud not vote for my being placed in France, & there are many others (& especially those who want the post) who most assuredly woud vote with both hands against it;—so I wrap my robes about me & fall as gracefully as I can at the foot of Pompeys statue;—I again crave your indulgence Sir for all this “ba‑ vardage” about myself, introductory only to my offering my services to you on the other side of the Atlantick;—if you shoud have any commands for me I pray you to transmit them to me before the end of this month under cover to John Jacob Astor Esqe of New York;—I hope that it is needless for me to add that I shall have the utmost pleasure in Executing them whatever they may be, & I pray you to believe me to be always with the most constant sincere & respectful attachment your very obliged & ob St George W Erving PS The mention of Mr Adams reminds me that before closing this letter I ought not to pretermit the occasion of guarding myself from being injured in your opinion, by a report which is now current & which will in all probability reach you.—It is said that on my return from the visit which I had the honor of making to you last summer, I stated that you had spoken to me of J. Q. Adams in very severe terms.—I beg you to be assured Sir that I have never quoted any opinion of yours respecting that gentleman, nor indeed do I recollect that you ever gave  589 

9 M AY 1 8 2 3

any to me;—had I heard from you any such opinion as the one re‑ ferred to, I shoud certainly have been very glad to have reported it for the purpose of rebutting a rumour which has been spread & is now very industriously spreading throughout the union by the friends of Mr Adams, & which is necessarily doing him great good wherever it is believed, viz:—that you are favorable to him as a candidate for the Presidency,—but as certainly I shoud not have dared to have so re‑ ported without your express permission, much less am I capable of attributing to you an opinion which you have not given to me GWE RC (DLC); at head of text: “To Thomas Jefferson &c &c”; endorsed by TJ as re‑ ceived 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. les grands hommes morts: “the great dead men.” Antonio Quiroga (quir­ orga) was a military officer who helped lead the Spanish Revolution of 1820 (Pub­ lic Characters of all nations [London, 1823], 3:201–2). past praying for is from William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1, act 2, scene 4. anas—cloutts: Anacharsis Cloots (Jean Baptiste du Val‑­ de‑Grâce, baron de Cloots), a Prussian‑­ born, radical French revolutionary who opposed existing religions and advocated worship instead of the Cult of Reason (Gregory Fremont‑Barnes, ed., Encyclo­ pedia of the Age of Political Revolutions and New Ideologies, 1760–1815 [2007], 1:329).

spargere voces is adapted from “spar­ gere voces in vulgum ambiguas” (“sow dark rumours in the crowd”) in Virgil’s Aeneid, 2.98–9 (Fairclough, Virgil, 1:322– 3). In 1822 George canning became Great Britain’s foreign secretary and leader of the House of Commons (ODNB). les absents ils ont tort: “the absent are wrong.” Erving judged the ­ Adams‑­Onís Treaty of 1819 to be a bad one. During his assassination Julius Cae‑ sar was said to have pulled his garment over his head and fallen at the foot of pompeys statue (Plutarch, Caesar, chap. 66, in Plutarch’s Lives, trans. Bernadotte Perrin, Loeb Classical Library [1914–26; undated reprint], 7:598–9). bavardage: “idle talk, prattle, chattering” (OED). 1

 Erving here canceled “may.”

From Frederick W. Hatch Dear Sir Friday— [9 May 1823] It seems to be my duty to suspend for a few days the operations of my little School in order to attend the Convention. We shall lose about eight days which I shall require to be return’d by a deduction from the period of vacation shd I give any—Lewis’ progress is as usual, rapid—Benjn is improving very fast & James has surmounted the greatest obstacles that oppos’d his improvement in Greek. In a few months I hope you will have it in your power to hear these boys in their Latin with satisfaction to yourself— I am, Dear Sir, Very respect y & affect y Yours F W Hatch  590 

9 M AY 1 8 2 3  RC (MHi); partially dated; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; en‑ dorsed by TJ as a letter of 9 May 1823 received the day it was written and so re‑ corded in SJL.

 lewis, benjn, and james were TJ’s grandsons Meriwether Lewis Randolph, Benjamin F. Randolph, and James M. Randolph.

From Thomas Leiper Dear Sir Philada May. 9th 1823. I have sent you by Mail this day Mathew Carey Apeal to Common Sense and Common Justice & Mathew Carey Address to the Phila‑ delphia Society for Promotion of National Inddustry & M Carys New Olive Branch & Mathew Carey Strictures On Mr Cambreleng’s work entitled an Examination of the new Tariff & Mathew Carey Desul‑ tory Facts and Observations & James Gray Sketch of the Present condition and Prospects of the Christain Church & A View on the Politcal Economy from the discription of the United States by John Melish & Essay on Impost Duties and Prohibitions by Count Chaptal Several peices signed Hamilton wrote by Mathew Carey & The Ag‑ ricultural Almanack you will please to observe the method the Hon1 Josiah Quincy manages his farm and I hope you will practice it as an example to your neighbours & Mr Stimson’s produce from his Farm & Mathew Careys letters to the Directors of the Banks of Philadel‑ phia & Funeral Eulogy Pronounced at St Helena May 9th 1821 over the Tomb of Napoleon by Marshal Bartrand & A New System of Cultivation by Major General Alexander Beatson An Address to the Farmers of the United States—Doctor Watson informs me you had Planted last year 400,000 Tobacco Plants 100,000 on your Estate in Albamarle and 300,000 on your Estate Bedford this I suppose will produce you sum 70, 80,000℔s of Tobacco I should like to see a sample of your Albarmale Crop indeed I should like to see both per‑ hap you have introduced some New Land or have you found by in‑ troducing Clover2 you have brought your lands to an original State so as to give the Tobacco the same substance and flavor as formerly3—I hope you have found this to be case In the mean time believe me to be with much Esteem and respect Thomas Leiper RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson late President of United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. The works sent by Leiper included: (1) An unidentified edition of Mathew

Carey, An Appeal to Common Sense and Common Justice; or, Irrefragable Facts op­ posed to Plausible Theories: Intended to prove the extreme injustice, as well as the utter impolicy, of the existing tariff (Phila‑ delphia, 1822). (2) An unidentified edition of [Carey], Addresses of the Philadelphia

 591 

9 M AY 1 8 2 3 Society for the promotion of National In­ dustry (Philadelphia, 1819; Poor, Jeffer­ son’s Library, 11 [no. 707]). (3) Carey, The New Olive Branch: or, an attempt to establish an identity of interest between Ag­ riculture, Manufactures, and Commerce; and to prove, that a large portion of the manufacturing industry of this nation has been sacrificed to commerce; and that com­ merce has suffered by this policy nearly as much as manufactures (Philadelphia, 1820; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 11 [no. 708]). (4) [Carey], “Strictures on Mr. Cambre‑ leng’s Work, entitled, ‘An examination of the New Tariff ’” ([Philadelphia, 1821]). (5) “A Pennsylvanian” [Carey], Desultory Facts, and Observations, illustrative of the Past and Present Situation and Future Prospects of the United States: embracing A View of the causes of the late Bankruptcies in Boston (Philadelphia, 1822). (6) James Gray, Concio ad Clerum. A Sketch of the Present Condition and Prospects of the Christian Church, delivered before the As­ sociate Reformed Presbytery of Philadel­ phia at its meeting in the city of Baltimore, April 20, 1821 (Baltimore, 1821). (7) John Melish, Views on Political Economy, from the Description of the United States ([Phila‑ delphia?], 1822). (8) Jean Antoine Chap­ tal, Essay on Impost Duties and Prohibi­ tions, trans. Carey (Philadelphia, 1821).

(9) Unidentified essays by Carey, who often wrote on tariffs under the pseudonym of “Hamilton” during the 1820s (ANB). (10) An unidentified agricultural alma‑ nac. (11) Carey, Essays on Banking (Phil‑ adelphia, 1816), which included Letters to the Directors of the Banks of Philadel­ phia, on the Pernicious Consequences of the Prevailing System of Reducing the Amount of Bills Discounted: and likewise, on the Impropriety of Banks Holding Immoderate Quantities of Public Stock, when they are obliged to reject unexceptionable Promis­ sory Notes. (12) An unidentified copy of the widely reprinted “Funeral Eulogy Pro‑ nounced at St. Helena over the Tomb of Napoleon, May 9, 1821—by Marshal Ber‑ trand” (Salem, Mass., Essex Register, 29 Jan. 1823, and elsewhere). (13) Alexander Beatson, A New System of Cultivation, without Lime, or Dung, or Summer Fal­ lows, as practiced at Knowle‑Farm, in the County of Sussex (London, 1820). (14) Carey, Address to the Farmers of the United States, on the Ruinous consequences to their vital Interests, of the existing Policy of this Country (Philadelphia, 1821). 1

 Leiper here canceled “John Qu.”  Manuscript: “Clove.” 3  Preceding two words interlined. 2

To Samuel L. Mitchill and Felix Pascalis

Monticello May 9. 23.

Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to Doctors Mitchell and Pascalis for the attention with which they have honored him by the notification in their letter of Apr. 28. of the purpose1 of the Linnæan society to commemorate the birth of the great founder of that school2 by a fete Botanique on the 24th instant. he regrets that he cannot join them physically on the occasion, but will certainly be with them in spirit. he will invite3 also some amateurs in natural science4 in his own neigh‑ borhood to fraternise on the same day5 with their brethren of New York by6 corresponding libations to the great apostle of nature, not forgetting the healths of our absent friends. he salutes Doctors Mitch‑ ell & Pascalis7 with sentiments of the highest8 respect & esteem. RC (NNMus: J. Clarence Davies Col‑ lection); addressed: “Doctor James L.

Mitchell New York”; franked; endorsed by Samuel L. Mitchill as received 20

 592 

1 0 M AY 1 8 2 3 May 1823. Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 210: 37447); on verso of portion of reused ad‑ dress cover; undated. Printed in Minerva 2 (31 May 1823): 60. 1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “intention.” 2 Preceding six words reworked succes‑ sively in Dft from “the founder of that sci‑ ence” and “that great Apostle of Nature.”

 3 Word interlined in Dft in place of “collect.” 4  Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “of that school.” 5 Preceding four words interlined in Dft. 6 Preceding six words interlined in Dft in place of “them in.” 7 Text from “great apostle” to this point interlined in Dft in place of “father of Botany, and salutes them.” 8 RC: “highes.” Dft: “highest.”

Authorization for Alexander Garrett to Borrow for University of Virginia I hereby certify that Alexander Garrett is Bursar of the University of Virginia, and is authorised to recieve from the President and Di‑ rectors of the Literary fund, their warrant for thirty thousand dollars1 for the use of 2 the Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia, to transact the same in the necessary forms3 with the Auditor & Trea‑ surer4 of the State, and to place the said sum5 to the account of the said Rector & Visitors with either Bank in Richmond on which the Treasurer may give his warrant.6 Given under my hand this tenth7 day of May8 1823. Th: Jeff[erson] MS (ViU: TJP); in Garrett’s hand, with emendations by TJ as noted below; signed by TJ, with signature torn to ­cancel. Dft (ViU: TJP); with Dft of TJ to Jerman Baker, [ca. 12 May 1823], on verso; in TJ’s hand; undated. Beneath the Dft of this document and separated from it by a horizontal rule is an undated Dft in TJ’s hand of a second authorization intended for use at the Farm‑ ers’ Bank of Virginia, reading “The Pr. & D. [i.e., President & Directors] of the F’s bk of Virga is respectfully informed that whenever monies are placed in their hands for the R. & V. of the U. of Virga [Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia], the course establd by the board of R. & V. is that draughts are to be made by their bursar, ap‑ proved & counter signed by either mem‑

ber of their commee of Supert [committee of Superintendence] which Commee con‑ sists at present of J.H.C. [John H. Cocke] & the subscriber, and that Alexr Garrett is bursar of the sd Univty.” A missing letter from Garrett to TJ of 29 May 1823 is recorded in SJL as re‑ ceived the day it was written. 1 Dft:

“40.M.D.” four words interlined in Dft in place of “to be lent to.” 3 Preceding four words interlined in Dft. 4  Manuscript, here and below, reads “Treasuer.” 5 Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “ proceeds.” 6 Dft: “ordr.” Dft ends here. 7 Word added in blank by TJ. 8  Word interlined by TJ in place of Garrett’s “April.” 2  Preceding

 593 

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monticello May 10. 23. My affairs in Bedford not permitting me to wait longer I shall set out for that place the day after tomorrow, to be absent 2. or 3. weeks. altho’ we have not heard of our Bedford tobo having arrived at Richmd yet Jefferson seems confident that some must have arrived, and that all will do so soon from that and this place. in the mean time I must pay some neighborhood debts before I set out, & therefore have been obliged to draw on you this day for 150.D. in favr of Jacobs & Ra‑ phael, for which you will soon1 have funds in hand. In my letter of June 20th 22. I wrote to you for 2. bundles2 of nailrod VIIId 2 do3 XXd o 6. d of the intermediate sizes, meaning of course Xs XIIs XVIs.4 I recieved in July 2. bundles of XXd 1. do VIIId and 7. do5 VIs & IVs which are quite useless to me. I now therefore, by Wood’s boat6 re‑ turn the 7. bundles of what is below the limits I wrote for, to be ex‑ changed7 for 1. of VIIIs 2. of Xs 2 of XIIs and 2. of XVIs. I mentioned this to you when you were here, and trust the delay will make no difficulty, having been little able to attend to business during the winter your’s affectionately Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP). Dft (MHi); on verso of bottom half of reused address cover of Jared Mansfield to TJ, 6 Jan. 1823, not found (see note to TJ to James Pleasants, 21 Jan. 1823); endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Peyton B.” jefferson: Thomas Jefferson Ran‑ dolph. On this day TJ recorded the $150 drawn on Peyton in favor of jacobs & raphael, noting that $101.75 “pays their Quarter’s account” and “I now recieve from them cash 48.25” (MB, 2:1396).

1 Dft:

“very soon.” two words interlined in Dft in place of “100. ℔.” 3 Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “100. ℔.” 4 Dft here includes “two of each.” 5 Dft here includes “between.” 6  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 7 RC: “exhanged.” Dft: “exchanged.” 2 Preceding

To Jerman Baker Sir [ca. 12 May 1823] The warrant on the treasurer of Virga1 from the Pr. & Dir. of the Literary fund & the Auditor 2 for the payment3 of 40,000 D. to the Rector & Visitors of the sd University of Va shall be validly discharged by delivery to Alexr Garrett bursar of the University of the Treasurer’s  594 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3

order4

on either bank in Richmond for the payment of that sum to the sd Rector & Visitors Dft (ViU: TJP); on verso of Dft of TJ’s Authorization for Alexander Garrett to Borrow for University of Virginia, 10 May 1823; undated; at head of text: “To the Treasurer of Virginia.” Enclosure: probably the Bond of University of Vir‑ ginia Board of Visitors to Literary Fund President and Directors, [ca. 12 May 1823].

1  Preceding five words interlined in place of “to you.” 2 Preceding three words interlined, fol‑ lowing which TJ canceled “shall be con‑ sidered as.” 3 TJ here canceled “of the sum.” 4  Preceding three words interlined in place of “your check.”

From Peter Birkman Sir! Harrisburg May 12th 1823 It is with feelings of respect due to the Man so dear to his country and so justly honoured by his fellow citizens, that a stranger, in that happy country, approaches to place in your hands, a work, composed in the U.S. which he hopes, will on examination be found in some degree useful.— The German language is becomming of more importance in the U.S. in the same degree that, a knowledge of the Hebrew language is cultivated; the universities of Germany being destined, as it would seem, to supply the Seminaries of learning in America with Profes‑ sors in that departement of literature.— The end in view by forming the plan of this Grammar was: so to arrange, under one compass of the eye, the different parts of speech with their divisions and variations, together with the definitions and observations belonging to each, as to enable the student immediately (without the tedious twisting round of leaves in search of what he wishes to know) to find not only the variations; but also the arrange‑ ments &a of each word according to the German idiom; thus in looking for the variations of either a substantive, adjective or pronouns across the page, the dash at the end of the line will point to the further par‑ ticulars relative to that word, with further directions to its syntax.— I have also endeavoured to divide the syntax under such heads as are not only elementary in all languages, but also correspondent to the divisions of Etymology.— If the plan of the accompanying treatise should recieve the appro‑ bation of those to whom are committed the management and supervi‑ sion of the University of Virginia, I beg leave to say, that an improved  595 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3

edition will be prepared such as my local situation did not enable me to offer in the first instance With sentiments of the most exalted respect I am Sir, Your most humble and obedt Servt Pt Birkman RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Thomas Appleton, 22 Nov. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Mr Thoms Jeffer­ son Esqe Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Harrisburg, 14 May. Enclo‑ sure: Birkman, The Simplified German Grammar, or Die Bereinfachte Deutsche Sprachlehre (Harrisburg, 1823). Peter Birkman (d. 1837), educator and grammarian, was born in Sweden. He served in the Swedish army and spent a few years in France before moving to the United States. By about 1820 Birkman was working as a teacher in Harrisburg,

Pennsylvania, and regularly attending gatherings of a Swedenborgian sect. After completing his Simplified German Gram­ mar in 1823, he went on to publish a Syn­ opsis of Sciences and Arts, Arranged under the general Heads of Philosophy, History & Arts (Harrisburg, 1829). Between 1834 and 1836 Birkman moved to Saint Louis, Missouri, where he died (Samuel T. Wiley, Biographical and Historical Cyclopedia of Indiana and Armstrong Counties, Penn­ sylvania [1891], 96; Reprint of the Early Journals of the General Convention of the New Jerusalem [1888–89], esp. part 3, p. 114; New Jerusalem Magazine 9 [1836]: 404; Carl Theophilus Odhner, Annals of The New Church [1904], 1:418).

From Claudius F. Gojon Sir, Hyde‑Park, May 12, 1823 The Subscriber whose name is Claudius F. Gojon,—at Doctor Allen’s Accademy,—Hyde‑Park, Dutches County, state of N‑York, humbly beg you will excuse his Liberty & permit him to tell you that—having heard that you are a Member of the Trustees of the new College of Virginia, about to be achieved and organized, should it be not yet provided with a French‑Teacher, I offer myself in this capacity; and even for the Spanish and Italian Languages, the pronounciation of which is particularly familiar to me. I have been for several years previous to my coming in the United‑States one of the Professors at the University of France, and possess documents which attest my ability and good conduct, whilst at the same. as for my Residence in this Country, that dates from April of the last year, I can refer to good many Gentlemen, especially to P. S. Duponceau, Esq. in Philadelphia, which enlightened gentleman can give every information that may be desired respecting me. Was you desirous to know my age, I am 28 years old, and accord‑ ingly able to overrun a pretty long career in the public Tuition; had I the happiness to elapse the remainder of it under your Eyes, Sir, and in a Place bearing one of the Plaques of your Benevolence, Sentiments,  596 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3

and immortal Lights, I know not how to express my gratitude for the Favour you would grant me; but I can Sincerely tell you that your Fame and what I have been apprised in the conversations of my Friends have highly excited me to sollicit it earnestly from you, as well as to be Very Respectfully Sir, Your most humble and obedient Servant C. F. Gojon RC (ViU: TJP); endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Bernard Peyton, 22 Nov. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Late President of the United States, &ca &ca Montichello—Near Charlotteville”; franked; postmarked Hyde Park, 12 May. Claudius F. Gojon (b. ca. 1795), educa‑ tor, arrived in New York City in 1822 from Bordeaux, France. Later the same year he advertised his services as a French‑­ language instructor in Philadelphia. After spending two years at an academy in Hyde Park, New York, in 1824 Gojon announced his intention to teach French,

Spanish, and Italian in New York City, citing his “several years” of experience teaching at the Université de France. He married in New York in 1825, but the state chancery court annulled the union after ruling that Gojon had fraudulently coerced the bride at the wedding, from which she had immediately fled. Gojon married again in Alabama in 1840 (DNA: RG 36, PLVNY; Philadelphia Poulson’s American Daily Advertiser, 14 Sept. 1822; New‑York Evening Post, 17 Nov. 1824, 10 Jan. 1825; Samuel M. Hopkins, Reports of Cases, Argued and Determined in the Court of Chancery of the State of New York [1827], 1:478–95; Mobile Co., Ala., Marriage Records [27 Apr. 1840]).

From Marc Antoine Jullien Monsieur, Paris, le 12 mai 1823.1 Je profite du départ de votre illustre et respectable Compatriote Mr Gallatin, qui retourne aux Etats‑unis et que nous espérons bien voir revenir en france l’année prochaine, pour vous envoyer quelques ex‑ traits de notre Revue Encyclopédique, Sorte de Journal central de la civilisation, qui paraît mériter, Sous ce rapport, que les hommes de bien, les vrais philantropes et les hommes éclairés de tous les pays, lui accordent quelque intérêt. Nous n’avons pu établir encore des relations régulières et suivies aux Etats‑unis d’amérique, où nous aurions besoin d’avoir un ou deux bons Correspondans qui nous tiendraient au courant de l’état des sciences, des arts industriels, de la Littérature, des Beaux‑arts, dans ces lointaines et intéressantes contrées, et qui nous feraient connaître également, ainsi qu’à nos lecteurs, les principaux voyages Scientifiques et leurs résultats, les travaux des Sociétés Savantes et littéraires ou de bien public, les principaux établissemens d’utilité publique, les in‑ ventions et découvertes dignes d’attention, les progrès de l’instruction,  597 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3

de l’industrie, des bateaux à vapeur, de l’éclairage par le gaz, etc. etc. Des notices nécrologiques Sur les hommes distingués et utiles, des an‑ nonces Bibliographiques, plus ou moins étendues, Suivant l’importance des ouvrages, Sur les livres récemment publiés, des renseignemens Sur l’abolition progressive de l’esclavage, Sur l’amélioration du Sort des classes pauvres, Sur les écoles, les institutions d’aveugles, de Sourds‑muets, les prisons et maisons de correction, les hôpitaux, les maisons d’aliénés, les retraites assurées à la vieillesse ou à l’infortune, les caisses d’epargnes et de prévoyance, les Caisses d’assurance contre les incendies et contre les divers accidens qui menacent toujours et affligent trop Souvent la triste humanité; enfin, des aperçus fidèles de tout ce qui caractérise la marche et les bienfaits de la Civilisation, non‑Seulement dans les Etats‑unis, mais aussi dans les vastes contrées du Continent américain, dont les efforts pour ressaisir l’indépendance et pour obtenir une Sage liberté et une bonne législation Sont peu connus et mal appréciés dans notre vieille Europe, auraient à la fois un grand intérêt pour les lecteurs de la Revue Encyclopédique, et ser‑ viraient à perfectionner l’exécution du plan de ce Recueil, et offriraient en même tems aux Américains l’occasion de bien faire connaître leur pays et de donner Souvent des leçons et des exemples utiles aux na‑ tions Européennes. Le Tableau vivant et animé de la jeune et belle Amérique serait présenté avec fruit à ce malheureux continent, où quelques ames généreuses, jeunes d’énergie, vieilles d’expérience, flétries par le Sentiment profond des malheurs et des dangers pub‑ lics, luttent avec courage contre d’anciens abus, contre des préjugés invétérés, contre l’égoïsme et les vices de classes autrefois privilé‑ giées et dominantes qui voudraient étouffer à leur profit la raison et la liberté. Présenter et faire circuler des idées Saines, des vues utiles, des faits instructifs; établir une Sorte d’enseignement mutuel des nations rap‑ prochées et comparées; appeler et réunir dans un rendez‑vous commun les hommes de bien et les hommes instruits de tous les pays, vérita‑ bles représentans de la cause Sainte de la Civilisation et de l’humanité; faire goûter les vérités que nous voulons répandre, en leur conservant toujours ce caractère de modération et de tolérance qui est propre à calmer les passions haineuses et à ramener les hommes prévenus ou trompés et les adversaires les plus obstinés, mais qui Sont de bonne foi; rendre les résultats des travaux Scientifiques facilement accessi‑ bles à toutes les classes de lecteurs: tels Sont les principaux objets que nous nous proposons, dans nos publications mensuelles. Je vous prie, Monsieur, Sous les auspices de l’honorable représen­ tant de votre patrie, Mr Gallatin, de vous associer à nos efforts, Sans  598 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3

Sortir vous‑même de la Sphère de vos occupations habituelles, et de nous envoyer; Sous le couvert de la Légation américaine à Paris, des Communications qui puissent concourir au plan et au but que je viens de vous exposer. Agréez, Monsieur, les assurances de ma considération la plus dis‑ tinguée et de mon estime respectueuse Jullien,  de paris p.s. j’ai eu l’honneur, monsieur, de vous remercier des notes que vous avez bien voulu m’envoyer sur votre illustre ami le général Kos‑ ciuszko, j’espère vous envoyer bientot une nouvelle édition de la notice Sur Sa vie. e d i t o r s’

t r a n s l a t i o n

Sir, Paris, 12 May 1823. I take advantage of the departure of your illustrious and respectable coun‑ tryman Mr. Gallatin, who is returning to the United States and whom we hope to have back in France next year, to send you a few extracts from our Revue Encyclopédique. It is, more or less, the main journal on civilization and, as such, would seem to merit the attention of good men, true philanthropists, and enlightened men of all countries. We have as yet been unable to establish regular and consistent relations with the United States of America, where we need one or two good corre‑ spondents to keep us informed of the state of the sciences, industrial arts, literature, and fine arts in these distant and interesting regions and who would also acquaint us, as well as our readers, with the principal scientific voyages and their findings, the work both of the learned and literary societies and those for the public good, the main public institutions, inventions and dis‑ coveries worthy of attention, the progress of education, industry, steamboats, gas lighting, etc. etc. Also of great interest to the readers of the Revue Ency­ clopédique would be the obituaries of distinguished and useful men; biblio‑ graphical announcements on recent publications of greater or lesser extent according to their importance; reports on the progressive abolition of slavery, on the improved fate of the poor social classes, on schools, institutions for the blind and the deaf and dumb, prisons and houses of correction, hospitals, insane asylums, and the establishment of pensions for the elderly or the un‑ fortunate, savings and provident funds, and insurance against fire and sun‑ dry accidents that always threaten and too often afflict unfortunate humanity. In sum, accurate reviews of everything that characterizes the progress and benefits of civilization, not only in the United States, but also in the vast sec‑ tions of the American continent whose efforts to regain independence and obtain a wise freedom and good legislation are little known and poorly ap‑ preciated in our old Europe. These overviews would be of great interest to the readers of the Revue Encyclopédique, would also serve to perfect the ex‑ ecution of the plan of this compilation, and would at the same time offer Americans an opportunity to make their country well known and frequently to provide lessons and useful examples to European nations. The lively and

 599 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3 animated tableau of young and beautiful America would be presented profit­ ably to this unfortunate continent, where a few generous souls, with the en‑ ergy of the young and experience of the old, withered by deep feelings of misfortune and public danger, courageously fight against ancient abuses, inveterate prejudices, and the selfishness and vices of the formerly privileged and dominant classes wishing to smother reason and freedom for their own benefit. To present and circulate sane ideas, useful views, and informative facts; to establish a kind of mutual education of nations, brought together and com‑ pared; to call out to and gather together the good and educated men of all countries, the true representatives of the holy cause of civilization and hu‑ manity; to sample the truths we want to spread, always keeping the character of moderation and tolerance, which is suitable for calming hateful passions and bringing back to reason prejudiced or deceived men and the most obsti‑ nate adversaries who, nevertheless, are of good faith; to make the results of scientific works easily accessible to all kinds of readers: such are the main objectives we set for ourselves in our monthly publication. I beg you, Sir, under the auspices of the honorable representative of your homeland, Mr. Gallatin, to join us in our efforts without leaving the sphere of your usual occupations, and to send us, under cover of the American lega‑ tion in Paris, communications that might contribute to the plan and objective I have just presented to you. Accept, Sir, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration and re‑ spectful esteem Jullien,



 of Paris

p.s. I have had the honor, Sir, to thank you for the notes you were so kind as to send me on your illustrious friend General Kosciuszko. I hope to send you soon a new edition of the notice of his life. RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, with sig‑ nature and postscript by Jullien; on printed letterhead of the “Bureau Central de la Revue Encyclopédique”; printed note to left at head of text: “Les réponses doivent être envoyées, franc de port, à l’adresse ci‑après: Au Directeur de la Revue Encyclopédique, rue d’Enfer‑Saint‑­ Michel, no 18” (“Responses should be sent, postage free, to the following address: To the Director of the Revue Encyclopédique, rue d’Enfer‑Saint‑Michel, no. 18”); at foot of first page in Jullien’s hand: “M. Jeffer­ son, ancien président des Etats‑unis, à Monticello, virginie”; endorsed by TJ as received 29 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Translation by Dr. Genevieve Moene. The enclosed extraits from the Revue Encyclopédique have not been identified, with the probable exception of one article from the March 1823 issue supplied by “W.” [i.e., David Bailie Warden], drawing on a letter to Warden from TJ of 30 Oct.

1822 describing progress made in estab‑ lishing the University of Virginia: “M. Jefferson, ancien président des États Unis, finit sa glorieuse carrière par l’établisse­ ment de l’université de Virginie à Char­ lotteville, près de Monticello, lieu de sa résidence. C’est lui‑même qui, bien qu’oc­ togénaire, en a donné le plan et en dirige les travaux. Cet édifice, grâce aux fonds alloués par l’état, est déjà presque achevé: l’architecture en est entièrement dans le  style antique. Nous tâcherons, écrit l’illustre fondateur, aidé par des profes‑ seurs des deux hémisphères, de rendre cette université le premier de tous les établissemens de ce genre, dans notre pays. Il y aura dix professeurs, auxquels on a réservé autant d’appartemens distincts, cinq réfectoires, et 104 chambres destinées à recevoir 208 élèves” (“Mr. Jefferson, former president of the United States, cul‑ minates his glorious career with the estab‑ lishment of the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, near his residence, Mon‑

 600 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3 ticello. He himself, although an octoge‑ narian, has supplied the plan and directs the work. This edifice, thanks to the funds allocated by the state, is already nearly completed. The architecture is entirely in the classical style. ‘We will endeavor,’ writes the illustrious founder, ‘aided by professors from both hemispheres, to make this university foremost among the estab‑ lishments of this kind in our country.’

There will be ten professors, for whom are reserved as many separate apartments, five refectories, and 104 rooms intended to accommodate 208 students”) (Revue Encyclopédique 17 [1823]: 651). 1 Partial dateline printed on letterhead, with date, month, and terminal digit of year in clerk’s hand.

From William Short Dear sir Philada May 12. 1823. If I could be induced by any means to attach any value to any prophecy of mine, it would be the having led you to give me your foresight into futurity. Although I am willing to1 take it with the pru‑ dent proviso which you annex to it, yet I value it most highly, as I have ever done what I have recieved from you for now near half a century. The ultra‑mad ministers of France seem disposed to allow us full time for prediction. It could not have been supposed that they would have stopped so long on the border of the precipice. From a speech of my good friend, Hyde de Neuville, which I have just seen, it would seem there are deputies of the people more mad than the ministers—for he reproaches them (though of his bord) with their timid delay. What would please me the most, but which I expect the least, of every part of your prediction is that happy concert between the U.S. & England in doing away the bone of contention as to Cuba. I desire this the more because I have long apprehended great difficulties from that source and indeed considering the manner in which our Govern‑ ment has conducted, as the Yankees say, I am only surprized these difficulties have not arrived already. The very idle, because useless, recognition of the independence of the Spanish colonies, was well cal‑ culated to hasten the transfer the island of Cuba, or if you please, the Moro castle, to the possession of England. And from this to the sepa‑ ration of the valley of the Mississipi from the old thirteen, “il n y a qu un pas”—as Bonaparte said was the case ‘du sublime au ridicule.’ As a calm looker on I am really sometimes tempted to think I am taking a peep, if not [into?] a lunatic, at least into an idiotic, hospital. There are so many chances for the dissolution of this Union, that the “one thing needful” for every American statesman, it would seem to me, must be to diminish their number, or weaken their effect. And yet in what niche should we be obliged to place our rulers if tried by that  601 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3

standard. I do not doubt their patriotism or their good intentions; but like Molieres Bourgeois, they certainly font “la prose sans le scavoir.” There is one chance moreover which I fear it does not depend on them to remedy in any way—& that is the organization of the Execu‑ tive. It has always appeared to me that that was the stumbling block of our political existence; & if I had ventured to communicate my pre‑ dictions on this subject many years ago, time would now fortunately have proved how little foresight I had. I must take refuge therefore under the saving clause, of what has “happened to change the pre‑ dicted course of events.” Contrary to all expectation the Presidential plate has produced no contest, except in the single instance between you & Mr Adams—In every other case there was, properly speaking, only one competitor entered—so that he had merely to walk over the course alone & quietly take possession. How different is the prospect for the next race! My predicting phantasy is appalled at it—& though very indifferent as to the homines yet I own I am not without serious anxiety as to the principia A much more agreeable subject to dwell on is the University—The last Legislature of the State, I understand, made a very liberal vote for completing the edifice. It will give me very great pleasure indeed to see it even in its present state as described by you. I can with ease in my mind’s eye fill up the hiatus. I should however have still more pleasure to see it complete. I indulge the hope of seeing it in both states—for I still contemplate my autumnal visit to you. I had hoped ere this to be able to speak more positively as to the time. I have been for a month back expecting here the agent of the tract where my pres‑ ence is required during the summer, & I expected after some conver‑ sation with him to form a tolerably accurate estimate of the time re‑ quired. There is much to be done & it is a kind of business with which I am little acquainted, & for which I have a great repugnance; insomuch that I am sometimes tempted to renounce all attention to it, & letting it take its natural course as heretofore, notwithstanding that course yields no income & on the contrary produces a constant out‑going for taxes & other expences. I devoted the last summer as I shall do this, to attempt a revulsion of things, by my presence on the ground, & if that should fail I shall then give up all hope of a change for the better. Fortunately I am not so far embarked on this ocean of land (if it be not a bull) as to risk a complete ruin—but you would be surprized to see how many persons of most noble fortunes in the State of New York, have been absolutely reduced to poverty by the acquisi‑ tion of extensive tracks of land, which in Virginia, on the contrary, has been the foundation of the largest fortunes in the State.  602 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3

Although I should with great reluctance postpone my visit in the fall, yet I would not on any account that in the present state of things your trip to Bedford should be put to any hazard on this contingency. When I shall have arrived on the ground & reconnoitred a little, which will be in July or August I shall see my way more clearly & be able to speak more positively, & I will then not fail to write to you on the subject I am really much obliged to you for the hint as to the mode of dis‑ posing of my library. It will enable me to connect myself with the University in a degree, though a very slight one, & I shall be proud of every link that may attach to such an institution, which has been created as it were, & fostered by you— What you say of the swelling of your hand & of its indefinite na‑ ture, I have learned with much pain—but I hope that your good con‑ stitution & the pure air in which you live will both contribute to put an end to that state of things & restore the use of it completely. I need not say how happy I shall be to learn this from yourself, as you know the sentiments of invariable attachment with which I am, dear sir, your friend & servant W: Short RC (DLC); one word faint; endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to James Mad‑ ison, 15 Nov. [1823], on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello by mail to Milton Virginia”; franked; postmarked Philadelphia, 12 May. bord: “side.” Napoleon reportedly said more than once that il n y a qu un pas (“it is only one step”) du sublime au ridicule (“from the sublime to the ri‑ diculous”) (Dominique Dufour, baron de Pradt, Histoire de l’Ambassade dans le Grand Duché de Varsovie en 1812 [Paris, 1815], 215, 218, 219–20). Jesus spoke of the one thing needful in the Bible (Luke 10.42). font “la prose sans le scavoir” (“make ‘prose without knowing it’”): in Molière’s 1670 comedy, Le Bourgeois Gen­ tilhomme, act 2, scene 6, Monsieur Jour‑ dain delightedly discovers that he has been speaking in prose without knowing it for more than forty years. homines: “men.” principia: “principles.” tracks: variant of “tracts” (OED). In a letter of 30 Apr. 1823, Isaac A. Coles wrote to Short from Norfolk: “I

hear from Monticello that mr Jefferson’s broken limb is much less troublesome to him, & that he can now use it sufficiently to be in a great degree independent of his Grand=Daughters—This feeling of in‑ dependence for which he was always so remarkable, exists still to such an extent that when I was at Monticello last, he employed an hour or two in filing down the nails of his right hand, (the file being fixed in a small vice) under‑ going this drudgery, rather than submit to employ the willing aid of any one of his Grand=daughters—Mr Loyall who spent some days with him lately, informs me that he looks well and is quite cheerful. The vote by the last Legislature of $60,000 to complete the University will I really be‑ lieve add some years to his life; it will at any rate add to his health, by giving him a great deal of active and agreeable em‑ ployment for a 12 month to come—I do hope that you may find it convenient to make him a visit, as I know that there is no one whose society would afford him more pleasure, and as I shall in that case hope to have you with us on the Green mountain” (RC in DLC: Short Papers). 1 Manuscript:

 603 

“to to.”

Bond of University of Virginia Board of Visitors to Literary Fund President and Directors Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Jefferson rector and James Breckenridge, James Madison, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke Chapman Johnson and George Loyall, Visitors of the Univer‑ sity of Virginia are held and firmly bound to the President and Direc‑ tors of 1 the Literary fund in the sum of sixty2 thousand Dollars, to the payment whereof, well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves and our successors to the sd President and Directors and their successors firmly by these presents, sealed with the common seal of the sd Rector and Visitors, and dated this twelfth3 day of May in the year one thou‑ sand eight hundred and twenty three. The condition of this obligation is such that Whereas the President and Directors of the Literary fund, under authority of the act of the General assembly of the 5th day of February 1823. intituled ‘An act concerning the University of Virginia, and for other purposes,’ have this day loaned to the Rector and Visitors of the said University the sum of thirty 4 thousand Dollars for the purposes of complet[ing] the buildings, and making the necessary preparations, for putting the sd University into operation, on the conditions that an interest of six per centum per annum be paid out of the annual appropriation, hereto‑ fore made by law for the endowment of the sd University and that the surplus of the sd annual appropriation, over and above what may be necessary for the payment of loans already made to them and the loan or loans which may be negociated under this act, shall be pledged for the redemption of the principal sums loaned, and to be loaned as afore­ said in such manner as the legislature may hereafter prescribe: Now therefore if the said Rector and Visitors and their successors shall faithfully pay to the sd President and Directors of the Literary fund and their successors annually on the   day of   an interest of six per centum per annum on the sd sum of thirty thousand Dollars, or on so much of the said sums as shall be bearing interest until the whole of the principal shall have been paid, and shall also faithfully pay the sd principal sum of thirty thousand dollars according to the provisions of the sd act of assembly, applying for that purpose the sums of money appropriated annually by law for the use, or for the benefit of the sd University, or so much thereof as may be requisite, which sums of money, so appropriated in each year, so far as requisite for the purpose, are hereby pledged and set apart by the sd Rector and Visi‑  604 

1 2 M AY 1 8 2 3

tors to be applied by the President and Directors of the Literary fund to the payment of the said interest and principal sum of thirty thou‑ sand dollars, borrowed as aforesaid, and to no other uses or objects until the sd payment shall have been made, then the above obligation shall be void, otherwise shall remain in full force and virtue. signed, sealed ⎪⎫   and delivered ⎬⎪  

5 in presence of ⎭ [Note by TJ at foot of FC:] Nov. 21. 23. executed a bond for 5000.D. copied verbatim from this except as to sum. Dft (Albert H. Small, Bethesda, Md., 2003; photocopy in ViU: ECUVa); in TJ’s hand, signed by TJ, Lewis H. Marsteller, and George P. Welsh; sealed; mutilated to cancel TJ’s signature and all signatures crossed out; endorsed by TJ: “Bond of May. 1823.” FC (ViU: TJP); in Virginia J. Randolph (Trist)’s hand, with emendations by TJ that apparently reflect a subsequent text of this document, not found; endorsed by TJ: “Literary board. bond of May 11. 23.” The Dft probably began as the finalized origi‑ nal bond but then was canceled after TJ decided to request a higher sum. The final version of this bond, not found, was likely enclosed in TJ to Jerman Baker, [ca. 12 May 1823]. Lewis H. Marsteller (1804–60), pub‑ lic official, was a native of Virginia who lived in Albemarle County by 1830. After moving to North Carolina, he represented New Hanover County in the House of Commons, 1833–34, and in the state sen‑ ate, 1835–36. Marsteller attended a state constitutional convention in 1835, and two years later President Andrew Jackson ap‑ pointed him collector of the port of Wil‑ mington, a position he held until John Tyler removed him in 1841. Marsteller served as clerk of the North Carolina Gen‑ eral Assembly, 1842–43, and clerk of the New Hanover County Court, 1844–52. He was active in Democratic politics and

in Freemasonry, and he rose to the rank of major general in the state militia. When Marsteller died at his home in Wilming‑ ton, he owned eleven slaves (DNA: RG 29, CS, Albemarle Co., 1830, N.C., New Hanover Co., Wilmington, 1850; Robert D. W. Connor, comp., A Manual of North Carolina [1913], 471, 723, 891; JEP, 4:619, 627, 5:336, 340, 384 [2, 3 Mar. 1837, 3, 17 Feb., 16 June 1841]; Raleigh North Carolina Standard, 10 Nov. 1841, 30 Mar. 1842; Wilmington Journal, 21 Sept. 1844, 21 Apr. 1848, 24 Sept. 1852; Marshall DeLancey Haywood, The Begin­ nings of Freemasonry in North Carolina and Tennessee [1906], 76; Wilmington Daily Herald and Wilmington Daily Jour­ nal, both 5 Mar. 1860; gravestone in‑ scription in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilming‑ ton; inventory in New Hanover Co. estate records). 1

 Manuscript: “of of.” FC TJ here interlined “eighty” in place of this word. 3 Space left blank for day in FC, filled in by TJ with “10th,” and subsequently canceled. 4 In FC TJ interlined “forty” in place of this word and in three instances below. 5 In FC TJ here added his own initials and the names of Thomas Jefferson Ran‑ dolph and Valentine W. Southall as witnesses. 2 In

 605 

From Thomas Leiper Dear Sir Philada May 13th 1823 A few days ago I wrote you and by the same Mail I sent you Two small Bundles of Pamphlets and if you have not time to read them please put them into the hands men who are well disposed to Curtail our import and encress our Exports—I was of the opinion that the Millet perhaps had not got into your part of the country because every thing in the farming Line does not spread rapidly for altho’ the Cultivation of the Millet has been for many years in Bucks County only Twenty Miles from here I never saw it till last year—I have consigned to Doctor Joseph Trent of Richmond Two Half Barrels of the Millet Seed one half Barrel for you and the other for himself with a request he may forward yours on its arrival—But should you have an opportunity of a conveyance you had better call on him In the mean‑ time if you mean to cultivate get your ground in order—The best time of sowing is about the first of June half a Bushel to an Acre—I had a Tenant last year that had about Five Acres and it grew from 4½ to 5 feet high and it produced him he thinks three Ton of Hay per Acre I had not so much in but mine grew from 4½ to 5½ feet high— My intention is to have a large quantity sown this season and to feed my Horses and Cows on it in the House for they like it better than Clover by that means I shall get all Dung and not require one third of my land and I think One man and a Horse1 will attend some Twenty or Thirty Head and the Dung will be worth double his wages—I Ploughed at our meadow about Four or Five Inchis Deep the Clay at the Bottom I collected the stumps of rotten trees and Brush which I put in the heart and built my Turf about 18 Inchis at first leaving a hole at Bottom so as to give Air that the wood may burn and when it is completly on Fire you may keep puting on Turf to any amount— The Kiln must be built in the same form as they are built for the Burning of Charecoal leting neither fire nor Smoke get out and I am certain this method will answer the same purpose as that pointed out by the Major General—I have put about Three Hundred Bushels of thes burnt ashes per acre Planted Potatoes the Ruta Baga the Globe Turnip—The Potatoes the Vines looked as well as those put in with dung and the Ruta Baga was Twenty Four Inches round and the Globe Turnip Twenty Seven Inchis—I am Clear this Vegetation pro‑ ceed from the burnt Clay—This piece of ground was in Potatoes and turnips the second in Millet and this year in Wheat but I must ac‑ knowledge the wheat put in with stable manure is very supperior— But as we cannot get a sufficient quantity of stable manure we must  606 

1 3 M AY 1 8 2 3

substitute the burnt Clay—Altho’ I believe we might make as dung2 again as we do and Collect leaves as put under our Cattle for there [is]3 as much manure in the Urine as in the Dung—I am with highest respect and esteem Your most4 Obedient Servant Thomas Leiper RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson late President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded (with mistaken date of composition of 16 May) in SJL. major general Alexander Beatson described his method of constructing kilns to burn clay, soil, or marl for fertilizer as more cost‑effective substitutes for lime or dung in A New System of Cultivation,

without Lime, or Dung, or Summer Fallows (London, 1820), 19–22, 156–61. Leiper sent TJ this work with his letter of 9 May 1823. 1  Preceding four words interlined in place of “Hand.” 2  Word interlined, with “much dung” possibly intended. 3  Omitted word editorially supplied. 4  Manuscript: “must.”

Extract from Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) to Nicholas P. Trist

Monticello May 13th 1823

We have all had a dreadful shock at an accident which was near prov‑ ing fatal to my dear Grand‑Father the other day in the river; and are more miserable than ever at his persisting in the practice of riding with‑ out a servant to attend him, while his arm is still in a sling and quite helpless. his horse mired in the river, & fell, confining Grand‑Papa’s legs under him, and although not hurt by that, he would inevitably have been drowned had not the rapidity of the current carried him down to a much shallower place, where by reaching the bottom of the river with his hand he was enabled to rise on his feet1 & get out. he says it would have been thought by every one that visited the spot, if he had been drowned, that he had committed suicide. as yet he has experienced no ill effect from the thorough wetting that he got.— I have always forgotten to tell you of our circulating Library in Charlottesville! 2.000.$ have been already subscribed, instead of a few hundred as Grand‑Papa expected, and he is chosen with Mr. Beauman the presbyterian preacher, & Mr. Ormond the c—xc—mb to make the Catalogue of books. novels are voted out, for which all the ladies in the county, I have no doubt, will ‘tear their ’air & dispor‑ ridge their faces’—I have not time to describe my elegant Boudoir tonight.  607 

1 3 M AY 1 8 2 3  RC (DLC: NPT); extract, consisting of dateline, first half of second paragraph, and postscript; unsigned; addressed: “To Nicholas P. Trist Esquire Donaldsonville Lafourche Louisiana”; stamped; post‑ marked; endorsed by Trist as a letter from “Randolph (V.J.).” In the unextracted portion of this letter, Randolph (Trist) states that she will leave for Poplar Forest the next day and return in two or three weeks; commiserates with Trist over news of his “bad fortune” but encourages him to make the best use of his extended time in Louisiana to settle his affairs and study

for a career in the legal profession so that they will be better able to afford married life; and shares updates on various family members. mr. beauman: Francis Bowman. c—xc—mb: “coxcomb.” tear their ’air & disporridge their faces is adapted from Tobias Smollett’s novel, The Expedi­ tion of Humphry Clinker (London, 1771), 3:169. 1

 Preceding three words interlined.

From John J. Chapman Sir Philadelphia May 14 I have much pleasure in sending you a Copy of Peter’s Letters, which I trust will be found to contain some interesting information, not only relative to the University of Edinburg, but to those of Ox‑ ford Cambridge and Glasgow; as well as many anecdotes of literary characters, which I hope may amuse you. That part of the Letters which relates principally to Edinburg, is written by Mr Lockhart, the Editor of Blackwood’s Magazine, and the Son in law of Sir Walter Scott: that which has reference to Glasgow by Wilson, the Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Edinburg. In the hope that it may prove of some utility in the completion of your interesting and laudable views at Charlottesville I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedient Servt I: J. Chapman RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40036); partially dated; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 16 May 1823 received 27 May and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Frederick Beasley, [25 Nov. 1823], on verso; ad‑ dressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr &c &c. &c.” Enclosure: probably a one‑volume American edition of [John Gibson Lock‑ hart], Peter’s Letters to His Kinsfolk (New York, 1820; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 7 [no. 332]), originally published in three volumes in Edinburgh in 1819. John James Chapman (ca. 1790–1867), British army officer, consistently used “I”

as his first initial. Born in Hungerford, Berkshire, England, he joined the Royal Regiment of Artillery as a gentleman cadet in 1804, rising to second lieutenant the next year, first lieutenant in 1806, and sec‑ ond captain in 1820. Chapman visited the United States and Monticello in 1823. He served in the British military in Sri Lanka from at least 1828 until 1829, when he re‑ tired from his regiment on half pay. Chap‑ man afterward published Some Remarks upon the Ancient City of Anarájapura or Anarádhepura, and the Hill Temple of Mehentélé, in the Island of Ceylon (Lon‑ don, 1833). In 1835–37 he was a secretary of the Great Western Railway in Bristol,

 608 

1 5 M AY 1 8 2 3 and the Royal Society elected him a fel‑ low in 1836. Chapman died at his home in Bedford, England (Elizabeth Holland, “This Famous City: The Story of the Chapmans of Bath. Captain John James Chapman and his Family Circle,” Survey of Bath and District 6 [Nov. 1996]: 1, 23–9; List of Officers of the Royal Regi­ ment of Artillery from the year 1716 to the

year 1899 [4th ed., 1900], 35, 35a; Jour­ nal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland 13 [1852]: 164–78; Jack Simmons, ed., The Birth of the Great Western Railway [1971], 85n; Gentleman’s Magazine, new ser., 5 [1836]: 643; Bath Chronicle, 20 Apr. 1837; Northampton Mercury, 26 Jan. 1867).

From Lafayette

Paris May 15h 1823

mr

in my Letter By Gallatin I announce to You, my dear friend, two Books of Miss Wright Which I now inclose. my affection for the Author makes me Wish to know Your opinion of the only Work from An English pen that is in favor of American institutions and Ameri‑ can Character. Your old affectionate friend Lafayette

RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 8 July 1823 and so recorded in SJL. En‑ closures: (1) Frances Wright, Views of Society and Manners in America (Lon‑ don, 1821; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 7 [no. 354]; TJ’s copy in ViCMRL, on de‑ posit ViU). (2) Wright, A Few Days in Athens, being the translation of a Greek Manuscript discovered in Herculaneum

(London, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 8 [no. 427]; TJ’s copy in ViCMRL, on deposit ViU). Enclosed in Albert Galla‑ tin to TJ, 29 June 1823. A missing letter of 13 Mar. 1823 from Lafayette to TJ is recorded in SJL as re‑ ceived 19 July 1823 from Paris.

From David Bailie Warden Dear Sir, Paris, 15 may. 23. I seize the opportunity of mr. gallatins’ return to the united States to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of the 30th of oct. last, and to inform you that he has taken charge of five small parcels for you containing Vols and Brochures. Baron Humboldt sends you a copy of his last publication and Bishop gregoire a copy of his manuel de Piété. your Parisian friends are glad to hear of the recovery of your health— Professor Thouin regrets, that a vessel on board of which he had forwarded a collection of seeds for you has been driven ashore near the port of her departure and the Seeds injured. mr Tracy bids me inform you, that the last letter which he received from you, is dated the 26 Dec. 20. He wishes to know whether you received his of the 24 Nov. 20 and 22 feb. 21., and also whether the article amour is in‑ serted in the american Translation of his Work.  609 

1 5 M AY 1 8 2 3

 Mr gallatin will no doubt give you information concerning the pres‑ ent state of Europe. The fate of Spain is not yet decided. If the Span‑ iards accept the proposed arrangement after the arrival of the french Troops at Madrid, they will be finally subjugated. If they resist, by retiring to the mountains, and defending themselves as they have al‑ ways done on the guerrilla system, the struggle may continue several years, but they will finally triumph, if England and Russia continue neutral: if either should interfere, their jealousies are now so great, that they will probably kindle a general war in Europe. notwithstand‑ ing1 the prevailing opinion, that the Spaniards encouraged by the measures of the English Cabinet, will continue to fight in support of their Independence, the french funds, which are considered as the true Index of public opinion, have remained for several days at 87: The Trustees of the College of Harvard have purchased my Collec‑ tion of Books relating to north america for the sum of 25.000 Francs. I pray you to present my respects to mr and mrs Randolph.2 I am, dear Sir, with great esteem and respect, Your very devoted D B. Warden PS. By some division among the members of the Linnæan society, twenty eight of the most distinguished, among whom is the Pres‑ ident, have given in their dismission and the society will of course lose much of its eclat. RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40037); ad‑ jacent to postscript: “The Honbl Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 13 May 1823 received 8 July and so re‑ corded in SJL; with notations by TJ be‑ neath endorsement similar to those on verso of RC of de Bure Frères to TJ, 27 Aug. 1823. Enclosed in Albert Gallatin to TJ, 29 June 1823. Henri gregoire sent TJ his Manuel de Piété a l’usage des Hommes de Couleur et des Noirs (2d ed., Paris, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 10 [no. 550]). War‑ den’s collection of books, which ar‑ rived at Harvard University in August 1823, consisted of “about 1300 volumes, chiefly on American History, and a collec‑ tion of 300 choice Maps, illustrative of the same” (Boston Daily Advertiser, 27 Aug. 1823). The president of the Société Linnéenne de Paris was Lacépède.

Among TJ’s papers is an undated note from the artist Julien (Jules) Léopold Boilly to Warden: “Mr Jul. Boilly, auteur de la Collection des Portraits des mem‑ bres de l’institut de france, est Venu de la part de Mr grégoire Pour avoir l’honneur de Voir Monsieur Warden, et lui demander s’il pourrait lui prêter le portrait de Jefferson, associé étranger de l’institut” (“Mr. Jul. Boilly, the creator of the collec‑ tion of portraits of the members of the Institut de France, has been sent by Mr. Grégoire in order to have the honor of seeing Mr. Warden and asking him if he could lend him the portrait of Jefferson, a foreign member of the Institut”) (RC in DLC: TJ Papers, 221:39493). 1 Manuscript:

“notwhstanding.” period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 2 Omitted

 610 

From William J. Coffee Honbl. Sir May 19—23. New‑York Your letter of the 30 last month was receved and on it’s arrival I felt much gratification from the Honor your kind Attention showed me. I am glad you are satisfyed that everey thing has been Properly sent, to you, and to mr Brockinbro, but am sorey that Colo Peyton should have been so little attentive to my directions but these are matters of small importanes to the Colo and tharfor do not much wonder, still I hope (and from thee care taken in Packing) I trust they may be Con‑ vayed to Bedford safe1 that is with your Commands and attention. The fresh inconvenianc that I suffer owing to mr Brockenbrous delay in not meeting my small Ballances of 66.37 D as you stated would be the case by the time I recved yours (but which has not yet com to hand)2 or can I Acunt for this tardinness in mr Brockinbrough to whome I had wrote to on the same subject on the 5th but I live in hopes to do so before you get this and must say I am warmly sensible of your Friendship and hope to live in your Esteem Sr: Respectfuly yours W. J. Coffee RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Theodorus Bailey, 22 Nov. 1823, on verso; addressed: “The Honbl Thomas Jefferson Monticello state of Virginia”; franked; postmarked New York, 19 May.

1 Unmatched closing parenthesis edito‑ rially omitted. 2 Omitted closing parenthesis editorially supplied.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 19 May 1823 I have just recd, & this day forwarded to Charlottesville, care Jacobs & Raphael, a half Bll:, containing Botled scuppernong Wine, shipd by Thos Cox of Plymouth North Carolina, by request of Mr Burton of that state, for you—which I wish safe to hand—In haste— Yours Truly Bernd Peyton RC (MHi); dateline at foot of text; ad‑ dressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Char‑ lottesville”; stamp canceled; franked; post‑ marked Richmond, 19 May; endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL.

On 1 June 1823 TJ received an un‑ dated letter from Peyton, not found, but recorded in SJL with TJ’s bracketed no‑ tation of “Nickervis,” presumably refer‑ ring to the Farmers’ Bank of Virginia cashier William Nekervis in Richmond.

 611 

To Archibald Robertson Dear Sir Pop. For. May 21. 23. Two of my gr. daurs are on a visit to Lynchburg with their relation mrs Eppes. should any thing strike their fancy in your assortmt be so good as to let them have it on my acct. havg delivered all my concerns into the hands of my gr. son Th: J. Randolph I leave to him to com‑ municate with you on their subject, only observing that our resources authorise us to count on making a respectable diminution of my pres‑ ent balance to you which altho’ it cannot be of the first monies recd will not fail to be done in the course of the summer1 or early autumn. accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect Th:J. FC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Lewis D. Belair to TJ, 26 Nov. 1818; in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Mr A. Robertson”; endorsed by TJ.

gr. daurs: “granddaughters.” 1 Word

interlined in place of “fall.”

From Michael Megear Worthy Friend Wilmington 5 mo 23d 1823 I have taken the liberty of presenting thee1 with a Book the title of which is Paul & Amicus, being a Religious controversy, accationed by an attack made on the Society of Friends,2 by a Presbetarian Clergy‑ man, wherein he has attempted to strip the Society of even the name of Christians, which was Answered by a friend, & our Doctrines de‑ fended against his Charges, which are before a deserning Publick to Judge how far he has succeeded, Our chief offence has been that the Society would not Join in with the Wild Schemes of the Clergy in contributing their mony for modern Crusading— I thought the Book would at least afford thee3 some amusement, as well as to make thee4 acquainted with our Doctrines, particularly on the subject of the Trinity as generally held by the Society of friends, Especially as thee5 has not escaped the Inquisitoriel Spirit of the Clergy on the same subject—I think without want of Charity, that the moving object with the great body of the Clergy in establishing the Various Societys for Converting The Heathen (as they call them) &C, is too much for their own agrandizement, wherby they may affect an Influence over the people so as to bring about schemes for grasp‑ ing power, which I ardently pray may be frustated, and regret much that Congress ever adopted the practice of having Chaplins to attend their6 sessions, for it has given them at least a Hope, that some day  612 

2 5 M AY 1 8 2 3

they might mount into power, which if it ever comes, it will be a Dark day for Happy America— I am with sincere regard thy friend, Michael Megear N.B. I should like to be informd if the Book reaches thee7 RC (CSmH: JF‑BA); endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Michael Megear (ca. 1766–1831), hat‑ ter, lived by 1794 at Head of Chester (later Millington), a town straddling Kent and Queen Anne’s counties in Maryland, and worked as a hatmaker by 1799. In 1807 he moved to Wilmington, Delaware, and continued in the same trade. Megear was a director of the Wilmington Library Company in 1809 and served as its presi‑ dent in at least 1819. In the latter year he also joined a Republican vigilance com‑ mittee in Christiana Hundred, New Castle County. At his death in the same county Megear’s personal property, which in‑ cluded one hundred books, was appraised at $4,974.35, in addition to material for hat‑ ting valued at $1,569.23 (Herbert Stan­ ding, comp., Delaware Quaker Records: Early Members of Wilmington Meeting [(1921?)], 213; Wilmington Delaware and Eastern‑Shore Advertiser, 10 Dec. 1794; Easton Maryland Herald, and Eastern Shore Intelligencer, 29 Jan. 1799; Phila‑ delphia Aurora for the Country, 7/8 May

MM—

1807; Wilmington American Watchman; and, Delaware Republican, 7 Oct. 1809; Wilmington Directory, for the year 1814 [(Wilmington, 1814)], 26; Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of Delaware [Dover, 1819], 30; Wilmington American Watchman, 2 Oct. 1819; Wil‑ mington Delaware Advertiser and Farmer’s Journal, 6 Jan. 1831; Megear’s will and estate inventory in New Castle Co. Regis‑ ter of Wills). The enclosed book, Letters of Paul and Amicus: originally published in The Chris­ tian Repository (Wilmington, 1823; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 9 [no. 524]), contained a series of anonymous letters between the  Presbyterian clergyman Eliphalet Wheeler Gilbert writing as “Paul,” which were answered primarily by the Quaker Benjamin Ferris writing as “Amicus.” 1

 Manuscript: “the.”  Manuscript: “Friend.” 3  Manuscript: “the.” 4  Manuscript: “the.” 5  Manuscript: “the.” 6  Manuscript: “their their.” 7  Manuscript: “the.” 2

From Richard Colvin Sir. Baltimore. May 25th 1823. The Ladies, and all the White Women, and all the white Females. (not related to me. connexion, or. kindred of mine.) Are the Pride of their Families. and, they all are, the Pride, of their Country. they are considered so. and they are so. in every Nation. in every Country, and in every clime. Particularly, in the United States. You will Plase, cause them to be Protected and Defended. and they Treated with that high1 Respect due them and their Families. I am the best Bonus Doceat vir. et Homo. in the World. I. non cher‑ chez Nouvelles. I respect the Publick. Serve God. and Love my Country.  613 

2 5 M AY 1 8 2 3

Pardon me, for the freedom I take of Writing to you, thus. I wish good health, and every Respect. The World is Wide. and Man, the noblest work of God. (that2 is not related to me. or kindred of mine.) All Doctors should suffered3 Death many ago. Your very humble Servant. Richard Colvin. RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 27 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL; with TJ’s notation beneath endorsement: “insane.” RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to James Madison, 6 Nov. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson. Esquire. Monticello. virgina”; franked; inconsistently postmarked Bal‑ timore, 23 May. Richard Colvin (d. 1830), merchant, worked by 1796 as a storekeeper in Balti‑ more. By 1810 a city directory listed him as a gentleman without occupation. Col‑ vin was still a resident of Baltimore when he died in Philadelphia (William Thomp‑ son, The Baltimore Town and Fell’s Point Directory [Baltimore, (1796)], 16; Federal Gazette & Baltimore Daily Advertiser, 12 Nov. 1801; William Fry, The Baltimore Directory for 1810 [Baltimore, 1810], 51; Baltimore Patriot & Mercantile Advertiser, 24 Apr. 1830). bonus doceat vir. et homo: “Let a  good man and person teach.” i. non

cherchez nouvelles: “I do not look for anything more.” man, the noblest work of god comes from line 244 of Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man. In Epistles to a Friend. Epistle IV (London, [1734]), 12. In a similar letter of 17 Mar. 1823 to John Quincy Adams, Colvin reported that (one superfluous “of ” editorially omitted) “all white females, throughout the United States .  .  . Complain of being insulted and traduced. It is painful being a witness of their characters being aspersed,” adding that “If the Administration of Justice had been full. It would have prevented such abuse and disgrace” (DNA: RG 59, MLR). 1

 Word interlined.  Omitted opening parenthesis preced‑ ing this word editorially supplied. 3  Word interlined, with “have” added in margin and subsequently canceled by Colvin. 2

To James Steptoe [before 25 May 1823] Thursday if the weather is fine will James Steptoe have soup with a friend? Thos Jefferson Typescript (Miss Irving Guy, Bedford, 1940); undated, but written before the end of TJ’s final visit to Poplar Forest (MB, 2:1396); addressed to Steptoe at “Federal Hill.” Not recorded in SJL.

 614 

Spurious Letter to Mr. Wilder (of Bolton, Massachusetts) [Ed. Note: On 25 June 1830 the Providence, R.I., Literary Subaltern published a letter, afterwards widely reprinted, allegedly dated Mon‑ ticello, 25 May 1823, and sent by TJ to an unnamed “distinguished manufacturer, and capitalist of Massachusetts.” In this document, the purported TJ acknowledges the receipt of a letter dated 10 May 1823 delivered by “Captain Barlow” and accompanied by twenty‑six yards of domestically manufactured “negro cloth,” which he deems inade‑ quate “to the wants of the Virginia slave” but which might be im‑ proved; responds to a query about his views on the “American System” by declaring that “I have always been of opinion, that the people of this nation, should manufacture all the fabricks that their exigences demand” without looking to Europe, and that even the need to seek abroad for “silks and fine linens” will soon end; declines to give his requested “opinion of the merits of Mr. Henry Clay, and his policy for the protection of domestic industry and manufactures,” because of Clay’s presidential candidacy, but declares nevertheless that “I con‑ sider him to be, one of the most talented and brilliant men and states­ man, that the country has ever produced, and should I live many years longer, I hope to see him hold the place of chief executive of the Ameri‑ can republic”; and begs that his remarks be kept from the press. On 6 July 1830 the Richmond Enquirer noticed the letter from the Liter­ ary Subaltern, but the editors cautioned that “we have some doubts of the authenticity of the passage,” based on Thomas M. Randolph’s report in 1827 that he had heard TJ speak unfavorably of Clay. On 23 July 1830 the editors of the Charlottesville Virginia Advocate dis‑ missed the letter as “an UNPRINCIPLED FORGERY,” stating that “We have ourselves examined his autograph correspondence for the entire month of May, 1823,” and that “NO SUCH LETTER IS TO BE FOUND.” The editors further explained that “a friend” had searched all of TJ’s 1823 correspondence, with the only two items “having any reference to the late Presidential election” being TJ to James O. Morse, 30 Apr. 1823, and an extract of TJ to Samuel Smith (of Maryland), 3 May 1823, in both of which TJ refused to name a favorite. Years later the New York Atlas of 26 Nov. 1848 again printed TJ’s alleged letter, this time indicating that it had been addressed “To the Hon. Mr. Wilder, Bolton, Mass.,” and defended its au‑ thenticity. Nevertheless, the text is almost certainly spurious. TJ was not at Monticello on 25 May 1823, but rather was traveling home from  615 

2 5 M AY 1 8 2 3

a visit to Poplar Forest. Neither in SJL nor in TJ’s extant correspon‑ dence is there any evidence of such letters to or from a Mr. Wilder. Finally, in addition to his stated refusal to intervene in this particular election, it would have been highly unusual at any time for TJ to ex‑ press such unguarded political opinions in a letter to a stranger.]

From René Paul Sir, St Louis May 26th 1823. I have taken the liberty of forwarding to you by mail one copy of a work entitled “Elements of Arithmetic”, which I have recently pub‑ lished. Permit me to hope that you will honor me by accepting it, and that if at some convenient time you should give it a perusal, you will have the goodness to let me know whether it meets your approbation. I had occasion some years ago to read several treatises on Arith‑ metic, but was generally disappointed in finding that, though most of them were perfect in a practical point of view yet, they were all or nearly all defective in their demonstrations. The transition from such treatises to any elementary works on Algebra must, in my humble opinion, be very difficult to a student who is not accustomed to make use of his own reasonings; but who, on the contrary, is in the habit of depending on what his teacher might have told him, without bring‑ ing any conviction to his mind. This reason induced me to try to adapt to the american system, the rigour of the french and german methods of demonstrations: I there‑ fore prepared an elementary course of Mathematics; but doubtful whether such a plan would succeed, and living in a remote country, where all kind of difficulties must necessarily be encountered in the publication of a work of this description, I have contented myself with publishing for the present, the first part of the course, which I have even curtailed for reasons of economy; But should this plan be adopted and should you think proper to give it your sanction, I would propose to publish the whole work, consisting of: 1st The Elements of Arithmetic. of which the copy herewith sent, though an abridgment may yet give an idea. 2d The Elements of Algebra. Intending this, to be a continuation of the first part, it is necessary to link them, as it were, together and for that reason it begins after a  few preliminary notions, by the solution of a question similar to those solved in arithmetic; but the reasonings becoming very com‑  616 

2 6 M AY 1 8 2 3

plicated, new symbols are used to facilitate memory and equations are introduced. These equations contain quantities represented by the alphabetical letters, those quantities must be added, subtracted &a &a hence the fun‑ damental operations of arithmetic applied to literal quantities. All these operations being once explained we proceed to the solution of equa‑ tions including the quadratics, giving general ideas on the solution of those of higher degrees. The resolution of quadratic equations leads naturally to evolution, and to the calculations of quantities affected of the radical signs. These matters, to which are added the mode of finding the greatest common measure between several quantities either numeral or literal, and the theory of continued fractions would constitute the first section. The second would contain complete theories of Permutations, ratios, proportions, progressions and logarithms. arithmetical complements being very useful to shorten logarithmic calculations and principally to get rid of negative logarithms will be explained, this last article or chapter would be preceded by some general ideas on the formation of the tables and the manner of using them, for that purpose tables of logarithms, with six decimals, of numbers from 1 to 10000, would be annexed to this volume. The third section would contain applications of the foregoing prin‑ ciples to commercial transactions, such as general rules to calculate single and compound interests, discount and advance, discount or re‑ bate, annuities, perpetuities, &a all of them derived from general for‑ mulæ obtained in the solution of questions relative to those subjects. The fourth section, would contain a series of questions intended for practice, and classed accordingly. 3d The Elements of Geometry. This volume divided into chapters, is to contain all the elementary propositions demonstrated by Playfair, Hutton, Simpson, Bezout, Legendre &a &a in their excellent treatises of Geometry. Of all elementary authors, Bezout being certainly the most intel‑ ligible for young students, I have partly followed his method and, as often as the order in which the propositions are presented, permitted it, I have preserved the demonstrations of some of these great masters. The order of the chapters will be this: 1. Preliminary notions. 2. Lines 3. Angles & their measures 4. triangles 5. perpendicular & oblique lines, Equality of right angled triangles.  617 

2 6 M AY 1 8 2 3

6. Theory of parallels 7. Straight lines considered relatively to the circumference of the circle, and circumferences consd relatively to each others. 8. Angles considered in the circle. 9. Polygons. 10  — dto   considered relatively to the circle. 11. proportional lines 12. similarity of triangles 13  proportional lines considered in the circle 14. similar figures in General. 15  properties of lines drawn within a triangle. 16  Superficies. 17  mensuration of superficies 18  —— dto —— circle 19. comparison of surfaces 20  squares and rectangles of lines within polygons 21  ——— dto ———— dto —— within circles. 22  of planes. 23  Solids. 24. mensuration of the surfaces of solids 25  relation of those surfaces. 26. Angloids. 27  solidity of bodies 28  mensuration of solids 29  similar & symmetrical polyhedrons 30. comparison of solids. Each of the chapters to begin with the definitions of only such ex‑ pressions as are used therein, hence the definitions will be so distrib‑ uted as that all they suppose shall have been previously demonstrated, avoiding thus the great inconvenience generally arising by placing all of them at the beginning of the work. Such is, Sir, the plan that I have followed and on which your opin‑ ion would be greatly gratifying. I am confident that I intrude considerably on your time; but the desire I have to render myself useful to my country in promoting the education of the rising generation, will be my excuse before you. I have the honor to be, very respectfully Sir, your Most Obt Hble St R∴ Paul RC (MHi); at foot of text: “Thos Jefferson Esqre”; endorsed by TJ as received 30 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

Enclosure: Paul, Elements of Arithmetic (Saint Louis, 1823; Poor, Jefferson’s Li­ brary 8 [no. 386]).

 618 

2 6 M AY 1 8 2 3  René Paul (1783–1851), merchant and surveyor, was born in Saint Domingue. Reportedly educated at the École Poly‑ technique in Paris and a veteran of Napo‑ leon’s army, he moved to the United States around 1808. After some time in Philadel‑ phia, Paul moved in 1809 to Saint Louis, Missouri, where he operated as a mer‑ chant both alone and in partnerships until at least 1818. The state of Illinois hired him to survey a canal route from Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, 1823–24, and he was city surveyor of Saint Louis, 1823–28 and 1832–38. Paul owned eight slaves in 1840 and 1850, and in the lat‑ ter year he possessed real estate valued at

$100,000. He died in Saint Louis (Paul Beckwith, Creoles of St. Louis [1893], 25–6; Frederic L. Billon, Annals of St. Louis in its Territorial Days from 1804 to 1821 [1888]; Laws of the State of Illi­ nois, passed by the Tenth General Assem­ bly [1837], 190; Charles D. Drake, The Revised Ordinances of the City of St. Louis [1846], 315–6, 318–20; DNA: RG 29, CS, Mo., Saint Louis, 1840, 1850, 1850 slave schedules; Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 30 May 1851; Paul’s will in Saint Louis pro‑ bate case files). angloids are polyhedral angles (George Bruce Halsted, Rational Geometry [1904], 248).

From Francis Adrian Van der Kemp Dear and Respected Sir! Oldenbarneveld 26 May 1823. I thank you cordially for your last favour of Jan. 19 as I too received again a fair proof—that whatever difficulty may attend the expression of our mind in writing—yet—you possess the full powers of body as well as of mind—whenever you can do good, or art inclined to bestow a new act of kindness—In this every reader would coincide, could I, without your consent, publish the contents of Letters—with which I now and then am honoured—and yet my Brittish Friends Should be gratified, could I place it in their power—to gratify their Readers—as once I was enabled to do—in forwarding them—and why—are these favours witholden—as I can not doubt, as you have it in your power to bestow these, and you cannot suspect, that in any manner, I could abuse your confidence, I do not now recollect, it may be by want of memory—a „Memoir—or rather outlines on the Doctrine and Char‑ acter of Jesus„ upon the plan—of a „Sketch of a desired work„,1 which I published in the IV vol—of the Gen. Repos. and of which—I have now the prospect, that it Shall be executed in Europe by an able hand: It was once undertaken, when death giveth its veto—If you did see the above mentioned outlines—I would copy these—in the hope—of ob‑ taining your criticisms upon it. My sight is nearly gone by pouring— during four years upon the old Dutch Records—and as a Reward for my unwearied Labours—is now the allowed compensation for my con‑ tingent expences—notwithstanding the unrelenting exertions of the late Gov. Clinton—Supported by the Secretary of State witholden— but although this injustice hurts my feelings it can not humble me—  619 

2 6 M AY 1 8 2 3

as long I continue to be honoured with the regards of a Jefferson—an Adams—a Clinton. Although I can not flatter myself—to be often honoured with Let‑ ters, while the writing is penible, and So many others possess far higher claims on your indulgence—yet I live not without hope I might eventually obtain a similar kindness as before—or you might employ an amanuensis as my friend Adams—[o]r you might forward Some art:—to copy these and return the originals—when I punctually Should execute the received orders—and I have an unlimited confidence in the discretion of the Rev. Aspland—the Ed. of the Gen. Repos. in England—while I presume, it must give you some Satisfaction—to See Some of your productions published—and to be informed of their fate— Will you favour me with your Lett. to Dr Price in 1789—on the French Revolution—I obtained those of my friend Adams on the same Subject—I might in due time—make a proper use of it—for which in Such a case, I have my venerable friend’s consent. Have you seen G. Houston’s audacious treatise, Ecce Homo? and what is your opin‑ ion of its worth—if it has any real one? He, unquestionably, possesses Some talents—but—had he not been persecuted—Ecce Homo Soon might have been forgotten—how few recollect now Mirabeau’s Syst. de La Nature—and yet the Stile was elegant— What you understand by Petronius Lac gallinaceum the Italian Latte di Galena? Something more than a dainty dish? Reflecting lately on the Systhem of the Universe—on that of our Planetary—on our Little globe—the whole seems to be concatenated— and ruled by an Intelligent omnipotent good‑Being—creating during all eternity linking the whole together—Superintending the whole— directing all Sensible Beings to a higher degree of perfection. our plan‑ etary System—may thus be as Small a link—of the wonderful whole, as our Little earth is of the Solar System—and a Jefferson—may in a more elevated Station be wonder—within what narrow limits his now extensive knowledge was comprehended—and yet then we Shall see only a part and enjoy increasing happiness—agreably to our moral capacity. May not the same prevail with regard to the Brute creation— the little worm not excepted—born—as Dante Sung—to become once the Angelic Butterfly, and at that moment Newborn.2 Shall begin a new course of Schooling. But I may not abuse your indulgence longer—continue to enjoy health and happiness—the gratitude of your country—the respect and veneration of all who are honoured with your acquaintance—and do well to all around you—  620 

2 7 M AY 1 8 2 3

 I possess only the Philad. ed. of your Not. on Virginia in 1788—Do the following ed. contain any additions? Continue to favour me with a place in your remembrance, and be‑ lieve me with the highest respect Your obliged St Fr. Adr. van der Kemp RC (DLC); one word faint; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 5 June 1823 and so recorded (with mis‑ taken date of composition of 20 May) in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Henry Remsen, 26 Oct. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson LLD at His Seat Monticello”; franked; postmarked Trenton, N.Y., 27 May. For TJ’s previous act of kindness in allowing Van der Kemp to publish anon‑ ymously his “Syllabus of an Estimate of the doctrines of Jesus, compared with those of others,” see TJ to Van der Kemp, 25 Apr. 1816. Van der Kemp sent TJ his memoir—or rather outlines on the doctrine and character of jesus on 1 Nov. 1816 and his sketch of a de‑ sired work on 18 Feb. 1812. John Van Ness Yates was New York’s secretary of state, 1818–26 (DAB). penible: “painful; arduous” (OED). TJ wrote to Richard price concerning the French Revolution on 8 Jan., 19 May, 12 and 17 July, and 13 Sept. 1789 (PTJ, 14:420–4, 15:137–9, 271–2, 279–80, 425). Van der Kemp had recently obtained from John Adams copies of some or all of his letters to Price dated 8 Apr. 1785, 20 May 1789, and 19 Apr. 1790 (Robert J. Taylor and others, eds., Papers of John Adams [1977– ], 17:2–3, 19:469–70, 20: 321–3; Adams to Van der Kemp, 28 Feb. 1823 [PHi: Adams Papers]).

