THE WRITINGS OF

        THOMAS JEFFERSON





        Definitive Edition



        CONTAINING HIS



        AUTOBIOGRAPHY, NOTES ON VIRGINIA, PARLIA-

        MENTARY MANUAL, OFFICIAL PAPERS,

        MESSAGES AND ADDRESSES, AND OTHER

        WRITINGS, OFFICIAL AND PRIVATE,

         NOW COLLECTED AND



        PUBLISHED IN THEIR ENTIRETY FOR THE FIRST TIME

        INCLUDING



        ALL OF THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS, DEPOSITED IN THE DEPARTMENT

        OF STATE AND PUBLISHED IN 1953 BY ORDER OF THE



        JOINT COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS



        WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS



        AND

        A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYTICAL INDEX







        ALBERT ELLERY BERGH

        EDITOR





        VOL. XIX.









        ISSUED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF

        THE THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION

        OF THE UNITED STATES

        WASHINGTON, D. C.

        1907

 







        COPYRIGHT,  1905



        By

        THE THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL

        ASSOCIATION

 







        JEFFERSON AS A MAN OF SCIENCE.







  It is an interesting tribute to the value of the
scientific mind that two of the men among the most
important in the establishment of the United States
of America were at the same time its earliest and most
distinguished students of the natural and physical
sciences, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson,
and while the time of both of these men 'was
largely given to public affairs, their chief intellectual
interest lay in the discovery and the setting forth of
new truths. Jefferson wrote to a correspondent,
" Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of
science, by rendering them my supreme delight,"
but he was likewise impressed with the fact that
there was a relationship between science and repub-
lican institutions. To Monsieur d'Ivernois he uses
the phrase : " Freedom, the first-born of science, " and
to General Kosciusko he says: "The main objects
of all science are the freedom and happiness of man, "
while to another correspondent he declares that
" Science is more important in a republican than in
any other government. "



 The first public demonstration of Jefferson's capability 
as a man of science was the preparation and

 







iv        Jefferson as a Man of Science



publication in 1781. of his " Notes on Virginia. " " This, "
according to the late G. Brown Goode, assistant sec-
retary of the Smithsonian Institution and the his-
torian of American science, "was the first compre-
hensive treatise upon the topography, natural history
and natural resources of one of the United States,
and was the precursor of the great library of scientific
reports which have since been issued by the State and
Federal governments. Though hastily prepared to
meet a special need, if measured by its influence it is
the most important scientific work as yet published in
America. " In this work he successfully overthrew
many of the arguments of Buffon, who was at the
time considered the highest living authority on natu-
ral history subjects ; and later, when he came to know
Buffon in Paris, the latter admitted some of the
errors that he had made.



  In a valuable paper published in the Magazine of
American History for 1885, Frederick C. Luther
points out that Jefferson " had a more or less prac-
tical knowledge of surgical anatomy, civil engineer-
ing, physics, meteorology, mechanics and astronomy;
and was at home in many departments of pure and
applied science, but it was in natural history that he
was most interested, and as a naturalist he made his
only original contribution to scientific knowledge."

* * * " He seems to have acquired nearly all the
knowledge the world then possessed of geology and
zoology, and while many of the theories advanced in
his ` Notes on Virginia ' have been rejected by mod-

 







        Jefferson as a Man of Science.     v



ern science, in some of his conclusions Jefferson was
quite in advance of the best specialists of the age, and
notably so in the department of palaeontology."



 In fact palaeontology in the United States. had its
beginning in a paper filed with the American Philo-
sophical Society by Jefferson under date of March
10, 1797, announcing his discovery of the Megalonyx
Jeffersoni; this paper was published under the title,
"Memoir on the Discovery of a Quadruped in the
Western Parts of Virginia, " in the Transactions of
the American Philosophical Society. The original
specimen was deposited in the American Philosoph-
ical Society and subsequently transferred to the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, where
it may still be seen. The announcement of this dis-
covery was coincident with his arrival in Philadelphia
to be inaugurated as Vice-President of the United
States, and upon that occasion he brought with him
a collection of fossil bones of the specimen in question,
which he had obtained in Greenbrier County, Virginia.



  But his interest in palaeontology did not stop here.
In February, 1801, during the excitement of the con-
test with Aaron Burr, he was corresponding with
Doctor Wistar with regard to some bones of the
mammoth which he had just procured from Shawan-
gunk, in New York.



 In 1808, when the excitement over the embargo
was highest and his policy was under the severest
denunciation, he was carrying on palaeontological

 







vi        Jefferson as a Man of Science



studies in the White House. Under his direction
upwards of 300 specimens of fossil bones had been
brought from the famous Big Bone Lick, and spread
in one of the large unfinished rooms of the Presiden-
tial mansion. Doctor Wistar was asked to come
from Philadelphia and select such as were needed to
complete the collection of the Philosophical Society.

The exploration of the Lick was made at the private
expense of Jefferson, through the agency of General
William Clarke, and this may fairly be recorded as
the beginning of American governmental work in
palaeontology.



  But palaeontology was not the only scientific sub-
ject which engaged his attention. He was, when
Secretary of State in Washington's Cabinet, chairman
of a committee organized by the American Philo-
sophical Society in 1792, to collect materials for the
natural history of the Hessian Fly, whose ravages in
the wheat-fields threatened so great a danger to the
prosperity of the country. This appears to be the
first organized effort in economic entomology in the
United States.



  He was greatly interested in the discovery and
cultivation of plants useful in agriculture. He had
a table beautifully drawn up, giving the average
earliest and latest appearance of thirty-seven varie-
ties of vegetables in the Washington market during
the whole eight years of his presidency, and on his
journeys abroad he was always looking out for new
plants which might with profit be transplanted to

 







        Jefferson as a Man of Science     xvii



America. When in later life he drew up a list of the
services he believed he had rendered his countrymen;
he enumerated, along with the disestablishment of a,
State Church, the abolition of entails. the prohibition
of slave importation, and the drafting of the Declara-
tion of Independence, " the introduction of olive plants
and heavy upland rice into South Carolina and Geor-
gia, " declaring that " the greatest service which can
be rendered to any country is to add a useful plant
to its culture. "



 His interest in agriculture even went in the direc-
tion of the invention of a new plow. As far back as
1788 Jefferson entered upon some speculations con-
cerning the improvement of plows, and attempted to
sketch an original and uniform mathematical rule for
shaping the mould-board of a plow, the object being
to secure the regular inversion of a certain depth of
the surface soil with the least application of force.

By 1796 his new plows were in use. A Mr. Strick-
land, a member of the English Board of Agriculture,
being on a visit to Monticello, saw there plows in
operation constructed on this principle, and mention-
ing them favorably on his return, the Board, through
its president; Sir John Sinclair, requested from Mr.
Jefferson a model and a description. These were
forwarded to England in 1798. The description was
published in the Edinburgh Encyclopaedia and in
the fourth volume of the Transactions of the Ameri- 
can Philosophical Society. The invention also
attracted attention in France. He is likewise

 







viii        Jefferson as a Man of Science



credited with being the inventor of the copying
press. , He made observations in meteorology and
had a good collection of philosophical apparatus.



 It has been declared by Mr. Goode that "it is
probable that no two men have done so much for
science in America as Jefferson and Agassiz-not so
much by their direct contributions to knowledge, as
by the immense weight which they gave to scientific
interests by their advocacy."



 This statement is fully borne out by the impetus
which Jefferson gave to the relationship of the Gov-
ernment to scientific work. The inception of the
system of scientific surveys of the public domain was
the outcome of more than twenty years of earnest
endeavor on his part. It was he who suggested to
John Ledyard, of Connecticut, the enterprise of
exploring the western part of our continent by pass-
ing through St. Petersburg to Kamchatka, and pro-
curing passage in some Russian vessel to the United
States-a project which failed because of the arrest
of Ledyard. In 1792 he proposed to the American
Philosophical Society to set on foot a subscription to
explore the great West, and for this subscription
became responsible for raising one thousand guineas.
This was to have been undertaken jointly by Captain
Meriwether Lewis and Michaux, the botanist, but it
also failed. In 1803 he recommended to Congress
in a confidential message, the sending of an exploring
party to trace the Missouri to its source, to cross the
highlands, to follow the best water communication

 







        Jefferson as a Man of Science    ix



which offered itself from thence to the Pacific Ocean.
Congress approved the proposition and voted a sum
of money for carrying it into execution. Captain
Lewis, who had been with Jefferson nearly two years
as private secretary, immediately renewed his request
to have direction of the party. The second expedi-
tion toward the West was also sent out during Jeffer-
son 's administration, being that under command of
General Z. M. Pike, who was, sent to explore the
sources of the Mississippi River and the western parts
of Louisiana, continuing as far west as Pike's Peak
the name of which still remains as a memorial of this
enterprise. It was during Jefferson's administration
too, that the project of founding the Coast Survey
arose. This was recommended to Congress by the
President in 1807.



     It was under his Presidency that the idea of Wash-
ington for the establishment of a Military Academy
at West Point was fulfilled, and Jefferson also had a
plan, realized later, for the establishment of a National
Observatory. It was he who proposed the unit of the
present coinage of the United States.



 He was elected President of the American Philo-
sophical Society in January, 1797, and held that
office until 1814, when he resigned on account of his
age. His connection with the Society, as may be
seen from the statements above, was by no means
perfunctory. During his residence in Paris he kept
four of the principal American colleges, Harvard,
Yale, William and Mary, and the College of Phila-

 







x        Jefferson as a Man of Science



delphia, informed of all that happened in the scien-
tific circles of Europe. Even such a subject as aerial
invention attracted his attention. His letters of
1785 contain several references to the Montgolfier
balloon. At a time when the natural sciences were
but little cultivated in the established universities,
he wrote to Doctor Willard, the President of Harvard
urging their pursuit. " What a field, " he said, " have
we at our doors to signalize ourselves in. The botany
of America is far from being exhausted, its miner-
alogy is untouched, and its natural history or zoology,
totally mistaken and misrepresented."



  His devotion to science, coincident with his active
public life and the bitter enmities which it engen-
dered, gave the opportunity for much public criti-
cism, yet it afforded Jefferson, as it did to Franklin,
especial consideration as representative of the new
nation in France ; it earned him election in numerous
learned societies in Europe and gave an impetus to
the organization of science both in the learned socie-
ties, in the colleges and in connection with the Gov-
ernment of the United States, such as could only
have been exercised by a man who had occupied the
exalted office of President of the United States.





 







        CONTENTS.



JEFFERSON AS A MAN OF SCIENCE.By Cyrus Adler,

Ph. D., Librarian of the Smithsonian Institution,

Washington, D. C.
...........................................................................    
            i





SUPPLEMENTARY MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE GOVERN-

MENT COLLECTION. (Letters written from, 1780-

1825)..........................................................................
...................................1-288

To Horatio Gates, November 4,
1780................................................................1

To William Carmichael, June 22,
1785...............................................................2   

To Francis Hopkinson, July 6,
1785...................................................................5

To George Washington, July 10,
1785................................................................8

To St. John De Crevecoeur, August 22,
1785...................................................10

To James Currie, September 27,
1785..............................................................11

To Rev James Madison, October 28,
1785.......................................................15

To Francis Eppes, December 11,
1785.............................................................20

To George Washington, January 4,
1786..........................................................23

To William Carmichael, January 13,
1786.........................................................26

To James Madison, April 25,
1786...................................................................29

To Philip Mazzei, April 4,
1787........................................................................32

To I,'Abbe D'Arnal, July 9,
1787......................................................................34

To John Adams, July 23,
1787.........................................................................36

To Benjamin Franklin, August 6,
1787..............................................................38

To John Adams" December 31,
1787...............................................................39

To Edward Bancroft, January 26,
1788............................................................41

To Countess Barziza, July 8,
1788....................................................................45

To C. W. F. Dumas, July 30,
1788..................................................................46

To John Jay, September 5,
1788......................................................................47

To Francis Hopkinson, December 5,
1788.......................................................48

 





        Contents



SUPPLEMENTARY MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE GOVERN-

MENT COLLECTION-CONTINUED                                                      
 page

To John Jay; March 1,
1789........................................................................52

To John Paul Jones, March, 23,
1789..........................................................54

To John Adams, May 20,
1789...................................................................60

To Nathaniel Cutting, June 7,
1789..............................................................62

To Thomas Paine, July 13,
1789.................................................................63

To John Bondfield, July 16,
1789................................................................64

To John Jay, August 5,
1789.......................................................................65

To Gen. Henry Knox, September 12,
1789.................................................67

To William Bingham, September 25,
1789...................................................69

To Baron De Geismer, November 20,
1789................................................71

To David Rittenhouse, June 12,
1790..........................................................73

To the Secretary of the Treasury (Alexander

Hamilton), June 25,
1791...........................................................................
.75

To T. M. Randolph, July 3,
1791................................................................76

To James Madison, July 21,
1791...............................................................79

To Gov. William Blount, August 12,
1791...................................................81

To George Hammond (British Minister),December 15, 1791.......................82

To George Washington, January 10,
1792..................................................86

To Peter Charles L'Enfant, February 27,
1792............................................87

To Thomas Johnson, David Stuart and Daniel

Carroll,March 8,
1792...........................................................................
....88

To Louis XVI, March 14,
1792.................................................................92

To Benjamin Hawkins, April 1,
1792.........................................................93

To Thomas Johnson, David Stuart and Daniel

Carroll, April 20,
1792...........................................................................
....94

To His Majesty George III, of England, June 6,
1792..................................96

To the Queen of England, June 6,
1792.......................................................97

To Stephen Cathalan, December 2,
1792....................................................98

To Gov. John Hancock,
[1793].................................................................101

To David Humphreys, January 3,
1793......................................................102

To John Garland Jefferson, April 14,
1793.................................................103

 





xii        Contents



SUPPLEMENTARY MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE GOVERN-

MENT COLLECTION-CONTINUED...............................................PAGE

To Edmond C. Genet, August 16,
1793....................................................105

To Maria Jefferson, November 17,
1793..................................................106

To Alexander Hamilton, December 12,
1793............................................107

To the President of Bank of the United States,

January.-,
1794...........................................................................
.............108

To George Washington, February 23,
1795..............................................108

To Aaron Burr, January 7,
1797...............................................................114

To Louis, Prince of Parma, May 23,
1797................................................115

To Gov. James Monroe, April 13,
1800...................................................119

To Andrew Ellicott, December 18,
1800..................................................121

To Gen. Thaddeus Kosciusko, March 14,
1801.......................................122

To James Madison, April 30,
1801...........................................................124

To John Langdon, May 22,
1801..............................................................125

To James Monroe, March 31,
1802..........................................................126

To Abraham Baldwin, April 14,
1802........................................................128

To Thomas Law, May 31,
1802................................................................130

To William Punbar, March 3,
1803............................................................131

To Dr. Benjamin Rush, April 23,
1803.......................................................133

To Henry Dearborn, August 23,
1803........................................................134

To the Emperor of Morocco, December 20,
1803.....................................135

To John Langdon, December 22,
1803......................................................136

To Gov. John Page, December 23,
1803...................................................138

To the Dey of Algiers, March 27,
1804......................................................139

To F.. H. Alexander von Humboldt, May 28,
1804....................................140

To the Secretary of  War (Henry Dearborn),June 6,
1804..........................141

To Alexander, Emperor of Russia, June 15,
1804.......................................142

To the Brothers of the Choctaw Nation, March 13,
1805...........................144

To the Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation, January 10,
1806............................146

To William H. Harrison, January 16,
1806.................................................150

 







        Contents      xiii



SUPPLEMENTARY MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE GOVERN-

MENT
COLLECTION-Continued...........................................................
..page

To Rev. Doctor G. C. Jenner, May 14,
1806.............................................152

To Albert Gallatin, June 21,
1806...............................................................153

To Pierre Auguste Adet, June 29,
1806......................................................154

To Andrew Jackson; December 3,
1806....................................................156

To John Langdon, December 22,
1806......................................................157

To Henry Lee, February 1,
1807................................................................158

To Andrew Jackson, March 21,
1807........................................................159

To Joel Barlow, June 14,
1807...................................................................161

To George Hay, October 11,
1807.............................................................162

To F. A. Delacroix, December 21,
1807.....................................................162

To George Hay, February 16,
1808............................................................164

To G. Hyde de Neuville, February 17,
1808................................................165

To Marquis de Lafayette, April 28,
1808.....................................................166

To Thomas Paine, July 17,
1808..................................................................170

To Archibald Stuart, October 22,
1808.......................................................171

To Robert. Fulton, April 16,
1808...............................................................172

To Dr. William Eustis, May 30,
1810..........................................................174

To W. B. Giles, November 12,
1810..........................................................175

To James Madison; December 8,
1810.......................................................176

To James Monroe, January 8,
1811............................................................179

To Rev. James Madison, December 29,
1811.............................................183

To Andrew Ellicott, June 24,
1812..............................................................185

To William Barton, October 2,
1812...........................................................186

To Alrichs and Dixon, January 14,
1813......................................................186

To Robert Fulton, March 8,
1813...............................................................187

To Elbridge Gerry, June 19,
1813...............................................................189

To James Madison, July 13,
1813...............................................................190

To Robert Fulton, July 21,
1813..................................................................192

To Abigail Adams (Mrs. John Adams), August 22,
1813.............................193

To Dupont de Nemours, November 29,
1813.............................................195

To Thaddeus Kosciusko, November 30,
1813.............................................200

To James Monroe, January 27,
1814...........................................................206

 







xiv        Content            



SUPPLEMENTARY MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE GOVERN-

MENT
COLLECTION--CONTINUED....................................................PAGE

To J. Correa de Serra, April  19,
1814.........................................................209

To Peter Carr, September 7,
1814...............................................................211

To William Caruthers, December 3,
1814.....................................................221

To B. S. Barton, February 26,
1815.............................................................223

To J. Correa De Serra, January 1,
1816.......................................................224

To Thomas Appleton, January 14,
1816.......................................................228

To P. S..Duponceau; January 22,
1816........................................................231

To Albert Gallatin, April 11,
1816................................................................233

To J. F. Dumoulin, May 7,
1816..................................................................236

To Marquis de Lafayette, May 17,
1816......................................................237

To Francis Eppes, May 21,
1816.................................................................241

To James Barbour, January 19,
1817...........................................................242

To James Monroe, April 8,
1817.................................................................243

To Joseph Delaplaine, April 12,
1817..........................................................246

To Jean Baptiste Say, May 14,
1817...........................................................248

To Joseph C. Cabell, October 24,
1817......................................................250

To the Secretary of the Treasury (William H.

Crawford), January 5,
1818........................................................................252

To Gen. John Armstrong, January 19,
1818................................................253

To Count Dagnani (Papal Nuncio), February

14,
1818...........................................................................
.........................254

To Albert Gallatin, February 15,
1818........................................................258

To Jacob Bigelow, April 11,
1818.............................................................259

To Charles. Jared Ingersoll, July 20,
1818..................................................262

To Joseph Milligan, October 25,
1818.......................................................263

To Nathaniel Bowditch, October 26,
1818.................................................264

To Marquis de Lafayette, November 23,
1818...........................................268

To Henry Dearborn, July 5,
1818...............................................................270

To Elijah Griffith, May 15,
1820.................................................................273

To James Monroe, August 13,
1821..........................................................274

To Levett Harris, December 12,
1821........................................................277

To John Quincy Adams, July 18,
1824.......................................................278

To James Madison; September 24,
1824...................................................278

 







        Contents      xv



SUPPLEMENTARY MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE GOVERN-

MENT COLLECTION-Continued.

To Messrs. Adams, Fitzuhuylson and Brocken-

brough, October 18,
1824......................................................................279

To Marquis de Lafayette, January 16,
1825............................................280

To William H. Crawford, February 15,
1825..........................................282

To Edward Everett, July 21,
1825..........................................................283

To Marquis de Lafayette, August 8,
1825...............................................285

To James Madison, October 18,
1825....................................................286



MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE VIRGINIA STATE LIBRARY

COLLECTION. (Letters written from 1780-1781)........................ 293-356

To the Quarter-Masters of Frederick, Hampshire

and Berkeley, December 24,
1780........................................................293

To Major-General Baron Steuben, January 12, 1781............................294

To Major-General Baron Steuben, January 14, 1781............................294

To Colonel Timothy Pickering, January 15,
1781..................................296

To General Nelson, January 16,
1781...................................................297

To Colonel Carvington, January 16,
1781.............................................298

To Baron Steuben, January 19,
1781....................................................298

To Baron Steuben, January 19,
1781....................................................300

To Baron Steuben, January 29,
1781....................................................300

To Governor Nash, of North Carolina, February 2, 1781......................301

To Baron Steuben, February 7,
1781....................................................302

To Baron Steuben, February 7,
1781....................................................303

To the Virginia Delegates in Congress, February 7, 1781
......................304

To General Nelson, February 10,
1781.................................................305

To Baron Steuben, February 12,
1781..................................................306

To Speaker Harrison (House of Burgesses), 

February 12,  
1781...........................................................................
..309

To Baron Steuben, February 13,
1781.................................................310

 







xvi        Contents



MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE VIRGINIA STATE LIBRARY

COLLECTION---Continued.........................................................
..page

To Baron Steuben, February 15,
1781.............................................311

To Baron Steuben, February 17,
1781.............................................312

To Baron Steuben, February 18,
1781.............................................313

To General Greene, February 19,
1781............................................314

To Baron Steuben, February 21,
1781.............................................315

To the Officer Commanding the Naval Force of

His Most Christian Majesty on the Coast of

Virginia,. February  28,
1781...........................................................316

To Colonel. Pickering, March 4,
1781.............................................317

To the Honorable Judges of the High Court of

Chancery, March 5,
1781...............................................................319

To the Speaker of the House of Delegates, March

9,
1781...........................................................................
...............320

To General Muhlenberg, March 16, 1781.......................................321

To the Speaker of the House of Delegates, March

17,
1781...........................................................................
.............322

To the Speaker of the House of Delegates,

March 17,
1781...........................................................................
..322

To His Excellency the Governor of Hispaniola,

March 24,
1781...........................................................................
..323

To His Excellency Governor Nash, March 24, 1781.......................324

To General Greene, March 24,
1781..............................................326

To Marquis de Lafayette, March 28, 1781.....................................328

To Baron Steuben, April 3,
1771...................................................330

To General Muhlemberg, April 3,
1781..........................................331

To Baron Steuben, April 6,
1781...................................................333

To Major General Nathaniel Greene, April 5, 1781........................334

To Colonel Henry Lee, April 13,
1781...........................................336

To Baron Steuben, April 14,
1781.................................................337

To the County Lieutenants of Fauquier, Lou-

doun, Caroline, Albezriarle, Fluvanna, Gooch-

land and Henrico, April  14,
1781..................................................338

vol xix - B

 







        Contents     xvii



MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE VIRGINIA STATE LIBRARY

COLLECTION--Continued

To the Honorable Richard Henry Lee, April 16,1781......................340

To General Muhlenberg, April 16,
1781..........................................341

To John Page, April 18,
1781.........................................................342

To Baron Steuben, April 20,
1781..................................................343

To Marquis de Lafayette, April 23,
1781........................................344

To the President of the Board of War, April 25, 1781.....................345   
  

To Baron Steuhen, April 26,
1781..................................................346

To Marquis de Lafayette, May 6,
1781..........................................348

To His Excellency General Washington and the

Honorable Virginia Delegates in Congress,

May 10,
1781...........................................................................
....348

To His Excellency President Reid, May 22, 1781...........................349

To Major Richard Claiborne, May 23, 1781..................................350

To Marquis de Lafayette, May 29,
1781........................................352

To the County Lieutenants of York, New Kent,

Hanover, Gloucester, King and Queen, King

William, Middlesex, Essex, Caroline, Spotsyl-

vania, Lancaster, Richmond, King George,

Northumberland, Westmoreland, Stafford,

Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun and Berke-

ley, May 29,
1781........................................................................353

To Marquis de Lafayette, May 30, 1781.......................................354

To Marquis de Lafayette, May 30, 1781.......................................355

To the Surveyor of the County of Monongalia,

June 3,
1781...........................................................................
......356





MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

COLLECTION. An Exact Transcript of the

Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the Uni-

versity of Virginia during the Rectorship of

Thomas
Jefferson..................................................................361-
499

 







 



        SUPPLEMENTARY

        MANUSCRIPTS

        FROM

        THE GOVERNMENT COLLECTION

 





        INTRODUCTORY NOTES.









   After the publication of the Congressional Edition of the Writings
of Thomas Jefferson, in 1853, a great number of valuable letters and
papers were given to the world. These were mainly drawn from the
archives of the State Department. While the Congressional Edition
served the purpose of a representative selection of the immense
amount of Jefferson manuscripts at Washington, there still remained
(even after later examination and use) an interesting residuum worthy
of preservation in print. To this end a new research was instituted
which resulted in the collection to be found under the " Supplementary
Manuscripts" in the following pages. Therefore, excepting two
letters, one to the Reverend James Madison, October 28, 1785, and
the other to Edward Bancroft, January 26, 1788, both published by
the late Paul Leicester Ford, all these letters and notes are printed for
the first time in the present edition of Jefferson's Writings.

   While it was the original intention to incorporate in this division
of "Supplementary Manuscripts" material never before presented to
the public in connection with Jefferson's works, the two letters to
Madison and Bancroft were considered too important from an his-
torical standpoint to be omitted. In these letters Jefferson expresses
in a most forceful manner his impressions of the French peasantry
before the Revolution of 1789, and. his attitude toward the slave ques-
tion in the United States. Many of the letters touch upon serious
points and problems connected with the acquisition of the Louisiana
territory.

   Manuscripts of the letters are addressed to the celebrated men of
the period such as Washington, Monroe, Kosciusko, the Emperor of
Russia, Humboldt, and equally eminent personages. The group of
letters to Lafayette are probably more interesting than any hitherto
published. This new quota of correspondence covers a period
between 1780-1826, in fact up to a month of the writer s death.