George Houston’s audacious trea‑ tise was an English translation of Paul Henri Thiry, baron d’Holbach, Histoire Critique de Jésus‑Christ, ou, Analyse rai­ sonnée des Evangiles. Ecce Homo (n.p., 1770), which he published in London in 1799 under the title Ecce Homo! or A critical inquiry into the History of Jesus Christ, being A Rational Analysis of the Gospels. Holbach was also the author of mirabeau’s syst. de la nature (see note to TJ to John Adams, 8 Apr. 1816). The ancient Roman author petro‑ nius used the phrase lac gallina‑ ceum (latte di galena) in his Satyri­ con, 38.1–2. Translated as “milk from a chicken,” the phrase has an implied mean‑ ing of uncommon prosperity or abundance (Petronius: Satyricon; Seneca: Apocolo­ cyntosis, ed. and trans. Gareth Schmeling, Loeb Classical Library [2020], 130–1; Petronius: Cena Trimalchionis, ed. and trans. Michael J. Ryan [1905], 159, 183; Martha J. Payne, “‘The Milk of Birds’: A Proverbial Phrase, Ancient and Mod‑ ern, and its Link to Nature,” Athens Jour­ nal of Philology 4 [2017]: 95–110). dante likened human beings to worms destined to become angelic butterflies in canto X of Purgatory (W. S. Merwin, trans., “Dante Alighieri Purgatory X,” Kenyon Review 21 [1999]: 35–40). 1 Omitted closing guillemet editorially supplied. 2 Manuscript: “Newbon.”

From Thomas Leiper Dear Sir [received 27 May 1823] I had wrote you several letters1 which I intend for you but believe me I had not the Courage to forward them from the circumstance of their having too much Vinigar and pepper in them and as I was giv‑ ing you my opinion freely of men perhapes I might mistaken and from  621 

2 7 M AY 1 8 2 3

that circumstance I retained them—But notwithstanding I am obliged to believe with Sterne from my own person knowledge—That “if 2 there was neither Hell nor Gibbet mankind might be better” or if you please with Mathew Carey “say3 what you will of the Dignity of Hu‑ mane nature man is wratched animal” President Monroe sent me his Message which I returned him my best thanks for it and I added which I am of the opinion now I had better not his Constitutional scruples respecting Canals and Turnpike4 roads and give him an ex‑ tract from one of your letters to me “What a misfortune we should have War if we could remained in peace a few years we should have seen this whole Country Chequered with Canals and Turnpike Roads” Now I take it for Granted the Constitution would not stood in your way had you been President for this thing could not have been done without the Aid of the General Goverment—It has been a great mis‑ fortune to this country the opinions of Madison & Monroe they cer‑ tainty have put the improvements of the country many years Back—I have had four Draw Back in my life in the Line of Pounds & pence you must undertand in Our Revolutionary War I wanted to get Richer than my Snuff Mills would let me and went to sea and most all I had made for years was put into a new ship or Brig untill they amounted to Eight my share in them when brought to the scale amounted to Eight Thousand Pounds—Admiral Digby came on our Coast with Fifty Frigates and he took the whole I was concerned in in Six months but you must undertand some of these Vessels made5 Voyages so that we made some thing in the same Traffic but I was the only one in the Concern that was not Ruined but it turned out very fortunate for me at this period and for years after the manufacturing of Snuff was a very Coining of money—As you wish to know how I am I will retail to you how matters stand with me—I have been puting too much Faith in man and those men too I tooked to be my friends—I have been indorsing their paper to the amount of some 40,000 Dollars— Twenty Thousand I have paid but what with the Curtailing of Banks which I have found very inconvenient and this curtailing has been all over our Country which has been the cause of bad collections and the Banks are Harrasing the whole trading people of this country—My Agent went South with Accounts to the Amount of $35,000 and Old Tobacco Accounts to the Amount of some 100,000℔ of Tobacco how he will succeed I shall be better able to inform at his return It is very true I got Real Estate to cover those endorsment but cannot sell any part but at a very great sacrifice I have comfort in the opinion of John Adams wherin he mentions he seen the end of Three Wars and that he has seen the6 depreciation of Real Estate7 at the end of each my mind  622 

2 7 M AY 1 8 2 3

is made up to hold on with my Real Estate for a better market—But I will Dwell no longer on this subject8 for the very Idea is painfull— I am Blest in my family I have three sons Living and Six daughers and Twenty Three Grand Children all endeavouring to make me happy My Eldest son George is 36 years Old he has the Merchant the saw Mills a Large Farm and the saw Mill for stone—and the Stone quar‑ ries and is doing well he is of great service to Me—My son William took a Degree at our University Two years ago and has been in the line of my business ever since my Poor Son Samuel took a degree at our University last June went to the Snuff Mills and by want of Care stept into a Kettle of Boiling water and Scalded himself as high as the Knees and has been Noursed these Five9 months and it will be some Considerable time longer before he is well—Four of my Daughers are married to men of Character and stand well in society Notwithstand‑ ing what I have wrote I have great reason to be truly thankfull altho’ I must acknowledge debt comming against me is not so comfortable that I never expected—I was affraid I had disobliged you by sending the Two Portraits of Boneparte but Doctor Watson inform me you never knew from whence they came so from that circumstance you could not acknowledge the receipt but the late Edward Trent of Rich‑ mond was much to Blame who took charge of them and I have no doubt but I accompanied them with a note to you—In your letter to me their is an Idea conveyed that I have mentioned some thing re‑ specting your Religion and seemed rather disobliged if I did I do not remember it indeed I think I could not for I never knew what they were and I am certain no One ever informed me But my reason for send you Towers Book was to shew you that King and Priestcraft10 would be speedly at an end—I rejoice when I look round me and see how Rapidly this very thing is comming to pass the downfall of Tyarnny and the introduction civil Liberty You are done with Poli‑ tics I am sorry for it men of your great powers should hold out to the end of the Chapter and I hope you will see and use Your best means the absolute necessity that republics should have an Aliance as well as Despots—Great Britain will join us for their are still some choice Spirits there for they have rose in my estimation within these Two months Twenty Five per Cent You observe to me you read nothing but Morality my System of Morality is to be found in the 20th chaper of Exodus consisting of Ten commendments which was delivered by God to Mosses on mount Sinia which I believe to be a complete sum‑ mary of the moral Law and look no further—I observe with a degree of pain that your Mr F— (whose name I do not recollect) wishes to be sent to Congress again and assigns as a reason if they do return him  623 

2 7 M AY 1 8 2 3

he will not Vote for John Q Adams for he was concerned in Making a Treaty that had deprived the southern States of Two Slave States This Doctrine must be popular or he would not have used it I have been informed formerly by a great number of Virginia Gentlemen that they were Cursed with that thing called Slavery notwithstand‑ ing the members of Congress to the south of the Patomac all Voted in favor of Extending it to Missouria—Sterne says very Justly “a Tree is known by its Fruit not its Blossoms.”—How do you like the imported of Wheat and Flour Their has been Three Cargoes import into New York the last Consisted of 100 Tons we have had but one Cargoe here but we will have more for my neighbor Mr Paul Beck who is a very correct merchant says it will pay a very good Freight from that cir‑ cumstance we will have more of it—But John Taylor says we must purchase where we can produse it Cheapest—Chaptall is of a Differ­ ent opinion and may add all the nations of Europe The Best news I can tell you from here is the sum necessary for making the Canal be‑ tween the Delaware and Chesapeake is almost subscribed and their is no doubt of the Balance and the work will speedly progress—Here I have wrote Two sheets and I expect to be answered by Four for you can write Four sooner than I can do one and More to the purpose— You may write freely for no one sees your letters but myself and you may rely on it no part of them will be retailed unless11 it is answer some good purpose—I am with the greatest esteem and constant friendship and respect Thomas Leiper RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40054–7); undated; endorsed by TJ as a letter of May 1823 received 27 May 1823. Re‑ corded in SJL as a letter “without date” received 27 May 1823. The phrase vinigar and pepper is in William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, act 3, scene 4. if there was neither hell nor gibbet mankind might be better is a variant of “But men are worse than they need be, though there were nei‑ ther hell nor gibbet in the question,” spu‑ riously attributed to Laurence Sterne and originally published in [Richard Griffith], The Posthumous Works of a late Cele­ brated Genius, Deceased (London, 1770), 1:114. mathew carey wrote “Say what we will of the ‘dignity of human nature,’ man is a wretched animal” (An Appeal to Common Sense and Common Justice; or, Irrefragable Facts opposed to Plausible The­

ories: Intended to prove the extreme injus­ tice, as well as the utter impolicy, of the existing tariff [2d ed., Philadelphia, 1822], 81). one of your letters to me: TJ to Leiper, 25 May 1808 (DLC), in which he wrote “give us peace till our revenues are liberated from debt, and then, if war be necessary, it can be carried on without a new tax or loan, and during peace we may chequer our whole country with ca‑ nals, roads Etc.” voyages: journeys or expeditions “un‑ dertaken with a military purpose” (OED). On 10 Jan. 1820 the Manufacturers’ & Farmers’ Journal, and Providence and Paw­ tucket Advertiser printed an extract of a 14 Dec. 1819 letter from john adams to editor William E. Richmond explaining that three wars (Adams wrote of four) in his lifetime had each “been followed by a general distress, embarrassments on Commerce, destruction of Manufactures;

 624 

2 8 M AY 1 8 2 3 fall of the price of Produce and of Lands, similar to these we feel at the present day— and all produced by the same causes.” our university: the University of Pennsyl‑ vania. Leiper informed TJ of his gift of two portraits of Napoleon in his letter of 30 Nov. 1815. Edward W. trent died in Richmond in 1818 (Richmond Enquirer, 22 May 1818). In a letter of 21 Jan. 1809 to Leiper (DLC), TJ acknowledged the receipt of Joseph Lomas Towers’s book entitled Il­ lustrations of Prophecy, 2 vols. (London, 1796; repr. Philadelphia, 1808; Sowerby, no. 1548), but he added that “religion is not the subject for you & me. neither of us knows the religious opinions of the other. that is a matter between our maker & ourselves. we understand one another better in politics.” Earlier in the same letter TJ wrote that “my religious read‑ ing has long been confined to the moral branch of religion.” The biblical ten commendments are given in Exodus 20.2–17 and Deuter‑ onomy 5.6–21. John Floyd (mr f—), of Botetourt County, won reelection to the

United States House of Representatives in 1823. He based his opposition to the presi‑ dential election of John Quincy Adams on the Adams‑Onís treaty (Richmond Enquirer, 25 Apr. 1823, and elsewhere). Griffith’s abovementioned Posthumous Works of a late Celebrated Genius, 2:35, includes the maxim that “A tree is to be judged by its fruit not its blos‑ soms,” which in turn is adapted from a biblical parable, “for the tree is known by his fruit” (Matthew 12.33). 1

 Leiper here erased “before.”  Omitted opening quotation mark pre‑ ceding this word editorially supplied. 3  Opening single quotation mark pre‑ ceding this word editorially altered to double. 4  Manuscript: “Turnpile.” 5  Manuscript: “mad.” 6  Manuscript: “the the.” 7  Preceding three words interlined. 8  Manuscript: “suject.” 9  Word interlined in place of “Four.” 10  Manuscript: “Piestcraft.” 11  Manuscript: “uness.” 2

To John J. Chapman Sir Monticello May 28. 23 On my return Home after a considerable absence I find here your favor of the 16th with a copy of Peter’s letters to his kinsfolk. of this work I am sure we shall feel the advantage when we proceed to form our code of regulns for the University of Virginia to the thanks of which instn you will be justly entitled for this contribn to it’s success, and I pray you to accept mine also with the assurance of my great esteem & respect Th:J FC (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40045, 40053); written in TJ’s hand on two small por‑ tions of reused address cover to TJ; at foot of text: “I. J. Chapman esq.”

 625 

To Green Clay Sir Monticello May 28. 23. Your favor of the 4th is just now recieved, and I am sorry it is not in my power to give you any information on the subject of your en‑ quiries. such a length of time has elapsed, so much is my memory impaired by age, and so much other matter has since past through it, dislodging what had preceded, that not a trace remains of any treaty with the Cherokees concerning the lands you mention. if such a one was concluded with1 the US. it would be found with their laws; if by the state of Virginia, it may have been among the records destroyed by the British, in which case it could only be found among the Chero‑ kees, who may have preserved it. with my regret that I cannot aid you with any recollections be pleased to accept assurances of my high re‑ spect & esteem Th: Jefferson RC (KyRE: Clay Collection); addressed: “Genl Green Clay Madison county Ken‑ tucky”; franked; postmarked; endorsed by Clay. FC (DLC); on verso of portion

of reused address cover; in TJ’s hand and endorsed by him. 1 FC:

“by.”

To Claudius F. Gojon Sir Monticello May 28. 23 The time for opening the University of Virginia being quite in­ definite, and depending on future acts of the legislature the Visitors deem it premature to take measures as yet on the subject of Profes‑ sors. it’s commencement, when fixed, will be announced in the public papers. Accept my respectful salutations. Th: Jefferson SC (ViU: TJP); at foot of text: “Mr Gojon”; with endorsement by TJ on verso mistakenly dated 12 May 1823, the date of the letter by Gojon to which TJ was responding.

From Gilbert J. Hunt Respected sir, New York May 28 1823 I have enclosed 2 prospectus of a new work, the latter part of which will embrace one of the most important circumstances, singular & extraordinary, that has been know for eighteen centerues perhaps. I had the honor of receiving your Signature to the Prospectus of the “Late war, in the scripteral style,”—some years ago, forwarded on to me with the money in advance more than the supscription price; you  626 

2 8 M AY 1 8 2 3

will be pleased to put your Signature to the two papers, and return them with such Donation for my Suffering children as you think proper;—and on the publication of 1 the work it may be refunded, and as I look up to you as one of the fathers of my country, I have no doubt of your goodness towards suffering humanity; I should not have introduced my pecuniary affairs, had not mine been and is one of the most extraordinary2 nature in the world, my sensibillity is so extreme and misfortunes so great that in reality the cup of my misery has been overflown. Yours Respectfully G. J. Hunt No 5 Burling slip RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 3 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to David Bailie Warden, 31 Oct. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr. Late President of the U.S. Monticello. Virginia”; franked; postmarked New York, 28 May. The enclosed prospectus of a new work was probably the Proposal for Publishing by Subscription, the Poetical Works of Gilbert John Hunt (undated broadside in DLC: Printed Ephemera Collection), giving three examples of his work consisting of a poem entitled “Lines, Occasioned by a visit on board the Washington 74,” another on “Morning and Evening,” and an extract from his “Elegy on the death of Mrs. M. Hunt”; noting that the book will include “a very interesting ac-

count of the author’s wonderful Suicide, with the circumstances that led to this shocking catastrophe, and his miraculous resuscitation to life, by almighty power”; stating that the proposed publication is to be “about 300 pages duodecimo size,” that it will cost subscribers $1 and go to press on the attainment of 500 names, and that anyone who obtains ten subscriptions will receive a free copy; indicating that, “As the proceeds are to be chiefly appropriated to the support and education of his 6 orphan children, the subscribers names will be published at the end of the volume, as donators”; and ending with blanks for  the name and residence of subscribers. No such volume seems to have been published. 1

 Manuscript: “on.”  Manuscript: “extrodinary.”

2

From William C. Preston Sir Columbia1 May 28th 1823. r A letter of yours to Maj Campbell of Richmond on the subject the controvercy between Governor Shelby and myself has been recently published in the Enquirer. whether with or without your consent I am ignorant; I beg you to be assured that altho’ no one can be more sensible than I am of the high authority of your illustrious name, I have had no agency in bringing it into this controvercy.2 I hope my friend Campbell obtained your approbation before he ventured to do so and that I may add a sense of personal obligations to the sentiments with which I am Sir Your most obt sevt Wm C Preston  627 

2 8 M AY 1 8 2 3  RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 8 June 1823 from “Columbia?” and so recorded in SJL. On 24 Nov. 1822 TJ wrote to Thomas Mann Randolph giving his approbation

to the printing of his letter of 10 Nov. 1822 to John Campbell. 1  Remainder of dateline adjacent to closing. 2 Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied.

From William Lambert Sir, City of Washington, May 29th 1823. Since the close of the last session of Congress, I have turned my attention to a strict examination of such parts of my astronomical cal‑ culations, given in abstract, as relate to solar eclipses and occultations of fixed stars by the Moon, by various methods and rules, referring to the equator, as well as to the Ecliptic, that the results contained in the report made in November, 1821, might be impartially tested, and their accuracy or defects exhibited to the view of Congress at their next session.—The coincidence obtained by the use of those different methods and rules, in the Moon’s parallaxes in longitude and latitude, must prove to the conviction of every intelligent and unprejudiced mind, that the principles on which the work is founded, and the pro‑ cess connected therewith, are correct. On comparing the results thus determined, with those given in the report, I find a variance of only 5 feet, 9 inches of our admeasurement, or about − ₁− ¹₆ of a second of longitude,—I have always thought, that occultations and solar eclipses were the best methods which can be adopted to obtain an accurate result of the longitude of a place, because the process of calculation admits of a reduction of both the latitude, as referred to the centre of the Earth, and of the Moon’s equatorial horizontal parallax, according to the true or spheroidal form of the Earth. Having proposed the subject of a first meridian to the consider‑ ation of Congress, in December, 1809, and called their attention re‑ peatedly to its establishment, since that time, I am unwilling to see it abandoned, or the efforts made to lay a foundation, under‑rated, or disregarded. A permanent security of our independence on foreign kingdoms or states, in this respect, and the dissemination of knowl‑ edge among our fellow‑citizens relating to an useful branch of science, were contemplated by me, when the original calculations were sub‑ mitted, and I have spared no labor or effort which I supposed might contribute to an ultimate completion of this national object. A com‑ mencement, it is true, has been made, and sanctioned by the consti‑  628 

2 9 M AY 1 8 2 3

tuted authorities of the government; but if it be allowed to stop here, all that has been done, will be of little or no importance; for if the distance between the meridians of the Capitol, in Washington, and Greenwich, were ascertained to a hair’s breadth, it would be of no use to our mariners and geographers. A first meridian for any coun‑ try, is a national concern, and must be confirmed, and decided on by its government, otherwise, the exertions of one or more individuals to establish it, are, and must be unavailing. I have taken the liberty to state to you, in what manner my time has been employed; and should be much gratified to have my work, in manuscript, examined by some competent person, friendly disposed to its author, and interested in the accomplishment of the object he has long had in view. I am now, and have been for some time past, of opinion, that without the active, persevering exertions of influential lovers of science, whose station and character in society entitle their opinions to peculiar respect, all that I have done, or can do, for the es‑ tablishment of a national meridian for the United States, will fall to the ground, and be as little regarded as the “baseless fabric of a vision.” I have the honor to be, with great respect, Your most obedt ­servant, William Lambert. RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 1 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Daniel Brent, 6 Nov. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Honble Thomas Jeffer­ son, Monticello, Albemarle County, Vir‑ ginia”; franked; postmarked Washington, 29 May.

Lambert’s report made in novem‑ ber, 1821, was included in the enclosure to his 18 Mar. 1822 letter to TJ. base‑ less fabric of a vision is adapted from William Shakespeare, The Tempest, act 4, scene 1.

To Michael Megear

Monticello May 29. 23.

I thank you, Sir, for the copy of the letters of Paul & Amicus which you have been so kind as to send me, and shall learn from them with satisfaction the peculiar tenets of the Friends, and particularly their opinions on the incomprehensibilities (otherwise called the myster‑ ies) of the trinity. I think with them on many points, and especially on missionary and Bible societies. while we have so many around us, within the same social pale, who need instruction and assistance, why carry to a distance, and to strangers, what our own neighbors need? it is a duty certainly to give our sparings to those who want: but to see also that they are faithfully distributed, & duly apportioned to the  629 

2 9 M AY 1 8 2 3

respective wants of the recievers. and why give thro’ agents whom we know not, to persons whom we know not, and in countries from which we get no account, when we can do it at short hand, to objects under our eye, thro’ agents we know, and to supply wants we see? I do not know that it is a duty to disturb by missionaries the religion and peace of other countries, who may think themselves bound to ex‑ tinguish by fire and faggot the heresies to which we give the name of conversions, and quote our own example for it. were the Pope, or his Holy allies to send in mission to us some thousands of Jesuit priests to convert us to their Orthodoxy I suspect that we should deem and treat it as a National aggression on our peace and faith. I salute you in the spirit of peace and good will. Th: Jefferson RC (PHC: Charles Roberts Autograph Collection); addressed: “Mr Michael Me­ gear Wilmington Del.”; franked; post‑ marked. PoC (DLC).

holy allies refers to the Holy Alliance.

To William C. Somerville Sir Monticello May 29. 23. On my return home yesterday, after a considerable absence I find here your favor of the 8th with the volume you have been so kind as to send me on the French revolution. I have not yet had time to pe‑ ruse it; but from a cursory view into parts of it I find it written in a spirit which harmonises with my own and promises me information as to events which were subsequent to those of which I was an eye‑ witness. for this gratification be pleased to accept my thanks, and as‑ surances of my great respect and esteem. Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); at head of text in an unidentified hand: “esqr.” RC (Califor‑ nia Book Auction Co., San Francisco, auction 92, 19 May 1973, lot 3); address cover only; addressed: “William C. Somer‑ ville esq. N. Calvert Street Baltimore”; stamped; franked; postmarked. William Clarke Somerville (1790–1826), soldier and planter, was born in Saint Mary’s County, Maryland, and attended the College of William and Mary, 1808–09. He reportedly served as a militia officer during the War of 1812 before going to Europe in 1817, where he traveled for a few years and wrote his Letters From Paris, on the Causes and Consequences of

the French Revolution (Baltimore, 1822; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 4 [no. 103]). Somerville sought to aid South American independence by accepting a commission in the Venezuelan army in 1820. Two years later he returned home and pur‑ chased Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County, Virginia. John Quincy Adams ap‑ pointed Somerville to be chargé d’affaires to Sweden in 1825, but later in the year he ordered him instead to Greece as the American agent there. Somerville only got as far as France before dying in Auxerre. He was buried at his own request at La Grange, Lafayette’s estate. In his will Somerville bequeathed most of his prop‑ erty to his brother but stipulated that his

 630 

2 9 M AY 1 8 2 3 slaves were to be freed after reaching spec­ ified ages. The request does not seem to have been honored (Charles B. Tiernan, The Tiernan Family in Maryland [1898], 92–117; Ethel Armes, Stratford Hall: The Great House of the Lees [Richmond, 1936], 411–21; William and Mary Provisional List, 37; JEP, 3:446, 447 [9 Mar. 1825]; Clay, Papers, 4:113, 255–6, 624–5, 862–3;

Washington Daily National Journal, 16 Mar. 1826). Somerville’s favor of the 8th May 1823, not found, is recorded in SJL as received 27 May from Baltimore. He ­enclosed therein his Letters From Paris, which he also sent to John Adams the same day and to James Madison on 9 May 1823 (MHi: Adams Papers; Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:50).

To Francis Tillett Sir Monticello May 29. 23. After an absence of considerable time, I find on my return your favor of the 1st instant stating some mathematical propositions for my consideration. a devotion of my attentions for more than half a cen‑ tury to subjects of a very different character has so far lessened my familiarity with these, that I cannot presume to offer myself as a judge of their merit. nor, at the age of 80, do I permit myself to undertake speculations requiring so severe an application of the mind. still I think, with you that the exact sciences are the best exercises possible for youthful minds, the most effectual for strengthening their reason‑ ing powers, and for giving them habits of accuracy in the processes of deduction. nor should I fear that any improvement would render them too easy; because they will still find enough beyond these for all their powers of investigation.—I return you the paper, according to request, not on the ground suggested in your letter, but that you may be enabled to make a more useful disposition of it, and I salute you with great respect. Th: Jefferson PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; at foot of text: “Mr Tillett”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure not found. Francis Tillett, educator, lived by 1809 in Charles Town (later West Virginia), where he conducted a school and may also have been the proprietor of a tavern. By 1814 he relocated to and taught in Win‑ chester. Tillett afterwards moved to Stras‑ burg, Shenandoah County, living there until at least 1820 and serving as post‑ master in 1818. Tillett returned by 1823 to Winchester, where the following year he published his work entitled A New Key to the Exact Sciences; or, a new and prac­

tical theory by which mathematical prob­ lems or algebraic equations of almost every description can be solved with accuracy (Charles Town Farmer’s Repository, 7 July 1809, 13 Apr., 13 July 1810; Win‑ chester Republican Constellation, 19 Feb. 1814; Axelson, Virginia Postmasters, 174; DNA: RG 29, CS, Jefferson Co., 1810, Shenandoah Co., 1820). Tillett’s favor of the 1st May 1823, not found, is recorded in SJL as received 8 May 1823 from Winchester. Writing from the same town on 8 Feb. 1823, Til‑ lett sent the United States Department of State a letter explaining his mathemat‑ ical ideas that was presumably similar in

 631 

2 9 M AY 1 8 2 3 content to his missing epistle to TJ (RC in DNA: RG 59, MLR; endorsed by Dan‑ iel Brent as received 11 Feb. 1823, with

the notation “mathematical and algebraic problems”).

To Peter Birkman Monto May 30. 23. I thank you, Sir, for your Chart of German grammar simplified, which I shall preserve for the use of our Univty whenever it shall be opened. this depending on future acts of our legislature, renders it indefinite in point of time. it has often been a subject of regret to me that I never learned the German language, now1 among the richest depositories of human2 science: I regret it particularly on the present3 occn as it disqualifies me from duly appreciating the value of this work. I pray you to accept my respectful salutns. Dft (DLC); on verso of portion of re‑ used address cover; at head of text: “mr Peter Birkman. Harrisburg”; endorsed by TJ.

1

 TJ here canceled “the de.”  Word interlined.  Preceding four words interlined in place of “the more on this.” 2 3

From John Brockenbrough Sir, Richmond 30th May 1823 From your well known patronage of the arts I take the liberty of ask‑ ing some information concerning the construction of water‑cisterns. Our arid climate & the difficulty of obtaining good well‑water at my residence render a resort to this plan of domestic economy indispen‑ sible to the comfort of my family—I have hitherto had a wooden cis‑ tern made after the manner of the ordinary tan‑vat, that has served my purpose completely, but it begins to decay near the surface of the ground, & I wish to substitute it with something more durable. I understand that you have cisterns of brick, lined with Roman cement, that are perfectly tight. From the failure of attempts in that way with us, I presume the defect must be in the workmanship, & you will con‑ fer a favor on me by taking the trouble to make me acquainted with the proper mode of constructing them to ensure success. For this in‑ trusion on your time I can offer no sufficient apology—   With very high respect John Brockenbrough RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by TJ as received 3 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

Brockenbrough’s residence, built in 1818 and located on East Clay Street in Richmond, was occupied by Jefferson

 632 

3 0 M AY 1 8 2 3 Davis during the Civil War and became known as the White House of the Con‑

federacy (Calder Loth, ed., The Virginia Landmarks Register [4th ed., 1999], 447).

To Thomas Cooper Dear Sir Monticello May 30. 23. I am sorry to learn by your letter of the 6th that the genus irritabile vatum revive their persecutions against you in a state on whose lib‑ eral opinions I had believed that1 fanaticism had no hold. I still hope you will be safe under the wing of the legislature which has given such eminent proofs of their sense of your value to them. the question you ask with respect to this place is one which nothing of recent date enables me to answer. in our earliest form of a Central college you had evidence of the favorable dispositions of the board of visitors towards you. not but that even then there was some opposition, excited by the clamors of the same tritheistical hierophants, and listened to by some from fears respecting2 the success of our college. since the change of our institution into it’s present form, it’s commencement has been too indefinite and distant, and so continues to be, to have given occasion to any expression of sentiment among us,3 as to Professors; and4 es‑ pecially as to yourself, whom we considered as firmly fixed5 in your new situation, attached by the marked favors of those who conduct it, and6 withdrawn from our legitimate views by the moral observances due to a sister institution. hence it has happened never to have become a subject of conversation among us;7 nor has any circumstance8 oc‑ curred to indicate either9 a change or continuance10 of disposition in our board. I presume however that the same persons who were anx‑ ious for your services before, would be so now, were you disengaged: and whether the scruples or alarms of others are strengthened or weak‑ ened, I have no data to decide. should the legislature remit our debt, as we hope, at their next session, we shall11 then have to take measures for engaging Professors. all eyes and wishes being turned to the Uni‑ versity, I do not suppose that a private and rival12 school of either chemistry or law would be looked on favorably in this neighborhood. I hope however that the grounds for these enquiries on your part will13 vanish before the sounder views of the more enlightened patrons of science in that state;14 and that you will be left free to chuse for yourself whether to remain there or to look elsewhither. You inclose me a newspaper, supposing it to contain some editorial remarks, a letter of Ignatius Thompson Etc. of interesting character. the one I recieve, the Columbian Register of New‑Haven of May 10.  633 

3 0 M AY 1 8 2 3

contains no such matter, nor any thing remarkable but the message15 of their Governor, which, like Bayes’s Prologue, might do as well for an Epilogue, and equally for either to one play as well as another.16 I presume you have laid your hand on a different paper from that in‑ tended. I salute you with constant friendship & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ViU: TJP); addressed: “Doctr Thomas Cooper Columbia S.C.”; franked; postmarked; endorsed by Cooper. Dft (DLC); on portion of reused sheet. genus irritabile vatum: “the fret‑ ful tribe of bards” (Horace, Epistles, 2.2.102, in Fairclough, Horace: Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica, 432–3). The gov‑ ernor of Connecticut was Oliver Wolcott. In act 1, scene 1, of the play The Rehearsal (London, 1672; for other eds., see Sow‑ erby, nos. 4608, 4426) by George Villiers, 2d Duke of Buckingham, the character Bayes writes a play with a nonsensical prologue and epilogue, “which may both serve for either” (p. 7). 1  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “hoped.” 2  Reworked in Dft from “listened to from a fear of it’s affecting.” 3  Preceding two words added in mar‑ gin of Dft. 4  In Dft TJ here canceled “more.”

5  Word interlined in Dft in place of “ establd.” 6  Remainder of sentence reworked in Dft from “towds whom the moral obser‑ vances due to a sister instn seemed to for‑ bid our further views.” 7  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 8  In Dft TJ here canceled “whatever.” 9  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “manifest whether there had been any.” 10  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 11   In Dft TJ here canceled “immediately.” 12  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 13  In Dft TJ here canceled “disappear.” 14  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft. 15  Word interlined in Dft in place of “speech.” 16  Preceding six words interlined in Dft in place of “any other play.”

From Frederick W. Hatch Dear Sir [received 30 May 1823] Our Library is statu quo. We expect however to have our room (Mr Leschous old abode) fitted up in a few days. We receive some dona‑ tions occasionally & are about to apply to our City Booksellers for propositions.—I thank you for the Catalogue, wh will be of much use to us, & as soon as I can command my time, will do myself y e pleasure to call on you with a view to some advice as to y e point you suggested to Mr Garrett.—I go to Orange tomorrow but early next week hope to see you.—I write amid y e pressure of y e duties of my School & some confusion of ideas wh must plead my apology for present defects.— I am Dear Sir Very affecty Yours F W Hatch—  634 

3 1 M AY 1 8 2 3  RC (MHi); undated; addressed: “Thos Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 30 May 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

To Thomas Leiper Dear Sir Monticello May 31. 23.1 On my late return from Bedford I found here your three favors of May 9. 13. and [blank]2 the millet you have been so kind as to send me is not yet arrived. accept my thanks for it, as well as for the de‑ tails as to it’s culture and produce. I shall turn it over to my grandson Th: J. Randolph, to whom I have committed the management of the whole of my agricultural concerns, in3 which I was never skilful and am now4 entirely unequal to them from age and debility. he had re‑ cieved some seed of the same kind from another quarter, and had sowed an acre and a half by way of experiment. to this he will add what you are so kind as to send if it comes in time. we had heard much of it’s great produce, and particularly in Kentucky. we have also obtained a little of the genuine Guinea grass, a plant of great and nu‑ tricious produce. this too is under trial. Withdrawn entirely from agriculture, I am equally so from the business of the world, and especially from political concerns, which I trust entirely to the generation of the day, without enquiry, or read‑ ing but a5 single newspaper. I shall therefore, according to your per‑ mission, consign the several6 valuable pamphlets you have sent me, to some of our members of Congress, or others in power,7 who may use them to advantage. I am sure however I should read your vinegar & pepper letters with pleasure, should you send them on; for whenever I have been confounded in the labyrinth, of Pensylvania politics espe‑ cially, I have ever applied to you for their clue, and have found myself kept right by your information.8 I am all alive however to the war of Spain, and it’s atrocious invasion by France. I trust it will9 end in an universal insurrection of continental Europe, & in the establishment of representative government in every country of it. we surely see the finger of Providence in the insanity of France, which brings on this great consummation. I learn from you with great satisfaction the details concerning your family and their happy and prosperous progress in10 life. your own losses by endorsements are heavy indeed. I do not know whether you may recollect how loudly my voice was raised against the establish‑ ment of banks in their beginning. but, like that of Cassandra, it was not listened to. I was set down as a madman by those who have since  635 

3 1 M AY 1 8 2 3

them.11

been victims to I little thought then how much I was to suffer by them myself. for I too am taken in, by endorsements for a friend, to the amount of 20,000.D. for the payment of which I shall have to make sale of that much of my property the ensuing winter. and yet the general revolution of property12 which these institutions have pro‑ duced, seems not at all to have cured our country of this mania. Your last letter first enables me to return you the thanks so long due and unrendered for the two13 prints of Bonaparte; being the first information I have recieved that they came from you. they came to me without the least indication from what quarter. I went to the village of Milton and enquired of the boatmen, who could tell me nothing more than that they were delivered to them, for me, by a person whom they did not know; and the present was so magnificent that I really suspected it came from Joseph Bonaparte, or some of the refugee French14 Generals then with us. Dr Watson first15 suggested that he believed they had come from you, and that you had never learnt their safe reception. I prayed him, on his return to Philadelphia, to ascertain the fact, and your letter now, for the first time gives me the informa‑ tion desired. I pray you to be assured that nothing but this ignorance could so long have witheld my just acknolegements for this mark of your friendship, so splendid16 and so acceptable. You suppose that in some letter of mine an idea is conveyed of dis‑ satisfaction on my part for something mentioned by you17 on the sub‑ ject of my religion. certainly no letter of mine to you can ever have expressed such an idea. I never heard of any animadversion of yours on my religion, and I believe that is one of the subjects on which our conversation never turned, and that neither of us ever knew what was the religion of the other. on this point I suppose18 we are both equally tolerant and charitable. I am far from being in the condition of easy writing which your let‑ ter supposes, with two crippled wrists, the one scarcely able to move my pen, the other to hold my paper. this two‑fold misfortune, the one of antient date now aggravated by age, the other recent, renders writ‑ ing so slow and painful, that nothing can induce me to approach my writing table but business indispensable, or the irresistable impulse to assure my friends, as I now do you, of my constant and affectionate friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson P. S. my tobo being all sent to Richmd it is not in my power to send you a leaf as requested RC (NNC: Alfred C. Berol Collection of American Revolution Documents); brack‑

ets in original. Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 224:40052); on reused address cover of

 636 

2 JUNE 1823 John Ponsonby Martin to TJ, 25 Jan. 1823; undated; lacking postscript; en‑ dorsed by TJ as a letter of 31 May 1823 to “Lieper Thomas.” TJ’s endorsements for a friend were on behalf of the late Wilson Cary Nicholas. Leiper’s last letter to TJ was one received 27 May 1823. 1 Dateline

not in Dft.  Thus in RC, with underscored blank space in Dft. 3  Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “plantations, for.” 4  In Dft TJ here canceled “become.” 5  Reworked in Dft from “without enquir‑ ing after them, or reading more than a.” 6  Word interlined in Dft in place of “many.” 7  Preceding four words interlined in Dft. 2

 8 Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 9 In Dft TJ here canceled “raise.” 10  Word interlined in Dft in place of “thro’.” 11 Sentence interlined in Dft. 12 Dft: “fortunes.” 13 Word interlined in Dft. 14 Word interlined in Dft. 15 Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft in place of “mentd to me that he had heard he thought something from you as havg sent me some prints but knew not whether they had been recd.” 16  Word interlined in Dft in place of “costly.” 17  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 18  Word interlined in Dft in place of “believe.”

From John C. Calhoun Dear Sir, Washington 2d June 1823 I take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance Mr Ruggles, who, in taking an excursion on account of his health, intends to visit your neighbourhood and is desireous to pay his respects [to]1 one, who occupies so much of the affection of the American people, as yourself. He is a young gentleman of respectability, and I take much pleasure in gratifying his desire of making your acquaintance.2 I am with very great respect & esteem Your ob: Sert J. C. Calhoun RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 12 June 1823 and so recorded (with ad‑ ditional notation: “by mr Ruggles”) in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to Joel Yancey, 1 Apr. 1824, on verso; addressed: “Hon Thos Jefferson Bedford—Virginia” by “Mr Ruggles.” mr ruggles was most likely William Ruggles (1797–1877), educator, who was born in Rochester, Massachusetts, and graduated from Brown University in 1820. In 1822 he became a tutor at Columbian College (later Columbian University, and afterward George Washington University)

in Washington, D.C., and that same year he visited John Adams. Ruggles remained at Columbian, where he was a professor successively of mathematics and natural philosophy, 1824–55, mechanical philos‑ ophy and astronomy, 1855–60, mathe‑ matics and civil polity, 1861–65, and po‑ litical economy and civil polity, 1865–74. He also served the college as acting presi‑ dent, 1841–43, 1854–55, and 1858–59, and was professor emeritus when he died at Schooley’s Mountain, Morris County, New Jersey (William Cathcart, ed., The Bap­ tist Encyclopædia [rev. ed., 1883], 251–4, 1014–5; Historical Catalogue of Brown

 637 

2 JUNE 1823 University, 1764–1904 [1905], 128; How‑ ard L. Hodgkins, comp., Historical Cata­ logue of the Officers and Graduates of The Columbian University, Washington, D. C., 1821–1891 [1891], 11–2, 42, 45; Abraham Holmes to Adams, 10 Aug. 1822 [MHi:

Adams Papers]; Hartford, Conn., Chris­ tian Secretary, 19 Sept. 1877). 1 Omitted

word editorially supplied. “acquantance.”

2 Manuscript:

From James Monroe Dear Sir Washington June 2. 1823. I regretted very much that my duties here, with the necessity I was under to pass through Loudon & remain there some days, detaind me so long, as to deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you, on my late visit to Albemarle. Being informd by mrs Randolph that you intended to return in a fortnight, I should have prolongd my stay there for that term, but was compelled to return, to revise the instructions, which had been prepard, for our ministers, who were just about to sail for Spain, & So America, & by other duties. The moment is peculiarly critical, as respects the present state of the world, & our relations with the acting parties in it, in Europe, & in this hemisphere, & it would have been very gratifying to me, to have had an opportunity of free communication with you, on all the interesting subjects connected with it. The French armies have enterd Spain, & thus the Bourbon family have put at issue, by an offensive mov’ment, its own fortune, perhaps its existence, for should the attack fail, they will have no claim, on the justice, if on the liberality, of any portion of those, even in France, at whose vital interests the blow was aimed. What the pre‑ cise organization, of the revolutionary force in Spain, is, or whether any is formed in France, are facts with which we have little knowl‑ edge. We cannot believe that the revolutionary spirit has become ex‑ tinct in the latter country, after the astonishing feats performd in favor of liberty, by Frenchmen, in latter days, nor can we suppose, that the governing power in Spain, would have risk’d so much, or could have gone so far, had it not relied on, the support of the nation. The Brit‑ ish govt, is I fear, playing, rather into the hands of France & of the holy alliance, so far at least, as to promote the establishment of a house of peers, in Spain, after its own model, than of affording to Spain the aid, which is so necessary to her independance, and to all just prin‑ ciples, at the present time. The motive is obvious. The court is, I have no doubt, in principle, with the holy alliance, and is therefore averse, to aid Spain, in any manner, whereby to aid the cause of human rights.  638 

2 JUNE 1823

How far, it may be driven from its policy, by the sentiment of the na‑ tion, is uncertain. we saw that in the struggle of France, G. Britain was the most decisive & active party against that cause. I think that a change has since been wrought, by many causes, but can form no esti‑ mate of the extent to which that change has gone. Russia, looks, as is presumd, with peculiar anxiety to Constantinople, & so firmly is des‑ potism establishd there, that her Emperor, takes less interest, than the powers nearer at hand, in what passes in the west & south of Europe. Should the French armies be repulsed, and a party in France declare, in favor of young Boniparte, it is probable that Austria, would at least be paralized, if she did not take part with him. That any thing of a bolder stamp wod be now practicable, there is much cause to doubt. Such is the state of Europe, & our relation to it is pretty much the same, as it was, in the commencment of the French revolution. Can we, in any form, take a bolder attitude, in regard to it, in favor of liberty, than we then did? Can we afford greater aid to that cause, by assuming any such attitude, than we now do, by the force of our example? These are subjects, on which I should be glad to have your sentiments. In regard to So America our relations are very friendly, tho’ the destiny of many of its parts, is uncertain. The presumption is that the whole country will settle down under a republican system; but so great is the ignorance of the people, & so little the dependance to be placd on their popular leaders, and active the intrigues of foreign powers, that we cannot pronounce with certainty on the result. Our ministers are about to sail to Columbia, Buenos Ayres, & Chili; and now that the despotism, lately establishd in Mexico, has been over‑ thrown, a new appointment will soon be made to that section. When the late nominations were made, Mexico, alone, had sent a minister here—To have nominated to the others, & not to her, would have an‑ nouncd to the holy alliance, a reason, which would have been felt by it, since in truth, it would be difficult to assign one, not equally ap‑ plicable to most, if not to all, its members. General Jackson declining, another appointment was declind, for a reason which will readily occur to you. That reason no longer1 exists. I called at the University and was much gratified to find that the Rotunda had been commencd, and was in train of rapid execution. That the institution may be put in motion, as soon as possible, is an object of general solicitude. I was happy to hear that your health had improved. with the best wishes for its long continuance, I am dear Sir with the greatest respect & most sincere regard your friend James Monroe  639 

2 JUNE 1823  RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 8 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. At this time members of the bourbon family occupied the thrones of both France and Spain. young boniparte was Napoleon’s son, Napoleon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte, who was a grandson of Francis I of Austria and cur‑

rently living in Vienna. The overthrow of the despotism, lately establishd in mexico, came with the March 1823 ab‑ dication of Agustín de Iturbide as em‑ peror (New‑York Evening Post, 5 May 1823). 1 Manuscript:

“longers.”

To Thomas Cox Sir Monto June 3. 23 I have duly recieved your favor of May 2. and since that the 20 bottles of Scuppernon wine you have been so kind as to forward. I am gratified too to learn that the two casks of that wine furnished me heretofore1 thro the friendly agency of Colo Burton were from you. they were really fine. I had urgently pressed on him that there should be no cooking on them of brandy, sugar or other medicament, and as far as my palate can discriminate they are pure. all the samples of this wine which I have seen except these two and one other, have been so adulterated with brandy & sugar, as to be mere2 juleps, and not wine. and candor obliges me to say that the 20 bottles now recieved are so charged with brandy, perhaps too with sugar as that the vinous flavor3 is lost and absorbed. there will never be a drinkable wine made in this country until this barbarous practice is discontinued4 of adulterating with brandy. it is the result of a taste vitiated by the use of ardent spirits.5 I shall be gratified indeed if permitted to apply to you for my supplies from time to time of this wine which I so much esteem, under an absolute assurance that there shall be nothing in it but the pure juice of the grape. if there be any fear that it will not keep with‑ out brandy, let that be my risk.6 your offer is the more acceptable as I find that your correspondent in Richmd and mine is the same. Colo B. Peyton will always7 pay on demand the cost of the wine on your draught and the general instruction which I will send him, and I shall be glad to recieve now a 30. gallon cask as soon as you can furnish it with a certainty of it’s purity,8 adding to your draught for it’s cost that of the 20. bottles recently recieved. I am not sfftly acquainted with the process of wine making in France to give you any useful informn9 on the subject. this fact only I know.10 that no man who makes a wine of reputation in that country would put a teaspoonful of brandy into it were you to offer him a guinea a  640 

3 JUNE 1823

bottle for it, because, as he says, it would for ever destroy the charac‑ ter of his wine. this opern is always performed by the exporting mer‑ chant, and those of Bourdeaux expressed their astonishment to me at the instructions they always recieved from American customers to put such a proportion of brandy into the wines they called for. it will be a satisfaction to me to learn from yourself that you can furnish me with this wine with an assurance that it shall be pure and unadulterated. accept my salutns of esteem & respect. Th:J. P.S. what is deemed the11 age of perfect ripeness of this wine and the proper one for drinking it? Dft (MHi); written on both sides of a half sheet; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Cox Thos Plymouth N.C.” Enclosed in TJ to Bernard Peyton, 3 June 1823, not found, which is recorded in SJL with parenthetical notation: “inclosing Cox’s open.” 1

 Word interlined.  Word interlined in place of “real.”  Word interlined in place of “taste.”

2 3

4

 Preceding two words interlined.  Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 6  Word interlined in place of “care.” 7  Word interlined. 8  Remainder of sentence interlined. 9  Reworked from “give any informn.” 10  Omitted period at right margin edi‑ torially supplied. 11  Remainder of sentence reworked from “best age of this wine for drinking.” 5

To Dodge & Oxnard, with Jefferson’s Note Messrs Dodge & Oxnard. Monto June 3. 23. I now as usual make my annual application for supplies of wine Etc as noted below. according to arrangement with your mr Dodge on his late acceptable visit to me1 instead of remitting a bill for the conjec‑ tural amt as heretofore2 I shall pay on demand your draught for the actual amount in favor of mr P. P. F. Degrand or any other person you may think proper: and I pray you to forward these articles in all Sep‑ tember to avoid both the summer heats & Winters cold. I salute you with great esteem and respect. Th:J. red3 Ledanon wine  100. bottles red wine4 of Bergasse 200. Muscat de Rivesalt 100. white wine of Limoux 50 Virgin oil of Aix 36 Maccaroni 80 ℔ brandy 60. galls Anchovies 12. bottles  641 

3 JUNE 1823

for Th:J. & Th:J.R.5 as follows.   b. T.I  fr Ledanon 100. = 150    b.   f Claret 100. = 100  100 = 100 Muscat  50 =  87½    50 =  87½ Limoux  25 =  50.    25 =  50. Oil  24 =  48    12 =  24 Maccaroni   50 ℔ =  17½    30 =  10½ brandy   30. gs =  90.    30 =  90 Anchovies   12. b =  15     D   D       67.88 = 362. 104.69 = 558  67.88   172.57 [Note by TJ on verso beneath endorsement:] inclosed by duplicates to P. P. F. Degrand Boston to be forward at his discretion to mr Dodge if in this country, or to Dodge & Oxnard in Marseilles or one to each. Dft (MHi); written on a half sheet; en‑ dorsed by TJ; with small scrap attached with sealing wax at foot of text in Thomas Jefferson Randolph’s hand, giving his order for 50 bottles of muscatel, 25 of Limoux wine, 100 of claret, a quarter cask of brandy, 12 bottles of oil, and 30 pounds of maca‑ roni. Recorded in SJL with bracketed no‑ tation: “duplicates.” TJ inclosed duplicates of this order in a letter of this date to Peter P. F. De‑ grand, not found, but recorded in SJL.

1

 Preceding seven words interlined.  Preceding two words interlined.  Word added in margin. 4  Preceding two words interlined in place of “Claret.” 5  Manuscript: “Th:J.,” a slip of the pen for the initials of TJ’s grandson Thomas Jefferson Randolph and meant to apply to the columns to the right of the vertical rule. 2 3

To John Brockenbrough Dear Sir Monticello June 4. 23. I recieved yesterday evening your favor of the 30th May on the subject of Cisterns. I have four of brick, 8 feet cubes each, and had not been able to satisfy myself how to line them, until a mr Coffee, known I believe in Richmond, and peculiarly familiar with the arts of that nature advised me to use the Roman cement and instructed and assisted a bricklayer, a black man, how to use it. the first succeeded1 perfectly. the 2d by the black man failed compleatly, but the cause being obvious (making the coat too thin), he made another trial and  642 

5 JUNE 1823

3d

succeeded perfectly. a cistern2 done by himself and mr Coffee suc‑ ceeded for the lower half but not the upper. you see therefore that there is some uncertainty.3 mr Coffee gave me in writing very full directions for the manipulation, and I can do no better than to send these to you. when you shall have either copied them or used them otherwise to your wish, I will thank you for their return. you are no doubt apprised that mr D. Randolph has a cement in which he has entire confidence. of this I have had no experience. accept the assur‑ ance of my great esteem and respect, Th: Jefferson PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of Louis H. Girardin to TJ, 1 Jan. 1823; at foot of text: “Doctr Brocken‑ brough”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: en‑ closure to William J. Coffee to TJ, 7 Nov. 1818.

1

 Manuscript: “succeed.”  Manuscript: “citern.” 3  Omitted period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 2

From James O. Morse Sir Cherry Valley N.Y. June 5. 1823 Your highly esteemed favour of the 30th of April last, came to hand, and after the Presidential election is over I shall put it in a frame and bequeath it to my children.—I have long been anxious to have in my possesion some memorial of our republican patriarch,1 and am now happily gratified. As your name is frequently in conversation, and sometimes in the newspapers made use of to advance the interests of one or the other of the presidential candidates I write you for permission to make your letter of the 30th of April public—I have the honour to be with the greatest respect &c James O. Morse RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); at foot of text: “Th. Jefferson. formerly president &c”; endorsed by TJ as received 26 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

1 Reworked

from “patriot.”

From William H. Sumner Sir Boston June 5th. 1823 In enclosing to you a printed letter to Mr Adams on the importance of the Militia, as a civil, as well as a Military institution, you will permit me to express a hope that the Sentiments it contains will meet with your approbation.  643 

5 JUNE 1823

 I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your most Obedt & hume Servt Wm H. Sumner RC (MHi); between dateline and salu‑ tation: “To The Honorable Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 12 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. En‑ closure: An Inquiry into the Importance of the Militia to a Free Commonwealth; in a letter from William H. Sumner, adjutant general of the Commonwealth of Massa­ chusetts, to John Adams, late president of the United States; with His Answer (Bos‑ ton, 1823). William Hyslop Sumner (1780–1861), attorney, military officer, and public offi­ cial, was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He attended Phillips Academy before grad‑ uating from Harvard University in 1799. Sumner afterward studied law in Boston and was admitted to the bar in 1802. He represented Boston as a Federalist in the Massachusetts General Court, 1808–19, served as aide‑de‑camp to Governor Caleb Strong, 1806 and 1813–16, and to Gover‑ nor John Brooks, 1816–18, and was adju‑ tant general of Massachusetts, 1818–34. During the War of 1812 Sumner was named an agent to assist in the defense of

the District of Maine, and in 1826 he sat on a federal board of army and militia officers that met in Washington, D.C., to plan militia organization and cavalry tac‑ tics. In 1831 Sumner purchased half of Noddle’s Island. He spent the next two decades promoting its development into the settlement of East Boston, and later wrote A History of East Boston (1858). In 1860 Sumner owned real estate valued at $150,000 and personal property worth $3,000. He died at his home in Jamaica Plain outside Boston (Alonzo H. Quint, “Memoir of William Hyslop Sumner,” Massachusetts Historical Society, Pro­ ceedings 18 [1880–81]: 282–6; Sumner, Memoir of Increase Sumner [1854], 58–9; Harvard Catalogue, 181; Boston Gazette, 12 July 1802; Boston Columbian Centinel, 14 May 1808; DNA: RG 29, CS, Mass., Roxbury, 1840–60; Boston Daily Adver­ tiser, 26 Oct. 1861). On this day Sumner also sent James Madison the enclosed printed letter to John Adams of 3 May 1823, with a nearly identical covering letter (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:68).

Extract from Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) to Nicholas P. Trist Dear Nicholas Monticello June 5th 1823 1 As you have had an explanation of this silence of rather more than three weeks, you can have felt no uneasiness, or conceived yourself neglected atall, I shall therefore make no excuses, but proceed to tell you what a pleasant visit we have had to Bedford, and that Grand‑Papa bore the fatigue of the journey as well as usual: he took a walking stick, on our return, to assist him when he got out of the carriage, having got a fall when we were going, which I believe was occasioned rather by his having been cramped in that dreadful carriage, than any diminution of his strength, though he thinks himself weaker than he was. I found Sister Ellen looking better than when I left her, and Mama upon the eve of a sick‑head‑ache, which confined her only one day to her bed, and is now quite gone. Aunt Marks’s health appears to be declining, and we have become quite uneasy about her; Papa  644 

5 JUNE 1823

believes that the total inactivity of 2 her body & mind will kill her, and as she has no mind to employ, and keeps up the fiction of her blind‑ ness to indulge her habits of indolence without censure (of which she is dreadfully afraid, and often suspicious) nothing can be done to ex‑ cite, & give her an object in life. She takes a short ride in the carriage every day, which perhaps will give her strength & better spirits than She has at present. Poor Old lady, life can have no charms for her, but I should be very much shocked at her death, and reproach myself much for having borne her folly with so little patience, and so often made it a subject of derision. I have never told you of the nice little cuddy that has become my haunt, and from which I am now writing. do you recollect the place over the parlour Portico into which the dome room opened? since the columns to the portico have been completed, Grand Papa has had the great work bench removed from it, and a floor layed, Cornelia’s inge‑ nuity in conjunction with mine formed steps from the dome into this little closet with a pile of boxes, and having furnished this apartment with a sopha to lounge upon, though Alas! without cushions, a high & low chair & two small tables, one for my writing desk, the other for my books; and breathing through a broken pane of glass and some wide cracks in the floor, I have taken possession with the dirt daubers, wasps & humble bees; and do not intend to give it up to any thing but the formidable rats which have not yet found out this fairy palace.— RC (DLC: NPT); extract, consisting of opening of letter and beginning of final paragraph; addressed: “To Nicholas P. Trist Esqr Donaldsonville Lafourche Lou‑ isiana”; stamped; postmarked Charlottes­ ville, 8 June; endorsed by Trist. In the unextracted portion of this letter, Ran‑ dolph (Trist) explains that she spent the spring “occupied in visiting, having com‑ pany at home, sewing and keeping house,” but that she wishes to “become a well edu‑ cated woman” and is “just recommencing my industrious habits”; hopes that Trist enjoys good health and can concentrate on his “law studies”; reports of the recent weather, which has been “dry, and cold, with the exception of two or three days of intense heat,” that “The drought has been very injurious to the corn & Tobacco, and the hessian fly is destroying the wheat; of course all the farmers are very much out of spirits, and my wonder greatly en‑ creased that any one, who has an alterna‑ tive, should entrust their peace of mind to the wind and weather of so capricious a

climate as ours seems to be”; complains that Elizabeth Trist, who is expected to visit soon, cannot be trusted to see his let‑ ters without reading them aloud to oth‑ ers; acknowledges receipt of his letter enclosing a check, but explains that her brother Thomas Jefferson Randolph “re‑ fuses to take it Until he has seen, or heard from Judge Carr, who will be in the neigh‑ bourhood the 20th of this month”; shares news of “the marriage of Susan Bolling and John Scott and their intended re‑ moval to Alabama, in a few days”; and indicates that her aunt Mary Randolph will visit in July and that her aunt Har‑ riet Hackley will leave soon to join her husband in New York. An image of the cuddy is reproduced elsewhere in this volume. dirt daub‑ ers: “mud daubers.” 1 Manuscript: 2 Randolph

 645 

“of of.” (Trist) here canceled “both.”

From Charles Bruce Sir Greenvile District So: Carolina1 7th June A.D. 1823 an extract of your letter to Mr Adams and his answer fell into my hands, the sastisfaction they gave me is more than I can express to find my opinion of death puported by two of the greatest charecter’s in the Union, It was a considerable time before I could get my own con‑ sent to address you. but believing if their was nothing that would en‑ tertain or amuse you it would not give offence to your great mind, and have venturd to throw in my mite into the scale of nature.   I was born in Culpeper of Poor parrents with only a few months [scho]oling barely sufficient to learn to read at the age [of t]hirteen was bound to a Carpenter & Joiner which [tra]de I still follow. for between thirty & forty years, [ha]ve enjoy’d an intire good state of health except a few trifles not worth naming, On the 30th of Oct. last I enterd my 78th year. neither the cold of winter nor heat of summer dont affect me more now than it did 40 years ageo. I live twelve miles from the Court House. I often take & early brakefast set out on foot spend three or four hours there and Return home in the evening without fatigue. my hearing about eighten years ageo was so bad I expected to become entirely deaf. it is now become so good that I can converse without dificulty, my memory which has been equal to any person I [e]ver convers’d with is still good, I never sit down to eat that I ever wish for any thing but what is present. if different dishes I make my meal of [w]hat is nearest me and all food agrees equally well with me I have never tasted spirits since a child nor us’d Tobacco nor whittled with a knife for amusement, nor ill manorly rested myself on any persons shoulder.   I was in Richmond shortly after the purchas of Lousianna I was askd by the chief Justice how we in carolina stood affected to the present administration. I answer’d as follows. I.E. Sir from the creation to the present day there never was any people2 better recon‑ cild with any administration than we are with Mr Jeffersons. his at‑ tachment to the Republican principles and every act of his life be‑ speakes to us. he is a true republican. which makes us look upon him as the first man in the Union. living in a remote part o[f] the state where we’ve very little information [.  .  .] look upon you as a Feder‑ last and hold you [up?] as such which I thaught was rather pleasing [than?] otherwise.   I wrote to my brother Richard that I ex‑ pected to pay him a visit and spend the last winter with him. the death of my wife prevented me. I still think of doing it next. my rode is through Charlotts Ville I shall think myself highly honour’d to spend  646 

7 JUNE 1823

a night under your hospital roof.   Ambrose Williams is lately dead at a hundred & ten. Mrs Ford at Nintyfive leaving an ofspring of upwards of five hundred’s Dr Alexander is collecting Meterials for publishing the exact number.   Dr Ramsy says in his History of So. Carolina that Mrs Easly of Greenvil[e] was the mother of 36 liv‑ ing Children and never had twins but oncd. I was well acquainted wi[th] the lady & Family and have often had the number of thier children from them. I am with the highest respect yours &.c Charles Bruce N.B Mr Williams & Mrs Ford was both of this district.3 My address to the Public is a Copy of Mjr Peter Edwards oath sworn in the Court of Equaty whare Capt Colwell was plantiff all asses are not natives of Virginia C,. Bruce RC (DLC); edge trimmed; torn at seal; endorsed by TJ as received 5 July 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Charles Bruce (1745–1831), carpenter, was born in Culpeper County. During the American Revolution he served as an officer in the South Carolina patriot mili‑ tia, 1780–82, and by 1790 he had become a permanent resident of Greenville, South Carolina. In 1810 Bruce ran unsuccess‑ fully for a seat in the United States House of Representatives to represent the Green‑ ville and Pendleton districts (Bobby Gil­ mer Moss, Roster of South Carolina Pa­ triots in the American Revolution [1983], 1:113–4; DNA: RG 29, CS, S.C., Green‑ ville, 1790; Pendleton Miller’s Weekly Messenger, 28 Apr., 2 June 1810; Green­

ville Enterprise, 18 Oct. 1871; Greenville Mountaineer, 18 Feb. 1832). TJ’s letter to John Adams and his answer are printed above at 1 June and 11 June 1822, respectively. The chief justice was John Marshall. David Ram­ say (ramsy) reported that a Mrs. Easely (easly), of Greenville, “has been the mother of 34 live born children, though she never had twins but once” (The His­ tory of South‑Carolina, from its first settle­ ment in 1670, to the Year 1808 [Charleston, 1809], 2:415). capt colwell: William Caldwell. 1  Dateline to this point adjacent to signature. 2  Preceding five words interlined. 3  Remainder on a small slip.

e n c l o s u r e

Charles Bruce’s Address to the Public TO THE PUBLIC. Whereas, I am informed by Peter Edwards, that there is a report in circu‑ lation, that I should say, at the time of the resurvey of John Clement’s land, in this district, that I was offered a handsome fee, by a tall man, if I would put it in their power to recover property, which I could do—censuring Capt. William Caldwell of offering me a bribe. At that time I did not know there was such a man in existence. I have since become acquainted with that gen‑ tleman, and have done business for him, and believe him to be a gentleman

 647 

7 JUNE 1823 of the strictest honor; the report is without the least foundation. The author of that report, I have every reason to believe, was hired to swear false. Nov. 2d, 1822. CHARLES BRUCE, Sen. P. S. Slander on eagles wings it flies, whilst virtue sickens, languishes and dies, by the base that will swear lies. State of South‑Carolina, Pendleton District. Whereas1 the bearer hereof, Mr. Charles Bruce, intends travelling through the Western country, as I believe principally with a design to detect and bring to justice, some disorderly people who have been guilty of very flagrant viola‑ tions of the laws of this country, and have fled to the Western country to escape the reach of justice: and whereas I have been long acquainted with the said Charles Bruce, and must in justice certify that he has supported the character of an honest, industrious good citizen, and a useful member of so‑ ciety, so far as I know or believe; and that he has been very useful to his country, in apprehending and bringing to justice daring violaters of the laws, who were disposed to evade and oppose the necessary execution of our laws. Therefore it is hoped that the said Charles Bruce will meet with the coun‑ tenance, assistance, and support of all good men, whom it may concern, whether in civil or military authority, or as private citizens, in the execution of so laudable an undertaking. Given under my hand at Westville, on Keowee River, this 30th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five, and in the Independence of the United States of America the thirtieth. ROBERT ANDERSON, Brigadier General of the 4th Brigade of Militia. Spartanburg District. Fredonia, June 28th 1810. Sir—In compliance with your request, I forward to you a certificate, which I think you justly merit. I do certify, that during a considerable part of the Revolutionary War, I was intimately acquainted with Charles Bruce, as a soldier, he discharged the duties assigned to him with great fidelity and promptness. In the most trying moments of our revolutionary struggle, he met the opposition of the enemies of his country with the greatest firmness, and on all occasions acquitted him‑ self as a soldier, a sincere friend to his country, and an honest man. I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant, THOMAS MOORE. South‑Carolina, Spartanburg District. I do certify, that Charles Bruce lived within the bounds of my company in the time of the war, that he was always considered a firm friend to his coun‑ try, an honest man and a soldier. When doing the last tour of duty at the British lines near Charleston, every man of my company deserted but said Bruce, that he served his time out with fidelity and honor. CHARLES JAMES, Captain. June 24th, 1810.

 648 

7 JUNE 1823 South‑Carolina, Union District. I do certify that in 1781, that Mr. Charles Bruce and myself were taken prisoners by the enemy, and that the said Charles Bruce was dangerously wounded by them and that there were several others taken at the2 time, and that the said Charles Bruce, Capt. James Elder, Landen Farrar, and myself were sentenced to death as Rebels; and after being reprieved from said sen‑ tence, we were taken to Ninety‑Six, (now Cambridge) and kept in gaol the whole siege at that place, until the British left that post; and that on their retreat to Charleston, said Bruce made his escape at Dorchester. MATHEW PATTON, Captain. June 30th, 1810. Broadside (DLC: TJ Papers, 224: 40063); omitted spaces following a semi‑ colon and several commas editorially sup‑ plied. The four testimonials following Bruce’s statement were also printed in the Pendleton, S.C., Miller’s Weekly Messen­ ger, 14 July 1810.

Stephen Hervey’s translation of Juvenal’s ninth satire (John Dryden and others, The Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis. Translated into English Verse [London, 1693; for a different ed., see Sowerby, no. 4487], 184). landen farrar: Landon Farrow.

slander on eagles wings it flies, whilst virtue sickens, languishes and dies, a variant of “On Eagles Wings immortal Scandals flye, While Virtuous Actions are but Born, and Dye,” is in

1  Beginning with this word, remainder set in two columns, separated by a verti‑ cal rule. 2  Miller’s Weekly Messenger here adds “same.”

To Martha Jefferson Dear Madam & cousin Monticello June 7. 23. Your favor of Feb. 25. came to hand the day before yesterday some‑ thing more than 3. months after date. at what post‑office it has so long loitered is useless to enquire, and the delay is mentioned only to shew that it is not imputable to me. and now that it is recieved, I wish it could be of the avail you count on. it is now exactly 50. years since I left the practice of the law, and during all that period my occupns have been on subjects so different as not to renew recollectio[n]s of former studies. add to this the wane of memory at the age of 80 and you will be sensible of how little value my counsel on law questions can be. some of those indeed which you propose may be easily an‑ swered. lands, for instance, are not liable by law for any debts1 of their owner while he lives, but after his death they are liable in the hands of his heir or devisee for his debts by specialty, but not those by simple contract.—a watch is not wearing apparel, and even the wearing ap‑ parel of a decedent2 is liable for his debts; not so that of his wife in quantity and kind according to her condn.3 you have not said who were your brother’s executors but I presume mr Gibson was not one,  649 

7 JUNE 1823

for that would give him authorities which otherwise he has not. the exrs are the persons entitled to recieve the money for the horses pur‑ chased for yourself and your brother Garland; but they are not bound to pay it over to mr Gibson, but to hold it as a matter of account only, subject to the issue of the settlement of accounts. these questions are easy enough but your difficulty will be in the settlement of the ac‑ counts. this is the office4 of the exrs, who in prudence & duty should employ an accountant of the first qualificns. Merchants understand these transactions better than Lawyers, because more familiar with them, and with the rights, practices and indulgences established by usage between co‑partners in business. a compensation to such an Accountant by a commission on the balance finally saved, would per‑ haps be safest for those interested, because they would lose nothing, if they got nothing. this is the sum of what I am able to say on the case stated to me, and I am in hopes it is without error, yet not so much to be relied on, as the opinions of gentlemen whose practice keeps them in daily familiarity with these subjects. I offer it merely to prove my willingness to be useful to you even where I have reason to doubt my competence. altho’ with mr Gibson I should consider an oath but a matter of ceremony,5 yet he gives it with his acct as of course, and may be required to answer a bill of Discovery. Your father and myself were intimates in the days of our boyhood; with your brothers George & Garland my intimacy were of 6 a later period and I can bear true witness to the worth of them all. George in particular7 was my confidential friend and agent at Richmond for 14. or 15. years, and with a purer or more honble man I was never connected. I felt his death with all the sincere8 grief of a very dear9 friend and relation. altho’ I have not the pleasure of a personal ac‑ quaintance with yourself, yet allied as you are10 to so much worth, you cannot but participate of it and merit the esteem of which I give you the assurance adding to it that of an affectionate relation. Th:J Dft (ViU: TJP‑CC); on reused address cover of William Zollickoffer to TJ, 25 Dec. 1822; mutilated; at foot of first page: “Mrs Martha Jefferson. Spring‑grove in Lunenburg & perhaps near the C.H.”; endorsed by TJ. 1 Reworked

from “liable for the debts.” three words interlined. 3 TJ here canceled “you have not said whether your brother left a will & exrs, or di.” 2 Preceding

4 Word

interlined in place of “duty.” from “but as a ceremony.” 6  Preceding four words interlined in place of “at” and further reworked from “I was intimate also.” 7 Preceding two words interlined. 8 Word interlined. 9 Preceding two words interlined. 10 Preceding three words interlined. 5 Reworked

 650 

From James Monroe Dear Sir Washington June 7th 1823. I deeply regret to have been compelled, as you will see by the ga‑ zettes, to advertise my lands in albemarle for sale, but in truth the debts which I owe, owing to bad managment, bad crops, expensive trusts with incompetent salaries, untill the present, the savings from which, with the most rigid œconomy, will do little more than pay the interest, leave me no alternative. I am too far advancd in years, to be able, on retiring from this office, to make the exertions in any line, which will be necessary to raise funds, to meet my engag’ments. They can be raised, only, by the sale of property. I hesitated long, before I would agree, to advertise my lands in Albemarle for sale, being ex‑ tremely averse, to weaken, even in that mode, the strong bond, which has so long tied me to that county, but the position in Loudon, so much more accessible, to our daughters & their children, the one being established here for the present, & the other permanently in N. York, seem’d to decide the question, so far as to make the experiment. I have felt also that when we reach a certain age, it becomes of little consequence where we put ourselves to rest, and that while life re‑ mains, we owe the efforts we are capable of, to the interest and hap‑ piness of our families. I have kept by the advertisement the disposi‑ tion of 1 the property exclusively in my own hands, being desirous, according to your suggestion, to retain a portion including the build‑ ings, should I be able to accomplish my object, without the sale of the whole. When in Albemarle I took the liberty to speak with mrs Randolph, on the distressing subject, of the relation existing2 between a branch of her family & the family itself, & to offer my best efforts, in any way in which they might be useful, if in any thing could be, to repair a breach which must cause so much affliction to all parties. I intimated to her, that I would while there, without compromitting any one, be attentive to the object, and if I saw any thing promising a favorable result, that I would apprize her of it. My stay was too short, to enable me to examine all the circumstances, on which a satisfactory opinion could be form’d. All that I saw, was, the evidence, on his part, of deep affliction at the existing state, with that of a manifest conviction, that blame was imputable, in many respects, to him; but it requird longer time for me, to ascertain, whether he had, or could attain, that com‑ mand over himself, as would afford any security, for his future con‑ duct, under any the kindest & most generous treatment he might receive, to justify, with a view to the happiness of the whole, any such  651 

7 JUNE 1823

experiment. With the causes which hurried me back here, I made you acquainted in my last letter. I mention the circumstance, to ex‑ plain to mrs Randolph, why she did not hear from me further on the subject, & to add that if I can at any time be useful, in relation to that very interesting object, that I shall seize the opportunity with great pleasure. We have nothing new from Europe, that is interesting, tho’ as mr Forsyth will probably be here in a few days, we may perhaps get some‑ thing from him of that character. Should we, you shall be apprized of it. with very sincere regard your friend— James Monroe RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 10 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. In the gazettes Monroe advertised the sale of his 3,500‑acre Highland es‑ tate in Albemarle County, as well as a 700‑acre tract below Milton (Washing‑ ton Daily National Intelligencer, 7 June

1823; Richmond Enquirer, 10 June 1823). The distressing subject likely related to Charles L. Bankhead, TJ’s alcoholic grandson‑in‑law. 1

 Preceding three words interlined.  Manuscript: “ixisting.”

2

From Francis B. Dyer Dear sir Charlottesville 8th June :23 Permit me to introduce to your notice Doctor De Reider from ­Vienna—He is performing the Tour of the United States, and is anx‑ ious to visit Monticello in passing—He is highly recommended as a Gentleman of talents and information—. With great respect I am &c F. B. Dyer. RC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr Jeffer­ son Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as a let‑ ter of 8 May 1823 from “Dyer Wm B.” received that day. Recorded in SJL as a letter of 8 May received 8 June 1823, with additional bracketed notation: “by Dr De Reyder.” Francis B. Dyer (d. 1838), attorney, was a lifelong resident of Albemarle County. He joined the bar there in 1817 and sub‑ scribed $100 to Central College the same year. Dyer owned one slave in 1820 and five in 1830, when he was in his thirties. In 1831 he was named a commissioner to  help enlarge the town of Scottsville, and in 1832 he was a major in an artillery regiment of Virginia militia. Dyer died at his home in Charlottesville (Woods,

Albemarle, 186, 381, 402; Master List of Subscribers to Central College, [after 7 May 1817], document 5 in a group of documents on The Founding of the Uni‑ versity of Virginia: Central College, 1816– 1819, 5 May 1817; DNA: RG 29, CS, Albemarle Co., 1820, 1830; Acts of As­ sembly [1829–30 sess.], 283 [22 Mar. 1831]; Richmond Enquirer, 8 Dec. 1832; Richmond Whig and Public Advertiser, 4 Dec. 1838). Johann Adam von Reider (ca. 1781– 1864), physician, left Vienna after com‑ pleting his studies and practiced medicine in Bucharest, 1810–21. He then traveled in Europe and North America studying contagious fevers, arriving in Baltimore in May 1823 from Kingston, Jamaica, and spending time in New York City. Reider

 652 

9 JUNE 1823 eventually returned to Vienna, resumed the practice of medicine, and published several works on fever and epidemic diseases. He died in Vienna (Reider, ­ ­Untersuchungen über die epidemischen Sumpffieber [1829], esp. vii–viii, 204; Adolph Carl Peter Callisen, Medicinisches

Schriftsteller‑Lexicon [1830–45], 15:442–3, 31:399; Baltimore American & Com­ mercial Daily Advertiser, 19 May 1823; Vienna Fremden‑Blatt, 16 July 1864; Can­ statt’s Jahresbericht über die fortschritte der Gesammten Medicin in Allen Ländern im jahre 1864 [1865], 2:11).

To William B. Giles Dear Sir Monticello June 9. 23. I recieved yesterday your favor of the 31st ult. and my grandson Th: J. Randolph having set out for Richmond the day before, I im‑ mediately inclosed the papers to him by mail, and informed him that I should be ready if thought necessary to bear testimony to the honor‑ able character of our decd friend, as I knew him. I am sorry to learn that you are among the sufferers by his misfortunes. I am dreadfully so, to an amount1 which will weigh heavily on the remainder of my life. I was much gratified by the visit of your son, & formed as favorable an opinion of him as it’s shortness would permit. I hope we shall have our University opened yet in time for him. this however must depend on the future acts of the legislature. they started the schemes of their Primary schools and University at the same time, and as if on the same footing, without considering that the former required no pre‑ liminary expence, the latter an immense one: and their supplies of the deficiency they have called hitherto2 by the name of loans, as if the monies of the literary fund could be more legitimately appropriated. their last vote will compleatly finish the buildings; and whenever they shall declare our annuity liberated from this incumbrance, we shall take measures to procure Professors, and to open the institution. I hope they will make this declaration at their next session. we can im‑ mediately accomodate 200. students, which number, I am sure will be quickly furnished to overflowing. every student additional to that number, and I think they will be many, will require progressive ac‑ comodations to the amount of 300.D. for each, until we attain our maximum.3 the success of the institution will I hope, by that time,4 encourage the legislature to furnish this5 in consideration of the Dol‑ lars and cents they will add to our circulation as well as to the whol‑ some diffusion of science among our citizens. I have been gratified lately by hearing that your health was improv‑ ing. the bone of my arm which was fractured is well knitted. but the  653 

9 JUNE 1823

small bones of the wrist being dislocated at the same time, could not be truly replaced, so that it’s use will never be recovered in any great degree. my health is good, but so weakened by age that I can walk but little; but I ride daily, and with little fatigue. I hope you will con‑ tinue, as long as you wish it, to enjoy life and health, and I pray you to be assured of my constant and sincere6 friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ICN: Thomas Jefferson Letters); addressed: “William B. Giles esquire Wig‑wam near Genito‑bridge”; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 11 June. Dft (DLC); edge torn; endorsed by TJ. Giles’s favor of the 31st May 1823, not found, is recorded in SJL as received 8 June 1823 from Wigwam. A missing let‑ ter of 8 June 1823 from TJ to his grand‑ son Thomas Jefferson Randolph is also

recorded in SJL. our decd friend: Wil‑ son Cary Nicholas. 1  Word interlined in Dft in place of “extent.” 2  Word interlined in Dft. 3  Preceding five words interlined in Dft. 4  Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 5  Word not in Dft. Remainder of sen‑ tence interlined in Dft. 6  Preceding two words interlined in Dft.

From Peter P. F. Degrand Sir Boston 10 June 1823 Your esteemed favor 3 Instt is just recd & your enclosures will be im‑ mediately forwarded, by two different opportunities, for Marseilles.— Mr Dodge has got as far as Bristol R.I. on his way to Boston.—His partner will undoubtedly hasten to attend to your wishes. Happy in having had the opportunity of corresponding with a man who has done so much for the cause of Liberty, I beg leave to present to you my best wishes for your welfare & happiness, & the assurance of my high regard & esteem P. P. F. Degrand  One of your enclosures goes by the Gallego, the other by the Eme‑ line, both to sail first wind. RC (DLC); at head of text: “Hon Thos Jefferson Monticello Va”; endorsed by TJ as received 17 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Peter Paul Francis Degrand (ca. 1780– 1855), merchant and broker, was a native of Marseille, France. In around 1803 he moved to Boston, where he clerked in a countinghouse. Degrand became a part‑ ner in a mercantile firm in 1807 but con‑ tinued independently in the commission

business the next year. He established and edited the Boston Weekly Report of Pub­ lic Sales and of Arrivals, 1819–28. From 1825 through 1834 he was a member of the Boston firm of Degrand & Smith, and for much of that time he also operated in Philadelphia as a broker. Degrand was a founder in 1834 and served as president of the Boston Stock Exchange, 1837–39. He was a key supporter of the Western Railroad from Boston to Albany from its inception in the 1830s, and in 1850 he

 654 

10 JUNE 1823 unsuccessfully petitioned the United States Congress for a charter to establish a rail and telegraph line from Saint Louis to San Francisco. Degrand died in Boston (Bos­ ton Gazette, 6 Apr. 1807; Boston Inde­ pendent Chronicle, 6 Oct. 1808; Brigham, American Newspapers, 1:349–50; Boston Patriot & Mercantile Advertiser, 4 July 1825, 16 Nov. 1827; Philadelphia National Gazette and Literary Register, 13 Mar. 1827; Charles M. Wiltse and others, eds., The Papers of Daniel Webster: Correspon­ dence [1974–86], 2:327; Desilver’s Phila­

delphia Directory and Stranger’s Guide, for 1833 [1833], 52; Boston Daily Advertiser & Patriot, 8 Jan. 1835; The Boston Stock Exchange [1893], n.p.; George Bliss, His­ torical Memoir of the Western Railroad [1863], esp. 153; JS, 41:71, 81, 178, 408–9 [14, 15 Jan., 27 Feb., 19 June 1850]; Bos­ ton Daily Advertiser, 25 Dec. 1855; Suffolk Co., Mass., Probate Records, vol. 154, part 1, pp. 9–12). For TJ’s favor of 3 June 1823 to De‑ grand, not found, see TJ to Dodge & Ox‑ nard, 3 June 1823, and note.

To Jared Mansfield Dear Sir Mo June 10. 23. This letter will be handed you by mr Dabney Overton Carr who goes to your instn to qualify himself for a military life. he is the son of my nephew, Colo S. Carr1 of good2 habits and genius, and I feel an interest in his education and future course. on these grounds permit me to ask your notice & favble disposns towds him, and the benefits of 3 your counsel and protection should any occasion arise in which he may need them.4 I embrace with real pleasure this occasion of recalling myself to your frdly recollection and beg leave to assure you of my great & con‑ tinued esteem & respect. Th:J Dft (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); on verso of bottom half of reused address cover of Thomas Cooper to TJ, 21 Dec. 1822; at foot of text: “Mr Jared Mansfield Pro­ fessor of Mathematics at Westpoint”; endorsed by TJ, with his additional no‑ tation: “by D. O. Carr.” Tr (ViU: ER, 1957). Dabney Overton Carr (ca. 1807–30), soldier, was the son of TJ’s nephew Sam‑ uel Carr, of Albemarle County. He stud‑ ied Italian at Monticello in 1823 before entering the United States Military Acad‑ emy at West Point as a cadet. Expelled the following year for poor scholarship, Carr was readmitted in 1825 but resigned in 1827, traveled to South America to join Simon Bolívar’s army, became a lieuten‑ ant, and was mortally wounded in a bat‑

tle outside Bogotá, Colombia (Virginia J. Randolph [Trist] to Nicholas P. Trist, 16 Jan. 1823 [DLC: NPT]; William Ward, List of Cadets admitted into the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.  Y., from its origin till September 1, 1886 [1887], 18; Calhoun, Papers, 7:239, 8:526; Clay, Papers, 6:366; Catharina V. R. Bonney, comp., Legacy of Historical Gleanings [1875], 2:18–9, 25–6, 32, 33; Baltimore Patriot & Mercantile Advertiser, 10 Dec. 1830). 1 Preceding three words interlined, with initial rendered “Samuel” in Tr. 2  Preceding two words interlined in place of “of correct.” 3 Preceding three words interlined. 4  Preceding seven words interlined in place of “ call for it.”

 655 

To James Monroe Dear Sir Monticello June 11. 23. Considering that I had not been to Bedford for a twelvemonth be‑ fore, I thought myself singularly unfortunate in so timing my journey as to have been absent exactly at the moment of your late visit to our neighborhood. the loss indeed was all my own; for in these short interviews with you, I generally get my political compass rectified, learn from you whereabouts we are, and correct my course again. in exchange for this, I can give you but newspaper ideas, and little in‑ deed of these for I read but a single paper, and that hastily. I find Horace & Tacitus so much better writers than the champions of the gazettes, that I lay those down to take up these with great reluctance. and on the question you propose whether we can, in any form, take a bolder attitude than formerly, in favor of liberty? I can give you but common‑place ideas. they will be but the widow’s mite, and offered only because requested. the matter which now embroils Europe, the presumption of dictating to an independant nation the form of it’s government, is so arrogant, so atrocious, that indignation as well as moral sentiment enlists all our partialities and prayers in favor of one, and our equal execrations against the other. I do not know indeed whether all nations do not owe to one another a bold and open decla‑ ration of their sympathies with the one party, and their detestation of the conduct of the other. but farther than this we are not bound to go; and indeed for the sake of the world, we ought not to increase the jealousies nor draw on ourselves the power of this formidable con‑ federacy. I have ever deemed it fundamental for the US. never to take active part in the quarrels of Europe. their political1 interests are en‑ tirely distinct from ours. their mutual jealousies, their balance of power, their complicated alliances, their forms and principles of government, are all foreign to us. they are nations of eternal war. all their energies are expended in the destruction of the labor, property and lives of their people. On our part, never, had a people so favorable a chance of trying the opposite system of peace and fraternity with mankind, and the direction of all our means and faculties to the purposes of improvement instead of destruction. with Europe we have few occa‑ sions of collision, and these with a little prudence and forbearance may be generally accomodated. of the brethren of our own hemisphere, none are yet, nor for an age to come will be, in a shape, condition, or disposition to war against us. and the foothold which the nations of Europe had in either America is slipping from under them, so that we shall soon be rid of their neighborhood. Cuba alone seems at present  656 

11 JUNE 1823

to hold up a speck of war to us. it’s possession by Great Britain would indeed be a great calamity to us. could we induce her to join us in guarantying it’s independance against all the world, except Spain, it would be nearly as valuable to us as if it were our own. but, should she take it, I would not immediately go to war for it; because the first war on other accounts will give it to us, or the island will give itself to us, when able to do so. while no duty therefore calls on us to take part in the present war of Europe, and a golden harvest offers itself in reward for doing nothing, peace and neutrality seem to be our duty and interest. we may gratify ourselves indeed with a neutrality as par‑ tial to Spain as would be justifiable without giving cause of war to her adversary; we might, and ought to avail ourselves of the happy occa‑ sion of procuring and cementing a cordial reconciliation with her, by giving assurance of every friendly office which neutrality admits, and especially against all apprehension of our intermedling in the quarrel with her colonies. and I expect daily, and confidently to hear of a spark kindled in France, which will employ her at home, & relieve Spain from all further apprehensions of danger. That England is playing false with Spain cannot be doubted. her government is looking one way and rowing another. it is curious to look back a little on past events. during the ascendancy of Bonaparte, the word among the hord of kings was ‘sauve qui peut.’2 each shifted for himself, and left his brethren to squander3 and do the same as they could. after the battle of Waterloo, and the military possession of France, they rallied and combined in common cause to maintain each other against any similar and future danger. and in this alliance Louis now avowedly, and George secretly but solidly, were of the con‑ tracting parties; and there can be no doubt that the allies are bound by treaty to aid England with their armies, should insurrection take place among her people. the coquetry she is now playing off between her people and her allies is perfectly understood by the latter, and accordingly gives no apprehensions to France, to whom it is all ex‑ plained. the diplomatic correspondence she is now displaying, these double papers fabricated merely for exhibition, in which she makes herself talk of morals and principle, as if her qualms of conscience would not permit her to go all lengths with her holy allies, are all to gull her own people. it is a theatrical farce, in which the five powers are the actors, England the Tartuffe, & her people the dupes. playing thus so dextrously into each others hands, and their own persons seem‑ ing secured, they are now looking to their privileged orders. these faithful auxiliaries or accomplices must be saved. this war is evidently that of the general body of 4 the Aristocracy in which England is also  657 

11 JUNE 1823

acting her part. ‘save but the Nobles and there shall be no war.’ says she, masking her measures at the same time under the form of friend‑ ship and mediation, and hypocritically, while parties, offering them‑ selves for judges, to betray those whom they are not permitted openly to oppose. a fraudulent neutrality, if neutrality at all, is all Spain will get from her, and Spain probably percieves this, and willingly winks at it rather than have her weight thrown openly into the other scale.— but I am going beyond my text, & sinning against the adage of carry‑ ing coals to Newcastle. in hazarding to you my crude and uninformed notions of things beyond my cognisance, only be so good as to re‑ member that it is at your request, and with as little confidence on my part as profit on yours. you will do what is right, leaving the people of Europe to act their follies and crimes among themselves, while we pursue in good faith the paths of peace and prosperity. to your judg‑ ment we are willingly resigned with sincere assurances of affectionate esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Monroe Papers); endorsed by Monroe. PoC (DLC); at foot of first page: “President Monroe.” The biblical reference to the contribu‑ tion of the widow’s mite is in Mark 12.42–3 and Luke 21.2–3. sauve qui peut: “save (himself) who can; to stam‑ pede or scatter in flight” (OED). holy allies refers to the Holy Alliance, a pre‑ cursor to the Quintuple Alliance which consisted of the five powers of Austria,

Prussia, Russia, France, and Great Brit‑ ain. carrying coals to newcastle: “to supply something to a place where it is already plentiful; to do something wholly superfluous or unnecessary” (OED). 1

 Word interlined.  Superfluous comma preceding period editorially omitted. 3  Reworked from “to scramble off.” 4  Manuscript: “of of.” 2

Account with Bernard Peyton for Tobacco Sales

Sales four Hogsheads leaf Tobacco by B Peyton for a∕c Mr Thos Jefferson 1823. Richd 11 June To sundry persons for Cash 4 Hhds: (viz) ℔s TI ⨳ 14 = 1331 = 144 = 1187  nett at $5.15 $ 61.13 " 15 = 1762 = 140 = 1622   "   " " 7.60 123.27  (Refused) " 20 = 1537 = 156 = 1381   "   " " 3.80 52.48 " 21 = 1717 = 136 = 15811  "   " " 9.45 149.40 $386.28  658 

12 JUNE 1823

Charges Cash pd fght: 5771 ℔s nett at 2/– is $19.24 Notes $2, Drayage from Locks $6 8.00 Commission at 2½ per cent 9.66 $ 36.90 Nett pcds: at Cr T.J. $349.38 E.E. B.P. MS (MHi); in Peyton’s hand, with in‑ ternal calculation by TJ as noted below; docketed by Peyton: “Th: Jefferson a∕c Sales”; endorsed by TJ with additional notation: “sale of 4. hhds Monto tobo 1823. June 11.” e.e.: “Errors Excepted.”

1 Beneath this number TJ drew a rule and totaled the sum of the weight (di‑ vided by 100) to be “57.71,” which he then divided into “349.38” to get “6.05,” the average net payment in dollars per hundredweight of tobacco. He then sub‑ tracted “346.260” from the “349.38” and wrote “31200” (correctly, “3.1200”).

From John Gorman, with Jefferson’s Notes Sir June 12th r M Jefferson I will do one floor for you on the terms you purposed If you will Board me while laying and Cutting Which will not Be long as I Will Cut the most of them in the qarry N.B I will Require a hand from you to assist in laying and by this fall I will try and Get one floor done and as for the steps I will see you Shortly about them But at present I will Be Getting Some steps for you. and When I have a Days hawling I will let you Know so as they1 will not Be in my Way— Yours With Respect Jno. Gorman [Notes by TJ at foot of text:] the terms I offered were to let him keep Thrimston at a hire by the day of 3. square feet of pavement of the portico, I doing and finding nothing but the hauling. 1823. June 15. I agreed to the above terms, and that Thrimston’s time should begin to be reckoned from this day.      July 3. I agreed if he wd give Thrimston half of every Saturday I would count the week but as 5½ days deduct from Dec. 25. 1823.2 to Jan. 17. to wit 3. weeks & − ²₇ @ 5½ days to the week is 18. Days. RC (MHi); partially dated at foot of Gorman’s letter; addressed: “Mr Jeffer­ son”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 12 June 1823 received the day it was written.

In an undated letter likely sent around this time, Martha Jefferson Randolph wrote to Thomas Jefferson Randolph at Tufton that “The floor of the portico is

 659 

12 JUNE 1823 ript up and the red dirt in it all loosened and partly thrown out. Gormon says that he can do nothing without Thrimston and that it will take him still a week. if it is possible to spare him so long for pity sake let him remain, as we shall all be mired in the very drawin[g] room and dining room if we remain till after harvest in our pres‑ ent condition—necessity has no law so that if you cannot do without Thrimston

he must go, but you will be the death of me if you do take him in our present destress of most horrible dirt and discom‑ fort answer if you please your most affec­ tionate and afflicted mother” (RC in ViU: CC; edge trimmed; with repeated “but” editorially omitted). 1 Manuscript:

2 Manuscript:

“the.” “1824.”

To William Johnson Dear Sir Monticello. June 12. 23. Our correspondence is of that accomodating character which ad‑ mits of suspension at the convenience of either party, without incon‑ venience to the other. hence this tardy acknolegement of your favor of April 11. I learn from that with great pleasure that you have resolved on continuing your history of parties. our opponents are far ahead of us in preparations for placing their cause favorably before posterity. yet I hope, even from some of them, the escape of precious truths in angry explosions, or effusions of vanity which will betray the genuine monarchism of their principles. they do not themselves believe what they endeavor to inculcate, that we were an opposition party, not on principle, but merely seeking for office. the fact is that, at the forma‑ tion of our government, many had formed their political1 opinions on European writings and practices, believing the experience of old coun‑ tries, and especially of England, abusive as it was, to be a safer guide than mere theory. the doctrines of Europe were that men in numer‑ ous associations cannot be restrained within the limits of order and justice but by forces physical and moral wielded over them by au‑ thorities independent of their will. hence their organisation of kings, hereditary nobles, and priests. still further to constrain the brute force of the people, they deem it necessary to keep them down by hard labor, poverty and ignorance, and to take from them, as from bees, so much of their earnings as that unremitting labour shall be necessary to obtain a sufficient surplus barely to sustain a scanty and miserable life. and these earnings they apply to maintain their priviledged or‑ ders in splendor and idleness, to fascinate the eyes of the people, and excite in them an humble adoration and submission as to an order of superior beings. altho’ few among us had gone all these lengths of opinion, yet many had advanced, some more, some less on the way. and, in the Convention which formed our government, they endeav‑  660 

12 JUNE 1823

ored to draw the cords of power as tight as they could obtain them, to lessen the dependance of the general functionaries on their constitu‑ ents, to subject to them those of the states,2 to weaken their means of maintaining the steady equilibrium which the majority of the Con‑ vention had deemed salutary for both branches general and local. to recover therefore in practice the powers which the nation had refused, and to warp to their own wishes those actually given, was the steady object of the federal party. ours, on the contrary, was to maintain the will of the majority of the Convention, and of the people themselves. we believed with them that man was a rational animal, endowed by nature with rights, and with an innate sense of justice, and that he could be restrained from wrong, & protected in right, by moderate powers, confided to persons of his own choice, and held to their du‑ ties by dependance on his own will. we believed that the complicated organisation of kings, nobles, and priests was not the wisest nor best to effect the happiness of associated man; that wisdom and virtue were not hereditary; that the trappings of such a machinery consumed, by their expence, those earnings of industry they were meant to protect, and, by the inequalities they produced, exposed liberty to sufferance. we believed that men, enjoying in ease and security the full fruits of their own industry, enlisted by all their interests on the side of law and order, habituated to think for themselves and to follow their reason as their guide, would be more easily and safely governed than with minds nourished in error, and vitiated and debased, as in Europe, by ignorance, indigence and oppression. the cherishment of the people then was our principle, the fear and distrust of them that of the other party. composed, as we were, of the landed and laboring interests of the country, we could not be less anxious for a government of law and order than were the inhabitants of the cities, the strongholds of federalism. and whether our efforts to save the principles and form of our constitution have not been salutary, let the present republican freedom, order and prosperity of our country determine. history may distort truth, and will distort it for a time, by the superior efforts at justification of those who are conscious of needing it most. nor will the opening scenes of our present government be seen in their true aspect until the letters of the day, now held in private hoards, shall be broken up &3 laid open to public view. what a treasure will be found in Genl Washington’s cabinet, when it shall pass into the hands of as candid a friend to truth as he was himself! when no longer, like Cæsar’s notes and memorandums in the hands of Anthony, it shall be open to the high priests of Federalism only, and garbled to say so much, and no more than suits their views!  661 

12 JUNE 1823

 With respect to his farewell Address, to the authorship of which, it seems, there are conflicting claims, I can state to you some facts. he had determined to decline a reelection at the end of his first term, and so far determined that he had requested mr Madison to prepare for him something valedictory to be addressed to his constituents on his retirement. this was done: but he was finally persuaded to acquiesce in a second election, to which no one more strenuously pressed him than myself, from a conviction of the importance of strengthening, by longer habit, the respect necessary for that office, which the weight of his character only could effect. when, at the end of his second term, his Valedictory came out, mr Madison recognised in it several pas‑ sages of his draught, several others we were both satisfied were from the pen of Hamilton, and others from that of the President himself. these he probably put into the hands of Hamilton to form into a whole, and hence it may all appear in Hamilton’s handwriting, as if it were all of his composition. I have stated above that the original objects of the Federalists were 1. to warp our government more to the form and principles of monar‑ chy, & 2. to weaken the barriers of the state governments as co‑ordinate powers. in the first they have been so compleatly4 foiled, by the uni‑ versal spirit of the nation, that they have abandoned the enterprise, shrunk from the odium of their old appellation, taken to themselves a participation of ours, and under that pseudo‑republican mask, are now aiming at their second object, and strengthened by unsuspect‑ ing, or apostate recruits from our ranks, are advancing fast towards an ascendancy. I have been blamed for saying that a prevalence of the doctrines of Consolidation would one day call for reformation, or revolution. I answer by asking if a single state of the Union would have agreed to the constitution had it given all powers to the General government? if the whole opposition to it did not proceed from the jealousy and fear of every state of being subjected to the other states in matters merely it’s own? and if there is any reason to believe the states more disposed, now than then, to acquiesce in this general sur‑ render of all their rights and powers to a Consolidated government, one and undivided? You request me confidentially to examine the question Whether the Supreme court has advanced beyond it’s constitutional limits, and trespassed on those of the State authorities? I do not undertake it, my dear Sir, because I am unable. age, and the wane of mind consequent on it have disqualified me from investigations so severe, and researches so laborious. and it is the less necessary in this case as having been  662 

12 JUNE 1823

already done by others with a logic and learning to which I could add nothing. on the decision of the case of Cohens v. the State of Virginia, in the Supreme court of the U.S. in March 21. Judge Roane, under the signature of Algernon Sidney, wrote for the Enquirer a series of papers on the law of that case. I considered these papers maturely as they came out, and confess that they appeared to me to pulverise every word which had been delivered by Judge Marshall of the extrajudicial part of his opinion; and all was extrajudicial, except the decision that the act of Congress had not purported to give to the corporation of Washington the authority claimed by their lottery law, of controuling the laws of the states within the states themselves. but, unable to claim that case, he could not let it go entirely, but went on gratuitously to prove that, notwithstanding the XIth amendment, of 5 the constitution a state could be brought, as a defendant, to the bar of his court. and, again, that Congress might authorise a corporation of it’s territory to exercise legislation within a state, and paramount to the laws of that state. I cite the sum and result only6 of his doctrines, according to the impression made on my mind at the time, and still remaining. if not strictly accurate in circumstance, it is so in substance. this doctrine was so compleatly refuted by Roane, that if it can be answered, I sur‑ render human reason as a vain and useless faculty, given to bewil‑ der, and not to guide us. and I mention this particular case, as one only of several, because it gave occasion to that thoro’ examination of the constitutional limits between the General and state jurisdictions which you have asked for. there were two other writers in the same paper, under the signatures of Fletcher of Saltoun,7 and Somers,8 who in a few essays presented some very luminous and striking views of the question. and there was a particular paper which recapitulated all the cases in which it was thought the federal court had usurped on the state jurisdictions. these essays will be found in the Enquirers of 21. from May 10. to July 13. it is not in my present power to send them to you;9 but if Ritchie can furnish them, I will procure and for‑ ward them. if they had been read in the other states, as they were here, I think they would have left, there as here, no dissentients from their doctrine. the subject was taken up by our legislature of 21–22. and two draughts of remonstrances were prepared and discussed. as well as I remember there was no difference of opinion as to the matter of right; but there was as to the expediency of a remonstrance at that time, the general mind of the states being then under extraordinary excitement by the Missouri question; and it was dropped on that con‑ sideration. but this case is not dead, it only sleepeth. the Indian chief  663 

12 JUNE 1823

said he did not go to war for every petty injury by itself; but put it into his pouch, and when that was full, he then made war. thank heaven we have provided a more peaceable and rational mode of redress. This practice of Judge Marshall, of travelling out of his case to prescribe what the law would be in a moot case not before the court, is very irregular and very censurable. I recollect another instance, and the more particularly perhaps, because it, in some measure, bore on myself. among the midnight appointments10 of mr Adams were com‑ missions to some federal justices of the peace for Alexandria. these were signed and sealed by him, but not delivered. I found them on the table of the department of State, on my entry11 into office, and I forbade their delivery. Marbury, named in one of them, applied to the Supreme court for a Mandamus to the Secretary of state (mr Madi‑ son) to deliver the commission intended for him. the court determined, at once, that, being an original process, they had no cognisance of it; and there the question before them was ended. but the Chief Justice went on to lay down what the law would be, had they jurisdiction of the case: to wit, that they should command the delivery. the object was clearly to instruct any other court having the jurisdiction, what they should do, if Marbury should apply to them. besides the impro‑ priety of this gratuitous interference, could any thing exceed the per‑ version of law? for if there is any principle of law never yet contra‑ dicted it is that delivery is one of the essentials to the validity of a deed. altho’ signed and sealed, yet as long as it remains in the hands of the party himself it is in fieri only,12 it is not a deed, and can be made so only by his delivery. in the hands of a third person it may be made an escrow; but whatever is in the executive offices is certainly deemed to be in the hands of the President, and in this case was actu‑ ally in my hands, because when I countermanded them13 there was as yet no Secretary of state. yet this case of Marbury and Madison is continually cited by bench and bar, as if it were settled14 law, without any animadversion on it’s being merely an obiter dissertation of the Chief Justice. It may be impracticable to lay down any general formula of words which shall decide at once, and with precision in every case, this limit of jurisdiction. but there are two Canons which will guide us safely in most of the cases. 1. the capital and leading object of the Constitution was to leave with the states all authorities which respected their own citizens only, and to transfer to the US. those which respected citizens of foreign, or other states: to make us several as to ourselves, but one as to all others. in the latter case then constructions should lean to the general jurisdiction; if the words will bear it; and in favor of the states  664 

12 JUNE 1823

in the former, if possible to be so construed. and indeed, between citi‑ zen and citizen of the same state, and under their own laws, I know but a single case in which a jurisdiction is given to the general gov‑ ernment. that is where any thing but gold or silver is made a lawful tender or the obligation of contracts is any otherwise impaired. the separate legislatures15 had so often abused that power, that the citizens themselves chose to trust it to the General, rather than to their own special authorities.   2. on every question of construction, carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recol‑ lect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, con‑ form to the probable one in which it was past. let us try Cohen’s case by these Canons only, referring always however, for full argument, to the essays before cited. 1. it was between a citizen and his own state, and under a law of his state. it was a domestic case therefore, and not a foreign one. 2. can it be believed that under the jealousies prevailing against the powers of the General government, at the adoption of the constitu‑ tion, the states meant to surrender the authority of preserving order16 enforcing moral duties, and restraining vice within their own terri‑ tory,? & this is the present case, that of Cohen being under the antient and general law against gaming? can any good be effected by taking from the states the moral rule of their citizens, and subordinating it to the general authority, or to one of their corporations, which may justify forcing the meaning of words, hunting after possible construc‑ tions, and hanging inference on inference, from heaven to earth, like Jacob’s ladder? such an intention was impossible, and such a licen‑ tiousness of construction and inference, if exercised by both govern‑ ments, as may be done with equal right, would equally authorize both to claim all powers, general and particular, and break up the founda‑ tions of the Union. laws are made for men of ordinary understanding, and should therefore be construed by the ordinary rules of common sense. their meaning is not to be sought for in metaphysical subtleties, which may make any thing mean every thing, or nothing, at pleasure. it should be left to the sophisms of Advocates, whose trade it is, to prove that a defendant is a plaintiff, altho’ dragged into court, torto collo;17 that a power has been given, because it ought to have been given, et alia talia. the states supposed that by their 10th amendment they had secured themselves against constructive powers. they were not lessoned yet by Cohen’s case, nor aware of the slipperiness of the Eels of the law. I wish18 for no straining of words against the general government, nor yet against the states. I believe the states can best  665 

12 JUNE 1823

govern our home concerns, the general government our foreign ones. I wish therefore to see maintained that wholsome distribution of pow‑ ers established by the constitution for the limitation of both: & never to see all offices transferred to Washington, where, further withdrawn from the eyes of the people, they may more secretly19 be bought and sold as at market. But the Chief Justice says ‘there must be an ultimate Arbiter some‑ where.’ true, there must: but does that prove it is either party? the ultimate arbiter is the people of the Union, assembled by their depu‑ ties in Convention, at the call of Congress, or of two thirds of the states. let them decide to which they meant to give an authority claimed by two of their organs. and it has been the peculiar wisdom & felicity of our constitution, to have provided this peaceable appeal where that of other nations is at once to force.20 I rejoice in the example you set of seriatim opinions. I have heard it often noticed, & always with high approbation. some of your breth‑ ren will be encouraged to follow it occasionally; and in time it may be felt by all, as a duty, and the sound practice of the primitive court21 be again restored. why should not every judge be asked his opinion, and give it from the bench, if only by yea, or nay? besides ascertaining the fact of his opinion, which the public have a right to know, in order to judge whether it is impeachable or not, it would shew whether the opinions were unanimous or not, and thus settle more exactly the weight of their authority. The close of my second sheet warns me that22 It is time now to re‑ lieve you from this letter of unmerciful length. indeed I wonder how I have accomplished it, with two crippled wrists, the one scarcely able to move my pen, the other to hold my paper. but I am hurried some‑ times beyond the sense of pain when unbosoming myself to friends who harmonise with me in principle. you and I may differ occasionally in details of minor consequence, as no two minds, more than two faces, are the same in every feature. but our general objects are the same, to preserve the republican form and principles of our constitu‑ tion, and cleave to the salutary distribution of powers which that has established. these are the two sheet‑anchors of our Union. if driven from either, we shall be in danger of foundering. to my prayers for it’s safety and perpetuity, I add those for the continuation of your health, happiness, and usefulness to our23 country. Th: Jefferson RC (ScHi); addressed: “The honble Judge William Johnson Charleston S.C.”; franked; postmarked; endorsed by John‑ son as “answered”; with unrelated calcu‑

lation in an unidentified hand on address leaf. FC (DLC); in TJ’s hand; consisting of a PoC until point noted below, then continued separately on same page, with

 666 

12 JUNE 1823 changes and interlineations of RC incor‑ porated cleanly in remaining text, except where noted below. Enclosed in TJ to James Madison, 13 June 1823, and Mad‑ ison to TJ, 27 June 1823. James Madison wrote a draft fare‑ well address for George Washington and enclosed it to him on 20 June 1792. This was later incorporated, along with portions written by Washington and Al‑ exander Hamilton, into the president’s message to the nation of 19 Sept. 1796 con‑ cerning his approaching departure from office (Madison, Papers, Congress. Ser., 14:319–24; Washington, Papers, Pres. Ser., 20:145–54, 697–722). For the case of cohens v. the state of virginia, see note to TJ to Thomas Ritchie, 25 Dec. 1820. A complete list of the papers on the law of that case that were published in the Richmond ­Enquirer under the signatures of “Alger‑ non Sidney,” “Fletcher of Saltoun,” and “Somers” can be found above at Spencer Roane to TJ, 20 June 1821, and TJ to John E. Hall, 8 Aug. 1821. Some of their dates are given below in notes 7 and 8. The xith amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits federal courts from hearing cases or making decisions against a state if it is sued by a citizen who lives in another state or a foreign country. The case of Cohens v. Virginia was taken up by our legislature of 1821–22, but no further action was presented or passed during that session (note to en‑ closure to Archibald Thweatt to TJ, 13 Dec. 1821; W. Ray Luce, Cohens v. Vir­ ginia (1821): The Supreme Court and State Rights, a Reevaluation of Influences and Impacts [1990], 179–80). in fieri: “pend‑ ing” (Black’s Law Dictionary). John Mar‑ shall’s opinion in the case of marbury and madison is printed in Marshall, Pa­ pers, 6:165–87. The biblical story of jacob’s ladder is in Genesis 28, where Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven. torto collo: “twisted neck”; in this context, “unwillingly.” et alia talia: “and others like them.” The 10th amend‑

ment to the United States Constitution reserves to the individual states and the people at large powers not granted to the federal government. 1 TJ

here canceled “principles.” FC TJ here interlined “and.” 3 FC: “and.” 4 Manuscript: “compleaty.” 5 Word added in margin and omitted in FC. 6  Word interlined. 7  In FC TJ added in margin, keyed to this name with a dagger: “No 1. June 22. 2. 26 3. 4. July 6.” 8  In FC TJ added in margin, keyed to this name with an asterisk: “No 1. May 15 2. 22 3. June 1. 4 12. 5 19 6 29 7. July 13.” 9  FC removed from polygraph around this point. 10  Word interlined in place of “nomina‑ tions,” with FC left unaltered. 11  FC: “entrance.” 12  Preceding five words interlined, with superfluous comma editorially omitted. 13  Preceding four words interlined. 14  Word interlined. 15  Word interlined in place of “states.” 16  Preceding two words interlined in RC. Preceding three words interlined in FC, with mistaken superfluous “of.” 17 FC here adds “like Bonaparte’s vol‑ unteers into the field in chains, or.” 18 FC: “ask.” 19 Word interlined in FC. 20 Remainder of text written by TJ in a smaller hand to avoid needing another page. 21 Preceding four words interlined. 22  Sentence to this point interlined in RC and FC. 23 FC: “your.” 2 In

 667 

From Elijah Mead Hon. Sir, New York June 12th 1823— Knowing how eminently you regard and appreciate American worth and talent, it is therefore, with much diffidence that I intrude upon your notice the feeble effort of a young man; but having the honour of being a member of the Linnæan Society of Paris, of which you are the most conspicuous American member, I have taken the liberty of enclosing a paper containing my address on the 24th Ult. at the Lin‑ næan Celebration.—And I hope it may be deemed as a laudable am‑ bition that glows in my bosom, when I venture to Subscribe myself Your’s, With sentiments of the highest respect and Esteem, Elijah Mead RC (MoSB, 1959); at foot of text: “To the Hon. Thoms Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 19 June 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL. Enclosure: Mead, “Rise and Progress of Botanical Science: An Address delivered at the celebration of the Birth‑day of Linnæus, on the 24th May, 1823, at Prince’s Garden, Flushing,” giv‑ ing a brief history of the study of botany from the natural observations of ancient thinkers through the eighteenth century and the birth of Carolus Linnaeus, whose classi­fication system “may be considered the most faultless system ever conceived by the mind of man” (p. 69); praising ad‑ vances in botanical knowledge around the world, particularly in Europe, and looking forward to the new discoveries to be made in Africa and Asia; claiming that “the Genius of Botany points to this Western Hemisphere” (p. 70); highlighting Lin‑ naeus’s own interest in the flora of North America and his influence on its study; and concluding by describing publications on American botany (printed in Minerva 2 [1823]: 69–70; TJ’s copy in DLC: Rare Book and Special Collections, bound with his presentation copy of Alexander von Humboldt, De Distributione Geographica

Plantarum [Paris, 1817; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 6 (no. 281)]). Elijah Mead (ca. 1796–1842), physi‑ cian, was a resident of Massachusetts be‑ fore graduating in 1821 from the College of Physicians and Surgeons (later part of Columbia University) in New York City, where in that year he published his dis‑ sertation, An Experimental Inquiry into the Botanical History, Chemical Properties, and Medicinal Virtues, of the Spiræa To‑ mentosa of Linnæus. Mead immediately began practicing medicine in New York. He was a member of the Société Linné­ enne de Paris by 1823, was elected a mem‑ ber of the Medical Society of the State of New York in 1824, and became a fellow of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1828. Mead was still a practicing physi‑ cian in New York when he died in Hart‑ ford, Connecticut (New‑York Gazette & General Advertiser, 5 Apr. 1821; Thomas, Columbia University Officers and Alumni, 40, 74, 199; Longworth’s New York Di‑ rectory [1821]: 304; [1842]: 425; Min‑ utes of the so‑called Medical Society of the State of New York [1878], 290–1; Middle‑ town, Conn., Constitution, 10 Aug. 1842).

 668 

From George Alexander Otis Sir, Boston 12th June 1823. The writer of the work, which I have the honor herewith to ad‑ dress to you, I had the pleasure to become acquainted with in 1816, when I was travelling in Italy, for the recovery of my health. He has recently sent me a few copies of it, with a request that I would pre­ sent them to Such of our eminent fellow‑citizens as were remarkable for their love of the fine arts; “being desirous, to be read and judged by those who are emancipated from the prejudices which have well‑nigh strangled Old Europe.” I hasten with the more alacrity to follow his instructions, as it affords me a fair occasion for renewing the expres‑ sion of my profound respect, and my grateful recollection of the obli‑ gations which you have laid me under personally, by the kind welcome you were pleased to afford my translation of the American War; a labor which I ought not to consider fruitless since it has procured me the notice of the Marcus Aurelius—of the better days of the world. with the truest veneration, I have the honor to be sir, your most humble & Obedt Servant, George Alexander Otis. RC (DLC); between dateline and salu‑ tation: “Hon’ble Thomas Jefferson”; en‑ dorsed by TJ as received 19 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Marie

Henri Beyle (Stendhal), Histoire de la Peinture en Italie, 2 vols. (Paris, 1817; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 12 [no. 728]; TJ’s copy in MoSW).

To John Laval Dear Sir Monticello June 13. 23. I have duly recieved the 4. vols of Las Casas, & have to ask the favor of you to send me a copy of the Nautical almanac for this & the next years, and 2. copies of Phædrus’s fables in Latin for school boys, by successive mails, sending also my account which shall be promptly remitted. I salute you with esteem and respect Th: Jefferson RC (MiU‑C: Thomas Jefferson Collec‑ tion); addressed: “Mr John Laval Phila‑ delphia”; stamp canceled; franked; post‑ marked; endorsed by Laval. FC (DLC);

on verso of reused address cover of Peter Maverick to TJ, 23 Dec. 1822; in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ.

 669 

To James Madison Dear Sir Monticello June 13. 23. I communicated to you a former part of a correspondence between Judge Johnson of Charleston and myself, chiefly on the practice of caucusing opinions which is that of the supreme court of the US. but on some other matters also,1 particularly his history of parties. in a late letter he asks me to give him my idea of the precise2 principles & views of the Republicans in their oppositions to the Federalists, when that opposition was highest, also my opinion of the line dividing the jurisdiction of the general and state governments, mentions a dispute between Genl Washington’s friends and mrs Hamilton as to the au‑ thorship of the Valedictory, and expresses his concurrence with me on the subject of seriatim opinions. this last being of primary importance I inclose you a copy of my answer to the judge, because, if you think of it as I do,3 I suppose your connection with judge Todd, and your antient intimacy with judge Duval might give you an opening to say something to them on the subject. if Johnson could be backed by them in the practice, the others would be obliged to follow suit, and this dangerous engine of consolidation would feel a proper restraint by their being compelled to explain publicly the grounds of their opinions.—what I have stated as to the Valedictory, is according to my recollection; if you find any error, it shall be corrected in another letter.4—when you shall have read the inclosed, be so good as to re‑ turn it, as I have no other copy. The literary board have advanced 40,000.D. and will retain the balance for us as requested until the end of the year, and the building is going on rapidly. ever and affectionately yours, Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Madison Papers, Rives Col‑ lection); addressed (left half of address cover only): “James M[adison] [.  .  .]”; postmarked. Dft (DLC); on verso of a re‑ used address cover from Thomas Apple‑ ton to TJ; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: TJ to William Johnson, 12 June 1823. connection with judge todd: Madison’s wife, Dolley Madison, was the sister‑in‑law of Thomas Todd, a Supreme

Court justice. the building: the Uni‑ versity of Virginia’s Rotunda. 1 Reworked in Dft from “US. and on some other matters.” 2  Word interlined in Dft in place of “real.” 3 Preceding five words interlined in Dft in place of “so also.” 4 Sentence interlined in Dft.

 670 

To Bernard Peyton Dear Sir Monticello June 13. 23. I requested you in a former letter to assure mr James Rawlings that as soon as I could get my tobo to market I would draw on you in his favor for a balance due the mutual assurance co. I have accdly drawn on you this day for a sum of about 89 or 90.D. I had formerly desired mr Ritchie to apply to you annually for my subscription to the Enquirer, and supposing it regularly paid, I had not even examd your account to assure myself of it. his agent called on me lately for long arrearages amounting to about 60.D. I write mr Ritchie this day that you will pay the account adding also for some laws furnished. affectly yours Th:J. FC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Thomas J. Johnston to TJ, 21 Nov. 1822; in TJ’s hand; between closing and signature: “B. Peyton”; endorsed by TJ.

To James Rawlings Dear Sir Monticello June 13. 23. I have been more tardy in remitting to you my balance for insur‑ ance than I expected at the date of my letter of October last, because I have been later in getting my produce to market. I now inclose you an order on Colo Bernard Peyton for1 the amount as below. The last remains of the ruins at Milton for which the insurance was reduced to 1.54 D are now not worth a cent, and I wish to withdraw them from insurance after the present year, but I do not know the legal form. will you do me the favor to send me a form which I will sign and return you by mail? accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect. Th: Jefferson for Monticello. principal for 21.22. & deficiency2 53.88 Int. on do to Sep. 1. 22. 1.53 for Milton. principal from 1809– Sep. 1.3 22. 21.56 Int. on do to Sep. 1. 22 7.43 int. on 75.44. from Sep. 1. 22 till pd abt 3.06 t o make a round result4 for Milton insurance5 for 1823. 1.54 about6 89.77.7 15   74.77  671 

13 JUNE 1823 RC (FMU: Thomas Jefferson Collec‑ tion); addressed: “Mr James Rawlings Richmond”; franked; postmarked; en‑ dorsed by Rawlings. Dft (MHi); on verso of a reused address cover from Thomas Appleton to TJ; with related calculations by TJ at foot of text; endorsed by TJ. En‑ closure not found. 1  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft in place of reworked and partially un‑ canceled text reading: “84.40 the amt of princip. & int. to Sep. 1. 22. also 1.54 for

the present year and also interest on 53.88 + 21.56 = 75.44 from that date till paid which will be between 3. & 4.D. addi‑ tional; say in the whole about 89.D.” 2  Preceding two words added in RC and Dft. 3 Preceding two words not in Dft. 4 Preceding five words not in Dft. 5 Instead of preceding three words, Dft reads “principal for Milton.” 6 Word not in Dft. 7  Preceding two digits and remaining text added in Rawlings’s hand.

To Thomas Ritchie Dr Sir Mo June 13. 23. In the year 21. there were inserted in your paper three series of es‑ says on the case of Cohen, subscribed by Algernon Sidney, Fletcher of Saltoun & Somers, which compleatly pulverised the opinion of the Federal court in that case. had these been republished in the papers of the other states, they would have left no doubters on that subject. I have an oppy of putting them into the hands of a friend who will make valble use of them if they can be obtd. can you furnish them to me? they began May 10. and ended July 13. Several years ago I wrote to desire you to call on Colo Peyton annu‑ ally for my sbscrptn to the Enquirer, who on sight of that letter, once for all, would always pay my sbscrptn, and I wrote to Colo Peyton for the like purpose. I never thot aftwds, even of looking into his accts to see that it was done, taking for granted it was done, and the rather as I never after recd any applicn for it. a gent. called on me yesterday with a bill shewing you had not recieved it for many years. I state this matter to assure you that it was in confidce you were regularly paid under that arrangemt that I omitted to attend to it, or it should not have been omitted. I believe the acct amounted to about 60.D. I pray you to present it to Colo Peyton to whom I write this day and1 who will pay it on demand2 and will annually do the same hereafter. you have likewise furnished me with the acts of assembly which be pleased to add to the acct and ask payment at the same hand. I shall be glad to recieve the acts of the last session when ready. accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect. Th:J.  FC (DLC); on verso of top half of reused address cover of Thomas Cooper to TJ,

21 Dec. 1822; in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Mr Thomas Ritchie”; endorsed by TJ.

 672 

14 JUNE 1823 For the pseudonymous essays by al‑ gernon sidney, fletcher of sal­ toun & somers printed in the Richmond Enquirer, see notes to Spencer Roane to TJ, 20 June 1821, and TJ to John E.

Hall, 8 Aug. 1821. The friend was Wil‑ liam Johnson. 1 Preceding

seven words interlined. interlined in place of “sight of this letter.” 2 Word

To James Lindsay Dear Sir Monticello June 14. 23. I have duly recieved your favor of the 6th and have been truly thank‑ ful for the indulgence to my convenience which you have exercised hitherto, and which my unskilful management of my plantations and a series of disastrous years have made a real accomodation. age and debility have obliged me to relinquish the care of my own affairs and to put them entirely into the hands of my grandson Th: J. Randolph[.] he is now in Richmond attending the sale of some of my tobacco. on hi[s] return I will place your letter in his hands with an explanation of th[e] obligation I am under to press it on his earliest attention and means. and to him I must refer you to confer on the subject, and with the expression of my obligation to you I beg leave to assure you of my great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (ViHi); torn (with loss of frank); addressed: “Mr James Lindsay Lindsay’s store Albemarle”; postmarked. James Lindsay (ca. 1773–1856), farmer, was a native Virginian and a nephew of TJ’s friend Reuben Lindsay. When he died in Louisa County he owned 463 acres of land and 65 slaves there, as well as 3,197 acres and 29 slaves in Albemarle County (DNA: RG 29, CS, Louisa Co., 1850; Woods, Albemarle, 257; PTJ, 43: 308; Richmond Daily Dispatch, 23 May

1856; Louisa Co. Will Book, 14:133–40, 159–63). Lindsay’s favor of 6 June, not found, is recorded in SJL as received 8 June 1823. Lindsay was an executor of the es‑ tate of Joseph Brand, to which TJ owed $339.60 in principal and $238.43 in in‑ terest as of 1 July 1823 (Richmond Vir­ ginia Patriot, 6 Dec. 1814; MB, 2:1336; note to TJ to Mr. Brand, 12 June 1815; TJ’s List of Debts and Assets, 1 Apr. 1823).

To James Monroe Dear Sir Monticello June 14.1 23. The reasons assigned in your favor of the 7 th for preferring to re‑ tain Loudon instead of Albemarle, are such as cannot be contro‑ verted. the society of our children is the sovereign balm of life, and the older we grow2 the more we need it, to fill up the void made by  673 

14 JUNE 1823

the daily losses of the companions and friends of our youth. nor ought we of this neighborhood to3 regret a preference so conducive to your own happiness. we must submit, as in other cases,4 to unwelcome oc‑ currences, and hope that in the endeavor to retain a part of the estate here5 we see a possibility of your visiting us occasionally. to me the loss will be greater than to younger persons. age and debility have obliged me to put all my affairs into the hands of my grandson. even a daily ride, necessary to keep up my health and spirits, is now at a loss for objects to encorage it. to have terminated it sometimes at Oak­wood6 with a half‑hour’s conversation with those whose minds, familiarised with the same scenes would range with sympathy over the same topics would have chequered7 the monotony of a country life disengaged from country occupations.8 the University indeed gives me some welcome employment. if the legislature will declare at once9 to have given what they have hitherto called a loan, so that I may see the institution opened on the high ground I have ever contemplated, I shall sing my nunc demittas with pleasure. The case in which you have so kindly endeavored to mediate is too long for explanation by letter. I must reserve it for conversation when we meet again. in the mean while no time is lost. for as long as the party10 continues his present habits there could be neither satisfac‑ tion nor safety in his society; and his reclamation from them, I believe to be absolutely desperate. this however does not lessen our sense of the kindness and friendship of your wish to relieve us from the most constant and poignant affliction of our lives. and with the assurance of our gratitude for this, accept that of my constant & cordial friend‑ ship and respect Th: Jefferson RC (NN: Monroe Papers); addressed: “James Monroe President of the US. Washington”; franked; postmarked; en‑ dorsed by Monroe. Dft (MHi); on verso of a reused address cover from Thomas G. Watkins to TJ; endorsed by TJ. TJ’s grandson was Thomas Jeffer­ son Randolph. By oakwood TJ presum‑ ably meant Highland, Monroe’s Albemarle County estate, not Oak Hill, his property in Loudoun County. 1 Reworked 2  Word

“are.”

in Dft from “13.” interlined in Dft in place of

3  Preceding six words interlined in Dft in place of “can we who are here.” 4  Reworked in Dft from “in every other case.” 5    Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “oakwood.” 6 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 7 In Dft TJ here canceled “my life with satisfaction which.”  8 In Dft TJ here canceled “but my race is near it’s term, and not nearer, I assure you, than I wish.” 9 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 10  Word interlined in Dft in place of “subject.”

 674 

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Th:J. to mr Brockenbrough. June 16. 23, I mentioned to you yesterday the ill effect of the acute angles in the passage of the Rotunda. I send you my drawing of the building in which I have drawn portions of a circle to cover those angles. you will consider whether it is best to make them of brick or studs & laths. you will see in the drawing whereabouts the centers of those portions of circle are taken, so as to make the circle a tangent to the door post of the small room and side of the large one. be so good as to return my drawing. friendly salutation RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); written on a small scrap; dateline at foot of text; addressed: “Mr Brockenbro’.” Not recorded in SJL. Enclosure: TJ’s Floor Plan for the Ro‑

tunda, with Specifications [before 16 June 1823] (MS in ViU: TJP; Nichols, Archi­ tectural Drawings, 41 [no. 330]).

From John Brockenbrough Dear Sir, Richmond 16 June 1823 I return you Mr Coffee’s communication with my thankful acknowl‑ edgments for it’s use. I learn that the undertaker of the Locks of the James River canal has succeeded in making the chambers impervious to water, by laying the masonry in a mortar of Roman‑Cement, with‑ out lining the walls with plaster. He supposes that with well burnt bricks, or such as have a vitreous coat, a cistern may also be made quite secure without plastering the inside. Should we fail in the experiment, we can easily add the lining, according to Mr C’s method, afterwards— I observed that earthen tubes were used in the gardens about Paris & Lisbon as aqueducts under ground, & find that they can be made at our Potteries. as my cistern is not very contiguous to the pipes which communicate with the gutters, I mean to make trial of them. They are less expensive than metal & more durable than wood, & should you have occasion for any of them, I will with pleasure order some for you, provided they succeed with me. With the highest respect. John Brockenbrough  RC (CSmH: JF); at foot of text: “Thos Jefferson Esqr”; endorsed by TJ as received 22 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: enclosure to William J. Coffee to TJ, 7 Nov. 1818.

 675 

From George Richardson Dear Sir Kentucky State Barren County 16 June 1823 I have lately recd a letter from Wm Richardson of Alabama State, that he has lately recd an account that my brother Richard [i]s dead, & knowing that he Was sometimes in the habit of Corresponding With you, I take the liberty of asking the favour of you to Write to me, if you are in possession of any information relative to his affairs & if he is dead, What Steps his relations had better take to get his property. your immediate attention to answering the above will much oblige Sir You[r] friend & most Obedt Servt— George Richardson RC (MHi); in an unidentified hand; mutilated and edge torn; endorsed by TJ as received 10 July 1823 and so recorded (with mistaken date of composition of 3

July) in SJL; notation by TJ on verso, “July 27. 09. Jamaica,” related to the let‑ ter enclosed in his response of 15 July 1823.

From George Ticknor Dear Sir, Boston June 16. 1823.— It is very rarely that I venture to address a letter to you; because I am quite aware how constantly you are exposed to the solicitations of correspondence and, how much they must, in a situation like your’s, resemble persecution. But, I wish now to send you a copy of the Syl‑ labus I have prepared for my course of Lectures on Spanish Literary History & Criticism, and should be sorry to have it go without a word of explanation. When I accepted the place of Professor on the Smith foundation at Cambridge nearly four years since, I determined to devote myself ex‑ clusively to the preparation of the two courses of Lectures its Statutes demand, one on French & the other on Spanish Literature, until they should be completed. I began with the French and, in about two years, finished between fifty & sixty Lectures, equal in print to three good sized octavo volumes, to which I have never published a Syl‑ labus, for reasons entirely connected with the state of the Library at Cambridge. Since that time, I have been employed on the Spanish, which I have recently completed in between thirty and forty lectures— equal in amount to two printed octavos;—and to this I have just pub‑ lished a syllabus. They are both in the nature of works on literary History, of which I read portions to my classes without regard to any fixed division into lectures, and as such, they are the first attempt made  676 

16 JUNE 1823

in this country. For the French portion, my means, compared with those accessible in Europe, were not very ample, though they were by no means deficient;—but, for the Spanish portion I believe my collec‑ tion of books is unrivalled—certainly there is nothing so complete in Spanish belles‑lettres to be found in the great Libraries of England, France, Germany or even Spain itself, where, indeed, the collections have been sadly injured & scattered by the revolutions of the last fif­ teen years, and where their Libraries being hardly an hundred years old were never properly filled. My purpose has been, in each case, to make a course of Lectures more complete & minute than has been delivered before, and to introduce, if possible, a more detailed & thor‑ ough mode of teaching, whose object shall be to communicate genu‑ ine knowledge, rather than to exhibit the subject in rhetorical decla‑ mation. I have succeeded with the students, who have given me their willing attention, in a manner particularly pleasant to me, since I have declined from the first, any attendance on my lectures, which is not voluntary;—but the Professors still keep on in the beaten track; and will not probably soon be induced to change.—As a specimen of the sort of labour to which I have given the whole of my time, since my return from Europe, I take the liberty to send you with this, the Syl‑ labus of my Spanish course of Lectures. Nobody, in this country, within my acquaintance, has so much knowledge of this particular subject as you have—nobody has such wide & liberal views of the gen‑ eral principles on which an University should be established and its teaching conducted—and I am, therefore, very anxious to know, how you will regard my efforts in the cause, which I know you have so much at heart. It has given me great pleasure to learn, from some of my friends in Virginia, the successful progress of your University. I trust, it will soon go into effective operation, and serve as a model to lead all other institutions in the country, just as our imperfect establishment at Cam‑ bridge has led all others into an unfortunate imitation of its clumsy system for the last half century. As soon, as I hear it is fairly open, I promise myself the pleasure of visiting it.1 The two young gentlemen, you were so kind as to introduce to me above a year since, are both gone. Mr. Towl remained so short a time, that I was not able to assist him. But, I hope, I have been of some use to Mr. Harrison, who has but just left us, and whose strong love of letters and study, enabled me to contribute to his wants. He will carry home with him, a valuable stock of knowledge, particularly in mod‑ ern literature, to some portions of which, he has devoted himself with great zeal; and will, probably, be very successful in his profession, as  677 

16 JUNE 1823

he showed quite uncommon talents for extemporaneous debate. It may be gratifying to his friends to know that he sustained an irreproach‑ able character while he was among us; and that he faithfully used the time & means he enjoyed here for the purposes, that brought him. It has given me the most sincere pleasure to aid him, as far as I possibly could,2 because he was introduced to me by yourself, and I pray you earnestly, if any of your acquaintance should come here that you will let me know it, in order that I may, at least, show you how truly I am sensible to the many kindnesses you have rendered me. Present my respectful & affectionate rememberance to Mr. & Mrs Randolph—Miss. Randolph & all your family. I shall never forget the days I passed with you at Monticello, & I trust, that some of you will visit Boston & permit Mrs. Ticknor as well as myself to express our feelings towards you— Your’s with entire respect, Geo: Ticknor, RC (DLC); at foot of first page: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 3 July 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Tr (ViU: TJP); extract in Virginia J. Ran‑ dolph (Trist)’s hand subjoined to RC of TJ to Samuel J. Harrison, 5 July 1823. Enclosure: Ticknor, Syllabus of a Course of Lectures on the history and criticism of Spanish Literature (Cambridge, Mass., 1823).

smith foundation at cambridge: Ticknor held the Smith professorship of French and Spanish literature at Harvard University. 1

 Tr begins here.  Tr ends here.

2

To Hugh Holmes Dear Sir Monticello June 17. 23. You will recollect probably that about 3. or 4. years ago you were so kind as to engage of messrs Blackford and co three Cornshellers, two for myself and one for Genl Cocke but all in my name, and to undertake to pay them, and I was to replace the money at the Univer‑ sity on account of your instalments due there. you accordingly paid them 75.D. (the price at the furnace probably,) the company sent 10. to mr Kelly. I took my 2. and paid the bursar of the University for you 60.D. Genl Cocke took his and paid mr Kelly 30.D. which mr Kelly remitted to Blackford & co. yesterday an agent of theirs called on me with an account charging me 90.D. for 3. and crediting me 75.D. paid by you. I told the gentleman I was confident they were1 paid for these three, and as it would require investigation I could say nothing then, and he left me. I went to mr Kelly’s this morning and he shewed his book proving that he had remitted Genl Cocke’s 30.D. it appears then  678 

17 JUNE 1823

that they are overpd 15.D. and you are short paid 15.D. consequently that they must refund you that sum, which I hope you will find it convenient to reclaim from them and save yourself from loss by your kindness, their error has been to charge me with three machines when I had but two, or if they chuse to consider the one delivered to Genl Cocke as delivered to me, then they must consider the money pd to mr Kelly by Genl Cocke as paid by me. with my regret that you have been so long unpaid (which I had not before discovered) accept the assurance of my great friendship & respect Th: Jefferson FC (MHi); on verso of a reused address cover from Joseph C. Cabell to TJ; in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Judge Holmes”; endorsed by TJ.

1   Preceding two words interlined in place of “I had.”

From William Pannill, John McRae, and John Pollard sir, Petersburg 17th June 1823 The Volunteers of Petersburg entertaining a grateful recollection of the eminent patriotic services you have often rendered to your country, in the hours of danger and trial; respectfully solicit the honor of your company, in participating with them, in the celebration of the approaching anniversary of our political existence; and confidently hope that the countenance of one of their most venerated patriarchs to the feeble expression of their gratitude; for the inestimable blessings secured to them by their ancestors, will afford an example to the rising youth of our happy country, which they will ever glory in imitating— We are sir very respectfully Your Obdt Servants Wm Pannill Capt n Petersburg Cavalry Jno McRae Capt n Independ t Volunteers Jno Pollard Capt n Rep. L. I. Blues RC (ViW: TC‑JP); entirely in an unidentified hand; endorsed by TJ as a letter from “Pannill Wm et al. Petersbg” received 22 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Alexander Garrett, 8 Oct. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Charlottsville Va”; stamped; postmarked Petersburg, 19 June. William Pannill (1794–1870), mer‑ chant, was born in North Carolina, entered

the United States Army as an ensign in 1813, and was honorably discharged in 1815 with the rank of second lieutenant. He was living in Petersburg by 1820 and worked there in partnership and indepen‑ dently as a commission merchant, auction‑ eer, and real estate agent. Pannill was cap‑ tain of the Petersburg Light Dragoons in 1832, mayor of Petersburg, 1841–42, a director of the Bank of Virginia in 1849, founding president of the Southside Rail‑ road Company from 1850 until at least

 679 

17 JUNE 1823 1856, and a provost marshal in Peters‑ burg during the Civil War. He owned three slaves in 1820, four in 1830, four‑ teen in 1840, twenty in 1850, and six in 1860, at which time his real estate was valued at $12,000 and his personal prop‑ erty at $12,500. Pannill died during a visit to Baltimore (Heitman, U.S. Army, 1:768; DNA: RG 29, CS, Petersburg, 1820–70, 1850, 1860 slave schedules; Richmond Enquirer, 10 July 1832, 16 Jan. 1849; Edward Pollock, Historical and Industrial Guide to Petersburg, Virginia [(1884)], 67; Annual Report of the Board of Public Works to the General Assembly of Virginia 35 [1850]: 164–8; 39 [1855]: 1088, 1091; Richmond Daily Dispatch, 3  Mar. 1859, 23 Mar. 1860, 27 Sept. 1867, 1 June 1869; A. Wilson Greene, Civil War Petersburg: Confederate City in the Crucible of War [2006], 44, 71, 88–9; Petersburg Index, 18 Nov. 1870; grave‑ stone inscription in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg). John McRae commanded the cavalry of the Petersburg militia in 1807 (DNA: RG 94, PRWP; Richmond Enquirer, 7 July 1807). John Pollard (1785–1864), saddler, was born in Virginia. By 1806 he was living in Petersburg, where he was captain of the Republican Light Infantry Blues in 1823, mayor, 1843–44, and a member of the city council for at least one term begin‑ ning in 1853. A high‑ranking Freemason, Pollard ran unsuccessfuly as the Demo‑ cratic Republican candidate for the Pe‑ tersburg seat in the House of Delegates in 1829, supported Martin Van Buren in the 1836 presidential election, and was on the failed slate of presidential electors for Millard Fillmore in 1856. He owned four slaves in 1810, eight in 1820, five in 1830, seven in 1840, and two in 1860. One man who escaped from Pollard’s bondage de‑ scribed him as an especially harsh mas‑ ter. In 1860 his real estate was valued at $26,000 and his personal property at $3,500. At his death in Petersburg, Pol‑ lard’s personal property was appraised at $12,475 (Petersburg Intelligencer, 15 Apr. 1806; DNA: RG 29, CS, Petersburg, 1810–60, 1850, 1860 slave schedules; Wil‑

liam Still, The Underground Railroad [1872], 233; Richmond Enquirer, 14 Mar. 1829, 20 Feb. 1836; Pollock, Guide to Petersburg, 67; Richmond Daily Dispatch, 4 May 1853; Alexandria Gazette, 1 Nov. 1856; Petersburg Hustings Court Will Book, 5:308–9, 315–7; gravestone inscrip‑ tion in Blandford Cemetery). On this date the same committee ad‑ dressed a similar invitation to James Mad‑ ison, who declined it on 28 June 1823 (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:76, 86–7). During the War of 1812 TJ had a per‑ sonal encounter with a company of Peters‑ burg volunteers. The unit was organized on 12 Sept. 1812 and enrolled in federal service on 16 Oct. During its march north, it passed through Charlottesville on 9 and 10 Nov. 1812. A veteran recalled many years later that “Monticello lay on our route, or rather we made it so lie, that we might have a sight of Virginia’s favorite sage. We drew up, in military array, at the base of the hill on which the great house was erected. About half way down the hill stood a very homely old man, dressed in plain Virginia cloth, his head uncov‑ ered, and his venerable locks flowing in the wind. Some of our quizzical clique at once marked him as a fit subject of fun. ‘I wonder,’ said one, ‘what old codger that is, with his hair blowing nine ways for Easter Monday.’ ‘Why, of course,’ said another, ‘it is the overseer, and he seems to be scared out of a year’s growth. I sus‑ pect he never saw gentlemen volunteers before.’ But how were we astonished when he advanced to our officers and in‑ troduced himself as Thomas Jeffer­ son! The officers were invited in to a col‑ lation, while we were marched off to the town, where more abundant provisions had been made.” The Petersburg Volun‑ teers were discharged on 17 Oct. 1813 and had returned home early in 1814 (Alfred M. Lorrain, The Helm, the Sword and the Cross: A Life Narrative [1862], 103–4; Richmond Enquirer, 20 Nov. 1812; Lee A. Wallace Jr., “The Petersburg Volun‑ teers, 1812–1813,” VMHB 82 [1974]: 458–85).

 680 

To Thomas Ritchie Dear Sir Mo June 17. 23. th I wrote you on the 13 on the subject of my arrearages. on looking into mr Gibson’s accts who acted for me till 21. I find a payment of 10.D. for the Enquirer on June 9. 20. so that I suspect I was mis‑ taken in supposing I had written to Colo Peyton to pay for the paper. I presume that on changing my agent in 20. or 21. I omitted to give the general1 order and that my arrears commence after that date. all this however your accts will set to rights. Accept my friendly & re‑ spectful salutns Th:J. FC (MHi); on verso of a reused ad‑ dress cover from Joseph C. Cabell to TJ; in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Mr Ritchie”; endorsed by TJ.

1 Word

interlined.

From Thomas Cooper Dear Sir Columbia June 18. 1823. Foreseeing an approaching storm, I wrote to you, on the chance of being able to find shelter against its effects; but I have expressed myself in my letter to you not so clearly as I ought. I am fully of your opinion, that those who govern your University neither can or ought to give countenance to any rival establishment public or private in its neighbourhood. My views were these: It is probable the extended com‑ bination among the Clergy here may effect the object of displacing me. There is not likely to be any choice of professors at Charlottes­ ville for a year or two. If I can go as a private tutor in that neighbour‑ hood during that period, it is (to me) probable, that my conduct and my capacity for the office I seek, being under the immediate inspection of the visitors or some of them, would operate in my favour against the common prejudices that oppose an obstacle to my future appoint‑ ment as a Professor there. I conceive I run no hazard of losing char‑ acter where I can be observed and judged of. Such was my train of thought on the Subject. Since I wrote to you, I have gotten up an attack on the calvinistic clergy, which has been felt by them throughout the State: they will sink under it, and be paralyzed. The attempt I apprehended, may be made, but I am persuaded it will be, telum imbelle sine ictu The favourable opinion of the Trustees, even of the calvinistic part of them, is unchanged; on their part, I have nothing to dread; and  681 

18 JUNE 1823

they constitute in fact the only practical and efficient tribunal autho‑ rized to act. Last week in making a new arrangement of the profes‑ sorships, they gave me in fact carte blanche as to my choice, & re‑ quested me to give a course of lectures on political Economy. so that my standing here, is higher than ever it was, among the persons best qualified to judge: nor was the college at any previous time, so quiet, so orderly, or so entirely satisfied; it has increased and as I am in‑ formed, will receive next winter a greater accession of Students than at any former period. I shall by and by collect & publish in a pamphlet my essays on the influence of the Clergy, not however as yet openly published as mine. I think they would have a good effect in your state: Our printer here, was dreadfully averse to them at first, and the more so as 5 or 6 sub‑ scribers withdrew: but a clear gain of 81 in about 3 months, has convinced him practically that the public are with us. The inveterate opposer of my pretensions here, the calvinist evangelical pastor of the Presbyterian Church, will be compelled to resign: his defeat is compleat. Another Parson of the same description who published a pamphlet against me charging me with Atheism &c &c, a Mr Eleazar Harris of York district, has lost all his congregation; has set up as schoolmaster, and advertises that he will send his pupils to the south Carolina College; notwithstanding his pamphlet was expressly written to prevent any students from coming there. I see the dawn of better times at home: & I hope abroad. May you live to witness the practical triumph of your own principles. Thomas Cooper RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 25 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. In Virgil’s Aeneid, 2.544, the aged Priam throws his telum imbelle sine ictu (“weak and harmless spear”) (Fair‑ clough, Virgil, 1:352–3). The calvin‑ ist evangelical pastor was probably Thomas Charlton Henry, who resigned as minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia in January 1824 (Henry, Let­ ters to a Friend [2d ed., London, 1829], xxi–xxii). On 25 June 1823 Martha Jefferson Randolph wrote to Nicholas P. Trist from Monticello about the progress being made on the University of Virginia: “The Uni‑ versity is going on as well as its best friends can wish. the rotunda is already raised to the floor and the general opinion

is that the next assembly will liquidate the debt. the nigardliness of the one be‑ fore the last raised such a general out cry through the state that the current is now setting in full tide in favor of it. we hear that the youth of South America look very much to it in preferance to the north, or Columbia which is so completely broken up that a South Carolinian who was here a few days since, told my father they were waiting with great impatience there for it to go into operation and that he believed all the young carolinians would be sent here. the neighbourhood is becoming much gayer[.] they have evening parties in Charlottesville in as good style as in any town in the Union, and of late very fre‑ quent” (RC in NcU: NPT; omitted period at right margin editorially supplied).

 682 

From Maria Cosway Dear Sir Milan 18th June 1823 As I have found a favorable oportunity of Conveing a letter, I am happy to profit of it, to thank you for kind & friendly letter which I recived at Lodi. I congratulate you in the Undertaking you Announce me of the fine building which occupies your taste & kn[ow]ledge, & gratifies your heart, the work is worthy of you, you A[re] Worthy of Such enjoyment. Nothing, I think, is more usefull to mankind than a good Education. I may Say have been very fortunate to give a Spring to it in this Country & See those Children I have had the care of turn out good wives, excellent Mothers, et bonnes femmes de Me‑ nage, which was not Understood in those Countries, and which is the pr[inci]pal object of Society and the only usefull. I wish I could come & learn from you, was it the furthest part of Europe nothing would prevent me but that immense Sea, makes it a great distance. I hope however to hear from you as often as you can favor me.— I am glad you approve my choice of Lodi, it is a quite preaty place, & farr from the buzel of the world wh[ic]h is become trublesome— what a change Since you was here! I Saw Madme De Cornay when at Paris, she is the Same only a little o[l]der, but well, we taulk’d of you.—I know well all the family Dal Verme & have two Children in my establishment, one is just going to be Married to one of the first Nobleman h[e]re.— I take the liberty to Send another letter to my Brother, I am glad to hear he goes on well, & know he does not push himself forward, this is a family fault I recomend him to you in what you Can be of use to him Since diffidence is his only fault. I beg to be rememberd to Mr Trumbull. Believe me, my good friend—Your Most aff y obliged Maria Cosway  My kindest remembranse to your Daughter RC (MHi); mutilated; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 16 June 1823 received 31 Dec. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. En‑ closure not found.  bonnes femmes de menage: “good housekeepers.” A missing letter of 1 Jan.

1824 from TJ to George Hadfield, Cos­ way’s brother, is recorded in SJL with TJ’s bracketed notation: “inclosing mrs Cosway’s lre.” your daughter: Martha Jefferson Randolph.

 683 

To Jonathan Thompson Dear Sir Monticello June 18. 23. The inclosed letter informs me of the arrival at New York of some marble capitals from Leghorn for the columns of our University. I have no bill of lading, but there is probably one addressed to yourself. the letter is inclosed to inform you of the cost. if you will be so good as to drop me a line of the freight duty and other charges it shall be remitted by the first mail by way of Richmond, and you will oblige to send them to Colo Bernard Peyton at Richmond by the first sound vessel as their safe passage is important, our buildings now waiting for them. there is a mr Raggi an Italian Sculptor now in N. York waiting for this ship in which he has some articles of his own. he may perhaps come with them to Richmond and may safely be trusted with the care of ours: but I would not have them wait for him. I will pray you to return the letter when it has answered your purpose of settling the duties, if College property generally, as well as books be not ex‑ empt from duty. I salute you with great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson FC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Joel Yancey (1773–1838) to TJ, 21 Dec. 1822; in TJ’s hand; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Thompson Jonathan.” Enclosure: Thomas Appleton to TJ, 2 Apr. 1823 (first letter). A missing letter from Thompson to TJ of 26 Apr. 1823, the address cover only of which has been found, is recorded in SJL as received 3 May 1823 from New York (RC in DLC; with Dft of TJ to Andrew Jackson, 18 Dec. 1823, on verso; ad‑ dressed in a clerk’s hand: “Thomas Jeffer­

son. Esquire Late President of the United States Monticello Virginia”; franked; post‑ marked New York, 26 Apr.). Giacomo raggi sent TJ a letter of 6 May 1823, the address cover only of which has been found (RC in MoSHi: TJC-BC, with Dft of TJ to Ezekiel D. Withers, 25 Nov. 1823, on verso; addressed in an unidentified hand [parentheses editorially changed to brackets]: “Honr Thos. Jeffer­ son. Charlotteville. [Monticello.] Virginia”; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked New York, 6 May), which is recorded in SJL as received from New York five days later.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 19 June 1823 I was favor’d with yours of the 13th current, last evening, & immedi‑ ately paid Mr Rawlings $89.77, in full of your dft:, on me, in his favor— I have never failed to pay Mr Ritchie whatever claims he presented against you, and recollect distinctly paying him $7.50, for six Volumes of sessions Acts, on 23d Augst 1822, which you will find in your a∕c of that date, I was not apprised that you were due him any thing further—  684 

19 JUNE 1823

at all events, he has never applied to me for payt your a∕c, & when he does, I will discharge it— Jefferson will inform you that your Bedford crop of Tobacco is not all down yet, up to this time I have only recd 16 Hhds: of it—I expect to sell ten of them on Monday next— With great respect Dr sir Yours very Truly Bernard Peyton RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 22 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Thomas Appleton, 9 Oct. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monti‑

cello Charlottesville”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 19 June. jefferson: Thomas Jefferson Randolph.

From James Rawlings Office of the Mutual Asse Socy Dear Sir,  Richmond 19 June 1823.  I have recvd your favour of 13t Inst with a draft on Colo Bernard Peyton for the amount of your quotas due to this society—. That draft has been duly honoured, and I have now to acknowledge the receipt, thro’ that medium of $89₁−⁷₀−⁷₀ − in full of all demands of this so‑ ciety on your property at Monticello, and also in full of all claims up to and including the quota of 1823 on the building in Milton marked B in declaration No 337 made by the Heirs of Bennet Henderson decsd The form of a notice to withdraw the Insurance from the property in Milton, is enclosed, which when executed by you, and returned here, will authorise a discharge as to that property. With the greatest respect and esteem I am Yr most Ob James Rawlings  P. Agt M A Sy. RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 22 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with FC of TJ to Theodorus Bailey, 8 Oct. 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 19 June. For declaration no 337, see Mutual Assurance Society Account for Insuring

Milton Warehouses, [ca. 1 Sept. 1811], and note. The enclosed notice to with‑ draw the insurance, a printed form with blanks partially filled in by Raw‑ lings, is printed below at 3 July 1823, the date TJ completed it and returned it to Rawlings. p. agt m a sy.: “Principal Agent Mutual Assurance Society.”

 685 

To Arthur S. Brockenbrough Th:J. to mr. Brockenbro’ June. 20. 23. I ask your attention to the bearer of this mr Miralla a gentleman of S. America.1 I send by him two papers for your consideration & sa‑ lute you with friendship & respect RC (ViU: TJP‑PP); written on a small scrap; dateline at foot of text. Not re‑ corded in SJL.

The two papers have not been identified. 1 Manuscript:

“Americ.”

To James Monroe Dear Sir Monticello June 23. 23. I have been lately visited by a mr Miralla, a native of Buenos Ayres, but resident in Cuba during the last 7. or 8. years; a person of intel‑ ligence, of much information, and frankly communicative. I believe indeed he is known to you. I availed myself of the opportunity of learn‑ ing what was the state of public sentiment in Cuba as to their future course. he says they would be satisfied to remain as they are; but all are sensible that that cannot be: that whenever circumstances shall render a separation from Spain necessary, a perfect independance would be their choice provided they could see a certainty of protec‑ tion; but that, without that prospect, they would be divided in opinion between an incorporation with Mexico, and with the U.S. Colombia being too remote for prompt support. the considerations in favor of Mexico are that the Havanna would be the Emporium for all the produce of that immense and wealthy country, and of course the Me‑ dium of all it’s commerce: that having no ports on it’s Eastern coast, Cuba would become the depot of it’s naval stores and strength, and in effect would, in a great measure have the sinews of the government in it’s hands.   that in favor of the US. is the fact that ¾ of the exportations from Havanna come to the US. that we are a settled gov‑ ernment, the power which can most promptly succour them, rising to an eminence promising future security, and of which they would make a part1 of the sovereignty, while,2 as to England, they would only be a Colony, subordinated to her interest, and that there is not a man in the island who would not resist her to the bitterest extremity. of this last sentiment I had not the least idea at the date of my late letters to you. I had supposed an English interest there quite as strong as that of the US. and therefore that to avoid war, & keep the island open to  686 

23 JUNE 1823

our own commerce, it would be best to join that power in mutually guaranteeing it’s independance. but if there is no danger of it’s falling into the possession of England, I must retract an opinion founded on an error of fact. we are surely under no obligation to give her, gratis, an interest which she has not; and the whole inhabitants being averse to her, and the climate mortal to strangers, it’s continued military oc‑ cupation by her would be impracticable. it is better then to lie still, in readiness to recieve that interesting incorporation when sollicited by herself. for certainly her addition to our confederacy is exactly what is wanting to round our power as a nation, to3 it’s utmost interest. I have thought it my duty to acknolege my error on this occasion and to repeat a truth before acknoleged, that, retired as I am, I know too little of the affairs of the world to form opinions on them worthy of attention. and I resign myself with reason and perfect confidence to the care and4 guidance of those to whom the helm is committed. with this assurance accept that of my constant & affectionate friendship and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (DLC: Monroe Papers); endorsed by Monroe. Dft (DLC); at foot of first page: “President Monroe.”

1

 Dft: “ make a member.”  Text from “and of which” to this point interlined in Dft in place of “and that.” 3  Dft here adds: “the point of.” 4  Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 2

From Thomas Ritchie Dr Sir June 23d 1823. I had ascertained previously to the receipt of your last letter (in consequence of Enquiries set on foot by your first,) that there was a material error in the Acct. presentd to you. Instead of $60 being due, there had been 60 paid—leaving only $15 even up to May next. How this error has crept into the Agent’s book, I am at a loss to know— certain it is, there is none such on the office book. It is, I suspect therefore, some mistake of his own.—I really did not know, that he had the Acct. at all.—Col. Gooch has since received the above $15 from Col. Peyton; so that in fact, the Enquirer is now in your debt till next May. I have delivered to Col. Peyton for you the Sessions Acts of the last Legislature.—All the previous Copies have been paid for. I am sorry it is not in my power to furnish you with Copies of the Nos you write for—they not being republished in a pamphlet form, and the newspapers which contained them having run out.—I will do  687 

23 JUNE 1823

myself the pleasure, however, to forward you by next Mail ½ a doz. Copies of Mr Madison’s illustrious Report, re‑published in conjunc‑ tion with Judge Roane’s Hampden, in the Case of the USB[k] Vs McCulloch. You will be so good as to retain as many Copies as you wish, and forward the rest to such of your friends as may make the best Use of them. The Report stands in need of no Eulogium. It is one of the finest Memorials of the Clearness and profoundness of the American mind. Th[e] misfortune is, that it is scarcely known beyo[nd] the Confines of Virginia. With the Sincerest Respect, I am, Sir, Truly Yrs. Thomas Ritchie RC (DLC); dateline at foot of text; edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ as received 25 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. by next mail Ritchie sent his publi‑ cation of the Exposition of the Federal Constitution. contained in the Report of the committee of the Virginia House of Dele­ gates; to whom were committed the Pro­ ceedings, of Sundry of the Other States, in

answer to the Resolutions of the General Assembly, Of the 21st Day of December, 1798, commonly called Madison’s Report. to which is subjoined a series of papers under the signature of Hampden, (Origi­ nally published in the Richmond Enquirer of June, 1819.) Being a Critique on the Opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States, in the Case of the Bank Law (Rich‑ mond, 1819).