   At Jefferson's death, the great mass of his manuscript papers
Came into the possession of his grandson and namesake, Thomas
Jefferson Randolph. A rough division was made of these papers
 



xxiv        Introductory Notes


which separated those of a private nature from those of public char-
acter. In time the public papers were for sale to the United States
Government. The Congress, by an act of the 12th of April, 1848,
made an appropriation of 20,000 for the purpose of purchase. The
Supplementary Manuscripts have all been drawn from the Government
collection. The letters and memoranda have been selected with a
view to sustaining the standard of the preceding volumes. Not
alone do they embrace many of Jefferson's letters to notable corres-
pondents, but maintain the range of abstract thought and practical
suggestion that have placed Jefferson in the foremost rank of the
world's great letter-writers.

 



        JEFFERSON'S WORKS.


        MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT COLLECTION.

        TO HORATIO GATES.

             RICHMOND, NOVEMBER 4, 1780.
 SIR,-Since my last to you the enemy have with-
drawn their force from the north side of James river
and have taken post at Portsmouth which we are
told they are fortifying. They have been some dis-
tance above Suffolk, but at present have retired below
that place. More accurate information of their force
than we at first had gives us reason to suppose them
from 2,500 to 3,000, of which 60 or 70 are cavalry.
They are commanded by Major-General Leslie and
were conveyed by the Romulus of 40 guns, the
Blonde of 32, the Delight sloop of 16, a 20-gun ship
of John Goodriche's and 2 row gallies conveying a
32-pounder in their bows, commanded by Commo-
dore Gayton. We are not yet assured that they
have landed their whole force ; indeed they give out
themselves that after drawing the force of this State
to Suffolk they mean to go to Baltimore. Their

  VOL. XIX-I
 



2        Jefferson's Works

movements here had induced me to think they came
in expectation of meeting Lord Cornwallis in this
country; that his precipitate retreat has left them
without concerted object and that they wait for
further orders. Information yesterday said that on
being informed of Lord Cornwallis's retreat and a
public paper produced to them, wherein were printed
the dispatches you sent on. that head, they unladed
a vessel and sent her off either to Charleston or New
York. The fate of this army of theirs hangs on a
very slender naval force indeed.

  I am, with the greatest esteem and respect, Sir,
your obedient and most humble servant.



          TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

                     PARIS, June 22, 1755.
  SIR,-Your letter of April 4 came to my hands on
the 16th of that month and was acknowledged by
mine of May 3. That which you did me the honor
to write on the 5th of April never came to hand till
the 10th of May, unwards of a month after the one
of the day before. I have hopes of sending the
present by a Mr. Jarvis who went from hence to Hol-
land some time ago. About this date I suppose him
to be at Brussels and that from thence he will inform
me whether in his way to Madrid he will pass by this
place. If he does, this shall be accompanied by a
cypher for our future use ; if he does not, I must still
await a safe opportunity. Mr. Jarvis is a citizen of
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     3

the United States, from New York, a gentleman of
intelligence, in the mercantile line, from whom you
will be able to get considerable information of Ameri-
can affairs. I think he left America in January. He
informed us that Congress were about to appoint a
Mr. Lambe of Connecticut their consul to Morocco
and to send him to their ministers commissioned to
treat with the Barbary powers for instructions. Since
that, Mr. Jay inclosed to Mr. Adams, in London, a
resolution of Congress deciding definitely on amicable
treaties with the Barbary States in the usual way and
informing him that he had sent a letter and instruc-
tions to us by a Mr. Lambe. Though it is near three
weeks since we received a communication of this
from Mr. Adams, yet we hear nothing further of Mr.
Lambe. Our powers of treating with the Barbary
States are full, but in the amount of the expense we
are limited. I believe you may safely assure them
that they will soon receive propositions from us, if
you find such an assurance necessary to keep them
quiet. Turning at this instant to your letter dated
April 5 and considering it attentively I am persuaded
it must have been written on the 5th of May. Of
this little mistake I ought to have been sooner sensi-
ble. Our latest letters from America are of the
middle of April and are extremely barren of news.
Congress had not yet proposed a time for their recess
though it was thought a recess would take place.
Mr. Morris had retired and the treasury was actually
administered by commissioners. Their land office
 



4        Jefferson's Works

was not yet opened. The settlements of Kaskaskia
within the territory ceded to them by Virginia had
prayed the establishment of a regular government
and they were about sending a commissioner to them.
General Knox was appointed their secretary of the
War Office. These I think are the only facts we have
learnt which are worth communicating to you. The
inhabitants of Canada have sent a sensible petition
to their king praying the establishment of an assem-
bly, the benefits of the habeas corpus laws and other
privileges of British subjects. The establishment
of an assembly is denied, but most of their other
desires granted. We are now in hourly expectation
of the arrival of the packet which should have sailed
from New York in May. Perhaps that may bring
us matter which may furnish the subject of a more
interesting letter. In the meantime I have the honor
to be with the highest respect, Sir, your most obedient
and most humble servant.


 July 14, 1785. I have thus long waited day after
day hoping to hear from Mr. Jarvis that I might send
a cypher with this, but now give up the hope. No
news yet of Mr. Lambe. The packet is arrived, but
brings no intelligence except that it is doubtful
whether Congress will adjourn this summer. The
Assembly of Pennsylvania propose their bank on
principles of policy.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     5



          TO FRANCIS HOPKINSON.

                     PARIs, July 6, 1785.
  DEAR SIR,-My last to you was of the 13th of
January. About ten days after that date I received
yours of November 18th ,and about three weeks ago
that of March 28th came, to hand. Soon after the
receipt of the first I published your proposition for
improving the quilling of the harpsicord. I enclose
you a copy of the advertisement. One application
only was made and that was unsuccessful. I do not
despair yet of availing you of it as soon as I can get
acquainted with some of the principal musicians;
but that probably will not be till the beginning of
winter, as all the beau monde leave Paris in the sum-
mer, during which the musical entertainments of a
private nature are suspended. I communicated to
Dr. Franklin your idea of mesmerising the harpsicord.
He has not tried it, probably because his affairs have
been long packed and packing. As I do not play on
that instrument I cannot try it myself.

  The Doctor carries with him a pretty little instru-
ment. It is the sticcado, with glass base instead of
wooden ones, and with keys applied to it. Its prin-
cipal defect is the want of extent, having but three
octaves. I wish you would exercise your ingenuity
to give it an upper and a lower octave, by finding out
other substances which will yield tones on those
parts of the scale, bearing a proper affinity to those
of glass bars. The middle octave of this is very
 



6        Jefferson's Works

sweet. Have you any person on Dr. Franklin's
departure to attend to the receiving and forwarding
your volumes of the Encyclopedic as they come out?
If you have not, be pleased to lay your commands
on me. Do not be anxious about remitting the
prices as it would be a convenience to me to have
some little fund in Philadelphia to answer little pur-
poses. I wrote you for newspapers from thence and
shall hope to begin soon to receive them. The dearth
of American information places us as to our own
country in the silence of the grave. I also petitioned
you to know whether I am yet at liberty to permit a
copy to be taken of General Washington's picture,
because till I am I cannot trust it in the hands of a
painter to be finished. Another petition was for a
copy of our " Battle of the Kegs."

  Having slipped the opportunity of sending copies
of my " Notes " .for yourself and Mr. Rittenhouse
when Dr. Franklin's baggage went, T am doubtful
whether he can take them with him. If he can, you
shall receive them by him; if not, then by the first
good opportunity. I am obliged t : pray that they
may not be permitted to get into the hands of the
public till I know whether they will promote or
retard certain reformations in my own country. I
have written to Mr. Madison to inform me on that
head.

  No news. A tolerable certainty of peace leaves
us without that unfortunate species of intelligence
which war furnishes. My daughter is well. I
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts      7

enclose a letter from my daughter to Mrs. Hopkinson,
which she wrote four months ago, and has lain by
me till I should write to you. Justice to her obliges
me to take this censure on myself. I take the liberty
of using your cover also for her letter to Miss Hetty
Rittenhouse.

 Present my most friendly respects to Mrs. Ritten-
house both of that name, to Mr. Rittenhouse and
family and accept assurances of the esteem with
which I am, dear Sir, your friend and servant.

 July 8th. P. S. Since writing the above, yours
of April 20 is put into my hands. I will pray you
to send the newspapers-trimming off the margins-
as the postage is not an object of so much value with
me as the knowing something of what is passing in
my own country. Whenever I find an opportunity
of sending you a copy of my " Notes " I shall send
also the Bibliotheque Physique to you. It is a col-
lection of all the improvements in the arts which have
been made for some time past. Let me add another
commission to those above given you, that is, to pre-
sent mine and my daughter's affectionate remem-
brance to Mrs. House and to Mrs. Trist if she be
returned. From the latter I shall hope for letters
as soon as she returns. I would write to her but for
the uncertainty where she is.
 



8        Jefferson's Works


          TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

                     PARIS, July 10, 1785.
 DEAR SIR,-Mr. Houdon would much sooner have
the honor of attending you but for a spell of sickness
which long gave us to despair of his reco very and from
which he is but recently recovered. He comes now
for the purpose of lending the aid of his art to trans-
mit you to posterity. He is without rivalship in it,
being employed from all parts of Europe in whatever
is capital. He has had a difficulty to withdraw him-
self from an order of the Empress of Russia a diffi-
culty which arose from a desire to show her respect,
but which never gave him a moment's hesitation
about his present voyage which he considers as
promising the brightest chapter in his history. I
have spoken of him as an artist only; but I can
assure you also that as a man he is disinterested,
generous, candid. and panting after glory ; in every
circumstance meriting your good opinion. He will
have need to see you much while he will have the
honor of being with you, which you can the more
freely admit as his eminence and merit give him
admission into genteel societies here. He will need
an interpreter. I supposed you could procure some
person from Alexandria who might be agreeable to
yourself to perform this office. He brings with him
a subordinate workman or two, who of course will
associate with their own class only.

  On receiving the favor of your letter of February
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts      9

25, I communicated the plan for clearing the Poto-
mac, with the act of assembly and an explanation
of its probable advantages, to Mr. Grand, whose
acquaintance and connection with the moneyed men
here enabled him best to try its success. He has
done so, but, to no end. I enclose you his letter. I
am pleased to hear in the meantime that subscrip-
tions were likely to be filled up at home. This is
infinitely better, and will render the proceedings of
the companies much more harmonious. I place an
immense importance to my own country on this
channel of connection with the new western states.
I shall continue uneasy till I know that Virginia has
assumed her ultimate boundary to the westward.
The late example of the State of Franklin separated
from North Carolina increases my anxieties for Vir-
ginia.

  The confidence you are so good as to place in me
on the subject of the interest lately given you by
Virginia in the Potomac company is very flattering
to me. But it is distressing also, inasmuch as to
deserve it it obliges me to give my whole opinion.
My wishes to see you made perfectly easy' by receiv-
ing these just returns of gratitude from our country,
to which you are entitled, would induce me to be
contented with saying, what is a certain truth, that
the world would be pleased with seeing them heaped
on you, and would consider your receiving them as
no derogation from your reputation. But I must
own that declining them will add to that reputation
 



10        Jefferson's Works

as it will show that your motives have been pure and
without any alloy. This testimony, however, is not
wanting either to those who know you or who do not.
I must therefore repeat that I think the receiving
them will not in the least lessen the respect of the
world if from any circumstances they would be con-
venient to you. The candor of my communication
will find its justification, I know, with you.

  A tolerable certainty of peace leaves little interest-
ing in the way of intelligence. Holland and the
Emperor will be quiet; if anything is brewing, it is
between the latter and the Porte. Nothing in pros-
pect as yet from England; we shall bring them,
however, to decision now that Mr. Adams is received
there. I wish much to hear that the canal through
Dismal is resumed€



          TO ST. JOHN DE CREVECOEUR.

                    PARIS, August 22, 1785
   SIR,-I have duly received your favor of the 15th
instant as I had before done that of May 18, but had
not answered it, supposing you would be on your
' passage. Mr. Mazzei delivered safely the packet you
mention. I should have been happy to have seen
you here ; but we are not to expect that pleasure, it
seems, till the fall. The derangement of the packet
boats will need your aid ; and there are doubtless
other circumstances here which may be improved
by your presence. The loss sustained by your
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    11

friend the Countess d'Houdetot in the death of her
brother, has doubtless been participated by you as
by all others of his and her acquaintance. I had
become of that number just early enough to take a
share in it which I did very sincerely.

  The confinement of the Cardinal de Rohan in the
Bastile has doubtless reached you. The public is
not yet possessed of the truth of his story, but from
his character and all other circumstances I have
little doubt that the final decision must be against
him.

  My daughter is well and thanks you for your kind
enquiries. I hope you found all your family and
friends well. I am with great esteem, dear Sir, your
most obedient and humble servant.



             TO JAMES CURRIE.

                PARIs, September 27, 1785
  DEAR SIR,-Your favor of August 5th came to
hand on the 18th instant, and I mark well what you
say, " that my letters shall be punctually answered. "
This is encouraging, and the more so as it proves to
you that in sending your letters in time to arrive at
New York the middle of the month, when the French
packet sails, they get to hand very speedily. The
last was but six weeks from you to me. I thank you
again and again for the details it contains, these
being precisely of the nature I would wish. Of politi-
cal correspondents I can find enough, but I can per-
 



12        Jefferson's Works

suade nobody to believe that the small facts which
they see passing daily under their eyes are precious
to me at this distance ; much more interesting to the
heart than events of higher rank. Fancy to yourself
a being who is withdrawn from his connections of
blood, of marriage, of friendship, of acquaintance in
all their gradations, who for years should hear nothing
of what has passed among them, who returns again
to see them and finds the one-half dead. This strikes
him like a pestilence sweeping off the half of man-
kind. Events which had they come to him one by
one and in detail he would have weathered as other
people do, when presented to his mind all at once
are overwhelming. Continue then to give me facts,
little facts, such as you think every one imagines
beneath notice, and your letters will be the most
precious to me. They will place me in imagination
in my own country, and they will place me where I
am happiest. But what shall I give you in return?
Political events are scarcely interesting to a man
who looks on them from high ground. There is
always war in one place, revolution in another, pesti-
lence in a third, interspersed with spots of quiet.
These chequers shift places but they do not vanish,
so that to an eye which extends itself over the whole
earth there is always uniformity of prospect. ,

  For the moment Europe is clear of war. The
Emporor and Dutch have signed articles. These are
not published; but it is believed the Emperor gets
ten millions of florins, the navigation of the Scheld
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     13

to Saptinghen, and two forts, so that your conjecture
is verified and the Dutch actually pay the piper. The
league formed in the Germanic body by the King of
Russia is likely to circumscribe the ambitious views
of the Emperor on that side and there seems to be
no issue for them but on the side of the Turk. Their
demarkation does not advance. It is a pity the
Emperor would not confine himself to internal regu-
lation. In that way he has done much good. One
would think it not so difficult to discover that the
improvement of the country we possess is the surest
means .of increasing our wealth and power. This,
too, promotes the happiness of mankind while the
others destroy it and are always uncertain of their
object. England seems not to permit our friendship
to enter into her political calculations as an article of
any value. Her endeavor is not how to recover our
affections or to bind us to her by alliance, but by
what new experiments she may keep up an existence
without us; thus leaving us to carry our full
weight, present and future, into the scale of her
enemy. and seeming to prefer our enmity to our
neutrality.

  The Barbary corsairs have committed depreda-
tionson us. The Emperor of Morocco took a vessel
last winter which he has since restored with the crew
and cargo. The Algerines took two vessels in July.
These are the only captures which were known of
at Algiers on the 24th of August. I mention this
because the English papers would make the world
 



14        Jefferson's Works

believe we have lost an infinite number. I hope soon
to be able to inform our countrymen that these
dangers are ceased

  There is little here to communicate in the arts and
sciences. The great desideratum which was to render
the discovery of the balloon useful, is not absolutely
desperate. There are two artists at Javel, about four
miles from here, who are able to rise and fall at will
without expending their gas, and to deflect 45 degrees from
the course of the wind. The investigations of air
and fire which have latterly so much occupied the
chemists,have not presented anything very interest-
ing for some time past.

  I send you four books, Rolend, Sigaud de la Fond,
Metherie, and Scheele, which will put you in posses-
sion of whatever has been discovered as yet on that
subject. They are packed in a trunk directed to J.
Madison of Orange, which will be carried to Rich-
mond. They are in French, which you say you do
not understand well. You lose infinitely by this,
as you may be assured that the publications in that
language at present far exceed those of England in
science. With respect to the Encyclopedic it is
impossible for me to judge whether to send it to you
or not, as I do not know your degree of knowledge
in the language nor your intentions as to increasing
it. Of this you must decide for yourself and instruct
me accordingly.

  I was unlucky as to the partridges, pheasants,
hares and rabbits which I had ordered to Virginia.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     15

The vessel in which I came over was to have returned
to Virginia and to Warwick. I knew I could rely on
the captain's care. A fellow-passenger undertook
to provide them. He did so, but the destination of
the vessel was changed and the poor colonists all died
while my friend was looking out for another convey-
ance.

  If I can be useful to your circulating library, the
members may be assured of my zealous services. All
books except English, Latin and Greek are bought
here for about two-thirds of what they cost in Eng-
land. They had better distribute their invoices
accordingly. .I must trouble you to present assur-
ances of my friendship to Mr. and Mrs. Randolph of
Tuckahoe, Mr. Cary, and their families. My attach-
ment to them is sincere. I wish I could render them
useful to them. Tell Mr. Cary I shall enjoy a very
real pleasure whenever he shall carry his intentions
of writing me into execution and that there is no one
who more fervently wishes him well.

 Accept yourself assurances of the esteem with
which I am, dear Sir, your friend and servant.



        TO REVEREND JAMES MADISON.

             FONTAINEBLEAU, Oct. 28, 1785
  DEAR SIR,-Seven o'clock, and retired to my fire-
side, I have determined to enter into conversation
with you. This is a village of about 15,000 inhab-
itants when the court is not here, and 20,000 when
 



16        Jefferson's Works

they are, occupying a valley through which runs a
brook and on each side of it a ridge of small moun-
tains, most of which are naked rock. The King comes
here, in the fall always, to hunt. His court attend
him, as do also the foreign diplomatic corps ; but as
this is not indispensably required and my finances do
not admit the expense of a continued residence here,
I propose to come occasionally to attend the King's
levees, returning again to Paris, distant forty miles.
This being the first trip, I set out yesterday morning
to take a view of the place. For this purpose I
shaped my course towards the highest of the moun-
tains in sight, to the top of which was about a league

  As soon as I had got clear of the town I fell in with
a poor woman walking at the same rate with myself
and going the same course. Wishing to know the
condition of the laboring poor I entered into conver-
sation with her, which I began by enquiries for the
path which would lead me into the mountain: and
thence proceeded to enquiries into her vocation, con-
dition and circumstances. She told me she was a day
laborer at 8 sous or 4d. sterling the day : that she had
two children to maintain, and to pay a rent of 30
livres for her house (which would consume the hire
of 75 days), that often she could get no employment
and of course was without bread. As we had walked
together near a mile and she had so far served me as
a guide, I gave her, on parting, 24 sous. She burst
into tears of a gratitude which I could perceive was
unfeigned because she was unable to utter a word.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    17

She had probably never before received so great an
aid. This little attendrissement, with the solitude of
my walk, led me into a train of reflections on that
unequal division of property which occasions the
numberless instances of wretchedness which I had
observed in this country and is to be observed all over
Europe.

  The property of this country is absolutely con-
centred in a very few hands, having revenues of from
half a million of guineas a year downwards. These
employ the flower of the country as servants, some
of them having as many as 200 domestics, not labor-
ing. They employ also a great number of manufac-
turers and tradesmen; and lastly the class of laboring
husbandmen. But after all there comes the most
numerous of all classes, that is, the poor who
cannot find work. I asked myself what could be the
reason so many should be permitted to beg who are
willing to work, in a country where there is a very
considerable proportion of uncultivated lands ? These
lands are undisturbed only for the sake of game. it
should seem then that it must be because of the enor-
mous wealth of the proprietors which places them
above attention to the increase of their revenues by
permitting these lands to be labored. I am con-
scious that an equal division of property is imprac-
ticable, but the consequences of this 'enormous
inequality producing so much misery to the bulk
of mankind, legislators cannot invent too many
devices for subdividing property, only taking care

   VOL. XIX-2
 



18        Jefferson's Works

to let their subdivisions go hand in hand with the
natural affections of the human mind. The descent
of property of every kind therefore to all the children,
or to all the brothers and sisters, or other relations in
equal degree, is a politic measure and a practicable
one. Another means of silently lessening the in-
equality of property is to exempt all from taxation
below a certain point, and to tax the higher portions
or property in geometrical progression as they rise.
Whenever there are in any country uncultivated lands
and unemployed poor, it is clear that the laws of
property have been so far extended as to violate
natural right. The earth is given as a common stock
for man to labor and live on. If for the encourage-
ment of industry we allow it to be appropriated, we
must take care that other employment be provided
to those excluded from the appropriation. If we do
not, the fundamental right to labor the earth returns
to the unemployed. It is too soon yet in our country
to say that every man who cannot find employment,
but who can find uncultivated land, shall be at liberty
to cultivate it, paying a moderate rent. But it is
not too soon to provide by every possible means that
as few as possible shall be without a little portion of
land. The small landholders are the most precious
part of a state.

 The next object which struck my attention in my
walk was the deer with which the wood abounded.
They were of the kind called " Cerfs, " and not exactly
of the same species with ours. They are blackish
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     19

indeed under the belly, and not white as ours, and
they are more of the chestnut red; but these are
such small differences as would be sure to happen
in two races from the same stock breeding separately
a number of ages. Their hares are totally different
from the animals we call by that name; but their
rabbit is almost exactly like him. The only differ-
ence is in their manners ; the land on which I walked
for some time being absolutely reduced to a honey-
comb by their burrowing. I think there is no
instance of ours burrowing. After descending the
hill again I saw a man cutting fern. I went to him
under pretence of asking the shortest road to town,
and afterwards asked for what use he was cutting
fern. He told me that this part of the country fur-
nished a great deal of fruit to Paris. That when
packed in straw it acquired an ill taste, but that dry
fern preserved it perfectly without communicating
any taste at all.

  I treasured this observation for the preservation
of my apples on my return to my own country. They
have no apples here to compare with our Redtown
pippin. They have nothing which deserves the
name of a peach ; there being not sun enough to ripen
the plum-peach and the best of their soft peaches
being like our autumn peaches. Their cherries and
strawberries are fair, but I think lack flavor. Their
plums I think are better; so also their gooseberries,
and the pears infinitely beyond anything we possess.
They have nothing better than our sweet-water ; but
 



20        Jefferson's Works

they have a succession of as good from early in the
summer till frost. I am to-morrow to get (to) M.
Malsherbes (and uncle of the Chevalier Luzerne's)
about seven leagues from hence, who is the most
curious man in France as to his trees. He is making
for me a collection of the vines from which the Bur-
gundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, Frontignac, and
other of the most valuable wines of this country are
made. Another gentleman is collecting for me the
best eating grapes, including what we call the raisin.
I propose also to endeavor to colonize their hare,
rabbit, red and grey partridge, pheasants of different
kinds, and some other birds. But I find that I am
wandering beyond the limits of my walk and will
therefore bid vou adieu. Yours affectionately.



            TO FRANCIS EPPES.

                 PARIs, December 11, 1785.
 DEAR SIR,-I wrote you by Mr. Fitzhugh Aug. 30
and to Mrs. Eppes by the same conveyance Sept. 22;
in those as in my former letters I had troubled you
on the subject of sending my daughter to me. To the
cautions then suggested I am obliged to add another,
which our situation with respect to the Barbary
powers calls for. You have doubtless heard loose
stories as to their captures on us without being able
to know the certainty. The truth is that the Empe-
ror of Morocco took one vessel from us the last winter,
but he did it merely to induce us to treat. He took
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     21

care of the crew, vessel and cargo and delivered the
whole up for us to the Spanish coast, clothing the
crew well. There is nothing further to be feared from
him, as I think he will settle matters with us on toler-
able terms.

  But the Algerines this fall took two vessels from
us and now have twenty-two of our citizens in.
slavery. Their dispositions are more hostile and
they very possibly will demand a higher tribute
than America will pay. In this event they will
commit depredations on our trade next summer.
I do not think the insurance against them on vessels
coming to France will be worth one-half per cent,
but who can estimate the value of a half per cent on
the fate of a child? My mind revolts at the possi-
bility of a capture, so that unless you hear from
myself-not trusting the information of any other
person on earth-that peace is made with the Alge-
rines, do not send her but in a vessel of French or
English property; for these vessels alone are safe
from prize by the barbarians. Mr. Barclay, our
consul here, expects to go to Philadelphia in the
spring and to return again here. He offers to take
charge of her. She would be then in the best hands
possible and should the time of his return become
well ascertained I will write you on the subject. In
the meantime it need not prevent your embracing
any opportunity which occurs of a sound French or
English ship, neither new nor old, sailing in the
months of April, May, June or July, under the care
 



22        Jefferson's Works

of a trusty person. You see how much trouble I
give you till I get this little charge out of your hands.
 Europe is quiet. The treaty between the Emperor
and Dutch signed, and one between France and the
Dutch, very fatal to England. It is called a defen-
sive treaty only, but it is such a one as cannot but
give to France the aid of the Dutch in case of war
with England. Patsy enjoys a perfect state of
health; mine is become more firm. If I continue
through the winter as well as I am now I shall resume
confidence in my constitution. Mr. Short is at
present indisposed with the jaundice. We all pant
for America as will every American who comes to
Europe. Present -us affectionately to Mrs. Eppes
and the little ones. I make her always the bearer
of my kisses to dear Poll. Assure Mrs. and Mr.
Skipwith also of our love and believe me to be, with
the highest esteem, dear Sir, your sincere friend and
servant.