From Joseph C. Cabell Dear Sir, Edgewood. June 24. 1823. I returned home on the 3d inst and yesterday attended as one of the members of Nelson Court, where I was engaged with others to pro‑ cure a suitable plan for a new Jail for our county, in conformity to the provisions of the late act of Assembly on the subject of Jails. A com‑ mittee had been appointed at a former term to procure & report to the court at the June term a plan for the new Jail: and a plan was exhib‑ ited with the estimate of the cost amounting to $2626.82. This plan was to be executed partly with logs & partly with brick and1 required for its completion 100,000 bricks. I prevailed on the court to enlarge the committee & to give it a further time—till the 4th monday in July— to make the report; which was the more readily agreed to, as all the members of the first committee had not had timely notice of their appointment. Having been added to the committee; and the adoption of a good plan for this building, being a matter of importance in re‑ gard to the administration of Justice in this county, and in some de‑ gree connected with the success of the Penitentiary system in the state, I feel very desirous to render every possible assistance to the county on this occasion. And I am very certain that in no way could I so  688 

24 JUNE 1823

effectually accomplish the object of my wishes, as by addressing my‑ self to you, and asking the favor of your advice. knowing as well as I do how improper it is in any one, without the strongest necessity, to give you trouble, or to consume your valuable time in any other than subjects of the greatest interest to yourself & the country, I should scarcely have troubled you with a letter on the present occasion, had I not heard, as I lately travelled thro’ the county of Cumberland, that, at the instance of some gentleman in that county, you had drawn a plan of a Jail, agreeably to the provisions of the late law. In the hurry of business on yesterday the court gave their committee no specific instructions and left them at large as to materials & cost. I presume, however, that a majority of the court would be in favor of a brick build‑ ing, the plainest possible style, and the least practicable amount of expenditure. Our county is small, and the finances of the people will not admit of the least unnecessary expense. Yet we wish to build sub‑ stantially, durably, neatly, commodiously; to do something creditable to the county of Nelson, and to fulfill decently the expectations of the Legislature. For this object, it was decided by the court, to levy an‑ nually for three years one third of the amount of costs, and yesterday, with this view, a conjectural sum of $1000, was added to the levy. It is probable that there are very good workmen about the university who would be glad to undertake this job at the prices paid at that place, which I believe are much below the country prices; and I should be very much obliged to you, if you would procure a bill of costs & send it along with any plan which you may have the goodness to furnish. I remain, Dr Sir, ever most respectfully & affectionately yr friend Joseph C. Cabell P.S. Our old Jail would probably serve for the accomodation of the Jailer. The act of Assembly is silent on the subject of a walled enclo‑ sure, which is really essential to admit of prisoners taking exercise in the open air, & to admit of communication with a common privy at a suitable distance from the Jail. The Amendments made in the Sen‑ ate, as they were first proposed, embraced a provision on this subject: but after discussion, on some point connected with it, on which there was2 disagreement, and from the hurry of a late stage of the session, it was at length agreed that it would be most advisable to omit it al‑ together for the present. No doubt some such provision will be made at a future session. The act is also silent as to a separation of the sexes. And yet in a civilized country how painful is it3 to witness the confinement of men & women in the same room both day & night for  689 

24 JUNE 1823

months in succession? It would seem to me that every Jail should have at least one room for females. The idea did not occur to me when the subject was before the senate. RC (ViU: TJP‑PC); addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello”; stamped; post‑ marked Warminster, 26 June 1823; en‑ dorsed by TJ as received 29 June 1823 and so recorded in SJL. FC (ViU: Cabell Papers); in Cabell’s hand; endorsed by Cabell. The late act of assembly on the subject of jails was “An act concern‑ ing jailors, and for other purposes,” which became law on 12 Feb. 1823. It stipulated that each “county and corporation within this commonwealth, shall maintain, and keep in good repair, a good and sufficient common jail and prison, well secured with iron bolts, and bars, and locks, and of a size, and with apartments, sufficient for the convenient accommodation of the pris‑ oners who may, from time to time, be con­ fined therein, so as that convicts, and

slaves not convicts, may be confined in apartments separate from each other, and from other prisoners. And such apartments shall also be provided with adequate win‑ dows, in good repair, and with fire‑places, or stoves. And when the jails in any county or corporation within this commonwealth, shall not be such as are hereby required, the court thereof shall forthwith proceed to take the necessary measures for ren‑ dering the same conformable to this act” (Acts of Assembly [1822–23 sess.], 31–4, quote on pp. 32–3). 1  Preceding eight words interlined in RC and FC in place of “with strong logs, & embraced a wall & chimney of brick.” 2  Cabell here canceled “some” in RC and FC. 3  Cabell here canceled “not” in RC, leav‑ ing the word uncanceled in FC.

From John Winn and Others Dear Sir, Milton June 24h 1823 A number of your friends and neighbours intend to celebrate the approaching Anniversary of their country’s Independence at Wm D. Fitch’s in Milton; and the undersigned committee of arrangements, in compliance with the wishes of those by whom they were appointed, respectfully invite your attendance. In doing so they feel it unneces‑ sary to express to you the high gratification it will afford them, to have the patriotic and happy feeling of that day, augmented by the presence of one whose name is identified with the event they wish to commemorate. The undersigned individually assure you of their high esteem and veneration. John Winn William C. Rives Daniel M. Railey John M. Railey John Ormond Horace Bramham George W Nicholas  690 

24 JUNE 1823  RC (MHi); written entirely in an un­ identified hand; dateline at foot of text; mistakenly endorsed by TJ as received 22 June, but recorded in SJL as received the day it was written. RC (Profiles in His‑ tory, Beverly Hills, Calif., 2002); address cover only; with Dft of TJ to James Old‑ ham, 7 Oct. 1823, on verso; addressed in the same unidentified hand: “To Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello.” Daniel Mayo Railey (1796–1858), farmer, merchant, and public official, was born in Chesterfield County, attended Washington College (later Washington and Lee University), 1811–12, and served as a private in a volunteer unit during the War of 1812. He was a donor to Central College in 1817, elected to membership in the Agricultural Society of Albemarle in 1822, a county magistrate in 1830, and chosen secretary the following year of a meeting opposed to the reelection of President Andrew Jackson. Around 1832 Railey sold Woodbourne, his Albemarle County estate, and settled in Missouri, where in 1849 he was appointed post‑ master for Weston, Platte County. He owned fifteen slaves in 1830, but none a decade later. Railey died in Weston (Wil‑ liam McClung Paxton, Annals of Platte County, Missouri [1897], 268; Woods, Albemarle, 300, 378; Catalogue of the Offi­ cers and Alumni of Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, 1749–1888 [1888], 65; DNA: RG 94, CSRW1812; Central College Subscription List, [ca. 7  May 1817], document 4 in a group of documents on The Founding of the Uni‑ versity of Virginia: Central College, 1816– 1819, 5 May 1817; True, “Agricultural Society,” 297; Richmond Constitutional Whig, 17 Nov. 1831, 13 Nov. 1832; DNA: RG 28, RAP; DNA: RG 29, CS, Albe‑ marle Co., 1830, Mo., Platte Co., 1840, 1850; gravestone inscription in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Weston). John M. Railey (d. ca. 1845), merchant, was a brother of Daniel M. Railey. He at‑ tended Washington College (later Wash‑ ington and Lee University), 1818–19, was elected to the Agricultural Society of Al‑ bemarle in 1825, and supported Andrew Jackson’s presidential campaigns in 1828 and 1832. Railey owned nine slaves in Al‑

bemarle County in 1830. At the time of his death he was living in Botetourt County and hiring out five slaves collectively val‑ ued at $1,400 (Washington and Lee Uni­ versity Catalogue, 73; Woods, Albemarle, 300; True, “Agricultural Society,” 308, 310; Richmond Enquirer, 19 Jan. 1828, 30 Mar. 1832; DNA: RG 29, CS, Albe‑ marle Co., 1830; Botetourt Co. Will Book, G:523–4, H:82–3). John James Ormond (1795–1866), at‑ torney and public official, was a native of England who came with his family to Virginia as a small child. He studied law in Staunton before settling in Milton by 1819 and gaining admission to the Char‑ lottesville bar the following year. In 1823 Ormond served with TJ on a committee to choose books for the new Albemarle Library Society. He relocated by 1827 to Lawrence County, Alabama, where he practiced law and served one term in the state House of Representatives, 1832–33. Elected to the state supreme court in 1837, Ormond moved to Tuscaloosa, then the state capital, to take up his duties. He re‑ signed his judgeship in 1848 and resumed his private law practice. Politically a Whig, Ormond was the lead compiler of the legal code of Alabama in 1852 and a Con‑ federate presidential elector in 1861. He owned 9 slaves in 1830, 11 in 1840, 96 in 1850, and 148 in 1860. In that year Or‑ mond’s real estate was valued at $122,800 and his personal property at $190,850. He died in Tuscaloosa (Thomas McAdory Owen, History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography [1921], 4:1303; John M. Martin, “John James Ormond,” Southern Law Journal 2 [1879]: 64–9; Woods, Albemarle, 103, 381; Edmund Bacon to TJ, 9 Apr. 1819; Journal of the Alabama House of Representatives [1832– 33 sess.]; [1837 sess.]: 11; Ormond, Ar‑ thur P. Bagby, George Goldthwaite, and Henry C. Semple, The Code of Alabama [1852]; Memphis Daily Appeal, 3 Sept. 1861; DNA: RG 29, CS, Ala., Lawrence Co., 1830, Tuscaloosa, 1840–60, 1850, 1860 slave schedules; Tuscaloosa Co. Will Book, 3:194–5). Horace Witherall Bramham (1798– 1834), physician, was the son of TJ’s correspondent Nimrod Bramham. Born in Albemarle County, in 1821 he received

 691 

24 JUNE 1823 his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania with a thesis on dyspepsia. Bramham practiced medicine thereafter in Charlottesville. He was elected to the Agricultural Society of Albemarle in 1825. Along with Robley Dunglison, in 1828 he attended TJ’s son‑in‑law Thomas Mann Randolph in his final days (Will J. Max‑ well, comp., General Alumni Catalogue of the University of Pennsylvania [1917], 582; Catalogue of the Medical Graduates of the University of Pennsylvania [1836], 11; True, “Agricultural Society,” 309–10; Samuel X. Radbill, ed., “The Auto­ biographical Ana of Robley Dunglison, M.D.,” Transactions of the American Phil­ osophical Society 53 [1963]: 33; Daily Richmond Whig, 22 Nov. 1828; Rich­

mond Enquirer, 22 Oct. 1830; Bramham to his siblings and a servant, 18 Mar. 1834 [ViHi: Correspondence and other papers of the Bramham and Bibb fami‑ lies]; Albemarle Co. Will Book, 12:419– 26, 486–92). George W. Nicholas was the son of TJ’s correspondent John Nicholas (ca. 1758–1836) (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:76–7, 95–6; MB, esp. 2:1384). On this date the same committee invited James Madison to the event described above, which he declined on 29 June 1823 (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 3:78–9, 89). James Monroe also received and declined a similar invitation (Winn and others to Monroe, 23 June 1823 [RC in NN]; Monroe to TJ, 30 June 1823).

To William Pannill, John McRae, and John Pollard Gentlemen Monticello June 25. 23. I have just now recieved your favor of the 17th inst. inviting me to a participation with the Volunteers of Petersburg in their celebration of the approaching Anniversary of our National independance. I should with great pleasure prove my respect for the invitation and my attach‑ ment to this annual regeneration of good principles, if the remaining powers of life permitted. but the hand of time presses heavily on me, disables me from taking such a journey, and indeed disqualifies me for sharing in the joys and festivities of the day. I must pray you therefore, good Sirs, to be the channel of conveying to the Volunteers of Petersburg the assurance of my thankfulness and high consider‑ ation, of soliciting for me their kind indulgence to habits of retire‑ ment which my weakened condition renders necessary, and to accept in writing the expression of my sympathies in sentiments and rejoic‑ ings which I cannot be present to offer in person. the continued rep‑ etition of these commemorations thro’ ages to come, and the faithful preservation, pure and unchanged, of the spirit of that great day which gave them birth, will be themes of unceasing prayer with me. With my thanks for the kind expressions of your sentiments to‑ ward myself, be pleased to accept individually the assurance of my great esteem and respect. Th:J.  692 

25 JUNE 1823 FC (ViW: TC‑JP); on verso of right half of a reused address cover from Wil‑ liam C. Rives to TJ, the other half of which was reused for FC of TJ to George Alex‑ ander Otis, 26 June 1823; in TJ’s hand; at head of text: “Messrs Pannill, McRae and Pollard”; at foot of text: “Captns William

Pannill John McRae John Pollard”; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “William Pan‑ nill et al.” Printed from an unidentified issue of the Petersburg Intelligencer in the Richmond Enquirer and Baltimore Patriot & Mercantile Advertiser, both 11 July 1823, and elsewhere.

To John Winn and Others Messrs Winn, Rives. D. & J. Railey, Monticello Ormond, Branham & Nicholas.1 June 25. 23. I thank you, Gentlemen, for your kind invitation to participate in the celebration of the approaching Anniversary of the birth‑day2 of our nation. no occasion could arise of higher excitement to my feel‑ ings than one which recalls the recollections of that day; no society with which I could join more cordially than with that of my beloved neighbors, in congratulations on it’s happy issue.—but age and debil‑ ity have unfitted me for scenes of festivity, and oblige me to solicit their kind excuse of my unwilling absence from that3 to which they now invite me; and that to the4 favors and attentions for which I am so much indebted to those who will be assembled,5 may be added their indulgence of habits of retirement, which my weakened condi‑ tion imposes on me. my spirit will be with them, and my prayers ever offered to heaven for a repetition6 of these rejoicings thro’ long ages to come; and that the spirit of the day which gave them birth, may continue pure,7 strong and imperishable. For yourselves, Gentlemen,8 individually, be pleased to accept the assurance of my great esteem and respect. Th: Jefferson RC (PPL, 1957); at foot of text: “Messrs John Winn  William C. Rives  Daniel M. Railey  John M. Railey  John Or‑ mond  Horace Branham  George W. Nicholas.” Dft (CSmH: JF‑BA); on verso of reused address cover of Arthur Middleton to TJ, 18 Dec. 1822; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Winn John et al.” Tr (NcU: Southern Historical Collection, Jefferson Letters); at head of text: “Copy of Jefferson letter.”

1  Tr: “Nichols.” Preceding three words interlined in Dft. 2 Reworked in Dft from “birth.” 3  Reworked in Dft from “the celebration.” 4 In Dft TJ here canceled “many.” 5  Preceding seven words interlined in Dft in place of “their debtor.” 6  Word interlined in Dft in place of “continuance.” 7 Word interlined in Dft. 8 Word interlined in Dft.

 693 

To Elijah Mead

Monto June 26. 23.

Th: Jefferson returns his thanks to mr Mead for the copy he has been so kind as to send him of his address to the Linnæan society at their celebration of the 24th ult. he has read with great satisfaction the history it presents of the rise and progress of Botanical science, and of the worthies who have particularly advanced it, of whom no one can be placed in competition with him who gives name to our institution. with his thanks for this mark of his attention he prays mr Mead to accept his respectful salutations. FC (MoSB, 1959); on verso of reused address cover of Lafayette to TJ, 8 Apr. 1809 (enclosed in Francisco Solano Constancio to TJ, 14 Dec. 1822); in TJ’s hand; dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ.

To George Alexander Otis Dear Sir Monto June 26. 23. I thank you for the copy of the History of painting which you have been so kind as to send me. it is an art to which I am much attached, and I shall read this history of it with pleasure. the approbn which I have expressed and never lose an oppty of expressing of Botta’s history and of your transln of it is due to the work. it is due also to my countrymen to whom it is important to know it’s merit; and I find with pleasure that it is becoming known & much called for. it will certainly take place of all others, and nobody will be gratified by that more than myself. I salute you with great esteem & respect. Th:J FC (DLC); on verso of left half of a reused address cover from William C. Rives to TJ, the other half of which was reused for FC of TJ to William Pannill,

John McRae, and John Pollard, 25 June 1823; in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “George Alexr Otis”; endorsed by TJ.

 694 

Account with Bernard Peyton for Tobacco Sales Sales Ten Hhds: Tobacco by Bernard Peyton for a∕c. Mr Thomas Jefferson d 1823 Rich 23 June— To Sundry persons,  Viz:— T.J. No 1. 1590–150–1440  ℔s: n  ett to Ben:  Hatcher at $9.20  " " 2 1620=150=1470 ⎪⎫ " " 3. 1660=160=1500 ⎪ " " 4 1610=150=1460 ⎬⎪ " " 5 1460=150=1310 ⎪ " " 7 1575=148=1427 ⎪⎪ " " 8 1600=160=1440 ⎭ = 8607 ℔s: nett to Kerr & Caskie @ $6.95 " " 6 1490=148=1342  ℔s: nett to Ro. Graham " 9.00 " " 9 1600=150=1450 ⎪⎫ " " 10 1535=145=1390 ⎬⎪ = 28401 ℔s nett to ⎭ R. & T. Gwathmey " 5.65

$132.48

598.19 120.78 160.46 $1,011.91

Charges:— To Cash pd freight 14,9932 ℔s: nett at 2/6. $62.47    "    "   "   for Notes @ 3/– $5.00. Drayage  at 9/– $15.00 20.00    "  Commission at 2½ pr Cent 25.30 $107.77 Nett prcds: at cr T.J $904.14 E.E.  Bernard Peyton r N. N. Wilkinson  Richd 26 June 1823— MS (MHi); entirely in N. N. Wilkin‑ son’s hand, except as noted below; en‑ dorsed by TJ: “Peyton Bernard June 23. 23”; with additional notation by TJ be‑ neath endorsement: “sale of 10. hhds P.F. [i.e., Poplar Forest] tobo”; calculation by TJ adjacent to signatures: “142,29 | 107.77 ⎧ .75 charges pr  hundred ⎪ ⎩ 7.11 6.36 nett proceeds.” e.e.: “Errors Excepted.”

A letter from Peyton to TJ of 23 June 1823, not found, is recorded in SJL as received from Richmond two days later. A second letter from Peyton of 23 June 1823, also missing and possibly a misdated covering letter for the above account, is recorded in SJL as received 29 June 1823 from Richmond.  1 Beneath this number TJ drew a rule and “14229 | 1011.91 (7.11.” 2 TJ wrote “14229” above this number.

 695 

From John Laval Sir, Philada June 27th 1823 th t I Sent you, on the 20 inst , 1 Nautical almanac for 1823 & One for 1824. I forward, By this day’s Mail, Two Bailey’s Phædrus, 8vo, Lon‑ don Edit., 2d hand, they are the only Copies I could obtain in all the city. the Book not being used in Our Schools, has not been reprinted here, this accounts for its Scarcity & the price— Agreeably to your request, I, herein, inclose your account. I am, with the highest Consideration & respect, Your very humble Servt Sir, John Laval RC (DLC); dateline beneath signature; adjacent to dateline: “Ths Jefferson Esq.”; endorsed by TJ as received 3 July 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found.

A missing letter from TJ to Laval of 15 July 1823 is recorded in SJL with the bracketed notation “10.D.” On that day TJ also recorded that he “Inclosed to John Laval Phila. 10.D. for books” (MB, 2:1397).

From James Madison Dear Sir Montpellier June 27. 1823 I return the copy of your letter to Judge Johnson inclosed in your favor of the1  instant. Your statement relating to the farewell ad‑ dress of Genl Washington is substantially correct. If there be any circumstantial inaccuracy, it is in imputing to him more agency in composing the document than he probably had. Taking for granted that it was drawn up by Hamilton, the best conjecture is that the General put into his hands his own letter to me suggesting his gen‑ eral ideas, with the paper prepared by me in conformity with them; and if he varied the draught of Hamilton at all, it was by a few verbal or qualifying amendments only. It is very inconsiderate in the friends of Genl Washington to make the merit of the Address a question between him & Col: Hamilton, & somewhat extraordinary, if coun‑ tenanced by those who possess the2 files of the General where it is presumed the truth might be traced. They ought to claim for him the merit only of cherishing the principles & views3 addressed to his Coun‑ try, & for the Address itself the weight given to it by his sanction; leaving the literary merit whatever it be to the friendly pen employed on the occasion, the rather as it was never understood that Washing‑ ton valued himself on his writing talent, and no secret to some that he occasionally availed himself of the friendship of others whom he sup‑  696 

27 JUNE 1823

posed more practised than himself in studied composition. In a gen‑ eral view it is to be regretted that the Address is likely to be presented to the public not as the pure legacy of the Father of his Country, as has been all along believed, but as the performance of another held in different estimation. It will not only lose the charm of the name sub‑ scribed to it; but it will not be surprizing if particular passages be understood in new senses, & with applications derived from the po‑ litical doctrines and party feelings of the discovered Author. At some future day it may be an object with the curious to compare the two draughts made at different epochs with each other, and the letter of Genl W.4 with both. The comparison will shew a greater con‑ formity in the first with the tenor & tone of the letter, than in the other: and the difference will be more remarkable perhaps in what is omitted, than in what is added in the address as it stands. If the solicitude of Genl Washington’s connexions be such as is represented, I forsee that I shall share their displeasure, if public use be made of what passed between him & me at the approaching expi‑ ration of his first term. Altho’ it be impossible to question the facts, I may be charged with indelicacy, if not breach of confidence, in mak‑ ing them known;5 and the irritation will be the greater, if the Author‑ ship of the Address continue to be claimed for the signer of it; since the call on me on one occasion, will favor the allegation of a call on another on another occasion. I hope therefore that the Judge will not understand your communication as intended for the new work he has in hand. I do not know that your statement would justify all the com‑ plaint its public appearance6 might bring on me; but there certainly was a species of confidence at the time in what passed,7 forbidding publicity, at least till the lapse of time should wear out the seal on it, & the truth of history should put in a fair claim to such disclosures. I wish the rather that the Judge may be put on his guard, because with all his good qualities,8 he has been betrayed into errors which shew that his discretion is not always awake. A remarkable instance is his ascribing9 to Governeur Morris the Newburg letters written by Armstrong, which has drawn from the latter a corrosive attack which must pain his feelings, if it should not affect his standing with the public. Another appears in a stroke at Judge Cooper in a letter to the Education Committee in Kentucky, which has plunged him into an envenomed dispute with an antagonist,10 the force of whose mind & pen you well know. And what is worse than all, I perceive from one of Cooper’s publications casually falling within my notice, that among the effects of Judge Johnson’s excitement, he has stooped to invoke the religious prejudices circulated agst Cooper.  697 

27 JUNE 1823

much11

Johnson is indebted to you for your remarks12 on the defi­ nition of parties. The radical distinction between them has always been a confidence of one, and distrust of the other, as to the capacity of Mankind for self Government. He expected far13 too much, in re‑ questing a precise demarkation of the boundary between the Federal & the State Authorities.14 The answer would have required a critical commentary on the whole text of the Constitution. The two general Canons you lay down would be of much use in such a task; particu‑ larly that which refers to the sense of the State Conventions, whose ratifications alone made the Constitution what it is. In exemplifying the other Canon, there are more exceptions than occurred to you, of cases in which the federal jurisdiction is extended to controversies be‑ tween Citizens of the same State. To mention one only: In cases arising under a Bankrupt law, there is no distinction between those to which Citizens of the same, & of different States are parties. But after surmounting the difficulty in tracing the boundary be‑ tween the General & the State Govts the problem remains for main‑ taining it in practice; particularly in cases of Judicial cognizance. To refer every new point of disagreement to the people in Conventions would be a process too tardy, too troublesome, & too expensive; be‑ sides its tendency to lessen a salutary veneration for an Instrument so often calling for such explanatory interpositions. A paramount or even a definitive Authority in the individual States, would soon make the Constitution & laws different in different States, and thus destroy that equality & uniformity of rights & duties which form the essence of the Compact; to say nothing of the opportunity given to the States individually15 of involving by their decisions the whole Union in for‑ eign Contests.16 To leave conflicting decisions to be settled between the Judicial parties could not promise a happy result. The end must17 be a trial of strength between the posse headed by the Marshal, and the posse headed by the Sheriff. Nor would the issue be safe if left to a compromise between the two Govts, the case of a disagreement be‑ tween different Govts being essentially different from a disagreement between branches of the same Govt.18 In the latter case neither party being able to consummate its will without the concurrence of 19 the other, there is a necessity on both to consult and to accomodate; not so, with different Govts each possessing every20 branch of power neces‑ sary to carry its purpose into compleat effect. It here becomes a ques‑ tion between Independent Nations, with no other dernier resort than physical force. Negociation might indeed in some instances avoid this extremity; but how often would it happen, among so many States,  698 

27 JUNE 1823

that an unaccommodating spirit in some would21 render that resource unavailing. We arrive at the agitated question whether the Judicial Authority of the U.S. be the constitutional resort for determining the line22 be‑ tween the federal & State jurisdictions. Believing as I do that the General Convention regarded a provision within the Constitution for deciding in a peaceable & regular mode all cases arising in the Course of its operation, as essential to an adequate System of Govt; that it intended the Authority vested in the Judicial Department as a final resort in relation to the States,23 for cases resulting to it in the exer‑ cise of its functions; (the concurrence of the Senate chosen by the State Legislatures, in appointing24 the Judges, and the oaths & offi­ cial tenures of these, with the surveillance of public opinion,25 being relied on as guaranteeing their impartiality); and that this intention is expressed by the articles declaring that the federal Constitution & laws shall be the supreme law of the land, and that the Judicial power of the U.S. shall extend to all cases arising under them: Believing moreover that this was the prevailing view of the subject when the Constitution was adopted &26 put into execution; that it has so con‑ tinued thro’ the long period which has elapsed; and that even at this time an appeal to a national decision27 would prove that no general change28 has taken place; thus believing I have never yielded29 my original opinion indicated in the “Federalist” � to the ingenious rea‑ sonings of Col: Taylor agst this construction of the Constitution. I am not unaware that the Judiciary career has not30 corresponded with what was anticipated. At one period the Judges perverted the Bench of Justice into a rostrum for partizan harangues. And latterly the Court, by some of its decisions, still more by extrajudicial reason‑ ings & dicta, has manifested a31 propensity to enlarge the general Au‑ thority in derogation of the local, and to amplify its own jurisdiction, which has justly incurred the public censure. But the abuse of a trust does not disprove its existence. And if no remedy for the abuse be32 practicable under the forms of the Constitution, I should prefer a resort to the nation for an amendment of 33 the Tribunal itself, to continual appeals from its controverted decisions to that Ultimate Arbiter.34 In the year 1821. I was engaged in a correspondence with Judge Roane, which grew out of the proceedings of the Supreme Court of the U.S. Having said so much here I will send you a copy of my letters � No

39

 699 

27 JUNE 1823

to him as soon as I can have a legible one made, that a fuller view of my ideas with respect to them may be before you.35 I agree entirely with you on the subject of seriatim opinions by the Judges, which you have placed in so strong a light in your letter to Judge Johnson, whose example it seems36 is in favor of the practice. An argument addressed to others, all of whose dislikes to it are not known, may be a delicate experiment. My particular connexion with Judge Todd, whom I expect to see,37 may tempt me to touch on the subject; and, if encouraged, to present views of it wch thro’ him may find the way to his intimates. In turning over some bundles of pamphlets I met with several cop‑ ies of a very small one which at the desire of my political associates I threw out in 1795. As it relates to the State of parties I enclose a Copy. It had the advantage of being written with the subject full & fresh in my mind, and the disadvantage of being hurried, at the close of a fatiguing Session of Congs by an impatience to return home, from which I was detained38 by that Job only. The temper of the pamphlet is explained if not excused by the excitements of the period. Always & Affectionately Yours James Madison RC (DLC: Madison Papers); at foot of text: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 1 July 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Dft (DLC: Madison Papers, Rives Collection). Enclosures: (1) TJ to Wil‑ liam Johnson, 12 June 1823. (2) Madi‑ son, Political Observations ([Philadelphia, 1795]; reprinted in Madison, Papers, Con­ gress. Ser., 15:511–34; Sowerby, no. 3177; TJ’s copy in DLC: Rare Book and Spe‑ cial Collections, which is either the copy enclosed here or the one sent in Madison to TJ, 14 June 1795 [PTJ, 28:386–8]). TJ’s favor enclosing his letter to Wil‑ liam Johnson was that to Madison of 13 June 1823. For John Armstrong’s cor‑ rosive attack, see Johnson to TJ, 11 Apr. 1823, and note. In a letter of 27 Aug. 1822 to the edu‑ cation committee in kentucky, John‑ son wrote of South Carolina that “the means of a plain country education are now very generally diffused throughout the State, and the system is unquestion‑ ably popular,” but he added that Thomas Cooper “has done too much to render it otherwise; but he will not succeed” (Re­ port of the Kentucky Commissioners, 39;

also printed in Charleston City Gazette and Commercial Daily Advertiser, 8 Mar. 1823). This sparked an envenomed dis‑ pute between Johnson and Cooper in the press, including a letter to the editor by Cooper defending himself against re‑ ligious prejudices (Charleston City Gazette and Commercial Daily Advertiser, 19 Apr. 1823, copied from an unidentified issue of the Columbia Telescope). dernier: “last.” The general con‑ vention was the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Madison argued in the fed‑ eralist Number 39 that, under the United States Constitution, the govern‑ ment would be republican in form, with a national government that “regards the union as a consolidation of the states,” and that in controversies between state and federal jurisdiction, “the tribunal which is ultimately to decide, is to be established under the general government” (Madison, Papers, Congress. Ser., 10:377–82). John Taylor, however, argued in Construction Construed, and Constitutions Vindicated (Richmond, 1820; Poor, Jefferson’s Li­ brary, 11 [no. 652]), that under the origi‑ nal construction of the constitu‑ tion, the United States Supreme Court

 700 

27 JUNE 1823 (that ultimate arbiter) had no such jurisdiction over states. Madison’s letters to Spencer Roane which grew out of the proceed‑ ings of the 1821 Supreme Court case of Cohens v. Virginia were dated 6 May and 29 June 1821 (Madison, Papers, Retire­ ment Ser., 2:317–21, 347–8). He had also written to Roane about McCulloch v. Mary­ land (1819) on 2 Sept. 1819 (Madison, Papers, Retirement Ser., 1:500–4). 1

 Blank left in both RC and Dft.  In Dft Madison here canceled “private.” 3  Preceding five words interlined in Dft in place of “entertaining the sentiments.” 4  Dft here adds “which produced the first.” 5  Reworked from “public.” 6  Preceding six words interlined in Dft in place of “the reproachmts.” 7  In Dft Madison here canceled “be‑ tween the Genl and myself.” 8   Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “merits.” 9  Word interlined in Dft in place of “imputing.” 10  Word interlined in Dft and RC in place of “adversary.” 11  Word interlined in Dft. 12  Word interlined in Dft in place of “hints.” 13  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “requested.” 14  Word interlined in Dft in place of “Govts.” 15  Word interlined in Dft. 16  Preceding four words interlined in Dft in place of “nation into contests with other nations.”  17 Word interlined in Dft in place of “would.” 18  Dft here includes bracketed phrase “as between the two branches of the Leg­ isture, or between the Executive & Legis‑ lative branches.” 19 Preceding eight words interlined in Dft in place of “to act without.” 20  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “organized in.” 21  In Dft Madison here canceled “de‑ feat that experiment.” 22  In Dft Madison here canceled “of demarcation.” 2

23  Preceding five words interlined in Dft and reworked in RC. 24  Word interlined in Dft in place of “the selection of.” 25 Preceding ten words interlined in Dft in place of “independence of these.” 26 Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “was.” 27 Reworked in Dft from “to the national will.” 28 Dft here includes “of sentiment.” 29  Following seven words and note not in Dft. 30  In Dft Madison here canceled “suffi­ciently.” 31  Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “betrayed a.” 32  Preceding four words interlined in Dft in place of “be found.” 33  Remainder of sentence interlined in Dft in place of (two or three words illeg‑ ible) “the Judicial articles of it, to occa‑ sional appeals to it agt [.  .  .] ultima ratio of the National Soveriegnty.” 34  A slip of paper filed with Dft appar‑ ently presents alternate text considered for portions of this paragraph but not incor‑ porated: “ What may perhaps lead to some check to its enterpriz‑ ing career either by regulations from the power of the Legisl: or by a amendment of the Con‑ stitution itself, whenever the public mind may be rightly disposed for purpose.” 35  Verso of slip filed with Dft reads for this paragraph “Havg been engaged in a correspondence with Judge Roane in 1821. which embraced this subject, I enclose you 2 letters to him. With the first he expressed his satisfaction in a letter which led to my 2d which closed the cor‑ respondence. That you may see the whole of my ideas conveyed to him I will add an antecedent letter in 1819 occasioned by his remarks on the Judgt of the Sup: C t of U.S. in the case of McCulloch vs the State of Maryd The copies being all fair ones made from the orig‑ inals which were almost illegible except to myself, I must ask a return of them.” 36 Preceding two words interlined in Dft. 37 Preceding five words interlined in Dft. 38  In Dft Madison here canceled “at Philada.”

 701 

From Jonathan Thompson Custom House New York  Collectors Office Dear Sir,  June 27th 1823.— By due course of Mail I rec’d your letter of the 18th instant, relative to the Marble Capitals for the University.—previous to which I rec’d a letter and bill of lading by the Brig Draco, Capt. Perkins, from the U.S. Consul, Mr Thos Appleton, at Leghorn—Agreeably to your re‑ quest, I have caused the cases to be shipped on board a first rate new & sound vessel & at lower freight than I could get them taken in any other—I have paid the freight & primage from Leghorn to N. York, & the duties on the same, an account of which is herewith,1 also, a bill of lading of the transportation coastwise by the Schooner Exit, Capt. Bell, and a bill of freight from Leghorn to New York—I re‑ turn as you request the letter & invoice—Mr Raggi is here & will take passage in the Exit—The Vessel will probably sail in three or four days,   With great respect & esteem, am Your Obt Servt Jonathan Thompson  Collector RC (MHi); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Thompson; with enclosed account on verso; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq. late Prest of the U.S. Monticello Vir‑ ginia”; endorsed by TJ as received 3 July 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure:

Thomas Appleton to TJ, 2 Apr. 1823 (first letter). Enclosed account printed below. Other enclosures not found. 1  Preceding comma, Thompson here erased “enclosed.”

e n c l o s u r e

Account with Jonathan Thompson Thos Jefferson Esq.

[ca. 27 June 1823]

To Jonathan Thompson—Dr $ To Duty paid on Marble capitals, Invoice amount 1913 10 Per Cent addition  191 2104 On $2104 @ 15 Per Centum advalorem $315.60 discount for cash paid at 4 Pr Ct per annum 9.92 305.68 permit .20 Freight from Leghorn at $10 per ton on 31⅕ tons 312.— Primage 10 Per Cent 31.20 Dollars 649.08 MS (MHi); on verso of covering letter; in the same clerk’s hand; undated.

 702 

From José Antonio Miralla Dear Sir! Richmond June 28th 1823. I arrived here last noon & I have seen a part of your Capital; I like it very much: the situation is truly beautiful.—I regret that I will not be able to spend here the time necessary to enjoy of its genteel soci‑ ety, as, according to my letters just now received from home, I must go immediatly to New York, and most probably—in succesion to Havana.—At present there is no idea in that Island of any political change: the people are determined to wait for a decisive event abroad, particularly in Spain.—If you have any commands, they will reach me by directing your letters to New York, and I’ll be always very hapy to fulfil them. Be so good as to give to Miss Eleonora the enclosed speech, deliv‑ ered by my particular friend Rocafuerte: it contains his and mine re‑ ligious principles, and those of all the youngmen of S. America, in general: I hope my spanish pupil will find them correct. I would beg you to present my best respects to Mrs. Randolph and the young ladies; and beleive that I never will forget any one of the individuals of your amiable family, with which I had the honour of being acquainted at Monticello.—With sentiments of the greatest respect for your person, and of gratitude to your kind and bountious hospitality, I remain, Sir, Your most obt humb. Servt José Anto Miralla RC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); at foot of text: “Hon. Thoms Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 5 July 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Vicente Rocafuerte’s speech at the 8 May 1823 meeting of the American Bible Society in New York City, praising the religious toleration of North Americans and the Christians around him “who, in spite of the apparent diversity in dress, and worship, are all clothed with the Spirit of the true God, enlightened with the wisdom of the Bible, and united by the brotherly love of the Gospel”; ex‑ plaining the importance of such tolerance for South Americans, who are “engaged to expel from those fruitful shores the monster of despotism, and to extinguish for ever that monastic superstition .  .  . which in the name and in behalf of Reli‑ gion, sacrificed to its avarice the innocent race of Peruvian Incas, condemned to the stake the unfortunate Goatimozin [i.e., Cuauhtémoc], the last of the Mexican em‑

perors, and established in unhappy Amer‑ ica the sanguinary worship of inquisitorial fanaticism”; emphasizing that the strug‑ gle for independence and liberty requires virtue, which “is not to be found but in the principles of the Bible and of the Gospel”; and urging the American Bible Society to send “thousands and thousands of Bibles and New Testaments, to South America,” where “Spanish policy, guided by short‑­ sighted bigotry, has deprived them till now, of the consolation of perusing those admirable maxims” (Seventh Anniversary of the American Bible Society [(New York), 1823], 33–4). José Antonio Miralla (ca. 1790–1825), merchant, poet, and revolutionary, was born in Córdoba, Argentina. Having moved to Buenos Aires, he studied at the Real Colegio de San Carlos. In 1810 he went to Lima, Peru, where he earned a medical degree from the Colegio de San

 703 

28 JUNE 1823 Fernando. After spending some time in Europe, Miralla moved in 1816 to Ha‑ vana, Cuba. There he operated an import firm and became involved in Cuba’s inde‑ pendence movement. Miralla also trans‑ lated English, French, and Italian litera‑ ture into Spanish and published poetry and political pieces. Facing increased pressure due to his revolutionary involvement, Miralla fled to the United States late in 1822. The next year he traveled the coun‑ try and visited TJ at Monticello. To ­continue promoting Cuban independence, Miralla left at the end of the year and went to Colombia, and later to Mexico, where he died of a fever in Puebla de los Angeles (Francisco J. Ponte Domínguez, ed., José Antonio Miralla y Sus Trabajos [1960]; Washington Daily National In­ telligencer, 17 Dec. 1822). Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge) (ele‑ onora) was Miralla’s spanish pupil. Regarding his recent visit to Monticello, Martha Jefferson Randolph wrote that the family had been “very much pleased with him he is a great traveller, scholar and a man of very general information with the most untamed spirits, I ever saw in the wildest young frenchman”; that “he speaks 5 or six languages”; that TJ “says he is a man of a very strong mind notwithstanding his apparent levity”; and that Miralla “took it very much to heart to make a Spaniard of Ellen” (Randolph to Nicholas P. Trist, 25 June 1823 [RC in NcU: NPT]). Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) also described him as “a great linguist” who, “finding that Sister Ellen had formerly spoken spanish appears very much interested in restoring the language to her, and has devoted several hours ­everyday to instructing her” (Randolph [Trist] to Trist, 23 June 1823 [RC in DLC: NPT]). In a letter to Trist dated Monticello, 11 Aug. 1823, Randolph (Coolidge) herself recalled Miralla as “a certain Spanish American who paid one visit in June & promised another for October if in the meanwhile his private affairs should not compel his return to Cuba.” He was a “most singular little being, whose pres‑ ence excited no small commotion in our quiet household. such a compound of tal‑ ent & absurdity, of learning & frivolity, of

simplicity & assurance, I have never yet seen or imagined; born on the banks of the Rio de la Plata; flying for his life at the age of nineteen and in the commence‑ ment of the Revolutionary troubles; in Europe serving as a soldier in the Span‑ ish armies during Bonaparte’s invasion, of the mother country; getting into France I do not know how, & out of it I doubt if he knows how himself; kicking up his heels in England for a year or two; settling as a merchant in Cuba, & after a while run‑ ning to the United States to peep about in every direction; making a tour of the Western Country and calling here to pay his compliments to Mr Jefferson, such is the outline of his history down to the month of June .23 when we had the plea‑ sure of forming his acquaintance, and a great pleasure it was, for he is one of the most agreable & amusing companions I have ever met with. a man of most exten‑ sive information, an incessant talker, but never a tiresome one, speaking six lan‑ guages with almost equal facility, & ap‑ parently intimately acquainted with the literature of the nations to which those languages respectively belong, an ardent patriot, a poet, an improvisatore, an incom‑ parable mimic, in short a creature all fire and air ‘in the spirit,’ whilst ‘in the flesh’ bearing a most provoking resemblance to a monkey, at least in size & activity & ceaselessness of motion, always, & occa‑ sionally, in grimacing & trick‑playing—a pair of brilliant black eyes, full of intelli‑ gence & actually burning in their sockets, teeth of dazzling whiteness, a complexion of clear olive, a countenance of mingled vivacity & good‑humour, redeem him from the sin of ugliness which might otherwise be urged against him, & his vanity, and his excessive assurance well deserving the name of impudence unparalleled impudence, are so set off by the originality of his whole character & manner, by his enthusiasm, his frankness, his gaiety & childish playfulness, his tricks & mimickry, his talents & varied & exten‑ sive information, and ardent patriotism, & pure republicanism, & folly, frivolity, levity, and absurdity, that what to make of him, or think of him, or by what name to call him, I know not” (RC in NcU: NPT).

 704 

28 JUNE 1823 In the aforementioned letter of 23 June 1823 from Randolph (Trist) to Trist (torn at seal), TJ’s granddaughter also responded to Trist’s surprise that TJ had never erected a bathing structure at Mon‑ ticello by admitting that “Grand‑Papa has always had some plan afloat for contriving

a regular b[athhouse?] but I suppose the difficulty of getting the water on the moun‑ tain has prevented his executing [any?] of them, and it would not be much fre‑ quented at the foot of the mountain. a large tub built fo[r] the purpose in some degree supplies the defficiency.”

From John Trumbull Dear Sir New York 28th June 1823. I avail myself of the offer of your agent who is on his way from Italy with marble Capitals &c for your College, to recall myself once more to your remembrance: and have great satisfaction in acquainting you that the Engraving from my picture of the declaration of Indepen‑ dence is very nearly completed. Mr Durand the Engraver is a young man born & educated in this vicinity, who has acquired his professional skill in this Country, and whose Success in this work demonstrates that Talent & Industry may carry whoever possesses them far towards the perfection of this Art, without the Aid of foreign Instruction The work will be printed on paper of American manufacture (Gil‑ pin’s of Brandywine) which I think equal to the best French:—so that the work will be completely1 American, & I hope will be thought in some degree worthy of the glorious Scene which it commemorates. You did me the favor to subscribe for two Copies.2 will you now have the goodness to instruct me how they shall be sent to you; whether framed & glazed, or in the Sheet. I am also far advanced in the last painting, ordered by the govern‑ ment, for the Capitol:—the resignation of Washington:   Mr Mon­ roe & yourself were then members of Congress and present at the Scene; and I have taken the liberty to introduce Mr Madison among the Spectators, so that this picture will contain portraits of the Four Virginian Presidents. This picture will be delivered at Washington during the approach‑ ing Session; when I hope to have an opportunity of visiting you at Monticello and once more personally acknowledging the kindness which you Shewed me in days long past. With grateful respect I have the Honor to be Dear Sir   Your obliged & faithful Servant Jno Trumbull  705 

28 JUNE 1823 RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thos Jeffer­ son &c &c &, Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 10 July 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL.

your agent: Giacomo Raggi. 1 Manuscript:

“complely.” period at right margin edito‑ rially supplied. 2 Omitted

From Albert Gallatin Dear Sir New York 29th June 1823 th I arrived here with my family on the 24 instant after a prosperous voyage of 34 days from Havre: but I could not open my baggage till yesterday. By this day’s mail I send five packets directed to you, and another will accompany this letter.   Of the state of your health I have not lately heard, but hope that you have recovered & do not sensibly feel the effects of your accident. I am well myself, but cannot bear much bodily fatigue and find the heat very oppressive. This will prevent my enjoying the pleasure of paying you and Mr Madison a visit this autumn, although you are the two friends I most wish to see. I will be under the necessity of going by Washington to my residence in Fayette County Pennsylvania. How and where I will spend the winter is yet uncertain; but it is probable that I will leave Mrs Galla‑ tin at New York with her mother until I have prepared our home for her reception. I have left Europe in a critical state; but fortunately we have be‑ come too strong & are now too much respected to be affected by the result of the present contest whatever it may be. It cannot be supposed that our institutions should be an object of love or admiration to the European Governments; but there is not the most distant danger of a direct attack from any quarter. Petty intrigues are carried on by French agents in Louisiana, and by the French priests with their brethren wherever they can, both which are an object1 of ridicule & not of ap‑ prehension. The overwhelming debt of Great Britain has at last began to operate against her power. The present ministry would make great sacrifices for the preservation of peace; and although her jealousy of the United States still continues, more enlightened views prevail with respect to the policy to be pursued towards us; and at all events there is no country with which the British administration had not rather engage in a war than with ourselves. Russia, notwithstanding the aberrations of the Monarch, continues to have friendly dispositions; but her principal motive is the fear that we should be drawn into too close connection with England. My only fear has been that attempts  706 

29 JUNE 1823

should be made to interfere with Spanish America; and I have tried, I hope with some success, to inculcate on the minds of those three Governments a conviction, that, as we did not meddle with their affairs & had even abstained from any interference with those of South America, either by way of advice or assistance, we would not permit any of an active nature on the part of any European power. The pos‑ session of Cuba, and the establishment of a Bourbon or some other European Prince in Mexico are the two attempts most to be appre‑ hended. This last scheme originates with the French Govt, is not approved by Russia and would probably be opposed by England. As to Cuba I have not hesitated to say to all that the attempt must be made with the risk of a war with the United States. You know as well as I do that the result of the invasion of Spain depends on the resistance which may be made by the people; for they have no money and almost no army. Unfortunately the peasantry, who were always the most efficient guerillas, have taken neither share nor interest in the revolution which is supported only by the most en‑ lightened part of the community & almost exclusively by the towns. The monks have taken advantage of that political apathy to enlist a number of those peasants in the cause of superstition, and they have been powerfully supported by the Court of Rome & by French money. Notwithstanding those untoward circumstances, I hope with confi­ dence that the hatred of foreigners will rouse the national spirit, which will certainly decide the present contest. France is neither certain nor very desirous of foreign aid; Austria & the other German powers are still more afraid of Russia than of the Spanish revolution; and it is well understood that the neutrality of Gt Britain depends on that of Russia. In the mean while, Mr de Villele still attempts to negotiate, and England tries to prevail on the Cortes to make some concession which may enable him to patch up an arrangement & to withdraw from the war without disgrace. I think that the attempt will be fruit‑ less, and that Spain has no alternative between supporting her con‑ stitution and a return to the despotic sway of Ferdinand.   The Royalist ministry of France will think that they have gained a great object if they can terminate the war without dishonour, as, after the success of their2 last dangerous experiment in bringing their army in the field, they think they may rely on it for any internal purposes. Feeling or believing themselves stronger than heretofore, their first avowed object is to abolish annual elections & to grant at least an indemnity to the emigrants. They have already changed almost alto‑ gether the system of education, have restored its superintendence to  707 

29 JUNE 1823

the priests whose influence they try to encrease, and spare no means to substitute in every department of religion, science or politics, faith to reason, and to lock up human understanding. The ignorance of the mass of the people is there as in Spain their chief hope of success. How far they may go without provoking resistance it is difficult to say. There is much more knowledge and talent than patriotism in the upper & middle classes: the Nation has no legal means of opposing encroachments; and there is no common rallying point, either as to principles or persons, in case of a revolution. Still there are bounds which cannot be passed over with impunity. It would be impossible to de‑establish privileges: and although every Frenchman submits to the arbitrary acts of any agent of power, the meanest peasant will not suffer himself to be trampled upon by any man not in public employ‑ ment. There is also much hope of the rising generation: the young men even of the most aristocratic families and without excepting the sons of Count d’Artois have imbibed without always3 knowing it prin‑ ciples, opinions and feelings very different from those of their fathers whose prejudices remain as entire as if there had been no revolution. But I fear after all that there is little chance of gradual & peaceable improvement and4 that France is doomed as well as the rest of Eu‑ rope to wade again through scenes of blood before a better order of things is established. I had conceived better hopes but return much disappointed in that respect. I have without intending it written you a political letter, and have only room left to renew the assurances of my high respect & most sincere and unremitted attachment. Albert Gallatin RC (DLC); at foot of first page: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 8 July 1823 and so recorded in SJL. Enclo‑ sures: Lafayette to TJ and David Bailie Warden to TJ, both 15 May 1823.

1

 Reworked from “are a subject.”  Preceding three words interlined. 3  Word interlined. 4  Remainder of text written perpendic‑ ularly along left margin. 2

Hannah Nicholson Gallatin’s mother was Frances Witter Nicholson.

From Hugh Holmes Dear Sir Winchr June 30h 1823 h t Untill reminded by your favor the 17 ins I had entirely forgotten the monied transaction with Blackford Arthur & Co you have made it as clear as sun beams and I now see how it was that in making my last  708 

30 JUNE 1823

payment to the university I had to pay $165 instead of $150—I shall see the gentlemen in the course of the summer & have no doubt they will accot for the $15 with much respect & esteem I am dear sir your friend Hh Holmes RC (MHi); at foot of text: “The honble Thos Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 July 1823.

From James Monroe Dear Sir Washington June 30. 1823. The view which you have communicated of the condition, relation, & disposition, of Cuba, & its inhabitants, founded on the information of Mr Miralla, is very interesting. It accords also in every particular, with that which has been taken here, aided by all the light which we have been able to obtain, through the most authentic channels, from the Island. The people consider Columbia, too distant, to render a con‑ nection with it useful, for the purposes, for which, they will require a connection with another community, in case of the dismemberment from Spain; that a connection with mexico is liable in part to the same objection; and that an incorporation with the U States, is, in all respects, the most desirable event that can occur to them, being more contiguous, more powerful, stable in a system of govt which they ad‑ mire, & in which, they wish to participate, and likewise intimately connected with them in commerce. To England, they would become a colony only. They think that they cannot maintain their indepen‑ dance themselves, for even if foreign powers would not molest them, they fear, that if separated from Spain, the supiriority of the black population would secure the govt to them. We have advised them, to cling to Spain, for the present, & indeed as long as they can, and to resist by force, any attempt to get possession of the Island, by England, intimating, in case such an attempt should be made, and they should then make known their preference for us, that the subject would be laid before Congress, who would decide on a full view of the State of things at the time, on the part which it would be proper for the U States to take, & which there was great cause to believe would be fa‑ vorable to their wishes. This advice, has been given them, through different organs, in which they have confidence. I have always concurr’d with you in sentiment, that too much importance could not be at‑ tached to that Island, and that we ought, if possible, to incorporate it  709 

30 JUNE 1823

into our union, availing ourselves of the most favorable moment for it, hoping also that one would arrive, when it might be done, without a rupture with Spain or any other power. I consider Cape Florida, & Cuba, as forming the mouth of the mississippi, & other rivers, empty‑ ing into the Gulph of mexico, within our limits, as of the Gulph itself, & in consequence that the acquisition of it to our union, was of the highest importance to our internal tranquility, as well as to our pros‑ perity and aggrandizement. Mr Gallatin has returnd very much dissatisfied, with the conduct of the French govt, towards the U States, on many very important points, on which he was instructed, & held communication with that govt. The demand of indemnity for spoliations on our commerce, made, during the term of Boniparte, has entirely failed, altho’ such indem‑ nity was made to some of the allied powers: the French government drove our fishermen from the strait of Belle Isle formd by New Found­ land & the Labrador coast, the right of fishing on wh is1 securd to us by treaties with England, & rightfully as is believd, without any pre‑ vious notice to our govt. It has also declind, ratifying, one of the sepa‑ rate articles in the late commercial treaty, or to say whether it will, or will not ratify it. In these concerns, it has eva[d]ed in each instance the question, setting up in regard to the claims, one on its part, to a preference to other powers, in a commerce with Louisiana, under the treaty by which that territory was ceded to the U States, or an indem‑ nity for withholding it, and various other unfounded pretentions. The question, relating to the right of fishing, in the quarter mentiond, our right being, as is thought, fully establishd, by argument, it has not met in that form; and to the third one, it has given no answer what‑ ever. A few days before mr Gallatin left France, he communicated his sentiments freely to the minister of foreign affairs on these points, as he also did, on the conduct of France in regard to So Am:, & likewise in the invasion of Spain, which he assurd him, was, in the opinion of the U States & of their govt, an unjustifiable measure. The minister heard him attentively, but gave no answer, on either point. The British govt has enter’d into a formal arrangment with France, by which she agrees to remain neutral, in the war with Spain. Of the progress of the armies, we have nothing new, except that Mina, has thrown himself in the rear of the French army, but whether in suffi­ cient force to meet it in battle, or merely as a partisan mov’ment, is not known. I have receivd a kind invitation from our neighbours to meet them at Milton, on the 4th of July, for the celebration of the anniversary of our independance there, which I should be happy to do, as I have as‑  710 

30 JUNE 1823

surd them, if I was not detaind here, for the present, by many press‑ ing duties, & also by the indisposition of my family. very respectfully & sincerely your friend James Monroe  You have, I presume, seen, by the gazettes, that a motion has been made in the British house of commons, to liberate the Slaves in the W. Indies, & been treated with respect by mr. Canning. The effect, should the measure be adopted, on those, in the southern States, may be anticipated. The govt of St Domingo, has demanded its recogni‑ tion, & complains that a formal application for it, has not been an‑ swerd. The subject was referrd to me at the last Session, by a motion of mr. Holmes, of maine, and on which I sent a special message, ad‑ verting very concisely2 to all the most important considerations in‑ volved in it, in the expectation that it would be published, & in the hope that the view therin taken, would conciliate the several parts of the union towards each other, in regard to the delicate interest, to which it related. The Senate decided not to publish it, not knowing as I presume, the views of the Executive on that point. RC (DLC); edge trimmed; endorsed by TJ as received 3 July 1823 and so re‑ corded in SJL. The United States retained the right of fishing off the coast of Newfoundland in treaties with Great Britain ratified in 1783 and 1819 (Miller, Treaties, 2:98, 658–9). The late commercial treaty with France was the 24 June 1822 Con‑ vention of Navigation and Commerce. It originally included a separate article that was never ratified or implemented: “It is agreed that the extra‑duties, specified in the 1st and 2d Articles of this Convention shall be levied only upon the excess of value of the merchandize imported, over the value of the merchandize exported in the same Vessel upon the same voyage: so that if the value of the Articles exported shall equal or exceed that of the Articles imported in the same Vessel (not includ‑ ing however Articles imported for tran‑ sit or re‑exportation) no such extra‑duties shall be levied; and if the Articles exported are less in value than those imported, the extra‑duties shall be levied only upon the amount of the differ­ence of their value” (Miller, Treaties, 3:90). France ceded Louisiana to the United States in a treaty of 30 Apr. 1803 (Miller, Treaties, 2:498–511). The French minis‑

ter of foreign affairs was François Auguste René, vicomte de Chateaubriand. Francisco Espoz y mina was a Spanish guerrilla leader and military commander. Various gazettes had recently re‑ ported that the British House of Com‑ mons had received petitions for the aboli‑ tion of slavery in the British colonies, and that George Canning had concluded a parliamentary speech by reading “certain resolutions which stated it to be expedi‑ ent to effect a gradual abolition of slavery, that the House was anxious for it at the earliest period consistent with the well being of the slaves themselves, and the safety of property, &c. in the colonies,” which resolutions were adopted (New‑York Spectator, 24 June 1823; Richmond En­ quirer, 27 June 1823). On 24 Dec. 1822 United States senator John holmes, of maine, moved “That the President of the United States be re‑ quested to communicate to the Senate such information as he may possess, of the commercial relations which now exist be‑ tween the United States and the present government of St. Domingo; what is the political condition of the island; whether any European nation pretends to claim the government of the island; and whether any further commercial relations with the ex‑ isting government would be consistent with

 711 

30 JUNE 1823 the interest and safety of the United States.” The Senate approved the motion three days later (JS, 12:50, 54). President Mon‑ roe responded to the request with a spe‑ cial message of 25 Feb. 1823 on the Republic of Haiti, stating “that the whole island is now united under one govern‑ ment, under a constitution which retains the sovereignty in the hands of the people of color, and with provisions which pro‑ hibit the employment in the government, of all white persons who have emigrated there since 1816, or who may hereafter emigrate there; and which prohibit, also, the acquisition, by such persons, of the right of citizenship, or to real estate in the island”; that no European nations have interfered with that government, though France has not formally recognized the

independence of the island; that it remains to be seen what effect the new form of government will have on its foreign rela‑ tions; that the United States government will continue to promote its commercial intercourse there, but has complained of being “subjected to higher duties than have been imposed on like articles from some other nations”; and that “it is the duty of this government to promote, by all the means in its power, and by a fair and honorable policy, the best interest of every other part, and thereby of the whole.” Monroe’s message was read in the Senate on 26 Feb. 1823 and ordered to lie for consideration (JEP, 3:335, 336). 1

 Preceding seven words interlined.  Preceding two words interlined.

2

To James O. Morse Sir Monticello June 30. 23. You ask permission to publish my letter to you of Apr. 30. altho I have a great aversion to this generally, yet I consent on the present occasion, because, in fact, I wish it to be known that I do not meddle in the ensuing Presidential election. but as that letter was written carelesly, without an idea of it’s going into the papers, I must ask leave, by some corrections, to make it more proper for the public eye. I inclose you therefore a revised copy, which you are free to publish, but not if you please, the one now inclosing it. I salute you with re‑ spectful consideration. Th: Jefferson FC (MoSHi: TJC‑BC); on verso of reused address cover of Bernard Peyton to TJ, 16 Dec. 1822; in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Mr James O. Morse”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: TJ to Morse, 30 Apr. 1823.

From Bernard Peyton Dear Sir, Richd 30 June 1823 Last week being unfavorable for opening & sales Tobacco, post‑ poned the inspection the other 9 Hhds: of yours, until to=day, & re‑ gret to say, that the order of it was generally about the same as the other Ten, much too high, five of them were tolerable, in this respect, & brot" $8.30 round—two were refused, & brot" $3.05 and $4.60,  712 

30 JUNE 1823

the other two $4.95, & $6.55—By next mail will hand sales the same, & your quarterly a∕c, as heretofore directed— No more of your Tobacco has been received, & I understand no more of it is yet delivered in Lynchburg. With great respect Dr sir Yours Very Truly Bernard Peyton RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 3 July 1823 and so recorded in SJL.

 713 

Appendix Supplemental List of Documents Not Found Jefferson’s epistolary record and other sources describe a number of docu‑ ments for which no text is known to survive. The Editors generally account for such material at documents that mention them or at other relevant places. Exceptions are accounted for below. From George D. Tyler, 3 May 1823. Recorded in SJL as a letter from “Tyler G. D.” received 6 May 1823 from Buckingham Court House. From William Dandridge, 27 May 1823. Recorded in SJL as received 8 June 1823 from “Bk Virga.” From Francis Stern, 10 June 1823. Recorded in SJL as received 16 June 1823.

 715 

INDEX Abbatt, Robert. See Robert Abbatt Jr. & Company (Richmond firm) Abélard, Pierre, 586 Abraham, Charles Z.: and University of Virginia, 183, 187n, 188 Abrégé de l’Histoire Universelle, ancienne et moderne, a l’Usage de la Jeunesse (L. P. de Ségur), 505 Académie Royale des Sciences et Belles Lettres de Bruxelles, 159 Accademia Nazionale delle Scienze, 346n Account of an Expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains, performed in the years 1819 and ’20 (E. James), 247, 248n Account of the Salmo Otsego, or the Otsego Basse (D. Clinton), 539, 567 Acord, John: and University of Virginia, 53 An act authorizing the Auditor to renew a lost certificate in favor of the Central College (1818), 61 An act concerning jailors, and for other purposes (1823), 688–9, 690n An act concerning the University of Virginia, and for other purposes (1823), 174, 340n, 350, 351n, 519n, 604. See also A Bill, Concerning the University of Virginia (1823) An Act for the establishment of an University (1819), 44n, 325n, 430 An Act making an appropriation to defray the expenses of missions to the independent nations of the American continent (1822), 336, 338n An act to amend an act, entitled, “an act to reduce into one act the several acts, and parts of acts, for establishing a penitentiary-house, and for the punishment of crimes” (1821), 106n An Act to amend the several acts imposing duties on imports (1824), 536n An Act to authorize the Delegates of this State in Congress, to convey to the United States in Congress assembled, the right of this Commonwealth to the territory north westward of the river Ohio (1783), 492, 493n An Act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States (1789), 531, 532n An Act to provide a Naval Armament (1794), 73, 74n

An Act To provide for the Public Instruction of Youth throughout this State, and to promote the important interests of Husbandry and Agriculture, 349–50, 372–3 An act to require all annual reports to be made to the legislature on the first day of the session, and for other purposes (1823), 416n, 446, 455 Adams, Abigail Smith (John Adams’s wife): as housekeeper, 206; identified, 6:298n Adams, George: Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy, 505 Adams, George Washington (John Adams’s grandson): correspondence with J. Adams, 366–7n Adams, John: and J. Q. Adams’s presidential prospects, 105, 330; on J. Q. Adams’s public image, 366–7n; and J. Q. Adams’s “Publicola” essays, 330; J. Q. Adams to inherit papers of, 428, 530; on aging, 320, 322n; and J. Calvin, 438–9, 524–7; on conquerors, 439; correspondence of, 331, 332n; correspondence of published, 277, 278n, 281, 320, 322n, 342, 343n, 358, 643, 644n; correspondence with G. W. Adams, 366–7n; and correspondence with TJ, 233, 322, 646; Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America, 328n, 330, 331; and Dickinson Library Company, 327, 328n; Discourses on Davila, 330, 331; and effects of war on economy, 622, 624–5n; and election of 1800, 580–1, 602; and European affairs, 439; and Federalist party, 329, 530; friendship with F. A. Van der Kemp, 620, 621n; friendship with B. Waterhouse, 362, 363n; on Genghis Khan, 439; on God, 439; and A. Hamilton, 73, 366, 367n; health of, 205–6, 362; The History of the Administration of John Adams (J. Wood), 332n; identified, 4:390–1n; and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 560, 561n; letters from, 73–4, 205–6, 366–7, 438–40; letters to, 124–6, 410–2, 524–8; letter to, from E. W. R. Coolidge, 231–2; on libel, 366–7, 410–1; and midnight appointments, 664; and miniature portrait of

 717 

INDEX Adams, John (cont.) G. Washington, 419n; on Napoleon, 439; on Nile River, 439; on physical pain, 438–9; possible autobiography of, 530, 532n; praised, 231–2; presidency of, 282; proposed biography of, 427; and publication of TJ’s letters, 390, 463; relationship with T. Pickering, 530; on republicanism, 331, 332n; A Selection of the Patriotic Addresses, to the President of the United States. together with The President’s Answers (ed. W. Austin), 331, 332n; signer of Declaration of Independence, 146; and M. B. Smith’s description of visit to Monticello, 366–7, 410–1; and TJ’s health, 205, 206, 231, 366, 411, 438; and U.S. Navy, 73–4, 124–5, 126n; works sent to, 350n, 403n, 461n, 631n Adams, John Quincy: An Answer to Pain’s Rights of Man, 330, 332n; and appointments, 128, 129, 130n, 313, 314n; correspondence of, 614n; correspondence with A. A. Smith, 206n; The Duplicate Letters, the Fisheries and the Mississippi, 69, 70n, 88, 138; family of, 366–7n; and Federalist party, 563; friendship with B. Waterhouse, 362, 363n; identified, 12:91– 2n; to inherit papers of J. Adams, 428, 530; letters from, 69–70, 135; letters to, 88, 128–9; as peace negotiator, 70n, 88, 138; presidential prospects of, 70n, 101–2, 104, 105, 112–3, 114n, 329–31, 334, 362, 535, 563, 580–1, 589–90, 623–4, 625n; “Publicola” essays by, 330–2; and Republican party, 530, 537; as secretary of state, 135, 194n, 313, 314n, 338, 589, 623–4; sends works to University of Virginia and TJ, 135; and TJ’s health, 233; works sent to, 139n Adams, Samuel (1722–1803): correspondence with J. Adams, 331, 332n; mentioned, 333, 335n Adams-Onís Treaty (1819): and slavery, 623–4, 625n; and U.S. relations with Spain, 589 Addison, Joseph: works of, 506 Additional Facts, Remarks, and Arguments. Illustrative of the Advantage to the People of the United States, of a National Circulating Medium (T. Law), 202, 225

Addresses of the Philadelphia Society for the promotion of National Industry (M. Carey), 591–2 An Address in behalf of the Juvenile Library Company of the City of Richmond, 323n Address to the Farmers of the United States, on the Ruinous consequences to their vital Interests, of the existing Policy of this Country (M. Carey), 591, 592n Adet, Pierre Auguste: correspondence with G. Washington, 331, 332n Adlum, John: and grape cuttings, 456, 479; identified, 1:587n; letters from, 455–6, 479; letter to, 528; A Memoir on the Cultivation of the Vine in America, and the Best Mode of Making Wine, 455, 456n, 479, 528; and wine, 455, 479, 528 The Adventurer, 508 Aeschylus: The Tragedies of Æschylus (trans. R. Potter), 506 Aesop: Fabularum Aesopiarum libri quinque (Phaedrus; ed. N. Bailey), 669, 696; TJ orders works of, 478 Africa: and river navigation, 439 African Americans: and Cuba, 709; and University of Virginia, 62, 189, 239, 396n, 404. See also slavery; slaves The Age of Louis XIV (Voltaire), 506 The Age of Louis XV (Voltaire), 506 aging: W. Canby on, 281; W. Carver on, 320–1; TJ on his own, 307–8 Agricultural Society of Albemarle: and agriculture professorship at University of Virginia, 359–60, 362n, 416; and newspapers, 334; officers of, 64, 479; TJ forwards works to, 64 Agricultural Society of South Carolina, 129 agriculture: Agricultural Society of South Carolina, 129; books on, 352, 353n, 591; corn-shelling machines, 678–9, 708–9; education in, 350n; and fertilization, 607n; and fodder, 606; gypsum used in, 416–7; implements of, 115, 207, 226, 279; importation of grains, 624; and manure, 606–7; Maryland Agricultural Society, 479; and overuse of land, 398; Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, 159, 161n; threshing machines, 394n, 398; TJ on, 635; in utopian societies, 378, 379–80,

 718 

INDEX 382. See also Agricultural Society of Albemarle; crops; Hessian fly; plows ague and fever. See malaria (ague and fever) Ahab (Old Testament figure), 360, 362n Aikin, John: works of, 505 Aikin, Lucy: Memoirs of the Court of King James the First, 508; Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth, 508 Alabama (state): and census of 1820, 135; and presidential election of 1824, 535 Albemarle County, Va.: jail and jailer, 559; mail service in, 325, 335; map of, xlix (illus.); sheriff of, 57, 59n, 65, 69, 85, 338n; taxation of property in, 38, 65, 69, 85, 338, 394–5n. See also Agricultural Society of Albemarle; Central College; Virginia, University of Albemarle County Circuit Court, Va., 63–4, 559n Albemarle County Court, Va., 550, 551, 559, 561, 570 Albemarle Library Society: Catalogue of Books, 505–9, 607; constitution of, 551–2, 554; establishment of, 453, 453–4, 554, 607, 634; identified, 509n alcohol: abuse of, 573–4, 652n, 674; brandy, 13, 455, 528, 640–1, 641–2; spirits, 574, 640, 646; taxation of, 573–4; in utopian societies, 378; whiskey, 10, 466, 562. See also drunkenness; wine Aleshire (Alishire), John Conrad: and University of Virginia, 57 Alexander (“the Great”), king of Macedon, 111, 439 Alexander I, emperor of Russia: and France, 542, 639; opinion of sought, 67; TJ on, 489 Alexander, Dr.: and elderly in S.C., 647 Alexander, Eli: identified, 1:137–8n; lands of, 394n Alfred (“the Great”), king of Wessex: mentioned, 303 Algiers: relations with U.S., 73, 124–5, 427 Alison, Archibald: Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste, 505 Allen, Ethan: views on women, 320 Allen, Herman: as U.S. minister plenipotentiary to Chile, 338n Allen’s Academy (Hyde Park, N.Y.), 596 All the Orations of Demosthenes (Demosthenes; trans. T. Leland), 505

almanacs, 591 almanacs, nautical: TJ purchases, 669, 696; used to calculate longitude, 199, 208–9, 210–1 Almon, John, 470 American Annals; or, a Chronological History of America, from its discovery in 1492 to 1806 (A. Holmes), 461–4, 510 American Bible Society, 703n American Farmer: prints TJ’s writings, 528n American Museum: or Repository of ancient and modern Fugitive Pieces, &c. prose and poetical: prints observations on American Indian languages, 349n American Ornithology (A. Wilson), 547, 569 American Philosophical Society: members of, 224n, 463n, 472n; Transactions, 197n American Philosophical Society, Historical and Literary Committee: identified, 9:179n; Transactions, 117 American Revolution: books on, 462, 669, 694; disputes over origin of, 216; and Lafayette, 101; materials for study of, 391; reflections on, 321, 384. See also Revolutionary War American Sentinel (Philadelphia newspaper), 330, 332n, 334 American Statesman & City Register (Boston newspaper), 334 The Anabasis (Xenophon; trans. E. Spelman), 505 Ἀνάλεκτα Ἑλληνικὰ Ἥσσονα. sive Collectanea Græca Minora (A. Dalzel), 478 anatomy: books on, 76; TJ on study of, 249 anchovies, 103, 641–2 Anderson, Edmund: and University of Virginia, 183, 188 Anderson, Joseph: as comptroller of the treasury, 297 Anderson, Robert (1741–1813): as character reference, 648 Andes Mountains, 305 Angoulême, Louis Antoine, duc d’: as military leader, 465, 466, 468n Ann (brig), 76n The Annals of America, from the discovery by Columbus in the Year 1492, to the Year 1826 (A. Holmes), 464n

 719 

INDEX Annapolis, Md.: Maryland Gazette, 304, 351, 545 Annapolis Convention (1786), 330 Annesley, William: identified, 9:558n; letter from, 142–3; letter to, 157; as naval architect, 142–3, 157; A New System of Naval Architecture, 142, 143n, 157 Ann Smith Academy (Lexington), 274n The Annual Report of the Canal Commissioners of the State of New-York, Presented to the Legislature, the 24th February, 1823, 469 anonymous authors: letter from, 207n An Answer to Pain’s Rights of Man (J. Q. Adams), 330, 332n Anthony, Mark (Marcus Antonius): and J. Caesar’s papers, 661 Antommarchi, Francesco: and P. Mascagni’s anatomical plates, 76; as Napoleon’s physician, 76n Antrim, Joseph: and brickwork for University of Virginia, 237n; identified, 12:262n; letters from, 28, 403–4; letter to accounted for, 28n; meeting with TJ, 28; and plastering at Central College–University of Virginia, 49, 50, 54, 56, 57, 58, 63, 186, 190, 191, 238, 396n, 403–4; TJ’s debt to, 494 Apollo (Greek deity): oracle of at Delphi, 489, 490–1 apoplexy, 345n An Appeal to Common Sense and Common Justice (M. Carey), 591, 622 Appleton, Thomas: account with TJ, 77, 78; birthday same as TJ’s, 501; and capitals for University of Virginia, 76, 77–8, 153–4, 259, 282, 498–9, 684, 702; identified, 8:162n; letters from, 75–6, 77–8, 498–9, 499–502; and P. Mazzei’s estate, 75–6; and sculptures of G. Washington, 499–501; and stonecutters for Central College– University of Virginia, 163–4, 498–9 Aquinas, Saint Thomas. See Thomas Aquinas, Saint Arator; being a series of Agricultural Essays, Practical & Political (J. Taylor [of Caroline]), 508 Archæologia Græca: or the Antiquities of Greece (J. Potter), 508 archaeology: scholars of, 159 architecture: architectural ornaments, liii, 23–4, 476, 477, 478n, 487–8, 513, 514–6, 520–2, 524, 566–7, 568. See

also building materials; Virginia, University of: Construction and Grounds The Architecture of A. Palladio (G. Leoni), 552 Argentina: independence movement in, 543; U.S. minister to, 3, 336, 338n, 541, 639 Ariosto, Ludovico: Orlando Furioso (trans. J. Hoole), 507 Aristophanes: The Comedies of Aristophanes (trans. T. Mitchell), 507 Aristotle: commentaries on, 526 Armstrong, John: identified, 1:20n; reviews W. Johnson’s Sketches of the Life and Correspondence of Nathanael Greene, 530, 532n, 697; Revolutionary War service of, 530–1, 532n Army, U.S.: A. Hamilton supports, 74; medical department, 364–5; and military academy, 29 Arnauld, Antoine: as grammarian, 407, 409n A. Robertson & Company (firm): TJ’s debt to, 31, 69, 85, 110, 110, 132, 143, 154, 155n, 495, 496n. See also Robertson, Archibald art. See drawing; painting; paintings; sculpture The Artist in His Museum (C. W. Peale), liii–liv, 107–8, 424 (illus.) The Artist in His Museum (study) (C. W. Peale), liii, 107–8, 424 (illus.) Artois, Charles Philippe, comte d’ (later Charles X, king of France): family of, 708 Ashford, John (ship captain), 76n Ashton (T. E. Randolph’s Albemarle Co. estate): visitors to, 150n, 464n Aspland, Robert: as editor of Monthly Repository of Theology and General Literature, 620; identified, 10:123–4n Astor, John Jacob: identified, 4:554n; mentioned, 589 astronomy: astronomical instruments, 35, 570; and calculations of prime meridian, 628–9; collegiate education in, 570; and comets, 205, 206n; and lunar calculations, 33, 35–6, 628; and observations of Lewis and Clark Expedition, 197–8; and solar observations, 36, 628 Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton’s principles (J. Ferguson), 506 Athanasius, Saint: creed of, 214; criticized, 214

 720 

INDEX Athena (Pallas Athena) (Greek deity), 303. See also Minerva (Roman deity) Atlantic Ocean: and canal to Pacific Ocean, 305 Atlas (New York newspaper), 615 augers, 8, 12 Aurelius, Marcus. See Marcus Aurelius (Roman emperor) Austin, James Trecothick: E. Gerry’s son-in-law, 93–4; identified, 4:38n; seeks appointment, 297 Austin, William: edits A Selection of the Patriotic Addresses, to the President of the United States. together with The President’s Answers, 331, 332n Austria: J. Adams on, 439; and French invasion of Spain (1823), 489, 587–8, 639, 657, 707. See also Francis I, emperor of Austria Authentick Account of the Proceedings of the Congress held at New York, A. D. 1765, on the subject of the American Stamp Act, 470, 472n Les Avantures de Telemaque (Fénelon), 506, 509n awls, 11 Azaola, Gregorio González. See González Azaola, Gregorio Bacchus (Roman deity), 439 bacon, 485, 579 Bacon, Ann Simmons (Edmund Bacon’s wife): health of, 484; identified, 17:25n Bacon, Edmund: and J. Bacon’s estate, 485; family of, 484, 485; and horses and mules, 485; identified, 1:52n; letter from, 484–5; Monticello overseer, 26; moves to Ky., 484–5; orders goods for TJ, 9; sends greetings to Randolph family, 485; slaves of, 484; TJ pays, 8, 32n, 37, 38n, 85; TJ’s account with, 69; TJ’s promissory note to, 494, 496n; and University of Virginia, 189 Bacon, Francis: works of, 506 Bacon, John: promissory note assigned to, 485, 494 Bagby, Thomas: and University of Virginia, 55, 239 Bailey, Lewis: and University of Virginia, 178, 185 Bailey, Nathan (Nathaniel): edits Fabularum Aesopiarum libri quinque (Phaedrus), 669, 696

Bailey, Robert: and wheat, 22n Bainbridge, William, 427 Baines, Edward: History of the Wars of the French Revolution, 506 Baker, Jerman (1776–1828): identified, 9:278n; letter to, 594–5; as treasurer of Va., 594–5 Baldwin, Briscoe Gerard: as Va. legislator, 272, 273, 368, 369 Ballew, Solomon: and University of Virginia, 48 Baltimore, Md.: Federal Republican and Baltimore Telegraph, 32–3; museums in, 107; privateers from, 511; scientific and literary society (later Maryland Academy of Science and Literature), 276 Baltimore College, 276 Baltimore Patriot & Mercantile Advertiser (newspaper), 693n bandages, 308n, 418n Bankhead, Ann (Anne) Cary Randolph (TJ’s granddaughter; Charles Lewis Bankhead’s wife): and Bedford Co. land, 203, 204n, 261, 262, 420–1; identified, 2:104n Bankhead, Charles Lewis (Ann Cary Randolph Bankhead’s husband): alcohol abuse by, 651–2, 674; and Bedford Co. land, 155, 203, 204n, 261, 262, 420, 421n; hires out slaves to University of Virginia, 47, 62; identified, 3:188n; and University of Virginia, 178 Bankhead, Ellen Monroe. See Carter, Ellen Monroe Bankhead (TJ’s greatgranddaughter) Bankhead, John: identified, 8:278n; visits Highland, 71 Bank of Germantown (Pa.): cashier of, 396 Bank of Richmond. See Bank of Virginia (Richmond) Bank of Tennessee, 581 Bank of the United States, Second: J. Monroe’s debt to, 395n Bank of the United States, Second, Richmond branch of: deposits in, 485; letter to, from T. J. Randolph and TJ, 300; and W. C. Nicholas’s debts, 203, 285–6, 288–9, 300, 311–2; TJ’s loan from, 32, 288–9, 495, 585 Bank of Virginia (Richmond): cashier of, 715; TJ’s loan from, 32, 495, 585; and University of Virginia, 46, 53, 60

 721 

INDEX bankruptcy: legislation on, 698 banks: currency issued by, 512; and elections, 533, 535; and loan curtailment, 622; and loan for University of Virginia, 593, 595; in New York City, 491, 522; and Panic of 1819, 397; proliferation of, 304; TJ on, 635–6; in Va., 32, 491, 522. See also Bank of the United States, Second; Bank of Virginia (local branches); Farmers’ Bank of Virginia (local branches) Banks, Linn: identified, 13:406n; as speaker of Va. House of Delegates, 258n Baptists: in Charlottesville, 126; in Pa., 79; and South Carolina College, 246 Barbour, James: identified, 4:415–6n; letter from, 291; sends works to TJ, 291 Barbour, Philip Pendleton: as attorney, 559; identified, 5:391–2n Barclay, Alexander Tedford: and Natural Bridge, 132 bark. See cinchona (Peruvian bark) Barksdale, Nelson: as Central College proctor, 100, 174, 175, 175–6, 179, 180; identified, 12:183–4n; letter from, 100; and University of Virginia, 46, 49, 50, 53, 54, 56, 62, 186, 189; as University of Virginia proctor, 174, 175, 175–6, 179, 180, 187 Barlow, Capt.: allegedly delivers letter, 615 Barnes, John: identified, 1:32n; letter from, 168–9; letter to, 201–2; and TJ’s health, 168, 201 Barney, Joshua: American naval commander, 74n Barret, William: identified, 16:592n; letter to, 110; and TJ’s debt to A. Robertson & Company, 31, 69, 85, 110, 110, 132, 143, 154, 155n Barry, John: American naval commander, 73, 74n Barry, William Taylor: identified, 18:477n; letter from, 258–9; letter from TJ referenced, 136, 137n, 334; and report on public education in Ky., 258, 259n; and TJ’s health, 258–9 Barthélemy, Jean Jacques: Voyage du Jeune Anacharsis en Grèce, 505, 509n Barton, Benjamin Smith: Elements of Botany, 508; identified, 1:521n Bartow, William Augustus: identified, 18:579n; and Juvenile Library Com-

pany of Richmond, 322–3, 343; letter from, 322–3; letter to, 343 Bassett, Nicholas: and University of Virginia, 53, 54. See also Bassett & Company (firm) Bassett & Company (firm): and University of Virginia, 48, 62, 183, 188, 238. See also Bassett, Nicholas baths: bathhouses, 705n; medicinal use of, 206 Battle of the Thames; being the Seventeenth Canto of an Epic Poem, entitled The Fredoniad (R. Emmons), 234, 235n Baxter, John: A New and Impartial History of England, 506, 509n Baxter, William: identified, 426n; letter from, 425–6; proposes to publish Lancaster Washingtoniana, 425–6, 426–8 Bear Creek plantation (part of TJ’s Poplar Forest estate): land conveyance at, 155–6, 203–4, 261–2, 420–1, 421–2, 422–3 Beatson, Alexander: A New System of Cultivation, without Lime, or Dung, or Summer Fallows, 591, 592n, 606, 607n Beattie, David: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 120, 123n Beattie, James: works of, 505 Beauharnais, Eugène de (Napoleon’s stepson), 489 beavers: and hats, 9 Beck, Paul, 624 Bedford County, Va.: deeds of trust for land in, 288–9; sheriff of, 65, 69, 72, 85; taxation on property in, 38, 65, 69, 72, 85; TJ’s lands in, 285, 286–7, 288–9, 421n. See also Poplar Forest (TJ’s Bedford Co. estate) Bedford County Court, Va.: tries TJ’s slaves, 262–3n beds: cords for, 9; ticking for, 14 beer: as alternative to liquor, 378 bees, liv, 645 Belgium: public opinion in, 466 Belknap, Jeremy: The History of NewHampshire, 507 Bell, Thomas (ship captain), 702 belles lettres: books on, 323n; collegiate education in, 570; study of, 165 Beloe, William: The History of Herodotus, 505 Belsham, William: History of Great Britain, 506

 722 

INDEX Benjamin (Old Testament figure), 560 Bennett, Thomas: as governor of S.C., 222–3; identified, 6:89–90n Bentley, William (of Massachusetts): identified, 4:617n; recommends J. Dodge, 483n Bergasse, Henry, 641 Berkeley, George: works of, 506 Bertrand, Henri Gratien: “Funeral Eulogy Pronounced at St. Helena over the Tomb of Napoleon,” 591, 592n Beyle, Marie Henri (Stendhal): Histoire de la Peinture en Italie, 669, 694 Bézout, Étienne: works of, 617 Bible: Acts referenced, 361, 363n; 1 Chronicles referenced, 305, 306n; 1 Corinthians referenced, 362, 363n; Deuteronomy referenced, 305, 306n; Ephesians referenced, 362, 363n; Exodus referenced, 305, 306n, 623; Galatians referenced, 361, 363n; Genesis referenced, 305, 306n, 560; Genesis referenced by TJ, 665; Hebrews referenced, 400, 401, 402n; Isaiah referenced by TJ, 104, 105n; Jeremiah referenced, 401, 402n; John referenced, 401, 402n; John referenced by TJ, 526; Joshua referenced, 305, 306n; Judges referenced, 305, 306n; 1 Kings referenced, 360, 362n; Luke referenced, 377, 382n, 400, 401, 402n, 601; Luke referenced by TJ, 75, 86, 87n, 578, 656; Mark referenced, 400; Mark referenced by TJ, 656; Matthew referenced, 377, 382n, 624; Matthew referenced by TJ, 75, 86, 87n, 527; New Testament, 399–401, 478; Old Testament, 400, 401; Porteusian, 400, 401n; Proverbs referenced, 116n; Romans referenced, 281; 1 Samuel referenced, 306n; societies for distribution of, 703n; Ten Commandments, 623, 625n; 2 Timothy referenced, 401–2; TJ orders, 478; and virgin birth, 527; works on, 493 Bibliothèque portative d’Architecture élémentaire, a l’usage des Artistes (C. A. Jombert), 524n Biddle, James: American naval commander, 427 Bigland, John: works of, 505 bilberries, 564 A Bill, Concerning the University of Virginia (1823), 241, 242, 274, 282–3,

284–5, 291–2, 314, 315, 324, 339–41, 353–4. See also An act concerning the University of Virginia, and for other purposes (1823) Billy (African American): and University of Virginia, 56 Billy (TJ’s slave; b. 1799): escape of, 262n; trial of, 262–3 Billy (TJ’s slave; b. 1808; Sarah [Sally] Hubbard’s son): valuation of, 333 Binns, John: identified, 14:558–9n; and T. McKean’s letter to C. A. Rodney, 470; and Philadelphia Democratic Press, 330, 332n biography: A New American Biographical Dictionary (T. Rogers), 341–2; proposed national, 472–3, 473–5, 510–1, 543–4 Biography of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence (J. Sanderson), 93–4, 95n birds: artists depict, 108; books on, 547, 569 Birdseye, Victory, 556 Birkman, Peter: identified, 596n; letter from, 595–6; letter to, 632; The Simplified German Grammar, or Die Bereinfachte Deutsche Sprachlehre, 595–6, 632 birthdays: TJ’s, 501, 502n Bishop, Jane: and University of Virginia, 47 Bishop, Joseph: TJ’s debt to, 494 Black, John: and University of Virginia, 47 Blackford, Arthur & Company (Shenandoah Co. firm): and corn-shelling machine, 678–9, 708–9; and University of Virginia, 49, 62, 183, 188, 238 Blackstone, William: as legal authority, 165 Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, 608 Bladen, Martin: translates Caius Julius Cæsar’s Commentaries of his wars in Gaul, and civil war with Pompey (J. Caesar), 505 Blaettermann, George Wilhelm: identified, 14:253n; letter from, 558–9; library of, 559; seeks position at University of Virginia, 555, 558–9 Blair, Hugh: Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres, 505 blankets: TJ purchases, 11 Blatchly, Cornelius Camden: An Essay on Common Wealths, 36, 37n, 86–7;

 723 

INDEX Blatchly, Cornelius Camden (cont.) identified, 37n; letter from, 36–7; letter to, 86–7; and New-York Society for Promoting Communities, 36–7, 86–7 blindness, 362, 458, 598, 645 Blumenbach, Johann Friedrich: Manuel D’Histoire Naturelle, 508 boats: barges, 143; bateaux, 394n; carriage to and from Richmond, 31, 38, 65, 78, 85, 110, 110, 151, 213, 367, 371, 385, 394, 477, 483, 594, 684, 702; cost of transportation by, 702, 702; design of, 142–3; diving (submarine), 143; impressment of, 622; mentioned, 185; military, 142–3, 279; rowboats, 143; run aground, 609; steamboats, 143, 147–8, 228, 298 Boilly, Julien (Jules) Léopold: and portrait of TJ, 610n Bologna, Università di, 565 bombazine (textile), 14, 16n Bonaparte, Joseph: and works on Napoleon, 546, 636 Bonaparte, Napoleon. See Napoleon I, emperor of France books: access to, 302, 323n; on American Revolution, 669, 694; on anatomy, 76; on art, 669, 694; on banks and currency, 591; on belles lettres, 323n; binding of, 492; biographical, 93–4, 95n, 96–7, 341–2, 472–3, 473–5, 511, 543–4, 586; biographical on TJ, 501, 510–1; on birds, 547, 569; on botany, 209–10, 226; on chemistry, 28–9, 64; on criticism (literary), 676–7; dedicated to TJ, 393–4; on European affairs, 236, 269, 363, 406; on fish, 539, 567; on French Revolution, 212, 630; on geography, 388, 437–8; on history, 428, 461–4, 510, 610; on mathematics, 616–8; on medicine, 260, 386, 453; on meteorology, 207; military, 643; novels, 453, 453, 509n, 607; of poetry, 234, 546–7; on politics, 591, 635, 700; sent by D. B. Warden, 610; of state papers and public documents, 462; on tariffs, 591, 592n; tariffs on, 559, 684; textbooks, 478; TJ recommends to Albemarle Library Society, 505–9, 607, 634; on wine, 455, 479, 528. See also Jefferson, Thomas: Books & Library; law: books on; religion: works on; subscriptions, for publications; Virginia, University of: Books and Library

boots, 471 Borda’s circle (surveying instrument), 198, 200 Borgia family, 111, 411 Boston, Mass.: American Statesman & City Register, 334; climate of, 301; Unitarianism in, 126. See also Dearborn, Henry Alexander Scammell: as Boston customs collector Boswell, James: The Life of Samuel Johnson LL.D., 506 The Botanist (B. Waterhouse), 359–60 botany: books on, 209–10, 226; scholars of, 159, 668n, 694; Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, 159, 161n; study of, 17, 668n Botta, Carlo Giuseppe Guglielmo: History of the War of the Independence of the United States of America (trans. G. A. Otis), 507, 669, 694; identified, 2:529–30n bottles, 103 Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme (Molière), 602, 603n Bowman, Francis: and Albemarle Library Society, 509n, 607; letter from accounted for, 509n Bowne, Walter: identified, 557–8n; Resolutions of the Republican Members of the New York State Legislature, 556–7 Bowyer, John: as Va. legislator, 254, 272, 368 Boxley, Pallison: and Central College– University of Virginia, 53 Boyd, John Parker: identified, 10:17–8n; and War of 1812, 427 Bo˝ÿe, Herman: identified, 405n; introduced to TJ, 405 Boyer, Jean Baptiste de, marquis d’Argens: translates Ocellus Lucanus en Grec et en François, 527n Bradford, Samuel Fisher: identified, 7:289–90n; as publisher, 546–7, 569 Bradford, William: as attorney general, 73, 74n Bramham, Horace Witherall: and Fourth of July celebration, 690, 693; identified, 691–2n; letter from, 690–2; letter to, 693 Bramham, Nimrod: identified, 5:528n; and University of Virginia, 51, 55 Bramham & Bibb (Charlottesville firm), 11, 494

 724 

INDEX Bramham & Jones (Charlottesville firm): and Central College–University of Virginia, 186 Brand, Joseph (d. 1814): TJ’s debt to, 495, 673 Brand, Joseph (d. 1826): and University of Virginia, 47, 189 brandy: French, 641–2; TJ orders, 13, 641–2; as wine additive, 307, 455, 528, 640–1 Brantz, Lewis: identified, 1:50n; letters from, 295–6, 469; letter to, 502; recommends F. R. Hassler, 295–6, 309, 469, 502, 504 Brazil: monarchy in, 148–9; relations with Portugal, 148–9, 356; TJ on, 205 Breckinridge (Breckenridge), James: identified, 13:304n; letters from, 402, 512; letters to, 383, 452, 538–9; as member of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 39, 292, 383, 395, 402, 451, 452, 512, 538–9, 604; as Va. legislator, 512, 538 Breedin, Berriman (Beriman) B.: identified, 18:597n; letter to, 21; seeks information on University of Virginia, 21 Brent, Daniel: forwards letters to and from TJ, 112, 138; identified, 8:495–6n; letter from, 138; letter to, 112; as State Department clerk, 138, 632n brickmaking: for University of Virginia, 237, 446–7 Briggs, Isaac: as engineer, 405; identified, 9:476–7n; introduces H. Bo˝ÿe, 405; letter from, 405; seeks employment, 405 The British Cicero (T. Browne), 505 broadcloth, 574 Brockenbrough, Arthur Spicer: agreement with J. Dinsmore and J. Neilson, 446, 447, 447–8, 450, 452; agreement with A. B. Thorn and N. Chamberlain, 433–5, 450, 452; contract of, with W. J. Coffee, 487, 488n, 513–4, 514–7, 520, 520–2, 523; identified, 14:142–3n; letter from, to University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 513–4; letters from, 153–4, 228–9, 237, 310–1, 446–7; letters to, 70, 163–4, 224, 291, 450, 520, 546, 552, 566–7, 675, 686; letter to accounted for, 70n; memorandum to, 432–3; and nails for

TJ, 102–3; receipt from, 102–3; TJ on, 347–8; and University of Virginia, 49, 53, 56, 58, 183, 188; as University of Virginia proctor, 23–4, 39, 41, 44, 46, 62–3, 70, 100, 102, 153–4, 163–4, 176, 176–8, 179, 179–80, 184, 187, 189, 190, 191, 224, 227, 228–9, 232, 237, 238–40, 240n, 241n, 255, 256n, 256, 257–8, 259n, 268, 269n, 273, 274, 277, 291, 292, 310–1, 328, 340, 347–8, 367, 367–8, 371, 395, 396n, 398, 403–4, 409, 432–3, 433–4, 435n, 446–7, 447–8, 450, 451, 452, 476, 477, 478, 480, 483, 487, 487, 491, 512, 513–4, 514–6, 518, 520, 520–2, 538, 544n, 545, 546, 547, 548, 552, 552–3, 566–7, 568, 570, 611, 675, 686 Brockenbrough, John: and cisterns, 632, 642–3, 675; identified, 4:533n; letters from, 632–3, 675; letter to, 642–3; Richmond home of, 632–3, 675 Brockenbrough, Thomas: certifies document, 313n Brockenbrough, William: as judge, 461n Brockenbrough & Harvie (Richmond firm): and University of Virginia, 57, 62, 183, 188, 515 Brodie, James: and New York City customhouse, 499n Brooke, Francis Taliaferro: identified, 12:170–1n; as Va. Court of Appeals judge, 461n Brooks, Absalom H.: identified, 17:386n; transports goods, 102; and University of Virginia, 54, 62, 238, 239 Brooks, John: Revolutionary War service of, 530–1 brooms: household, 14 “Brother Jonathan”: as nickname for Americans, 305, 306n Brown, Charles (1783–1879): and Central College–University of Virginia subscription, 46; identified, 15:355n Brown, Elijah: barroom of, 559n Brown, Jacob Jennings: identified, 15:392–3n; as major general, 427 Brown, James (1780–1859): identified, 17:397n; letter from, 584–5; letter from accounted for, 503n; letters to, 503, 519; as Va. Literary Fund accountant, 44, 242n, 503, 519, 573, 584–5

 725 

INDEX Brown, Thomas (1780–1840): identified, 153n; recommended by N. Johnson, 152, 153 Browne, Beverly B.: identified, 72n; seeks appointment, 71–2 Browne, Thomas: The British Cicero, 505 Browne, William: as Va. legislator, 285n Bruce, Charles: Address to the Public, 647, 647–9; biography of, 646–7; character references for, 648–9; family of, 646; identified, 647n; letter from, 646–7; on South Carolinians, 647 Bruce, Richard: family of, 646; identified, 384–5n; letter from, 384–5; letter to, 391; praise for TJ, 384, 391; on Va. judiciary, 384 Bruckner, John: A Philosophical Survey of the Animal Creation, 508 Bruhier d’Ablaincourt, Jacques Jean: The Uncertainty of the Signs of Death, 505 Brunswick, Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand, Duke of: as military leader, 465–6, 468n brushes: glue, 277; scrub, 15; shoe, 13, 14 Brydges, James, 1st Duke of Chandos: work dedicated to, 67, 68n Buchan, David Steuart Erskine, 11th Earl of: TJ’s correspondence with published, 245–6 Buckingham, George Villiers, 2d Duke of: The Rehearsal, 634 Bud (brig), 78 Buenos Aires: U.S. minister plenipotentiary at, 336, 338n Buffon, Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de: Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière, 508; theories of, 564, 578 building materials: bricks, lv, 237, 240, 324, 395–6, 432, 433n, 433–4, 446–7, 447, 488, 544n, 632, 642, 675, 675, 688–9; cement, 32, 38, 432, 433; cement, Roman, 632, 642–3, 675; composition, liii, 277, 278n, 375, 487–8, 513, 515, 522; hair, 404; iron, 8, 13, 15, 185, 189, 432, 690n; lath, 404, 675; lead, liii, 13, 185, 189, 277, 477, 488, 514–5, 520, 520–2, 523; lime (mineral), 185, 404, 432, 433, 435n; locust wood, 433n; logs, 688; lumber, 62, 63, 185, 189, 446, 447; marble, 259, 282, 478, 488; marble, Carrara, 77–8; nails, 62, 102–3, 185,

189, 310, 404; paint, 185; plank, 4, 189, 432; plaster, 675; putty, 522; rope, 185, 189; sand, 432, 433, 435n; screws, 13, 277, 375, 520, 522; slate, 16; steel, 12, 13; stone, 239, 240–1, 435n, 488, 659; timber, 5; tin, 62, 185, 310; whiting, 277; window glass, 32, 38, 78 Burgh, James: Political Disquisitions, 506 burgundy (wine), 455, 479 Burk, John Daly: The History of Virginia, 507 Burke, Edmund: writings of, 508 Burnham, Lyman: and University of Virginia, 50, 52n Burns, Robert: works of, 507 Burr, Aaron (1756–1836): alleged conspiracy of, 427 Burton, Hutchins Gordon: identified, 11:51n; and scuppernong wine, 115–6, 572, 611, 640 Burwell (TJ’s slave; 1783–ca. 1862). See Colbert, Burwell (TJ’s slave; 1783–ca. 1862; Critta Colbert’s husband) Butler, Samuel: Hudibras, 508 butter: pots, 8; TJ purchases, 12 Buttmann, Philipp: Greek Grammar, translated from the German of Philip Buttmann (trans. E. Everett), 363, 364n, 407–8, 419 button molds, 16 buttons, 10, 13, 15, 16 Byron, George Gordon, 6th Baron: works of, 507 Cabell, Joseph Carrington: and education in Nelson Co., 315, 316n; and establishment of University of Virginia, 368–9; and funding for University of Virginia, 53, 253–5, 284–5, 324–5, 325–6, 339–40, 350–1; health of, 31, 242, 368; identified, 2:489–90n; and jail for Nelson Co., 688–90; letter from, to J. Madison, 565–6; letter from accounted for, 255n; letters from, 31–2, 241–2, 253–5, 272–4, 284–5, 314–6, 339–41, 350–1, 367–9, 415–6, 480–2, 688–90; letters to, 267–9, 291–3, 324–5, 347–8, 452; as member of Central College Board of Visitors, 31–2, 415–6; as member of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 39, 227, 241–2, 256, 267–9, 272–4, 282–3,

 726 

INDEX 291–2, 297, 314–5, 324, 339–40, 347–8, 350–1, 367–9, 370, 383, 395, 398, 430, 445–6, 451, 452, 480–1, 517, 518–9, 565–6, 570–1n, 604; proposed visit to Williamsburg, 368; and TJ’s health, 242; and University of Virginia finances, 480–1; as Va. state senator, 232, 241–2, 243, 253–5, 267–9, 271, 272–4, 284–5, 291–2, 293, 294n, 314–5, 324, 339–40, 350–1, 367–9, 415–6, 446, 481; visits Monticello, 368, 565 Cabell, Landon: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 53 Cabell, Mary Walker Carter (Joseph C. Cabell’s wife): relationship with J. C. Cabell, 242, 369n Cabell, William H.: advises J. C. Cabell, 241; identified, 18:84–5n; as Va. Court of Appeals judge, 461n Caesar, Julius: J. Adams on, 439; Caius Julius Cæsar’s Commentaries of his wars in Gaul, and civil war with Pompey (trans. M. Bladen), 505; death of, 590n; writings of, 661 Caius Julius Cæsar’s Commentaries of his wars in Gaul, and civil war with Pompey (J. Caesar; trans. M. Bladen), 505 Caldwell, Elias Boudinot: as clerk of Supreme Court, 365; family of, 365 Caldwell, William, 647, 647 calendar: Julian, 502n Calhoun, John Caldwell: advises legal students, 166n; identified, 12:300n; introduces W. Ruggles, 637; letter from, 637–8; presidential prospects of, 104, 105n, 535, 580; as secretary of war, 247, 338, 562 Callava, José María, 534 Calloway, George: and University of Virginia, 53 Calvin, John: biographies of, 586; health of, 438–9; Memoirs of the Life and Writings of John Calvin (J. Mackenzie), 508; as religious leader, 126; TJ on, 524–7 Calvinism: clergy of, 361; and Congregationalism, 360, 361; criticism of, 524–7, 681; tenets of, 80, 465 Cambreleng, Churchill Caldom, 591 Cambridge University, 608 Campbell, Ferdinand S.: and due east and west lines, 67, 68n

Campbell, George (1719–96): The Philosophy of Rhetoric, 506 Campbell, James (of Virginia): theft from, 559n Campbell, John (ca. 1788–1866): identified, 131n; and legacy of W. Campbell, 130–1, 140, 151, 166, 192, 627; letter from, 130–1; letter to, 140; as member of Va. Council of State, 166 Campbell, Samuel: and University of Virginia, 57, 183, 188, 190 Campbell, Thomas: quoted, 464n; works of, 507 Campbell, William (1745–81): reputation defended, 117, 118–24, 130–1, 140, 627; Revolutionary War service of, 118–23, 130, 131n, 151, 166, 192 Campbell County, Va.: declaration of trust for land in, 288–9; TJ’s land in, 285, 286–7, 288–9 Campbell’s Mill (Albemarle Co.), 5 Canada: and J. Henry’s mission, 333, 335n; W. Short on government of, 148; and U.S. fishing rights, 70n, 710, 711n canals: in Central and South America, 305; Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Co., 624; Erie, 171n, 224; on James River, 675; in N.Y., 469; TJ on, 171n, 224–5, 624n; tools for constructing, 207; and transportation costs, 133, 152; in U.S., 431, 622 Canby, William: identified, 6:447–8n; letter from, 281; religious beliefs of, 281; and TJ’s health, 281 Canning, George: British foreign minister, 542–3, 588, 590n, 711 Canova, Antonio: Italian sculptor, 500–1, 502n Cape Horn, 305 Capell, Edward: edits works of W. Shakespeare, 506 Capitol, U.S.: hoisting machine used at, 226, 279; latitude and longitude measurements at, 35–6; B. H. Latrobe works on, 226; J. Trumbull’s paintings for, 705 Carden, Youen: identified, 2:38–9n; TJ’s account with, 495 A careful and strict Enquiry into The modern prevailing Notions of that Freedom of Will (J. Edwards), 508 Carey, Mathew: Addresses of the Philadelphia Society for the promotion of National Industry, 591–2; Address to

 727 

INDEX Carey, Mathew (cont.) the Farmers of the United States, on the Ruinous consequences to their vital Interests, of the existing Policy of this Country, 591, 592n; An Appeal to Common Sense and Common Justice, 591, 622; Desultory Facts, and Observations, illustrative of the Past and Present Situation and Future Prospects of the United States (written as “A Pennsylvanian”), 591, 592n; Essays on Banking, 592n; identified, 4:430–1n; Letters to the Directors of the Banks of Philadelphia, on the Pernicious Consequences of the Prevailing System of Reducing the Amount of Bills Discounted, 591, 592n; The New Olive Branch: or, an attempt to establish an identity of interest between Agriculture, Manu­ factures, and Commerce, 591, 592n; “Strictures on Mr. Cambreleng’s Work, entitled, ‘An examination of the New Tariff,’” 591, 592n; translates Essay on Impost Duties and Prohibitions (J. A. Chaptal), 591, 592n; uses pseudonym “Hamilton,” 591, 592n Carlota Joaquina, queen of Portugal: banishment of, 356–7; family of, 357; and King John VI, 357 Carpenter, Clifton: and University of Virginia, 57 Carr, Dabney (1773–1837) (TJ’s nephew): identified, 2:152n; mentioned, 645n Carr, Dabney Overton (TJ’s grandnephew): identified, 655n; studies Italian at Monticello, 454n; TJ introduces, 655; visits Monticello, 454n; witnesses document, 312 Carr, Samuel (TJ’s nephew): boats of, 477; family of, 655; identified, 3:454n; and TJ’s debt to College of William and Mary, 311–3; witnesses document, 287, 312n Carrara marble, 77–8, 498 carriages: landaus, 338; mentioned, 645; at Poplar Forest, 644; stagecoaches, 451; taxes on, 338 Carroll, Charles (of Carrollton): signer of Declaration of Independence, 146 Carter, Curtis: as brick mason for University of Virginia, 177, 183, 186; identified, 14:163–4n

Carter, Elizabeth: translates Stoici Philosophi Encheiridion item (Epictetus), 505 Carter, Ellen Monroe Bankhead (TJ’s great-granddaughter), 454n Carter, John: and Albemarle Co. land, 397 carts: axles for, 551; for Central College– University of Virginia, 185, 189, 239 Carver, William (ca. 1757–1840): on aging, 320–1; health of, 320; identified, 322n; letter from, 320–2; religious beliefs of, 320–1, 322n; Select Pieces in Prose and Verse, 322n Cary, Miles: carries letter, 452n Cary, Virginia Randolph (Wilson J. Cary’s wife): correspondence with W. J. Cary, 283n; and TJ’s health, 283n Cary, Wilson Jefferson: correspondence with V. R. Cary, 283n; identified, 4:58–9n; and TJ’s health, 283n; as Va. legislator, 241, 272, 273, 274n Case, Walter: and agriculture in Rutherford Co., N.C., 416–7; identified, 417n; letter from, 416–7; visits Monticello, 416 Castlereagh, Robert Stewart, Viscount: TJ on, 111 A Catalogue of the Officers and Students of Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky, January, 1823, 386, 387n Catalogus Senatus Academici, eorum qui munera et officia gesserunt, quique alicujus gradus laurea donati sunt in Universitate Transylvaniensi, 386, 387n Catherine II (“the Great”), empress of Russia: and Peter III, 357 Catholicism: and collegiate education, 80; and Congregationalism, 360; and Jansenism, 146–7, 465; and religious symbolism, 321 Catlin, George: The Convention of 1829–30, lv, 424 (illus.) Cato Major, or Discourse on Old Age (Cicero; trans. J. Logan), 505 cattle: fodder for, 606; mentioned, 378; works on, 30n, 64 Caunois, François Augustin: as medalist, liv Cellini, Benvenuto: Vita di Benvenuto Cellini, 508

 728 

INDEX cement: for cisterns, 632, 642–3, 675; minerals for, 432; Roman, 632, 642–3, 675; sent to TJ, 32, 38 Census, U.S.: of 1820, 135, 389n Central College: funding for, 61; John H. Cocke’s Certification of Alexander Garrett’s Accounts as Central College Proctor, 174–5; John H. Cocke’s Certification of Items Omitted in Nelson Barksdale’s Accounts as Central College Proctor, 179; John H. Cocke’s Certification of Nelson Barksdale’s Accounts as Central College Proctor, 175; John H. Cocke’s Recapitulation of Central College and University of Virginia Proctorial Accounts, 179–81; Martin Dawson’s Report on Central College and University of Virginia Accounts, 181–2; proctor of, 100; professors for, 633; and sale of glebe lands, 179, 181, 183, 188; settlement of accounts of, 31–2, 39, 43–4, 52, 59, 100, 169, 172, 174, 175, 175–6, 179, 179–80, 181–2, 183–7, 188–91, 256–7, 274, 292, 314, 340; subscription for, 39, 41, 53, 60, 61, 70, 70–1, 179, 181–2, 183, 186, 188, 189, 257, 297, 512, 512, 538, 539n, 553, 678, 708–9. See also Virginia, University of Central Gazette (Charlottesville newspaper), 70, 70–1 Ceracchi, Giuseppe: bust of G. Washington by, 500 Cerberus (mythological creature), 214 Cervantes, Miguel de: Don Quixote, 508 Chalmers, George: The Life of Mary, Queen of Scots, 508 Chalmers, Thomas: A Series of Discourses on the Christian Revelation, viewed in connection with the Modern Astronomy, 508 Chamberlain, Nathaniel: Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Agreement with Abia B. Thorn and Nathaniel Chamberlain for Rotunda Brickwork, 433–5, 450, 452; as brick mason for University of Virginia, 237, 433–4, 435n; identified, 435n; and stonework for University of Virginia, 435n champagne (wine), 479 Champcenetz, Albertine Elisabeth de Nieuwerkerke, marquise de: and Marie Antoinette, 245

Chapman, John James: identified, 608–9n; introduced to TJ, 431; letter from, 608–9; letter to, 625; sends work to TJ, 608, 625 Chaptal, Jean Antoine: Essay on Impost Duties and Prohibitions (trans. M. Carey), 591, 592n; writings of, 624 charity: requests to TJ for, 304, 351–2, 545, 627 Charlemagne, Holy Roman emperor, 303 Charles I, king of England, 408 Charleston, S.C.: olive trees in, 129 Charlottesville, Va.: courthouse in, 126; and internal improvements, 454; libraries in, 453, 453–4, 551–2, 554, 607, 634; mail service to, 325, 335, 424, 425, 425, 432, 482; parties in, 682n; religious services in, 126–7; roads in, 646 Charron, Pierre: Of Wisdom (trans. G. Stanhope), 505 Chase, Samuel: as Supreme Court justice, 218 Chateaubriand, François Auguste René, vicomte de: as French minister of foreign affairs, 710 Chauncey, Isaac: American naval commander, 427; identified, 17:462–3n cheese: parmesan, 90, 91n chemistry: books on, 28–9, 64; collegiate education in, 565, 570, 583, 633; military education in, 29 Cherokee Indians: treaties with, 575–6, 626 Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company, 624 Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of: The Economy of Human Life, 505; Letters written by the late right honourable Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, to His Son, Philip Stanhope, Esq., 505 chickens, 150 children: books for, 410; death of, 235–6; health of, 359; misbehavior by, 127; in utopian societies, 377, 378, 381. See also education; Jefferson, Thomas: Family & Friends: relations with grandchildren; Monticello (TJ’s Albemarle Co. estate): schooling at; schools and colleges; specific entries for TJ’s Randolph descendants Chile: U.S. minister to, 336, 338n, 639

 729 

INDEX Chipman, Nathaniel: Sketches of the Principles of Government, 506 Chisholm, Hugh: account with TJ, 495; and brickwork for Central College– University of Virginia, 189; identified, 3:67–8n Choctaw Indians, 576n Christian, Edmund: as bursar of College of William and Mary, 312–3n Christianity: and Christian primitivism, 213–4; Crusades, 439; tenets of, 321; TJ on, 213–4, 524–7, 629–30; TJ’s opinion on sought, 390; and Trinitarian doctrine, 134, 526, 612, 629, 633; J. F. Watson on, 399–401; works on, 133 Christmas: mentioned, 85, 110, 137, 169, 204, 266, 498 Christopher Hudson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson, 63–4 Cicero, Marcus Tullius: Cato Major, or Discourse on Old Age (trans. J. Logan), 505; Cicero’s Select Orations (trans. W. Duncan), 505; De Officiis, 505; C. Middleton’s life of, 505; Thoughts of Cicero (comp. P. J. T. d’Olivet), 505; works of, 506 Cicero’s Select Orations (Cicero; trans. W. Duncan), 505 cider: as alternative to liquor, 378 Cimarosa, Domenico, 586 cinchona (Peruvian bark): use of, 31 circles (surveying instruments). See Borda’s circle (surveying instrument) cisterns: design of, 632, 642–3, 675; at Monticello, 642–3 “A Citizen of Ohio” (pseudonym): Observations on the Nomination of a Candidate for the Presidency, 263–7 City Gazette and Commercial Daily Advertiser (Charleston, S.C., newspaper), 215, 222n Claiborne, William Charles Coles: identified, 1:179–80n; mentioned, 534 Clarendon, Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of: The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England, Begun in the Year 1641, 508 claret (wine), 641–2 Clarissimo Johanni Adair, Armigero, gubernatori .  .  . Reverendo Horatio Holley, A M, A A S, Præsidi .  .  . Reique Publicæ nostræ Literariæ Fautoribus; Theses hasce, Juvenes in Artibus initiati, .  .  . humillime dedicant, 386, 387n

Clark, Christopher Henderson: as attorney, 262, 263n; identified, 2:323–4n Clark (Clarke), George Rogers: and western exploration, 201n Clark, James (of Albemarle Co.): and University of Virginia, 190 Clark, Thomas: identified, 6:166n; Naval History of the United States, 508 Clarke, Hannah Smith (Matthew St. Clair Clarke’s wife), 365 Clarke, Matthew St. Clair: as clerk of U.S. House of Representatives, 365 classics: education in, 327, 349–50n clay: used as fertilizer, 606–7; used in sculpturing, 477, 487 Clay, Charles: family of, 575; identified, 2:78n Clay, Green: identified, 576n; letter from, 575–6; letter to, 626; and treaties with Cherokee Indians, 575–6, 626 Clay, Henry: health of, 92; identified, 10:378n; letter from accounted for, 93n; as peace negotiator, 70n; presidential prospects of, 70n, 263–4, 266, 267n, 534–5, 580, 615; and Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, 161n; TJ on, 615; as U.S. representative from Ky., 92, 365; and Wilson Cary Nicholas’s Administrators v. James Morrison and Thomas Deye Owings, 92–3 Clement, John, 647 clergy: criticism of, 587, 612–3, 681–2, 706; and elementary education, 707–8; influence of in colleges, 540, 582–3, 681, 707–8 Cleveland, Benjamin: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 119, 121 Clinton, DeWitt: Account of the Salmo Otsego, or the Otsego Basse, 539, 567; and canals, 171, 224–5, 469; as governor of N.Y., 171, 224–5; identified, 8:348n; introduces W. Case, 416; letters from, 171, 469, 539; Letters on the Natural History and Internal Resources of the State of New-York (written as “Hibernicus”), 171, 224–5; letters to, 224–5, 567; praise for, 321; presidential prospects of, 580; and F. A. Van der Kemp, 244, 619, 620 clocks: for longitude calculations, 197–200, 210–1. See also watches Cloots, Anacharsis (Jean Baptiste du Valde-Grâce, baron de Cloots), 587, 590n

 730 

INDEX Clopton, John B.: as Va. legislator, 285 cloth. See textiles clothing: boots, 471; buttons, 10, 13, 15, 16; dresses, 116n; hats, 9, 13; for laborers, 239; linen, 486; pantaloons, 15, 559n; patterns for, 15; for slaves, 62, 486; stockings, 206; suspenders, 9, 10; vests, 15; walking sticks, 644; wool, 486 clover: as fodder, 606; improves soil, 591; red, 416–7; for University of Virginia, 239 Clymer, George: signer of Declaration of Independence, 471 coaches. See carriages Coalter, John: and Central College–­ University of Virginia subscription, 46 Cobbs, Samuel: TJ pays, 137n Cocke, Charles: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 53; identified, 18:391–2n Cocke, John Hartwell (1780–1866): and corn-shelling machines, 678–9; correspondence with A. Garrett, 351n; correspondence with C. Johnson, 481–2n; correspondence with J. Neilson, 395–6n; and fish for TJ, 544, 552; hires out slaves to University of Virginia, 544n; identified, 3:136n; and inspection of Central College and University of Virginia accounts, 31–2, 39, 43–4, 52, 59, 169, 172, 174, 175, 176–8, 179, 191n, 257, 258n, 274; introduces W. Maxwell, 87; letters from, 87–8, 172, 398–9, 544; letters to, 395–6, 452, 552–4; as member of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 31–2, 39, 40n, 46, 172, 228, 274, 282, 292, 351n, 383, 395–6, 398, 409, 415, 451, 452, 480, 481–2n, 518–9, 552–3, 593n, 604; and University of Virginia construction, 383, 395–6, 398, 402, 409, 415; and visits to Monticello, 32n Cocke, Louisa Maxwell Holmes (John Hartwell Cocke’s second wife): correspondence with J. C. Cabell, 518–9n Cockle, John: and New York City customhouse, 499n The Code of Agriculture (J. Sinclair), 508 coffee: Bourbon, 367, 371; East India, 367, 371; sent to TJ, 394; taxes on, 574; TJ purchases, 10, 12, 367, 385 Coffee, William John: account with TJ, 374, 375; and cisterns at Monticello,

642–3; contract for work on University of Virginia, 487, 488n, 513–4, 514–7, 520, 520–2, 523; fashions ornaments for TJ, liii, 24, 276–7, 375, 476, 477, 478n, 483–4, 487, 520, 566, 568, 611; fashions ornaments for University of Virginia, liii, 23–4, 183, 188, 277, 477, 487, 487–8, 491, 514–6, 518, 520, 520–2, 523, 524n, 548, 566–7, 568, 611; health of, 278; identified, 12:523n; letter from accounted for, 568n; letters from, 276–8, 374, 487, 487–8, 491–2, 548, 611; letters to, 23–4, 477, 520–3, 568; Memorandum on Roman Cement, 643, 675; meteorological observations of, 487; and painting for T. E. Randolph, 20; TJ pays, 478, 483, 488, 491; TJ’s debt to, 496n; and TJ’s health, 277–8, 374, 487; travels of, 374; and University of Virginia ground plan, 24, 276 Cohens v. Virginia, 663–4, 665, 667n, 672, 687, 701n Coiner, George: and University of Virginia, 46 Coiner, Philip: and University of Virginia, 46 Coke, Sir Edward: as legal authority, 116, 165 Colbert, Burwell (TJ’s slave; 1783–ca. 1862): and goods for TJ, 12, 14, 15, 16n; identified, 4:496n Colclaser, Daniel: identified, 11:603n; as miller, 26 Cole, John (ship captain), 277 Coles, Isaac A.: correspondence with W. Short, 603n; identified, 1:53–4n; and TJ’s health, 603n; visits Monticello, 603n A Collection of Tracts, on the subjects of Taxing the British Colonies in America, and Regulating Their Trade, 470, 472n colleges. See schools and colleges Colman, George (the Elder): translates Mercator (Plautus), 508; translates The Comedies of Terence (Terence), 507 Colombia, Republic of: and Cuba, 686, 709; independence of, 543; U.S. agents to, 639 Columbia, S.C.: churches in, 682. See also South Carolina College (later University of South Carolina) Columbian Centinel (Boston newspaper), 332n

 731 

INDEX Columbian Eloquence, being the Speeches of the most celebrated American Orators, as delivered in the late Interesting Trial of the Hon. Samuel Chase, before the Senate of the United States, 506 Columbian Register (New Haven newspaper), 633–4 Columbia River: and western exploration, 197, 198, 305 Columbus, Christopher: medal honoring, liv, 541n Colvin, Richard: identified, 614n; letter from, 613–4; regarded as insane by TJ, 614n; on women, 613–4 The Comedies of Aristophanes (Aristophanes; trans. T. Mitchell), 507 The Comedies of Terence (Terence; trans. G. Colman), 507 comets: J. Adams views, 205, 206n; TJ views, 206n Commentaire sur l’Esprit des Lois de Montesquieu (Destutt de Tracy): publication of, 456–7 Commentaria in Sacram Scripturam (Origen; ed. P. D. Huet), 526 Commentaria unà cum Quæstionibus in octo libros Aristotelis De Physica Auscultatione (F. de Toledo), 526 Commentary and Review of Montesquieu’s Spirit of Laws (Destutt de Tracy): recommended to Albemarle Library Society, 506 Commerce, Report on (Thomas Jefferson), 124, 126n The Common-Wealth of Oceana (J. Harrington), 505 compass (magnetic): and Lewis and Clark Expedition, 198; surveying, 6n, 198 A Compleat Body of Husbandry (T. Hale), 508 A Complete Concordance to the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament (A. Cruden), 493 composition (literary): study of, 165 Concio ad Clerum. A Sketch of the Present Condition and Prospects of the Christian Church (J. Gray), 591, 592n Condorcet, Marie Jean Antoine Nicolas de Caritat, marquis de: Outlines of An Historical View of the Progress of the Human Mind, 505 Confederation Congress: members of, 172, 173n, 705; TJ as member of, 172, 173n, 492, 493n, 705; and Va.’s

cession of Northwest Territory, 492, 493n. See also Continental Congress, First; Continental Congress, Second Congregationalists: influence of clergy in colleges, 583n; in Mass., 360–1, 363n; and ordination, 360–1; TJ on, 74–5; B. Waterhouse on, 360–1 Congress, U.S.: adjourns, 700; and appointments, 152, 153n; and census of 1820, 135; and Cohens v. Virginia, 663; debates in, 102, 104–5, 250; elections to, 623–4, 625n; and federalism, 666; and federal spending, 562; and internal improvements, 84; Joint Library Committee, 392n; W. Lambert’s calculations presented to, 628–9; legislative powers of, 221, 222n; J. Madison’s messages to, 299n; members of, 92, 193, 248, 331; mentioned, 336; and Missouri question, 624; J. Monroe’s messages to, 711–2; and naval expansion, 73, 74n, 124, 125, 126n; and nominations for presidency, 264–7, 557, 580; and patents, 96n, 195, 196n; petitions to, 392n; and prime meridian, 211, 628–9; and recognition of independence of French and Spanish colonies, 711; reports to, 99; secret journals of, 470; speeches in, 219; and state papers and public documents, 392n; and tariffs, 536n; and territorial expansion, 709; TJ on, 99, 113; TJ sends works to members of, 635; and J. Trumbull’s historical paintings, 705; and western exploration, 197, 201n. See also Capitol, U.S.; House of Representatives, U.S.; Library of Congress; Senate, U.S. Conner, James: and University of Virginia, 53 The Connoisseur, 508 Considerations on the Principal Events of the French Revolution (Staël Holstein), 506 Constable, Jacob: jailed for theft, 559; letter from, 559 Constancio, Francisco Solano: forwards letters, 229; identified, 230n; introduced to TJ, 229, 230; letter from, 229–30; letter to, 270–1; as Portuguese chargé d’affaires, 229, 270; and TJ’s health, 229 Constantinople: affairs in, 639 Constitution, U.S.: Bill of Rights, 461n; and court jurisdiction, 664; and fed-

 732 

INDEX eralism, 221, 222n, 531, 662–7, 670, 698–700; and internal improvements, 622; interpretation of, 529–30; and judicial review, 699; mentioned, 329, 462; publication of, 461n; 1787 Constitutional Convention, 660–1, 699; TJ on, 429, 532n, 664–6 “A Constitutionalist” (pseudonym): The Holy Alliance versus Spain, 357n Construction Construed, and Consti­ tutions Vindicated (J. Taylor [of Caroline]), 699, 700–1n Continental Congress, First: journal of, 392n. See also Confederation Congress; Continental Congress, Second Continental Congress, Second: addresses to British people and Crown, 373, 374n; and Declaration of Independence, 470, 470–1, 472n; and B. Franklin’s confederation proposal, 373, 374n; journal of, 471; members of, 172, 173n; resolution on W. Campbell, 123n; TJ as member of, 172, 173n; TJ’s gubernatorial correspondence with, 140n. See also Confederation Congress; Continental Congress, First The Convention of 1829–30 (G. Catlin), lv, 424 (illus.) Conversations on Chemistry: in which the elements of that science are familiarly explained (J. H. Marcet), 508 Cooley, James: and Dickinson Library Company, 327–8, 371–2; identified, 328n; letter from, 327–8; letter to, 371–2 Cooley, Timothy Mather: and Dickinson Library Company, 328n Coolidge, Ellen Wayles Randolph (TJ’s granddaughter): correspondence with N. P. Trist, 308n, 704n; on J. Dodge’s visit to Monticello, 464n; greetings sent to, 532, 678; health of, 519n, 644; identified, 6:646–7n; letter from, to J. Adams, 231–2; as linguist, 703, 704n; and J. A. Miralla, 703, 704n; opinion of J. Adams, 231–2; as TJ’s amanuensis, 269n, 271, 348n, 408n, 452n, 490n; and TJ’s health, 168, 169n, 206, 231, 308n; works sent to, 266, 703 Cooper, Thomas (1759–1839): and Central College, 633; dispute with W. Johnson, 697, 700n; family of, 583; identified, 2:377n; letters from,

79–81, 158, 246, 450–1, 582–3, 681–2; letters to, 126–8, 539–40, 633–4; and T. J. O’Flaherty, 441n, 442, 443, 445; potential private instructor, 583, 633, 681; president of South Carolina College, 158, 246, 450–1, 539–40, 582–3, 633, 681–2; professor at South Carolina College, 79, 681–2; and progress of University of Virginia, 539–40, 633; religious beliefs of, 158; religious beliefs of criticized, 246, 450, 582–3, 633, 682, 697, 700n; religious observations of, 79–81, 126–7; on Unitarianism, 158; and university curriculum, 158; University of Virginia professorship proposed for, 450, 681; works sent to, 260n; writings on clergy, 582, 681, 682 Copeland, Ann: and Limestone Survey lawsuit, 64 copperas, 14 corks: sent to TJ, 385, 394 corn: as crop, 416, 484, 562, 579; effect of weather on, 485, 645n; machine for shelling, 678–9, 708–9; price of, 31, 91, 115, 485, 579 Cornelissen, Égide Norbert: identified, 160n; letter from, 159–61; and TJ’s membership in Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, 159 Cornwallis, Charles, 2d Earl Cornwallis: Va. invasion by, 122 Corny, Marguérite Victoire de Palerne de: friendship with TJ, 683; identified, 1:175n Corrêa da Serra, José: European travels of, 81; health of, 356, 511; identified, 4:538–9n; as member of Portuguese Cortes, 356, 511; mentioned, 114n; and Portuguese government, 148, 355–6; as Portuguese minister plenipotentiary, 544; TJ on, 113, 511; and University of Virginia, 113; and R. Walsh, 511, 544 Cosby, Dabney: as brick mason for University of Virginia, 50, 54, 62, 177, 238; identified, 13:500–1n; TJ’s debt to, 494 Cosway, Maria Louisa Catherine Cecilia Hadfield (Richard Cosway’s wife): as educator, 90, 683; family of, 16, 89–90, 683; friendship with TJ, 683; identified, 14:209n; letter from, 683; letter to, 89–91; wishes to visit TJ, 683

 733 

INDEX Cosway, Richard (Maria Cosway’s husband): finances of, 90 cotton: as crop, 129, 416; effect of weather on, 485 Cowper, William: works of, 507 cows. See cattle Cox, Thomas: identified, 572n; letter from, 572; letter to, 640–1; and scuppernong wine, 115, 572, 611, 640–1. See also Thomas Cox & Company (North Carolina firm) Coxe, Tench: anonymous essays by, 330, 331–2n; identified, 16:348n; letters from, to TJ and J. Madison, 329–32, 333–5; on presidential election of 1824, 329–31, 333–4, 392, 409–10; on Republican Party, 329–31, 333–4 C. P. & J. H. McKennie (firm): and University of Virginia, 49, 51 Crabbe, George: works of, 507 Craddock, Thomas: and University of Virginia, 55 Craig, Sir James Henry: governor-­ general of Canada, 333, 335n Crane, William M.: and wine for TJ, 72, 228 Crawford, Malcolm F.: as builder for University of Virginia, 50 Crawford, Samuel: as editor of Virginia Times, 249, 250–2, 271, 424; identified, 252–3n; letters to, 271, 424; letter to accounted for, 424n; on politics, 251–2; Proposal for Virginia Times, 249, 250–3, 271 Crawford, William Harris: and appointments, 535; identified, 7:425–6n; presidential prospects of, 101–2, 104, 105, 112–3, 114n, 263–4, 534–5, 562–3, 580–1; as secretary of the treasury, 337, 338, 562, 589 criminal law, 379, 380 Crispi Opera Omnia (Sallust; trans. T. Gordon), 505 criticism (literary): books on, 676–7; study of, 165 Croan, Michael: and University of Virginia, 48 Crockett, G. F. H.: identified, 387n; letter from, 386–7; sends works to TJ, 386–7 Cromwell, Oliver: mentioned, 360 crops: clover, 416–7, 591, 606; flax, 485; Guinea grass, 635; hay, 606; hemp, 485; in Ky., 484, 485; millet, 564,

606, 635; potatoes, 606; rutabagas, 606; rye, 562; turnips, globe, 606. See also corn; cotton; tobacco; wheat Crow, James: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 120, 123n Crozet, Claudius: engineer to Va. Board of Public Works, 317n; identified, 17:54–5n Cruden, Alexander: A Complete Concordance to the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, 493 Cuauhtémoc (Aztec emperor), 703n Cuba: and African Americans, 431, 709; and European powers, 490, 543, 601, 656–7, 707, 709–10; possible acquisition by U.S., 393–4, 709–10; public opinion in, 686–7, 703, 709; TJ on U.S. acquisition of, 656–7, 686–7 Cumberland County, Va.: J. W. Eppes’s plantation in, 115; jail, 689 cups: custard, 9 Curran, John Philpot: speeches of, 506 currency: metallic, 221, 222n, 485, 665; in N.Y., 521, 523; paper, 221, 485, 512, 559n, 585 Cushing, Jonathan Peter: and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n; as president of Hampden-Sydney College, 273, 274n Cushing, William: as Supreme Court justice, 218 Custis, Elizabeth Parke: and statue of G. Washington, 500, 502n Cutbush, James: and chemistry, 29; identified, 5:633–4n; letter from, 28–9; letter to, 64; Proposals, for publishing by subscription, A New Work, entitled A System of Pyrotechny, 28–9, 64; A System of Pyrotechny, 29n; and U.S. Military Academy, 28–9, 64 Cutting, John Browne: as amanuensis for T. Law, 202, 225; identified, 202n; letter from, 202; letter to, 225; and TJ’s health, 202 Cuvier, Georges: and death of G. Fabbroni, 344; Essay on the Theory of the Earth (ed. R. Jameson; appendix by S. L. Mitchill), 508; identified, 6:470n; theories of, 564 Cyrus’s Expedition into Persia, and the Retreat of the Ten Thousand Greeks (The Anabasis) (Xenophon; trans. E. Spelman), 505

 734 

INDEX Daily National Intelligencer (Washington newspaper). See National Intelligencer (Washington newspaper) Dale, Richard: American naval commander, 74n Dalhousie, George Ramsay, 9th Earl of, 148, 149n Dallas, Alexander James: identified, 8:127n; Reports of Cases ruled and adjudged in the Courts of Pennsylvania, before and since the Revolution, 98 Dalrymple, Sir John: Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland, 508 Dalzel, Andrew: Ἀνάλεκτα Ἑλληνικὰ Ἥσσονα. sive Collectanea Græca Minora, 478 Dana, James Freeman: identified, 30n; letter from, 29–30; letter to, 64; Observations and Experiments On a new means of producing heat and light with the apparatus called the ‘American Water Burner’, 29–30n, 64; Report on a Disease afflicting Neat Cattle, in Burton, N.H., 30n, 64; sends works to TJ, 29 dancing: and University of Virginia, 565 Dandolo, Tullio: identified, 459n; introduced to TJ, 457–8 Dandolo, Vincenzo, 457 Dandridge, William (ca. 1782–1830): as cashier of Bank of Virginia, 715; identified, 12:581n; letter from accounted for, 715 Daniel, Peter Vyvian: as director of Va. Literary Fund, 258n, 273; identified, 2:88n Dante Alighieri: Purgatory, 620, 621n Danube River, 302 Dauphin Island, Ala.: fortifications on, 337–8 Davila, Enrico Caterino: Istoria delle guerre civili di Francia, 508 Davis, Daniel: identified, 1:419n; and University of Virginia, 47 Davis, John Winn: as Charlottesville assistant postmaster, 482–3; identified, 482n Dawson, Martin: as accountant for University of Virginia, 31–2, 44, 169, 174, 178, 180n, 181n, 181–2, 183–7, 188–91, 237, 292, 512, 553; identified, 2:281–2n; letter from accounted for, 170n; TJ’s account with, 494; and University of Virginia, 189; and valu-

ation of J. Monroe’s Highland estate, 394; witnesses documents, 287, 312n, 422n, 423 deafness: education of the deaf, 598; and old age, 646 Dearborn, Henry: family of, 114; health of, 356; identified, 1:280n; letter from, 355–7; letter to, 112–4; as minister plenipotentiary to Portugal, 112, 113, 193, 355–7 Dearborn, Henry Alexander Scammell: as Boston customs collector, 78, 103, 114, 136, 137, 143, 193; identified, 4:197n; letters from, 78, 103–4, 193; letters to, 114, 136; TJ forwards letter through, 114, 193 Dearborn, Sarah Bowdoin (James Bowdoin’s widow; Henry Dearborn’s third wife): greetings sent to, 113; health of, 356; identified, 5:165n; in Lisbon, 112; sends greetings to Randolphs, 357; sends greetings to TJ, 357 Decatur, Stephen: American naval commander, 427; identified, 6:273–4n Declaration of Independence: debate on, 470, 470–1; engrossed on parchment, 471; mentioned, 156, 462; signers of, 93–4, 95n, 146, 149n, 463; TJ as author of, 402, 463; TJ on, 541 The Declaration of Independence (J. Trumbull), 705 Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America (J. Adams), 328n, 330, 331 Degrand, Peter Paul Francis: identified, 654–5n; letter from, 654–5; letter to accounted for, 642n; and TJ’s orders from Dodge & Oxnard, 641, 642, 654 Delaplaine, Joseph: and biography of TJ, 245; Delaplaine’s Repository of the Lives and Portraits of Distinguished Americans, 245; friendship with J. Watson, 396, 399, 401; identified, 3:51n; letter from, 396 Delaplaine’s Repository of the Lives and Portraits of Distinguished Americans (J. Delaplaine), 245 Delaware: constitution of, 471; and Continental Congress, 470–1; elections in, 563 Delbecq, Jean Baptiste: and Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, 161n Democratic party. See Republican party

 735 

INDEX Democratic Press (Philadelphia newspaper), 330, 332n, 334 Demosthenes: All the Orations of Demosthenes (trans. T. Leland), 505 dental care: dentures made by C. W. Peale, 358 De Officiis (Cicero), 505 De Peyster, Abraham: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 120, 123n de Pradt, Dominique Dufour, baron. See Pradt, Dominique Dufour, baron de Derieux, Peter (Justin Pierre Plumard): delivers documents to France, 22n; identified, 3:395–6n; letter to, 21–2; and wheat, 21–2 “Description de la Greffe Juge, nouvelle sorte” (A. Thoüin), 353n “Description de la Greffe Sainclair, nouvelle sorte” (A. Thoüin), 353n “Description D’une nouvelle sorte de Greffe, nommée Greffe Vilmorin” (A. Thoüin), 353n Destutt de Tracy, Antoine Louis Claude: Commentaire sur l’Esprit des Lois de Montesquieu, 456–7; Commentary and Review of Montesquieu’s Spirit of Laws, 506; “De l’Amour,” 457, 609; Élémens d’Idéologie, 457; health of, 458; identified, 1:262n; introduces T. Dandolo, 457–8; and Lafayette, 101; letter from, 456–9; Principes Logiques, ou Recueil de Faits relatifs a l’Intelligence Humaine, 457; A Treatise on Political Economy, 457, 506 Desultory Facts, and Observations, illustrative of the Past and Present Situation and Future Prospects of the United States (“A Pennsylvanian” [M. Carey]), 591, 592n de Thou, Jacques Auguste: Historiarum sui temporis, 508 DeWitt, William Radcliffe: as Presbyterian clergyman, 79–80 Dialogues of the Dead (G. Lyttelton), 508 Dick (African American): and University of Virginia, 46, 50 Dickenson, Henry: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 120 Dickerson, Mr.: and marble for TJ, 278 Dickinson, John: opposes declaring independence, 471 Dickinson Library Company (Granville, Mass.), 327–8, 371–2 Dickson, Adam: The Husbandry of the Ancients, 508

Dictionnaire Grec-Français, composé sur l’ouvrage intitulé Thesaurus Linguæ Græcæ, de Henri Étienne (J. Planche), 419 Diderot, Denis: TJ on, 525 Digby, Robert, 622 A Digest of the Laws of Virginia, which are of a permanent character and general operation (J. Tate), 459–61 Dinsmore, James: Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Agreement with James Dinsmore and John Neilson for Carpentry and Joining for the University of Virginia Rotunda, 446, 447, 447–8, 450, 452; as builder for Central College– University of Virginia, 49, 62, 183, 188, 237, 238, 253, 268, 310, 395, 446, 447–8, 521, 552, 553; identified, 1:136n. See also Dinsmore & Perry (Albemarle Co. firm) Dinsmore & Perry (Albemarle Co. firm): as builder for University of Virginia, 46, 62, 238, 310. See also Dinsmore, James; Perry, John M. Diocletian (Roman emperor): baths of, liii, 524 A Discourse of The Liberty of Prophesying (J. Taylor), 399, 401n Discourses concerning Government (A. Sidney), 505 Discourses on Davila (J. Adams), 330, 331 Divers, George: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 53; identified, 1:157–8n; and University of Virginia, 58 divider (surveying instrument), 7 Doddridge, Philip: identified, 9:364n; as Va. legislator, 273, 339, 340n, 369, 480 Dodge, Joshua: W. Bentley introduces, 483n; as consul at Marseille, 142; identified, 11:488–9n; plans to visit TJ, 142; TJ introduces, 483, 503; visits Monticello, 464, 641; visits U.S., 654; and wine and groceries for TJ, 641, 642. See also Dodge & Oxnard (Marseille firm) Dodge & Oxnard (Marseille firm): account with TJ, 116; identified, 17:530n; letter from accounted for, 78n; letter to, 641–2; and wine and groceries for TJ, 78, 495, 641–2, 654. See also Dodge, Joshua Dodsley, Robert: The Economy of Human Life, 505

 736 

INDEX Dold, Jesse: and University of Virginia, 50 Don Quixote (M. de Cervantes): recommended to Albemarle Library Society, 508 Dorset, John Frederick Sackville, 3d Duke of: and Marie Antoinette, 245; on TJ, 245, 246n Dougherty, Thomas: as clerk of U.S. House of Representatives, 365 Douglass, John: and University of Virginia, 189 dowlas (textile), 14, 16n Draco (brig), 498, 499n, 501n, 702 Draffen, Thomas: and University of Virginia, 46, 51, 53, 54, 55, 57 drawing: study of, 276 drawings: architectural, 396n, 675; by TJ, lv; of University of Virginia, 294–5, 308–9 drunkenness: TJ on, 573–4. See also alcohol: abuse of Dryden, John: tragedies of, 506; translates Plutarchs Lives. Translated From the Greek by Several Hands. To which is prefixt the Life of Plutarch (Plutarch), 475, 505; translates The Works of Virgil (Virgil), 506 Duane, William: identified, 1:49n; and The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, in Philosophy, Politics, and Morals, 507 Dudley, Charles Edward, 556 Dulany, Benjamin Tasker: family of, 449; identified, 449n; letter from, 448–9; requests loan from TJ, 448–9 Duncan, William: translates Cicero’s Select Orations (Cicero), 505 Dunmore, John Murray, 4th Earl of: Lord Dunmore’s War, 341–2 The Duplicate Letters, the Fisheries and the Mississippi (J. Q. Adams), 69, 70n, 88, 138 Du Ponceau, Peter Stephen: identified, 9:179n; as reference, 596 Dupré, Augustin: and medals for Revolutionary War service, liv Durand, Asher Brown: as engraver, 705; partnership with P. Maverick, 144n Duvall, Gabriel: essays of, on election of 1800, 304, 351, 352n, 545; as Supreme Court justice, 670 Duvivier, Pierre Simon Benjamin: and medals for Revolutionary War service, liv

D. W. & C. Warwick (Richmond firm): and University of Virginia, 62, 183, 189 Dyer, Mr.: mentioned, 398 Dyer, Francis B.: identified, 652n; introduces J. A. von Reider, 652; letter from, 652–3; and University of Virginia, 54 dysentery: among slaves, 484 Eagle Tavern (Richmond), 241 Easely, Mrs. (of Greenville, S.C.), 647 East India Company, British, 431 Ebeling, Christoph Daniel: library of, 462 Ecce Homo! or A critical inquiry into the History of Jesus Christ (Holbach; trans. G. Houston), 620, 621n An ecclesiastical history, ancient and modern, from the birth of Christ to the beginning of the eighteenth century (J. L. Mosheim), 508 Eckford, Henry, 149n The Economy of Human Life (R. Dodsley and Lord Chesterfield), 505 Edinburgh, University of, 608 Edmund (TJ’s slave; b. 1809): valuation of, 333 education: agricultural, 350n; classical, 292, 349–50n; of the deaf and blind, 598; elementary, 292, 293–4, 314–5, 324, 325–6, 339, 340–1n, 353–5, 653; female, 90, 683; in France, 707–8; in Ky., 258, 259n, 293, 355, 697, 700n; and libraries, 322–3; in Mass., 293, 294n; in Md., 349–50, 372–3; at Monticello, 454n; of the poor, 259n, 294n, 316n, 350n, 354, 355n; and public land, 138, 139n, 162; and religious sects, 127, 146–7; in S.C., 700n; and taxation, 349n; TJ on, 86–7, 292, 293, 325–6, 372–3; in utopian societies, 381, 382; in Va., 292, 293–4, 303, 314–5, 324, 325–6, 339, 340–1n, 353–5, 578, 653. See also education, collegiate; schools and colleges; specific entries for TJ’s Eppes and Randolph descendants education, collegiate: T. Cooper on, 81; U.S. compared with foreign nations, 302–3. See also schools and colleges; specific entries for academic subjects Edward I, king of England: reign of, 100n

 737 

INDEX Edwards, Jonathan (1703–58): A careful and strict Enquiry into The modern prevailing Notions of that Freedom of Will, 508 Edwards, Jonathan (1745–1801): Observations on the Language of the Muhhekaneew Indians (ed. J. Pickering), 348–9, 419 Edwards, Peter, 647, 647 Elder, James, 649 Élémens de l’Histoire de France, depuis Clovis jusqu’à Louis XV (C. F. X. Millot), 506 Élémens d’Histoire Générale (C. F. X. Millot), 505 Élémens d’Idéologie (Destutt de Tracy): Destutt de Tracy on, 457 Éléments de Géométrie (A. M. Legendre), 617 Elements of Arithmetic (R. Paul), 616–8 Elements of Botany (B. S. Barton), 508 Elements of Criticism (H. H. Kames), 507 Elements of General Knowledge (H. Kett), 506 Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind (D. Stewart), 505 elk, 302 Elkins, Jeremiah: and American state papers, 391, 392n; identified, 391–2n; letter from, 391–2 Ellicott, Andrew (1754–1820): identified, 5:101n; and instruction of M. Lewis, 197, 201n Embargo Act (1807): support for, 563 Emeline (brig), 654 Emmons, Richard: Battle of the Thames; being the Seventeenth Canto of an Epic Poem, entitled The Fredoniad, 234, 235n; identified, 235n; letter from, 234–5; as poet, 234–5 Enfield, William: The History of Philosophy, 505 English, George Bethune: A Narrative of the Expedition to Dongola and Sennaar, under the command of his Excellence Ismael Pasha, 439, 440n Enquirer (Richmond newspaper). See Richmond Enquirer (newspaper) Epictetus (Greek philosopher): Stoici Philosophi Encheiridion item (trans. E. Carter), 505 Episcopalians: in Charlottesville, 126; and Congregationalism, 360; convention of Va. diocese, 590; and

education, 582; mentioned, 80; in Pa., 79 Epistles (Horace), 444n Eppes, Elizabeth Wayles (TJ’s sisterin-law; John Wayles Eppes’s mother): identified, 2:130n; and J. Wayles’s estate, 203, 204n Eppes, Francis Wayles (TJ’s grandson): and Bedford Co. land, 156; identified, 4:115n; and legal education, 115, 116; letter from, 114–6; letter to, 550–1; marriage of, 116n, 204n; and Poplar Forest, 115, 116n, 204, 550–1, 551; and Poplar Forest slaves, 332, 333n; M. J. Randolph on, 116n; relationship with father, 115; TJ’s debt to, 494; TJ’s relationship with, 114–6, 550–1, 551; witnesses document, 312 Eppes, John Wayles (TJ’s son-in-law): Cumberland Co. plantation of, 115; health of, 115; identified, 1:337–8n; and loan to TJ, 494; and Poplar Forest, 116n; relationship with son, 115; and wine for TJ, 115 Eppes, Maria (Mary) Jefferson (TJ’s daughter; John Wayles Eppes’s first wife): family of, 116n Eppes, Mary Elizabeth Cleland Randolph (Francis Wayles Eppes’s wife; Thomas Eston Randolph’s daughter): identified, 11:632n; marriage of, 116n, 204; TJ sends greetings to, 551; travels of, 612 equatorial (astronomical instrument): and calculation of longitude, 197–8, 208, 209; owned by TJ, 201; and surveying, 198–9; TJ on use of, 197–201 Erie Canal, 171n, 224 Erskine, David Steuart, 11th Earl of Buchan. See Buchan, David Steuart Erskine, 11th Earl of Erving, George William: on European affairs, 586–9; gives medals to TJ, liv, 540–1, 586; identified, 2:32n; letter from, 586–90; letter to, 540–1; as minister plenipotentiary to Spain, 589; retirement of, 588–9; and visits to Monticello, 589–90 Espoz y Mina, Francisco, 710, 711n Esprit des Lois (Montesquieu), 506 An Essay concerning Human Understanding (J. Locke), 505 An Essay concerning Tussis Convulsiva, or, Whooping-Cough (B. Waterhouse), 359, 362n

 738 

INDEX An Essay on Common Wealths (C. C. Blatchly), 36, 37n, 86–7 Essay on Impost Duties and Prohibitions (J. A. Chaptal; trans. M. Carey), 591, 592n An Essay on Man. In Epistles to a Friend. Epistle IV (A. Pope), 614 An Essay on the principle of population (T. R. Malthus), 359, 362n, 506 Essay on the Theory of the Earth (G. Cuvier; ed. R. Jameson; appendix by S. L. Mitchill), 508 Essays on Banking (M. Carey), 592n Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste (A. Alison), 505 Estes, Mr.: transports goods, 31 Estes, William: and University of Virginia, 57, 190 Estienne, Henri (Stepani; Stephani): as grammarian, 407, 409n, 420 ethics: collegiate education in, 570; study of, 165 Euripides: Hippolytus, 407, 409n; The Tragedies of Euripides (trans. R. Potter), 506 Europe: and advancement of civilization, 303; allied powers of as threat to U.S., 334; attitudes toward U.S. in, 305; climate of, 301–2; League of Armed Neutrality, 406, 408–9n; relations with U.S., 638–9, 656; and republican principles, 329; TJ on tyranny in, 101; and U.S. economy, 464; works on, 236, 269, 363, 406 L’Europe et L’Amérique en 1821 (D. D. de Pradt), 236, 269 Europe: or a General Survey of the present situation of the principal powers; with conjectures on their Future Prospects (A. H. Everett), 363 Eustace, John H.: certifies document, 313n Eustace & McNamara (Richmond firm), 154 Eustis, William: identified, 1:584n; Revolutionary War service of, 530 Everett, Alexander Hill: Europe: or a General Survey of the present situation of the principal powers; with conjectures on their Future Prospects, 363; A Few Notes on certain passages Respecting the Law of Nations, 363–4, 406; identified, 10:364n Everett, Edward: identified, 8:49–50n; letter from, 363–4; letter to, 406–9;

professorship at Harvard, 476; sends work to TJ, 363, 406; translates Greek Grammar, translated from the German of Philip Buttmann (P. Buttmann), 363, 364n, 407–8, 419 Everette, Charles: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 53; identified, 3:196n; and University of Virginia, 58 exercise, physical: and health, 107 Exit (schooner), 702 The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (T. G. Smollett), 608n Exposition of the Federal Constitution. contained in the Report of the committee of the Virginia House of Delegates .  .  . commonly called Madison’s Report, 687–8 Extracts from the Medical Ethics (T. Percival), 386, 387n eyeglasses, 107 Fabbroni, Giovanni Valentino Mattia: death of, 343–6; obituary of sent to TJ, 345–6n Fabbroni, Leopoldo. See Pelli-Fabbroni, Leopoldo Fabularum Aesopiarum libri quinque (Phaedrus; ed. N. Bailey), 669, 696 Fantin Desodoards, Antoine: Histoire Philosophique de la Révolution de France, Depuis la première Assemblée des Notables jusqu’à la paix de Presbourg, 212 Farmers’ Bank of Virginia (Richmond): TJ’s loan from, 30, 32, 37, 495, 585, 611n; and University of Virginia, 46, 53, 60, 61, 593n The Farmer’s Guide in Hiring and Stocking Farms (A. Young), 508 Farow, King: and University of Virginia, 47, 52n Farrow, Landon, 649 Fawcett, Joseph: identified, 278–9n; letter from, 278–9; sends marble to TJ, 278 fearnought (textile), 11, 16n The Federalist (A. Hamilton, J. Madison, and J. Jay), 506, 699, 700n Federalist party: and J. Q. Adams, 563; defections from, 530; and election of 1800, 583n; W. Johnson on, 216, 219–21; media of, 529; and presidential election of 1824, 329; principles

 739 

INDEX Federalist party (cont.) of, 562, 563n, 698; TJ on, 99, 101–2, 112–3, 282, 429, 660–1, 662, 670; T. G. Watkins on, 264–6, 365. See also Hartford, Conn.: Federalist convention at Federal Republican (Georgetown, D.C., newspaper), 365 Federal Republican and Baltimore Telegraph (newspaper), 32–3 Female Biography; or, Memoirs of Illustrious and Celebrated Women (M. Hays), 508 Fénelon, François de Salignac de La Mothe: Les Avantures de Telemaque, 506, 509n Fenno, John: and Gazette of the United States, 330 Ferdinand VII, king of Spain: efforts to restore absolute power of, 335n, 467–8, 489, 543n, 588, 707 Ferguson, Adam: The History of the progress and termination of the Roman Republic, 507 Ferguson, James: Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton’s principles, 506; Lectures on Select Subjects in Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, and Optics, 506 Ferguson, Patrick: at Battle of Kings Mountain, 118, 120 Ferris, Benjamin: and Letters of Paul and Amicus, 612, 613n, 629 fevers: bilious, 31; seasonal, 3. See also health; malaria (ague and fever); yellow fever A Few Days in Athens, being the translation of a Greek Manuscript discovered in Herculaneum (F. Wright), 609 A Few Notes on certain passages Re­specting the Law of Nations (A. H. Everett), 363–4, 406 Fielding, Henry: works of, 507 Fielding, Sarah: translates Xenophon’s Memoirs of Socrates (Xenophon), 505 files (tools), 12, 15, 16n Findley, William: History of the Insurrection, in the Four Western Counties of Pennsylvania, 507 firearms: pistols, 122; shotguns, 9 fireplaces: in jails, 690n. See also stoves first meridian. See prime meridian fish: anchovies, 103; ichthyology, 567; Otsego bass, 539, 567; shad, 544, 552, 573; works on, 539, 567

Fishback, James: identified, 1:255n; The Substance of A Discourse .  .  . To the Class of the Medical School of Transylvania University, 386, 387n fisheries, Canadian: U.S. rights to, 70n, 138, 710, 711n Fitch, William D.: identified, 9:483n; Milton tavern keeper, 690; receipt from, 584; and TJ’s nail-rod, 584 Fittz, Mr.: and University of Virginia, 396n Fitzosborne, Sir Thomas. See Melmoth, William Fitzwhylsonn, William Henry: certifies document, 313n; identified, 3:599n flannel: M. J. Randolph orders, 9; TJ orders, 8 flax: effect of weather on, 485 Fletcher, Andrew (of Saltoun): TJ on, 245–6 “Fletcher of Saltoun” (pseudonym): essays on Cohens v. Virginia, 663, 672 Florence, Italy: Reale Museo di Fisica e Storia Naturale, 345–6n flour: importation of, 624; from Poplar Forest, 496; price of, 38, 69, 132, 152, 464; at Richmond, 31, 133, 144, 151; sale of, 133, 144, 152; from Shadwell, 65, 79, 85, 86, 91, 110, 110, 132; shipment of, 137. See also Monticello (TJ’s Albemarle Co. estate): flour from flowers: used to honor TJ, 159, 161n. See also plants; specific flower names Floyd, John: as member of U.S. House of Representatives, 70n, 623–4, 625n fodder: for cattle, 606; for horses, 606 food: anchovies, 103, 641–2; bacon, 485, 579; bilberries, 564; butter, 12; cheese, 90, 91n; kale, sea, 554; macaroni, 103, 641–2; meat, 115; milk, 550, 551; mustard, 8, 12; oysters, 12; pork, 310; shad, 544, 552, 573; soup, 614; vegetables, 485. See also alcohol; coffee; corn; flour; oil; salt; spices; sugar; tea; wine Ford, Mrs. (of S.C.), 647 Forman, Joshua: as member of N.Y. legislature, 171, 224; visits TJ in Washington, 171n, 224 Forsyth, John: identified, 13:579–80n; as minister plenipotentiary to Spain, 652 fossils: in Philadelphia Museum, 358 Fothergill, John: identified, 6:101n; on whooping cough, 362n

 740 

INDEX Fourth of July: celebrations, 679, 690, 692n, 692, 693, 710–1 Foushee, William: identified, 1:611n; letter from, 335; letter to, 325; as postmaster of Richmond, 325, 335 Fox, Charles James: British politician, 542–3; A History of the Early Part of the Reign of James the Second, 506 France: J. Adams on, 439; climate of, 301; and commerce, 104, 105n, 336, 338n, 406–7; Corps Législatif, 346n; economy of, 335n; education in, 707–8; electoral law in, 707; Estates General, 245, 246n; excise taxes and duties in, 574; gardens in, 675; and Great Britain, 104, 406–7, 657; and invasion of Spain (1823), 457, 465–8, 489, 540–1, 542–3, 587–8, 610, 635, 638–9, 656–8, 707–8, 710; libraries in, 677; literature of, 676–7; National Assembly, 245; and The Netherlands, 245; olive trees from, 129; political situation in, 334, 707–8; public opinion in, 466, 610; and Republic of Haiti, 712n; scholarship in, 559; seeds from, 609; W. Short on, 465–8, 601; and South America, 707, 710; and Spain, 356; TJ on, 489; TJ’s travels in, 129; Université de France, 596; and U.S., 336, 338n, 406, 408n, 706–7, 710, 711n; U.S. commercial treaty with (1822), 710, 711n; G. Washington on, 331, 332n; wine from, 572, 640–1. See also French Revolution; Gallatin, Albert: as minister plenipotentiary to France; Institut de France; Jefferson, Thomas: Public Service; Louis XV, king of France; Louis XVI, king of France; Louis XVIII, king of France; Marie Antoinette, queen of France; Napoleon I, emperor of France Francis I, emperor of Austria: and Napoleon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte, 640n Francis, Philip: translates Horace, 507 Franklin, Benjamin: biographies of, 586; and “Bradshaw’s Epitaph,” 409n; confederation proposal of, 373, 374n; correspondence of, 429; inventions of, 341n; medal honoring, liv, 541n; as member of Continental Congress, 373, 374n; mission to Great Britain, 373; publishes Cato Major, or Discourse on Old Age (Cicero; trans. J. Logan), 505; TJ’s relationship with, 318, 373,