  P. S. I saw in a Virginia paper that somebody
gave me as the author of information that we had
nothing to fear from the Algerines. No such infor-
mation ever went from me. The writer probably.
had not distinguished between the pirates of Algiers
and Morocco. Of the peaceful disposition of the
latter I have written, but never of the former.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     23



          TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

                   PaRIs, January 4, 1786.
 SIR,-I have been honored with your letter of
September 26, which was delivered me by Mr. Hou-
don, who is safely returned. He has brought with
him a mould of the face only, having left the other
parts of his work with his workmen to come by some
other conveyance. Doctor Franklin, who was joined
with me in the superintendence of this just monu-
ment, having left us before what is called the costume
of the statue was decided on, I cannot so well satisfy
myself as I am persuaded I should not so Well satisfy
the world as by consulting your own wish or inclina-
tion as to this arrangement. Permit me, therefore,
to ask you whether there is any particular dress or
any particular attitude which you would rather wish
to be adopted? I shall take a singular pleasure in
having your own idea executed if you will be so good
as to make it known to me.

  I thank you for the trouble you have taken in
answering my inquiries on the subject of Bushnel's
machine.  Colonel Humphreys could only give me
a general idea of it from the effects produced rather
than the means contrived to produce them.

  I sincerely rejoice that three such works as the
opening the Potomac, the James river, Virginia canal
from the Dismal, are like to be carried through.
There is still a fourth, however, which I had the
honor, I believe, of mentioning to you in a letter of
 



24        Jefferson's Works

March 15, 1784, from Annapolis. It is the cutting a
canal which shall unite the heads of Cayahoga and
the Beaver creek. The, utility of this and even the
necessity of it, if we mean to aim at the trade of the
lakes, will be palpable to you. The only question is
its practicability. The best information I could get
as to this was from General Hand, who described the
country as champaign and these waters as heading
in lagoons which would be easily united. Maryland
and Pennsylvania are both interested to concur with
us in this work.

  The institutions you propose to establish by the
shore in the Potomac. and James river companies,
given you by the assembly, and the particular objects
of these institutions are most worthy. It occurs to
me, however, that if the bill for the more general
diffusion of knowledge which is in the revisal should
be passed, it would supersede the use and obscure
the existence of the charity schools you have thought
of. I' suppose in fact that that bill, or some other
like it, will be passed. I never saw one received with
more enthusiasm than that was by the House of
Delegates in the year 1778 and ordered to €be printed
and it seemed afterwards that nothing but the
extreme distress of our resources prevented it being
carried into execution even during the war. It is an
axiom in my mind that our liberty can never be safe
but in the hands of the people themselves, and that;
too, of the people with a certain degree of instruction.
This it is the business of the state to effect, and on a
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    25

general plan. Should you see a probability of this,
however, you can never be at a loss for worthy objects
of this donation. Even the remitting that propor-
tion of the toll on all articles transported would
present itself under many favorable considerations,
and it would in effect be to make the state do, in a
certain proportion, what they ought to have done
wholly ; for I think they should clear all the rivers
and lay them open and free to all. However, you
are infinitely the best judge how the most good may
be effected with these shares.

 All is quiet here. There are, indeed, two specks
in the horizon, the exchange of Bavaria and the
demarcation between the Emperor and Turks. We
may add as a third the interference by the King of
Prussia in the domestic disputes of the Dutch. Great
Britain, it is said, begins to look towards us with a
little more good humor. But how true this may
be I cannot say with certainty. We are trying to
render her commerce as little necessary to us as pos-
sible by finding other markets for our produce. A
most favorable reduction of duties on whale oil has
taken place here, which will give us a vent for that
article, paying a duty of a guinea and a half a tun
only.

 I have the honor to be, with the highest esteem and
respect, dear Sir, your most obedient and most hum-
ble servant.
 



26        Jefferson's Works


        TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

                   PARIS, January 13, 1786.
   DEAR SIR,-I had the honor of receiving on the
1st instant your favor of Dec. 17. I had before that,
in a letter of Dec. 8, explained to you the cause of
the bill not being paid which appeared here in your
name, so far as I had been obliged to meddle in it.
My letter to Mr. Grand which I inclosed to you will
have shown you that I advised him to follow what
had been his practice as to your bills. I do assure
you, Sir, most solemnly that as to myself no question
ever arose in my mind but whether the bill was
genuine or not; and that had that been ascertained
I should never have presumed to doubt the propriety
of the draught. Of that you alone are the judge in
my opinion and accountable to nobody but Congress ;
but least of all to me who have nothing to do with the
application of the moneys here and am only forced
into the temporary interference by Mr. Grand's
refusal to pay anything but on my order. I have
sent representations on this subject to the board of
the treasury, and shall expect ere long to communi-
cate their orders to Mr. Grand for exercising this
office himself according to the rules they shall lay
down for his government.

 The mention made in your letter of some articles
of expense occasions me to observe to you that post-
age and couriers are allowed to be charged by an
express resolution of Congress. That etrennes and

 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    27

house-rent have likewise been charged by the minis-
ters and allowed in the settlement of their accounts.
I conceive that illuminations and gala may with some
propriety be charged. I think it is the universal
custom tb allow all ministers charges of these descrip-
tions. I think Dr. Franklin told me he had made
diligent enquiry here of the diplomatic corps and had
only charged those things which were sanctioned by
general usage in the diplomatic accounts. I take the
liberty of mentioning these things to you that the
want of information may not occasion you to place
yourself on a worse footing than that on which you
have just title to stand. At the same time I will pray
you to make use of the information only for the erect-
ing of your accounts, as I should be unwilling to be
named as the author of an advice in which I might
seem to be interested. I omitted to observe on the
subject of your bill of exchange that I have not had
an opportunity of recurring to the letters written by
yourself and Mr. Grand to which you refer me. We
have been in expectation of receiving a renewal of
the bill and that you would be so good as to accom-
pany it with a letter of advice, a precaution which
the innumerable forgeries of this city are thought to
render necessary even in private cases.

  I suppose you will have heard that Dr. Franklin
is appointed President of Pennsylvania and has
accepted the office. Houdon went over on account
of the State of Virginia to take the moulds of General
Washington in order to make his statue. He is

,
 



28        Jefferson's Works

returned. He tells me that he heard of the safe
arrival of the ass which the King of Spain had been
so generous as to send to the General. He could not
tell me where he was arrived. A letter from General
Washington of Nov. 2 informs me that of L50,000
sterling necessary for opening the Potomac, L44,000
was actually made up and no fear of procuring the
balance so that the work is begun. The whole money
for opening James river is made up. This is the only
American news I have worth communicating.

 This government has lately reduced the duties on
American whale oil to a guinea and a half a tun which
will draw that commerce from London wholly to this
country. Mr. Adams having made complaint to the
court of London of the ill behavior of Captain Stan-
hope I am informed though not from him that they
disavow his conduct and have severely reprimanded
him and given this official information to Mr. Adams.
He also required a re-delivery of our prisoners sent
to the East Indies. They have informed him that
they have given orders for their being brought back.
Mr. Barclay will have the honor of delivering you this
and of supplying any intelligence I may omit. I am
sure you will give him all the aid in your power as
to his object. Accept from me assurances of the
sincere esteem with which I have the honor to
be, dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble
servant.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts 29



        TO JAMES MADISON.


  LONDON, April 25, 1786.

  DEAR SIR,-Some of the objects of the joint com-
mission with which we were honored by Congress
called me to this place about six weeks ago. To-
morrow I set out on my return to Paris. With this
nation nothing is done and it is now decided that
they intend to do nothing with us. The King is
against a change of measures, his ministers are
against it, some from principle, others from attach-
ment to their places, and the merchants and people
are against it. They sufficiently value our com-
merce, but they are quite persuaded they shall enjoy
it on their own terms. This political speculation
fosters the warmest feeling in the King's heart, that
is his hatred to us. If ever he should be forced to
make any terms with us it will be by events which
he does not foresee. He takes no pains at present
to hide his aversion. Our commission expiring m a
fortnight there is an end of all further attempts on our
part to arrange matters between the two countries.
The treaty of peace being yet unexecuted it remains
that each party conduct themselves as the combined
considerations of justice and of caution require.

  We have had conversations on the subject of
our debts with the chairman of the committee of
American merchants here. He was anxious for
arrangements. He was sensible that it was for the
interest of the creditors as well as debtors to allow

i
 




30        Jefferson's Works

time for the payment of the debts due to this country
and did not seem to think the time taken by Virginia
was more than enough. But we could not help
agreeing with him that the courts should be open
to them immediately, judgments recoverable, the
executions to be divided into so many equal and
annual parts as will admit the whole to be paid by
the year 1790 and that the payments should be in
money and not in anything else. IE our law is not
already on this footing I wish extremely it were put
on it.

 When we proceeded to discuss the sum which
should be paid we concurred in thinking that the
principal and interest preceding and subsequent to
the war should be paid. As to interest during the
war the chairman thought it justly demandable ; we
thought otherwise. I need not recapitulate to you
the topics of arguments on each side. He said the
renunciation of this interest was a bitter pill which
they could not swallow. Perhaps he would have
agreed to say nothing about it, not expecting to
receive it in most cases, yet willing to take the chance
of it where debtors or juries should happen to be
favorably disposed. We should have insisted on
an express declaration that this interest should not
be demandable. These conferences were intended
as preparatory to authoritative propositions, but the
minister not condescending to meet us at all on the
subject they ended in nothing. I think the mer-
chants here do not expect to recover interest during
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts    31

the war in general though they are of opinion they
are entitled to it.

  I wrote you in a former letter on the subject of a
Mr. Paradise who owns an estate in Virginia in right
of his wife and who has a considerable sum due him
in our loan office. Since I came here I have had
opportunity of knowing his extreme personal worth
and his losses by the lace war. He is from principle
a pure republican while his father was as warm a tory.
His attachment to the American cause and his candid
warmth brought him sometimes into altercations on
the subject with his father, and some persons inter-
ested in their variance artfully brought up this sub-
ject of conversation whenever they met. It pro-
duced a neglect in the father. He had already settled
on him a sum of money in the funds, but would do no
more and probably would have undone that if he
could. When remittances from Virginia were for-
bidden the profits of the Virginia estate were carried
into our loan office. Paradise was then obliged to
begin to eat his capital in England; from that to
part with conveniences and to run in debt.

  His situation is now distressing and would be com-
pletely relieved could he receive what is due him from
our state. He is coming over to settle there. His
wife and family will follow him. I never ask unjust
preferences for anybody ; but if by any just means he
can be helped to his money, I own I would be much
gratified. The goodness of his heart, his kindness
to Americans before, during and since the war, the
 




32        Jefferson's Works

purity of his political and moral character, interest
me in the events pending over him arid which will
infallibly be ruinous if he fails to receive his money.
I ask of you on his behalf that in pursuing the path
of right you will become active for him instead of
being merely quiescent were his merit and his mis-
fortunes unknown to you.

  I have put into the hands of Mr. Fulwar Skipwith
for you a packet containing some catalogues which
he will forward. I am with sincere esteem, ' dear Sir,
your friend and servant.




             TO PHILIP MAZZEI.


                MARSEILLES, April 4, 1787

  DEAR SIR; I have had the pleasure of finding your
friend Soria alive, and one of the most considerable
merchants here. I delivered him your letter and he
has shown me all the attentions which the state of
his mind would permit. A few days before my
arrival his only son had eloped with jewels and
money to the value of ,40,000 livres and I believe
is not yet heard of. He speaks of you with friend-
ship and will be happy to see you on your way south-
wardly. He has promised to make me acquainted
with a well-informed gardener whom I expect to find
among the most precious of my acquaintances. From
men of that class I have derived the most satisfactory
information in the course of my journey and have
sought their acquaintance with as much industry as
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     33

I have avoided that of others who would have made
me waste my time (illegible] good society. For these
objects one need not leave Paris. I find here several
interesting articles of culture; the best [illegible]
the best grapes for drying, a smaller [illegible] the
same purposes without a seed, from Smyrna, olives,
capers, pistachio nuts, almonds. All these articles
may succeed on or southward of the Chesapeake.
From hence my inclination would lead me no further
[illegible] as I. am to see little more than a rocky
coast. But I am [illegible) here with the hopes of
finding something useful in the rice-fields of Pied-
mont, which are said to be but a little way beyond
the Alps. It will probably be the middle of June
before I get back to Paris. In the meantime I wish
to observe that if this absence, longer than you had
calculated, should render an earlier pecuniary supply
necessary, lodge a line for me at Aix poste restant
where I shall find it about the last of this month and
I shall with great pleasure do what may be needful
for you.

  Be so good as to present my respects to the Maison
de ia Rochefoucault and accept yourself my sincere
assurances of esteem and regard from, dear Sir, your
affectionate friend and humble servant.






   VOL. xix-3
 




34        Jefferson's Works



            TO LABBE D'ARNAL.


                      PARIS, July 9, 1787

  DEAR SIR,-I had the honor of informing you when
at Nismes that we had adopted in America a method
of hanging the upper stone of a grist mill which had
been found so much more convenient than the
ancient as to have brought it into general use.
Whether we derive the invention from Europe or
have made it ourselves I am unable to say. The
difference consists only in the spindle and horns.
On the former plan the horns were of a single piece
of iron in the form of a cross with a square hole in
the middle, which square hole fitted on the upper end
of the spindle. The horns were then fixed in cross
grooves in the bottom of the upper stone which was
to be laid on the spindle so as that the place of its
grinding surface would be perfectly perpendicular
to the spindles. This was a difficult and tedious
operation and was to be repeated every time the
stones were dressed. According to our method two
distinct pieces of iron are substituted for the horns.

The one in this form a of such breadth
and thickness as to support the whole weight of the
stone. Its straight ends are to be firmly fixed in one
of the cross grooves of the stone, the circular part
should rise through the hole in the center of the
stone so as to be near its upper surface ; in the middle
of this semicircular part and on the under surface-
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts      35

at " 'a '-should be a dimple to which the upper end of
the spindle should be adjusted by giving it a convexity
fitted? to the concavity of the dimple. The other piece
of iron is only a straight bar to be firmly fixed in
the other of the cross grooves of the stone and to

have a square hole in its center, thus : --o- --
the corresponding part of the spindle must be squared
to fit this hole. The office of the first piece of iron
is to suspend the stone, that of the last is to give and
continue its motion. The stones being dressed and
these pieces firmly fixed in it, it is turned over on
the spindle so that the point of the spindle may enter
the dimple of the semicircular iron, and the stone
be suspended on it freely. It will probably not take
at first its true position, which is that of the plane of
its grinding surface being truly perpendicular to the
spindle.

  The workman must, therefore, chip it at the top
with a chisel till it hangs in that just position. This
being once done it is done forever ; for whenever they
dress the stone afterwards they have only to return
the upper one to its point and it will resume its
equilibrium. It sometimes happens that one side
of the stone being softer than the other wears faster
and so the equilibrium is lost in time. Experience
has shown that a small departure from the equili-
brium will be rectified by the bed stone which serves
as a guide to the running stone till it assumes its
motion in a true plane which it will afterwards keep.
 





36        Jefferson's Works


But should a defect of the stone render this departure
from the equilibrium too considerable it may be
necessary to set it to rights at certain periods by
chipping it again on the top. I had promised, when
I had the honor of seeing you at Nismes, to send you
a model of this manner of fixing the mill-stones, but
the expense of sending a model by post, the danger
of its being lost or destroyed by the messagerie, and
the hope that I could render it intelligible by a
description and figures, have induced me to prefer
the latter method. I shall with great pleasure give
any further explanations which may be necessary for
your perfect comprehension of it, and the more so
as it will furnish me with new occasions of assuring
you of those sentiments of respect and esteem with
which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient
and most humble servant.

                        TO JOHN ADAMS.


                                PARIS, July 23, 1797

             DEAR SIR--Frouille, the bookseller here who is
engaged in having your book translated and printed,
understanding that you are about publishing a sequel
to it, has engaged me to be the channel of his prayers
to you to favor his operation by transmitting hither
the sheets of the sequel as they shall be printed ; and
he will have them translated by the same hand,
which is a good one.

  It is necessary for one to explain the passage in
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     37

Mr. Barclay's letter of July 13 of which he writes me
he had sent you a duplicate wherein he mentions that
I had given him a full dispensation from waiting on
you in London. Mr. Barclay was arrested in Bor-
deaux for debt and put into prison. The Parliament
released him after five days on the footing of his
being consul and minister from the United States to
Morocco. His adversaries applied here to deprive
him of his privilege. I spoke on the subject to the
minister. He told me that the character of consul
was no protection at all from private arrest, but that
he would try to avail him of the other character. I
found, however, that the event might be doubtful
and stated the whole in a letter to Mr. Barclay,
observing at the same time that I knew of nothing
which rendered it necessary for him to come to Paris
before his departure for America. He determined,
therefore, to go to America immediately, which
indeed was his wisest course as he would have been
harassed immediately by his creditors.

  Our funds here have been out some time and Mr.
Grand is at the length of his tether in advancing for
us. He has refused very small demands for current
occasions and I am not clear he will not refuse my
usual one for salary. He has not told me so, but I
am a little diffident of it. I shall know in a few days
whether he does or not. I cannot approve of his
protesting small and current calls. Having had
nothing to do with any other banker I cannot say
what their practice is, but I suppose it their practice
 



38        Jefferson's Works

to advance for their customers when their funds
happen to be out in proportion to the sums which
they pass through their hands. Mr. Grand is a very
sure banker, but a very timid one, and I fear he thinks
it possible that he may lose his advances for the
United States. Should he reject my draught, would
there be any prospect of its being answered in Hol-
land? Merely for my own and Mr. Short's salaries,
say 4,500 livres a month? You will have heard that
the Emperor has put troops into march on account
of the disturbances in Brabant. The situation of
affairs in Holland you know better than I do. How
will they end ? I have the honor to be, with senti-
ments of the most profound esteem and respect, dear
Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant.

          TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.


                   PARIS, August 6, 1787.

 DEAR SIR,-This will be handed you by Doctor
Gibbons, a young gentleman who after studying
physic and taking his degrees at Edinburgh has
passed some time ,here. He has desired the honor
of being known to you, and I find a pleasure in being
the instrument of making him so. It is a tax to
which your celebrity submits you. Every man of
the present age will wish to have the honor of having
known, and being known to you. You will find
Doctor Gibbons to possess learning, genius and merit.
A.s such I ask leave to present him to you, and of
 


        Supplementary Manuscripts     39

assuring you at the same time of the sentiments of
profound respect and esteem, with which I have the
honor to be your Excellency's most obedient and
most humble servant.

             TO JOHN ADAMS.

                 PARIS, December 31, 1787.

  DEAR SIR,-Mr. Parker furnishes me an oppor-
tunity of acknowledging the receipt of your favors of
November I o, December 6, 10, 18, and 25, which I
avoid doing through post. The orders on the sub-
ject of our captives at Algiers have come to me by
the last packet. They are to be kept secret even
from the captives themselves lest a knowledge of
the interference of government should excite to
extravagant demands. The settlement of the prices
in the first instance is important as a precedent.
Willincks and Van Staphorsts answered that they
had money enough to pay the February interest and
our draughts for salary for some time, but that the
payment of Fiseaux's capital would oblige them to
advance of their own money. They observed, too,
that the payment of such a sum without the orders
of the treasury would lay them under an unnecessary
responsibility. I therefore concluded the business
by desiring them to pay the year's interest becoming
due to-morrow and paying Mr. Fiseaux to quiet the
lenders with that till I could procure the orders of
the treasury to whom I wrote immediately an account
 




40        Jefferson's Works

of the whole transaction. I was the better satisfied
with this on receiving your letter of the z 5th by which
I find it your opinion that our credit may not suffer
so materially. The declining the payment came
from the Willincks, the Van Staphorsts having
offered to advance their money. I enclose you a
letter I have received from the Comptroller General
and an asset on the subject of our commerce. They
are the proof sheets, as, at the moment of my writing
my letter I have not yet received the fair ones, but
the French columns are correct enough to be under-
stood. I would wish them not to be public till they
are made so on the other side of the water. I think
the alliance of this court with the two imperial ones
is going on well. You will have heard of the Em-
peror's having attempted to surprise Belgrade and
failed in the attempt. This necessarily engaged him
in the war and so tends to continue it. I think it
settled that this court abandons the Turks.

  Mr. Parker takes charge of the ten ounces of double
Florence for Mrs. Adams, the silk stockings are not
yet ready. I had ordered them to be made by the
hermits of Mont Calvaire who are famous for the
excellence and honesty of their work and prices.
They will come by the first good opportunity. Be
so good as to present my respects to her and to be
assured of the sineere attachment and respect of,
dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble
servant.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts    41

          TO EDWARD BANCROFT.

                 PARIS, January 26, 1788.

 DEAR SIR,-I have deferred answering your letter
on the subject of slaves because you permitted me
to do it till a moment of leisure, and that moment
rarely comes, and because, too, I could not answer
you with such a degree of certainty as to merit
any notice. I do not recollect the conversation
at Vincennes to which you allude, but can repeat
still on the same ground on which I must have done
then that as far as I can judge from the experiments
Which have been made to give liberty to, or rather
abandon, persons whose habits have been formed in
slavery is like abandoning children. Many Quakers
in Virginia seated their slaves on their lands as ten-
ants; they were distant from me, and therefore I
cannot be particular in the details because I never
had very particular information. I cannot say
whether they were to pay a rent in money or a share
of the produce, but I remember that the landlord was
obliged to plan their crops for them, to direct all their
operations during every season and according to the
weather ; but what is more afflicting, he was obliged
to watch them daily and almost constantly to make
them work and even to whip them. A man's moral
sense must be unusually strong if slavery does not
make him a thief. He who is permitted by law to
have no property of his own can with difficulty con-
ceive that property is founded in anything but force.
 



42        Jefferson's Works

These slaves chose to steal from their neighbors
rather than work ; they became public nuisances and
in most instances were reduced to slavery again.
But I will beg of you to make no use of this imperfect
information (unless in common conversation). I
shall go to America in the spring and return in the
fall. During my stay in Virginia I shall be in the
neighborhood where many of these trials were made.
I will inform myself very particularly of them and
communicate the information to you.

  Besides these there is an instance since I came
away of a young man (Mr. Mays) who died and
gave freedom to all his slaves, about zoo; this is
about a year ago. I shall know how they have
turned out. Notwithstanding the discouraging re-
sult of these experiments I am decided on my final
return to America to try this one. I shall endeavor
to import as many Germans as I have grown slaves.
I will settle them and my slaves on farms of fifty
acres each, intermingled, and place all on the footing
of the Metayers (Medictani) of Europe. Their chil-
dren shall be brought up as others are in habits of
property and foresight, and I have no doubt but that
' they will be good citizens. Some of their fathers will
be so, others I suppose will need government; with
these all that can be done is to oblige them to
labor as the laboring poor of Europe do, and to
apply to their comfortable subsistence the produce
of their labor, retaining such a moderate portion of
it as may be a just equivalent for the use of the
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts      43

lands they labor and the stocks and other necessary
advances.

 A word now on Mr. Paradise's affairs. You were
informed at the time of the arrangement they had
established in their affairs, to wit, reserving four hun-
dred pounds a year for their subsistence, abandoning
the rest of their income, about four hundred pounds
more, all their credits (one which is eight hundred
pounds from an individual and another is one thou-
sand pounds from the State), and the cutting of a
valuable wood, to their creditors. Their whole debts
amounting but to two thousand three hundred
pounds, the term of payment cannot be long if this
arrangement can be preserved. I had hoped that
the journey to Italy would have fixed Mrs. Paradise
with her daughter and left him free to travel or tarry
where he liked best, but this journey has been a bur-
den instead of a relief to their affairs. In fact it is
evident to me that the society of England is neces-
sary for the happiness of Mrs. Paradise and is perhaps
the most agreeable to Mr. Paradise also; it is an
object, therefore, to obtain the concurrence of their
creditors in the arrangements taken. The induce-
ment to be proposed to them is Miss Paradise joining
in a deed in which these dispositions shall be stipu-
lated (which by the laws of Virginia will bind her
property there) so that the creditors would be
secured of their debts in the event of Mr. Para-
dise's death. The inducement to Mr. and Mrs.
Paradise is that their persons and property shall
 



44        Jefferson's Works

be free from molestation and their substance not
consumed at law.

 We suppose that the creditors will name one trus-
tee and Mr. Paradise another (yourself), fully and
solely authorized to receive all remittances from
America, to pay to them first their subsistence money
and the rest to the creditors till they are fully paid.

 Miss Paradise will set out in a few days for London
to set her hand to this accommodation ; in the mean-
time they hope you will prepare the ground by nego-
tiating the settlement with the creditors; as far as
I have any influence with Mr. or Mrs. Paradise I used
it and shall use it for the joint interests, of their
creditors and themselves, for I view it was clearly
their interest to reduce themselves to as moderate
an expense as possible till their debts are paid ; if this
can be effected before my departure in April I will
not only aid it here, but have anything done which
may be necessary in Virginia when I go there, such
as the recording the deed, etc. This journey of Mr.
Paradise's will also be an experiment whether their
distresses will not be lighter when separated than
while together. I shall always be glad to hear from
you. Since Mr. Adams' departure I have need of
information from that country and should rely much
on yours; it will always therefore be acceptable. I
am with very sincere esteem, dear Sir, your friend
and servant.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     45


        TO THE COUNTESS BARZIZA.


                      PARIS, July 8, 1788.