374n; The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, in Philosophy, Politics, and Morals (ed. W. Duane), 507 Franks, Samuel Davidson: as judge, 79–80 Fréart de Chambray, Roland: architectural drawings by, 524n Fredericksburg, Va.: mail service to, 482 Freeman, James: identified, 10:430–1n; as Unitarian minister, 147, 149n Freinsheim, Johann: The Roman History by Titus Livius; with the Entire Supplement of John Freinsheim (Livy), 505 French language: document in, by: T. J. O’Flaherty, 444–5; letters in, from: É. N. Cornelissen, 159–61; Destutt de Tracy, 456–9; M. A. Jullien, 597–601; L. Pelli-Fabbroni, 343–6; A. Pini and E. M. Pini, 548–50; Stackelberg, 109–10; A. Thoüin, 352–3; and Randolph family, 454n; works written in, 517, 546 French Revolution: impact on French people, 708; mentioned, 639; Reign of Terror, 27; TJ consulted by leaders of, 245, 246n; TJ on, 620, 621n; works on, 212, 630; and XYZ Affair, 94, 95n, 172, 173n, 282, 297 Fresnoy, Nicolas Lenglet du. See Lenglet du Fresnoy, Nicolas Fretwell, John: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 53; and University of Virginia, 58 “Funeral Eulogy Pronounced at St. Helena over the Tomb of Napoleon” (H. G. Bertrand), 591, 592n furniture: chairs, 645; sofas, 645; tables, 645 Gabbert, David: and University of Virginia, 49 Gaines, Edmund Pendleton: as general, 427 Gallatin, Albert: conveys letters and parcels, 105, 597, 609, 609, 706; and European politics, 610, 706–8; family of, 706; friendship with TJ, 706; identified, 1:599n; letter from, 706–8; letter to, 104–5; and J. Madison, 706; as minister plenipotentiary to France, 104, 112, 138, 336, 598, 706–8, 710; negative opinions about, 336; as secretary of the treasury, 309, 562; and TJ’s health, 706; and U.S. politics, 535

 741 

INDEX Gallatin, Hannah Nicholson (Albert Gallatin’s wife): family of, 706 Gallego (brig), 654 Galt, Alexander: and University of Virginia, 46 gambling: laws prohibiting, 573 gardening. See seeds gardens: in Lisbon, 675; in New York City, 566; in Paris, 675. See also Thoüin, André Gardiner, Samuel, 556 Gardner, Reuben: and University of Virginia, 55 Garland, David Shepherd: as Va. legislator, 241–2, 273, 274n, 369 Garland, Samuel: identified, 16:30–1n; and TJ’s debt to A. Robertson & Company, 154 Garnett, Robert Selden: identified, 14:151n; and T. J. O’Flaherty, 441n, 442, 445 Garrett, Alexander: as Albemarle Co. clerk, 64n, 395n; and burial of family members at Monticello, 235–6; as Central College proctor, 180; as Central College treasurer, 175; correspondence with J. H. Cocke, 351n; and fish for TJ, 573; identified, 5:567–8n; letter from accounted for, 593n; letters from, 235–6, 328–9, 478, 573; letter to accounted for, 52n; mentioned, 460, 634; order drawn by, 154; and University of Virginia, 51, 58; as University of Virginia bursar, 39, 44, 46–51, 53–8, 60, 61, 153–4, 164, 176, 176–7, 179, 184, 186, 190, 191n, 229, 237, 239, 255, 257, 328, 347, 351n, 478, 512n, 573, 584–5, 593, 594, 678 Garrett, Evelina Bolling (Alexander Garrett’s second wife): and burial of family members at Monticello, 235 Garth, Jesse: and University of Virginia, 46–9, 53 Garth, William: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 53; and University of Virginia, 46, 58 Gaston, Hugh: A Scripture Account of the Faith and Practice of Christians, 400, 401n Gates, Horatio: as general, 118, 427 Gatewood, Richard: and wine for TJ, 228 Gawen (TJ’s slave; b. 1804): trial of, 262–3 Gazette of the United States (Philadelphia newspaper), 330

Gazlay, Ward M.: receives subscriptions, 29n General George Washington Resigning His Commission (J. Trumbull), 705 The General History and State of Europe (Voltaire), 506 The General History of Polybius (Polybius; trans. J. Hampton), 507 The Generall Historie of Virginia, New-England, and the Summer Isles (J. Smith), 507 Genet, Edmond Charles: correspondence with TJ, 406–7, 409n; as French minister plenipotentiary to U.S., 406, 408n Genghis Khan: J. Adams on, 439 Gentry, Robert: and University of Virginia, 51 The Genuine Works of Flavius Josephus (Josephus; trans. W. Whiston), 505 geography: books on, 388, 437–8; collegiate education in, 388; and due east and west lines, 22–3, 66–7, 68n. See also Ellicott, Andrew (1754–1820); Lambert, William; maps; prime meridian geology. See mineralogy Γεωπονικά. Agricultural Pursuits (trans. T. Owen), 508, 509n George II, king of Great Britain: and British law, 97 George III, king of Great Britain: addresses to, 373, 374n George IV, king of Great Britain: and French invasion of Spain (1823), 542; TJ on, 111, 657 George, Luther M.: and University of Virginia, 48 Georgetown, D.C.: Federal Republican, 365 Georgia: crops in, 129; elections in, 533–4, 563; and state authority, 221 German language: books on, 595–6, 632; study of, 595; TJ on study of, 632; works in, 68 Germany: J. Adams on, 439; forests of, 302; libraries in, 677; and revolutions in Europe, 489; scholarship in, 559, 595 Gerry, Elbridge (1744–1814): biography of, 93–4, 95n, 172–3, 215, 282, 297; death of, 299n; family of, 297; identified, 1:573n; as member of Confederation Congress, 172, 173n; as member of Continental Congress, 172, 173n; TJ’s correspondence with, 94, 172,

 742 

INDEX 173n, 215, 282, 283n, 297; and XYZ Affair, 94, 95n, 172, 173n, 282, 297 Gerry, Elbridge (1793–1867): and biography of E. Gerry (1744–1814), 93–4, 95n, 172–3, 215, 282, 297; identified, 6:356n; letters from, 93–5, 215; letter to, 172–3; J. Madison on, 297; seeks appointment, 297, 299n Ghent: Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, 159, 161n Ghent, Treaty of (1814): and Battle of New Orleans (1815), 100n; and fishery rights, 70n; and national boundaries, 23, 66–7, 68n, 295; TJ on, 88 Gibbon, Edward: The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 505 Gibson, Alexander: identified, 17:424n; seeks appointment, 25, 30, 106, 205, 300 Gibson, Elizabeth Sanderson (Patrick Gibson’s wife): watch of, 414 Gibson, George: biography of, 341, 342n; Revolutionary War service of, 341 Gibson, Henry: identified, 106n; introduced to TJ, 106; seeks appointment, 300–1; visits Monticello, 106, 300 Gibson, John (1740–1822): biography of, 341–2 Gibson, John Bannister: and biography of G. Gibson, 341; and biography of J. Gibson (1740–1822), 341–2; identified, 342n; letter from, 341–3 Gibson, Patrick: and death of G. Jefferson, 412–3; family of, 106; identified, 4:523n; and G. Jefferson’s estate, 413–4, 649–50; letters from, 106, 300–1; letters to, 25, 30; and payments made for TJ, 14, 681; seeks appointment, 106; seeks appointment for son, 25, 30, 205, 300–1. See also Gibson & Jefferson (Richmond firm) Gibson & Jefferson (Richmond firm): identified, 1:44n; and G. Jefferson’s estate, 412–4. See also Gibson, Patrick; Jefferson, George (1766– 1812; TJ’s cousin) Gifford, William: translates The Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis (Juvenal), 507 Gilbert, Eliphalet Wheeler: and Letters of Paul and Amicus, 612, 613n, 629 Giles, Thomas Tabb: identified, 577n; introduced to TJ, 577; visits Monticello, 577, 653

Giles, William Branch: endorses note for W. C. Nicholas, 653; health of, 577, 653–4; identified, 3:205n; introduces son to TJ, 577, 653; letter from, 577; letter from accounted for, 654n; letter to, 653–4; and University of Virginia, 653 Gill, John (of Bedford Co.): and Bear Creek lands, 423, 424n Gillies, John: The History of Ancient Greece, its Colonies, and Conquests, 505; The History of the World, from the reign of Alexander to that of Augustus, 507 Gilmer, Peachy Ridgeway: identified, 16:543n; and TJ’s debt to College of William and Mary, 312–3n Gilpin & Company (Brandywine, Pa., firm), 705 gimlets, 8, 16n Girardin, Louis Hue: and Baltimore College, 276; and J. D. Burk’s History of Virginia, 507; family of, 276; identified, 1:633–4n; letter from, 275–6; and TJ’s health, 275–6 Glasgow, University of, 608 glass, window: for Monticello, 645; sent to TJ, 32, 38, 78 Glenn, Hugh: and University of Virginia, 47 glue: for carpentry, 277 God: J. Adams on, 439 Gojon, Claudius F.: identified, 597n; letter from, 596–7; letter to, 626; seeks professorship, 596–7, 626 gold: as currency, 588, 665 Goldsmith, Oliver: An History of England, in a Series of Letters from a Nobleman to his Son, 506, 509n; works of, 507 Gondi, Jean François Paul de, Cardinal de Retz: Mémoires du Cardinal de Retz, 508 González Azaola, Gregorio: letter from accounted for, 212n Gooch, Claiborne Watts: as editor of Richmond Enquirer, 687 Gooch, Dabney C.: and University of Virginia, 58 Gooch, Thomas W.: and University of Virginia, 53, 55 Goodell, Richard, 556 Gordon, Elizabeth Lindsay (William F. Gordon’s wife): family of, 253

 743 

INDEX Gordon, Thomas: translates Crispi Opera Omnia (Sallust), 505; translates The Works of Tacitus, 505 Gordon, William: The History of the Rise, Progress, and Establishment, of the Independence of the United States of America, 507 Gordon, William Fitzhugh: and establishment of University of Virginia, 241, 253, 269; family of, 253; identified, 5:270n; as Va. legislator, 253, 272, 273, 314, 315, 351, 368 Gore, Christopher: Remarks on the Censures of the Government of the United States, 364n Gorman, John: identified, 14:557–8n; letter from, 659–60; Proposal for Rotunda Stonework, 240–1; as stonecutter, 237n, 238, 240–1, 268, 659, 660n; TJ’s debt to, 495; and University of Virginia, 51, 55, 57, 63, 268, 291 Goss, John: and Central College–­ University of Virginia subscription, 46 Gough, William: identified, 18:85–6n; letters to, 72, 551; as Poplar Forest overseer, 72, 262–3n, 550, 551; stabbed by slave, 262–3n; TJ’s debt to, 495 gout, 438 Gouverneur, Maria Hester Monroe (James Monroe’s daughter; Samuel L. Gouverneur’s wife): family of, 651 government. See politics Governor’s Letter, transmitting a Statement of the Accounts of the Literary Fund, Brought down to the last day of November, 1822, 241, 242n, 243, 244n Graham, John Andrew: identified, 403n; letter from, 402–3; letter to, 437; The Report of Hiram Maxwell’s Case, 437n; Speech of John A. Graham, LL. D. before the Court of General Sessions, 402, 403n, 437 Graham, Robert (of Richmond): buys TJ’s tobacco, 695 Gramont, Philibert, comte de: Mémoires de la vie du comte de Grammont (A. Hamilton), 508 Grand & Compagnie (Paris firm), 91–2 Granger, Francis: and death of G. Granger, 279–80, 316; identified, 280n; letter from, 279–80; letter to, 316; visits Monticello, 279

Granger, Gideon: death of, 279–80, 316; identified, 2:179n; TJ on, 316 Granville, Mass.: Dickinson Library Company, 327–8, 371–2 grapes: Catawba, 455; grown in S.C., 81, 129; Miller burgundy, 479; scuppernong, 640; Tokay, 455–6; vine cuttings, 456, 479. See also viticulture; wine grass: Guinea, 635 Grattan, Henry (d. 1820): The Speeches of the Right Honourable Henry Grattan (ed. H. Grattan [d. 1859]), 506 Grattan, Henry (d. 1859): edits The Speeches of the Right Honourable Henry Grattan (H. Grattan [d. 1820]), 506 Gray, Francis Calley: anonymous review by, 363, 364n; identified, 8:237n Gray, James: Concio ad Clerum. A Sketch of the Present Condition and Prospects of the Christian Church, 591, 592n Gray, William Fairfax: as bookseller, 212; identified, 2:482–3n; letter from, 212–3 Great Britain: American supporters of, 623; atrocities committed by, 427; commercial policies of, 364n, 406–7; and Cuba, 490, 543, 601, 656–7, 686–7, 707, 709; and France, 104, 406–7, 457, 657; and French invasion of Spain (1823), 542–3, 587–8, 610, 638–9, 657–8, 707, 710; and J. Henry’s mission, 333, 335n; House of Commons, 711; influence in Europe, 329; influence on U.S. politics, 660; judicial system in, 97–8, 100n; laws of, 420; libraries in, 677; and Mississippi lands, 220, 601; navy of, 364n; political reform in, 334; and slave trade, 711; trade with Europe, 490; and U.S., 70n, 406, 408n, 706–7, 710, 711n. See also Adams, John Quincy; American Revolution; Canning, George; Embargo Act (1807); George III, king of Great Britain; George IV, king of Great Britain; Rush, Richard; War of 1812 Greece, modern: and Russia, 587; war of independence, 111, 304–5, 334 Greek Grammar, translated from the German of Philip Buttmann (P. Buttmann; trans. E. Everett), 363, 364n, 407–8, 419 Greek language: applicants to teach at University of Virginia, 442; collegiate

 744 

INDEX education in, 42, 44n; dictionaries, 419; document in, by: T. J. O’Flaherty, 442–3; grammars, 363, 364n, 407–8, 419; lexicons, 419–20; study of, 590; TJ on, 407–8, 419–20; works in, 478 Green, Frederick: and Maryland Gazette, 304, 351, 352n Green, John Williams: as attorney, 461n; friendship with B. Peyton, 32, 91–2 Green, Samuel: and Maryland Gazette, 304, 351, 352n Green, William (C. L. Bankhead’s slave), 62 Greene, Mr.: and W. C. Nicholas’s estate, 93 Greene, Nathanael: as general, 122, 123n, 130, 216, 531; Sketches of the Life and Correspondence of Nathanael Greene (W. Johnson), 96–7, 100n, 215–6, 222n, 298; TJ on, 97 Greenway, James: herbarium and manuscript of, 209–10, 226 Greenway, Robert: identified, 17:49n; letter from, 209–10; letter to, 226; sends herbarium and manuscript to TJ, 209–10, 226 Greenwich Observatory, England: and prime meridian, 35, 36, 199–200, 208–9, 210–1, 629 Grégoire, Henri: Manuel de Piété a l’usage des Hommes de Couleur et des Noirs, 609, 610n; and portrait of TJ, 610n Griffin, Thomas: identified, 18:86n; and University of Virginia, 340–1n, 347, 348n, 514n, 518, 537–8, 545, 553; as Va. legislator, 339, 340–1n, 347, 348n groceries: purchased by TJ, 385n; TJ budgets for, 496. See also food The Guardian, 507 Guicciardini, Francesco: La Historia d’Italia, 508 Guilford Courthouse, Battle of (1781), 118, 122, 123n Guinea grass, 635 Gulf of Mexico: and Mississippi River, 710 gum: elastic, 88, 107 gunpowder: in American Revolution, 341; for University of Virginia, 239 guns. See firearms gutters: at University of Virginia, 238, 239

Gwathmey, Robert & Temple (Richmond firm). See Robert & Temple Gwathmey (Richmond firm) gypsum (plaster of paris): for University of Virginia, 239; used as fertilizer, 416–7 Hackley, Harriet Randolph (Richard S. Hackley’s wife): family of, 645n Hadfield, George (Maria Cosway’s brother): as architect, 16–7, 89–90; family of, 16, 89–90, 91n, 683; health of, 16; identified, 18:639n; letter from, 16–7; letters to accounted for, 17n, 683n Hager, Peter, 556 Haiti, Republic of: Blacks in, 431, 712n; recognition of, 711, 712n; revolution in, 406, 408n; trade with U.S., 711–2n Hale, Thomas: A Compleat Body of Husbandry, 508 Hallam, Henry: View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, 506 Ham, Elijah: TJ’s debt to, 495 Hamilton, Alexander (1757–1804): and J. Adams, 73, 366, 367n; J. Q. Adams compared to, 330; family of, 529; The Federalist, 506; Letter from Alexander Hamilton, concerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams, 367n; and naval expansion, 73, 124–5; proposed biography of, 428, 529; secretary of the treasury, 74; and G. Washington’s Farewell Address, 529, 662, 667n, 696–7 Hamilton, Anthony: Mémoires de la vie du comte de Grammont, 508 Hamilton, Elizabeth Schuyler (Alexander Hamilton’s wife), 529, 670 Hammond, George: as British minister plenipotentiary to U.S., 406 Hampden-Sydney College: funding for, 273, 274n, 315, 324; mentioned, 323n; support for, 369; TJ on, 268 Hampton, James: translates The General History of Polybius (Polybius), 507 Hanah (TJ’s slave; b. 1770). See Hannah (Hanah) (TJ’s slave; b. 1770) Hannah (Hanah) (TJ’s slave; b. 1770): family of, 333; as housekeeper, 263n; identified, 13:393–4n; valuation of, 333 Hanson, Alexander Contee: as news­ paper editor, 365

 745 

INDEX Harden, M.: and University of Virginia, 51 Hardin, Hackey: and University of Virginia, 46 Harlow, Brice: boats of, 78, 483 Harner, Jacob: and University of Virginia, 54 Harper, Charles: and University of Virginia, 50 Harper, Robert Goodloe: on Federalist party, 562, 563n Harrington, James: The Common-Wealth of Oceana, 505 Harris, Eleazar, 682 Harrison, James: and University of Virginia, 53, 55, 56, 186, 188, 190, 239 Harrison, Jesse Burton: and advancement of civilization, 303; compares U.S. and foreign education, 302–3; and Harvard University, 677–8; identified, 17:557–8n; letter from, 301–3; TJ introduces, 301, 677–8; on University of Virginia, 303; visits Poplar Forest, 301 Harrison, Robert Monroe: on A. Runnels and G. Runnels, 130n Harrison, William Henry: biography of proposed, 427; identified, 1:575n Harrow, John: and University of Virginia, 49, 50, 54, 55, 57 Hart, William H.: and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n Hartford, Conn.: Federalist convention at, 113, 220, 221 Harvard University: books for, 610; description of, 302–3; E. Everett’s professorship at, 476; faculty at, 301; J. T. Kirkland as president of, 147, 149n; law school, 301; library, 302, 676; and students from U.S. South, 301–3; G. Ticknor’s professorship at, 676–8; TJ on, 268, 569; and Unitarianism, 147; and University of Virginia, 476n, 677 Hassler, Ferdinand Rudolph: identified, 6:342n; and instruments for U.S. Coast Survey, 295–6; as mathema­ tician, 295–6; recommended by L. Brantz, 295–6; and U.S. Coast Survey, 295–6, 309; and Va. Board of Public Works, 295–6, 309, 317, 469, 502, 504 Hatch, Frederick Winslow: and Albemarle Library Society, 453, 453–4,

509n, 551–2, 554, 634; and convention of Va. Episcopalians, 590; and education of TJ’s grandsons, 454, 590, 634; identified, 17:483n; invited to dine with TJ, 454n, 554; letters from, 453–4, 551–2, 590–1, 634–5; letters to, 453, 554; letters to accounted for, 454n; TJ gives money to, 454n; TJ’s debt to, 494; travels of, 290, 634 Hatcher, Benjamin: buys TJ’s tobacco, 695 hats: beaver, 9; fur, 13 Hawkins, Mrs.: and University of Virginia, 55 Hawkins, Abner B.: and University of Virginia, 56, 57 Hawley, Abraham: identified, 16:645n; and University of Virginia, 50, 52n hay, 606 Hay, Eliza Monroe (James Monroe’s daughter; George Hay’s wife): family of, 651 Hayne, Robert Young: identified, 6:90n; as S.C. attorney general, 222, 223n Hays, Mary: Female Biography; or, Memoirs of Illustrious and Celebrated Women, 508 Heads Of a Course of Lectures, Intended as an Introduction to Natural History (B. Waterhouse), 359–60, 362n health: apoplexy, 345n; and bathing, 206, 705n; blindness, 362, 458, 598, 645; burns, 623; colds, 150n; dental, 358; and diet, 107; dysentery, 484; gout, 438; headaches, 644; hearing loss, 107, 320, 646; leg injury, 205–6; malaria (ague and fever), 31; memory loss, 115, 140, 320, 458; rheumatism, 431, 438; sciatica, 438; sunstroke, 320; tuberculosis, 359; vision loss, 107, 619; weather’s effect on, 298, 374; whooping cough, 359, 362n; wounds, 263n. See also aging; fevers; Jefferson, Thomas: Health; medicine; mental illness; public health; yellow fever Hebrew language: collegiate education in, 42, 44n; study of, 595 Hederich, Benjamin: as grammarian, 407 Heiskell, Alexander St. Clair: loans money, 403; and University of Virginia, 48, 51, 56, 57, 58, 190 Hemmings, John (TJ’s slave; b. ca. 1776): and goods for TJ, 8, 10; iden-

 746 

INDEX tified, 15:60–1n; as woodworker, liii, 277 hemp: effect of weather on, 485 Hénault, Charles Jean François: Nouvel Abregé Chronologique de l’Histoire de France, 510 Henderson, Bennett: legatees of, 685 Hening, William Waller: identified, 1:158–9n; letter from, 492–3; letter to accounted for, 493n; The Statutes at Large, 492, 493n Henry (TJ’s slave; b. 1812): valuation of, 333 Henry VIII, king of England: reign of, 100n Henry IV, king of France: descendants of, 489, 543n Henry, John: mission of, 333, 335n Henry, Thomas Charlton, 682 Herbemont, Nicholas: and agriculture, 81–2, 129; identified, 82n; letter from, 81–2; letter to, 129; Observations Suggested by the Late Occurrences in Charleston, 81–2, 129 Hercules (TJ’s slave; b. 1794): trial of, 262–3 Hercules (mythological character), 439 Hern, Thrimston (Thrimson) (TJ’s slave; b. ca. 1799): and J. Gorman, 659, 660n Herodotus: W. Beloe’s translation of, 505 Herron, John: as overseer at University of Virginia, 46, 62 Herron, Nathan: and University of Virginia, 47 Herron (Herren), Susan: and University of Virginia, 55 Hessian fly, 645n Hewat, Alexander: An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, 507 “Hibernicus.” See Clinton, DeWitt Higginbotham, David: identified, 4:154n; lands of, 394n; TJ’s debt to, 495, 496n Highland (J. Monroe’s Albemarle Co. estate): improvements at, 394n, 398; J. Monroe at, 71, 638, 651–2, 656; sale of, 326–7, 394, 396–7, 397–8, 651, 652n, 673–4; taxes on, 394–5n; valuation of, 326–7, 394, 395n, 396–7, 397–8 Hippocrates (Greek physician): Kappa Lambda Society of Hippocrates, 386 Hippolytus (Euripides), 407, 409n

Histoire Ancienne (C. Rollin), 507 Histoire Critique de Jésus-Christ (Holbach), 620, 621n Histoire d’Angleterre (P. de Rapin Thoyras), 506 Histoire de Charles XII, roi de Suède (Voltaire), 506 Histoire de France (F. E. Toulongeon), 506 Histoire de France, pendant Le DixHuitième Siècle (J. C. D. Lacretelle), 506 Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane (A. R. Le Sage), 508, 509n Histoire de la Peinture en Italie (M. H. Beyle [Stendhal]), 669, 694 Histoire de l’empire de Russie sous Pierre le Grand (Voltaire), 506 “Histoire et Description D’une nouvelle espèce de Poirier, envoyée du MontSinaï” (A. Thoüin), 353n Histoire Naturelle, Générale et Particulière (G. L. L. Buffon), 508 Histoire Philosophique de la Révolution de France, Depuis la première Assemblée des Notables jusqu’à la paix de Presbourg (A. Fantin Desodoards), 212 La Historia d’Italia (F. Guicciardini), 508 Historiarum sui temporis (J. A. de Thou), 508 An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia (A. Hewat), 507 history: and advancement of civilization, 303; collegiate education in, 570. See also books: on history History of America (W. Robertson), 507 The History of Ancient Greece, its Colonies, And Conquests (J. Gillies), 505 The History of England from the Accession of James I. to that of the Brunswick Line (C. Macaulay), 506 The History of England, from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688 (D. Hume), 506. See also A New and Impartial History of England (J. Baxter) An History of England, in a Series of Letters from a Nobleman to his Son (O. Goldsmith), 506, 509n History of Great Britain (W. Belsham), 506 The History of Greece (W. Mitford), 507

 747 

INDEX The History of Herodotus (Herodotus; trans. W. Beloe), 505 History of Modern Europe (W. Russell), 506 The History of New-Hampshire (J. Belknap), 507 The History of North Carolina (H. Williamson), 507 The History of Pennsylvania in North America (R. Proud), 507 The History of Philosophy (W. Enfield), 505 The History of Philosophy (T. Stanley), 505 The History of Scotland (W. Robertson), 508 The History of South-Carolina, from its first settlement in 1670, to the Year 1808 (D. Ramsay), 647 The History of the Administration of John Adams (J. Wood), 332n History of the American Revolution (D. Ramsay), 507 The History of the Church of Christ (J. Milner), 508 The History of the Colony of ­Massachusetts-Bay (T. Hutchinson), 507 The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (E. Gibbon), 505 A History of the Early Part of the Reign of James the Second (C. J. Fox), 506 The History of the First Discovery and Settlement of Virginia (W. Stith), 507 History of the Insurrection, in the Four Western Counties of Pennsylvania (W. Findley), 507 The History of the Insurrections, in Massachusetts (G. R. Minot), 507 The History of the Late War between the United States and Great Britain (G. J. Hunt), 626 History of the Life of Marcus Tullius Cicero (C. Middleton), 505 The History of the Peloponnesian War, Translated from the Greek of Thucydides (Thucydides; trans. W. Smith), 505 History of the Principal Events of the Reign of Frederic William II (L. P. Ségur), 506 The History of the progress and termination of the Roman Republic (A. Ferguson), 507 The History of the Province of New-York (W. Smith), 507

The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England, Begun in the Year 1641 (Lord Clarendon), 508 The History of the Reign of Charles V (W. Robertson), 506 The History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain (R. Watson), 508 The History of the Reign of Philip the Third, King of Spain (R. Watson), 508 The History of the Rise, Progress, and Establishment, of the Independence of the United States of America (W. Gordon), 507 History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution (M. O. Warren), 507 History of the War of the Independence of the United States of America (C. G. G. Botta; trans. G. A. Otis), 507, 669, 694 History of the Wars of the French Revolution (E. Baines), 506 The History of the World, from the reign of Alexander to that of Augustus (J. Gillies), 507 The History of Virginia (J. D. Burk, S. Jones, and L. H. Girardin): recommended to Albemarle Library Society, 507 Hoge, John Blair: and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n hogs. See pigs Holbach, Paul Henri Thiry, baron d’: Ecce Homo! or A critical inquiry into the History of Jesus Christ (trans. G. Houston), 620, 621n; Histoire Critique de Jésus-Christ, 620, 621n; Systême de la Nature. Ou Des Loix du Monde Physique & du Monde Moral, 620, 621n; TJ on, 525 Holland. See The Netherlands holland (textile), 11, 13 Holland, Edwin C.: A Refutation of The Calumnies circulated against The Southern & Western States, respecting the institution and existence of Slavery among them, 170n Holley, Horace: identified, 12:405n; as preacher, 75 Holman, Joseph: as U.S. Land Office receiver, 153n Holmes, Abiel: American Annals; or, a Chronological History of America, from

 748 

INDEX its discovery in 1492 to 1806, 461–3, 463–4n, 510; The Annals of America, from the discovery by Columbus in the Year 1492, to the Year 1826, 464n; Calvinist clergyman, 360n, 362n; identified, 463n; letter from, 461–4; letter to, 510 Holmes, Gabriel: as governor of N.C., 501, 502n Holmes, Hugh: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 678, 708–9; and corn-shelling machines, 678–9, 708–9; identified, 6:114–5n; letter from, 708–9; letter to, 678–9 Holmes, John: identified, 8:649n; as U.S. senator, 711–2n Holston, Treaty of Long Island of the (1777). See Long Island of the Holston, Treaty of (1777) Holy Alliance: and French invasion of Spain (1823), 638–9, 657, 658n; and Greek independence, 304–5, 306n; and Latin America, 639; mentioned, 329, 543; and monarchy in Europe, 356, 357n; TJ on, 104, 111, 541, 578, 630 The Holy Alliance versus Spain (“A Constitutionalist”), 357n Home, Henry, Lord Kames. See Kames (Kaim), Henry Home, Lord Homer: The Iliad of Homer (trans. A. Pope), 506; mentioned, 443n; The Odyssey of Homer (trans. A. Pope), 506 Hooker, Richard: The Works Of that Learned and Judicious Divine, Mr Richard Hooker, in Eight Books of Ecclesiastical Polity, 506 Hoole, John: translates Jerusalem Delivered (T. Tasso), 507; translates Orlando Furioso (L. Ariosto), 507 Hopewell, Treaty of (1785), 575, 576n Hopewell, Treaty of (1786), 575, 576n Hopkins, George Folliet: identified, 18:611–2n; letter from, 207; Obser­ vations on Electricity, Looming, and Sounds (written as “Hortensius”), 207 Hopkinson, Joseph: family of, 529; and proposed biography of A. Hamilton, 529 Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus): allusions to, 444n; Epistles, 444n; P. Francis’s translation of, 507; quoted by J. Adams, 74, 366, 367n, 439;

quoted by J. Madison, 392; Satires, 393n; TJ quotes, 633; TJ reads, 656 Horse-Hoeing Husbandry: or, An Essay on the Principles of Vegetation and Tillage (J. Tull), 508 horses: and E. Bacon, 485; for Central College–University of Virginia, 239; as draft animals, 606; fodder for, 606; as gifts, 122; and G. Jefferson’s estate, 413, 650; price of, 115, 485; taxes on, 338; TJ falls from, 607; TJ rides, 84, 89, 90, 102, 169n, 170n, 201, 231, 272, 351n, 397, 607; and war, 118 “Hortensius.” See Hopkins, George Folliet hospitals: in U.S., 598 The House Carpenters’ Book of Prices, and Rules for measuring and valuing all their different kinds of work: and wages at University of Virginia, 310, 311n, 433, 446, 447–8 household articles: andirons, 9, 16n; bags, 8; blankets, 11; bobbins, 14; bottles, 103; brooms, 14; brushes, 15; button molds, 16; buttons, 10, 13, 15, 16; carts, 185, 189; copperas, 14; corks, 385, 394; cups, 9; decanters, 14; dishes, 9, 16n; glue, 277; gum, elastic, 88, 107; hinges, 13; jelly glasses, 10, 15; knives, 13, 646; lampblack, 15; locks, 690n; nail files, 603n; padlocks, 9; pincers, 11; pots, 8, 11; putty, 10, 477; saddlebags, 559n; sifters, 11; skillets, 11; stoneware, 38; tablecloths, 12; tape, 14; thread, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15; tumblers, 9; tureens, 9; turpentine, 15, 16n; wineglasses, 9; wire, 88, 106–7, 108. See also building materials; clocks; clothing; furniture; tools House of Representatives, U.S.: chaplains to, 612; clerk of, 365; debates in, 337–8; journals of, 462; Judiciary Committee, 532n; Military Affairs Committee, 337; reports to, 338n; Ways and Means Committee, 336–8. See also Congress, U.S. Houston, George: translates Ecce Homo! or A critical inquiry into the History of Jesus Christ (Holbach), 620, 621n Howard, John Eager: medal commemorating Revolutionary War service of, liv, 541n Hubbard, Sarah (Sally) (TJ’s slave; b. 1788): family of, 333

 749 

INDEX Hudibras (S. Butler), 508 Hudson, Mrs.: delivers letter, 454n Hudson, Charles: and Limestone Survey lawsuit, 63–4 Hudson, Christopher: identified, 8:653n; and Limestone Survey, 63–4 Hudson, John: and Limestone Survey lawsuit, 63–4 Hudson River, 439 Huet, Pierre Daniel: edits Commentaria in Sacram Scripturam (Origen), 526 Huffman, Elijah: identified, 15:545n; and University of Virginia, 177 Huffman, John H.: identified, 132n; letter from, 131–2; letter to, 141; seeks to purchase Natural Bridge, 131–2, 141 Hull, Isaac: American naval commander, 427 Humboldt, Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander, Baron von: friendship with G. Fabbroni, 346n; identified, 1:24–5n; sends books to TJ, 609 Hume, David: The History of England, from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688, 506; referenced, 320–1 Humphreys, Charles: and Declaration of Independence, 471 Hungary: grapes grown in, 455 Hunt, Gilbert John: family of, 627n; The History of the Late War between the United States and Great Britain, 626; identified, 9:414n; letter from, 626–7; Proposal for Publishing by Subscription, the Poetical Works of Gilbert John Hunt, 626–7; requests money from TJ, 627; sends prospectus to TJ, 626–7 Hunter, James: as Va. legislator, 254, 255, 272, 285, 369 Hunter, John Dunn: identified, 170n; Manners and Customs of Several Indian Tribes located west of the Mississippi, 169, 170n; TJ introduces, 169; visits Monticello, 169, 170n, 555; visits Montpellier (Madison family estate), 170n Huntington, Samuel: as president of Continental Congress, 140n Huntington, William: identified, 13:157n; letter to, 464; TJ invites to Monticello, 464; and University of Virginia, 49, 50, 51, 57 The Husbandry of the Ancients (A. Dickson), 508

Hutcherson, William: and University of Virginia, 186 Hutchinson, Thomas: The History of the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, 507 Hutton, Charles: works of, 617 Hyde, Edward, 1st Earl of Clarendon. See Clarendon, Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Hyde de Neuville, Jean Guillaume: identified, 4:374–5n; as member of French Chambre des Députés, 601 hygiene. See health; medicine; public health The Idler, 508 Iliad (Homer): The Iliad of Homer (trans. A. Pope), 506 Illustrations of Prophecy (J. L. Towers), 623, 625n Imperiale e Reale Accademia Economico-­ Agraria dei Georgofili di Firenze: identified, 15:329n; members of, 345n Inca Indians, 703n Independence Day. See Fourth of July Independence Hall. See Pennsylvania State House (Philadelphia; later Independence Hall) India: transportation to, 439 Indiana: federal land offices, 152, 153n Indians, American: and captivity narratives, 169, 555; Cherokee, 575–6, 626; Choctaw, 576n; Kickapoo, 169; land purchased from, 382; languages, 348–9, 419; and Lord Dunmore’s War, 341–2; Mingo, 343n; opinions on, 564; treaties with, 575–6, 626; works on, 169, 170n, 427 An Inquiry into the Importance of the Militia to a Free Commonwealth (W. H. Sumner), 643, 644n insanity. See mental illness insects: bees, liv, 645; effect of on agriculture, 645n; mud daubers, liv, 645; wasps, liv, 645. See also Hessian fly Institut de France: members of, 346n, 610n Institut des Pays-Bas, 159 insurance: companies, 598. See also Mutual Assurance Society interest: works on, 7 Internal Improvement of South-Carolina, Particularly Adapted to the Low Country (R. Mills), 22

 750 

INDEX An Introduction to the True Astronomy (J. Keill), 67, 68n inventions: American claims to, 597; gaslights, 598. See also machines; patents Ireland: mentioned, 305, 306n iron: bar, 8, 13, 15, 195, 690n; bolts, 690n; manufacture of, 194–5, 196n; ore, 195; pig, 195; purchased by TJ, 496; sheet, 185; for University of Virginia, 185, 189, 239. See also naileries Irvine, Robert: and Natural Bridge, 132 Isaacs, David: identified, 7:321–2n; TJ’s account with, 38n, 38; and University of Virginia, 48 Isbell, William: and University of Virginia, 54 Islam, 321 Istoria delle guerre civili di Francia (E. C. Davila), 508 Italian language: study of, 454n Italy: J. Adams on, 439; Cisalpine Republic, 457; climate of, 301, 302; marble from, 77–8, 259, 498, 684, 702, 702, 705; and revolutions in Europe, 489; TJ’s travels in, 90, 91n Iturbide, Agustín de (later Agustín I, emperor of Mexico), 3, 26, 27, 28n, 194n, 205, 543, 640n Jack (African American): and University of Virginia, 46 Jackson, Andrew: biography of proposed, 427; declines diplomatic appointment to Mexico, 543, 639; as governor of Fla., 534; identified, 15:233–4n; presidential prospects of, 534, 580–1 Jackson, Jonathan, 360 Jacob (Old Testament figure), 560 Jacobs, Solomon. See Jacobs & Raphael (Charlottesville firm) Jacobs & Raphael (Charlottesville firm): and packages for TJ, 385, 611; and payments for TJ, 385n, 454n; TJ pays, 385, 550, 594. See also Raphael, Isaac James, Charles: as character reference, 648 James, Edwin: Account of an Expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains, performed in the years 1819 and ’20, 247, 248n

Jameson, Robert: edits Essay on the Theory of the Earth (G. Cuvier), 508 James River: canal, 675; water level of, 31, 32. See also boats: carriage to and from Richmond James Smith’s Vindication, for resisting the ecclesiastical power and authority of their episcopal dignity, Michael Ellis & David Young (J. Smith), 133, 134n, 213 Jamey (Jamy) (TJ’s slave; b. 1805): valuation of, 333 japan (varnish), 239 Jarvis, William Charles: identified, 16:256n; letter from TJ referenced, 136, 137n Jay, John: The Federalist, 506 Jay Treaty (1795): analysis of, 364n; mentioned, 364n Jefferies, John B.: and University of Virginia, 53, 57 Jefferson, Elizabeth Garland (wife of George Jefferson [d. 1780]), 412 Jefferson, George (d. 1780) (TJ’s cousin): family of, 412; TJ on, 650 Jefferson, George (1766–1812) (TJ’s cousin): death of, 412–3; estate of, 412–5, 649–50; identified, 1:44n; TJ on, 650. See also Gibson & Jefferson (Richmond firm) Jefferson, George (grandson of George Jefferson [d. 1780]): and estate of G. Jefferson (1766–1812), 414–5 Jefferson, John Garland: identified, 2:77n; and G. Jefferson’s estate, 413–4, 650; TJ on, 650 Jefferson, Martha (TJ’s cousin): identified, 415n; and G. Jefferson’s estate, 412–5, 649–50; letter from, 412–5; letter to, 649–50 Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton (TJ’s wife): dowry of, 155–6, 285, 422; family of, 423; inheritance of, 203, 204n Jefferson, Randolph (TJ’s brother): identified, 2:55n; Revolutionary War service of, 575 Jefferson, Samuel (TJ’s cousin): and G. Jefferson’s estate, 414 Jefferson, Thomas Books & Library binding of books, 91, 135–6, 137, 143, 146, 151, 163; bound pamphlets, 410, 412n; manuscript collection of Va. laws, 492; and newspaper subscriptions, 271, 424n, 635, 656,

 751 

INDEX Jefferson, Thomas (cont.) 671, 672, 681, 687; orders books, 478, 483, 493, 517, 546, 569, 669; preferred physical characteristics, 419; reading habits of, 510; receives works, 22, 64, 64, 73, 86–7, 88, 96, 129, 157, 162, 170n, 213, 224–5, 225, 269, 372, 373, 406, 419, 437, 437–8, 488–9, 528, 539–40, 567, 625n, 625, 629, 630, 632, 633–4, 635, 669, 694, 694; recommends books, 116, 343, 411, 510; requested to review books, 436, 488–9; and scrapbooks for grandchildren, 410, 412n; subscriptions, 68, 117, 170n, 196, 672, 684; TJ budgets for, 495, 496; works sent to, 17, 29n, 29–30, 31, 36, 37n, 69, 70n, 81–2, 133, 134n, 135, 136, 138, 138, 139n, 142, 143n, 171, 202, 207, 234, 235n, 236, 241, 242n, 243, 244n, 249, 258, 259n, 260, 263–7, 291, 293, 318, 323n, 335, 348–9, 349–50n, 352, 353n, 359–60, 362n, 363n, 363–4, 386–7, 388, 393–4, 402, 436, 450, 469, 483, 492, 493, 539, 584, 591, 595–6, 597, 606, 608, 609, 609, 612–3, 616–8, 626, 643, 668, 669, 676–7, 687–8, 696, 700 (See also Albemarle Library Society; books: dedicated to TJ; Library of Congress) Business & Financial Affairs account with T. Appleton, 77, 78; account with H. Chisholm, 495; account with W. J. Coffee, 374, 375; account with H. A. S. Dearborn, 136, 137, 143, 193; account with Dodge & Oxnard, 116; account with J. Laval, 696; account with T. W. Maury, 385; account with P. Maverick, 213, 255; account with F. A. Mayo, 146, 163; account with J. C. Ragland, 494; account with A. Robertson, 349, 424, 495, 612; account with J. Vaughan, 116; account with T. G. Watkins, 275, 494; account with W. Welch, 495; bond with J. Lyle (1798–1850), 495; bond with W. C. Nicholas and T. J. Randolph, 300; buys and sells slaves, 494, 496n, 496; debt to A. Robertson & Company, 31, 85, 110, 110, 132, 143, 154, 155n, 495, 496n;

debt to J. Bacon, 485, 494; debt to J. Brand, 495, 673; debt to College of William and Mary, 285–6, 311–3; debt to E. Ham, 495; debt to D. Higginbotham, 495, 496n; debt to J. Leitch, 495, 496n; debt to P. Mazzei, 75–6, 495, 548–9; debt to N. & J. & R. van Staphorst, 494; debt to J. Neilson, 495; debt to J. Yancey, 495; endorses notes for W. C. Nicholas, 92–3, 203, 285–6, 288–9, 311–2, 397, 497, 636, 653; and Limestone Survey lawsuit, 63–4; List of Debts and Assets, 494–6; loan from Bank of Virginia, 32, 495, 585; loan from Farmers’ Bank of Virginia, 30, 32, 37, 495, 585, 611n; loan from Second Bank of U.S., 32, 288–9, 495, 585; loans money, 95; loans requested from, 448–9; pays taxes, 338, 495; Plan for Debt Repayment, 496–7; promissory notes to E. Bacon, 494, 496n; Receipt from Arthur S. Brockenbrough, 102–3; rent due TJ, 137, 494, 496; sale of Albemarle Co. land proposed, 398; sells flour, 133, 152, 494, 496; sells land, 397; sells tobacco, 494, 496, 658–9, 671, 673, 695, 712–3 (See also charity; Gibson, Patrick; Mutual Assurance Society; Peyton, Bernard; Wilson Cary Nicholas’s Administrators v. James Morrison and Thomas Deye Owings) Correspondence exhibition of, 130n, 643; fatiguing or painful to, 65–6, 101, 104, 111, 151, 225, 231, 233, 244, 269, 272, 307–8, 342, 343, 372, 391, 408, 409, 418, 437–8, 465, 502, 510, 510, 535, 573, 620, 636; letters of application and recommendation from, 89, 128–9, 247, 309, 504; letters of application and recommendation to, 71–2, 83, 106, 109–10, 116–7, 152–3, 223–4, 295–6, 300–1, 313–4, 364–5, 405, 440–1, 459–60, 469, 596–7; letters of condolence, 269–70, 316; letters of introduction from, 169, 483, 503n, 655, 686, 686; letters of introduction to, 26–8, 87–8, 159, 230, 405, 416, 417n, 431, 457, 577, 577–8,

 752 

INDEX Jefferson, Thomas (cont.) 584, 637, 652; with namesakes, 164; publication of papers, 136, 137n, 166, 192, 245–6, 277, 278n, 281, 320, 322n, 342, 343n, 358, 390, 429, 529, 560–1, 571n, 619, 620, 621n, 627, 628n, 643, 712; as record of his life, 371; return of confidential letters to, 94, 172, 215; spurious letter allegedly from, 615–6; unsent letter, 527n Descriptions of appearance, 308n, 680n; appetite, 308n; biographies of, 501, 510–1; clothing, 680n; by J. D. Hunter, 170n; by C. J. Randolph, 308n; voice, 308n Family & Friends friendship with J. Corrêa da Serra, 113; friendship with A. Gallatin, 706; friendship with E. Gerry, 172–3; friendship with J. Monroe, 397, 656, 673–4; importance of family, 673–4; relations with grandchildren, 90, 114–6, 410, 412n, 454n, 603n; relations with M. J. Randolph, 651–2 Health aging, 146, 307–8, 373, 390, 510, 510–1, 654, 662, 673, 674, 693; broken arm, 149–50, 156, 163, 168–9, 169, 173n, 193, 196, 201, 202, 204, 205, 205, 215, 227, 229, 231, 233, 236, 242, 244, 258–9, 272, 275, 275–6, 277–8, 281, 283, 290, 295, 298, 308n, 351n, 358, 366, 374, 375, 411, 412n, 418, 438, 465, 487, 490, 563, 579, 581n, 603, 607, 653, 706; debility, 373, 673, 674, 693; good health of, 84, 88–9, 90, 93, 102, 146, 363, 555, 603n, 609; hip pain, 107; injured in fall, 149–50, 156, 163, 168–9, 169, 173n, 193, 196, 201, 202, 204, 205, 205, 215, 227, 229, 231, 233, 236, 242, 244, 258–9, 272, 275, 275–6, 277–8, 281, 283, 290, 295, 298, 308n, 351n, 358, 366, 374, 375, 411, 412n, 418, 644; memory loss, 140, 626, 649; staphylococcus infection, 146; wrist injury, 151, 231, 233, 272, 307–8, 431, 438, 463, 487, 550–1, 573, 636, 653–4, 666

Honors & Memberships Albemarle Library Society, mem­ bership, 453; Société Linnéenne de Paris, membership, 566, 668; Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, membership, 159, 161n Literary Quotes “Bradshaw’s Epitaph,” 408, 409n; Euripides, 407, 409n; Horace, 633; Ocellus, 526; Shakespeare, 541 (See also Bible) Opinions on alcohol, 573–4; banks, 635–6; biographies of prominent Americans, 511; C. G. G. Botta’s Storia della Guerra dell’ Independenza, 694; bureaucracy, 372; canals of New York, 171n, 224–5; Christianity, 75, 84, 213–4, 524–7; circulating libraries, 343, 371–2, 560; clergy, 540; communal societies, 86–7; Cuba, 656–7, 686–7; education, 86–7, 162, 292, 293, 325–6, 372–3; elections, 101–2, 104–5, 409–10, 571, 574; entering current political debates, 571, 574; equatorial instrument, 197–201; European affairs, 90, 101, 104, 489–90, 491, 540–1, 635, 656–8; expansion of U.S. Navy, 124–5; Federalist party, 99, 104–5, 112–3, 660–1, 662; friendship, 674; E. Gerry (1744–1814), 172–3; government’s role, 86–7, 660–1, 662; Greek grammar and pronunciation, 407–8; grief, 269–70; Hartford Convention, 113; Indians, 419; internal improvements, 22, 84, 622, 624n; Jesus, 526–7; legal profession, 488–9; liberty, 111; J. Marshall’s Life of George Washington, 97, 100n, 217, 428; medicine, 249; misfortune, 201; Missouri question, 102, 105, 112; monarchical forms of government, 205; morality in government, 111; Napoleon, 411, 412n; newspapers, 101, 111, 112, 656; papers of public figures, 428–9, 511, 661; political parties, 99, 101–2, 104–5, 112–3, 428–9, 660–1; Portuguese government, 270; post-Revolutionary youth, 127; Presbyterians, 84; publication of

 753 

INDEX Thomas Jefferson Randolph to the Second Bank of the United States, 300; Canons of Conduct, 428; Conveyance of Bear Branch Land to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 422–4; Conveyance of Bedford and Campbell County Land to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, 286–8; Declaration of Independence, 402, 463; Drawing and Specifications for Serpentine Walls at the University of Virginia, lv, 424 (illus.); First Inaugural Address, 462, 463n; General View of the Finances of the University of Virginia, 512–3; List of Debts and Assets, 494–6; messages to Congress, 27, 28n; Notes on Account with Boyd Miller, 154–5; Notes on Doric Ornamen­ tation for University of Virginia Pavilions, 524; Notes on Plantation Cloth Distribution, 486; Notes on the State of Virginia, 341–2, 343n, 371, 508, 564, 621; Notes on William J. Coffee’s Agreement with University of Virginia, 523; The Philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth, 399; Plan for Debt Repayment, 496–7; Proceedings and Report of the Commissioners for the University of Virginia, 268, 371–2; Report on Commerce, 124, 126n; Rockfish Gap Report of the University of Virginia Commissioners, 40–5, 257–8; Statement of Taxable Property in Albemarle County, 338; syllabus of Jesus’s doctrines, 245, 619, 621n; Thomas Jefferson Randolph’s Declaration of Trust for Bedford and Campbell County Land Deeded by Thomas Jefferson, 288–9

Jefferson, Thomas (cont.) his letters, 214, 233, 712; religion, 74–5, 126–7; republicanism, 372–3; Republican party, 97, 661; Revolutionary generation, 391; revolutions in Spanish colonies, 111; slavery, 129; state versus federal authority, 102, 664–6; subdividing states into hundreds or wards, 293, 372–3; Supreme Court, 97–9, 429–30, 662–6; Tacitus and his translators, 408; taxes, 573–4; Treaty of Ghent (1814), 88; tyranny, 408; Unitarian­ ism, 74–5, 84, 214; U.S. Constitution, 664–6; western exploration, 197, 211; wine, 307; women, 84; writing letters of recommendation, 560 Portraits mentioned, 321, 610n; J. Trumbull’s painting, 705 Public Service administration supported, 561–2, 646; in Confederation Congress, 172, 173n, 492, 493n, 705; in Continental Congress, 172, 173n; as governor of Va., 117, 192, 341; and medals commemorating Revolutionary War, liv; as minister to France, 124, 245, 246n; as president, 21, 22n, 125, 171n, 197–8, 251, 267n, 321, 322, 337, 351, 365, 429, 557, 664; and revision of Va. laws, 420, 421n; as secretary of state, 74n, 124–5, 126n, 364n (See also Virginia, University of: Board of Visitors) Travels in Europe, 429 (See also Poplar Forest [TJ’s Bedford Co. estate]) Writings Advertisement for Richmond Enquirer and Charlottesville Central Gazette, 70, 70–1; Authorization for Alexander Garrett to Borrow for University of Virginia, 593; A Bill for Establishing a System of Public Education, 314–5, 316n; A Bill for Establishing Elementary Schools, 293, 294n; Bond of University of Virginia Board of Visitors to Literary Fund President and Directors, 604–5; Bond of Wilson Cary Nicholas, Thomas Jefferson, and

Jefferson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson, 63–4 Jerusalem Delivered (T. Tasso; trans. J. Hoole), 507 Jesuits: mentioned, 146–7, 465, 630; TJ on, 127 Jesus: doctrines of, 400; miracles of, 400; as republican model, 133; TJ on, 526–7, 619, 621n; F. A. Van der Kemp on study of, 619; women’s excessive devotion to, 126; works on, 620, 621n Jews. See Judaism

 754 

INDEX Jezebel (Old Testament figure), 360, 362n Joe (J. W. Eppes’s slave), 551 John (TJ’s slave; b. ca. 1776). See Hemmings, John (TJ’s slave; b. ca. 1776) John VI, king of Portugal and Brazil: family of, 357; mentioned, 113; and Queen Carlota Joaquina, 356–7; support for, 356 Johnson, Benjamin: land transactions with, 203–4 Johnson, Chapman: appointment of to University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 350, 368, 415; correspondence with J. H. Cocke, 481–2n; and establishment of University of Virginia, 242; and funding for University of Virginia, 273; health of, 232, 242; identified, 5:530n; letter to, 452; as member of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 227, 269, 282, 292, 324, 339, 350, 368, 369, 415, 430, 445–6, 452, 480, 481–2n, 517, 518–9n, 604; and University of Virginia, 49; as Va. state senator, 232, 243, 273, 339, 368 Johnson, Nicholas: identified, 153n; letter from, 152–3; recommends T. Brown, 152 Johnson, Richard Mentor: identified, 5:586n; mentioned, 386 Johnson, Samuel: The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, 234, 505; The Prince of Abissinia. A Tale, 508, 509n Johnson, William (1771–1834): dispute with T. Cooper, 697, 700n; family of, 532; identified, 1:555n; letters from, 215–23, 528–32; letters to, 96–100, 428–30, 660–7; letter to accounted for, 100n; and political parties, 97, 99, 100n, 216–7, 219–21, 298, 529–31; and proposed work on political parties, 216–7, 428–9, 529–30, 660–1, 670; on reviews of his work, 215–6, 222n; on rumored slave insurrection, 221–2; Sketches of the Life and Correspondence of Nathanael Greene, 96–7, 100n, 215–6, 222n, 298, 428, 532n, 697; as Supreme Court justice, 97–9, 282, 297–8, 429–30, 528, 531–2, 662–6, 670, 672, 698, 700; and Supreme Court’s functioning, 97–9, 217–9, 430; and TJ’s letters, 283n; urges TJ to write memoirs, 217; and G. Wash­ ington’s Farewell Address, 529, 662, 696–7

Johnston, Charles: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 512, 538; identified, 2:230n Johnston, Robert (of Richmond): and University of Virginia, 56, 183, 188 Johnston, Thomas J.: correspondence of, 166n; letter from, 164–6; seeks advice on legal studies, 164–5, 166n John Van Lew & Company (Richmond firm): and University of Virginia, 51, 56, 62, 185, 188 John Winn & Company (Charlottesville firm): and University of Virginia, 55. See also Winn, John (d. 1837) Jombert, Charles Antoine: Bibliothèque portative d’Architecture élémentaire, a l’usage des Artistes, 524n Jones, John Paul: medal commemorating Revolutionary War service of, liv, 541n Jones, John R.: payment to, 494; and University of Virginia, 50 Jones, Skelton: and J. D. Burk’s History of Virginia, 507; identified, 1:289n Jones, Thomas: and University of Virginia, 46 Jones, Thomas P.: identified, 17:20–1n; seeks professorship, 369 Jones, Walter (1776–1861): purchases straw-cutting machine, 207 Jones, William (merchant): and University of Virginia, 57 Joseph (Old Testament patriarch), 560 Joseph Pitt & Sons (firm): and University of Virginia, 48, 50, 53, 54 Josephus, Flavius: The Genuine Works of Flavius Josephus (trans. W. Whiston), 505 Journal of the Law-School, and of the MootCourt Attached To It, at Needham, in Virginia (C. Taylor), 436, 488–9 Joyce, Jeremiah: Scientific Dialogues, intended for the Instruction and Entertainment of Young People, 508 Judaism: and Jesus, 526; teachings of, 321 judiciary, U.S.: and federalism, 298, 299n. See also Supreme Court, U.S. Jullien, Marc Antoine: identified, 1:676n; letter from, 597–601; and proposed biography of T. Kosciuszko, 599; and Revue Encyclopédique, ou Analyse Raisonnée, 597–9 Junius: including Letters by the same Writer, Under Other Signatures (ed. H. S. Woodfall), 505

 755 

INDEX Jupiter (Roman deity), 527 Juvenal (Decimus Junius Juvenalis): references to, 648, 649n; The Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis (trans. W. Gifford), 507 Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 322–3, 343, 560–1 Kaim. See Kames (Kaim), Henry Home, Lord kale: pots for, 38; sea, 554 Kames (Kaim), Henry Home, Lord: Elements of Criticism, 507; Sketches of the History of Man, 506 Kappa Lambda Society of Hippocrates (Lexington, Ky.), 386, 387n Keill, John: An Introduction to the True Astronomy, 67, 68n Kelly, John: and corn-shelling machines, 678–9; identified, 2:452n; and University of Virginia, 53, 189; and valuation of J. Monroe’s Highland estate, 394 Kelly & Norris (Charlottesville firm): and University of Virginia, 49, 186, 187, 189 Kennett, Basil: Romae Antiquae Notitia: or, The Antiquities of Rome, 508 Kenney, James: and University of Virginia, 58 Kentucky: agricultural prices in, 485; currency in, 221, 485; education in, 258, 259n, 293, 355, 697, 700n; elections in, 122–3; epidemic in, 93; land prices in, 485; legislature of, 258, 259n, 293, 294n, 355; millet grown in, 635; newspapers, 122–4; TJ on, 75; and Va. land grants, 576; weather in, 386–7, 485 Kenyon, Lloyd, first Baron Kenyon: on court opinions, 98 Kerby, James: and University of Virginia, 57 Kerr & Caskie (Manchester, Va., firm): buys TJ’s tobacco, 695 Kett, Henry: Elements of General Knowledge, 506 Keys, James: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 123n King, Benjamin: and hoisting machine, 226, 279; identified, 207–8n; inventions of, 207, 226, 279; letters from, 207–8, 279; letter to, 226–7

King, Robert (of Tennessee): and Battle of Kings Mountain, 120 Kings Mountain, Battle of (1780): role of W. Campbell, 118–23, 130, 140, 166, 192 Kinsolving, George Washington: and University of Virginia, 47, 52n Kirkland, John Thornton: identified, 18:5n; as president of Harvard University, 147, 149n Kirkpatrick, William: as U.S. representative from N.Y., 171n; visits TJ in Washington, 171n knives: shoemaker’s, 10, 11, 16n; TJ orders, 13; for whittling, 646 Knox, Henry: as secretary of war, 73, 74, 124 Knox, Henry Jackson: seeks naval appointment, 74 Knox, Lucy Flucker (Henry Knox’s wife): seeks appointment for son, 74 Kosciuszko, Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Andrzej Bonawentura: identified, 1:207n; medal honoring, liv, 541n; proposed biographies of, 427, 599 Lacépède, Bernard Germain Étienne de La Ville-Sur-Illon, comte de: identified, 1:250n; and Société Linnéenne de Paris, 610 Lacey, David R.: and University of Virginia, 189 Lacretelle, Jean Charles Dominique: Histoire de France, pendant Le DixHuitième Siècle, 506 Lacy, Benjamin: and Limestone Survey lawsuit, 64 Lafayette, Françoise Émilie Destutt de Tracy (Lafayette’s daughter-in-law), 230 Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de: and American Revolution, 101, 118, 122, 130, 131n; correspondence with TJ, 230; and Destutt de Tracy, 101; and events in Europe, 489; family of, 230; health of, 102; identified, 1:270–1n; introduces F. S. Constancio, 229, 230; letter from accounted for, 609n; letters from, 230–1, 609; letter to, 101–2; proposed biography of, 427; sends works to TJ, 609; and W. Short, 230; TJ on, 101; and F. Wright, 609

 756 

INDEX La Fontaine, Jean de: fables of, 147, 149n Lambert, William: astronomical calculations, 628; calculates latitude and longitude of U.S. Capitol, 628; identified, 1:54–5n; letters from, 33, 208–9, 210–1, 628–9; letter to, 197–201; and Message from the President of the United States, transmitting a Report of William Lambert, on the subject of the Longitude of the Capitol of the United States. January 9, 1822, 211; and prime meridian, 211, 628–9; Table of Logarithms, 33, 33–6; and TJ’s method of calculating longitude and latitude, 197–201, 208–9, 210–1; and University of Virginia, 33; and western exploration, 211 lampblack, 15 Lancelot, Claude: as grammarian, 407, 409n Landrum, Mr.: and J. Monroe’s Highland estate, 397 Langdon, John: correspondence with S. Ringgold, 331, 332n; identified, 2:231–2n Langhorne, John: Letters Supposed to have passed between M. De St. Evremond and Mr. Waller, 506, 509n language: collegiate education in, 558–9, 570; Indian (American), 348. See also French language; German language; Greek language; Italian language; Latin language; Spanish language Lapa, Manoel de Almeida e Vasconcellos, Visconde da: Portuguese official, 356 La Rochefoucauld, François de: maxims of, 505 Las Cases, Emmanuel Auguste Dieudonné Marin Joseph, comte de: Memorial de Sainte Helene. Journal of the Private Life and Conversations of the Emperor Napoleon at Saint Helena, 546, 547n, 569, 584, 669; Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène, ou Journal ou se trouve consigné, jour par jour, ce qu’a dit et fait Napoléon durant dix-huit mois, 517, 546 Lasteyrie du Saillant, Virginie, marquise de (Lafayette’s daughter): family of, 230, 231n Latimer (Latemer), W. G.: and University of Virginia, 54

Latin language: applicants to teach at University of Virginia, 443; collegiate education in, 42, 44n; document in, by: T. J. O’Flaherty, 443–4; elementary education in, 590; and Randolph family, 454n; TJ quotes proverb in, 112n; works in, 478, 669, 696 latitude: and calculation of longitude, 199, 208; calculations for U.S. Capitol, 35–6; logarithms for calculating, 35–6; and political boundary lines, 23, 66–7, 68n; TJ’s method for calculating, 200–1; and western exploration, 197, 198, 211 Latrobe, Benjamin Henry: death of, 90; identified, 1:474–5n; works on U.S. Capitol, 226 Laval, John: account with TJ, 696; and books for TJ, 517, 546, 569, 584, 669, 696; identified, 11:284n; letters from, 546–7, 584, 696; letters to, 517, 569, 669; letter to accounted for, 696n; as publisher, 546–7, 569; TJ pays, 696n law: books on, 116, 402, 436, 437, 453, 459–61, 488–9, 672, 684, 687; British, 97–8, 100n, 420; collegiate education in, 570, 583, 633; ecclesiastical, 165; estate, 413–4, 649–50; international, 165, 406–7; maritime, 165; Roman, 165; study of, 116, 164–5, 166n, 436, 608n, 645n; TJ on attorneys, 650; TJ on study of, 488–9; TJ provides legal advice, 649–50; in utopian societies, 378–80. See also Virginia: laws of Law, Edmund: health of, 431 Law, John (d. 1822), 431 Law, Thomas: Additional Facts, Remarks, and Arguments. Illustrative of the Advantage to the People of the United States, of a National Circulating Medium, 202, 225; amanuensis for, 202, 225; family of, 431; identified, 3:209n; introduces J. J. Chapman to TJ, 431; letter from, 431; letter to, 225; and promotion of domestic interests, 431; sends works to TJ, 202, 225 Lawrence, Abraham R.: and New York City customhouse, 499n Lawrence, James: biography of proposed, 427 Lawrence, John: and University of Virginia, 47, 52n

 757 

INDEX Laws of the College of South-Carolina, 450–1, 539 lead: architectural ornaments of, liii, 277, 477, 488, 513, 514–5, 520, 520–2, 523, 567; bar, 13; as building material, 185, 189, 191n; sheet, 185, 189, 191n; white, 15, 277 Lectures on History, and General Policy (J. Priestley), 505 Lectures on Natural and Experimental Philosophy (G. Adams), 505 Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres (H. Blair), 505 Lectures on Select Subjects in Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, and Optics (J. Ferguson), 506 Lédenon, France: wine from, 641–2 Ledyard, John (1751–89): and western exploration, 197, 201n Lee, Arthur (1779–1828): as Va. legislator, 284 Lee, Henry (1756–1818): and American Revolution, 122, 130; criticism of, 215, 216, 428; funeral oration for G. Washington, 441n; Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States, 96–7, 100n Lee, John: and University of Virginia, 47 Legendre, Adrien Marie: Éléments de Géométrie, 617 Leigh, Benjamin Watkins: as attorney, 92–3 Leiper, George Gray, 623 Leiper, Samuel McKean, 623 Leiper, Thomas: and agriculture, 591, 606–7, 624, 635, 636; family of, 623, 635; finances of, 622–3, 635–6; identified, 7:37n; and internal improvements, 622, 624; letters from, 591–2, 606–7, 621–5; letter to, 635–7; and politics, 623–4, 635; and portraits of Napoleon, 623, 625n, 636; quarry of, 623; and religion, 623, 636; sends works to TJ, 591, 606, 635 Leiper, William Jones, 623 Leitch, James: account with TJ, 8, 11–5, 69; extracts from daybook of, 8–16; identified, 1:65n; letter from accounted for, 16n; makes payments for TJ, 8, 11, 14; TJ orders goods from, 8–16; TJ pays, 38n; TJ’s debt to, 495, 496n; and University of Virginia, 46, 185 Leitch, Samuel (1790–1870): and University of Virginia, 51

Leland, Thomas: translates All the Orations of Demosthenes (Demosthenes), 505 Lenglet du Fresnoy, Nicolas: Tablettes Chronologiques de L’Histoire Universelle, 510 Leonard, Uriah: as blacksmith at University of Virginia, 48, 63, 238; and University of Virginia, 47, 48, 49, 54, 56, 186, 187, 189, 190 Leoni, Giacomo: The Architecture of A. Palladio, 552 Le Ray de Chaumont, James: identified, 13:71–2n; wealth of, 468 LeRoy, Bayard & Company (New York firm): identified, 9:580n; and TJ’s debt to N. & J. & R. van Staphorst, 494 Le Sage, Alain René: Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane, 508, 509n Leschot, Louis A.: Charlottesville house of, 634; friendship with H. Roi, 375; identified, 11:365–6n L’Estrange, Sir Roger: translates Seneca’s Morals (Seneca), 505 A Letter concerning Toleration (J. Locke), 505 Letter from Alexander Hamilton, concerning the Public Conduct and Character of John Adams (A. Hamilton), 367n letter press (copying device), 32, 91–2, 256 Letters From Paris (W. C. Somerville), 630 Letters of Paul and Amicus, 612–3, 629 The Letters of the British Spy (W. Wirt), 505, 509n Letters of the late Lord Lyttelton (G. Lyttelton), 505 Letters Of the Right Honourable Lady M—y W—y M—e: Written, during her Travels in Europe, Asia and Africa (M. W. Montagu), 506 Letters on Several Subjects (“T. Fitzosborne” [W. Melmoth]), 506 Letters on the Ministry, Ritual, and Doctrines of the Protestant Episcopal Church (J. Sparks), 75 Letters on the Natural History and Internal Resources of the State of New-York (“Hibernicus” [D. Clinton]), 171, 224–5 Letters Supposed to have passed between M. De St. Evremond and Mr. Waller (J. Langhorne), 506, 509n

 758 

INDEX Letters to the Directors of the Banks of Philadelphia, on the Pernicious Consequences of the Prevailing System of Reducing the Amount of Bills Discounted (M. Carey), 591, 592n Letters written by the late right honourable Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, to His Son, Philip Stanhope, Esq. (Lord Chesterfield), 505 Lettsom, John Coakley: collaboration with B. Waterhouse, 362 Lewis, Charles (Meriwether Lewis’s uncle): and Poplar Forest land, 203 Lewis, Jesse Pitman: and Central College–University of Virginia, 55 Lewis, Meriwether: identified, 1:436n; Lewis and Clark Expedition, 197–8 Lewis, Nicholas: and Poplar Forest land, 203 Lewis, Reuben: and University of Virginia, 53 Lewis and Clark Expedition: astronomical observations of, 197–8; funding for, 197, 201n; latitude and longitude observations of, 197–8; route of, 197, 198 Lewis Ludlam & Company (Richmond firm), 152 Lexington Medical Society (Lexington, Ky.), 386, 387n libel: J. Adams on, 366–7, 410–1 libraries: Albemarle Library Society, 453, 453–4, 505–9, 551–2, 554, 634; Dickinson Library Company, 327–8, 371–2; in Europe, 677; Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 322–3, 343, 560–1; TJ on, 560. See also Library of Congress; Virginia, University of: Books and Library Library of Congress: TJ sells personal library to, 410, 412n, 509n, 510 Life and Pontificate of Leo the Tenth (W. Roscoe), 508 Life of George Washington (J. Marshall): accuracy of, 298, 299n; recommended to Albemarle Library Society, 507; TJ on, 97, 100n, 217, 428, 529 The Life of James Otis, of Massachusetts (W. Tudor), 318, 373, 374n The Life of John Knox (T. McCrie), 506 Life of Lorenzo de’ Medici, called the Magnificent (W. Roscoe), 508 The Life of Mary, Queen of Scots (G. Chalmers), 508

The Life of Samuel Johnson LL.D. (J. Boswell), 506 Liggan (Liggon; Ligon), Willis: identified, 95n; receipt from, 95; TJ loans money to, 95 lighthouses: as internal improvements, 84 lime (mineral): as building material, 185, 239, 404, 432, 433, 435n; used as fertilizer, 607n Limestone Survey (Albemarle Co.): lawsuit over ownership of, 63–4 Lincoln, Levi: as deacon, 361n; identified, 1:49–50n Lindsay, James: and J. Brand’s estate, 673; identified, 673n; letter from accounted for, 673n; letter to, 673 Lindsay, Robert: and University of Virginia, 189 linen, 11, 14, 486, 615 linguistics. See philology Link, Daniel: and University of Virginia, 190 Linnaeus, Carolus (Carl von Linné): and botany, 668n; and scientific classification, 668n; and Société Linnéenne de Paris, 566, 592, 668n, 694 literacy: as qualification for voting, 587 Literary Fund: and aid for Va. academies and colleges, 274n, 292, 315, 324, 340–1n; and annuity for University of Virginia, 41, 42, 60, 257, 310, 324, 404, 417, 478, 512–3, 538, 539, 553, 653; and General Assembly, 274n; and governor of Va., 167; and loans for University of Virginia, 40–4, 46, 53, 179, 181, 183, 187n, 188, 191n, 253–5, 274, 315, 324, 326, 328, 339–41, 350, 351n, 353–4, 368–9, 370, 371, 383, 392, 393, 395, 398, 402, 409, 415, 417, 503, 517–8, 519, 550, 553, 561, 570, 573, 578, 584–5, 593, 594–5, 604–5, 653, 670; and primary education, 254, 292, 293–4, 314–5, 324, 325–6, 339, 340–1n, 353–5; reports of, 40–5, 241, 242n, 243, 244n; University of Virginia Board of Visitors reports to, 39, 44n, 46–52, 53–9, 60, 61, 62–3, 164, 174, 255, 256–8, 269, 273–4, 284, 292, 314, 316n, 416n Literary Subaltern (Providence, R.I., newspaper): prints spurious TJ letter, 615 The Lives of the First Twelve Cæsars (Suetonius; trans. A. Thomson), 505

 759 

INDEX The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (S. Johnson), 234, 505 livestock: and manure, 606–7. See also cattle; horses; mules; pigs; sheep Livingston, Eliza McEvers (John R. Livingston’s wife), 393n Livingston, Peter Robert, 556 Livy (Titus Livius): The Roman History by Titus Livius; with the Entire Supplement of John Freinsheim (J. Freinsheim), 505 Lobstein, Johann Friedrich Daniel: identified, 18:628–9n; letter to, 68; proposed book by, 68 Locke, John: An Essay concerning Human Understanding, 505; A Letter concerning Toleration, 505; Two Treatises of Government, 505 Lockhart, John Gibson: Peter’s Letters to His Kinsfolk, 608, 625 locks: door, 690n; padlocks, 9 locks (canal), 659 locust (tree): yellow, 17, 65 Logan, James (1674–1751): translates Cato Major, or Discourse on Old Age (Cicero), 505 Logan, James (ca. 1725–80) (Mingo Indian): speech of, 341–2, 343n London: Times, 335n Long, Stephen Harriman: Account of an Expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains, performed in the years 1819 and ’20 (E. James), 247, 248n; identified, 223–4n; recommended by R. Walsh, 223, 247, 248n, 248; and Va. Board of Public Works, 223, 247, 248, 317 Long Island of the Holston, Treaty of (1777), 576 longitude: W. Lambert on calculating, 36, 628; TJ on calculating, 197–201, 208–9, 210–1; and western exploration, 197–8, 211 looming, phenomenon of, 207 lotteries: for Washington, D.C., 17, 663 Louis IX (Saint Louis), king of France, 439 Louis XV, king of France: mentioned, 587 Louis XVI, king of France: reign of, 466, 467–8 Louis XVIII, king of France: and French invasion of Spain (1823), 467, 468n, 489, 542, 543n, 587; speeches of, 335n, 542, 543n; TJ on, 540–1, 657

Louis, Antoine: sets TJ’s wrist, 233 Louisiana (Spanish and French colony). See Louisiana Territory Louisiana (state): elections in, 535; French interference in, 706; and presidential election of 1824, 220–1; as slave state, 263n Louisiana Territory: books on, 393–4, 417; TJ’s role in purchasing, 22n; and Treaty of Paris (1803), 646, 710, 711n. See also Lewis, Meriwether Lowber, Edward: and University of Virginia, 62, 186, 190, 191, 238 Lowell, Charles: Congregational clergyman, 360n; identified, 12:102n Lowell, John: family of, 360n; B. Waterhouse on, 360 Lowth, Robert: A Short Introduction to English Grammar, 507 Loyall, George: identified, 370n; invited to visit Monticello, 451; letter from, 370; letter to, 451; as member of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, lv, 39, 40n, 269, 274, 292, 324, 350, 370, 383, 395, 398, 451, 517, 565–6, 604; portrait of, lv, 424 (illus.); as Va. legislator, lv, 254, 368, 369, 370; visits Monticello, 603n Lucan (Marcus Annaeus Lucanus): Lucan’s Pharsalia (trans. N. Rowe), 507 Lucan’s Pharsalia (Lucan; trans. N. Rowe), 507 Lucretius (Titus Lucretius Carus): quoted, 81 Ludlam, Lewis. See Lewis Ludlam & Company (Richmond firm) Ludlow, Edmund: Memoirs, 506 lumber: used at University of Virginia, 62, 63, 185, 189, 446, 447 Lyle, James (1798–1850): identified, 16:415–6n; TJ’s bond with, 495 Lynchburg, Va.: mail service to, 482 Lyttelton, George, Baron Lyttelton: Dialogues of the Dead, 508; Letters of the late Lord Lyttelton, 505 McAllister, Randall: and University of Virginia, 50, 55 macaroni: T. J. Randolph orders, 642; sent to TJ, 103; TJ orders, 641–2 Macaulay, Catharine: The History of England from the Accession of James I. to that of the Brunswick Line, 506

 760 

INDEX McCall, Richard: forwards letter, 211; identified, 212n; letter from, 211–2 McCormick, A.: and University of Virginia, 57 McCrie, Thomas: The Life of John Knox, 506 McCulloch, John: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 120, 123n McCulloch, Robert: identified, 12:49n; and University of Virginia, 51 McCulloch v. Maryland, 687–8, 701n machines: corn-shelling, 678–9, 708–9; equilateral level, 207, 226; hoisting, 164, 226, 279, 496n; land-clearing, 95, 96n, 141; polygraph, 88, 106–7, 108; straw-cutting, 207, 226, 279; threshing, 394n, 398 McKay, Andrew: and University of Virginia, 47 McKay (MKay), Angus: and University of Virginia, 46, 50, 55 McKay, Samuel: as Bloomfield, Ky., postmaster, 235 McKean, Thomas: and Declaration of Independence, 470, 470–1, 541; identified, 472n; letter from, to C. A. Rodney, 470–2; military service of, 471; and Stamp Act Congress, 470, 472n McKee, Andrew: and University of Virginia, 47 McKennie, C. P. & J. H. (firm). See C. P. & J. H. McKennie (firm) Mackenzie, John: Memoirs of the Life and Writings of John Calvin, 508 McKinney, James: identified, 1:92n; partnership with T. M. Randolph, 24, 26 McRae, John: identified, 680n; letter from, 679–80; letter to, 692–3; and Petersburg volunteers, 679, 692 McRee, William: as engineer, 317n, 469 McSparran, Erasmus: and University of Virginia, 47, 50, 51, 52n, 63 Madeira (wine), 367, 371, 385, 477, 483 Madison, Mr.: and Shadwell Mills, 25–6 Madison, Dolley Payne Todd (James Madison’s wife): family of, 670n; TJ invites to Monticello, 483; TJ sends greetings to, 169, 283; visits Monticello, 519n Madison, James (1751–1836): and Agricultural Society of Albemarle, 64, 359–60, 362n, 479; and appointments, 297, 299n; and biography of

E. Gerry, 282, 297; biography of proposed, 427; and construction of University of Virginia, 475, 565–6, 569–70; correspondence of, 680n, 692n, 701n; and T. Coxe, 392, 409–10; and establishment of University of Virginia, 317, 442, 443, 444; on federalism, 298, 698–700; The Federalist, 506, 699, 700n; forwards medals to TJ, 540, 586; and Fourth of July celebrations, 692n; and A. Gallatin, 706; health of, 297; identified, 1:7n; and internal improvements, 298, 622; invitations to, 680n; and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n, 560, 561n; as legal authority, 166n; letter from accounted for, 410n; letter of introduction to, 483; letters from, 296–9, 392–3, 475–6, 565, 696–701; letters to, 169–70, 282–3, 383, 409–10, 452, 456, 483, 569–71, 670; letters to, from T. Coxe, 329–32, 333–5; letter to, from J. C. Cabell, 565–6; as member of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 39, 169, 282–3, 292, 296–7, 383, 392, 395, 409, 451, 452, 456, 475–6, 481, 483, 485, 517, 565, 570, 604, 670; and J. Monroe, 194n; and party politics, 216–7, 298, 428–9, 670, 698; and pedometers, 108n; Political Observations, 700; portraits of, 705; praised, 563; presidency of, 251; and presidential elections, 333–4, 392, 409–10, 562; presidential messages of, 299n; Report of 1800, 687–8; as secretary of state, 429, 664; and H. G. Spafford, 196n; and Supreme Court’s functioning, 282, 297–8, 299n, 670, 699–700; TJ introduces J. D. Hunter to, 169; TJ invites to Monticello, 483; TJ plans visit to, 169; TJ’s correspondence sent to, 282–3, 296–8, 670, 696; and TJ’s health, 169, 283, 298; in University of Virginia account, 48; as U.S. representative, 700; visits Monticello, 519n, 565; and war with Great Britain, 251; and G. Washington’s Farewell Address, 662, 667n, 670, 696–7; wine sent to, 479; works sent to, 139n, 170n, 194n, 202n, 246n, 249n, 260n, 350n, 364n, 419n, 436n, 631n, 644n. See also Montpellier (Montpelier; J. Madison’s Orange Co. estate) magnets: and B. F. Peale, 358

 761 

INDEX Magruder, Allan B.: Political, Commercial and Moral Reflections, on the late cession of Louisiana, to the United States, 393–4, 417 Magruder, Patrick: clerk of U.S. House of Representatives, 365; identified, 2:428n Magruder, Thomas: identified, 17:607– 8n; letter from, 393–4; letter to, 417; and sons’ education, 393, 417 Magruder’s mill (Fluvanna Co.), 5 Mahanes, Samuel: and University of Virginia, 47 Mahmud II, sultan of Ottoman Empire: criticized, 304–5, 306n; opinion of sought, 67, 68n Maine: elections in, 563; Republicans in, 329 malaria (ague and fever): J. C. Cabell’s, 31. See also fevers Mallet, David: tragedies of, 507 Malthus, Thomas Robert: An Essay on the principle of population, 359, 362n, 506; Principles of Political Economy, considered with a view to their practical Application, 508 mammoth. See mastodon (mammoth, Ohio) Manners and Customs of Several Indian Tribes located west of the Mississippi (J. D. Hunter), 169, 170n Mansfield, Jared: identified, 16:570–1n; letter from accounted for, 309n; letter to, 655; as professor at U.S. Military Academy, 655 Mansfield, William Murray, 1st Earl of: on court opinions, 98; TJ on, 98 Manuel de Piété a l’usage des Hommes de Couleur et des Noirs (H. Grégoire), 609, 610n Manuel D’Histoire Naturelle (J. F. Blumenbach), 508 Manufacturers’ & Farmers’ Journal, and Providence and Pawtucket Advertiser (newspaper), 624–5n manufacturing: of clothing, 615; paper, 705; and protection of industry, 615; and tariffs, 536n. See also mills; textiles maps: of Albemarle Co., xlix (illus.); of TJ’s Virginia, l–li (illus.); of University of Virginia, xlv (illus.), xlvi–xlvii (illus.), xlviii (illus.); of U.S., 610n; of Virginia, 198–9, 405. See also geography

Marat, Jean Paul: leader of French Revolution, 411 marble: Carrara, 77–8, 498; and G. Raggi and M. Raggi, 259, 684; sent to TJ, 278; for University of Virginia, 259, 282, 478, 684, 702, 702, 705; in Va., 278 Marbury, William: and Marbury v. Madison, 664 Marbury v. Madison: TJ on, 664 Marcet, Jane Haldimand: Conversations on Chemistry: in which the elements of that science are familiarly explained, 508 Marcus Aurelius (Roman emperor): mentioned, 669 Marguetel de Saint Denis, Charles de, Seigneur de Saint Évremond: Letters Supposed to have passed between M. De St. Evremond and Mr. Waller (J. Langhorne), 506, 509n Maria (TJ’s slave; b. 1798): children of, 332; valuation of, 332 Marie Antoinette, queen of France: friends of, 245 Marks, Anne Scott Jefferson (TJ’s sister; Hastings Marks’s wife): health of, 644–5; identified, 6:35n Marmontel, Jean François: memoirs of, 506 marriage: of F. W. Eppes and M. E. C. Randolph, 116n, 204; in utopian societies, 377, 378 marsala (wine), 72, 228 Marseille. See Dodge, Joshua Marshall, John: as chief justice of U.S. Supreme Court, 98, 100n, 218, 222n, 223n, 365, 646, 663, 664, 666; identified, 4:302n; and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n; Life of George Washington, 97, 100n, 217, 298, 299n, 428, 507, 529; and Marbury v. Madison, 664; and papers of G. Washington, 529, 532n; TJ on, 664; and XYZ Affair, 172, 173n, 282 Marsteller, Lewis H.: identified, 605n; witnesses document, 605 Martin, John: estate of, 319n Martin, John Ponsonby: identified, 319n; letter from, 319; letter to, 339; and property seized during American Revolution, 319n; and TJ’s debt to S. Martin, 319, 339 Martin, Lewis Burwell: family of, 319n

 762 

INDEX Martin, Samuel (d. 1800): and property seized during American Revolution, 319n; TJ’s debt to, 319, 339 Martyn, Henry: Memoir of the Rev. Henry Martyn, B.D. (J. Sargent), 508 Mary II, queen of Great Britain: and College of William and Mary, 437; reign of, 462 Maryland: and education, 138, 139n, 162, 349–50, 372–3; elections in, 563; learned societies in, 276 Maryland Agricultural Society, 479 Maryland Gazette (Annapolis news­ paper), 304, 351, 545 The Maryland Resolutions, and the Objections to Them Considered (V. Maxcy), 138, 139n, 162 Mascagni, Paolo: anatomical plates of, 76 Mason, John (of Georgetown, D.C.): identified, 1:23n; mentioned, 449 Mason, John Mitchell: identified, 18:236n; proposed biography of A. Hamilton, 428, 529 Mason, John Thomson (1787–1850): identified, 4:53n; introduces J. A. Miralla, 577–8; letter from, 577–8 Mason, William (poet): tragedies of, 507 Massachusetts: Congregationalism in, 360–1, 363n; education in, 138, 139n, 293, 294n; Federalists in, 221, 329; and Hartford Convention, 220; Republicans in, 329 Massachusetts Historical Society: Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 348–9 Massie, Charles: identified, 9:124–5n; TJ’s debt to, 494 mastodon (mammoth, Ohio): at Philadelphia Museum, liv, 108 mathematics: books on, 616–8; collegiate education in, 295; geometry, 249; logarithms, 33, 33–6; TJ on, 631 Maupin, Mrs.: and University of Virginia, 50 Maury, Butler: and wine for TJ, 228 Maury, James (1746–1840): as consul at Liverpool, 335; identified, 1:82n; letter from, 335; sends works to TJ, 335 Maury, Matthew (of Albemarle): and University of Virginia, 186, 189 Maury, Matthew W.: identified, 15:355n; and University of Virginia, 48

Maury, Reuben: and Central College– University of Virginia, 56, 59n Maury, Thomas Walker: account with TJ, 385; identified, 4:500n; letter from, 385 Maverick, Peter: account with TJ, 213, 255; as engraver, 144; identified, 144n; letters from, 144, 213, 255–6; letter to, 161–2; and University of Virginia ground plan, 24, 144, 145, 161–2, 213, 213, 224, 227, 227, 229, 232, 255, 255, 256, 276, 295 Maxcy, Virgil: identified, 139n; letter from, 138–9; letter to, 162; The Maryland Resolutions, and the Objections to Them Considered, 138, 139n, 162; and public education, 138, 139n, 162 Maxwell, Hiram: legal case of, 403n, 437 Maxwell, William: identified, 87–8n; introduced to TJ, 87; and University of Virginia, 87; visits Monticello, 87 Mayo, Edward C.: as Va. legislator, 285 Mayo, Frederick August: binds books for TJ, 91, 135–6, 137, 143, 146, 151, 163; identified, 13:456–7n; letters from, 91, 146; letters to, 135–6, 163; TJ pays, 137, 143; TJ’s account with, 146, 163 Mayo, John W.: and Central College– University of Virginia, 53, 189 Mayo, Robert: identified, 17:61–2n; and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 322–3, 343, 560–1; letters from, 322–3, 560–1; letter to, 343 Mazzei, Elisabetta. See Pini, Elisabetta Mazzei (Philip Mazzei’s daughter; Andrea Pini’s wife) Mazzei, Philip: identified, 3:380–1n; TJ’s debt to, 75–6, 495, 548–9 Mead, Elijah: identified, 668n; letter from, 668; letter to, 694; “Rise and Progress of Botanical Science,” 668, 694 medals: commemorating Revolutionary War service, liv, 424 (illus.), 424 (illus.), 540, 541n; sent to TJ, liv, 540, 541n, 586 medicine: bandages, 206, 308n, 418n; bloodletting, 115; books on, 386, 453; cinchona (Peruvian bark), 31; education in, 169, 246, 386, 569; laudanum, 206; ointments, 206; and physicians, 359, 614; slings, 283, 308n; tents (medicated rolls), 206; TJ on, 249; in utopian societies, 377, 378; works on,

 763 

INDEX medicine (cont.) forwarded to TJ, 260. See also health; public health Mediterranean Sea: American trade on, 124, 125 Meeks, Edmund: identified, 14:541–2n; TJ pays, 14 Megear, Michael: identified, 613n; letter from, 612–3; letter to, 629–30; and Quakers, 612–3, 629–30 Meigs, Return Jonathan (ca. 1765–1825): identified, 8:352n; letter from, 432; letter to, 425; as postmaster general, 425, 432 Melish, John: identified, 3:385–6n; Views on Political Economy, from the Description of the United States, 591, 592n Melmoth, William: Letters on Several Subjects (written as “Sir Thomas Fitzosborne”), 506 Mémoires de la vie du comte de Grammont (A. Hamilton), 508 Memoires de Maximilien de Bethune, Duc de Sully (Sully), 506 Mémoires des Commissaires du Roi et de ceux de sa Majesté Britannique (É. de Silhouette), 463–4 Mémoires du Cardinal de Retz (Gondi), 508 Mémoires du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, 352, 353n “Mémoire sur la Greffe Banks. Nouvelle Sorte” (A. Thoüin), 353n Memoir of the Rev. Henry Martyn, B.D. (J. Sargent), 508 A Memoir on the Cultivation of the Vine in America, and the Best Mode of Making Wine (J. Adlum), 455, 456n, 479, 528 Memoirs (E. Ludlow), 506 Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland (J. Dalrymple), 508 Memoirs of the Court of King James the First (L. Aikin), 508 Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth (L. Aikin), 508 Memoirs of the Life and Writings of John Calvin (J. Mackenzie), 508 Memoirs of the Life of the right honorable William Pitt (G. P. Tomline), 508 Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States (H. Lee), 96–7, 100n

Memorial de Sainte Helene. Journal of the Private Life and Conversations of the Emperor Napoleon at Saint Helena (Las Cases), 546, 547n, 569, 584, 669 Mémorial de Sainte-Hélène, ou Journal ou se trouve consigné, jour par jour, ce qu’a dit et fait Napoléon durant dixhuit mois (Las Cases), 517, 546 mental illness: correspondent described by TJ as insane, 614n; of B. T. Dulany’s son, 449; TJ on, 573 Mercator (Plautus; trans. G. Colman), 508 Mercer, Hugh (ca. 1725–77), 427 merchants: TJ on, 650 mercury: used in thermometers, 487 Mercury (Roman deity), 112n meridian (astronomical instrument), 7 Message from the President of the United States, transmitting a Report of William Lambert, on the subject of the Longitude of the Capitol of the United States. January 9, 1822 (1822; J. Monroe), 211 metaphysics: study of, 570 meteorological observations. See weather meteorology: works on, 207 Methodists: in Charlottesville, 126; in Pa., 79 Mexico: and Cuba, 686, 709; as empire, 3, 26–7, 28n, 193, 194n, 205, 639, 640n; and European powers, 305, 707; TJ on, 205; and U.S., 543, 639; yellow fever in, 194n Michaux, André: and western exploration, 197, 201n Michie, Jonathan: and University of Virginia, 57 Micou, William F.: and University of Virginia, 58, 59n, 190 microscopes, 419n Middleton, Ann Elbertina Van Ness (Arthur Middleton’s wife): death of, 236, 237n, 269–70; family of, 236, 237n Middleton, Arthur (1795–1853): family of, 236, 237n, 269–70; grief of, 236, 269–70; identified, 236–7n; letter from, 236–7; letter to, 269–70; sends work to TJ, 236, 269; and TJ’s health, 236; visits Monticello, 237n Middleton, Conyers: History of the Life of Marcus Tullius Cicero, 505 Miguel (Michael), prince of Portugal: description of, 357

 764 

INDEX militia: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 118–23; of Va., 679, 692; and War of 1812, 680n; works on, 643 milk: at Poplar Forest, 550, 551 Miller, Boyd: account with TJ, 154–5; identified, 155n; and TJ’s debt to A. Robertson & Company, 495, 496n Miller, James (1776–1851): War of 1812 service of, 427 Miller, Pleasant Moorman: and election of 1824, 533–5; identified, 536n; letter from, 533–6 Miller, William (ca. 1783–1825): and statue of G. Washington, 499–502 millet, 564, 606, 635 Millot, Claude François Xavier: Élémens de l’Histoire de France, depuis Clovis jusqu’à Louis XV, 506; Élémens d’Histoire Générale, 505 mills: tools for constructing, 207. See also manufacturing; Monticello: sawmill at; Shadwell mills Mills, Robert: architectural designs of, 17n; identified, 2:438n; Internal Improvement of South-Carolina, Particularly Adapted to the Low Country, 22; letter from accounted for, 309n; letter to, 22; and S.C. Board of Public Works, 22 Milner, Joseph: The History of the Church of Christ, 508 Milton, Va.: boats traveling to and from, 32, 78, 85, 636; post office at, 325, 335, 424, 425, 425; warehouses at, 671, 685 Milton, John: mentioned, 234, 321; Paradise Lost, 506; quoted, 464n mineralogy: collections of minerals, 358; collegiate education in, 29 Minerva (Roman deity): birth of, 527. See also Athena (Pallas Athena) (Greek deity) Mingo Indians, 343n Minor, Martha Jefferson Terrell (TJ’s sister Martha Jefferson Carr’s granddaughter; Dabney Minor’s second wife): correspondence of, 308n; and TJ’s health, 308n Minor, Peter: and Central College–­ University of Virginia subscription, 53; identified, 3:146n; and University of Virginia, 47, 58 Minot, George Richards: The History of the Insurrections, in Massachusetts, 507

Mint, U.S.: and medals commemorating American Revolution, 586 Mirabaud, Jean Baptiste de: work by Holbach attributed to, 621n Miralla, José Antonio: on Cuba, 686, 703, 709; identified, 703–4n; introduced to TJ, 577–8; letter from, 703–5; sends work to E. W. R. Coolidge, 703; TJ introduces, 686, 686; visits Monticello, 703, 704n The Mirror, 508 Mississippi (state): elections in, 535 Mississippi River: and commerce, 220; compared to Nile, 439; mentioned, 341; and navigation rights, 70n, 138; U.S. rights to, 601, 710; and western exploration, 197 Missouri question: congressional consideration of, 624; as legislative distraction, 663; TJ on, 102, 105, 112 Missouri River: and western exploration, 197, 198 Mitchell, Johnson: and University of Virginia, 46 Mitchell, Thomas (1783–1845): translates The Comedies of Aristophanes (Aristophanes), 507 Mitchell, Ames, & White (Philadelphia firm), 546–7 Mitchill, Samuel Latham: identified, 8:604n; introduces W. Case, 416; letter from, 566; letter to, 592–3; and Société Linnéenne de Paris, 566, 592 Mitford, William: The History of Greece, 507 Modena, Francis: and University of Virginia, 190 Molière (Jean Baptiste Poquelin): Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, 602, 603n; comedies of, 507; Tartuffe, 657 Monroe, Andrew: family of, 71 Monroe, Eliza. See Hay, Eliza Monroe (James Monroe’s daughter; George Hay’s wife) Monroe, Elizabeth Kortright (James Monroe’s wife): proposed visit to Monticello, 71 Monroe, James (1758–1831): and appointments, 25, 30, 72, 205, 338n, 543, 589; biography of proposed, 427; cabinet of, 104, 105n, 336–7; and Central College–University of Virginia subscription, 53; correspondence of, 692n; and Cuba, 543, 656–7, 686–7, 709–10; and European affairs, 491,

 765 

INDEX Monroe, James (1758–1831) (cont.) 542–3, 638–9, 652, 656–8, 710; family of, 71, 651, 711; finances of, 326–7, 651; and Fourth of July celebrations, 692n, 710–1; as governor of Va., 123n; identified, 1:349n; and internal improvements, 622; and Latin American affairs, 543, 656–7; letter from accounted for, 30n; letters from, 71, 193–4, 326–7, 542–3, 638–40, 651–2, 709–12; letters to, 205, 396–7, 397–8, 491, 656–8, 673–4, 686–7; and J. Madison, 194n; as member of Confederation Congress, 705; and newspaper subscriptions, 249; pays taxes, 394–5n; plans to visit TJ, 543; portraits of, 705; praised, 251; presidency of, 70n, 193, 211, 251, 331, 336–8, 397, 562; presidential messages of, 622, 711–2; and Randolph family, 651–2, 674; and sculpture of G. Washington, 499; TJ’s friendship with, 656, 673–4; and TJ’s health, 193, 205, 639; and TJ’s land, 398; and University of Virginia, 58, 190, 639, 674; and U.S. foreign relations, 638–9, 656–7, 710, 711; visits Loudoun Co., 638; visits to Monticello canceled, 71, 638. See also Highland (J. Monroe’s Albemarle Co. estate); Oak Hill (J. Monroe’s Loudoun Co. estate) Monroe, James (1799–1870): and valuation of Highland estate, 326, 394 Monroe, Maria Hester. See Gouverneur, Maria Hester Monroe (James Monroe’s daughter; Samuel L. Gouverneur’s wife) Montagu, Lady Mary Wortley: Letters Of the Right Honourable Lady M—y W—y M—e: Written, during her Travels in Europe, Asia and Africa, 506 Montesquieu, Charles Louis de Secondat: Esprit des Lois, 506. See also Destutt de Tracy, Antoine Louis Claude: Commentary and Review of Montesquieu’s Spirit of Laws Montgolfier, Mr.: biography of, 586 Montgomery, Richard: as general, 427 Monthly Repository of Theology and General Literature: and publication of TJ’s writings, 620; publishes TJ’s syllabus of Jesus’s doctrines, 245, 619, 621n; publishes F. A. Van der Kemp’s writings, 619

Monticello (TJ’s Albemarle Co. estate): bathing at, 705n; burials at, 235, 236n; carpenters at, 347; cisterns at, 642–3; cuddy at, liv–lv, 424 (illus.), 424 (illus.), 645; described, 366, 410; Dining Room (Breakfast Room), 660n; Dome Room, liv, 645; flour from, 38, 133, 152, 494, 496; furnishings at, 645; gardens, 366, 484; hogs at, 485; icehouse at, 383n; insurance on, 671, 685; main house at, 680n; North Pavilion, 192–3n; Parlor (Drawing Room), 660n; poultry at, 150; rodents at, 645; salt for, 496; sawmill at, 4; schooling at, 454n; slaves at, 659; South Pavilion, 192–3n; stage stops at, 451; stairs at, 168–9n; stonework at, 659–60; terraces at, 149–50, 231, 308n; TJ’s cabinet, 366, 410–1; tobacco crop at, 494, 496, 591, 594, 636, 659n; view from, 366; water for, 705n; West Portico, liv, 150n, 645, 659–60; windows at, 645. See also naileries Overseers at wages for, 496 (See also Bacon, Edmund) Visitors to Cabell, Joseph C., 368, 565; Carr, Dabney O., 454n; Case, Walter, 416; Cocke, John H., 32n; Coles, Isaac A., 603n; Dodge, Joshua, 464, 641; Erving, George W., 589–90; Gibson, Henry, 106, 300; Giles, Thomas Tabb, 577, 653; Granger, Francis, 279; Hunter, John Dunn, 169, 170n, 555; Huntington, William, 464; Loyall, George, 603n; Madison, Dolley and James, 519n, 565; Maxwell, William, 87; Middleton, Arthur (1795–1853), 237n; Miralla, José Antonio, 703, 704n; Monroe, James, 71; Petersburg volunteers, 680n; Randolph, Mary, 645n; Randolph, Thomas M. (1798–1835), 228; Reider, Johann Adam von, 652; Rodney, Caesar A., 470; Ruggles, William, 637; Smith, Margaret Bayard and Samuel H., 366–7, 410–1, 412n; Smyth, Alexander, 150n; Ticknor, George, 678; Trist, Elizabeth, 645n; Walsh, Robert, 511; Williams, Ennion, 7

 766 

INDEX Montpellier (Montpelier; J. Madison’s Orange Co. estate): visitors to, 170n moon: and astronomical calculations, 33, 35–6, 199–200, 208–9, 210–1, 628; calculations of motion, position, and distance of, 210–1 Moony (Mooney), David: and University of Virginia, 177 Moony (Mooney), William: and University of Virginia, 177 Moore, Edward (1712–57): works of, 507 Moore, John (1729–1802): A View of Society and Manners in France, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, 505 Moore, Martin: and University of Virginia, 46 Moore, Richard Channing: identified, 10:151n; and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n Moore, Thomas (of South Carolina): as character reference, 648 More, Hannah: works of, 508 Morgan, Daniel: Revolutionary War service of, 427 Morris, Ann Cary Randolph (Martha Jefferson Randolph’s sister-in-law; Gouverneur Morris’s wife): forwards correspondence through TJ, 431; identified, 18:409n; letter from, 431 Morris, Gouverneur: identified, 10:478n; and Newburgh Conspiracy, 216, 531, 532n, 697 Morris, Robert (1735–1806): signer of Declaration of Independence, 471 Morrison, James: identified, 284n; letter from, 283–4; and W. C. Nicholas’s estate, 92, 283 Morse, James Otis: and election of 1824, 537, 571, 643, 712; identified, 537n; letters from, 537, 643; letters to, 571, 712 Morse, Sidney Edwards: identified, 389n; letter from, 388–9; letter to, 437–8; A New System of Modern Geography, or a View of the Present State of the World, 388, 389n, 437–8 Moseley, Anne: buys Bedford Co. land, 203, 204n, 420, 421n Moses (Hebrew prophet), 305, 306n, 623 Mosheim, Johann Lorenz: An ecclesiastical history, ancient and modern, from the birth of Christ to the beginning of the eighteenth century, 508

mud daubers, liv, 645 mules: taxes on, 338; TJ purchases, 85 Mullett, James: identified, 558n; Resolutions of the Republican Members of the New York State Legislature, 556–7 Munford, William: identified, 10:447–8n; as Va. keeper of the rolls, 455 Murray, David R.: identified, 18:479n; and public education in Ky., 259n muscatel (wine), 641–2 Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, 352 museums: in Baltimore, 107; Philadelphia Museum, liii–liv, 107, 108n, 358, 418; Virginia Museum, 141 music: study of, 276; in utopian societies, 377 mustard: purchased by TJ, 8, 12 Mutual Assurance Society: and Milton warehouses, 671, 685; and TJ’s insurance, 86, 550, 671, 671, 684, 685 Myers, Jasper: and University of Virginia, 189 Myers, Peter: and University of Virginia, 189 Naboth (Old Testament figure), 360, 362n naileries: nail-rod and iron stock, 496, 584, 594 nail files, 603n nails: brads, 9; purchased by TJ, 11, 14, 102–3; sprigs, 10, 277; for University of Virginia, 62, 185, 189, 239, 310, 404. See also naileries N. & J. & R. van Staphorst (Amsterdam firm): identified, 9:581n; TJ’s debt to, 494 Naples, kingdom of (later Kingdom of the Two Sicilies): revolution in, 334 Napoleon I, emperor of France: J. Adams on, 439; armies of, 667n; campaigns of, 27; defeated at Battle of Waterloo, 542; “Funeral Eulogy Pronounced at St. Helena over the Tomb of Napoleon” (H. G. Bertrand), 591, 592n; and Great Britain, 657; mentioned, 465; Napoleon in Exile; or, A Voice from St. Helena (ed. B. E. O’Meara), 411, 412n; physician of, 76; portraits of, 623, 625n, 636; quoted, 601; and Spain, 704n; TJ on, 411, 412n; and U.S., 710; works on, 517, 546, 569

 767 

INDEX Napoleon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte, king of Rome (son of Napoleon I; later styled Napoleon II): and line of succession, 639, 640n Napoleon in Exile; or, A Voice from St. Helena (Napoleon I; ed. B. E. O’Meara), 411, 412n A Narrative of the Expedition to Dongola and Sennaar, under the command of his Excellence Ismael Pasha (G. B. English), 439, 440n National Intelligencer (Washington newspaper): advertisements in, 652n; mentioned, 332n; prints congressional proceedings, 338n; prints essays by T. Paine, 367n; prints TJ’s correspondence, 528n; reports on TJ’s health, 168–9, 563 “A Native of Virginia” (pseudonym): accuses TJ of misuse of public funds, 3, 91–2, 256; opposition to in U.S. newspapers, 32–3; TJ’s replies to, 32–3 The Natural and Civil History of Vermont (S. Williams), 507 Natural Bridge, Va.: proposed sale of TJ’s lands at, 131–2, 141 natural history: artistic depictions of, 107–8; collections, 18; museums of, liii–liv, 108, 358; observations on, 563–4; study of, 358 natural philosophy: collegiate education in, 565, 570 Naval History of the United States (T. Clark), 508 navigation: and due east and west lines, 22–3, 66–7, 68n Navy Department, U.S.: and W. ­Annesley’s shipbuilding techniques, 142, 157; applications to, 71–2, 196; appointments to, 116–7, 141–2, 163; and dry docks, 125, 126n; establishment of, 73–4, 124–5, 126n; and floating batteries, 125; TJ on, 124–5; war vessels of, 142. See also Thompson, Smith Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon: J. Adams on, 439 Ned (African American): and University of Virginia, 46, 50 Negrin, Paul: and University of Virginia, 47, 49, 50, 52n Neilson (Nelson), John: Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Agreement with James Dinsmore and John Neilson for

Carpentry and Joining for the University of Virginia Rotunda, 446, 447, 447–8, 450, 452; as builder for Central College–University of Virginia, 46, 50, 54, 62, 186, 188, 237, 238, 310, 395–6, 446, 447–8, 544n, 552, 582; correspondence with J. H. Cocke, 395–6n; identified, 5:299–300n; letter from, 582; TJ’s debt to, 495 Nekervis, William: as cashier of Farmers’ Bank of Virginia, 611n; identified, 17:274n Nelson, Mr. See Neilson (Nelson), John Nelson, Hugh: identified, 1:500n; Madisons visit, 519n; as U.S. representative from Va., 337; and valuation of J. Monroe’s Highland estate, 394 Nelson, Thomas: as agent to Va. penitentiary store, 106n Nelson County, Va.: jail, 688–90; Proceedings of the Board of School Commissioners, in the County of Nelson, 315, 316n Nelson County Court, Va., 688–9 Nepos, Cornelius: works of, 505 The Netherlands: government of, 334; invasion of, 466; relations with France, 245, 489; relations with U.S., 406, 408n; scholarship in, 559 A New American Biographical Dictionary (T. J. Rogers), 341–2 A New and Impartial History of England (J. Baxter), 506, 509n. See also The History of England, from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688 (D. Hume) Newcomb, John H.: and University of Virginia, 57 New England: politics in, 563 The New English Drama (ed. W. Oxberry), 507 New Jersey: elections in, 563 The New Olive Branch: or, an attempt to establish an identity of interest between Agriculture, Manufactures, and Commerce (M. Carey), 591, 592n New Orleans: in American Revolution, 341; slave market in, 494, 496n New Orleans (ship), 149n New Orleans, Battle of (1815): TJ on, 99, 101, 104, 113; and Treaty of Ghent, 100n newspapers: Annapolis Maryland Gazette, 304, 351, 545; Baltimore Niles’ Weekly Register, 470, 472n; Baltimore

 768 

INDEX Patriot & Mercantile Advertiser, 693n; Boston American Statesman & City Register, 334; Boston Columbian Centinel, 332n; Charleston City Gazette and Commercial Daily Advertiser, 215, 222n; Charlottesville Central Gazette, 70, 70–1; Charlottesville Virginia Advocate, 615; Federal Republican and Baltimore Telegraph, 32–3; and freedom of the press, 252; Georgetown, D.C., Federal Republican, 365; Lancaster, Pa., Washingtoniana prospectus, 425–6, 426–8; Lexington, Ky., Reporter, 122–4; London Times, 335n; Manufacturers’ & Farmers’ Journal, and Providence and Pawtucket Advertiser, 624–5n; New Haven Columbian Register, 633–4; New York Atlas, 615; Petersburg Intelligencer, 693n; Philadelphia American Sentinel, 330, 332n, 334; Philadelphia Democratic Press, 330, 332n, 334; Philadelphia Gazette of the United States, 330; politics of, 333–4; Providence Literary Subaltern, 615; Richmond Virginia Times, 249, 250–2, 271, 424; subscriptions to, by TJ, 424n, 635, 656, 672, 681, 687; TJ on, 23, 101, 104, 111, 112, 656; and University of Virginia, 368; J. Wilkinson on, 27. See also National Intelligencer (Washington newspaper); Richmond Enquirer (newspaper) A New System of Cultivation, without Lime, or Dung, or Summer Fallows (A. Beatson), 591, 592n, 606, 607n A New System of Modern Geography, or a View of the Present State of the World (S. E. Morse), 388, 389n, 437–8 A New System of Naval Architecture (W. Annesley), 142, 143n, 157 New York (city): banks in, 491, 522; yellow fever in, 24. See also Thompson, Jonathan: as collector at New York New York (state): agriculture in, 416; and canals, 171, 224–5, 469; currency, 521, 523; elections in, 105, 533–5, 556–7, 563; and land speculation, 602; legislature of, 556; Letters on the Natural History and Internal Resources of the State of New-York (“Hibernicus” [D. Clinton]), 171, 224–5; public records of, 244, 619–20; religion in, 80; Republicans in, 537, 556–7; Resolutions of the Republican

Members of the New York State Legislature, 556–8 New-York Society for Promoting Communities: sends work to TJ, 36–7, 86–7 Nicholas, George W.: and Fourth of July celebration, 690, 693; identified, 692n; letter from, 690–2; letter to, 693 Nicholas, Nelson: identified, 137n; letter from, 136–7; sends political commentaries to TJ, 136 Nicholas, Philip Norborne: identified, 17:273–4n; letter from, 459–61; recommends J. Tate and B. Tate, 459–60 Nicholas, Wilson Cary (1761–1820): bond with TJ and T. J. Randolph, 300, 311–2, 313n; estate of, 92–3, 283, 300, 311–2, 653; finances of, 285–6; identified, 1:223n; and Second Bank of U.S., 288–9; TJ endorses notes for, 203, 285–6, 397, 497, 636, 653 Nicholas Bassett & Company (firm). See Bassett & Company (firm) Nicholson, Frances Witter: family of, 706 Nicholson, Samuel: as American naval commander, 74n Nicole, Pierre: as grammarian, 407, 409n Nile River: J. Adams on, 439 Niles’ Weekly Register (Baltimore newspaper), 470, 472n Noah (Old Testament patriarch), 305, 306n nonius: and surveying, 6, 7n North American Review and Miscellaneous Journal, 215–6, 222n, 363–4, 428 North Carolina: agriculture in, 416–7; and American Revolution, 118–23, 130; elections in, 563; legislature of, 122, 502n; religion in, 80; statue for capitol of, 499–502; wine from, 115–6, 572 Northwest Territory: ceded by Va. legislature, 492–3 Notes on the State of Virginia (Thomas Jefferson): and G. L. L. Buffon, 564; first American edition, 621; and Indians, 341–2, 343n; recommended to Albemarle Library Society, 508; TJ as author of, 371, 621 Note Sur la culture et les usages du Chêne à glands doux ou Ballota. (Quercus Ballota) (A. Thoüin), 353n

 769 

INDEX Note Sur la culture et les usages du Pin Laricio de Corse (A. Thoüin), 353n Note Sur la Soude d’Alicante ou Barille (Salsola Sativa), L. (A. Thoüin), 353n Nouvel Abregé Chronologique de l’Histoire de France (C. J. F. Hénault), 510 Nunn, John: and University of Virginia, 53, 189, 191n nutmeg, 14 Oak Hill (J. Monroe’s Loudoun Co. estate): construction of, 327; preferred to Highland, 651, 673–4; sale of, 397; visits to, 638 Observations and Experiments On a new means of producing heat and light with the apparatus called the ‘American Water Burner’ (J. F. Dana), 29–30n, 64 Observations on Electricity, Looming, and Sounds (“Hortensius” [G. F. Hopkins]), 207 Observations on the Language of the Muhhekaneew Indians (J. Edwards; ed. J. Pickering), 348–9, 419 Observations on the Nomination of a Candidate for the Presidency (“A Citizen of Ohio”), 263–7 Observations Suggested by the Late Occurrences in Charleston (N. Herbemont), 81–2, 129 Ocellus (Greek philosopher): writings attributed to, 525, 526 Ocellus Lucanus en Grec et en François (Ocellus; trans. J. B. Boyer), 527n Oder, Elwood: and University of Virginia, 55 Odyssey (Homer): The Odyssey of Homer (trans. A. Pope), 506 O’Flaherty, Thomas John: demonstrations of language skills by, 442–3, 443–4, 444–5, 485; identified, 441n; letter from, 440–1; letter to, 485–6; seeks professorship, 440–1, 442, 443, 444–5, 456, 476, 483, 485–6 Of Wisdom (P. Charron; trans. G. Stanhope), 505 Ohio: and election of 1824, 263–7; and internal improvements, 267n; support for H. Clay in, 263–4, 267n Ohio River: mentioned, 341 oil: olive, 82n, 641–2; for TJ, 103; for University of Virginia, 239; used in construction, 277

Oldham, James: as builder for University of Virginia, 46, 48, 50, 57, 62, 186, 188, 237n, 238, 240, 268, 347–8, 367–8; complaint against A. S. Brockenbrough, 310–1, 347–8, 367–8, 514, 518, 537–8, 545, 546, 547, 552–3; identified, 3:520n; letter from, 545; letters to, 537–8, 547; Proposal for Rotunda Carpentry Work, 240; TJ on, 347 olives: cultivation of, 81, 129; oil, 82n, 641–2; trees, 129n Olivet, Pierre Joseph Thoulier d’: compiles Thoughts of Cicero (Cicero), 505 O’Meara, Barry E.: edits Napoleon in Exile; or, A Voice from St. Helena (Napoleon I), 411, 412n oratory: study of, 165 Orford, Horace (Horatio) Walpole, 4th Earl of. See Walpole, Horatio (Horace), 4th Earl of Orford Origen: Commentaria in Sacram Scripturam (ed. P. D. Huet), 526 Orlando Furioso (L. Ariosto; trans. J. Hoole), 507 Orléans, Louis Philippe, duc d’, 489 Orleans Territory. See Louisiana (state); Louisiana Territory Ormond, John James: and Albemarle Library Society, 509n, 607; and Fourth of July celebration, 690, 693; identified, 691n; letter from, 690–2; letter from accounted for, 509n; letter to, 693; letter to accounted for, 509n Osgood, David: death of, 361 osnaburg (oznabrig, oznaburg): fabric, 11; thread, 11 Otis, George Alexander: identified, 16:43n; letter from, 669; letter to, 694; sends work to TJ, 669, 694; translates History of the War of the Independence of the United States of America (C. G. G. Botta), 507, 669, 694 Otis, Harrison Gray: Federalist legislator, 334 Otis, James: The Life of James Otis, of Massachusetts (W. Tudor), 318, 373, 374n Otsego bass, 539, 567 Ottoman Empire. See Mahmud II, sultan of Ottoman Empire Otway, Thomas: tragedies of, 507 Outlines of An Historical View of the Progress of the Human Mind (Condorcet), 505

 770 

INDEX overseers. See Gough, William; Monticello: Overseers at; Poplar Forest: overseers at Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso): quoted, 159, 161n Owen, Robert: socialist vision of, 87n Owen, Thomas: translates Γεωπονικά. Agricultural Pursuits, 508, 509n Owings, Thomas Deye: and W. C. Nicholas’s estate, 92 Oxberry, William: edits The New English Drama, 507 Oxford, University of, 303, 456, 608 Oxley, Thomas: identified, 96n; as inventor, 95, 141; letter from, 95–6; letter to, 141 Oxnard, Thomas. See Dodge & Oxnard (Marseille firm) oysters, 12 oznaburg. See osnaburg (oznabrig, oznaburg) Pacific Ocean: and canal to Atlantic Ocean, 305; and western exploration, 198 Paine, Thomas: J. Adams on, 366, 367n; legacy of, 321; quoted, 157n paint, 185, 239 painting: books on, 669, 694; at University of Virginia, 62 paintings: composition of, liii–liv, 107–8; and light, 108; and C. W. Peale, liii–liv, 107–8; by J. Trumbull, 705. See also Jefferson, Thomas: Portraits Paley, William: works of, 505 Palladio, Andrea: The Architecture of A. Palladio (G. Leoni), 552; works of, as models for University of Virginia construction, 498–9, 524, 552 Pannill, William: identified, 679–80n; letter from, 679–80; letter to, 692–3; and Petersburg volunteers, 679, 692 pantaloons, 15, 559n Pantheon (Rome): as model for University of Virginia’s Rotunda, 490, 498, 552 paper: manufacture of, 705; packing, 375; for printing, 705; sandpaper, 10. See also stationery Paradise Lost (J. Milton), 506 Paris: meridian at, 208–9, 210; Treaty of (1763), 462; Treaty of (1783), 710, 711n; Treaty of (1803), 710, 711n

Paris, Université de (the Sorbonne), 303 Parsons, Oliver: and Dickinson Library Company, 327–8, 371–2; identified, 328n; letter from, 327–8; letter to, 371–2 Parsons, Theophilus: and B. Waterhouse, 360 Pascalis Ouvière, Felix Alexandre: identified, 15:285–6n; letter from, 566; letter to, 592–3; and Société Linnéenne de Paris, 566, 592 Pasha, Ismail: expedition of, 439 Pasteur, Elizabeth Stith (William Pasteur’s wife): and Poplar Forest land, 203 patents: of T. Oxley, 95, 96n; of H. G. Spafford, 195–6 Paterson, William: as Supreme Court justice, 218 Patrick, Saint, 306n patronage: letters of application and recommendation from TJ, 89, 128–9, 247, 309, 504; letters of application and recommendation to TJ, 71–2, 83, 106, 109–10, 116–7, 152–3, 223–4, 295–6, 300–1, 313–4, 364–5, 405, 440–1, 459–60, 469, 596–7 Patterson, Robert: identified, 1:193–4n; and instruction of M. Lewis, 197, 201n Patton, Mathew: as character reference, 649 Paul, Hugh: and University of Virginia, 47, 49, 55, 58 Paul, René: on arithmetic, 616–8; Elements of Arithmetic, 616–8; identified, 619n; letter from, 616–9 peaches: trees, 205 Peale, Benjamin Franklin: and magnets, 358; and Philadelphia Museum, 107, 358 Peale, Charles Willson: as artist, 107–8, 358; The Artist in His Museum, liii–liv, 107–8, 424 (illus.); The Artist in His Museum (study), liii, 107–8, 424 (illus.); family of, 107; health of, 88–9, 107; identified, 1:45–6n; letters from, 106–9, 358; letters to, 88–9, 418; makes dentures, 358; and mastodon, liv, 108; and pedometers, 107, 108n; and Philadelphia Museum, liii–liv, 107, 108n, 358, 418; and polygraph, 88, 106–7, 108, 358, 418; self-portraits, liii–liv, 107–8, 424 (illus.), 424 (illus.); and TJ’s health,

 771 

INDEX Peale, Charles Willson (cont.) 358, 418; on weather and urban life, 358 Peale, Rembrandt: Baltimore museum of, 107; identified, 4:357n Peale, Rubens: Baltimore museum of, 107 Peale, Titian Ramsay: family of, 107; and Philadelphia Museum, 107, 358 Peck, Lyman: as builder for University of Virginia, 396n Peck & Crawford (firm): and University of Virginia, 46, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 63, 177, 186, 189, 238 pedometers, 107, 108n pelisse cloth, 12, 16n Pelli-Fabbroni, Leopoldo: and death of G. Fabbroni, 343–4; family of, 344; identified, 346n; letter from, 343–6 Pelli Fabbroni, Teresa Bencivenni: death of, 344, 346n Pendleton, Edmund (1721–1803): as judge, 98; and revision of Va. laws, 420, 421n pendulum: in equilateral level, 207; in surveying, 198, 200 Penn, William: as role model, 382 Pennsylvania: education in, 81; and election of 1824, 331; elections in, 105, 535; politics in, 635; religion in, 79–80, 126; and state authority, 221 Pennsylvania, University of, 623 Pennsylvania State House (Philadelphia; later Independence Hall), 470–1 Percival, Thomas: Extracts from the Medical Ethics, 386, 387n Perkins, Ebenezer (ship captain), 498, 501n, 702 Perpignan, Peter: identified, 419n; letter from, 418–9; letter to, 438; and miniature portrait of G. Washington, 418–9, 438 Perry, John M.: as builder for Central College–University of Virginia, 47, 49, 51, 53, 56, 57, 63, 186, 188, 237, 238, 240, 268, 310, 396n; hires out slaves to University of Virginia, 179; identified, 1:192–3n; Proposal for Rotunda Brickwork, 240. See also Dinsmore & Perry (Albemarle Co. firm) Perry, Matthew Calbraith (ship captain), 300 Perry, Oliver Hazard: American naval commander, 427 Peru: U.S. chargé d’affaires in, 336, 338n

Peter III, emperor of Russia: and Catherine II (“the Great”), 357 Petersburg, Va.: militia of, 679, 680n, 692 Petersburg Intelligencer (newspaper), 693n Petersburg Volunteers: TJ meets, 680n Peter’s Letters to His Kinsfolk (J. G. Lockhart), 608, 625 Petit, Louis Michel: as medalist, liv Petronius (Titus Petronius Niger): Satyricon, 620, 621n Pettigrew, Ebenezer: and scuppernong wine, 115 Peyton, Bernard: account with TJ, 31, 38, 69, 132, 133, 152, 275, 367, 371, 503, 658–9, 695, 713; and books for TJ, 31, 478, 483, 493, 687; and Central College–University of Virginia subscription, 46; and corks for TJ, 385, 394; forwards goods for TJ, 24, 477, 477, 483–4, 568, 611; and goods for TJ, 38, 78, 78, 85, 103, 114, 137, 276, 367, 371, 394; identified, 6:51–2n; letters from, 30–1, 32–3, 38, 69, 78–9, 91–2, 132–3, 143–4, 151, 227–8, 232, 256, 275, 371, 385, 394, 464–5, 483–4, 493, 503, 585, 611, 684–5, 712–3; letters from accounted for, 275n, 465n, 611n, 695n; letters to, 25, 37–8, 65, 85, 110, 137, 227, 367, 476–7, 478, 550, 561, 594, 671; letters to accounted for, 385n, 493n, 503n; as merchant, 31, 464, 503; and nail-rod for TJ, 594; and “A Native of Virginia,” 32, 91–2, 256; payments made for TJ, 25, 32, 38, 65, 72, 79, 91, 110, 110, 132, 135–6, 136, 137, 143, 146, 151, 154, 162, 163, 193, 224, 227, 232, 255, 256, 271, 477, 478, 483, 488, 491, 550, 561, 594, 671, 671, 672, 681, 684–5, 685, 687; as T. J. Randolph’s agent, 483; as secretary of Va. Board of Public Works, 23n, 317; as surety for J. Preston, 371; and TJ’s bank notes, 69, 85, 91, 256, 275, 464, 476, 478, 561; and TJ’s flour, 38, 91, 110, 132, 133, 137, 144, 151, 152; and TJ’s health, 227; and TJ’s loan from Bank of Virginia, 32, 585; and TJ’s loan from Farmers’ Bank of Virginia, 30, 32, 37, 585, 611n; and TJ’s loan from Second Bank of U.S., 32, 585; and TJ’s tobacco, 550, 594, 658–9, 685,

 772 

INDEX 695, 712–3; and University of Virginia, 51, 54, 57, 184, 213, 227, 227, 232, 239, 256, 274, 294, 367, 371, 684; and wine for TJ, 151, 228, 256, 275, 307, 367, 371, 385, 394, 477, 483, 572, 611, 640 Phaedrus (ancient Roman fabulist): Fabularum Aesopiarum libri quinque (ed. N. Bailey), 669, 696 pharmacy. See medicine Phidias (Greek sculptor), 501, 502n Philadelphia: American Sentinel, 330, 332n, 334; builders’ prices in, 433, 446, 447–8, 450; Democratic Press, 330, 332n, 334; and medical education, 169; proposed book on, 68; statehouse in, 107–8 Philadelphia Museum: act of incorporation for, 107, 108n; described, 358; and mastodon, liv, 108; paintings in, liv; and C. W. Peale’s The Artist in His Museum, liii–liv, 107–8; rent for, 107, 108n; trustees of, liii, 107. See also Peale, Charles Willson Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of National Industry, 591 Phill (Phil) (TJ’s slave; b. 1808): valuation of, 332 Phillips, William (1750–1827): as deacon, 361n; Mass. lieutenant governor, 361n, 363n Phillips, William B.: as brick mason for University of Virginia, 47, 48, 53, 55, 56, 62, 183, 186, 188, 238, 446–7; identified, 14:164n philology: TJ on, 23, 66 Philosophical Essays (D. Stewart), 506 A Philosophical Survey of the Animal Creation (J. Bruckner), 508 The Philosophy of Rhetoric (G. Campbell), 506 physics: collegiate education in, 295 Pickering, John (1777–1846): edits Observations on the Language of the Muhhekaneew Indians (J. Edwards), 348–9, 419; identified, 15:55n; and Indian languages, 348, 419; letter from, 348–9; letter to, 419–20; proposed Greek lexicon by, 419–20 Pickering, Thomas: as builder for University of Virginia, 48; identified, 15:386n Pickering, Timothy: and J. Adams, 530; identified, 16:601–2n; memoirs of, 530; and XYZ Affair, 173n, 282

Pickett, George C.: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 46 Piedmont, Italy: revolution in, 334 pigs: at Monticello, 485 Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth: and XYZ Affair, 173n, 282 Pini, Andrea Tozzi (Elisabetta Mazzei Pini’s husband): identified, 12:265n; letter from, 548–50; and P. Mazzei’s estate, 76n, 495, 548–9 Pini, Elisabetta Mazzei (Philip Mazzei’s daughter; Andrea Pini’s wife): identified, 12:265n; letter from, 548–50; and P. Mazzei’s estate, 75–6, 495, 548–9 Pinkney, William: identified, 1:414n; mentioned, 530 Piper, Daniel A.: and University of Virginia, 190 pipes, water: and cisterns, 675 Pisa, Italy: university in, 346n pistols: as gifts, 122 Pitt, Joseph: as builder for University of Virginia, 53, 54, 55, 186, 189. See also Joseph Pitt & Sons (firm) Pitt, William (the Younger): as British prime minister, 542; correspondence of, 245, 246n Planche, Joseph: Dictionnaire GrecFrançais, composé sur l’ouvrage intitulé Thesaurus Linguæ Græcæ, de Henri Étienne, 419 plants: books on, 352, 353n. See also botany; seeds; specific plant names plastering: at University of Virginia, 403–4 plaster (plaister) of paris. See gypsum (plaster of paris) Plautus, Titus Maccius: G. Colman’s translation of Mercator, 508 Playfair, John: works of, 617 Pleasants, James: and appointments, 247, 309, 317, 350, 368, 405, 415; as governor of Va., 247, 248n, 248, 249n, 256–8, 269, 273, 309, 316–7, 430, 445–6, 455, 502, 504; identified, 2:185n; and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n; letter from accounted for, 455n; letters from, 316–8, 445–6, 455; letters to, 247–8, 256–8, 309, 430, 504; letter to accounted for, 309n; as Literary Fund president, 256–8, 269, 273; plans to visit TJ, 317; and University of Virginia, 247, 256–8, 317

 773 

INDEX Pliny the Younger (Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus): letters of, 506 plows: sent to TJ, 78 Plutarch: Plutarchs Lives. Translated From the Greek by Several Hands. To which is prefixt the Life of Plutarch (ed. J. Dryden), 475, 505 Plutarchs Lives. Translated From the Greek by Several Hands. To which is prefixt the Life of Plutarch (Plutarch; ed. J. Dryden), 475, 505 poetry: British, 506; sent to TJ, 234; subscriptions to, sent to TJ, 626–7; in utopian societies, 377. See also books: of poetry Political, Commercial and Moral Reflections, on the late cession of Louisiana, to the United States (A. B. Magruder), 393–4, 417 Political Disquisitions (J. Burgh), 506 political economy: collegiate education in, 682 Political Observations (J. Madison), 700 politics: collegiate education on government, 570; elections, 101–2, 104–5, 111, 112, 219–21, 252, 263–7, 282, 304, 351, 362, 392, 409–10, 533–5, 556–7, 562–3, 580–1, 589–90, 643, 712; W. Johnson on political parties, 216–7, 219–21, 298, 529–31; in Pa., 635; study of, 165; and tariffs, 533–5; TJ avoids political debates, 571, 574, 616, 623, 635, 712; TJ on political parties, 101–2, 112–3, 428–9, 660–1, 670, 698. See also books: on politics; Federalist party; Republican party; United States: and presidential election of 1800; United States: and presidential election of 1824 Pollard, John: identified, 680n; letter from, 679–80; letter to, 692–3; and Petersburg volunteers, 679, 692 Pollock, John: and Central College– University of Virginia subscription, 46; identified, 15:432n; and University of Virginia, 48, 51, 56 Polybius: The General History of Polybius (trans. J. Hampton), 507 polygraph: and C. W. Peale, 88, 106–7, 108, 358, 418; repair of, 88, 106–7, 108, 358, 418 Pompey the Great, 589 Pope, Alexander: An Essay on Man. In Epistles to a Friend. Epistle IV, 614; legacy of, 321; poetic skills of, 366,

367n; quoted, 529; translates The Iliad of Homer (Homer), 506; translates The Odyssey of Homer (Homer), 506; works of, 506 Pope, John: identified, 11:185n; and public education in Ky., 259n Poplar Forest (TJ’s Bedford Co. estate): architectural ornaments for, liii, 24, 276–7, 278n, 375, 476, 477, 478n, 483–4, 520, 566, 568, 611; carpentry at, liii, 276–7; crops at, 424; dairy at, 550, 551; dining room at, liii, 424 (illus.); and F. W. Eppes, 115, 116n, 204, 333n, 550–1, 551; flour from, 496; invitations to visit, 614; main house at, 551; management of, 612; overseers at, 72, 262–3n, 496; parlor at, liii; portion of offered as security, 311–2; and M. J. Randolph’s marriage settlement, 204n; roads, 286, 288n, 288; sheep at, 550, 551; slaves at, liii, 262–3, 277, 332–3; title to, 203–4; TJ plans visits to, 24, 150, 490, 538, 546, 547, 550, 550–1, 551, 553, 561, 570, 585, 594, 603; TJ returns from, 4, 615–6; TJ’s grandchildren visit, 608n, 612, 644; TJ visits, liii, 614n, 635, 638, 644, 656; tobacco grown at, 85, 494, 496, 550, 591, 594, 636, 685, 695, 713; visitors to, 301; weather at, 614. See also Bear Creek plantation (part of TJ’s Poplar Forest estate); Gough, William; Yancey, Joel (d. 1833) pork: for University of Virginia, 310 Porter, David: American naval commander, 427; and W. Annesley’s works, 142; identified, 1:444n Porteus, Beilby: annotated Bible of, 400, 401n Portugal: affairs in, 81, 334; and Brazil, 148–9, 356, 490; climate of, 112, 356; constitution of, 356–7; Cortes of, 356–7, 511; gardens in, 675; minister plenipotentiary from, 113; politics in, 113, 270; TJ on, 270; and U.S., 229, 270 postmaster general, U.S. See Meigs, Return Jonathan (ca. 1765–1825): as postmaster general Post Office, U.S.: and mail service, 65, 325, 335, 425, 431, 432; and Va. post offices, 482 potatoes, 606 Potomac River: and navigation, 171n, 439 pots: butter, 8; TJ orders, 11

 774 

INDEX Potter, John (Archbishop of Canterbury): Archæologia Græca: or the Antiquities of Greece, 508 Potter, Pierpont: identified, 390n; letter from, 390; and TJ’s religious beliefs, 390 Potter, Robert: translates The Tragedies of Æschylus (Aeschylus), 506; translates The Tragedies of Euripides (Euripides), 506; translates The Tragedies of Sophocles (Sophocles), 506 Powell, Addison: as Va. legislator, 284 Powers, James: and University of Virginia, 53 Pradt, Dominique Dufour, baron de: L’Europe et L’Amérique en 1821, 236, 269; TJ on, 269 Prat, Benjamin, 439, 440n Praxiteles (Greek sculptor), 501, 502n Presbyterians: in Charlottesville, 126; clergy, 682; and Congregationalism, 360; T. Cooper on, 80–1, 158, 246, 582; and education, 80, 127, 146–7, 582; in Pa., 79–80, 126; and politics, 580–1; synods of, 87; and tithes, 80, 582; TJ on, 75, 84; and University of Virginia, 84; and women, 79, 80 President’s House (Washington): TJ on, 396–7 Preston, John (d. 1827): as treasurer of Va., 371 Preston, William Campbell: Defense of William Campbell, 117, 118–24; identified, 11:184n; and legacy of W. Campbell, 117, 119, 130, 140, 151, 627; letters from, 117, 627–8; letter to, 151; and South Carolina College, 246 Prevost, John B., 336, 338n Price, Richard (British author and philosopher): correspondence of, 620, 621n Price, Richard (of Milton): identified, 7:678n; and University of Virginia, 50, 189 Priestley, Joseph: and T. Cooper, 79; Lectures on History, and General Policy, 505; religious beliefs of, 214 prime meridian, 628–9 Prince, William: New York City garden of, 566 The Prince of Abissinia. A Tale (S. Johnson), 508, 509n Principes Logiques, ou Recueil de Faits relatifs a l’Intelligence Humaine (Destutt de Tracy), 457

Principles of Political Economy, considered with a view to their practical Application (T. R. Malthus), 508 privies: at Nelson Co. jail, 689; at University of Virginia, 184, 187n, 189, 238, 514 Proceedings and Report of the Commissioners for the University of Virginia (Thomas Jefferson): distributed by TJ, 371–2; referenced, 268 Proceedings of the Board of School Commissioners, in the County of Nelson, 315, 316n Proctor, Hannah: letter from accounted for, 496n; and loan to TJ, 494, 496n Proposal for Publishing by Subscription, the Poetical Works of Gilbert John Hunt (G. J. Hunt), 626–7 Proposals, for publishing by subscription, A New Work, entitled A System of Pyrotechny (J. Cutbush), 28–9, 64 Proud, Robert: The History of Pennsylvania in North America, 507 Prussia: and French invasion of Spain (1823), 489, 657; U.S. treaty with (1785), 406, 408n public health: epidemics, 93. See also health; medicine Pufendorf, Samuel von: The Whole Duty of Man According to the Law of Nature, 505 Purgatory (Dante), 620, 621n Puritanism: tenets of, 80 Putnam, Israel: supports American independence, 427 putty, 10, 477, 522 Pyrrhon of Elis (Greek philosopher): referenced, 245, 246n quadrants: in astronomy, 35 Quakers: and Congregationalism, 360; criticized, 612–3; depicted in art, 108; in Mass., 361; and military service, 116, 117n; TJ on, 629; works on, 612–3 quarries: in Va., 659 Quelques Notes & mémoires Sur des cultures forestières, jardinières & champetres (A. Thoüin), 353n Quincy, Mass.: stonecutters of, 439 Quincy, Josiah (1772–1864): and agriculture, 591 Quinn, Mary: and University of Virginia, 55 Quintuple Alliance, 657, 658n

 775 

INDEX Quiroga, Antonio, 586, 590n Quishenbury, Mr.: and University of Virginia, 189 Rabelais, François, 505 Rader (Raider), John: and marble for TJ, 278 Radford, William: and Bear Branch land, 155–6, 203–4, 261–2, 420–1, 421–2; identified, 4:318n; letters from, 155–6, 261–3; letters to, 203–5, 420–1, 421–2; reports on slave trial, 262 Rafinesque, Constantine Samuel: as botanist, 17, 65; identified, 15:41n; letter from, 17–8; letters to, 65–6, 73; natural history collections of, 18; seeks professorship, 17–8, 65; works of, 17, 65, 73 Raggi, Giacomo: account with University of Virginia, 153–4, 163–4; T. Appleton on, 77; identified, 14:67n; letter from, 259; letter from accounted for, 684n; returns to Italy, 62; as stonecutter at University of Virginia, 47, 50, 62, 77–8, 153–4, 163–4, 228, 259, 498, 684, 702; transmits letters, 76, 77, 259, 498, 705 Raggi, Michele: T. Appleton on, 77; identified, 14:67n Ragland, John C.: identified, 7:502n; TJ’s account with, 494 Railey, Daniel Mayo: and Fourth of July celebration, 690, 693; identified, 691n; letter from, 690–2; letter to, 693 Railey, John M.: and Fourth of July celebration, 690, 693; identified, 691n; letter from, 690–2; letter to, 693 Raleigh, Sir Walter, 462 The Rambler, 508 Ramsay, David (1749–1815): The History of South-Carolina, from its first settlement in 1670, to the Year 1808, 647; History of the American Revolution, 507; identified, 7:28n Ramsay, George, 9th Earl of Dalhousie. See Dalhousie, George Ramsay, 9th Earl of Ramsden, Jesse: equatorial of, 198, 201n; scientific-instrument maker, 201 Randolph, Ann (Anne) Cary. See Bankhead, Ann (Anne) Cary Randolph (TJ’s granddaughter; Charles Lewis Bankhead’s wife)

Randolph, Benjamin Franklin (TJ’s grandson): education of, 454, 478, 493, 496, 590 Randolph, Cornelia Jefferson (TJ’s granddaughter): and cuddy at Monticello, liv, 645; and F. W. Eppes’s wedding, 116n; identified, 3:635n; purchases goods, 10, 16n; and TJ’s health, 308n Randolph, David Meade (ca. 1759– 1830): and cement, 643; identified, 9:101n Randolph, Edmund: as attorney general, 74n, 99, 100n, 125; identified, 6:108–9n; and manuscript of Va. laws, 492; as secretary of state, 74n Randolph, Ellen Wayles. See Coolidge, Ellen Wayles Randolph (TJ’s granddaughter) Randolph, Harriet Fluker. See Willis, Harriet Fluker Randolph Randolph, James Madison (TJ’s grandson): education of, 454, 478, 493, 496, 590; identified, 17:227n; shotgun for, 9 Randolph, Jane Cary (Thomas Eston Randolph’s wife): visits to proposed, 150n Randolph, Jane Hollins Nicholas (Thomas Jefferson Randolph’s wife; Wilson Cary Nicholas’s daughter): and Bedford Co. land, 421–2n; and W. C. Nicholas’s debts, 312–3n; visits to proposed, 150n Randolph, Martha Jefferson (Patsy; TJ’s daughter; Thomas Mann Randolph’s wife): and C. L. Bankhead’s alcoholism, 651–2; and Bedford Co. land, 155–6, 203, 204n, 261–2, 420–1, 423; children of, 90, 422; correspondence of, 116n, 659–60n, 682n, 704n; and F. W. Eppes, 116n; greetings sent to, 71, 116, 168, 357, 485, 678, 683, 703; health of, 150, 644; hosts guests at Monticello, 290; identified, 2:238n; and J. Monroe, 638, 651–2; purchases goods, 9, 10, 12, 14; sends greetings to J. Adams, 232; as teacher, 454n; and TJ’s health, 150n; and N. P. Trist, 704n; and University of Virginia, 682n; and D. B. Warden, 610 Randolph, Mary (Thomas Mann Randolph’s sister; David Meade Randolph’s wife): visits Monticello, 645n

 776 

INDEX Randolph, Mary Elizabeth Cleland. See Eppes, Mary Elizabeth Cleland Randolph (Francis Eppes’s wife; Thomas Eston Randolph’s daughter) Randolph, Mary Jefferson (TJ’s granddaughter): as TJ’s amanuensis, 452n Randolph, Meriwether Lewis (TJ’s grandson): carries letter, 552n; education of, 454, 478, 493, 496, 590 Randolph, Peter (d. 1767): and Poplar Forest land, 203 Randolph, Peyton (d. 1828): and Cohens v. Virginia, 663, 672; identified, 10:246n Randolph, Susan E. Browne (wife of Thomas Mann Randolph [1798– 1835]): family of, 71–2 Randolph, Thomas Eston (TJ’s cousin): account with TJ, 38; and W. J. Coffee, 20; family of, 228; identified, 1:488n; letter from accounted for, 26n; letters from, 4–6, 20–1, 25–6; letters to, 18–9, 19–20, 24; letter to accounted for, 26n; proposed visits to, 150n; and Shadwell mills, 4–6, 18–9, 19, 20–1, 24, 25–6, 85, 110, 137, 367; wine for, 228, 307; witnesses documents, 422n Randolph, Thomas Jefferson (1792– 1875) (TJ’s grandson; Jane Hollins Nicholas Randolph’s husband): and Bedford Co. land, 204, 261, 262n, 421, 421–2, 422–3; debt to College of William and Mary, 285–6, 311–3; and flour, 65, 79; identified, 1:190–1n; letter from, to the President and Directors of the Richmond Branch of the Bank of the United States, 300; letter from accounted for, 300n; letters to accounted for, 313n, 654n; as manager of Monticello, 635, 659–60n, 673, 674; as manager of Poplar Forest, 85, 155, 262, 333n, 550, 594, 612, 635, 685; and W. C. Nicholas’s estate, 92–3, 283, 285–6, 288–9, 300, 311–2, 653; orders food and wine from Europe, 642; and M. J. Randolph, 659–60n; sells tobacco, 673; and Shadwell mills, 5, 26; TJ conveys land to, 286–7, 288–9, 312n, 421, 421–2, 422–3; and TJ’s financial transactions, 31, 285–6, 288–9, 367, 371, 483; and TJ’s health, 150, 156; and N. P. Trist, 645n; and University of Virginia, 254, 255n; witnesses documents, 605n

Randolph, Thomas Jefferson (1829–72) (TJ’s great-grandson; Thomas Jefferson Randolph’s son): and debt to College of William and Mary, 286 Randolph, Thomas Mann (1768–1828) (TJ’s son-in-law; Martha Jefferson Randolph’s husband): and Bedford Co. land, 261, 262, 420, 421n, 423; family of, 644–5; as governor of Va., 106, 166–8, 192–3, 221, 222n, 628n; greetings sent to, 357, 610, 678; identified, 1:420n; and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n; letter from, 166–8; letter to, 192–3; mentioned, 319; and Monticello’s North Pavilion, 192–3n; returns to Albemarle Co., 242, 256; and Shadwell mills, 24, 26; and TJ’s health, 283n, 412n; on TJ’s opinions, 615; and Va. Council of State, 166–8, 192 Randolph, Thomas Mann (1798–1835) (son of TJ’s cousin Thomas Eston Randolph): family of, 228, 307; identified, 9:409n; letters from, 71–2, 228; letter to, 307; recommends B. B. Browne, 71–2; visits Monticello, 228; and wine for TJ, 72, 228, 256, 275, 307 Randolph, Virginia Jefferson. See Trist, Virginia Jefferson Randolph (TJ’s granddaughter) Raphael, Isaac: and goods for TJ, 394, 493; and payments made for TJ, 25, 385. See also Jacobs & Raphael (Charlottesville firm); Wolfe & Raphael (Charlottesville firm) Rapin Thoyras, Paul de: Histoire d’Angleterre, 506 Rappahannock Academy (Caroline Co.): principal of, 441, 443 rats: at Monticello, 645 Ravenna, Massimiliano: and capitals for University of Virginia, 77–8, 498–9 Rawlings, James: identified, 11:521n; letter from, 685; letters to, 86, 671–2; and Mutual Assurance Society, 86, 494, 550, 671, 671, 684, 685 Read, George: signer of Declaration of Independence, 471 Read, Peter B.: identified, 18:331n; as miller and millwright, 4, 5 Redfield, Heman Judd, 556 Reformer (Philadelphia journal), 582, 583

 777 

INDEX A Refutation of The Calumnies circulated against The Southern & Western States, respecting the institution and existence of Slavery among them (E. C. Holland), 170n The Rehearsal (G. Villiers, 2d Duke of Buckingham), 634 Reid, Thomas: writings of, 506 Reider, Johann Adam von: identified, 652–3n; introduced to TJ, 652; visits Monticello, 652 reindeer, 302 religion: and the afterlife, 320–1; Anglicanism, 80; atheism, 524, 526–7; Baptists, 79, 126, 246; Calvinism, 80, 360, 361, 465, 524–7, 681; W. Canby on, 281; W. Carver on, 320–1; Catholicism, 80, 146–7, 321, 360; and Christian primitivism, 213–4; Congregationalism, 74–5, 360–1, 363n, 583n; and T. Cooper, 79–81, 158, 582–3, 681–2, 697, 700n; divine revelation, 524–5; Episcopalianism, 79, 80, 126, 360, 582, 590; freedom of, 42–3; Islam, 321; Jesuits, 127, 146–7; Judaism, 321; Methodism, 79, 126; and missionary societies, 612–3, 629–30; and morality, 623, 625n; Presbyterianism, 75, 79–81, 84, 87, 126, 127, 146–7, 158, 246, 360, 580–1, 582, 682; Puritanism, 80; Quakers, 108, 116, 117n, 360, 361, 612–3, 629; societies for Bible distribution, 629; in South America, 703; state support of, 583n; and tithes, 582, 583n; TJ on, 74–5, 126–7, 213–4, 524–7, 623, 625n, 636; TJ on education in, 42–5; and TJ’s rumored infidelity, 133, 583n, 612; and toleration, 80; Unitarianism, 74–5, 79, 84, 126, 127, 133–4, 147, 158, 213, 214, 360, 361, 583; and University of Virginia, 87, 88n, 476n, 540; and utopian societies, 377–82; F. A. Van der Kemp on, 620; works on, 363n, 453, 591, 612–3, 623, 625n, 629. See also Christianity Remarks on the Censures of the Government of the United States (C. Gore), 364n Reminiscences (H. Walpole), 506 rent: due from T. E. Randolph, 137; from Shadwell mills, 4, 5, 6, 18–9, 19, 20–1, 85, 494, 496; and University of Virginia, 183, 291

Reporter (Lexington, Ky., newspaper), 122–4 The Report of Hiram Maxwell’s Case (J. A. Graham), 437n Report of the Commissioners appointed by the General Assembly of Kentucky, at their October session 1821, 258, 259n, 293, 294n, 355 Report on a Disease afflicting Neat Cattle, in Burton, N.H. (J. F. Dana), 30n, 64 Reports of Cases ruled and adjudged in the Courts of Pennsylvania, before and since the Revolution (A. J. Dallas), 98 Repository of the Lives and Portraits of Distinguished Americans. See Delaplaine’s Repository of the Lives and Portraits of Distinguished Americans (J. Delaplaine) Republican party: S. Crawford on, 251; and defections from Federalist party, 530; and election of 1824, 329–31, 333–4, 556–7; historical work proposed from perspective of, 428, 529–30, 660–1, 670; in N.Y., 537, 556–7; in Ohio, 263–4; presidential slate of, 557; principles of, 529–30, 698; TJ on, 97, 99, 101–2, 104–5, 112–3, 429, 661, 670; T. G. Watkins on, 264–6, 364 Retz, Cardinal de. See Gondi, Jean François Paul de, Cardinal de Retz The Revised Code of the Laws of Virginia: being a collection of all such acts of the General Assembly, of a public and permanent nature, as are now in force, 420, 460n Revolutionary War: battles of, 427; and biographies, 341–2; British depredations during, 622; cavalry units in, 575; compensation claims, 156, 319n; and legacy of W. Campbell, 117, 118–23, 130–1, 140, 151, 166, 192, 627; medals for service in, liv, 424 (illus.), 424 (illus.), 540; Newburgh Conspiracy, 216, 530–1, 532n, 697; and portraiture, liv, 108; prisoners of war, 649; records destroyed or lost during, 626; in S.C., 648–9. See also American Revolution Revue Encyclopédique, ou Analyse Raisonnée, 597–601 Rey, Mrs. (of New York), 83 Reynolds, Battail (Batail): and University of Virginia, 48

 778 

INDEX Rhea, John: identified, 2:358–9n; letter from, 461; sends constituent circulars to J. Adams, 461n; sends constituent circulars to TJ, 461 rhetoric: study of, 488 rheumatism: J. Calvin’s, 438; E. Law’s, 431 Rhode Island: elections in, 563; history of, 75; religion in, 126 Rice, John Holt: identified, 12:18n; and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n Rice, Matthew H.: as agent to Va. penitentiary store, 106n Richard I (Coeur de Lion), king of England, 439 Richardson, George (of Kentucky): identified, 2:89n; letter from, 676; and R. Richardson’s estate, 676 Richardson, Richard: estate of, 676; and G. Richardson, 676 Richardson, William (of Alabama): and death of R. Richardson, 676 Richmond, Va.: banks in, 485, 491, 522, 593, 595; boat carriage to and from, 38, 65, 78, 85, 110, 110, 151, 213, 367, 371, 385, 394; corn prices at, 31, 91; Eagle Tavern, 241; flour prices at, 31, 38, 69, 132, 133, 144, 152; libraries in, 322–3, 343, 560–1; mail service to, 325, 335, 482; museum in, 141; newspaper proposed for, 250; penitentiary in, 106; pottery in, 675; rainfall in, 31; religion in, 126; Rocketts landing, 151; state capitol at, 243–4, 255, 315; TJ’s tobacco sold at, 658–9, 673, 695, 712–3; wheat prices in, 31, 38, 69, 91. See also Bank of Virginia (Richmond); Farmers’ Bank of Virginia (Richmond); Gibson, Patrick; Peyton, Bernard Richmond (brig), 103 Richmond, William Ebenezer: as editor of Manufacturers’ & Farmers’ Journal, and Providence and Pawtucket Advertiser, 624–5n; identified, 15:280n Richmond Enquirer (newspaper): advertises sale of J. Monroe’s Albemarle Co. land, 652n; books publicized in, 460–1n; and election of 1824, 535, 536n, 615; prints J. Barbour’s essays, 291; prints essays on Cohens v. Virginia, 663, 672, 687; prints legislative proceedings, 445, 446n; prints

S. Roane’s essays, 663, 672, 687–8; prints M. B. Smith’s account of visit to Monticello, 366–7n; prints TJ’s correspondence, 489n, 627, 693n; prints vindications of TJ, 32–3, 92; reports on TJ’s health, 168–9n; T. Ritchie as editor of, 68n; and TJ’s alleged presidential endorsement, 615; TJ submits items to, 70, 70–1; TJ subscribes to, 271, 425, 635, 656, 671, 672, 681, 687 Riego y Núñez, Rafael del: as Spanish revolutionary leader, 586 Ringgold, Samuel: correspondence with J. Langdon, 331, 332n Ripley, Eleazar W.: as general, 427 “Rise and Progress of Botanical Science” (E. Mead), 668, 694 Rising States (schooner), 277 Ritchie, Thomas: as editor of Richmond Enquirer, 32, 68n, 425, 663, 671, 672, 681, 684–5, 687–8; identified, 1:214n; and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n; letter from, 687–8; letters to, 425, 672–3, 681; letter to accounted for, 425n; and works for TJ, 672, 684, 687–8. See also Thomas Ritchie & Company (Richmond firm) Rittenhouse, David: and equatorial for TJ, 201n Rivanna River: dams on, 383n; TJ falls in, 607; water level of, 31, 37–8, 86, 313n, 383n. See also Shadwell mills Rives, William Cabell: and establishment of University of Virginia, 241, 242–4, 271, 293, 325–6, 353–5; and Fourth of July celebration, 690, 693; identified, 1:416n; letters from, 242–4, 353–5, 690–2; letters to, 271, 293–4, 325–6, 693; and TJ’s health, 244; as Va. legislator, 242–4, 253, 267, 269, 271, 272, 285n, 292, 293–4n, 314, 315, 324, 325–6, 351n, 353–5 Rivesaltes, France: wine from, 641 roads: in Albemarle Co., 646; in Bedford Co., 422, 423; poor condition of, 383, 395; at Poplar Forest, 286, 288n, 288; in U.S., 298 Roane, Spencer: and Cohens v. Virginia, 663, 672, 699–700, 701n; identified, 9:73–4n; as judge, 98; and McCulloch v. Maryland, 687–8, 699–700, 701n Robert Abbatt Jr. & Company (Richmond firm), 133

 779 

INDEX Robert & Temple Gwathmey (Richmond firm), 695 Roberts, Naiman: and University of Virginia, 55 Robertson, Archibald: account with TJ, 349, 424, 495, 612; identified, 4:94–5n; letter from, 349; letters to, 424, 612; as merchant, 612. See also A. Robertson & Company (firm) Robertson, George: as Ky. legislator, 259n Robertson (Robinson), John (Bedford Co. landholder): land patented by, 423 Robertson, William (1721–93): History of America, 507; The History of Scotland, 508; The History of the Reign of Charles V, 506 Robespierre, Maximilien François Marie Isidore de: as leader of French Revolution, 27; TJ on, 412n Robinson, John. See Robertson (Robinson), John (Poplar Forest landholder) Rocafuerte, Vicente: and religion in South America, 703 Rochefoucault. See La Rochefoucauld, François de Rockfish Gap, Va. See Virginia, University of: Establishment Rocky Mountains, 198, 247, 248n, 305 Rodes, John: and University of Virginia, 46, 56, 190 Rodes, Mathew: and University of Virginia, 57 Rodney, Caesar: and Declaration of Independence, 470–1, 541 Rodney, Caesar Augustus: and Declaration of Independence, 470, 470–1, 541; defends TJ, 3; health of, 3; identified, 2:191n; letters from, 3–4, 470; letter to, 541–2; letter to, from T. McKean, 470–2; as minister plenipotentiary to Argentina, 3, 338n, 470, 541–2; plans to visit TJ, 3; and C. Rodney, 470–1; and Stamp Act Congress, 470; visits Monticello, 470 Rogers, Eliza (Thomas Law’s daughter), 431 Rogers, John (of Albemarle Co.): and University of Virginia, 189 Rogers, Thomas Jones: A New American Biographical Dictionary, 341–2 Roi, Henry: Essay on Establishing a New Community, 377–83; family of, 376; identified, 376n; letter from,

375–6; on TJ’s health, 375; utopian vision of, 375–6, 377–82 Rollin, Charles: Histoire Ancienne, 507 Romae Antiquae Notitia: or, The Antiquities of Rome (B. Kennett), 508 The Roman History by Titus Livius; with the Entire Supplement of John Freinsheim (Livy; J. Freinsheim), 505 Rome, modern: and Papal States, 707 Root, Erastus: as lieutenant governor of N.Y., 556 Roscoe, William: identified, 1:164n; Life and Pontificate of Leo the Tenth, 508; Life of Lorenzo de’ Medici, called the Magnificent, 508 Ross, George: signer of Declaration of Independence, 471 Rottiers, Bernard Eugène Antoine: identified, 160–1n; introduced to TJ, 159; proposed U.S. travels of, 159 Rousseau, Jean Jacques: referenced, 158 Rowe, Johnson: and University of Virginia, 46 Rowe, Nicholas: tragedies of, 507; translates Lucan’s Pharsalia (Lucan), 507 Ruggles, William: identified, 637–8n; introduced to TJ, 637; visits Monticello, 637 Runnels, Abraham: identified, 18:636n; letter from, 313–4; reputation of, 130n; seeks appointment for son, 83, 89, 109, 128, 129, 130n, 313, 314n Runnels, George: identified, 83n; letter from, 83; letter to, 129–30; seeks appointment, 83, 89, 109, 128, 129, 130n, 313, 314n Rural Oeconomy: or, Essays on the Practical Parts of Husbandry (A. Young), 508 Rush, Benjamin: identified, 1:185–6n; signer of Declaration of Independence, 471 Rush, Richard: forwards letters to and from TJ, 558; identified, 5:79n; letter from, 555; as minister plenipotentiary to Great Britain, 142; and TJ’s health, 555; and University of Virginia, 555 Russell, Jonathan: identified, 18:87–8n; as peace negotiator, 70n Russell, William: History of Modern Europe, 506 Russia: J. Adams on, 439; College of Foreign Affairs, 549, 550n; criticism of, 305, 306n; and French invasion of Spain (1823), 587–8, 610, 639, 657,