  MADAM,-The letter of March 15, which you did
me the honor to address me, came during my absence
on a journey through Holland and Germany, and my
first attentions after my return were necessarily
called to some objects of business of too pressing a
nature to be postponed. This has prevented my
acknowledging as soon as I could have wished the
honor of receiving your letter. The welcome recep-
tion which Mr. and Mrs. Paradise met with in Vir-
ginia was due to their own merit which had been
well known there before their arrival, and to the
esteem for your family entertained in that country.
You would experience the same, Madam, were any
consideration to tempt you to leave for a while your
present situation to visit the. transatlantic seat of
your ancestors. Heaven has already blessed you
with one child, for which accept my sincere congratu-
lations. It may perhaps multiply these blessings
on you and in that event your family estate in Vir-
ginia may become a handsome and happy establish-
ment for a younger child. It will be a welcome
present to a country which will continue to think it
has some claims on you. I felicitate you on the
prospect of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Paradise at Venice.
The happiness of your situation, your virtues and
those of the Count Barziza will contribute to re-estab-
lish that tranquillity of mind which an unhappy loss
 



46        Jefferson's Works

has disturbed and continues to disturb. Sensibility
of mind is indeed the parent of every virtue, but it is
the parent of much misery too. Nobody is more its
victim than Mr. Paradise. Your happiness, your
affection and your attentions can alone restore his
serenity of mind. I am sure it will find repose in
these sources, and that your virtues and those of the
Count Barziza will occupy his mind in thinking on
what he possesses rather than on what he has lost,
and in due time to deliver him up fully to your
affections.

  I wish to you, Madam, a continuance of all those
circumstances of happiness which surround you, and
have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most
perfect esteem and respect, Madam, your most obe-
dient and most humble servant.

            TO C. W. F. DUMAS.

                    PARIS, July 30, 1788.

 SIR,-Your favor of the 24th has just come to hand
and that of the 20th June had never been acknowl-
edged. I congratulate you on the news just received
of the accession of New Hampshire to the new Con-
stitution, which suffices to establish it. I have the
honor to inclose you details on that subject, as also
on the reception of Mr. Adams, which you will be so
good as to reduce to such a size as may gain admis-
sion into the Leyden gazette. We may take a little
glory to ourselves, too, on the victory of our Paul
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     47

Jones over the Turks commanded by the Captain
Pacha, and we may be assured, if it has, been as signal
as the Russians say, that Constantinople will be bom-
barded by that officer. Why did the Swedish fleet
salute the Russian instead of attacking it ? It would
make one suspect that their whole movements had
in view to divert the Russian fleet from going round
if it could be done by hectoring without engaging in
the war, well understood that Turkey pays and
England guarantees them against all events. It is
scarcely possible, however, that all these things can
pass over without a war. I think the internal affairs
of this country will be settled without bloodshed.
I have the honor to be, with very great esteem and
respect, Sir, your most obedient humble servant.

              TO JOHN JAY.


                 PARIS, September 5, 1788.

 SIR,-I wrote you the 3d instant and have this
day received Mr. Remsen 's favor of July 25, written
during your absence at Poughkeepsie, and enclosing
the ratification of the loan of a million florins for
which Mr. Adams had executed bonds at Amsterdam
in March last. The expediency of that loan resulting
from an estimate made by Mr. Adams and myself, and
that estimate having been laid before Congress, their
ratification of the loan induces a presumption that
they will appropriate the money to the objects of the
estimate. I am in hopes, therefore, that orders are
 



48        Jefferson's Works

given by the Treasury Board to the commissioners of
loans at Amsterdam to apply these moneys accord-
ingly and especially to furnish as soon as they shall
have it what may be necessary for the redemption
of our captives at Algiers, which is a pressing call.
I am not without anxiety however on this subject,
because in a letter of July 22d, received this day from
the Treasury Board, they say nothing on that subject
nor on the arrearages of the foreign officers. They
indorse me the order of Congress of the 18th of July
for sending to the Treasury Board the books and
papers of the office of foreign accounts. I shall
accordingly put them into the hands of a person
who goes from Paris to-morrow morning by the way
of Havre to America and shall endeavor to prevail
on him to attend them from the place of his landing
to New York that the board may receive them from
the hand which receives them from me.

  The re-establishment of the parliament and revo-
cation of everything which was done on the 8th of
May is expected to take place in three or four days.

  I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most
perfect esteem and respect, Sir, your most obedient,
and most humble servant.

          TO FRANCIS HOPKINSON.

                PARIS, December 21, 1788.

 DEAR SIR,-My last to you was of May 8 and July
6, that of the latter date was only to enclose a book-
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     49

seller's proposals for sending books to America. The
one of May 8 acknowledged the receipt of yours of
Dec. 16. I informed you also in the letter of May 8
that the vinegar was at length lodged for you in the
hands of M. Limousin at Havre to be forwarded to
the first vessel to Philadelphia. He has never sent
it till the last month and then by a vessel bound to
Baltimore as you will see by the enclosed bill of
lading. However it was in the care of a Mr. Vanet
who was to go in to New York and who I hope
would give you notice of it. The books also which
were lodged with M. Limousin for yourself, Dr.
Franklin and Mr. Rittenhouse remained the whole
winter at Havre. However, I hope you have long
ago received them safe. I sent you as far as the
22d livraison of the Encyclopedie. We are now at
the 29th. To that number, therefore, and what more
may come out before April I, I shall bring to you,
for I have asked of Congress a leave of five or six
months' absence of the next year to carry my family
home and to arrange my affairs there which were
left at sixes and sevens under the idea of soon return-
ing to them.

  I shall hope therefore to see you in the course of
the summer. I have no doubt about continuing to
take out your encyclopaedia because I have had your
express approbation of doing it and you would
expressly desire me to cease if you meant to discon-
tinue. But I am more doubtful as to Dr. Franklin's
because my first doing it for him was without orders


   Vol. xix--4
 




50        Jefferson's Works

and he has never intimated to me a wish to continue.
However I shall bring his also, unless he expressly
desires the contrary for which he will still have time
as I shall not sail till the middle of April. Be so good
as to mention these things to him with my sincere
respects.

   Not having one scrap of news in literature or the
arts I must be contented to give you those of the
political world. This country is proceeding steadily
to form a constitution. The noise in the earlier part
of, it threatened violence, but' as yet not a life has
been lost. All hands are employed in drawing plans
of bills of rights. Their States-General will probably
meet in March. They will obtain with little or no
opposition from the court their own periodical meet-
ing, their exclusive right to tax, and a share in the
legislation. Some will aim at a habeas corpus law
and free press. These will not be so sure in the first
session. These occupations render this country very
desirous of peace. The insanity of the King of
England leaves them tolerably sure of it, as regencies
are generally peaceable and there is no other quarter
from which they feared being forced into a war. We
had supposed the war in the North in a fair way of
being stopped when all of a sudden disturbances in
Poland seem to threaten a rupture between Russia
and Poland. In this case the former must make her
peace with the Turks by the cession of the Crimea and
the scene of war will be changed. As yet, however,
the symptoms are not decisive enough to say that it
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     51

will take that turn. I am happy to find our new
Constitution is accepted and our government likely to
answer its purposes better. I hope that the addition
of a bill of rights will bring over to it a greater part
of those now opposed to it; and that this may be
added without submitting the whole to the risk of a
new convention. It would still have one fault in
my eye, that of perpetual re-eligibility of the Presi-
dent. But if my fears on that should be verified in
the experiment I trust to the good sense of our chil-
dren that they will apply the remedy which shall
suit the circumstances then existing. Remember
me affectionately to Mr. Rittenhouse and his family.
Join my daughter in the same greetings as well as in
those I desire you to present to your mother. Be
assured yourself of the sentiments of esteem and
attachment with which I am, dear Sir, your friend
and servant.

  P. S. Jan. 1, 1789. My letter having waited a
conveyance till this date I will add a word on the
rigors of the winter in which we are. They have
been excessive since the middle of November and
are likely to continue. The mercury has been here
as low as 9.5 degrees of Fahrenheit below nought, that is to
say 41.5 degrees below the freezing point, which is more than
was ever known before. I received letters from
Marseilles this morning informing me the winter is
more severe there than it was in 1709, when they
lost all their olive trees. They apprehend the same
 



52        Jefferson's Works

calamity now; and it will take twenty years to
replace them.

 Jan. 12. After sealing my letter yours of Oct.
23d came to hand. I am glad to hear of Dr. Frank-
lin 's health ; having had no news of him since July
we were in quiet. I have seen Mr. and Mrs. Tellier-
the vinegar you find is on its way. You will have
the enjoyment the longer. I have not had time to
read your vagary as you call it because I opened the
letter only in the moment this is going off. I am sure
it will please me as all your vagaries do. A.dieu.

               TO JOHN JAY.
 
                    PARIS, March 1, 1789.

  SIR,-My last letters have been of the 11th, 12th
and 21st of January. The present conveyance being
through the post to Havre, from whence a vessel is
to sail for New York, I avail myself of it principally
to send you the newspapers. That of Leyden of the
24th contains a note of the Charge des Affaires of
France at Warsaw which is interesting. It shows a
concert between France and Russia ; it is a prognosti-
cation that Russia will interfere in the affairs of
Poland, and if she does it is most probable that the
King of Poland must be drawn into the war. The
revolution which has taken place in Geneva is a
remarkable and late event. With the loss of only
two or three lives, and in the course of one week, riots

 


        Supplementary Manuscripts     53

begun at first on account of a rise in the price of
bread were improved and pointed to a reformation
of their constitution, and their ancient constitution
has been almost completely re-established. Nor do
I see any reason to doubt of the permanence of the
re-establishment.

  The King of England has shown such marks of
returning reason that the regency bill was postponed
in the House of Lo_rds. on the 19th inst. It seems
now probable there may be no change of the minis-
try, perhaps no regent. We may be sure, however,
that the present ministry make the most of those
favorable symptoms. There has been a riot in Brit-
tany begun on account of the price of bread but con-
verted into a quarrel between the noblesse and Tiers-
etat. Some few lives were lost in it. All is quieted
for the present moment. In Burgundy and Franche-
cornpte the opposition of the nobles to the views
of government is very warm. Everywhere else,
however, the revolution is going on quietly and
steadily and the public mind ripening so fast that
there is great reason to hope a good result from
the States-General. Their numbers-about twelve
hundred-give room to fear, indeed, that they may
be turbulent. _

  Having never heard of Admiral Paul Jones since
the action in which he took part before Oczahow, I
began to be a little uneasy. But I have now received
a letter from him dated at St. Petersburg, the 31st
of January, where he had just arrived at the desire
 



54        Jefferson's Works

of the Empress. He has hitherto commanded on
the Black Sea. He does not know whether he shall
be employed there, or where, the ensuing campaign.
I have no other intelligence which would not lead me
into details improper for the present mode of convey-
ance. After observing, therefore, that the gazettes
of France and Leyden to the present date accompany
this I shall only add assurances of the sincere esteem
and respect with which I have the honor to be, dear
Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant.





           TO JOHN PAUL JONES.


                   PARIs, March 23, 1789.

           (By courier of France.)

  DEAR SIR,-Your favor of January 20/31 from St.
Petersburg came safe to hand and is the only proof
we have received of your existence since you left
Copenhagen. I mention this that reflecting how and
what you have written heretofore you may know how
and what you may write hereafter. I shall put noth-
ing into this letter but what is important to you and
unimportant to any government through which it
may pass.

  To begin with your private affairs. I received
three days ago from M. Amoureux a bill for 1,900
louis payable at three (usances ?), which I have deliv-
ered to Messrs. Grand and Co., and desired them to
receive it when due and hold it subject to your order.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     55

This Amoureux mentions as forming a une bagatelle
pres, the balance due you.

  Having been * * * * to carry into execution the
orders for the medals, I have contracted with the
workmen for them and they are all in hand. Yours
is to be executed by Dupre who is, I think, the best
among them ; and it will be done in the course of the
summer. My instructions as to these medals are
general, to wit : I am to deliver one of gold or silver-
as the case may be-to the person who is the subject ;
to send one of silver to every sovereign and one of
copper to every University of Europe (Great Britain
excepted), two hundred copies to Congress and one
apiece to Lafayette, Rochambeau, Destaing and
Degrasse. I am at liberty to deliver no others. Not
even at the orders and expense of the persons who are
the subjects of the medals. But your wish will be
fulfilled as to the Empress, because I shall send her
a suite of the whole medals under the general order.

  I had lately presented to me a demand for about
L4,000 from the French consul at Bergen, without
being told for what. My answer was that I knew of
no cause for such an application and could not pay it.
I suspect this demand has some connection with a very
large packet of official papers I received addressed to
you from Denmark or Norway in the Danish lan-
guage. By the bye, that business makes no way;
though I have written to Count Bernstorff pressing a
settlement, and often spoken to their envoy here, I
cannot obtain one word of an answer of any kind.
 



56        Jefferson's Works


   Another word on the subject of your medal.
Immediately on the receipt of your letter I wrote
to the medallist, cul-de-sac Tetebout (his name is
Renaud), and bought a copy of the medal he had
made, which I gave to Dupre with the observations
of your letter on it. He will avail himself of so much
of the design as is good and as is permitted by the
resolution of the Academic, to whom I applied for
devices for all the medals. Gordon's history fur-
nished me a good relation of your engagement though
the author has permitted himself an impertinence or
two relative to you.

  Renaud 's account is 852, as you will see by the
inclosed state of it. Mr. Grand will pay him on
your order so much of it as you find just. Houdon
has promised to have the eight busts ready as soon
as possible, and I shall have him paid out of the same
fund. They will be ready packed against your orders
arrived as to the persons to whom they were destined.
For you will please to observe that neither your letter
of January 20/31 nor the extracts forwarded in that
of * * * and September 16 / 23 mention the names of
the persons they are to be sent to. In like manner
your letter of January 20 / 31 says it incloses an
extract of the journal of your campaign in 1779.
But none such was inclosed. Mr. Short, now in
Italy, will be here to receive your orders for the
distribution of the busts. I shall be absent in
America from the first of May to the end of Novem-
ber, as I have asked leave to go and carry my family
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     57

home and arrange my affairs, and shall return before
the winter sets in. But the busts will be finished and
paid for before I go, so that nothing will remain for
Mr. Short but to forward them. * * * * * my senti-
ments respecting the Algerines. I shall certainly
make them a subject of consultation with our gov-
ernment while I shall be in America. My favorite
project is still to procure a concurrence of the powers
at war with them; that that concurrence continue
till the strength of those barbarians at sea be totally
annihilated and that the combined force employed
in effecting this shall not be disturbed in its operation
by wars or other incidents occurring between the
powers composing it.

  Our new Constitution was acceded to in the course
of the last summer by all the states except North
Carolina and Rhode Island. Massachusetts, Vir-
ginia and New York though they accepted uncon-
ditionally yet gave it as a perpetual instruction to
their future delegates never to cease urging certain
amendments. North Carolina insisted that the
amendments should be made before she would
accede. The more important of these amendments
will be effected by adding a bill of rights ; and even
the friends of the Constitution are become sensible
of the expediency of such an addition were it only to
conciliate the opposition. In fact this security for
liberty seems to be demanded by the general voice
of America and we may conclude it will unquestion-
ably be added. New York, Virginia and North Caro-
 



58        Jefferson's Works

lina have also demanded that a term be fixed after
which the President shall be no longer eligible. But
the public has been silent on this demand ; so we may
doubt its success. In the meantime the elections
for the new government were going on quietly at the
date of our last letters. We have the names of most
of the Senators but not of the representatives. There
was no question but General Washington would be
elected President ; and we know that he would accept
it, though with vast reluctance. The new Congress
was to meet the first Wednesday in this month, at
New York. The tickets of election of the President
would then be opened, and I presume that General
Washington is now at New York and the new legisla-
ture in a course of business. The only competitions
for the Vice-Presidentship were Mr. J. Adams and Mr.
Hancock. It was thought the former would be chosen.

  Though the new Constitution was adopted in
eleven states, yet in those of Massachusetts, Virginia
and New York it was by very small majorities; and
the minorities in the two last are far from the laud-
able acquiescence of that of Massachusetts. Gov-
ernor Clinton in New York and Mr. Henry in Vir-
ginia are moving heaven and earth to have a new
convention to make capital changes. But they will
not succeed. There has been just opposition enough
to produce probably further guards to liberty with-
out touching the energy of the government and this
will bring over the bulk of the opposition to the side
of the new government.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     59


  In this country things go on well. The States-
General are to meet the 27th of April. The report
of Mr. Necker to the King seems to promise the public €
1. That the King will pretend in future to no power
of laying a new tax or continuing an old one. 2.
That he will not take upon him to appropriate public
moneys to be given by the States. Of course they
are to appropriate. 3. That the States shall con-
vene at fixed epochs. 4. That the King will concur
with them in modifying lettres de cachet. 5. And
in giving a wholesome liberty to the press. 6. That
ministers shall be responsible, and 7. That all this
shall be so solemnly fixed that the King nor his suc-
cessors will have any power to change it. Nothing
has been said about giving to the States a participa-
tion in legislation,but it will be insisted on. The
States will be composed of about three hundred
clergy, three hundred nobles, and six hundred com-
moners, and their first question will be whether they
will vote by orders or persons. I think the latter will
be decided. If this difficulty be got over I see no
other to a very happy settlement of their affairs.
They will consolidate and fund their debts and this
circumstance, as well as the stability which the
changes will give to the proceedings of their govern-
ment, will enable them after the present year to take
any part they please in the settlement of its affairs.
You have heard of the insanity of the King of Eng-
land. His ministers pretend he is recovered. In
truth he is better, but not well. Time will be neces-
 



60        Jefferson's Works

sary for his perfect recovery and to produce a con-
fidence that it is not merely a lucid interval.

  I shall be glad to hear from you as often as possible,
and have the honor to be, with very great esteem,
dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble
servant.




              TO JOHN ADAMS


                     PARIS, May 10, 1789.

  DEAR SIR,-Since mine of January 14 yours of
Jan. 20, March I have been handed to me ; the former
by Mr. Jones, whom I am glad to know on your
recommendation and to make him the channel of
evidencing to you how much I esteem whatever
comes from you. The internal agitations of this
country and the inactivities to which England is
reduced by the state of imbecility in which the mad-
ness of the King has terminated, will leave the south-
western parts of Europe in peace for the present year.
Denmark will probably continue to furnish only its
stipulated succors to Russia, without engaging in
the war as a principal. Perhaps a pacification may
be effected between Sweden and Russia; though at
present there is little appearance of it and that we
may expect that the war will go on this year between
the two empires, the Turks and Swedes, without
extending any further. Even the death of the Em-
peror, should it take place, would hardly withdraw
his dominions from the war this summer.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     61


 The revolution in this country has gone on hitherto
with a quickness, a steadiness and a progress unex-
ampled, but there is danger of a balk now. The
three orders which compose the States-General seem
likely to stumble at the threshold on the great par-
liamentary question, How shall they vote, by orders
or persons? If they get well over this question
there will be no difficulty afterwards, there is so
general concurrence in the great points of constitu-
tional reformation. If they do not get over this
question-and this seems possible-it cannot be
foreseen what issue this matter will take. As yet,
however, no business being begun, no votes taken,
we cannot pronounce with certainty the exact status
of parties. This is a summary view of European
affairs.

 Though I have not official information of your
election to the Presidency of the Senate, yet I have
such information as renders it certain. Accept, I
pray you, my sincere congratulations. No man on
earth pays more cordial homage to your work, nor
wishes more fervently your happiness.

  Though I detest the appearance even of flattery,
I cannot always suppress the effusiveness of my
heart. Present me affectionately to Mrs. Adams,
Colonel and Mrs. Smith. I hope to see you all this
summer and to return this fall to my prison, for all
Europe would be a prison to me were it ten times as
big. Adieu, my dear friend. Your affectionate hum-
ble servant.
 




62        Jefferson's Works



           TO NATHANIEL CUTTING.


                      PARIS, June 7, 1789.

 DEAR SIR,-Though your last letter-received
yesterday-supposes you will be setting out for
Paris before this can reach you, yet on the bare pos-
sibility of your being delayed I just write a line to
acknowledge the receipt of that letter and of one of
May 22, and to thank you particularly for the one
received yesterday, which conveyed very interesting
intelligence which I had not before. The latest
letters here from America are of April 10; since the
discontinuance of the Havre packet my intelligence
from America has been miserably defective.

  I had high hopes of a favorable issue to the revo-
lution of this country till about ten days ago there
began to be room to fear. The aspect even at this
time is discouraging though not quite as much as it
was a week ago. By the time of your arrival here
things will probably take some evident correction.

  Mr. Rutledge lodges Hotelle d'Angleterre, rue St.
Honore. There are in the same hotel Mr. Paradise,
Colonel and Mrs. Blackden and Mr. Barlow, all Ameri-
cans, so that you might like to lodge there. I sent
to Mr. Rutledge the paragraph letter respecting him.

 In hopes of seeing you here before I depart and
doubting whether this will find you at London, I will
only add assurances of esteem and attachment with
which I have the honor to be, dear Sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts    63




             TO THOMAS PAINE.


                     PaRIs, July 13, 1789.

  DEAR SIR,-I wrote you the day before yesterday
by Mr. Paradise. I write now by post. The case
described in that letter, page three, line four to
eleven, has happened. Mr. Necker was dismissed
from office the evening of the 11th and set out for
Geneva. This was not generally known in Paris till
yesterday afternoon. The mobs immediately shut
up all the playhouses. The foreign troops were
advanced into the city, engagements took place
between some of them and the people. The first
was in the Place St. Louis XV, where a body of Ger-
man cavalry being drawn up the people posted them-
selves upon and behind the piles of stones collected
there for bridges, attacked and drove off the cavalry
with stones. I suspect the cavalry rallied and
returned, as I heard shortly after in the same spot a
considerable firing. This was a little before dusk
and it is now early in the morning, so I have not
ascertained any particulars. Monsieur de Mont-
morin has resigned. It is said Baron de Breteuil is
taken into the ministry, but I cannot affirm this.
The progress of things here will be subject to checks
from time to time of course. Whether they will be
great or small will depend on the army. But they
will be only checks. I am, dear Sir, with great
esteem, your most obedient humble servant.
 



64        Jefferson's Works



            TO JOHN BONDFIELD.


                     PaRIs, July 16, 1789€

 DEAR SIR,-I am honored with yours of the 11th
inst. and lament much that I cannot avail myself of
so excellent an opportunity of going to America as
the Washington offers. But not having yet received
my permission I am not at liberty to go.

  The tumults in Paris which took place on the
change of the ministry, the slaughter of the people
in the assault of the Bastile, the beheading the Gov-
ernor and Lieutenant-Governor of it and the Prevost
de Merchands, excited in the King so much concern
that, bursting from the shackles of his ministers and
advisers, he went yesterday morning to the States-
General with only his two brothers, opened his heart
to them, asked them what he could do to restore
peace and happiness to his people and showed him-
self ready to do everything for that purpose, prom-
ising particularly to send away the troops. The heat
of the city is as yet too great to give entire credit to
this and they continue to arm and organize bour-
geoisie. But I think you may be assured of the
honest sincerity of the King in this last transaction
which came from himself, and that no other act of
violence will come from him. He returned to the
chateau afoot and the whole States-General with
him. I am, with great esteem, dear Sir, your most
obedient humble servant.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts    65




               TO JOHN JAY:


                    PARIS, August 5, 1789.

  SIR,-I wrote you the 19th of the last month with
a postscript of the 21st and again on the 23d and
29th. Those letters went by private conveyance;
this goes by the London post.

  Since my last some small and momentary tumults
have taken place in this city in one of which a few 'of
the rioters were killed by the city militia. No more
popular executions have taken place. The capture
of the Baron de Besenval, commandant of the Swiss
troops, as he was flying to Switzerland, and of the
Duke de la Vanguger endeavoring to escape by sea,
would endanger new interposition of the popular
arm were they to be brought to Paris. They are,
therefore, confined where they were taken. The
former of these being unpopular with the troops
under his command, on account of oppressions, occa-
sioned a deputation from their body to demand jus-
tice to be done on him and to avow the devotion of
the Swiss troops to the cause of the nation. They
had before taken side in part only.

  Mr. Necker's return contributed much to establish
tranquillity, though not quite as much as was ex-
pected. His just intercessions for the Baron de
Besenval and other fugitives dampened very sensibly
the popular ardor towards him. Their hatred is
stronger than their love. Yesterday the other min-
isters were named. The Archbishop of Bordeaux is

   vol. xix-5
 



66        Jefferson's Works

Garde des Sceaux; M. de la Tourdepin, minister or
war ; the Prince of Beauvon is taken into the council
and the feuille des benefices given to the Archbishop
of Bordeaux. These are all of the popular party;
so that the ministry (M. de la Luzerne excepted) and
the council, being all in reformation principles, no
further opposition maybe expected from that quarter.

  The national assembly now seriously set their
hands to the work of the constitution. They decided
a day or two ago the question whether they should
begin by a declaration of rights, by a great majority
in the affirmative. The negatives were of the clergy
who fear to trust the people with the whole truth.
The declaration itself is now on the carpet.

  By way of corollory to it they last night mowed
down a whole legion of abuses, as you will see by the
arrette which I have the honor to inclose you. This
will stop the burning of chateaux and tranquillize the
country more than all the addresses they could send
them. I expressed to you my fears of the imprac-
ticability of debate and decision in a room of twelve
hundred persons as soon as Mr. Necker's determina-
tion to call that number was known. The incon-
veniences of their number have been distressing to
the last degree, though as yet they have been em-
ployed in work which could be done in the lump.
They are now proceeding to instruments every word
of which must be weighed with precision. Hereto-
fore. too, they were hooped together by a common
enemy. This is no longer the case. Yet a thorough
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts    67

view of the wisdom and rectitude of this assembly
disposes me more to hope they will find some means
of surmounting the difficulty of their numbers, than
to fear that yielding to the unmanageableness of
debate in such a crowd, and to the fatigue of the
experiment, they may be driven to adopt in gross
some one of the many projects which will be pro-
posed. There is a germ of schism in the pretensions
of Paris to form its municipal establishment inde-
pendently of the authority of the nation. It is not
yet proceeded so far as to threaten danger. The
occasion does not permit me to send the public
papers; but nothing remarkable has taken place in
the other parts of Europe. I have the honor to
be, with the most perfect respect and esteem, Sir, your
most obedient and most humble servant.




          TO GENERAL HENRY KNOX.


                 PARIS, September 12, 1789.