 780 

INDEX 707; and Latin America, 707; and Ottoman Empire, 639; and U.S., 706–7. See also Alexander I, emperor of Russia rutabagas (Swedish turnips), 606 Rutherford County, N.C.: agriculture in, 416–7 rye: as crop, 562 Sabine River, 431 Sackets Harbor, N.Y.: W. Short visits, 148 Sackville, John Frederick, 3d Duke of Dorset. See Dorset, John Frederick Sackville, 3d Duke of saddlebags, 559n St. Clair, Arthur: military service of, 427 Saint Domingue. See Haiti, Republic of Saint Évremond. See Marguetel de Saint Denis, Charles de, Seigneur de Saint Évremond Sallust: Crispi Opera Omnia (trans. T. Gordon), 505 Sally (Sal) (TJ’s slave; b. 1777): family of, 333; valuation of, 333 Sally (TJ’s slave; b. 1788). See Hubbard, Sarah (Sally) (TJ’s slave; b. 1788) salt: TJ acquires, 15, 496; for University of Virginia, 62; U.S. tax on, 574 Sam (African American): and University of Virginia, 50, 53, 239 Samson (Old Testament figure), 305, 306n sand, 432, 433, 435n Sanderson, John: Biography of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence, 93–4, 95n; identified, 16:214n Sandidge (Sandridge), Joseph: and University of Virginia, 53 sandpaper, 10 Sandridge, Reubin (Reuben): and University of Virginia, 48, 189 Sandy (African American): and University of Virginia, 46 Sanford, Ezekiel: edits The Works of the British Poets, with Lives of the Authors, 546–7 Sargent, John: Memoir of the Rev. Henry Martyn, B.D., 508 The Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis (Juvenal; trans. W. Gifford), 507 Satyricon (Petronius), 620, 621n Saunders, Anna Hayes Johnson: friendship with E. W. R. Coolidge, 532

saws: crosscut, 12, 15, 16n; handsaws, 15, 16n; whip, 12 Say, Jean Baptiste: identified, 7:420n; Traité d’Économie Politique, 506 Scapula, Johann: as grammarian, 407, 420 Scholl, Catherine (Frederick Scholl’s wife), 455 Scholl, Frederick, 455 schools and colleges: Allen’s Academy (Hyde Park, N.Y.), 596; Ann Smith Academy (Lexington), 274n; Baltimore College, 276; Cambridge University, 608; elementary, 569, 578; Hampden-Sydney College, 268, 273, 274n, 315, 323n, 324, 369; Harvard University, 268, 301, 302–3, 569, 610; influence of clergy on, 540, 582–3, 681; laws and regulations governing, 625; law school at Needham, 436, 488; and lecture halls, 565, 569–70; medical, 569; Rappahannock Academy (Caroline Co.), 441, 443; and tariffs on books, 559, 684; Transylvania University (Lexington, Ky.), 18, 386; Università di Bologna, 565; Université de France, 596; Université de Paris (the Sorbonne), 303; University of Edinburgh, 608; University of Glasgow, 608; University of Oxford, 303, 456, 608; University of Pennsylvania, 623; Vilnius University, 346n; Washington College (later Washington and Lee University), 268, 269n, 274n; Yale University, 268. See also Central College; South Carolina College (later University of South Carolina); United States Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.); Virginia, University of; William and Mary, College of sciatica, 438 science: knowledge of in U.S., 597 Scientific Dialogues, intended for the Instruction and Entertainment of Young People (J. Joyce): recommended to Albemarle Library Society, 508 scientific instruments: astronomical, 570; magnets, 358; microscopes, 419n; pedometers, 107, 108n; telescopes, 6; for University of Virginia, 565, 569, 570. See also surveying Scott, Charles: biography of proposed, 427

 781 

INDEX Scott, John (of Albemarle Co.): marriage of, 645n Scott, Susan Bolling (John Scott’s wife): marriage of, 645n Scott, Sir Walter: edits The Works of Jonathan Swift (J. Swift), 505; family of, 608; works of, 507 screws, 13, 277, 375, 520, 522 A Scripture Account of the Faith and Practice of Christians (H. Gaston), 400, 401n sculpture: of G. Washington, 499–502 scuppernong (wine), 115–6, 228, 572, 611, 640, 641 Seaman, William, 556 Secret Journals of the Acts and Proceedings of Congress, from the first meeting thereof to the dissolution of the Confederation, by the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, 470, 472n seeds: locust, yellow, 17, 65; millet, 564, 606, 635; sent by TJ, 21, 22n; sent to TJ, 17, 21, 22n, 65, 352, 564, 606, 609, 635; wheat, 21–2 Ségur, Louis Philippe, comte de: Abrégé de l’Histoire Universelle, ancienne et moderne, a l’Usage de la Jeunesse, 505; History of the Principal Events of the Reign of Frederic William II, 506 A Selection of the Patriotic Addresses, to the President of the United States. together with The President’s Answers (ed. W. Austin), 331, 332n Select Pieces in Prose and Verse (W. Carver), 322n Senate, U.S.: and appointments, 3, 336, 699; elections to, 580–1; and Embargo Act (1807), 563; journals of, 462; members of, 297; and ratification of treaties, 338n. See also Congress, U.S. Seneca’s Morals (Seneca; trans. R. L’Estrange), 505 Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca): Seneca’s Morals (trans. R. L’Estrange), 505 A Series of Discourses on the Christian Revelation, viewed in connection with the Modern Astronomy (T. Chalmers), 508 A Sermon delivered January 1, 1817, at the Ordination of the Reverend Henry Ware (H. Ware), 361, 363n Sesostris (legendary king of ancient Egypt), 439

Sevier, George Washington, 123n Sevier, John: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 118, 119, 121, 123n sextants: in astronomy, 35; for surveying, 198, 200 shad: given to TJ, 544, 552, 573 Shadwell (TJ’s estate): as collateral for loan, 286, 313n; sale of, 286 Shadwell mills: canal at, 26; dam at, 4, 5, 6, 20–1, 26, 150, 383n; flour from, 65, 79, 85, 91, 110, 110, 132; flour mill at, 38, 86; lease of, 4–6, 18–9, 19, 20–1, 24, 25–6; manufacturing mill at, 5; and T. E. Randolph, 4–6, 18–9, 19, 20–1, 24, 25–6, 85, 110; rent for, 4, 5, 6, 18–9, 19, 20–1, 85, 494, 496; repairs to, 4–6, 25; waterwheel at, 4. See also Shoemaker, Isaac; Shoemaker, Jonathan Shakespeare, William: E. Capell’s edition of, 506; Henry IV referenced, 587; Julius Caesar referenced, 303; The Tempest referenced, 629; The Tempest referenced by TJ, 541; Twelfth Night referenced, 621 Shannon, John R.: identified, 306n; letter from, 304–7; and North American unity, 304–6 Shark (schooner), 300 sheep: at Poplar Forest, 550, 551; raised in S.C., 81 Sheffey, Daniel: identified, 17:466n; as Va. legislator, 273, 369 Shelby, Isaac: and legacy of W. Campbell, 118–23, 130, 140, 192, 627; Revolutionary War service of, 119, 123–4n shells, 358 Shepherd & Pollard (Richmond firm), 461n Shiflett, Joel: and University of Virginia, 51 shirting (textile), 14, 486n Shoemaker, Isaac: identified, 1:139n; as Shadwell mill tenant, 18, 20, 24, 26 Shoemaker, James: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 120 Shoemaker, Jonathan: identified, 1:109–10n; as Shadwell mill tenant, 18, 20, 24, 26 shoes: brushes for, 13, 14; shoemaker’s knife, 10, 11, 16n Short, William: and J. Corrêa da Serra, 148; correspondence with I. A. Coles, 603n; and European affairs, 465–8,

 782 

INDEX 489–90, 491, 542; finances of, 602; on France, 601; on Great Britain, 601; health of, 84; hopes to visit TJ, 468, 490, 602–3; identified, 1:39n; and internal improvements, 84; investments of, 147; and Lafayette, 230; lands of near Saint Lawrence River, 147–8, 468; letters from, 146–9, 233, 465–8, 601–3; letters to, 83–4, 272, 489–91; on merchants, 468; on Napoleon, 601; on presidency, 148, 602; and religion, 146–7, 465; and TJ’s health, 233, 272, 465, 490, 603; travels of, 83, 146, 147–8, 466, 468; and University of Virginia, 83–4, 146–7, 465, 490, 602, 603 A Short Introduction to English Grammar (R. Lowth), 507 Sidney, Algernon: Discourses concerning Government, 505 “Sidney, Algernon” (pseudonym of Spencer Roane). See Roane, Spencer: and Cohens v. Virginia sifters: wire, 11 Silhouette, Étienne de: Mémoires des Commissaires du Roi et de ceux de sa Majesté Britannique, 463–4 silk: C. J. Randolph purchases, 10; M. J. Randolph purchases, 12; taxes on, 574; TJ orders, 11, 15, 16 silk manufacturing: in U.S., 81, 82n, 129, 615 silver: as currency, 665 Simond, Louis: Switzerland, 439 The Simplified German Grammar, or Die Bereinfachte Deutsche Sprachlehre (P. Birkman), 595–6, 632 Simpson, Thomas: works of, 617 Sims, William M.: TJ pays, 69, 85, 91 Sinclair, Sir John: The Code of Agriculture, 508; identified, 9:144n Skelton, Martha Wayles. See Jefferson, Martha Wayles Skelton (TJ’s wife) Sketches of the History of Man (H. H. Kames), 506 Sketches of the Life and Correspondence of Nathanael Greene (W. Johnson), 96–7, 100n, 215–6, 222n, 298, 428, 532n, 697 Sketches of the Principles of Government (N. Chipman), 506 skillets, 11 Skipwith, Anne Wayles (TJ’s sister-inlaw; Henry Skipwith’s wife): and J. Wayles’s estate, 203, 204n

slate, 16 slavery: abolition of, 82n, 129, 598, 711; dangers of, 82n; effects on society of, 82n; and elections, 533–5, 623–4; and southern political power, 623–4. See also Missouri question; slaves slaves: alleged plot by, 221–3; E. Bacon’s, 484; as carpenters, 277; cisterns repaired by, 642–3; clothing for, 62, 486, 615; cost of hire, 659; court trials of, 222, 262–3; deaths of, 449, 484; dwellings of, 398; errands by, 584; escapes of, 262n; health of, 484; incarceration of, 690n; G. Jefferson’s, 412; at Monticello, 659; potential insurrection of, 431; sales of, 448–9; taxes on, 338; TJ on natural increase of, 497; TJ plans to sell, 494, 496; TJ refuses attendance of while riding, 607; TJ sells, 263n, 496n; travels of, 551; treatment of, 333n; valuation of, 332–3; and Va. law, 262, 263n; work at Central College–University of Virginia, 62, 179, 189, 396n, 404, 544n. See also African Americans; slavery; specific entries for enslaved individuals; specific entries for Virginia plantations Smith, Abigail Adams (John Adams’s daughter; William Stephens Smith’s wife): and J. Adams’s health, 206; correspondence with J. Q. Adams, 206n Smith, Adam: The Theory of Moral Sentiments, 506; The Wealth of Nations, 506 Smith, Andrew: identified, 14:439–40n; and University of Virginia, 189 Smith, James (of Ohio): and Christianity, 133–4, 213–4; identified, 134–5n; James Smith’s Vindication, for resisting the ecclesiastical power and authority of their episcopal dignity, Michael Ellis & David Young, 133, 134n, 213; letter from, 133–5; letter to, 213–4; and Unitarianism, 133–4, 214 Smith, James (of Pennsylvania): signer of Declaration of Independence, 471 Smith, John (ca. 1580–1631): The Generall Historie of Virginia, NewEngland, and the Summer Isles, 507 Smith, John Augustine: and Juvenile Library Company of Richmond, 323n; and University of Virginia, 416

 783 

INDEX Smith, Louisa Catharine (John Adams’s niece): as J. Adams’s amanuensis, 206n, 366n, 440n Smith, Margaret Bayard (Samuel Harrison Smith’s wife): identified, 1:10n; visits Monticello, 366–7, 410–1, 412n Smith, Mary: and University of Virginia, 53 Smith, Richard (of Washington): and mortgage of J. Monroe’s Highland estate, 395n Smith, Robert (1757–1842): identified, 1:340n; as president of Maryland Agricultural Society, 479 Smith, Robert (printer): and election of 1800, 304, 351–2, 545; letters from, 304, 351–2, 545–6; requests money from TJ, 304, 351–2, 545 Smith, Samuel (of Maryland): as chairman of House Ways and Means Committee, 336–8; and election of 1824, 562–3, 574; identified, 1:361n; letters from, 336–8, 561–3; letter to, 573–5; as U.S. senator, 336–8; and U.S. Treasury Department, 561–2, 573–4 Smith, William (1711–87): translates The History of the Peloponnesian War, Translated from the Greek of Thucydides (Thucydides), 505; translates Xenophon’s History of the Affairs of Greece (Xenophon), 505 Smith, William (1728–93): The History of the Province of New-York, 507 Smith & Neil (firm): and University of Virginia, 50 Smollett, Tobias George: The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, 608n; writings of, 508 Smyth, Alexander: family of, 150n; as soldier, 150n; visits Monticello, 150n Snead, Nicholas: and University of Virginia, 49, 54, 55 Snodgrass, James: and Battle of Kings Mountain, 120, 123n snuff (prepared tobacco), 622, 623 Société Linnéenne de Paris: and annual celebration in New York City, 566, 592, 668, 694; loss of members, 610 Société Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand: H. Clay’s membership in, 161n; and floral exhibition honoring TJ, 159, 161n; identified, 161n; minutes of, 161n; TJ’s membership in, 159, 161n Society of Friends. See Quakers

Socrates: Xenophon’s Memoirs of Socrates (Xenophon; trans. S. Fielding), 505 “Somers” (pseudonym of Peyton Randolph [d. 1828]). See Randolph, Peyton (d. 1828): and Cohens v. Virginia Somerville, William Clarke: identified, 630–1n; letter from accounted for, 631n; Letters From Paris, 630; letter to, 630–1 Sophocles: The Tragedies of Sophocles (trans. R. Potter), 506 Sorbonne. See Paris, Université de (the Sorbonne) Southall, Mary Anne Garrett (Valentine Wood Southall’s wife): death of child of, 235, 236n Southall, Valentine Wood: as attorney, 559; death of child of, 236n; identified, 11:173n; mentioned, 398; orders in favor of, 154; witnesses documents, 605n Southall, William Garrett: death of, 235–6 South America: and European powers, 656–7, 706–7, 710; religion in, 703; republics in, 111, 305, 598; TJ on independence movement in, 111; TJ on political organization of, 541, 656; and U.S., 336, 638, 639, 657, 706–7 South Carolina: Agricultural Society of, 129; alleged slave insurrection in, 82n, 221–3; Board of Public Works, 22; canals in, 22; cotton grown in, 129; education in, 700n; elderly residents of, 647; and election of 1824, 533; grapes grown in, 81, 129; internal improvements in, 22; legislature, 246, 450, 540, 582, 633; olive trees grown in, 81, 129; plan to increase white population of, 81–2, 129; public opinion in, 646; religion in, 80, 582–3, 633, 681; and Revolutionary War, 648–9; silk manufacturing in, 81, 82n, 129; sheep raising in, 81 South Carolina College (later University of South Carolina): influence of clergy at, 80, 81, 158, 246, 582–3, 681; laws and regulations governing, 158, 246, 450–1, 539; medical school at, 246; president of, 442, 443, 445, 633; and S.C. legislature, 246, 450, 540, 633; student conduct at, 127, 158; students at, 682; trustees of, 158, 450, 582, 681–2; and University of Virginia, 682n

 784 

INDEX Spafford, Horatio Gates: identified, 1:106n; and iron and steel production, 194–5, 196n; letter from, 194–6; and J. Madison, 196n; and patents and patent system, 195–6; wishes to visit TJ, 196 Spain: J. Adams on, 439; and AdamsOnís Treaty (1819), 589; affairs in, 334; clergy of, 707; climate of, 301, 302; colonies of, 111, 490, 601, 657; constitution of, 587–8, 707; Cortes of, 356, 467, 542, 707; and Cuba, 543, 657, 686, 703, 709–10; and France, 335n, 356; and Holy Alliance, 356, 357n; invaded by France (1823), 457, 465–8, 489, 540–1, 542–3, 587–8, 610, 635, 638–9, 656–8, 707–8, 710; libraries of, 677; literature of, 676–7; revolution in, 590n, 677; TJ on, 489–90; and U.S., 490; U.S. minister to, 336, 338n, 638. See also Ferdinand VII, king of Spain Spanish language: and Randolph family, 703, 704n Sparks, Jared: identified, 12:189n; Letters on the Ministry, Ritual, and Doctrines of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 75; and papers of G. Washington, 532n The Spectator, 507 The Speeches of the Right Honourable Henry Grattan (H. Grattan [d. 1820]; ed. H. Grattan [d. 1859]), 506 Speech of John A. Graham, LL. D. before the Court of General Sessions (J. A. Graham), 402, 403n, 437 Spelman, Edward: translates Cyrus’s Expedition into Persia, and the Retreat of the Ten Thousand Greeks (The Anabasis) (Xenophon), 505 Spencer, Ambrose: identified, 10:569n; introduces W. Case, 416 Spencer, Charles: and University of Virginia, 48 spices: nutmeg, 14. See also salt Spinks (Sprinks), Alexander: and University of Virginia, 46, 62, 186 Spinoza, Baruch: writings of, 525 Spirit of Laws. See Esprit des Lois (Montesquieu) spirits (alcohol), 640, 646 Spooner, George Wilson: as builder for University of Virginia, 48, 50, 56, 63, 177, 183, 188, 238, 310; identified, 15:201n

Spring (J. Thomson), 302, 303n springs. See Warm Springs (Bath Co.) Sprouce, Henry: and University of Virginia, 47, 52n Spruel, George E.: and scuppernong wine, 115 spurs, 471 Stackelberg, Berndt Robert Gustaf: identified, 89n; letter from, 109–10; letter to, 89; as reference for A. Runnels, 89, 109, 128, 129, 313, 314n Staël Holstein, Anne Louise Germaine Necker, baronne de: Considerations on the Principal Events of the French Revolution, 506; identified, 5:452–3n; on Napoleon, 76 Stamp Act Crisis: Stamp Act Congress, 392n, 470, 472n Stanhope, George: translates Of Wisdom (P. Charron), 505 Stanhope, Philip Dormer, 4th Earl of Chesterfield. See Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Stanley, Thomas: The History of Philosophy, 505 Staphorst, N. & J. & R. van (Amsterdam firm). See N. & J. & R. van Staphorst (Amsterdam firm) State Department, U.S.: and consular appointments, 313, 314n; papers of, 631–2n, 664; and patents, 195. See also Adams, John Quincy; Brent, Daniel stationery: letter paper, 10; for University of Virginia, 185, 239 The Statutes at Large (W. W. Hening): publication of, 492; sent to TJ, 492; sources for, 492, 493n steamboats: in Great Britain, 143; Hope, 143; North American travel on, 147–8, 598; and U.S. government, 298; in Va., 228 steel: blistered, 12; cast, 194–5, 196n; German, 13 Stendhal. See Beyle, Marie Henri (Stendhal) Stephani (Stepani). See Estienne, Henri (Stepani; Stephani) Steptoe, James: clerk of Bedford Co., 287, 313n, 423; identified, 2:6–7n; invited to dinner, 614; letter to, 614 Stern, Francis: letter from accounted for, 715 Sterne, Laurence: spurious work attributed to, quoted, 622, 624, 625n

 785 

INDEX Stevenson, Andrew: identified, 15:38–9n; as U.S. representative from Va., 531, 532n Stewart, Dugald: Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind, 505; identified, 13:512n; Philosophical Essays, 506 Sthreshly, Amelia Magruder (Robert B. Sthreshly’s wife), 584 Sthreshly, Robert B.: identified, 6:554n; introduces L. S. Towles, 584; letter from, 584 Stimson, Mr.: and agriculture, 591 Stith, William: The History of the First Discovery and Settlement of Virginia, 507; and Poplar Forest patent, 203 stockings, 206 Stoici Philosophi Encheiridion item (Epictetus; trans. E. Carter), 505 Stone, James: and University of Virginia, 53 stoneware, 38 stoves: in jails, 690n; for University of Virginia, 62, 570 straw, 207, 226, 279 “Strictures on Mr. Cambreleng’s Work, entitled, ‘An examination of the New Tariff’” (M. Carey), 591, 592n Strong, Caleb: as deacon, 361n Stuart, Archibald: admires TJ, 533, 534; identified, 2:93–4n; as judge, 64n subscriptions, for publications: art, 705; biographies, 473–5; history, 626; legal, 460, 461n, 672, 684; news­ papers, 250–2, 427–8, 671, 672, 681, 687; on Philadelphia, 68; poetry, 626–7; religious, 682; scientific, 29n, 547. See also books; Jefferson, Thomas: Books & Library subscriptions, nonpublication: for Albemarle Library Society, 453, 453, 552, 554, 607. See also Central College: subscription for The Substance of A Discourse .  .  . To the Class of the Medical School of Transylvania University (J. Fishback), 386, 387n Suetonius (Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus): The Lives of the First Twelve Cæsars (trans. A. Thomson), 505 sugar: loaf, 10; taxes on, 574; as wine additive, 455, 640 suicide: TJ on, 607 Sully, Maximilien de Béthune, duc de: Memoires de Maximilien de Bethune, Duc de Sully, 506

Sumner, William Hyslop: identified, 644n; An Inquiry into the Importance of the Militia to a Free Commonwealth, 643, 644n; letter from, 643–4 sun: and astronomical calculations, 208–9, 210–1, 628; and calculation of latitude, 200–1; and calculation of longitude, 36; effect on climate, 301–2 Supreme Court, U.S.: and Cohens v. Virginia, 663–4, 665, 667n, 672, 687, 701n; criticized, 217–9; decisions of referenced, 461n; and jurisdiction of federal and state courts, 531, 532n, 699, 700–1n; and McCulloch v. Maryland, 687–8, 701n; and Marbury v. Madison, 664; meetings described, 528; procedures of, 97–9, 100n, 218, 429–30, 531–2, 666, 670, 700; structure and function of, 282, 297–8, 299n, 699–700; TJ on, 97–9, 429–30, 532n, 662–6. See also judiciary, U.S. surgery: TJ on study of, 249 surveying: and J. C. Borda’s circle, 198, 200; chain for, 198; compass for, 6n, 198; and dividers, 7; and due east and west lines, 22–3, 66–7, 68n; improved instruments for, 6–7; meridians used for calculations in, 7; and new map of Va., 198–9; nonius for, 6, 7n; U.S. Coast Survey, 295–6, 309. See also scientific instruments Sweden: relations with U.S., 406, 408n Swift, Jonathan: Verses on the Death of Dr. S—, D.S.P.D. occasioned By reading a Maxim in Rochefoulcault, 366, 367n; The Works of Jonathan Swift (ed. W. Scott), 505 Switzerland: J. Adams on, 439 Switzerland (L. Simond), 439 swords, 119, 122, 123n Syllabus of a Course of Lectures on the history and criticism of Spanish Literature (G. Ticknor), 676–7, 678n Systême de la Nature. Ou Des Loix du Monde Physique & du Monde Moral (Holbach), 620, 621n A System of Pyrotechny (J. Cutbush), 29n tablecloths, 12 Tablettes Chronologiques de L’Histoire Universelle (N. Lenglet du Fresnoy), 510

 786 

INDEX Tacitus, Cornelius: TJ on, 408; TJ reads, 656; The Works of Tacitus (trans. T. Gordon), 505 Talbot, Silas: American naval commander, 73, 74n Taliaferro, Mr.: visits Highland, 71 tar: for University of Virginia, 239 Tartuffe (Molière), 657 Tasso, Torquato: Jerusalem Delivered (trans. J. Hoole), 507 Tate, Benjamin: identified, 460n; recommended by P. N. Nicholas, 459–60 Tate, Joseph: A Digest of the Laws of Virginia, which are of a permanent character and general operation, 459–60, 460–1n; identified, 460n; recommended by P. N. Nicholas, 459–60 The Tatler, 507 taxes: on capital, 574; on carriages, 338; on coffee, 574; customs, 573–4, 702, 702; and education, 294n, 349n; on horses and mules, 338; on imports, 574; on income, 574; on land, 338, 394–5n; on salt, 574; on slaves, 338; Statement of Taxable Property in Albemarle County, 338; on sugar, 574; on tea, 574; TJ budgets for, 495, 496; TJ on, 38, 573–4; TJ pays, 65, 69, 72, 85, 338; and University of Virginia, 57, 239; on whiskey, 562, 573–4; on wine, 574 Taylor, Allen: as Va. legislator, 272, 273, 368, 369 Taylor, Creed: and establishment of University of Virginia, 436; identified, 436n; Journal of the Law-School, and of the Moot-Court Attached To It, at Needham, in Virginia, 436, 488–9; letter from, 436; letter to, 488–9 Taylor, George (of Pennsylvania): signer of Declaration of Independence, 471 Taylor, Jeremy: A Discourse of The Liberty of Prophesying, 399, 401n Taylor, John (of Caroline): Arator; being a series of Agricultural Essays, Practical & Political, 508; Construction Construed, and Constitutions Vindicated, 699, 700–1n; identified, 10:89–90n; writings of, 624 Taylor, Richard Squire: manages Point of Fork estate, 319, 339 Taylor, Robert Barraud: as attorney, 559; identified, 14:94n; as member

of University of Virginia Board of Visitors, 39 Taylor, Samuel (1781–1853): as Va. legislator, 314 Taylor, Thomas (of Richmond): identified, 8:130n; and G. Jefferson’s estate, 413 Taylor, William (d. 1850): correspondence with J. Q. Adams, 194n; reports on Mexican political affairs, 194n, 205 Tazewell, Littleton Waller: as attorney, 559; identified, 2:350n Tazewell, William: certifies document, 313n tea: taxes on, 574 Teackle, Littleton Dennis: and education, 349, 372–3; identified, 350n; letter from, 349–50; letter to, 372–3 telescopes: equatorial, 197–9; spyglass, 207; for surveying, 6 Tennessee: agriculture in, 579–80; banks in, 581; and election of 1824, 535, 563, 580–1; legislature of, 581 Terence (Publius Terentius Afer): The Comedies of Terence (trans. G. Colman), 507 Terrell, Chiles: and due east and west lines, 22–3, 66–7, 68n; identified, 18:648–9n; letter from, 66–8; letter to, 22–3; seeks position as engineer to Va. Board of Public Works, 23n Terrell, Dabney Carr (TJ’s grandnephew): correspondence of, 308n; health of, 93; identified, 9:482n; letter from, 92–3; and Wilson Cary Nicholas’s Administrators v. James Morrison and Thomas Deye Owings, 92–3 Terry, Nathaniel: and University of Virginia, 50 Tertullian (Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus): writings of, 526 Tessé, Adrienne Catherine de Noailles de: health of, 230; identified, 1:274n Tessé, René Mans Froulay, comte de: health of, 230 textiles: bombazine, 14, 16n; broadcloth, 574; domestic, 9, 11, 15, 16, 615; dowlas, 14, 16n; fearnought, 11, 16n; flannel, 8, 9; holland, 11, 13; linen, 11, 14, 486, 615; lutestring, 10, 16n; manufacturing, 615; nankeen, 16; osnaburg, 11; pelisse cloth, 12, 16n; plain cloth, 10, 680n; ribbon, 12; shirting, 14, 486n; silk, 10, 11, 12, 15,

 787 

INDEX textiles (cont.) 16, 574; silk manufacturing, 615; ticking, 14; Ticklenburg, 11; wool, 486. See also manufacturing; thread Themistocles: TJ references, 125, 126n The Theory of Moral Sentiments (A. Smith), 506 thermometers: and meteorological observations, 386 Theseus (mythological character), 439 Thom: delivers goods, 38, 275 Thomas, Archibald: and University of Virginia, 57 Thomas, John L.: as collector for University of Virginia, 39, 40n, 71n, 257, 258n, 512, 553; identified, 4:52–3n; TJ pays, 11 Thomas Aquinas, Saint, 526 Thomas Cox & Company (North Carolina firm), 115. See also Cox, Thomas Thomas Ritchie & Company (Richmond firm): proposes to publish work, 460–1n. See also Ritchie, Thomas Thompson, Jonathan: account with TJ, 702, 702; as collector at New York, 498, 499n, 501n, 684, 702, 702; identified, 17:225n; letter from, 702; letter from accounted for, 684n; letter to, 684 Thompson, Smith: identified, 17:437–8n; as secretary of the navy, 72, 142 Thomson, Alexander: translates The Lives of the First Twelve Cæsars (Suetonius), 505 Thomson, Ignatius, 583, 633 Thomson, James: Spring, 302, 303n; tragedies of, 507 Thorn, Abia B.: Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Agreement with Abia B. Thorn and Nathaniel Chamberlain for Rotunda Brickwork, 433–5, 450, 452; as brick mason for University of Virginia, 185, 189, 237, 395–6n, 433–4, 435n; identified, 435n; and stonework for University of Virginia, 435n Thornton, Matthew: signer of Declaration of Independence, 471 Thoughts of Cicero (Cicero; comp. P. J. T. d’Olivet), 505 Thoüin, André: “Description de la Greffe Juge, nouvelle sorte,” 353n; “Description de la Greffe Sainclair, nouvelle sorte,” 353n; “Description D’une nouvelle sorte de Greffe, nommée Greffe Vilmorin,” 353n; “Histoire

et Description D’une nouvelle espèce de Poirier, envoyée du Mont-Sinaï,” 353n; identified, 1:202n; letter from, 352–3; “Mémoire sur la Greffe Banks. Nouvelle Sorte,” 353n; Note Sur la culture et les usages du Chêne à glands doux ou Ballota. (Quercus Ballota), 353n; Note Sur la culture et les usages du Pin Laricio de Corse, 353n; Note Sur la Soude d’Alicante ou Barille (Salsola Sativa), L., 353n; Quelques Notes & mémoires Sur des cultures forestières, jardinières & champetres, 353n; sends seeds to TJ, 352, 609; sends works to TJ, 352 thread, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 threshing machines, 394n, 398 Thrimston (Thrimson) (TJ’s slave; b. ca. 1799). See Hern, Thrimston (Thrimson) (TJ’s slave; b. ca. 1799) Thuanus, Jacques Auguste de. See de Thou, Jacques Auguste Thucydides: The History of the Peloponnesian War, Translated from the Greek of Thucydides (trans. W. Smith), 505 ticking (textile), 14 Ticklenburg (textile), 11 Ticknor, Anna Eliot (George Ticknor’s wife): mentioned, 678 Ticknor, George: as Harvard professor, 676–8; identified, 8:242n; letter from, 676–8; sends greetings to Randolphs, 678; Syllabus of a Course of Lectures on the history and criticism of Spanish Literature, 676–7, 678n; TJ introduces students to, 301, 677–8; and University of Virginia, 476, 677; visits Monticello, 678 Tiffin, Edward: as surveyor general of Northwest Territory, 152 Tilghman, William: and appointment for R. M. Wistar, 196; identified, 12:557n Tillett, Francis: identified, 631n; letter from accounted for, 631n; letter to, 631–2; mathematical propositions of, 631–2 Timaeus (character in dialogue by Plato), 525 tin: gutters, 238; for University of Virginia, 62, 185, 239, 310 Tinsley Tavern (Goochland Co.), 518n tobacco: as cash crop, 416; effect of weather on, 485, 645n; grown at Monticello, 494, 496, 591, 594, 636,

 788 

INDEX 658–9; grown at Poplar Forest, 85, 494, 496, 550, 591, 594, 636, 685, 695, 713; physical effect on user, 378; price of in Richmond, 712–3; in Richmond market, 673; sale of, 622, 658–9, 673, 685, 695, 712–3; smoking of, 646; snuff, 622, 623; and TJ’s debts, 671; TJ’s income from, 494, 496; transported to Richmond, 594, 636, 685 Todd, John Payne (James Madison’s stepson): correspondence with D. Madison, 519n; identified, 4:188–9n Todd, Thomas: family of, 670n; identified, 15:502–3n; as Supreme Court justice, 216, 670, 700 Tokay (wine), 455, 479, 528 Toledo, Francisco de: Commentaria unà cum Quæstionibus in octo libros Aristotelis De Physica Auscultatione, 526 Tomline, Sir George Pretyman: Memoirs of the Life of the right honorable William Pitt, 508 Tompkins, Charles: and University of Virginia, 55, 56 Toole, George: and University of Virginia, 56 tools: augers, 8, 12; awls, 11; compass, surveying, 6n, 198; crosscut saw, 12, 15, 16n; files, 12, 15, 16n; gimlets, 8, 16n; handsaws, 15, 16n; levels, 207, 226; sandpaper, 10; shoemaker’s knife, 10, 11, 16n; vices, 603n; whipsaws, 12 Tories. See Federalist party Toulongeon, François Emmanuel, vicomte de: Histoire de France, 506 Tournillon, Etienne St. Julien de: slaves of, 333n Towers, Joseph Lomas: Illustrations of Prophecy, 623, 625n Towles, Larkin Smith: identified, 11:151n; introduced to TJ, 584 Towles, William Beverley: identified, 17:564n; TJ introduces, 677 Tracy. See Destutt de Tracy, Antoine Louis Claude The Tragedies of Æschylus (Aeschylus; trans. R. Potter), 506 The Tragedies of Euripides (Euripides; trans. R. Potter), 506 The Tragedies of Sophocles (Sophocles; trans. R. Potter), 506 Traité d’Économie Politique (J. B. Say), 506

Transylvania University (Lexington, Ky.): A Catalogue of the Officers and Students of Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky, January, 1823, 386, 387n; Catalogus Senatus Academici, eorum qui munera et officia gesserunt, quique alicujus gradus laurea donati sunt in Universitate Transylvaniensi, 386, 387n; Clarissimo Johanni Adair, Armigero, gubernatori .  .  . Reverendo Horatio Holley, A M, A A S, Præsidi .  .  . Reique Publicæ nostræ Literariæ Fautoribus; Theses hasce, Juvenes in Artibus initiati, .  .  . humillime dedicant, 386, 387n; medical school at, 386; natural history collections for, 18 Treasury Department, U.S.: and appointments, 297; and election of 1824, 533, 535; and public debt, 337; state of, 561–2, 573. See also Anderson, Joseph; Crawford, William Harris; Gallatin, Albert A Treatise on Political Economy (Destutt de Tracy), 457, 506 A Treatise on the use of Prussiate of Iron, (Or, Prussian Blue,) in Intermitting and Remitting Fevers (W. Zollickoffer), 260 trees: ash, 422; hickory, 422, 423; locust, yellow, 17, 65; olive, 129; peach, 205; poplar, 423 Trent, Edward W.: death of, 625n; receives goods for TJ, 623 Trent, Joseph, 606 Trentanove, Raimondo: Italian sculptor, 500 Tripoli: relations with U.S., 427 Trist, Elizabeth House: correspondence with N. P. Trist, 263n, 308n, 333n; friends and family of, 262–3n; identified, 1:73–4n; reports on slave trial, 262–3n; and TJ’s health, 150n, 308n; on treatment of slaves, 333n; visits Liberty, Va., 150n, 308n; visits Monticello, 645n Trist, Nicholas Philip: business in La., 608n; correspondence with E. W. R. Coolidge, 169n, 308n, 464n, 704n; correspondence with M. J. Randolph, 116n, 682n; correspondence with E. Trist, 262–3n, 333n; correspondence with V. J. R. Trist, liv–lv, 150n, 192–3n, 383n, 412n, 418n, 424 (illus.), 454n, 464n, 581n, 608n, 645n,

 789 

INDEX Trist, Nicholas Philip (cont.) 704n, 705n; identified, 14:9–10n; and legal education, 192–3n, 608n, 645n; letters to, from V. J. R. Trist, 149–50, 607–8, 644–5; and Monticello’s South Pavilion, 192–3n; and TJ’s correspondence, 283n Trist, Virginia Jefferson Randolph (TJ’s granddaughter): on Albemarle Library Society, 607; correspondence with N. P. Trist, liv–lv, 150n, 192–3n, 383n, 412n, 418n, 424 (illus.), 454n, 464n, 581n, 608n, 645n, 704n, 705n; courtship of, 608n; and cuddy at Monticello, liv, 645; education of, 645n; and F. W. Eppes’s wedding, 116n; health of, 150n, 519n; identified, 10:492n; letters from, to N. P. Trist, 149–50, 607–8, 644–5; on A. S. J. Marks, 644–5; plans visit to Poplar Forest, 608n; reading habits, 412n; temperament of, 150n; as TJ’s amanuensis, 269n, 383n, 411n, 430n, 452n, 490n, 605n, 678n; on TJ’s health, 149–50, 412n, 418n, 644; on TJ’s reading, 412n; and TJ’s riding accident, 607; visits Ashton, 150n, 464n; visits Poplar Forest, 644; on weather, 383n Trumbull, John (artist): The Declaration of Independence, 705; friendship with M. Cosway, 90, 683; General George Washington Resigning His Commission, 705; hopes to visit Monticello, 705; identified, 10:616n; letter from, 705–6; portrait of G. Washington, 502n Truxton, Thomas: American naval commander, 73, 74n Tucker, Henry St. George: as Va. state senator, 368 Tucker, St. George: as federal judge, 241; identified, 1:617n Tudor, William (1779–1830): identified, 13:576n; letter from, 318; letter to, 373–4; The Life of James Otis, of Massachusetts, 318, 373, 374n; seeks TJ’s opinion, 318, 373 Tull, Jethro: Horse-Hoeing Husbandry: or, An Essay on the Principles of Vegetation and Tillage, 508 tumblers (drinking vessels), 9 Tunis: relations with U.S., 427 Turkey: and Russia, 489, 587

turkeys: artistic depictions of, 108; at Monticello, 150 turnips: globe, 606 turpentine: spirit of, 15, 16n Two Treatises of Government (J. Locke), 505 Tyler, George D.: letter from accounted for, 715 The Uncertainty of the Signs of Death (J. J. Bruhier d’Ablaincourt), 505 Union Mills. See Magruder’s mill (Fluvanna Co.) Unitarianism: and Congregationalism, 360, 361; criticized, 583; and Harvard University, 147; in New York City, 361, 363n; in Pa., 79; spread of, 126, 127, 134, 158, 361; TJ on, 74–5, 84, 214; works on, 133, 213 United States: and advancement of civilization, 303; “Brother Jonathan” as nickname for people of, 305, 306n; and Cuba, 393, 543, 601, 686–7, 707, 709–10; economy of, 461n, 615; elections in, 580–1; European interest in, 597–8, 706; exports of, 437, 438n; and France, 104, 105n, 406, 408n, 706–7, 710, 711n; future of considered, 431; and Great Britain, 406, 408n, 706–7, 710, 711n; history of proposed, 427; M. A. Jullien on, 597–8; literature of, 597–8; Panic of 1819, 397; population of, 388, 389n; presidency, 602; and presidential election of 1800, 267n, 282, 304, 329–31, 351, 602; and presidential election of 1824, 148, 219–21, 252, 263–7, 333–4, 362, 392, 409–10, 533–5, 556–7, 562–3, 571, 574, 580–1, 589–90, 602, 615–6, 643, 712; prisons in, 598; and public education, 138, 139n, 162; and public lands, 138, 162; and Russia, 706–7; and South American republics, 543, 639, 706–7, 711–2n; and Spain, 490; state papers and public documents, 391, 392n, 462, 626; state versus federal authority, 664–6, 698–700; trade of, 490, 606. See also Bank of the United States, Second; Congress, U.S.; Constitution, U.S.; Post Office, U.S.; specific departments United States District Court, Kentucky District, 92

 790 

INDEX United States Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.): appointments to sought, 25, 30; faculty of, 28–9, 64, 295; students at, 655; textbooks for, 28–9, 64 utopian societies: H. Roi’s vision for, 376, 377–82 Vacher, Francis: compensation claim of, 156; identified, 157n; letter from, 156–7 Van Buren, Martin: identified, 555–6n; letter from, 555–6; and N.Y. politics, 555 Vance, Samuel C.: as Land Office register, 153n Van der Kemp, Francis Adrian: friendship with J. Adams, 620, 621n; health of, 619; identified, 4:501n; letters from, 244–6, 619–21; letters to, 307–8; and N.Y. public records, 244, 619–20; and proposed book, 619; proposed work on Jesus, 619; and religion, 620; and TJ’s health, 244, 307–8; and TJ’s syllabus of Jesus’s doctrines, 245, 619, 621n; and TJ’s writings, 619, 620, 621n; and University of Virginia, 245 Van Eupen, Pierre: and Brabant Revolution, 466 Van Lew, John, & Company (Richmond firm). See John Van Lew & Company (Richmond firm) van Staphorst, N. & J. & R. (Amsterdam firm). See N. & J. & R. van Staphorst (Amsterdam firm) Vaughan, John (1756–1841): and American Philosophical Society, 117, 196, 197n; identified, 1:453n; letters from, 116–7, 196–7; letters to, 141–2, 163; TJ sends letter through, 142; and TJ’s health, 196; and TJ’s lines of credit in Europe, 116; and C. Wistar’s family, 116–7, 141–2, 163, 196 Verme, Francesco, conte dal: family of, 683; and TJ’s travels, 90, 91n Verses on the Death of Dr. S—, D.S.P.D. occasioned By reading a Maxim in Rochefoulcault (J. Swift), 366, 367n Vesey, Denmark: as purported leader of slave insurrection, 222–3n vices (tools), 603n A View of Society and Manners in France, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy (J. Moore), 505

View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages (H. Hallam), 506 Views of Society and Manners in America (F. Wright), 609 Views on Political Economy, from the Description of the United States (J. Melish), 591, 592n Villèle, Joseph, comte de, 707 Vilnius University, 346n Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro): T. Cooper quotes, 681; B. T. Dulany quotes, 448; Eclogues, 166n; G. W. Erving quotes, 588; T. J. Johnston quotes, 165; The Works of Virgil (trans. J. Dryden), 506 Virgilia aurea, 17 Virgilia fragilis. See locust: yellow Virgilia lutea, 17 Virginia: agriculture in, 416–7; auditor of, 593, 594–5; banks in, 32; Board of Public Works, 23n, 167, 223, 247, 248, 295–6, 309, 317, 405, 469, 504; British attacks on, 626; and cession of Northwest Territory, 492–3; constitution of (1776), 461n; Convention of 1829–30, lv; Council of State, 106, 140, 166–8, 192; Court of Appeals, 218, 461n; and education, 292, 293–4, 303, 314–5, 316n, 324, 325–6, 339, 340–1n, 353–5, 578, 653; elections in, 105, 533–5, 563; General Assembly, 21, 40–4, 61, 65, 83–4, 87, 90, 105, 106n, 118, 119, 122, 123n, 127, 146–7, 164, 174, 198, 222n, 224, 227, 242–4, 248n, 248, 250, 253–5, 256, 256, 258n, 267–9, 271, 272–4, 284–5, 292, 293, 294–5, 296–7, 314–5, 317, 318n, 319n, 324, 338n, 339–41, 347, 348n, 353–5, 368–9, 370, 383, 393, 395, 402, 415, 417, 445–6, 455, 465, 480–1, 482n, 492–3, 503n, 512, 513, 517, 519, 538, 539–40, 578, 602, 603n, 604, 626, 633, 653, 663, 674, 682n, 688, 689; General Court, 461n; governor, 166–8, 192, 247, 248n, 248, 249n, 492; House of Burgesses, 319n; House of Delegates, 232, 241, 242n, 244, 256, 282, 292, 293–4n, 315, 318n, 319n, 324, 339, 350, 351, 353, 368; House of Delegates, journals of, 492; internal improvements in, 454; jails in, 688–90; judicial system of, 384; keeper of the rolls, 455; and Ky. land grants, 576; Land Office, 575–6;

 791 

INDEX Virginia (cont.) and land speculation, 602; law in, 262–3; laws of, 261–2, 420, 459–61, 492, 672, 684, 687; maps of, l–li (illus.), 198–9, 405; militia, 679, 680n, 692; and Panic of 1819, 397; presidential candidates from, 105; revision of laws, 420, 421n; and Revolutionary War compensation claims, 319n; Senate of, 241, 282, 292, 314, 324, 339, 350, 353, 689–90; slavery in, 222n, 624; State Penitentiary, 106; subdivision into wards or school districts, 354; Superior Courts of Chancery, 311; taxes in, 338n; TJ on subdividing into hundreds or wards, 293; TJ’s collection of laws of, 492; treasurer of, 371, 593, 594–5; treasury of, 371; women of, 366, 410. See also Bank of Virginia (Richmond); Central College; The History of Virginia (J. D. Burk, S. Jones, and L. H. Girardin); Literary Fund; Mutual Assurance Society; Notes on the State of Virginia (Thomas Jefferson); Pleasants, James; Virginia, University of Virginia, University of Administration and Financial Affairs accounts of, 39, 43–4, 62–3, 164, 174–5, 175, 175–6, 176–8, 179, 179–81, 181–2, 188–91, 512–3, 514, 538–9, 553; Alexander Garrett’s Account of Unappropriated Funds for the University of Virginia, 61; Alexander Garrett’s account with the University of Virginia, 46–52, 53–9, 60; Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Statement of Construction Payments for University of Virginia Buildings, 62–3, 238–40; and Bank of Virginia, 60; Bond of University of Virginia Board of Visitors to Literary Fund President and Directors, 604–5; bursar of, 512, 518, 593n; collector for, 39, 40n, 70; and Farmers’ Bank of Virginia (Richmond), 60, 61; funding for, 39, 46–52, 53–9, 60, 61, 62–3, 65, 70, 70–1, 83–4, 105, 174, 183–7, 188–91, 241–2, 242–4, 253–5, 256–8, 267–9, 272–4, 285n, 294, 296–7, 314–5, 324, 328, 339–41, 350–1, 368–9, 370, 371, 396n, 398, 415, 478, 480–1, 512, 512–3, 519,

539–40, 550, 553, 561, 570, 573, 584–5, 593, 594–5, 600–1n, 603n, 670; inspection and settlement of accounts of, 31–2, 39, 43–4, 52, 59, 100, 169, 172, 174, 175, 175–6, 176–8, 179, 179–80, 181–2, 183–7, 188–91, 255, 256–7, 274, 292, 314, 340, 518; John H. Cocke’s Certification of Nelson Barksdale’s Accounts as University of Virginia Proctor, 175–6; John H. Cocke’s Recapitulation of Central College and University of Virginia Proctorial Accounts, 179–81; John H. Cocke’s Report on Arthur S. Brockenbrough’s Accounts as University of Virginia Proctor, 176–8; laws and regulations governing, 625; Martin Dawson’s Balance Sheet for the University of Virginia, 183–7; Martin Dawson’s Report on Central College and University of Virginia Accounts, 181–2; Martin Dawson’s Revised Balance Sheet for the University of Virginia, 188–91; proctor of, 172, 480, 518; and purchase of TJ’s hoisting machine, 494, 496n; rector of, 448, 517–8; and remission of debt to Va., 42, 241, 243, 254–5, 267–8, 272–4, 315, 324, 325–6, 339–40, 351, 353, 368, 417; and taxes, 57; TJ’s Authorization for Alexander Garrett to Borrow for University of Virginia, 593; TJ’s General View of the Finances of the University of Virginia, 512–3 (See also Barksdale, Nelson: as University of Virginia proctor; Brockenbrough, Arthur Spicer: as University of Virginia proctor; Central College: subscription for; Garrett, Alexander: as University of Virginia bursar; Literary Fund) Board of Visitors annual reports of, 39, 40–4, 46–52, 53–9, 60, 61, 62–3, 87, 88n, 127, 158, 164, 174, 224, 242, 243, 255, 256–8, 269, 273–4, 284, 292, 314, 316n, 416n, 540; committee of superintendence, 39, 40n, 593n; and construction of University of Virginia, 240, 395n, 450, 451, 452, 480–2, 520–1, 546, 547, 552–3, 565, 565–6, 569–70; and faculty

 792 

INDEX Virginia, University of (cont.) recruitment, 456, 476, 485–6, 596, 626, 633, 681; and funds of University of Virginia, 39, 40–4, 172, 174, 175, 175–6, 176–8, 180, 181–2, 243, 273, 398, 518; and governor of Va., 415, 416n; and ground plan of University of Virginia, 295, 308–9; letter to, 452; letter to, from A. S. Brockenbrough, 513–4; and loans for University of Virginia, 40–4, 315, 324, 339–40, 350, 368, 370, 383, 392, 395, 402, 409, 415, 451, 452, 503, 517–8, 519, 553, 593, 594–5, 604–5; meetings of, 32, 39–40, 70, 127, 269, 274, 282–3, 291–2, 296, 297, 308–9, 315, 324, 339, 347, 348, 351n, 368, 383, 392, 395, 430, 451, 452, 455, 475, 480, 503, 512, 517–9, 519, 520–1, 537–8, 538, 552–3, 570; members of, lv, 39, 40n, 269, 291–2, 368, 369n, 415, 416n, 430, 445–6, 455; Minutes of, 39–40, 517–9; and oversight of officers, staff, and workmen, 347, 348n, 367–8; reviews financial accounts, 39, 43–4, 52, 59, 174–5, 175, 175–6, 176–8, 179, 179–81, 181–2, 183–7, 188–91 Books and Library books and manuscripts for, 33, 135, 226, 255, 481, 490, 492, 547, 595–6, 603, 632; as depository, liv, 95, 141, 540, 541n; plans for, 340n; student access to, 43, 127 Construction and Grounds as academical village, 90; African Americans (free and enslaved) employed at, 62, 179, 189, 396n, 404, 544n; blacksmiths, 185, 189, 238, 239; brick makers and brick masons, 62, 183, 237, 238, 239, 240, 268, 395–6n, 432, 433–4, 446–7, 450, 452, 544n; builders, 39, 582, 689; building costs, 39, 41, 46–52, 53–9, 62–3, 65, 70n, 164, 184–5, 189, 224, 228–9, 237, 240, 240, 240–1, 241–2, 248, 253–5, 257–8, 267–8, 269n, 274, 310, 396n, 398, 415; building materials for, lv, 62, 239, 310, 324, 383, 395, 398, 404, 432, 433–4, 435n, 447, 513, 553; capitals for, 39, 41, 76, 77–8, 153–4, 259, 282, 478, 498–9,

 793 

684, 702, 702, 705; carpenters and joiners, 237, 240, 268, 432–3, 434, 446, 447–8, 450, 452; and classical architecture, 83, 90, 105, 111, 248–9; design of, 90, 105, 111, 296–7, 396n; disputes with workmen, 185, 310–1, 347–8, 403–4, 513–4, 518, 520, 520–2, 523, 537–8, 545, 546, 547, 548, 552–3, 566–7; doors, 310, 432, 447; dormitory rooms, 40, 62, 127, 145n, 183–4, 188–9, 238, 291, 294, 310, 600–1n, 653; drawings of, 294–5, 308–9; East Lawn, 294; floors, 432, 447, 565; gardens, lv, 40, 41, 239, 257, 294; ground plan of, 24, 144, 145, 161–2, 213, 213, 224, 227, 227, 229, 232, 255, 255, 256, 274, 276, 285, 294–5, 308–9, 367, 371, 476, 483; gutters for, 239; hoisting machine for, 164, 185, 189, 226, 279, 496n; Hotel A, 183, 187n, 188, 239, 240n; Hotel B, 183, 187n, 188; Hotel C, 183, 187n, 188, 238, 240n, 396n; Hotel D, 183, 187n, 188; Hotel E, 183, 187n, 188, 239, 240n; Hotel F, 183, 187n, 188; hotels, 40, 127, 238, 294, 600–1n; maps of, xlv (illus.), xlvi–xlvii (illus.), xlviii (illus.); marble for, 259, 684, 702, 702, 705; ornamental work, liii, 23–4, 277, 477, 487, 487–8, 513, 514–6, 518, 520, 520–2, 523, 524, 566–7, 568, 611; overseer’s house, 184, 189; painters and glaziers, 62, 238; Pavilion I, 183, 188, 238, 514, 515, 516, 521, 523; Pavilion II, 183, 188, 239, 396n, 432, 434, 514, 515, 516, 521, 523, 524, 566, 568; Pavilion III, 183, 188, 239, 515, 516, 521, 523; Pavilion IV, 183, 188, 396n, 432, 434, 515, 516, 521, 523; Pavilion V, 62, 183, 188, 239, 515, 516, 521, 524, 566, 568; Pavilion VI, 62, 183, 188, 515, 516, 524; Pavilion VII, 183, 188, 515, 516, 521, 523; Pavilion VIII, 183, 188, 238, 239, 396n, 515, 516, 521, 523; Pavilion IX, 183, 188, 238, 515, 516, 524; Pavilion X, 183, 188, 238, 515, 516, 524; pavilions, 40, 127, 238, 294, 309, 600–1n; plasterers, 63, 191, 238, 403–4; privies, 184, 187n, 189, 238, 514; proctor’s house, 184, 189, 396n, 570; progress of, 21, 40–1,

INDEX Virginia, University of (cont.) 113, 127, 146–7, 245, 247, 248–9, 282, 395–6n, 415–6; quarrying for, 239, 240; roofs, 310, 432, 447; Rotunda (library), 21, 39, 41, 44n, 83, 90, 127, 145n, 164, 174, 224, 228–9, 237, 240, 240, 240–1, 241–2, 243, 248, 253–5, 257–8, 267, 268, 274, 283, 292, 294, 297, 309, 340, 351n, 370, 383, 396n, 398, 399n, 402, 409, 410n, 415, 433–4, 435n, 447–8, 451, 452, 475, 477, 480, 481–2n, 490, 498, 513, 519n, 539, 544n, 552, 553, 565–6, 569–70, 578, 582, 602, 639, 670, 675, 682n; stairs, 432, 447; stonemasons, 163–4, 228, 237n, 238, 239, 240–1, 259, 268, 291, 435n; stoves for, 62, 570; tinsmiths, 62, 63; TJ’s architectural designs for, lv, 524n, 552, 600–1n, 675; TJ visits Grounds, 351n; visitors to, 237n, 393, 577, 639; wages for workmen, 153–4, 163–4, 228, 237, 238, 239, 310–1, 395n, 403–4, 434, 435n, 446–7, 447–8, 570; wagons for, 185, 189; walls and fences at, lv, 424 (illus.), 424 (illus.), 432, 433–4, 514; water for, 184, 189; West Lawn, 294; windows, 62, 240, 432, 552; workmen, 185, 239, 282, 291, 291, 324, 351n, 383, 392, 395, 398, 409, 415 Establishment commissioners’ report, 40–5, 257–8, 372; and General Assembly, 21, 40–4, 65, 83–4, 87, 90, 105, 127, 146–7, 164, 174, 224, 227, 232, 241–2, 242–4, 248, 253–5, 256, 256, 258n, 267–9, 271, 272–4, 282, 284–5, 292, 294–5, 296–7, 314–5, 317, 324, 339–41, 350, 353–4, 368–9, 370, 383, 393, 395, 402, 417, 465, 480–1, 539–40, 578, 602, 604, 626, 632, 633, 653, 674, 682n; opening of, 21, 41, 42, 65, 127, 243, 255, 268, 324, 353, 372, 393, 417, 450, 485–6, 538, 539–40, 578, 583, 626, 632, 633, 639, 653, 674, 677, 682n; opinions on, 293, 303, 325–6, 353–4, 369, 370, 396n, 415–6, 563; opposition to, 127, 253–4, 267, 272–3, 284, 292, 296–7, 315, 353–4, 368–9, 370, 416, 465, 480–1; Pro-

ceedings of Rockfish Gap Meeting of the University of Virginia Commissioners, 268; TJ as founder of, 90, 113, 370, 372, 374, 436, 600–1n, 683; TJ’s vision for, 90, 127, 162, 247, 267–8, 578 (See also Central College) Faculty and Curriculum agriculture professorship, 359–60, 362n, 416; anatomy professorship, 570; chemistry, mineralogy, and natural philosophy professorship, 369, 565, 570; T. Cooper as proposed professor, 450, 633, 681; faculty applicants, 17–8, 65, 369, 440–1, 442, 443, 444–5, 456, 476, 483, 485–6, 555, 558–9, 596–7, 626; faculty compensation, 184; law professorship, 570; modern languages professorship, 558–9, 570, 596; moral philosophy professorship, 570; natural-history specimens for, 18; organization of professorships, 324, 325n; proposed curriculum, 42–5, 249; recruitment of faculty from Europe, 105, 111, 113, 267, 578, 600–1n; and religious studies, 42–5, 87, 88n, 127, 158, 340, 540; scientific instruments for, 95, 141, 241–2, 255, 340n, 481, 565, 569, 570; TJ recruits faculty, 113 Students foreign students, 113; prospective students, 21, 682n; student conduct at, 127–8; and tuition fees, 481 Virginia Advocate (Charlottesville newspaper), 615 Virginia Museum (Richmond), 141 Virginia Times (Richmond newspaper), 249, 250–2, 271, 424 Vita di Benvenuto Cellini (B. Cellini), 508 viticulture: books on, 455, 528; in France, 129; in U.S., 129, 479; in Va., 479. See also grapes; wine Voltaire (François Marie Arouet): The Age of Louis XIV, 506; The Age of Louis XV, 506; The General History and State of Europe, 506; Histoire de Charles XII, roi de Suède, 506; Histoire de l’empire de Russie sous Pierre le Grand, 506; mentioned, 321, 322n

 794 

INDEX Vowles, John: and University of Virginia, 48, 51, 55, 57, 186, 190, 239 Voyage du Jeune Anacharsis en Grèce (J. J. Barthélemy), 505, 509n wagons: transport goods to and from Richmond, 483, 493; transport people and goods between Monticello and Poplar Forest, 568; for University of Virginia, 185, 189, 239 Walker, Richard: identified, 333n; Valuation of Poplar Forest Slaves, 332–3 Walker, Thomas (of Albemarle Co.): and University of Virginia, 54 Wallace, James Westwood: identified, 1:57n; letter from, 563–4; letter to, 578–9; and natural history, 563–4, 578; sends millet seed to TJ, 564; and University of Virginia, 563, 578 Waller, Edmund: Letters Supposed to have passed between M. De St. Evremond and Mr. Waller (J. Langhorne), 506, 509n Walpole, Horace (Horatio), 4th Earl of Orford: Reminiscences, 506 Walsh, Robert: and J. Corrêa da Serra, 511, 544; edits The Works of the British Poets, with Lives of the Authors, 546–7; identified, 11:178n; letters from, 223–4, 472–3, 543–4; letters to, 248–9, 510–1; proposed biographical dictionary, 472–3, 473–5, 510–1, 543–4; recommends S. H. Long, 223, 247, 248n, 248; and TJ’s health, 233; visits Monticello, 511 Warden, David Bailie: as consul at Paris, 111; and Destutt de Tracy letters, 609; and European affairs, 610; identified, 1:141n; letter from, 609–10; letter to, 111–2; library of, 610; and portrait of TJ, 610n; and seeds from A. Thoüin, 609; sends greetings to Randolphs, 610; sends publications to TJ, 609; and Société Linnéenne de Paris, 610; and TJ’s health, 609; and University of Virginia, 111, 600–1n War Department, U.S. See Calhoun, John Caldwell Ware, Henry (1764–1845): A Sermon delivered January 1, 1817, at the Ordination of the Reverend Henry Ware, 361, 363n; and Unitarianism, 361, 363n

Ware, Henry (1794–1843): family of, 361n; Unitarian minister, 361, 363n Ware, Richard: and builders for University of Virginia, 395n; as carpenter for University of Virginia, 46, 49, 52n, 63, 177, 186, 188, 189, 238, 310; identified, 14:139–40n Ware, William: Unitarian minister, 361, 363n Warm Springs (Bath Co.): TJ visits, 146, 149n War of 1812: histories of, 427; militia activity, 680n; poetry on, 234, 235n; and politics, 219; public opinion of, 251; U.S. medical staff in, 364–5; U.S. naval victories during, 304; veterans of, 386. See also Ghent, Treaty of (1814); New Orleans, Battle of (1815) Warren, Mercy Otis: History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution, 507 Warwick, D. W. & C. (Richmond firm). See D. W. & C. Warwick (Richmond firm) Washington, D.C.: calculations of prime meridian for, 211; City Hall, 16–7; economy of, 16–7; fever in, 3; longitude of, 199–200, 210–1; newspapers in, 331; proposed national observatory in, 295–6. See also Capitol, U.S.; National Intelligencer (Washington newspaper) Washington, Bushrod: and papers of G. Washington, 529, 532n; as Supreme Court justice, 218, 222n, 223n Washington, George: and appointments, 73; as army commander, 471, 530, 532n; biographies of, 586; biography of proposed, 427; cabinet of, 73, 74, 124–5; correspondence with P. A. Adet, 331, 332n; Farewell Address, 529, 532n, 557, 662, 667n, 670, 696–7; on France, 331, 332n; and H. Lee’s funeral oration for, 441n; and medals commemorating Revolutionary War, liv, 541n; mentioned, 130n; and naval expansion, 73, 74; papers of, 529, 532n, 661, 696; portraits of, 418–9, 426 (illus.), 438, 500, 502n; praised, 216, 251, 253n, 384; as president, 99; as president of Potomac Company, 171n; sculpture of, 500; statue of for N.C. state capitol, 499–502; TJ on, 97; J. Trumbull’s painting of resignation of, 705

 795 

INDEX Washington, William: medal commemorating Revolutionary War service of, liv, 541n Washington and Lee University. See Washington College (later Washington and Lee University) Washington College (later Washington and Lee University), 268, 269n, 274n Washingtoniana (proposed Lancaster, Pa., newspaper), 425–6, 426–8 wasps, liv, 645 watches: G. Jefferson’s, 414, 649. See also clocks water: pipes, 675. See also cisterns Waterhouse, Benjamin: and appointment for H. J. Knox, 74; The Botanist, 359–60; An Essay concerning Tussis Convulsiva, or, Whooping-Cough, 359, 362n; family of, 361, 363n; friendship with J. Adams, 362; friendship with J. Q. Adams, 362; Heads Of a Course of Lectures, Intended as an Introduction to Natural History, 359–60, 362n; health of, 359, 362; identified, 1:300n; letter from, 359–63; letter to, 74–5; as physician, 359; and religion, 74–5, 360–2 Waterloo, Battle of (1815), 657 Watkins, Henry Edward: identified, 13:361–2n; as Va. legislator, 273 Watkins, Joseph S.: as Va. legislator, 368 Watkins, Susannah (Susan) Woodrow (Thomas G. Watkins’s wife): moves to Tenn., 581n; sends greetings to TJ, 579, 581 Watkins, Thomas G.: career of, 364–5; identified, 12:270n; letter from accounted for, 267n; letters from, 263–7, 364–5, 579–81; as physician, 364–5, 581n; seeks appointment, 364–5; on Tenn., 579–81; TJ’s account with, 275; TJ’s debt to, 494; and TJ’s health, 150, 169, 201, 202n, 204, 231, 232n, 272, 275, 298, 299n, 308n, 412n, 579; V. J. R. Trist on, 150; and U.S. politics, 263–6, 364–5, 580–1 Watson, Fontaine: identified, 17:579n; and T. Leiper, 591, 623, 636 Watson, James Richard: identified, 287–8n; witnesses documents, 287, 423 Watson, John (1760–1841): identified, 2:238n; letter from, 394–5; as J. Mon-

roe’s agent, 394, 398n; witnesses documents, 423 Watson, John Fanning: Christian beliefs of, 399–401; friendship with J. Delaplaine, 396, 399; identified, 7:344n; letter from, 399–402; writings on New Testament, 401n Watson, Robert: The History of the Reign of Philip the Second, King of Spain, 508; The History of the Reign of Philip the Third, King of Spain, 508 Watson, William: identified, 4:543n; and University of Virginia, 190 Watts, David: and University of Virginia, 189 Wayles, John (TJ’s father-in-law): and Bedford Co. land, 155–6, 203, 204n; identified, 5:162–3n; TJ as executor for, 203 Wayne, Anthony, 427 Wayt, Twyman: and University of Virginia, 50, 183, 188, 189 The Wealth of Nations (A. Smith), 506 weather: and climate change, 302; clouds, 383n; cold, 301, 302, 386, 484, 645n; drought, 85, 110, 579, 645n; effect on crops, 645n; effect on health, 298, 374, 431, 484, 646; effect on shipping, 31, 37–8, 65, 85, 86, 110, 110, 356, 498, 641; effect on travel, 297, 383, 395, 484; fair, 614; floods, 383n; frost, 83; and geography, 301–2; heat, 645n; ice, 301; in northern states, 301; and oceans, 302; rain, 31, 37–8, 65, 110, 110, 356, 383n, 484, 579; snow, 301, 383n, 386–7, 487; temperature readings, 386, 487; TJ on climate, 358; and urban life, 358; wind, 301, 302, 356 Webster, Daniel: advises on legal studies, 166n Weekly Register. See Niles’ Weekly Register (Baltimore newspaper) Welch, Wakelin: identified, 2:515n; TJ’s bond to, 495 Wells, John Clark: identified, 15:494n; and TJ’s bond, 14 Welsh, George (TJ’s slave): valuation of, 332 Welsh, George P.: witnesses document, 605 Werth, Mr. (of Richmond): lawsuit with P. Gibson, 413 West Indies: and abolition of slavery, 711

 796 

INDEX wheat: as crop, 379, 416, 484, 606; effect of insects on, 645n; Egyptian, 21–2; importation of, 624; price of, 38, 69, 91; price of in Richmond, 31; as rent, 484; seeds, 21–2; at Shadwell mills, 4, 5, 38 Wheat, Rezin: identified, 11:439n; and University of Virginia, 57, 59n, 189 wheels and axles, 551 whiskey: mentioned, 466; negative effects of, 573–4; taxes on, 562, 573–4; TJ orders, 10 Whiskey Rebellion, 427 Whiston, William: translates The Genuine Works of Flavius Josephus (Josephus), 505 White, Ann E. Peyton (Hugh Lawson White’s wife), 392n, 393n White, Hugh (of Pennsylvania): identified, 306n; letter from, 304–7; and North American unity, 304–6 White, Hugh Lawson: family of, 393n; identified, 2:267n; and Tenn. politics, 581 Whitefield, George: religious beliefs of, 360 White House. See President’s House (Washington) white lead, 15 whites: plan to increase population of, 81, 82n, 129 The Whole Duty of Man According to the Law of Nature (S. von Pufendorf), 505 whortleberries. See bilberries Widderfield, James W.: identified, 17:78n; and University of Virginia, 186, 187n, 189 Wilder, Mr. (of Bolton, Mass.): spurious letter to accounted for, 615–6 Wilkinson, James: biography of proposed, 427; health of, 27; identified, 3:325n; introduces J. M. Zozaya, 26–7; letter from, 26–8; and Mexican political affairs, 27, 194n Wilkinson, N. N.: as clerk for B. Peyton, 133, 152, 695 William III, king of Great Britain: and College of William and Mary, 437; reign of, 462 William and Mary, College of: Bond of Thomas Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson, and Samuel Carr to the College of William and Mary, 311–3; faculty of, 67, 369; loans by, 285–6;

mentioned, 323n; TJ on, 84, 437, 569, 578; TJ’s debt to, 285–6, 311–3; and University of Virginia, 369 Williams, Ambrose, 647 Williams, Ennion: identified, 7n; interest tables of, 7; letter from, 294–5; letter to, 308–9; List of Achievements, 6–7; as surveyor, 6–7; and University of Virginia ground plan, 294–5, 308–9; visits Monticello, 7 Williams, John (of Tennessee): as U.S. senator, 580–1 Williams, Samuel (1743–1817): The Natural and Civil History of Vermont, 507 Williams, Samuel (ca. 1759–1841): identified, 17:132n; and remittances to T. Appleton, 75–6, 77 Williamson, Hugh: The History of North Carolina, 507; identified, 8:603–4n Willing, Thomas: as member of Continental Congress, 471 Willis, Harriet Fluker Randolph: and F. W. Eppes’s wedding, 116n Wilson, Alexander: American Ornithology, 547, 569 Wilson, John (of Edinburgh): and Peter’s Letters to His Kinsfolk (J. G. Lockhart), 608 Wilson, Samuel: and University of Virginia, 55 Wilson Cary Nicholas’s Administrators v. James Morrison and Thomas Deye Owings: and legal counsel for plaintiffs, 92–3 Winder, William Henry: biography of proposed, 427 wine: as alternative to liquor, 378; books on, 455, 479, 528; brandy added to, 307, 455, 528, 640–1; burgundy, 455, 479; champagne, 479; claret, 641–2; French, 572, 640–1; glasses for, 9; imported for resale, 503; of Lédenon, 641–2; Madeira, 367, 371, 385, 477, 483; marsala, 72, 228; muscatel, 641–2; production of, 82n, 479, 572; for T. J. Randolph, 642; red, 528, 641; of Rivesaltes, 641; scuppernong, 115–6, 228, 572, 611, 640, 641; sent to TJ, 103, 137, 151, 256, 275, 307, 394, 455, 479, 483, 528, 572, 611, 640; sugar added to, 455, 640; tariff on, 574; TJ arranges delivery of, 477; TJ budgets for, 496; TJ orders from T. Cox, 640; TJ orders from Dodge

 797 

INDEX wine (cont.) & Oxnard, 641–2; Tokay, 455, 479, 528; white, 641–2. See also grapes; viticulture Winn, John (d. 1837): Charlottesville postmaster, 492; and Fourth of July celebration, 690, 693; identified, 2:201n; letter from, 690–2; letter to, 693; merchant, 494; and University of Virginia, 47, 186. See also John Winn & Company (Charlottesville firm) Wirt, William: advises on legal studies, 166n; as attorney general, 559; identified, 1:341–2n; The Letters of the British Spy, 505, 509n Wisner, Henry: and Declaration of Independence, 471 Wistar, Caspar: family of, 141–2, 163, 196; identified, 1:101n Wistar, Elizabeth Mifflin (Caspar Wistar’s wife): and appointment for son, 116–7, 141–2, 163, 196; Quaker principles of, 116, 117n Wistar, Richard Mifflin: seeks naval appointment, 116–7, 141–2, 163, 196 Witherspoon, John Ramsey: identified, 18:480n; and public education in Ky., 259n Wolcott, Oliver (1760–1833): as governor of Conn., 634 Wolfe, George: and University of Virginia, 51 Wolfe, Joel. See Wolfe & Raphael (Charlottesville firm) Wolfe & Raphael (Charlottesville firm): and packages for TJ, 31; TJ pays, 32, 38n, 137, 143, 144n; and University of Virginia, 47, 54, 57. See also Raphael, Isaac women: accounts with: H. Proctor, 494, 496n; education of, 90, 276, 683; and jails, 689–90; letters from: E. W. R. Coolidge to J. Adams, 231–2; M. Cosway, 683; M. Jefferson, 412–5; A. C. Morris, 431; E. M. Pini, 548–50; V. J. R. Trist to N. P. Trist, 149–50, 607–8, 644–5; letters to: M. Cosway, 89–91; M. Jefferson, 649–50; opinions on, 613–4; and reading, 607; and religion, 79, 80, 84, 126; supposed characteristics of, 320; of Va. described, 366, 410 wood: and cisterns, 632. See also building materials Wood, Mr. (boatman), 594

Wood, John (ca. 1775–1822): The History of the Administration of John Adams, 332n; identified, 2:96n; and maps of Va., 405; as Va. state surveyor, 198 Wood, John Henry: boats of, 65, 85; identified, 17:516n; and University of Virginia, 49, 54, 55 Wood, William (d. ca. 1822): identified, 15:414n; and University of Virginia, 49 Woodfall, Henry S.: edits Junius: including Letters by the same Writer, Under Other Signatures, 505 “Woods Thom.” See Thom wool: cards, 10; cloth, 486; forest cloth, 13, 16; production of, 82n The Works of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, in Philosophy, Politics, and Morals (ed. W. Duane), 507 The Works of Jonathan Swift (J. Swift; ed. W. Scott), 505 The Works of Tacitus (Tacitus; trans. T. Gordon), 505 The Works Of that Learned and Judicious Divine, Mr Richard Hooker, in Eight Books of Ecclesiastical Polity (R. Hooker), 506 The Works of the British Poets, with Lives of the Authors (eds. E. Sanford and R. Walsh), 546–7 The Works of Virgil (Virgil; trans. J. Dryden), 506 The World, 508 The World displayed; or, a Curious Collection of Voyages and Travels, 506, 509n Wright, Frances: A Few Days in Athens, being the translation of a Greek Manuscript discovered in Herculaneum, 609; friendship with Lafayette, 609; identified, 15:612–3n; Views of Society and Manners in America, 609 Wydown, Samuel: Episcopal clergyman, 290; family of, 290; identified, 290n; letter from, 290; plans to visit TJ, 290 Wymer, Jacob: and University of Virginia, 56 Wythe, George: identified, 16:231n; and revision of Va. laws, 420, 421n Xenophon: Cyrus’s Expedition into Persia, and the Retreat of the Ten Thousand Greeks (The Anabasis) (trans. E. Spelman), 505; Xenophon’s

 798 

INDEX History of the Affairs of Greece (trans. W. Smith), 505; Xenophon’s Memoirs of Socrates (trans. S. Fielding), 505 Xenophon’s History of the Affairs of Greece (Xenophon; trans. W. Smith), 505 Xenophon’s Memoirs of Socrates (Xenophon; trans. S. Fielding), 505 Yale College (later Yale University): TJ on, 268 Yancey, Charles (1766–ca. 1825): and S. Crawford’s Proposal for the Virginia Times, 249, 271; identified, 2:405n; letter from, 249; as sheriff of Albemarle Co., 57, 59n Yancey, Joel (d. 1833): and Bear Branch land, 155, 203, 204n, 261, 262, 420–1, 421–2; identified, 4:318n; TJ’s debt to, 495; Valuation of Poplar Forest Slaves, 332–3 Yancey, Joel (1773–1838): as amanuensis, 249n; identified, 17:534n; letter from, 253; sends greetings to TJ, 253

Yates, John Van Ness: as N.Y. secretary of state, 619, 621n yellow fever: in Mexico, 194n; in New York City, 24 Young, Arthur: The Farmer’s Guide in Hiring and Stocking Farms, 508; Rural Oeconomy: or, Essays on the Practical Parts of Husbandry, 508 Young, Edward: tragedies of, 507 Zane, Noah: sends work to TJ, 263–7 Zeus (Greek deity). See Jupiter (Roman deity) Zollickoffer, William: identified, 260n; letter from, 260; A Treatise on the use of Prussiate of Iron, (Or, Prussian Blue,) in Intermitting and Remitting Fevers, 260 zoology: study of, 17 Zozaya (Sosaya) y Bermúdez, José Manuel: identified, 27–8n; introduced to TJ, 26–7; as Mexican minister plenipotentiary, 26–7, 194n

 799 

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson are composed in Monticello, a font based on the “Pica No. 1” created in the early 1800s by Binny & Ronaldson, the first successful typefounding com­­pany in America. The face is considered historically appropriate for The Papers of Thomas Jefferson because it was used extensively in Ameri­ can printing during the last quarter-­ century of Jefferson’s life, and because Jefferson himself expressed cordial approval of Binny & Ronaldson types. It was revived and rechristened Monticello in the late 1940s by the Mergenthaler Linotype Company, under the direction of ­C. H. Griffith and in close consultation with P. J. ­Conkwright, specifically for the publication of the Jefferson Papers. The font suffered some losses in its first translation to digital format in the 1980s to accommodate computerized typesetting. Matthew Carter’s reinterpretation in 2002 restores the spirit and style of Binny & Ronaldson’s original design of two centuries earlier. ✧