  SIR,-In a letter which I had the honor of writ-
ing to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs some
three or four years ago I informed him that a
workman had undertaken by the help of moulds
and other means to make all the parts of the musket
so exactly alike as that mixed together promiscu-
ously any one part would serve equally for every
musket. He had then succeeded as to the lock
both of the officers ' fusil and the soldiers ' musket

from a promiscuous collection of parts. I put
 



68        Jefferson's Works

together myself half a dozen locks taking the first
pieces which came to hand. He has now completed
the barrels, stock and mounting of the officers'
fusil and is proceeding on those of the soldiers '
musket. This method of forming the fire-arm
appears to me so advantageous when repairs become
necessary that I have thought it my duty not only
to mention to you the progress of this artist but
to purchase and send you a half dozen of his officers'
fusils. They are packed in a box marked TI no.
36, are sent to Havre; from whence they shall be
forwarded to New York. The barrels and furni-
ture are to their stocks, to protect the warping of
the wood. The locks are in pieces. You will find
them, tools for putting them together, also a single
specimen of his soldiers' lock. He formerly told
me, and still tells me, that he will be able, after a
while, to furnish them cheaper than the common
musket of the same quality, but at first they
will not be so cheap in the first cost though econ-
omy in repairs will make them so in the end. He
cannot tell me exactly at what price he can furnish
them, nor will he be able immediately to furnish
any great quantity annually; but with the aid
of the government he expects to enlarge his estab-
lishment greatly.

 If the situation of the finances of this country
should oblige the government to abandon him he'
would prefer removing with all his people and
implements to America, if we should desire to
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts    69

establish such a manufacture, and he would expect
our government to take all his implements on
their own account on what they have cost him.
He talks of about 3,000 guineas. I trouble you
with these details and with the samples : I. That
you may give the idea of such an improvement
to our own workmen, if you think it might answer
any good end. z. That all the arms he shall
have for sale may be engaged for our government
if he continues here and you think it important
to engage them. That you may consider and do
me the honor of communicating your determi-
nation, whether in the event of his establishment
being abandoned by this government, it might be
thought worth while to transfer it to the United.
States on conditions somewhat like those he has
talked of. I have the honor to be, with sentiments
of the most perfect esteem .and respect, Sir, your
most obedient humble servant.




           TO WILLIAM BINGHAM.


                PARIs, September 25, 1789.

  DEAR SIR,-Your favor of April 16 came to my
hands but a few days ago and found me much
occupied with preparations for my visit to America
on which I set out tomorrow. It was not till
yesterday, therefore, that I could go to la Muette
where the shops are established for making the
carding and spinning apparatus. I enclose you
 



70        Jefferson's Works

a note from Mr. Milne who is at the head of the
work. To the details contained in that I need
only add that a complete set of machines can be
delivered within five weeks from the date of the
order. I say nothing about models of them because
they would cost near as much as machines and
would be much less perfect. On this view of the
matter you will be able to give your orders either
for one of each kind of machine or for a complete
set which would comprehend four of the spinning
machines because one of the other kinds employs
fully four of that. Should you desire only one
of each kind it will cost less than half of the sum
named in the memorandum. Mr. Short, who
remains here during my absence, will receive and
execute any order you will be pleased to give;
but as the sum to be paid is considerable it would
be necessary to him to be furnished with it. One-
half is to be paid in advance and the other half after
a very short interval.

  I shall be happy on my return to render every
service I can to the society for encouraging manu-
factures. I have not yet been honored with the
commands of Mrs. Bingham announced in your
letter. I can only, therefore, at this moment, give
her assurances of my readiness to serve her and
add to yourself those sentiments of esteem and
respect with which I have the honor to be, Sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     71




         TO THE BARON DE GEISMER.


                PARIS, November 20, 1789.


  You have had great reason, my dear Sir, to
wonder that you have been so long receiving an
answer to your request relative to the drawing of
a cabriolet and phaeton. Your object was to
have such drawings as that a workman could work
by them. A painter's eye draught would not
have answered this purpose, and, indeed, to be sure
of having them done with the accuracy necessary
to guide a workman, I could depend on nobody
but myself. But the work was to be done prin-
cipally in an open court and there came on between
two and three months of such intense cold as
rendered this impossible. Since the season has
become milder I have devoted such little scraps
of time to this object as I was master of, and I now
enclose you the drawings. They are made with
such scrupulous exactness in every part that your
workman may safely rely on them. I must except
from this the drawing of the carriage-la train-
of the phaeton. I took less pains about this because
I did not like it. They make light crans-necks
which are preferable. This drawing was made
for the sake of the body-la caisse-the circular
ribs of that are round rods of iron about a half
inch diameter. If you would have the body of
the cabriolet higher it is made so by raising the
 




72        Jefferson's Works

lock between the shaft and axle, or by putting in
its place an iron in this form,

  I must return you many thanks for your very
great attentions * * * * * * * * * *

  Our late informations from America are that our
new Constitution will begin [in] March and with an
almost universal approbation. In order to recon-
cile those who still remain opposed to it a declaration
of rights will be added. General Washington will
undoubtedly be President. I have asked leave to
pay a short visit to my own country. I expect
to go out in the ensuing spring and to return in
autumn. I shall pass two months at Monticello.
The revolution in this country-for such we may
call it-is going on smoothly and will, I think, end in
rendering the nation more free and more powerful.
Their public stocks have been rising slowly but
steadily ever since the accession of Mr. Necker.

  I forget whether I mentioned to you that my
wines from Hocheim succeed to admiration. I
enclose you a pretty little popular tune which will
amuse you for a day or so.

  I am, with the most perfect esteem and attach-
ment, dear Sir, your sincere friend and humble
servant.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts   73




           TO DAVID RITTENHOUSE.


                 NEW YORK, June 12, 1790.

  DEAR SIR,-I know not what apology to make
for the trouble I am about to give you. I am sure
I must call your public spirit in aid of your private
friendship to me.

  You will see by the head of the enclosed report
that the House of Representatives have instructed
me to lay before them a plan for establishing uniform
weights, measures and coins. Five and twenty
years ago I should have undertaken such a task
with pleasure because the sciences on. which it rests
were then familiar to my mind and the delight of
it. But taken from them through so great a
length of time and forced by circumstances into
contemplations of a very different nature and
much less pleasing, I have grown rusty in my
former duties. To render me more. unequal to
the task it comes on me in the moment when I
am separated from all my books and papers, which
had been left in Paris and Virginia; and this place
yields fewer resources in the way of books than
could have been imagined. Thus situated I have
done what I could toward fulfilling the object of
the House of Representatives and I think myself
happy in having such a resource as your friendship
and your learning to correct what I have prepared
for them. The necessity I am under must be my
apology. It is desirable for the public that the
 



74        Jefferson's Works

plan should be free from errors; it is desirable for
me that they should be corrected privately by a
friend rather than before the world at large by the
unfeeling hand of criticism.

  Do then, my dear Sir, read it over with all that
attention of which you are so much the master
and correct with severity everything you find in
it which is not mathematically just, and while I
ask your attention to every part of it I will make
some notes on particular things. It was not till
I had got through the work that I was able to get a
sight of Whitehurst's on the same subject. Mr.
Madison procured it for me from a library in Phila-
delphia, but on perusal of it his plan of two pendulums
appeared to me on the whole less eligible than
Leslie's of the vibrating rod. How has it been
inferred that Sir Isaac Newton 's calculation of the
length of the pendulum for the latitude of London
is 39.2 inches ? From his general table in the
Principia, book 3, I deduce 39.1682. Am I wrong ?
If so, I may be equally wrong in the calculation
of 39.1285 miles for latitude 38 degrees, in which an error
would be fundamentally important, and, therefore,
I ask your peculiar attention to that. What do
you think of the vibrating rod? Is it not clear
of some objections which lie against the pendulum?
and is it liable to any of which that is clear? and
which is the best on the whole? I am too little
familiar with the mechanism of the clock to know
how the rod can be adapted to a machinery which
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts      75

shall maintain and count its vibrations, without
accelerating them by its power or retarding them
by its friction, in short, which shall leave the rod
free to make its vibrations uninfluenced by any
circumstance but its own length. On this point
no man in the world can judge or contrive better
than yourself. On this, then, and all the other
points of the report, pray give me the full benefit
of your assistance. In the trouble I am giving
you I feel it as a circumstance of additional nus-
fortune that I am pressed in time. The session
of Congress is drawing to a close. Nothing will
keep them together after the money bills are got
through, and this will be pretty soon. I am obliged,
therefore, to ask your immediate attention to this
subject as I must give in the report before they
rise. I suppose they will have it printed for con-
sideration to be taken up at their next meeting.

  I will not weary you with apologies though I
feel powerfully the necessity of them. I am, in
all times and places, your sincere friend and humble
servant.




     TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

          (ALEXANDER HAMILTON)


              PHILADELPHIA, June 25, 1791.

 SIR,-Your favor of the 8th inst. could only be
received on my return here and I have this morning
been considering its contents. I think with you
 



76        Jefferson's Works

that it will be interesting to receive from different
countries the details it enumerates. Some of these
I am already in a regular course of receiving. Others
* * * * well executed will scarcely need to be
repeated. As to these I already possess what may
answer your views in part. I must therefore give
you the trouble to call on me in some * * * *
in order that after seeing what I possess you may
decide on the proper supplement. I think it
advisable not to trouble gentlemen abroad with
sending what we have already, because the less
we give them to do the more secure we shall be
of having it done. I am, with most respectful
esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient and most
humble servant.




            TO T. M. RANDOLPH


               PHILADELPHIA, July 3, 1791.

  DEAR SIR,-I wrote to Maria this day sennight
and to Martha three days before, to wit, June 23.
In this letter I asked information to be obtained
from Colonel Lewis relative to my tobacco of which
I had heard nothing. But having received the
day after a letter from him giving me full infor-
mation, I mentioned in mine to Maria that no notice
should be taken of my desire expressed in the letter
to her sister ; lest any accident should have happened
to the letter to Maria I repeat here that no enquiry
of Colonel Lewis is necessary.
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     77


 The President is not yet arrived, but we expect
him the day after to-morrow. He has probably pro-
tracted his journey so as to avoid the ceremonies
of to-morrow. We expect daily to hear the events
of the expedition under General Scott into the
Indian country. Perhaps you will hear it sooner
than we shall. Having nothing to communicate
in the line of public news I will state something
personal. You will observe by the enclosed and
preceding papers that I am mentioned on the
subject of Paine's pamphlet on the Rights of Man;
and you will have seen a note of mine prefixed to
that pamphlet whence it has been inferred that
I furnished the pamphlet to the printer and pro-
cured its publication. This is not true. The fact was
this : Mr. Beckley had the only copy of that pamphlet
in town. He lent it to Mr. Madison, who lent it
to me under the injunction to return it to Mr.
Beckley within the day. Beckley came for it
before I had finished reading it and desired as soon
as I had done I would send it to a Mr. Jonathan
B. Smith whose brother was to reprint it. Being
an utter stranger to Mr. J. B. Smith I explained
to him in a note that I sent the pamphlet to him
by order of Mr. Beckley, and to take off somewhat
of the dryness of the note I added that I was glad
to find it was to be reprinted here, etc., as you have
seen in the printed note. I thought so little of
this note that I did not even retain a copy of it;
and without the least information or suspicion that
 




78        Jefferson's Works

it would be published, out it comes the next week
at the head of the pamphlet. I knew immediately
that it would give displeasure to some gentlemen
just by the chair of government who were in senti-
ment with Burke and as much opposed to the
sentiments of Paine.

  I could not disavow my note, because I had
written it. I could not disavow my approbation
of the pamphlet, because I was fully in sentiment
with it, and it would have been trifling to have
disavowed merely the publication of the note
approving at the same time of the pamphlet. I
determined, therefore, to be utterly silent except
so far as verbal explanations could be made.

  The Vice-President, who is at Boston, took up
the cudgels under the name of Publicola. He is
in turn assailed by a host of republican champions.
I think it probable he will be aided by some of his
compeers, but, more cautious than he, they will
mask themselves better. For my part I am deter€
mined to let them write and wrangle as they please
without intermeddling in word or deed.

  I am unable as yet to fix a time for my trip to
Virginia. It must depend on the movements of
the President. I foresee nothing in the public
affairs which threatens impediment. Present me
affectionately to my daughters, and believe me to
be, dear Sir, yours sincerely.

 


        Supplementary Manuscripts     79




            TO JAMES MADISON.


              PHILADELPHIA, July 21, 1791.

 MY DEAR SIR,-Your favors of July 10 and 13
have been duly received and I now return the pam-
phlet enclosed in the latter with thanks for the
perusal. The author has the appearance of knowing
better what has passed in England than in America.
As to the latter, to be sure, he has been ignorant
enough. I am sincerely sorry that Freneau has
declined coming here. Though the printing business
be sufficiently full here, yet I think he would have
set out on such advantageous ground as to have
been sure of success. His own genius in the first
place is so superior to that of his competitors. I
should have given him the perusal of all my letters
of foreign intelligence and all foreign newspapers;
the publication of all proclamations and other
public notices within my department and the
printing of the laws, which, added to his salary,
would have been a considerable aid. Besides this,
Fenno's being the only weekly or semi-weekly
newspaper and under general condemnation for
its toryism and its incessant efforts to overturn
the government, Freneau would have found that
ground as good as unoccupied. P***e will not
be appointed to the place I had recommended him
for. I have a letter from Mazzei asking informa-
tion of his affairs. I must, therefore, ask from you
the letter you were to write me as to Dohrman; he
 




80        Jefferson's Works

desires to be affectionately remembered to you.
He is declared, with the consent of the Diet, charge
des affaires of the King of the nation.

  No news yet from General Scott. Mr. Randolph
writes me that our harvest is safely in, in general.
That the quantity will be one-half as much again
as the acre usually yields and the quality of first
rate. The price offered is 5/6 at Richmond.
Tobacco there is still 18 / to 20 /. I have European
letters and papers to the 8th of May. The Empress
has notified the English factory in Russia that the
peace between her and Great Britain is likely to
be broken, but knowing their good conduct they
shall be welcome to remain in her dominions. She
pays a compliment to the British nation and says
she considers it only a war with their ministers.
Denmark has made a warm offer of mediating alone.
Prussia has notified the Porte that they are free
to conclude a peace with Russia without any medi-
ation and that it will not be disagreeable to them.
But the Porte has refused to relinquish the mediation
of Prussia and England, and has also declined
accepting that offered by Spain. France is going
on steadily with its work. On the 7th of May a
report of a committee was given in to the assembly
confirming their former plan as to the mode of the
settling the constitution of their colonies, adding
further that the colonies should have the initiative
(exclusively) as to the condition of the people of
color, and that each colony should send deputies
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts      81

to the French port of St. Martins to a Congress
which should propose a general form of constitution.
This was ordered to be printed and taken up at a
future day, and there was some symptom of a
disposition in the assembly to overrule the report,
so far as it is related to the condition of people
of color. Comparing the date of this with the news
said by the gazettes to have arrived at St. Domingo
July 1st I cannot help suspending my belief of the
latter.

  I hope your health is better established. Your
friends here anxiously enquire after it.

                              Your letters
now, therefore, are doubly interesting and very
feelingly so to, dear Sir, your affectionate friend
and servant.





        TO GOVERNOR WILLIAM BLOUNT.


             PHILADELPHIA, August 12, 1791.


  SIR,-Your letter of July 17th to General Knox
having been referred to me by the President as
relating to a subject merely civil, I have the pleasure
to inform you of his consent to the absence you
there ask from the I 5th of September to the 20th
of November. As it imports highly to the people
within your government to conform to the articles
of the treaty against hunting or settling on the
Indian lands, I have no doubt you will see the
necessity of duly promulgating before your departure


   vol xix-6
 




82        Jefferson's Works

these and such other parts of the treaty as are
immediately interesting to them.

 I avail myself of this occasion of acknowledging
the receipt of your favor of July 17 addressed to
myself, and of expressing my anxiety to receive
the ulterior information on the subject of the lands
of the United States which you are so good as to
promise me. Among other things it will be inter-
esting to know whereabouts the southern boundary
of North Carolina will be intersected by the north
line of the Cherokees which is to go on till it meets
the line crossing Houlston. Also to know what
and where is Campbell's line spoken in the treaties
of Hoylston and Hopwell, so that they may be
delineated on the map.

  I enclose you a paragraph from a newspaper on
the subject of a Zackariah Coxe and others which
we hope to be without foundation.

  I have the honor to be, with great esteem and
respect, Sir, your most obedient humble servant.




           TO GEORGE HAMMOND

            (BRITISH MINISTER).


          PHILADELPHIA, December 15, 1791.

  SIR,-I am to acknowledge the honor of your
letter of November 30 and to express the satis-
faction with which we learn that you are instructed
to discuss with us the measures which reason and
practicability may dictate for giving effect to the
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     83

stipulations of our treaty yet remaining-to be
executed. I can assure you, on the part of the
United States, of every disposition to lessen difficulties
by passing over whatever is of smaller concern and
insisting on those matters only which either justice
to individuals or public policy renders indispensable.
And in order to simplify our discussions by defining
precisely their objects I have the honor to propose
that we shall begin by specifying on each side the
particular acts which each considers to have been
done by the other in contravention of the treaty.
I shall set the example.

 The provisional and definitive treaties in their
v€ article stipulated that "his British Majesty
should, with all convenient speed, and without
causing any destruction, or carrying away any
negroes or other property of the American inhab-
itants, withdraw all his armies, garrisons and fleets
from the said United States and from every port,
place and harbor within the same. "

  But 1. The British garrisons were not with-
drawn with all convenient speed, nor have they
yet been withdrawn from

Michillimachinac, on Lake Michigan.
Detroit, on Lake Erie.
Niagara and Oswego, on Lake Ontario
Oswegatchie, on the river St. Lawrence.
Point au fer and Dutchman's Point, on Lake
Champlain.

  2. The British officers have undertaken to exer-
 




84        Jefferson's Works

cise a jurisdiction over the country and inhabitants
in the vicinities of the forts; and

  3. They have excluded the citizens of the United
States from navigating even on our side of the
middle line of the rivers and lakes established as
the boundary between the two nations.

  By these proceedings we have been intercepted
entirely from the commerce of furs with the Indians
to the northward, a commerce which had ever
been of great importance to the United States, not
only for its intrinsic value but as it was a means
of cherishing peace with those Indians and of
superseding the necessity of that expensive war-
fare we have been obliged to carry on with them,
during the time that those posts have been in other
hands.

  On withdrawing the troops from New York,
1. A large embarkation of negroes, of the property
of the inhabitants of the United States, took place,
before the commissioners, on our part, for inspecting
and superintending embarkations had arrived there,
and without any account ever rendered thereof.

  2. Near three thousand others were publicly
carried away by the avowed order of the British
commanding officer, and under the view and against
the remonstrance of our commissioners.

  3. A very general number were carried off in
private vessels, if not by express permission, yet
certainly without opposition on the part of the
commanding officer, who alone had the means of
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts      85

preventing it, and without admitting the inspection
of the American commissioners; and

  4. Of other species of property carried away,
the commanding officer permitted no examination
at all. In support of these facts I have the honor
to enclose you documents,l the list of which will be
subjoined; and in addition to them, I beg leave to
refer to a roll, signed by the joint commissioners
and delivered to your commanding officer for.trans-
mission to his court, containing .a description of
the negroes publicly carried away by his order as
before mentioned, with a copy of which you have
doubtless been furnished.

  A difference of opinion, too, having arisen as to
the river intended by the plenipotentiaries, to be
the boundary between us and. the dominion of
Great Britain, and by them called the St. Croix,
which name, it seems, is given to two different
rivers, the ascertaining of this point becomes a
matter of present urgency. It has therefore been


  1 Documents referred to and enclosed:

  Extract of a letter of May 12, 1783, from Sir Guy Carleton to
General Washington.

  Letter of May 29, 1783, from Mr. ,Morgan.

  From Sir G. Carleton to the American Commissioners.

  Remonstrance of June 9, 1783, from the American Commissioners to
Sir Guy Carleton.

  Letter of June 14, 1783, from the American Commissioners to
General Washington.

  Extract of a remonstrance of June 17, 1783, from the American
Commissioners to Sir Guy Carleton.

  Letter of Jan. 18, 1784, from the American Commissioners to General
Washington.
 




86        Jefferson's Works

the subject of applications from us to the govern-
ment of Great Britain.

  There are other smaller matters between the two
nations which remain to be adjusted. But I think
it would be better to refer these for settlement
through the ordinary channels of our ministers
than to embargo the present important discussions
with them. They can never be obstacles to friend-
ship and harmony.

  Permit me now, Sir, to ask from you a specification
of the particular acts, which, being considered by
his British Majesty as a non-compliance on our
part with engagements contained in the iv, v, and
vi articles of the treaty, induced him to suspend
the execution of the v€ and render a separate
discussion of there inadmissible.

  And accept assurances of the high respect and
esteem with which I have the honor to be, Sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant.




          TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.


            PHILADELPHIA, January 10, 1792.

 The Secretary of State having received information
that the merchants and merchandize of the United
States were subject in Copenhagen and other points
in Denmark to considerable extra duties from
which they might be released by the presence of
a consul there,

  Reports to the President of the United States:
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     87

that it would be expedient to have a consul to be
a resident in the port of Copenhagen. That he
has not been able to find that there is any citizen
of the United States residing there. That there is
a certain Hans Rudolph Saabye, a Danish subject
and merchant of that place, of good character, of
wealth and distinction and well qualified and dis-
posed to act for the United States, who would
probably accept the commission of consul, but
that that of vice-consul hitherto given by the
President to foreigners in ports where there was
no proper American citizen, would probably not
be accepted, because in this, as in some other ports
of Europe, usage has established it as a subordinate
grade.

  And that he is therefore of opinion that the said
Hans Rudolph Saabye should be nominated consul
of the United States of America for the port of
Copenhagen and such other places within the
allegiance of his Danish Majesty as shall be nearer
to the said port than to the residence of any other
consul or vice-consul of the United States within
the same allegiance.




         TO PETER CHARLES L,ENFANT.


           PHILADELPHIA, February 27, 1792.


  SIR,-From your letter received yesterday in
answer to my last and your declaration in conversa-
tion with Mr. Lear, it is understood that you abso-
 



88        Jefferson's Works

lutely decline acting under the authority of the
present commissioners. If this understanding of
your meaning be right, I am instructed by the
President to inform you that, notwithstanding the
desire he has entertained to preserve your agency
in the business, the condition upon which it is to
be done is inadmissible and your services must
be at an end. I have the honor to be, Sir, your
most obedient humble servant.





     TO THOMAS JOHNSON, DAVID STUART AND

              DANIEL CARROLL.


               PHILADELPHIA, March 8, 1792.

   DEAR SIRs,-I received your favor of February
29 the day after I had written a public letter to
the commissioners which touched on some of the
subjects of yours. I may say in this private letter
what could not be so well said in a public one that
there never was a moment 's doubt about the parting
with Major L'Enfant rather than with a single
commissioner. I must correct an error in my
public letter. I said there that the engraving
would be done zn three or four weeks; this idea
had been given, but on further enquiry I find we
cannot have it these two months. You formerly
hinted the expectancy of bringing the navigable
canal from the little falls down to Washington.
The President thinks the practicability of this
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts      89

should be properly examined into, as it would
undoubtedly be useful.

  In my public letter I sent you the outlines of
a proposed loan. I now enclose you a calculation
somewhat on the plan of yours. I think there is
no doubt but that the lots will sell better after the
employment of the money than before it. Con-
sequently that it is better to raise money by a
loan and to sell for repayment after that money
shall have been employed to raise the value of
what is to be sold. The mortgages on this plan
are put on the best footing possible. No doubt it
will be well to be making sales for repayment as
fast as they may be advantageously made, even
before the lapse of the eight years. We have
questioned Mr. Ellicot very particularly whether
the plan now in hand is exact. He says the original
one mixed conjecture with fact; but that the
conjectural parts are since ascertained by exact
survey and that this plan is corrected from the
survey and may be relied on to the utmost minute-
ness. We see in fact that some whole squares of
lots in the original plan are occupied by the channel
of the creek in the corrected one. I fear your other
apprehension is better founded, to wit: that the
avenues are made to converge to the ends of a
building of supposed extent, that the building may
very possibly be of less extent, and consequently
not reach the points of view created for its use.
I believe the only remedy is acquiescence for the
 




90        Jefferson's Works

present and hope for the future that our building
may extend with the fortunes of our govern-
ment. The angular buildings at the commence-
ment of the avenues may probably be offensive to
the eye, if not well managed. I have seen this
deformity obviated by terminating the house at
that end with a bow window, with a semicircular
portico and with other fancies. Should not rows
of trees in the avenues and tracts be an object of
early attention ?

   Major L'Enfant had no plans prepared for the
Capitol or Government House. He said he had
them in his head. i do not believe he will produce
them for concurrence. On speaking with the Presi-
dent on Mr. Stewart of Baltimore's idea of facing
the buildings with stone of different colors, he
seemed rather to question whether from the water-
table, perhaps from the ground upwards, brick
facings with stone ornaments would not have a
better effect, but he does not decide this. The
remains of antiquity in Europe prove brick more
durable than stone. The Roman brick appears in
these remains to have been 22 inches long, 11
inches wide and 2 inches or 2.5 inches thick. The
grain is as fine as that of our best earthenware.
Before I conclude I will mention that in bringing
the canal from the little falls into the city it is
worth while to consider whether it should not be
delivered into the canal of the Tyber to ensure the
due cleansing of that by its current. I am with
 


        Supplementary Manuscripts      91

great and sincere esteem, dear Sirs, your friend and
servant.


  P. S. You seem to suppose the commissioners
liable in their private fortunes on the plan of the
loan you had seen. Ours is certainly clear on that.
In its plan nothing could make the commissioners
liable but fraud, or such gross negligence as is as
impossible as fraud, and then, I presume, it could
only be each for his own individual act.

 Dates of        ³ Amount of        ³Aggr.        ³Amount of        ³Sum       
 ³Sums of
 Install-        ³ each          ³sum of         ³the        ³Actually       
³Inter-
  ments        ³Install-        ³the         ³interest        ³recieved       
³est to
        ³ ment        ³interest        ³to be         ³by the        ³be paid
        ³        ³of which        ³deducted        ³barrow-        ³by sales
        ³        ³is to be        ³from         ³ers        ³or 
        ³        ³deducted        ³each        ³        ³other-
        ³        ³from         ³install-        ³        ³wise
        ³        ³each        ³ment        ³        ³
        ³        ³payment        ³        ³        ³
ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ
1792 May 15        ³ $ 50,000        ³ $     0        ³$      0        ³$
50,000        ³
     Nov 15        ³ $ 50,000        ³$ 50,000        ³$  1,500        ³$
48,500        ³
1793 May 15        ³ $100,000        ³$100,000        ³$  3,000        ³$
97,000        ³
     Nov 15        ³ $100,000        ³$200,000        ³$  6,000        ³$
94,000        ³
1794 May 15        ³ $100,000        ³$300,000        ³$  9,000        ³$
91,000        ³
     Nov 15        ³ $100,000        ³$400,000        ³$ 12,000        ³$
88,000        ³
1795 May 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
     Nov 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
1796 May 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
     Nov 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
1797 May 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
     Nov 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
1798 May 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
     Nov 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
1799 May 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
     Nov 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
1800 May 15        ³        0        ³       0        ³       0        ³      
0        ³$15,000
     Nov 15        ³        0        ³       0          ³       0        ³     
 0        ³$15,000
        ³        ³        ³        ³        ³
        ³ $500,000        ³        ³        ³        ³$165000
        ³ $165,000        ³        ³        ³        ³
        ³ $665,000        ³        ³        ³        ³

 





92        Jefferson's Works


 It appears from the above that the commissioners
will receive $468,500, and have to pay after four
considerable intervals $665,000. Now 468,000 : 665-
000 : : 100 : 142, that is for every 100 dollars they
receive they will have to pay in the long run 142
dollars, but we may certainly hope that the effect
of the $468,000, if judiciously employed, will be
to raise the value of the lots more than .42 per cent.

  Suppose the interest, after 1794, is kept down
by the sale of lots to raise it, 100 lots a year, at
$300 each, will pay the annual interest of $30,000,
say 550 lots; 1666 lots a year, at $300 each, will
pay the principal $500,000. The whole loan then
will absorb from beginning to end, at $300 each, 2216
lots.




              TO LOUIS XVI.1


             PHILADELPHIA, March 14., 1792.

  VERY GREAT, GOOD AND DEAR FRIEND AND ALLY,-
I receive as a new proof of friendship to the United
States the letter wherein you inform me that you
have accepted the Constitution presented to you
in the name of your nation and according to which
it is henceforth to be governed. On an event so
important to your kingdom and so honorable to
yourself accept the offering of my sincere con-
gratulations and of the sentiments of the Senate


 @#(1) Written by Thomas Jefferson at the order of George Washington
and signed by the latter. @#
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     93

and Representatives of the United States expressed
in their resolutions now enclosed.

  We have watched with utmost friendly solicitude
the movements of your nation for the advancement
of their happiness ; we have regarded this great
spectacle with the feelings natural to those who
have themselves passed through like perils, and
with sincere satisfaction, we have seen this second
occasion proclaim your Majesty a second time a
friend and patron of the rights of mankind.

  That yourself, your family and people, under
the edifice which you have now completed, may
repose at length in freedom, happiness and safety,
shall be our constant prayer and that God may
ever have you, great and dear friend and ally, in
His safe and holy keeping.

 Written at Philadelphia, this fourteenth day of
March, 1792, and of our Independence the sixteenth.
Your faithful friend and ally.




           TO BENJAMIN HAWKINS.


               PHILADELPHIA, April 1, 1792.

 DEAR SIR,-At Mrs. Trist's desire I forward to
you about a dozen beans of three different kinds,
having first taken toll of them as she had done
before. They are of the scarlet flowering kind. This
is all I know of them. The most beautiful bean
in the world is the Caracalla bean which, though
in England a green-house plant, will grow in the
 




94        Jefferson's Works

open air in Virginia and Carolina. I never could
get one of these in my life. They are worth your
enquiry.

  Some friendly Indians have been killed near
Fort Pitt lately, on a trading visit, by a party of
Virginians. This will not only defeat the measures
set on foot for peace, but spread the war order.
There has been also a small fracas on our disputed
territory to the eastward, by our sheriffs levying
taxes on the inhabitants ' of Moose Island, who as
to that article wished to be neutrals. A sale of
1,200,000 acres of land by Mr. R. M. in Europe
and the purchase of five millions more is the report,
of the day. Things are going on well in France
by the last authentic accounts. The English papers
have since killed the Duke of Orleans. It seems
to be thought that the affairs of Europe are by no
means settled, and that the late pacification has
only covered a fire which will burst out again
immediately. Adieu. Yours affectionately.




    TO THOMAS JOHNSON, DAVID STUART AND

             DANIEL CARROLL.


              PHILADELPHIA, April 20, 1792.

  GENTLEMEN,-Your favor of the 11th has been
duly received, and laid before the President. He
thinks it best to delay making any alteration in
the plan of the city. The considerations which
weigh with him are the expediency of fixing the
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     95

public opinion on the thing as stable and unalter-
able, the loss of the work done if altered, the closing
all the avenues which point to the Capitol, removing
the two Houses to a still greater distance, change
in the engraving and that it will not be necessary
to dig away the hill to the eastward, since, were
it to be dug away, the private buildings would as
effectually exclude prospect from the Capitol, except
merely along the avenues. He thinks that the
obstruction given by Mr. Young's house need not
bring in any question for years to come.

  The warrants are received and your desire shall
be attended to for releasing the lots mortgaged
pari passu with the redemption, but I do not know
that that can now be effected. You have continually
heard of the extraordinary crash which has taken
place here, at New York and Boston, of persons
dealing in paper and of good merchants and others
who had dealings with the paper; well, it has pro-
duced a general stagnation of money contracts
which will continue till it is known who stands and
who falls, during this crisis, and Blodget thinks
it prudent to suspend preparing our loan and,
indeed; we think so too. This will oblige you to
keep, Messrs. Johnson, Stuart and Carroll, back
some of your operations ; perhaps proper offers to
workmen and laborers without being addressed to
any place in particular might at this. moment draw
great numbers from New York, Boston, and this
place. The procuring of workmen from Scotland
 



96        Jefferson's Works

is an object of importance, and it may be doubted
whether the importation of some Germans might
not be a good experiment as well in economy as
to have a certain dependence. They are distin-
guished for their industry and sobriety and might
be good as an example and model to be referred to.
I have the honor to be, with the most perfect respect,
Gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble
servant.




   TO HIS MAJESTY GEORGE III OF ENGLAND.1

               PHILADELPHIA, June 6, 1792.

 GREAT AND GOOD FRIEND,-I have made CHOICE
of Thomas Pinckney, one of our distinguished
citizens, to reside near your Majesty in the quality
of Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States
of America. He is well apprised of the friendship
our Republic bears to you and of our desire to
cultivate the harmony and good correspondence so
happily subsisting between us. From a knowledge
of his fidelity, probity and good conduct, I have
entire confidence that he will render himself accept-
able to your Majesty, and give effort to our desire
of preserving and advancing, on all occasions, the
interest and happiness of the two nations. I
beseech you, therefore, to give full confidence to
whatever he shall say to you on the part of the


 @#(1)This and the following letter are copies of those enclosed to
Thomas Pinckney. See Volume VIII, page 368. @#
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     97

United States, and most of all when he shall assure
you of their friendship and wishes for your pros-
perity, and I pray God to have your Majesty in
safe and holy keeping.

  Written at Philadelphia this [sixth] day of June,
1792.




         TO THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND.


                PHILADELPHIA, June 6, 1792.

 MADAM, OUR GOOD FRIEND,-This letter will be
delivered to you by Thomas Pinckney, one of our
distinguished citizens, whom I have named Minister
Plenipotentiary to reside near the person of the
King, your husband.

 My knowledge of his good qualities gives me full
confidence that he will so conduct himself as to
merit your esteem, and I pray that you will yield
entire confidence to the assurances he will give you
of our friendship, and that God will have you always,
Madam, our good friend, in His holy keeping.

 Written at Philadelphia this [sixth] day of June,
1792.

  (To our good friend, the Queen of Great Britain.
It will be better to leave the superscription blank
to be properly filled by Mr. Pinckney on the spot,
if he find it necessary to deliver the letter.)





   vol. xix-7
 



98        Jefferson's Works



           TO STEPHEN CATHALAN.


            PHILADELPHIA, December 2, 1792.

   DEAR SIR,-The small essay which has been
commenced under your kind assistance for colon-
izing the olive tree to South Carolina has induced
some patriotic gentlemen of that country to turn
their attention further toward its importance; and
to give to their efforts a more steady and permanent
form. I gave it as my opinion to them that the
best plan which could be pursued at a moderate
expense, would be to rent, near Marseilles, an acre of
ground, or say your quarterelle, which is something
less than an acre, to employ by the year a laboring
man who understands engrafting, to make it his
business to sow olives in this ground, to engraft
on them cuttings from the best kinds, and to send
to Carolina in the winter of every year all the plants
he could have in readiness, together with a quantity
of the olive berries to be sown in Carolina in order
to be engrafted on them.

  If before a given day in winter, say the first of
January, any ship should be sailing from Marseilles
to Charleston, it should be his business to pack
properly his olive berries and young plants and
put them on board; if no vessel should occur before
that, or any more convenient day, it should be
his business to proceed himself with his olive berries
and plants, through the canal of Languedoc to
Bordeaux; there to remain (under the patronage
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     99

of Fenwick) till a vessel should sail from thence
to Charleston, on board of which he should put
his cargo and then return to Marseilles to recom-
mence for the next year the same operation of
sowing, engrafting, packing and dispatching in the
same way to Charleston, ' the olive berries and
plants which he could prepare for that year, and so
to continue for a number of years. The first question
occurring was to how small a sum can we reduce this
expense annually, so as that it may be effected
and yet not too sensible a burden on the gentlemen.

  I recollect that the price of a quarterelle of the
best lands close to Marseilles was one hundred
louis, consequently its rent five louis a year. The
hire of a laboring man six louis a year, his subsistence,
considering he may have to move from Marseilles
to Bordeaux, will be more than if he were always
stationary, but still, if he uses the economy_ which
a man of his condition well understands, it need
not exceed fourteen louis a year, and all together
twenty-five louis. Therefore, to cover all errors
of calculation, accidents and contingencies, I pro-
posed double that sum, to wit: fifty louis. The
gentlemen have accordingly appropriated that sum
annually.

  The second question arising was whom we should
engage to manage this business at Marseilles? On
this there could be but one opinion, your exertions
heretofore, your goodness and your relations to this
country marked you as the person whom we must
 



100        Jefferson's Works

engage to act there, and to their entreaties I must
add mine in the most earnest degree. After you
shall have put the business under way, that is to
say, after you shall have engaged a proper laborer
and piece of ground, I hope you will have no
other trouble than to receive and pay the wages
and rent, and to see the nursery now and then and
that the person does his duty. Your reward will
be the consciousness of doing good, our thanks,
and those of a grateful posterity, nor can any
objections arise from the circumstances of your own
country, as that imports more oil than it exports,
and consequently is interested to increase the
quantity produced abroad as well as at home.

  I will take it for granted, then, that you will become
the father of our olive colony by superintending
whatever is necessary to be done on that side the
water. The plants will be received and their
freight paid at their port of delivery here, which
we must entreat to make, in every possible case,
the port of Charleston. Great injury and loss
happen in shipping and unshipping in warehouses,
etc., but when a conveyance to Charleston direct
cannot be had without danger of losing the season,
then New York or Philadelphia are the next best
ports. Baltimore is too uncertain and Norfolk still
more so. I enclose you a letter from Charles Cotes-
worth Pinckney, Esquire, of Charleston, who is chair-
man of the agricultural society there, which will
inform you of the arrangements taken to have the
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts     101

sum of money destined to this object, always under
your order.

 To his correspondence on the subject I must
refer you for the future and to such alterations
in my plan as he shall please to direct. It may
not be amiss to add annually a few plants of the
best figs for drying as also of the best grapes for
making what we call "dried raisins," and you, I
believe, "des panses; " only taking care that these
be really few, so that they may in no wise abridge
or interfere with the olives which are the main
object. We will,take care to procure the patronage
of Mr. Fenwick at Bordeaux for so much of the
business as must be transacted there.

  I have the honor to be, with great and sincere
esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient and humble
servant.




         TO GOVERNOR JOHN HANCOCK.'

                                [1793?]

  SIR,-Your favor of July 20th came safely to
hand together with the memorial of Monsieur de
Latombe of the 7th of June and the resolve of
the Legislature of Massachusetts of the 24th of the
same month. On considering the nature of the
difficulties which have occurred in the execution of


 @#(1) Written by Jefferson at Washington's order. At the bottom of the
original letter, in the former's handwriting, is indited: Governor Han-
cock, from the President of the United States.  @#
 



102        Jefferson's Works

the Consular Convention, they appeared to be such
as could not be removed but by a legislative act.
When these papers were received the session of
Congress was already drawn so near to a close that
it was not thought expedient to propose to them
the taking up at that time a subject which was
new and might be found difficult. It will remain,
therefore, for their consideration at their next
meeting in December.




           TO DAVID HUMPHREYS.


            PHILADELPHIA, January 3, 1793

 DEAR SIR,-My last to you was of the 6th of
November. Since that the papers have been for-
warded to you by every opportunity from my
office as Mr. Taylor assures me, to whom I am
obliged to confide that duty.

  Your last received was number 59 as acknowl-
edged in mine. With the present you will receive
newspapers for yourself, Mr. Carmichael and Mr.
Short, whom we expect by this time to be at Madrid,
also half a dozen plans of the city of Washington,
in the District of Columbia, to be displayed wher-
ever they will be most likely to be seen by that
class of people who might be attracted to it.

 Congress is in session as you will see by the papers,
which will give you the details of their proceedings.
The western Indians have proposed to meet us in
the spring, in the neighborhood of Sandusky, to
 




        Supplementary Manuscripts    103

treat of peace. The result is far from being certain.
The late election of President and Vice-President
has given us the former unanimously, the latter
by a great majority. We have now been a con-
siderable time without hearing from Mr. Barclay,
and shall always be glad to be informed by you
on this subject, as he may be in a situation not
to find means of conveying letters to us. We are
anxious€to know, too, whether the monopoly of grain
mentioned in your letter threatens really to take
place. Remember we hear nothing of the Minister
of Portugal, who has been in great demand here
lately.

  The price has been consequently high and will
be so again. The French West Indies become more
and more dependent on us for subsistence ; there is
at present some glimmering of hope that the efforts
of the free inhabitants will be directed with more
efficiency to the reduction of the common enemy.
However, we are far from certainty on that subject,
referring you for details on these subjects to the
papers which accompany this. I am, with great and
sincere esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient and
humble servant.




        TO JOHN GARLAND JEFFERSON.


             PHILADELPHIA, April 14., 1793.

 DEAR SIR,-Your letter of March 31 came duly
to hand on the 9th instant, having been induced,

 


        Supplementary Manuscripts   105

no means of doing it, and no friend in Richmond
on whom I could rely with certainty, I am obliged to
take the only measure which remains in my power,
that of referring you to Colonel Bell in Charlottes-
ville. This I know cannot be as desirable to you,
because you cannot have such a choice of supplies
there and because they are dearer. The latter
objection, therefore, I get you over by desiring
you to consider yourself free to go beyond the sum
as far as the difference of prices between Richmond
and Charlottesville. The former objection will
remain, and as to that, I must only pray you to
take the will for the deed. In or before the fall I
shall certainly see you. I shall recommend to
Dabney Carr to begin a course of law and reading
at his mother's immediately, so that you may
deliver my books to him as you finish them. I
a.m, with great and sincere esteem, dear Sir, your
affectionate kinsman.

 P. S. I enclose you a letter of credit to Colonel
Bell.

           TO EDMOND C. GENET.

             PHILADELPHIA, August 16, 1793.

 SIR,-The President of the United States has
received the letter which you addressed to him from
New York on the 13th inst. and I am desired to
observe to you that it is not the established course
 



106        Jefferson's Works

for the diplomatic * * * * * residing here to have
any direct correspondence with him. The Secretary
of State is the organ through which their communi-
cations should pass.

  The President does not conceive it to be within the
line of propriety or duty for him to bear evidence
against the declarations which, whether made to him
or to others, is perhaps immaterial. He therefore
declines interfering in the case. I have the honor to
be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient and
most humble servant.

           TO MARIA JEFFERSON.

          GERMANTOWN, November 17, 1793.

  No letter yet from my dear Marie, who is so fond
of writing, so punctual in her correspondence! I
enjoin as a penalty that the next be written in
French. Now for news. The fever is entirely
vanished from Philadelphia. Not a single person
has taken infection since the great rains about the
first of the month, and those who had it before are
either dead or recovered. All the inhabitants who
had fled are returning into the city, probably will
all be returned in the course of the ensuing week.
The President has been into the city, but will prob-
ably remain here till the meeting of Congress to form
a point of union for them before they will have had
time to gather knowledge and courage. I have not
yet been in, not because there is a shadow of danger,
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    107

but because I am afoot. Thomas is returned into
my service. His wife and child went into town the
day we left. They then had the infection of the
yellow fever, were taken two or three days after and
both died. Had we staid there two or three days
longer they would have been taken at our house. I
have heard nothing of Miss Cropper, her trunk
remains at our house. Mrs. Fullarton left Phila-
delphia. Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse remained there,
but have escaped the fever. Follow closely your
music, reading, sewing, housekeeping, and love me
as I do you. Most affectionately.

 P. S. Tell Mr. Randolph that General Wayne has
had a convoy of twenty-two wagons of provisions and
seventy men cut off in his rear by Indians.

          TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

          PHILADELPHIA, December 12, 1793.

 SIR,-Colonel Humphreys having charged Mr.
Church, our consul at Lisbon, to send us information
of the truce between Algiers and Portugal by an
express vessel, he engaged one under Swedish colors
to come here with his letters. She is now lying at
New York at our expense. Thinking it material to
save as much of the expense as we can by permitting
her to be freighted back to Lisbon, to which place she
is to return, I mentioned to the President that the
officer at the head of the customs at New York would
 



108        Jefferson's Works

be the most proper person to take charge of her. It
is with his approbation that I enclose you the charter-
party, stating the terms on which she has been
engaged, with a desire that you will give the neces-
sary orders to that officer to do with the vessel what €
is best for the public interest. I have the honor to
be, with great respect, your most obedient servant.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.

            PHILADELPHIA, January - 1794

  SIR,-I have the honor to inform you that I have
resigned the office of Secretary of State and that
Mr. Randolph, late Attorney-General of the United
States, is appointed by the President and approved
by the Senate, as Secretary of State. You will,
therefore, be pleased to consider all authority hereto-
fore held by me over any funds in the bank belong-
ing to the Department of State as now transferred to
him. I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient
servant.

          TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.

             MoNTIcELLo, February 23, 1795

  DEAR SIR,-You were formerly deliberating on the
purpose to which you should apply the shares in the
Potomac and James River companies presented to
you by our Assembly and you did me the honor of
asking me to think on the subject. As well as I
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     109

remember some academical institution was thought
to offer the best application of the money. Should
you have finally decided in favor of this, a circum-
stance has taken place which would render the
present moment the most advantageous to carry it
into execution, by giving to it in the onset such an
eclat and such solid advantages as would ensure a
very general concourse to it of the youth from all our
states and probably from the other parts of America
which are free enough to adopt it. The revolution
which has taken place at Geneva has demolished the
college of that place which was in a great measure
supported by the former government. The colleges
of Geneva and Edinburgh were considered as the two
eyes of Europe in matters of science, insomuch that
no other pretended to any rivalship with either.

  Edinburgh has been the most famous in medicine
during the life of Cullen, but Geneva most so in the
other branches of science and much the most resorted
to from the continent of Europe because the French
language was that which was used. A M. D'Iver-
nois, a Genevan, a man of science, known as. the
author of a history of that republic, has proposed the
transplanting that college in a body to America.
He has written to me on the subject as he has also
done to Mr. Adams, as he was formerly known to us
both, giving us the details of his views for effecting it.
Probably these have been communicated to you by
Mr. Adams, as D'Ivernois desired should be done, but
lest they should not have been communicated I will
 



110        Jefferson's Works

take the liberty of doing it. His plan, I think, would
go to about ten or twelve professorships. He names
to me the following professors as likely if not certain
to embrace the plan.

  Monchon, the present President, who wrote the
analytical table for the Encyclopaedists, and which
sufficiently proves his comprehensive science. Pic-
tet, known from his ad measurements of a degree and
other works, professor of natural philosophy. His
brother, said by M. D'Ivernois to be also great.
Serebier, an author of commentaries on Spallarrani
and of other works in natural philosophy and
meteorology, also the translator of the Greek trage-
dies. * * * and L'Huillier, both mathematicians,
and said to be inferior to nobody in that line
except La Grange, who is without an equal. Prevost,
highly spoken of by D'Ivernois. De Saussure and
his son, formerly a professor, but who left the college
to have more leisure to pursue his geological researches
into the Alps by which work he is very advantage-
ously known.

  Most of these are said. to speak our language well.
Of these professors the names of Monchon, Pictet, de
Saussure and Serebier are well known to me. as stand-
ing foremost among the literati of Europe. Secrecy
having been necessary this plan had as yet been con-
certed only with Pictet, his brother and Prevost, who
knew, however, from circumstances that the others
would join them, and I think it very possible that the
revolution in France may have put it in our power
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     111

to associate La Grange with them, whose modest and
diffident character will probably have kept him in
the rear of the revolutionist principles, which has
been the ground on which the revolutionists of
Geneva have discarded their professors. Most of
these are men having families and, therefore, M.
D'Ivernois observes they cannot come over but on
sure grounds. In proposing a revenue of 15,000
dollars for the whole institution and supposing lands
could be appropriated to this object, he says that
one hundred Geneva families can readily be found
who will purchase and settle on the lands and deposit
for them the capital of which fifteen thousand would
be the interest. In this revenue he means to com-
prehend a college of languages preparatory to the
principal one of sciences and also a third college for
the gratuitous teaching of the * * * reading and
writing.

  It could not be expected that any propositions
from strangers unacquainted with our means and
our wants could jump at once into a perfect accommo-
dation with these. But those presented * * * would
serve to treat on, and are capable of modification
* * * leable perhaps to the views of both parties.

  I. We can well dispose with his 2d and 3d col-
leges as not being too partial for an extensive country
and the * * * sufficiently and better provided for
already by our public and private grammar schools.
I should conjecture that this would reduce one-third
of his demand for revenue, and that 10,000 d. would
 



112        Jefferson's Works

then probably answer their remaining views, which
are the only important ones to us.

  2. We are not to count on raising the money from
lands, and consequently we must give up the pro-
posal of the colony of Geneva farmers. But the
wealth of Geneva in money being notorious and the
class of moneyed men being that which the new gov-
ernment is trying to get rid of, it is probable that the
capital sums could be borrowed on the credit of the
funds under consideration sufficient to meet the first
expenses of the transplantation and establishment
and to supply also the deficiency of revenue till the
profits of the shares shall become sufficiently superior
to the annual support of the college as to repay the
sums borrowed.

  3. The composition of the academy cannot be set-
tled there. It must be adapted to our circumstances,
and can, therefore, only be fixed between them and
persons here acquainted with those circumstances
and conferring for the purpose after their arrival here.
For a country so marked for agriculture as ours I
should think no professorship so important as one
not mentioned by them, a professor of agriculture,
who, before the students should leave college, should
carry them through a course of lectures on the prin-
ciples and practice of agriculture, and that this pro-
fessor should come from no country but England.
Indeed, I should mark Young as the man to be
obtained. These, however, are modifications to be
left till after their arrival here.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    113

  M. D'Ivernois observes that the professors keep
themselves disengaged till the ensuing spring attend-
ing an answer, as he had desired his proposition to be
made to our legislature, and accordingly got a mem-
ber to sound as many of his brethren on the subject
as he could, desiring if he found it would be desperate
that he would not commit the honor either of that
body or the college of Geneva, by forcing an open act
of rejection. I received his information only a fort-
night ago, that the thing was evidently impracticable.
I immediately forwarded this information to D'Iver-
nois, not giving him an idea that there was any other
resource. Thinking, however, that if you should
conclude to apply the revenues of the canal shares
to any institution of this kind, so fortunate an outset
would render * * * be obtained. I have supposed
it my duty both to you and them to * * * the cir-
cumstance to your consideration.

  A question would arise as to the place of the estab-
lishment ; as far as I can learn, it is thought just that
the State which * * * the revenue should be most
considered in the uses to which it * * * appropri-
ated. But I suppose that their expectation would
be satisfied by a location within their limits and that
this only * * * be so far from the federal city as
moral considerations would recommend and yet near
enough to it to be viewed as an appendix of that, and
that the splendor of the two objects would reflect
usefully on each other.

  Circumstances have already consumed much of the

   VOL. XIX-S
 



114        Jefferson's Works

* * * allotted us. Should you think the proposition
can be brought at all within your views, your deter-
mination, as soon as * * * important occupations will
admit it, would require to be conveyed as early as
possible to M. D'Ivernois, now in London. Lest my
last letter should throw the parties into other engage-
ments, I will not trespass on your time and attention
by adding to this lengthy letter anything further than
by assurances of the high esteem and respect with
which I have the honor to be, dear Sir, your sincere
friend and humble servant.

              TO AARON BURR.

             PHILADELPHIA, January 7, 1797.

  DEAR SIR,-I wrote you some time before I left
home on the subject of my friend Currie's affair, but
lest that letter should not have been at hand I trouble
you with this merely to inquire in what state his suit
against Morris is, and I should not have done it but
that you had supposed that if terminated favorably
at all it would be before this time ; a line of informa-
tion will be acceptable.

  A want of confidence in the posts prevents my
saying anything on political subjects further than
that it is proposed (and no doubt will be agreed) to
commence a great naval power by building * * * * *
12 frigates from 28 tons * * * * vessels, say a fleet
of 50 ships, the first cost ten, fifty or ninety millions
of dollars. The annual expenses between five and
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     115

six millions. These alone will cost us annually one
and one-half dollars * * * * besides the great cost
add the army, civil list and interest of the debt and
* * * the amount. I am, dear Sir, your friend and
servant.

        TO LOUIS, PRINCE OF PARMA.

              PHILADELPHIA, May 23, 1797.

  I received from your Royal Highness the letter
with which you were pleased to honor me, through
the channel of Mr. Pinckney, then our envoy extraor-
dinary at the court of Spain, in which you expressed
your wish to establish a correspondence with some
person in the United States of America, who might
be able to furnish subjects of natural history from
this country in exchange for those of Europe. I
have never myself undertaken to form a cabinet
of natural history, nor consequently to make
myself acquainted with the methods of preparing
and preserving the different subjects. My occupa-
tions in public life have been and still continue
inconsistent with the attentions which would have
been requisite to such an undertaking. However
ardently, then, I wished I could myself€ have been
the person who should gratify the laudable desires
of your Royal Highness to enrich your cabinet
with American subjects, yet was sensible that the
way to serve you was not to undertake what I
should have executed very defectively, but to
 



116        Jefferson's Works

engage some person whose habits and occupations
would enable him more completely to fulfill your
wishes. As to the person to whom I should address
myself, there is no doubt. Mr. Charles Wilson
Peale, a member of our Philosophical Society and
inhabitant of this city, has for many years been
engaged in forming a cabinet of natural history,
is constantly occupied in collecting and preparing
new subjects and does this with a skill unequalled by
any other among us. To him, therefore, I ventured
on behalf of your Royal Highness to propose that
he should enter into correspondence with the keeper
of your cabinet, furnish you with such subjects of
the three kingdoms as should be called for from
this region and receive from yours in exchange
such as your keeper could procure or spare. Mr.
Peale readily acceded to the proposition, limiting
his undertaking very candidly by the following
expressions in his letter.

  " I have it in my power, " says he, " to make an
exchange of animal subjects generally, of minerals
a small number, but as to vegetables I have not
had time to pay much attention to them as yet.
However, by the help of Mr. Bartram and some
others of my acquaintance in that line, the subjects
wished for may be obtained. "

 In addition to Mr. Peale, I would observe that
Mr. Bartram he mentions is the owner and keeper
of a botanical garden in the neighborhood of this
city, who provides and furnishes with great skill
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    117

and at moderate prices such trees and shrubs of
this country as the curious call for, and packs
them so carefully as to preserve their vegetable
powers through any length of voyage, within
ordinary limits, and that should you wish to enrich
your gardens as well as your cabinet with American
subjects, you may be well served through the
medium of Mr. Peale as the single correspondent
who can conveniently transact with Mr. Bartram
whatever calls may be made on him. To relieve
your Royal Highness from all doubt and embarrass-
ment as to the expectations of Mr. Peale with
respect to compensation, I will observe that he is
a private citizen having no other fortune than his
cabinet and deriving the support of that as well
as of his family from the profits made by showing
it to the curious, that by increasing its subjects
he increases the desire of seeing it and consequently
his profits arising therefrom and hence will consider
the subjects received in exchange delivered here
clear of expense as full compensation for those he
will deliver here properly packed to the Minister
of Spain, or any other agent you shall appoint.
This throws on your Royal Highness the expense
of transportation both of the subjects received
and given in exchange, but he observes that neither
his profits nor circumstances enable him to meet
any pecuniary expenses. You will be pleased,
therefore, to decide for yourself whether the con-
dition is more onerous than the object merits.
 



118        Jefferson's Works

   Should the channel which I have opened for the
fulfilment of your wishes meet your approbation
the person entrusted with the keeping of your
cabinet may immediately commence his corre-
spondence with Mr. Peale by sending a list of his
wants in every line, which, to the extent of Mr.
Peale's opportunities, will be speedily complied with.
I willingly offer to your Royal Highness the con-
tinuance of my attentions to the fulfilment of your
wishes whenever I can be useful to you.

 Perhaps when we see how far your wants go
beyond the faculties of Mr. Peale, I may be able
to find some other who may make up his deficiencies.
In the meantime permit me to pay my personal
tribute to science and to your Royal Highness's
dispositions to promote it, by depositing in your
cabinet a tooth of the great animal called in Europe
the mammoth, of which we find remains in the
interior and uninhabited parts of this country;
their great distance from us renders them rare and
difficult to be obtained. This curiosity is now on
its way to this place and will be put into the hands
of the Minister of his Catholic Majesty for you,
to be forwarded as you direct.

 It is now encumbent on me to make some apology
for the delay in this answer. I live far hence in
the interior country and therefore was late in
receiving your letter. The circumstance of distance,
too, lengthened the negotiations with Mr. Peale.
I then wished to accompany my answer with the
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    119

tooth before mentioned of the enormous quadruped
which once inhabited this country, and with an
account of a recent discovery of the remains of
a carnivorous animal four or five times as large
as a lion, found in the western parts of Virginia;
this account will make part of a volume of our
philosophical transactions now in the press, but
not being yet printed and returning myself shortly
from hence to my ordinary residence in Virginia,
I have determined to make a subsequent mission
of that and no longer to withhold acknowledg-
ments I owe, and the homage of those sentiments
of respect and attachment with which I have the
honor to be your Royal Highness's most obedient
and most humble servant.

        TO GOVERNOR JAMES MONROE.

              PHILADELPHIA, April 13, 1800.

 DEAR SIR,-Your favor of the 6th came to hand
last night. Mr. Erving had left town two days
before. However, it will go to-morrow morning
by a private hand; it will much more than satisfy
him ; I am persuaded he will receive it with extreme
pleasure.

 I either expressed myself badly in my letter,
or you have understood expressions too generally.
I never doubted the propriety of our adopting as
a system that of pomp and fulsome attentions by
our citizens to their functionaries. I am decidedly
 



120        Jefferson's Works

against it, as it makes the citizen in his own eye
exalting his functionary and creating a distance
between the two, which does not tend to aid the
morals of either. I think it a practice which we
ought to destroy and must destroy and, therefore,
must not adopt as a general thing even for a short
time. My query was meant for the single spot of
Richmond, where I understood was a great deal
of federation and Marshallism, and this latter spirit
I thought nothing should be spared to eradicate.
I did not know whether (at] every reiteration of repub-
licanism, demonstration might not be a service
toward drawing over his less inveterate supporters.

  However, I own to you the letter had hardly
gone out of my hand before I convinced myself
that it was more in our spirit to let things come to
rights by the plain dictates of common sense than
by the practice of any artifices ; and that at any
rate I ought not to take a part in them, as therefore
I had never suggested the thought but to you at
that time, as I have done it to no one since. You
have seen the bills lately rejected by the Senate;
they have brought in a bill leaving all the states
tolerably free to model the federal as well as the
state juries, but whether they will pass it is another
question. It is believed the bill for electing the
President and Vice-President will pass the lower
House in its caucus form. I think we shall rise the
first or second week in May. We have no news
from Europe at all interesting. The elections of
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    121

Massachusetts will be known in a few days and
that of the city of New York soon after it. I am
of the opinion the republicans there have been
much too sanguine as to the issue of this last. Pre-
sent my salutations and esteem and respect to Mrs.
Monroe and accept my assurance of my constant
affection to yourself. Adieu.

           TO ANDREW ELLICOTT.

           WASHINGTON, DeCember 18, 1800.

 DEAR SIR,-I received a letter before I left home
-your favor of Oct. 17- as I had in due time the
preceding one. Attractive nature and the country
employments are my apology to my friends for
being a very unpunctual correspondent while at
home; having no refuge here from my room and
writing-table, it is here that I fetch the less easy
of my correspondence. I am glad to hear you are
for printing your journal. It will be a great grati-
fication to see it. I cannot suppose the adminis-
tration can have any objection to the publication
of the charts, etc. My own opinion is that govern-
ment should by all means in their power deal out
the material of information to the public in order
that it may be reflected back on themselves in
the various forms into which public ingenuity
may throw it.

 Mr. Dunbar has been so kind as to pass through
 



122        Jefferson's Works

my hand a copy of his journal made for the use
of a friend of his in London. He sent it open for
my perusal with a request to read and forward it.

 I am happy to see that the location of the
boundary has been so scientifically executed. He
gives a physical account of the country which is
interesting.

 I think you had it in contemplation to establish
an accurate meridian at this place, but whether in
one of the public buildings or where else I do not
recollect; was it done, or is there anything here
which will procure the meridian as found and
worked on by you?

 The election is under dilemma ; the two republican
candidates are probably even, and the states in
Congress which are federal are disposed to take
advantage of that circumstance to prevent an
election by Congress and permit the government
of the Union to be suspended for want of a head.
This tells, us who are entitled to the appellation of
anarchists with which they have so liberally branded
others. Accept assurances of perfect esteem.

      TO GENERAL THADDEUS KOSCIUSKO.

             WASHINGTON, March 14, 1801.

 DEAR GENERAL,-I enclose you a letter from Mr.
Barnes on the subject of your affairs here. A loan
at interest of 8 per cent having been proposed by
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     123

our government, I thought it better to convert a
part of your bank stock into that, which was done to
advantage. All the details are in the hands of Mr.
Barnes, who is worthy of all confidence. This will
be handed you by our friend, Mr. Dawson. I cannot
hail you with confidence on the return of our fellow-
citizens to the principles of '76 and to their thorough
understanding of the artifices which have been played
off on them and under the operation of which they
were while you were here. They are sensible of the
dangers into which they were suffering themselves
to be meshed and see the burdens of debt which they
have imposed on them. The people have come over
in a body to the republican side and have left such
of their leaders as were incurable to stand by them-
selves ; so that there is every reason to hope that that
love of party division which so counts here will be
totally obliterated. It would give me exquisite
pleasure to have you here a witness to our country
and to recognize the people whom you knew during
the war. For all particulars I refer you to Mr. Daw-
son, who, being an actor in the scene, can give you
all the details.

 I have not been able to learn your exact situation
since you were here. Your letters are too barren of
what I wish most to hear, I mean of things relating
to yourself. I am in constant expectation of receiv-
ing your commission to buy the one hundred acres
of land for you in my neighborhood. I am fixed
here, however, for some time. Continue to preserve
 



124        Jefferson's Works

my place in your esteem and accept assurances of
my constant and affectionate friendship.

  P. S. At this moment Mr. R- appears and
delivers me your letter of which he is the bearer.

            TO JAMES MADISON.

               WASHINGTON, April 30, 1801.

  I hasten the return of the bearer that he may meet
you at Brown's and convey you information as to the
road. From Songster's I tried the road by Ravens-
worth, which comes into the turnpike road four and
a half miles below Fairfax courthouse. There are
about two miles of it which, I think, cannot be passed
by your carriage without oversetting ; and consulting
with Colonel Wren, who knows both roads, he says
there is no comparison, that you must absolutely
come by Fairfax courthouse, all that road being
practicable till you come to Little 's lane, which you
have to encounter whatever way you come. I passed
it yesterday, a wagon being then stuck fast in it, nor
do I suppose any four-wheeled carriage could then
have got through the spot where the wagon was
without stalling. But two days of wind and sun
will by to-morrow make immense odds in it, so that
I hope you will be able to pass it.

  I met with Mr. Gaines and a Mr. Beauspoke at
Brown's. They live near. I spoke of the difficulty
of your getting up the Bull-Run hill. They agreed
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     125

to take each a horse and draw your carriage up.
Accept their offer by all means, as however steady
your horses they will be in the utmost peril of balking,
and should they once begin there are other hills suf-
ficient to make them give you a great deal of vexation.
The Bull-Run hill is really the worst I ever saw on a
public road. Still, let nothing tempt you to go by
Centersville, as on that route the whole is cut by
wagons into mud holes. From Brown's to Fairfax
courthouse you have fourteen miles of very firm road,
only hilly in the beginning. You had better start as
soon as you can see to drive, breakfast at Colonel
Wren's and come on here to dinner. We shall wait
"or you till .4 o'clock. My respects to Mrs. Madison,
and affectionate esteem to yourself.
,

 P. S. I before mentioned to you what I had written
to Leiper on the subject of our letter. I have received
no answer. The same letter said something of his
disappointment of office. I suspect it has not pleased
him. I own I have thought something of his silence,
were it only on account of the use Callender is making
of his name.

            TO JOHN LANGDON.

               WASHINGTON, May 23, 1801.

 MY DEAR SIR,-After your refusal of the office of
Secretary of the Navy, it was proposed to Captain
Jones, of Philadelphia, who in like manner declined
 



126        Jefferson's Works

it. General Smith then agreed to perform the duties
without being appointed or receiving any reward.
He has nearly completed the requisitions of the law
on a surmise that Captain Jones might give a different
answer on a second application. I proposed it to
him again, and he again declined it. I now learn that
it is thought possible that you might be induced to
relieve our distress by undertaking it. I lose not a
moment, therefore, in proposing it to you. The
labors of reformation and of ultimately disposing of
the vessels will all be over to your hand. The resi-
dence here is very pleasant, indeed a charming society
and not too much of it, all living on affectionate
and unceremonious terms.    It is impossible to be.
associated with more agreeable colleagues. I hope,
therefore, that you will undertake the office, and
so say by return of post. The commission shall be
forwarded on receiving your answer; and we shall
entertain the hope of seeing Mrs. Langdon and
yourself as soon after as your convenience will
admit. Accept assurances of my constant esteem
and high consideration.

            TO JAMES MONROE.

              WASHINGTON, March 31, 1802.

 DEAR SIR,-Yours of the 21st is duly received.
Chisolm is now engaged in running up for me twenty
brick pilasters to my offices, which take about four
thousand bricks, and I remember it was very doubt-
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts      127

ful whether we had that number. But if there be
as many over it as you need, they are at your service,
and I will give orders accordingly by the next post.
I expect to be there myself within ten days after the
rising of Congress, and to remain a fortnight. Per-
haps one of your plantation visits may be so timed
as to fall in with mine, say the first week in May.
I have not written to you on the resolutions of the
assembly respecting slaves, because it does not press,
and the issue of the affairs of St. Domingo may influ-
ence the question. I would rather, too, defer it till
we can have 'a conversation and concur in the trail
to be pursued. I have received a statement from
Gouverneur Morris on the case of Houdon. It gives
us little insight into it. I have papers at Monticello
which I think will throw some light on the subject.
I suspend answering your letter, therefore, respecting
this until I shall have visited Monticello.

 The British convention is before the Senate. It
commutes the sixth article 4,600,000 pounds sterling
payable in three annual instalments. It will meet
opposition there, and in the other House when an
appropriation is asked. It would be very ill judged
not to close, for it would revive their claim of twenty
odd millions of dollars awarded by the commissioners,
which they would hold as a rod forever over our heads,
to operate on our seaport towns and even on Congress
at will. It is now settled by our predecessors ; if the
bargain be hard, it is their work. That it is not more
hard has been the effect of our measures. If this be
 



128        Jefferson's Works

given up it can never be settled but by war.  Affec-
tionate and respectful salutations to Mrs. Monroe and
yourself.

           TO ABRAHAM BALDWIN.

               WASHINGTON, April 14, 1802.

 DEAR SIR,-I have prepared a catalogue for the
Library of Congress in conformity with your ideas
that books of entertainment are not within the scope
of it, and that books in other languages, where there
are not translations of them, are to ,be admitted
freely. I have confined the catalogue to those
branches of science which belong to the delibera-
tions of the members as statesmen, and in these have
omitted those desirable books, ancient and modern,
which gentlemen generally have in their private
libraries, but which cannot properly claim a place
in a collection made merely for the purposes of
reference. '

  In history I have confined the histories to the
chronological works which give facts and dates with
a minuteness not to be found in narrations composed
for agreeable reading. Under the laws of nature
and nations I have put down everything I know of
worth possessing, because this is a branch of science
often under the discussion of Congress, and the books
written on it not to be found in private libraries. In
law I set down only general treatises for the purpose
of reference. The discussions under this head in


                   ,
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     129

Congress are rarely so minute as to require or admit
that reports and special treatises should be intro-
duced. The Parliamentary section I have imagined
should be complete. It is only by having a law of
proceeding, and by every member having the means
of understanding it for himself and appealing to it,
that he can be protected against caprice and despot-
ism in the chair. The two great encyclopaedias
form a complete supplement for the sciences omitted .
in the general collection. should occasion happen to
arise for recurring to them. I have added a set of
dictionaries in the different languages, which may
be often wanting. This catalogue, combined with
what you may approve in those offered by others,
will enable you to form your general plan and to
select from it every year to the amount of the annual     '
fund of those most wanting. I have omitted on it
those which, by the printed catalogue, I find you
already possess. In estimating the amount of an
annual selection, folios may be stated as costing one
and a half guineas, quartos a guinea, octavos 12 / -,
twelve mos  4 / - in England, and in France three-
fourths of those prices, in neat but not splendid
bindings. Accept assurances of my respect and
friendly consideration.


   vol. xix---9
 



130        Jefferson's Works

        TO THOMAS LAW.

               WASHINGTON, May 31, 1802.

  DEAR SIR,-I received, yesterday evening, your
letter of the 23d inst. informing me of the death
of Mrs. Washington, and I received it with great
and sincere concern. An acquaintance of five and
twenty years, in times and circumstances of great
and trying aspect, had made me a witness of her
constant course in whatsoever was benevolent and
virtuous in life, had marked her in my judgment
as one of the most estimable of women, and had
inspired me with an affectionate and respectful
attachment to her. This lesson is more felt, too.
as it renews the memory of a preceding one of
a worthy, of that degree which Providence with
its divine dispensations sees fit rarely to bestow
on us, whose services in the cause of man had
justly endeared him to the world and whose name
still is among the latest monuments of the age
wherein he lived, which time will extinguish.

 My own sense of these losses enables me to sym-
pathize sincerely in the afflictions of the family.
to whom I pray you to tender assurances, and to
accept them yourself, of my highest esteem and
respect.

 


        Supplementary Manuscripts     131

           TO WILLIAM DUNBAR.

              'WASHINGTON, MarCh 3, 1803.

SIR,-Your favor of the 8th of January has
been received and I have to return you thanks
for the two vocabularies. The memoir of Mr.
Durald has been forwarded to the Philosophical
Society. We shall be happy to see your history
of the Mississippi completed, as it is becoming one
of the most interesting parts of our country. The
only one where some of the tropical productions
can be maintained (?) among us. * * * * had only
a little mistaken the information I gave him * * * *
was not that you were removing altogether, but
that you meant shortly to take a trip to Europe
which I had understood from some other person
* * * * yourself.

The late interruption of our commerce at New
Orleans by the Spanish Intendant, combined with
the change of proprietors which Louisiana certainly,
and the Floridas possibly, are immediately to under-
go have produced a ' great sensation here ; while
some have wished to make it the immediate cause
of war which might damage our finances and
embarrass the administration of our government,
which, in the state of their political passions, would
be a countervail for the most serious public extrem-
ities, we have pursued what we believe a more
certain and more speedy means of restoring per-
manently the rights and conveniences of our
 



132        Jefferson's Works

commerce, whether we may succeed in the acqui-
sition of the island of New Orleans and the Floridas
peaceably for a price far short of the expense of
a war, we cannot say. But that we shall obtain
peaceably an immediate and firm re-establishment
of all our rights under the Spanish treaty every
circumstance known to us leads us to believe.
If contrary to expectations war should be necessary
to restore our rights, it is surely prudent to take
a little time for availing ourselves of the division
of Europe to strengthen ourselves for that war.
Nothing but the failure of every peaceable mode
of redress, nothing but dire necessity, should force
us from the path of peace which would be our
wisest pursuit, to embark in the broils and con-
tentions of Europe and become a satellite to any
power there. Yet this must be the consequence
if we fail in all possible means of re-establishing
our rights were we to enter into the war alone.
The Mississippi would be blockaded at least during
the continuance of that war by a superior naval
power, and all our Western States be deprived of
their commerce unless they would surrender them-
selves to the blockading power.

Great endeavors have been used from this quarter
to inflame the western people to take possession
of New Orleans without looking forward to the
use they could make of it with a blockaded river,
but I trust they will be unable, that a peaceable
redress will be quickest and most for their interests.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts   133

We shall endeavor to procure the Indian right of
soil, as soon as they can be prevailed on to part
with it, the whole left bank of the Mississippi to
a respectable breadth, and encourage a prompt
settlement, and thereby plant on the Mississippi
itself the means of its own defense and present
as strong a frontier as that on our Eastern border.
I pray you to accept assurances of any great esteem
and respect.

         TO DR. BENJAMIN RUSH.

             WASHINGTON, April 23,. 1803.

DEAR SIR,-Your friendly letter of March 12
was received in due time and with a due sense of
its value. I shall with confidence avail myself of
its general prescriptions and of the special should
the state of my health alter for the worse. At
present it wears a promising aspect.

At length I send you a letter long due and even
now but a sketch of what I wished to make it.
But your candor will find my just excuse in the
indispensable occupations of my public duties. I
communicate a copy of the syllabus to Dr. Priestley
in hope he will extend his work of Socrates and
Jesus compared. He views a part of the subject
differently from myself, but in the main object
of my syllabus we go perfectly together. Accept
my affectionate salutations and assurances of great
respect.
 



134        Jefferson's Works

          TO HENRY DEARBORN.

             MONTICELLO, August 23, 1803.

 DEAR SIR,-I enclose you a letter from Mr.
Simpson to Mr. Madison showing very clearly
that our plan of having the gun carriages for the
Emperor of Morocco made in Europe cannot take
place. To cut short still further delay on this
subject I think we must furnish them from home.
You observe they must be of the very best and
fitted for land service. If we have such really
good, though wanting for our own service, it will
be better to send them and immediately replace
then here by new ones. Otherwise they should
be made and sent without delay. I think it had
been agreed that you would see to the execution
of the business. -

 There is reason to apprehend that the govern-
ment of France, perhaps not well satisfied with
its bargain with us, will seize any pretext which
can be laid hold of to annul the treaty. They
have exacted from our minister a rigorous regard
for dates which will render it necessary for both
Houses of Congress to perform their respective
parts without a day's delay, and with as little
debate as possible, and that we have a public
armed ship ready to sail on the 31st day of October
to carry the ratification and if possible the stock
to France. Perhaps the last of your small vessels
which. shall go to the Mediterranean this season
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    135

may perform this office. But whether this or any
other will be best you will be so good as to consider
and have in readiness. It is best that as little as
possible be said as to the constitutional difficulty
and that on that Congress * * * * is necessary
without any explanation. An investigation of the

                                      ,
subject here among my books satisfies me that
our right to the river Perdido is solid, and to the
bay of St. Bernard very susceptible of being * * * *
Livingston and Morse express a clear opinion as
to the Perdido and advise us to act on it. Accept
my affectionate salutations and assurances of.great
esteem and regard.

 P. S. When you shall have read Simpson's letter
be so good as to return it to me with your con-
clusion as to the carriages.

       TO THE EMPEROR OF MOROCCO.

          WASHINGTON, DeCember 20, 1803.

 GREAT       AND GOOD FRIEND,-I learn With great
concern the acts of violence which took place
between some vessels of your Majesty and of the
United States, and with equal pleasure that you
had promptly interposed and arrested the progress
of the misunderstanding. This proof of your dis-
position to remain in friendship with the United
States is duly estimated on my part and will be
reciprocated on all occasions by corresponding
 



136        Jefferson's Works

endeavors to preserve the peace and good under-
standing so happily subsisting between us.

Separated by a wide ocean from the nations of
Europe, and under circumstances peculiar to our-
selves, our practices and principles of intercourse
are not always the same with theirs. All religions
are equally independent here, our laws knowing
no distinction of country, of classes among indi-
viduals and with nations, our * * * * is justice
and reciprocity. In these principles of justice and
reciprocity was founded the treaty of peace and
friendship concluded with your Imperial father
and recently recognized by your Majesty. In this
recognition I willingly concur, promising that the
stipulations of that treaty shall be faithfully observed
on our part. We shall, moreover, avail ourselves of
every occasion of performing good offices to your
people and of manifesting the cordial friendship and
respect we bear to the person and character of your
Imperial Majesty and I pray God to have you, great
and good friend, in His safe and holy keeping.

 Done at Washington in the United States of
America, etc.

           TO JOHN LANGDON.

          WASHINGTON, December 22, 1803.

 MY DEAR SIR,-The enclosed commission was
made out immediately on the receipt of your recom-
mendation as its date will show; but as I wished
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     137

to accompany it with a line to you, it has lain by
me ever since waiting a moment of leisure to drop
you one. In the meantime the law is repealed:
but this commission will still do for existing cases.

 I have the happiness to assure you that we shall
receive Louisiana without opposition, or rather
that we have received it, as we know that our
troops embarked for Natchez the 1st and 2d instant,
and would arrive at New Orleans on the 7th, where
possession would be instantly delivered, according
to arrangements agreed to between General Wil-
kinson and the French prefect. This matter quietly
finished, and peace made with the Emperor of
Morocco dictated by ourselves, leaves nothing in
our horizon but the little speck of Tripoli, where
the substitution of Preble for Morris will probably
soon enforce peace also. From both the contending
powers of Europe we have equal proofs of friend-
ship, but most especially Great Britain; we shall,
therefore, I hope, be able to maintain an impartial
and honorable neutrality. At home we learn from
all quarters that these measures have brought over
to us nearly the whole of our candid opponents,
except in three of the New England States, and
in Delaware; these we trust will in time be con-
vinced also. This, my friend, is a rapid view of
our affairs, and is as much as incessant interruption
and business will permit me to put on paper. Accept
my affectionate salutations and assurances of con-
stant esteem.
 



138        Jefferson's Works

          TO GOVERNOR JOHN PAGE.

            WASHINGTON, DeCember 23, 1803.

  DEAR SIR,-Your favor of November 16, received
November 26, is now before me, and I enclose
you a letter of Mr. Gore which I presume we may
consider as the final result of our endeavor to
procure an asylum in the colony of Sierra Leone
for such persons of the description composing that
colony as we might find it expedient to send there.
Since the date of the resolution, which has been
the subject of this correspondence, the aspect of
affairs has undergone important changes. You can
judge of the probability of their settling down in
a form which may furnish that opening which the
resolution desired. As yet, however, direct pro-
positions for that purpose would be premature.

  The acquisition of Louisiana may also procure
the opportunity desired. This will depend on the
manner in which the Legislature of the Union will
dispose of that country. An expectation of some
decision as to this had induced me to delay answering
your letter earlier; but no progress being yet made
in it, and a fear that the Legislature of Virginia
might rise before definite arrangements are taken
here, I do not venture on a further delay.

 On the whole it appears probable that St. Dom-
inique or Louisiana may open to the Legislature
of Virginia the resource which their resolution
contemplated. Accept my affectionate salutations
and assurances of great consideration and respect.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    139

          TO THE DEY OF ALGIERS.

             WASHINGTON, March 27, 1804

 GREAT AND GOOD FRIEND,-I HAVE received your
letter of the 14th of October last and in it assur-
ances of the continuance of your friendly disposi-
tions toward the United States and of your attach-
ment to the treaty which binds us together. These
assurances are the more satisfactory as we also
are disposed to a faithful observance of our treaty,
which, settling, as between friends, a fixed measure
of what the one is bound to yield and the other has
a right to receive, prevents requisitions out of the
provisions of the treaty which sometimes it is
inconvenient and sometimes impracticable to com-
ply with.

 Of the latter kind is your request of brass field-
pieces from us. The materials of which that metal
are compounded do not exist in this country, as
far as has been yet discovered. When we have
occasion for anything of brass, we seek it in the
countries of your neighborhood. We have, however,
a mine of iron, the only one perhaps which is known,
of such quality as to admit of field-pieces to be
cast as light and as strong as brass, more durable,
and less costly. This we use for field-pieces, and
knowing from our own experience its superior nature
I shall immediately order and send to you those
you request, instead of other articles of the annual€-
supplies stipulated in our treaty, I am persuaded
 



140        Jefferson's Works

that in so doing I shall execute your intentions
to your greater satisfaction. Adhering substantially
to our mutual stipulations, I shall, nevertheless,
take a pleasure in any occasional modification of
that which may suit your convenience and prove
our friendship to you.

 I have just learned with great regret the loss
of the ship off Cadiz, laden by us with
naval stores for you. I regret it, not so much
for the value to us as the delay which our great
distance from you will necessarily occasion in
supplying the loss. Orders, however, are already
given to forward others without loss of time.

 I pray God, great and good friend, to have you
in His holy keeping.

     TO F. H. ALEXANDER YON HUMBOLDT.

               WASHINGTON, May 28, 1804.

 SIR,-I received last night your favor of the
24th, and offer you my congratulations on your
arrival here in good health, after a tour in the
course of which you have been exposed to so many
hardships and hazards. The countries you have
visited are of those least known and most interesting,
and a lively desire will be felt generally to receive
the information you will be able to give. No one
will feel it more strongly than myself, because
no one, perhaps, views this new world with more
partial hopes of its exhibiting an ameliorated
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts       141

state of the human condition. In the new position
in which the seat of our government is fixed, We
have nothing curious to attract the observations
of a traveller, and can only substitute in its place
the welcome with which we should receive your
visit, should you find it convenient to add so much
to your journey.

 Accept, I pray you, my respectful salutations
and assurances of great respect and consideration.

        TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR

            (HENRY DEARBORN.)

               WASHINGTON, June 6, 1804.

 The division of Louisiana into districts relating
to the military as much as to the civil administration,
will you be so good as to consider those proposed
by Governor Harrison, and we will then consider
the subject. My idea would be not to fix precisely
the dividing line between the districts, as we have
not information enough for that, but to use such
a mode of designation for these as we do for the
consular districts in foreign countries where we
are equally uninformed. I Would say, for example,
"the post of St. Louis shall be the seat of admin-
istration for its district, which district shall be
composed of all those parts of Louisiana, south of.
the Missouri, which are nearer to St. Louis than
to any other district seat. " This lays off the whole
country at once on the principle of distance, which
 



142        Jefferson's Works

is the chief ingredient in convenience, modified
by the division of a river where that is material.

 I think the purchases of the Delawares and Pian-
kishaws, proposed by Governor Harrison, very
interesting and that the Delawares might at once
be informed that we will purchase, with an annuity
to be paid to them whenever they shall settle;
but before we can offer lands on the other side
the Mississippi to any tribe, we should be well
informed of the title to lands there. Should it not
be well to charge Governors Harrison and Claiborne
generally with this inquiry, and the commander of
each station specially, as far as his opportunity
extends, and that this be done and reported to us
without delay? Affectionate salutations.

     TO ALEXANDER, EMPEROR OF RUSSIA.

              WASHINGTON, June 15, 1804..

 GREAT AND GOOD FRIEND,-Your friendly inter-
position for the relief of the crew of an American
frigate stranded on the coast of Tripoli -has been
recently made known to me. For this act of
benevolence and proof of your disposition to befriend
our young Republic its Secretary of State conveys
the official expression of its sensibility. But I
should illy satisfy my own feelings did I not add
my individual acknowledgments for a favor directly
tending to facilitate the administration of affairs
of my country with which I am personally charged.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     143

To the barbarians whose habitual violations of
the laws of nature have produced the occasion
of this friendly office, we have sent expressions
of very different feelings by the squadron which
has just left our ports destined for theirs. Should
the Commodore find that in consequence of your
Imperial Majesty's interposition, they shall already
have done us voluntary justice, he will let them
owe to your favor his abstinence from every act
of force. Otherwise he will endeavor, by the means
he is furnished with, to convince them it will be
their interest to injure us no more.

 I see with great pleasure the rising commerce
between our two countries. We have not gone
into the policy which the European nations have
so long tried and to so little effect of multiplying
commercial treaties. In national as in individual
dealings, more liberality will, perhaps, be found
in voluntary regulations than in those which are
measured out by the strict letter of a treaty, which,
whenever it becomes onerous, is made by forced
construction to mean anything or nothing, engenders
disputes, and brings on war. But your flag will
find in our harbors hospitality, freedom and pro-
tection and your subjects enjoy all the privileges
of the most favored nation. The favorable reception
of our consul at St. Petersburg, and the friendly
sentiments conveyed through your minister of
foreign affairs, is an earnest that our merchants
also will meet due favor in your ports.
 



144        Jefferson's Works

I avail myself of this occasion of expressing the
exalted pleasure I have felt in observing the various
acts of your administration during the short time
you have yet been on the throne of your country,
and seeing in them manifestations of the virtue
and wisdom from which they flow. What has
not your country to hope from a career which
has begun from such auspicious developments!
Sound principles, pursued with a steady step,
dealing out good progressively as your people are
prepared to receive and to hold it fast, cannot
fail to carry them and yourself far in€ the improve-
ment of their condition during the course of your
life.

 I pray to God that it may long continue for
their happiness and your glory, and that too He
may always have you in His safe and holy keeping.

  TO THE BROTHERS OF THE CHOCTAW NATION.

             WASHINGTON, MarCh 13, 1805.

 MY CHILDREN,-I learn with great Satisfaction
that you have leased to us three stations of one
mile square each on the road from Chickesaws to
Natchez, and one on the Pearl river; and you desire
me to send you a paper under my own hand to
show to your warriors that these lands are not
sold but lent. I now accordingly declare that the
property in those lands remains in your nation,
that they are lent to us for a rent of four hundred
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     145

pounds weight of powder annually, and that your
nation has a right to take them back at their pleasure ;
and this paper now signed by my own hand will
be evidence of these things to future generations.
We will, according to your desire, settle but one .
white family on each section, and take care that
they conduct themselves peaceably and friendly
toward you; or being made known to me that
they do otherwise they shall be removed. They
will be placed there merely for the accommodation
of our paper carriers and travellers.

 My children, you have asked whether I did
not promise to send you ploughs to enable you
to improve in husbandry? I did promise it and
immediately sent the ploughs; but by a mistake
in forwarding them, they were delayed some time
before we knew of it. You must, however, have
received them before this time.

 You ask if I did not promise to send your deputa-
tion ten rifles for yourselves and other deserving
warriors? I did not promise it. You said they
would be acceptable, but I said nothing in reply.
But although .I did not promise, yet to show my
good will to you, I will send you the rifles.

You ask if we will allow commissions to you
according to your rank and medals and commis-
sions to such chiefs as you may appoint to assist
in the government of your country? It has not
been a custom with us to give commissions to our
friends among the red men; and it is a new thing.

  VOL. XIX-I O
 



146        Jefferson's Works

We will take it into consideration. We wish to
do what is agreeable to you, if we find we can do
it with prudence.

 We shall be willing to give medals to a certain
number of distinguished chiefs who aid you in
the government of your country, and who mani-
fest dispositions to preserve peace and friendship
between your nation and ours. We wish you,
therefore, to recommend such to us.

 My children, persevere in your friendship to
the United States. We will never injure you
nor permit you to be injured by any white people,
and we trust you will take care that none of our
people are injured by yours. Encourage among
you the cultivation of the earth, raising of cattle,
spinning and weaving, and we will assist' you in
it. With plenty of food and clothing you will
raise many children, multiply, be strong and happy.
May the Great Spirit protect and prosper you in
all your just pursuits. Farewell.

 TO THE CHIEFS OF THE CHEROKEE NATION.(1)

           WASHINGTON, ; January 10, 1806.

MY FRIENDS AND CHILDREN, CHIEFLY OF THE
CHEROKEE NATION,-HAVING now finished our busi-
ness and finished it I hope to mutual satisfaction,
I cannot take leave of you without expressing the

@#(1) This letter is one of the finest examples of Jefferson's written
communications to the Aborigines, @#
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    147

satisfaction I have received from your visit. I
see with my own eyes that the endeavors we have
been making to encourage and lead you in the
way of improving your situation have not been
unsuccessful; it has been like grain sown in good
ground, producing abundantly. You are becoming
farmers, learning the use of the plough and the
hoe, enclosing your grounds and employing that
labor in their cultivation which you formerly
employed in hunting and in war; and I see hand-
some specimens of cotton cloth raised, spun and
wove by yourselves. You are also raising cattle
and hogs for your food, and horses to assist your
labors. Go on, my children, in the same way and
be assured the further you advance in it the happier
and more respectable you will be.

 Our brethren, whom you have happened to
meet here from the West and Northwest, have
enabled you to compare your situation now with
what it was formerly. They also make the com-
parison, and they see how far you are ahead of
them, and seeing what you are they are encouraged
to do as you have done. You will find your next
want to be mills to grind your corn, which by
relieving your women from the loss of time in
beating it into meal, will enable them to spin and
weave more. When a man has enclosed and
improved his farm, builds a good house on it and
raised plentiful stocks of animals, he will wish
when he dies that these things shall go to his wife
 



148        Jefferson's Works

and children, whom he loves more than he does
his other relations, and for whom he will work
with pleasure during his life. You will, there-
fore, find it necessary to establish laws for this.
When a man has property, earned by his own
labor, he will not like to see another come and
take it from him because he happens to be stronger,
or else to defend it by spilling blood. You will
find it necessary then to appoint good men, as
judges, to decide contests between man and man,
according to reason and to the rules you shall
establish. If you wish to be aided by our counsel
and experience in these things we shall always
be ready to assist you with our advice.

 My children, it is unnecessary for me to advise
you against spending all your time and labor in
warring with and€ destroying your fellow-men,
and wasting your own members. You already
see the folly and iniquity of it. Your young men;
however, are not yet sufficiently sensible of it.
Some of them cross the Mississippi to go and
destroy people who have never done them an injury.
My children, this is wrong and must not be; if
we permit them to cross the Mississippi to war
with the Indians on the other side of that river,
we must let those Indians cross the river to take
revenge on you. I say again, this must not be.
The Mississippi now belongs to us. It must not
be a river of blood. It is now the water-path
along which all our people of Natchez, St. Louis,
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    149

Indiana, Ohio ; Tennessee, Kentucky and the western.
parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia are constantly
passing with their property, to and from New
Orleans. Young men going to war are not easily
restrained. Finding our people on the river they
will rob them, perhaps kill them. This would
bring on a war between us and you. It is better
to stop this in time by forbidding your young
men to go across the river to make war. If they go
to visit or to live with the Cherokees on the other
side of the river we shall not object to that. That
country is ours. We will permit them to live in it.

 My children, this is what I wished to say to you.
To go on in learning to cultivate the earth and
to avoid war. If any of your neighbors injure
you, our beloved men whom we place with you
will endeavor to obtain justice for you and we
will support them in it. If any of your bad people
injure your neighbors, be ready to acknowledge
it and to do them justice. It is more honorable to
repair a wrong than to persist in it. Tell all your
chiefs, your men, women and children, that I take
them by the hand and hold it fast. That I am
their father, wish their happiness and well-being,
and am always ready to promote their good.

 My children, I thank you for your visit and pray
to the Great Spirit who made us all and planted us all
in this land to live together like brothers that He
will conduct you safely to your homes, and grant you
to find your families and your friends in good health.
 



150        Jefferson's Works

         TO WILLIAM H. HARRISON.

           WASHINGTON, January 16, 1806.

 DEAR SIR,-Your several unanswered letters of
June 18, August 2 9, November I a and a o, prove
me an unpunctual correspondent. It is not because
I do less than I might do, but that I have more than
I can do. I will now summarily reply to their several
articles. And first I pray you to deliver to the legis-
lature the inclosed letter in answer to the address
they favored me with. Of the two persons chosen to
supply the place of Mr. Hay in the legislative council
I nominated Mr. Bond, which nomination has been,
with others, three weeks before the Senate. So has
that of Judge Griffin, for the Michigan territory. I
am told it is doubtful whether the Senate will con-
firm the last. I have earnestly inculcated the neces-
sity of raising the salaries of the territorial governors
and judges and it will be attempted this session,
but with what success is very doubtful.

 The British have clearly no right to trade with
the Indians in Louisiana. It is therefore decided
to keep that trade to ourselves as the only means
of governing those Indians peaceably. This Will
render it important to be particularly friendly to
the Sacs, Foxes, Kickapoos, Sioux, and other
Indians residing on the border between the British
and us and by taking their pelts and furs at higher
prices and selling them goods at lower prices than
the trade will bear without loss, to let them see
their own interest in an exclusive adhesion to us,
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    151

What we lose with them we must make up from
other quarters, our principle being neither to gain
nor lose on the whole Indian trade together.

The late stroke of Pottawottomies on the Osages
must be' strongly reprimanded and no exertion
spared to recover and restore the prisoners and
make satisfaction for the killed. The Indians on
this side the Mississippi must understand that
that river is now ours and it is not to be a river
of blood. If we permit them on this side to cross
it to war against the other side we must permit
the other side to come over to this for revenge.
The safety of our settlements will not admit of
this and in the present case of Pottawottomies they
should be made to understand that unless they
make to the Osages every satisfaction in their
power and satisfy us they will cease crossing the
Mississippi to war on nations which never injured
them, we may give a free passage and support
to the Osages to come over and take such revenge
as will glut them. But it is from the Secretary
of War that you will receive what is to be considered
as official, and as your guide in this business. Among
the Mississippi Indians now here is one Pottawot-
tomi chief. Nothing has yet been said to him
on this subject, but some explanations will take
place before he leaves us, which probably will
not be till late in February.

 Accept my friendly salutations and assurances
of great esteem and respect.
 



152        Jefferson's Works

   TO THE REVEREND DOCTOR G. C. JENNER.

               MONTICELLO, May 14, 1806.

SIR,-I have received a copy of the evidence
at large respecting the discovery of the vaccine
inoculation which you have been pleased to send
me, and for which I return you my thanks. Having
been among the early converts, in this part of the
globe, to its efficiency, I took an early part in
recommending it to my countrymen. I avail my-
self of this occasion of rendering you a portion of
the tribute of gratitude due to you from the whole
human family. Medicine has never before pro-
duced any single improvement of such utility.
Harvey's discovery of the circulation of the blood was
a beautiful addition to our knowledge of the animal
economy, but on a review of the practice of medicine
before and since that epoch, I do not see any great
amelioration which has been derived from that
discovery. You have erased from the calendar
of human afflictions one of its greatest. Yours
is the comfortable reflection that mankind can
never forget that you have lived. Future nations
will know by history only that the loathsome
small-pox has existed and by you has been extir-
pated. '

Accept my fervent wishes for your health and
happiness and assurances of the greatest respect
and consideration.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    153

           TO ALBERT GALLATIN.

               WASHINGTON, June 21, 1806.

 Judging by Price's survey of Ocracock, the only
position for the custom house which seems to
come into competition with the point B, recom-
mended by Mr. Taylor, is that part of Beacon
Island opposite to the point marked a. But,
perhaps Wallace's channel may be the most used.
The form you propose, No. I, would include Beacon
Island, and on that account would be preferable,
as it would give us greater latitude hereafter should
future representations prove a to be a more con-
venient point than B. I should prefer the mode
of designation used in your form No. 2, only vary-
ing it so as to comprehend Beacon Island in some
such way as the following:

 "So much of Ocracock Inlet and of the shores
adjacent as is contained between Shellcastle and
Beacon Islands and Portsmouth point, including the
whole of the said point which lies in the district
of Ocracock and also the whole of the said islands
and of the grounds adjacent to Shellcastle Island,
whereon a beacon or lighthouse is erected, as is the
property .of the United States."

 But this is barely suggested and left to yourself.
Affectionate salutations.
 



154        Jefferson's Works

          TO PIERRE AUGUSTE ADET.

               WASHINGTON, June 29, 1806.

  SIR,-Your two letters of March 3 and 6 have
been duly received, and with them the copy of
your elementary. lessons in chemistry for which I
pray you to accept my thanks. My occupation
not permitting me to read anything but the papers
of the day, I reserve it among the treasures to be
carried into that retirement to which I shall with-
draw at the close of my present period. I hope
that in the meantime nothing will happen to lessen
that prosperity which results from our external
peace and internal tranquillity. The great body
of our citizens being engaged in the pursuit of
agriculture in sparse settlement ensure to us the
continuance of order and good government. Our
sea-port towns indeed have the vices inseparable
from crowded habitations of men. But they are
but specks on the vast surface of our country,
affecting very little the general character of the
nation.

 Dr. Deveze, who is the subject of your letter
of March 3, had I believe great merit in the services
he rendered in Philadelphia on the first visitation
of yellow fever in 'g 3. The, courage with which
he exposed himself to it, when its novelty fright-
ened away the physicians and 12 inhabitants of the
place, marked a mind of superior benevolence.
He was among the earliest, too, in noting the fact
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     155

that it is not infectious. Experience has since
well established that opinion. Not but that there
are still responsible physicians who maintain the
contrary, supporting themselves by so extending
the definition of yellow fever, as to comprehend
fevers having strong features of distinction. Still
it is unquestionable that that fever which has
afflicted our cities since 1793 and is particularly
distinguished by the name yellow fever, has never
been communicated by going into the particu-
lar part of a town where it prevails, and within
whose atmosphere only it can be taken. And
further, it is certain that this particular fever which
seizes natives as well as foreigners, has never ex-
tended further south in the United States than
Alexandria. The fevers of Norfolk, Charleston and
New Orleans, which have been gratuitously called
yellow fever, have seized new comers only, not
natives or long residents, and are truly classed
with autumnal fevers.

 With respect to Dr. Deveze's request of some
acknowledgment for his services, your knowledge
of our Constitution enables you to see that the
General Government is restrained to the exercise
of those powers only which are enumerated in
the Constitution. That all others are reserved to
the State governments and consequently the
remuneration of discoveries or improvements in
the arts and sciences, and services rendered to
the public health, his application can of course
 



156.        Jefferson's Works

be received by the government of Pennsylvania
only, to which State the service was rendered.
The General Government cautiously refrains from
intermeddling with the concerns of the separate
States.

 I hope Dr. Deveze will see in these considerations
the obstacles which forbid the interference of our
National Government in these cases, while in my
personal sentiments and esteem I render him the
justice he merits.

 I pray you to accept, yourself, my salutations
and assurances of great respect and esteem.

          TO ANDREW JACKSON.

           WASHINGTON, December 3, 1806.

 SIR,-I have duly received your letter, proffering
the services of a very respectable corps of volunteers,
should the injuries offered our country render it
necessary. Always a friend to peace and believing
it to promote eminently the happiness and pros-
perity of mankind, I am ever unwilling that it
should be disturbed as long as the rights and interests
of the nations can be preserved. But whensoever
hostile aggressions on these require a resort to war,
we must meet our duty and convince the world
that we are just friends and brave enemies. Whether
our difficulties with Spain will issue in peace or
war is still uncertain, and what provisional measures
shall be taken for the latter alternative, is now

 


        Supplementary Manuscripts    157

under consideration of the legislature. The offer
of service which your patriotism has now made
to your ,country is a pledge that it will not be
withheld in whatever the national councils may
authorize.

  Accept my thanks on the public behalf for the
readiness with which you have made this honor-
able tender, with respectful salutations and assur-
ances of great consideration and esteem.

            TO JOHN LANGDON.

           WASHINGTON, DeCember 22, 1806.

MY DEAR SIR,-Your letter of the 12th is this
moment put into my hands, and as it reminds
me of my default in not answering the former,
I take up my pen to answer instanter.

Our prospects are great if we can preserve external
and internal peace. With England I firmly expect
a friendly arrangement. With Spain we shall
possibly have blows; but they will hasten, instead
of preventing, a peaceable settlement. The most
instant pressure is now from among ourselves,
our Catiline is at the head of an armed body (we
know not its strength), and his object is to seize
New Orleans, from thence attack Mexico, place
himself on the throne of Montezuma, add Louisi-
ana to his empire, and the Western States from
the Alleghany if he can. I do not believe he
will attain the crown; but neither am I certain
 



158        Jefferson's Works

the halter will get its due. A few days will let us
see whether the Western States suppress them-
selves this insurrectionary enterprise, or we shall
be obliged to make a great national armament
for it. In the end, I am satisfied it will exhibit to the
world another proof that the people of the United
States are qualified for self-government. Our
friends, the federalists, chuckle at all this; but
in justice I must add, we have found some faithful
among those in the West.

 Our session is proceeding with harmony. They
have great questions before them; such in my
opinion as look more to the tranquil happiness
and prosperity of a nation than ever before pre-
sented to a deliberative body. God bless you
and have you always in His holy keeping.

             TO HENRY LEE.

            WASHINGTON, February 1, 1807.

SIR,-Your letter of January 17 came to hand
last night If I ever .saw or heard of a Mr. Norris
of Baltimore, I do not remember either his name
or person. I never saw or heard of any list of
names of the adherents of Burr; still less of one
containing your name. I never have seen or heard
your name coupled with Burr's but in a newspaper
paragraph, mentioning that you were gone from
Staunton to join him. Which, as it went through
several papers, you have probably seen yourself,
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    159

and certainly I never named you to any one as
having any connection with Burr, much less gave
any one liberty to announce it for me. Accept
my salutations.

 P. S. I return Mr. Harrison's letter.

           TO ANDREW JACKSON.

             WASHINGTON, MARCH 21, 1807,

 SIR,-In my letter of December 3, answering
yours which offered the service of a corps of vol-
unteers, I informed you that the legislature had
then under consideration in what way they should
authorize the Executive to accept those patriotic
tenders. They accordingly passed the act of which
I now enclose you a copy.

Although the present state of things on the
western side of the Mississippi does not threaten
any immediate collision with our neighbors in
that quarter, and it is our wish they should remain
undisturbed until an amiable adjustment may take
place, yet as this does not depend on ourselves
alone, it is prudent to be prepared to meet any
movements which may occur. The laws of a
former session of Congress for keeping a body of
100,000 militia in readiness for service at a moment's
warning, are still in force. But by the act now
included the service of volunteers may be accepted
which will, of course, render a resort to the former
act unnecessary.
 



160        Jefferson's Works

 In consequence, therefore, of the patriotic zeal
which prompted your former offer, I now solicit
your best endeavors toward carrying this act into
execution. The persons who shall engage will not
be called from their homes until some aggression
committed or intended shall render it necessary.
When called into action, it will not be for a lounging
but for an active and, perhaps, distant service. I
know the effect of this consideration in kindling that
ardor which prevails for the service, and I count
on it for filling up the. numbers requisite without
delay. To yourself, I am sure, it must be as
desirable as it is to me, to transfer this service
from the great mass of the militia under your
charge, to that portion of them to whose habits
and enterprise active and distant service is most
congenial.

 With respect to the organization and officering
those who shall be engaged within your State,
the act itself, will be your guide. And it is desirable
we should be kept informed of the progress of the
business. I must pray you to report the same,
from time to time, to the Secretary of War, who
will correspond with you on all the details arising
out of it.

Accept my salutations and assurances of great
esteem and respect.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    161

            TO JOEL BARLOW.

              WASHINGTON, June 14, 1807.

 DEAR SIR,-I return you Dr. Triplett's letter
to Mr. O'Brien with thanks for the communication.
Coxe remains at Tunis only till we can find some
one of prudence and good sense equal to the station,
of honesty sufficient to be trusted with the expen-
diture of moneys without account and willing to
be located there. Do you know such a man? I
do not. Davis was an unfortunate appointment.
I knew it before he went away, but after it was
too much fixed to alter. If he carries into execution
the intention he expresses of visiting London and
Paris, it will furnish us a ground for correcting
our error.

 Before this reaches you, you will probably have
heard of the arrival of Wilkinson at Norfolk on the
10th with ten important witnesses.

When are we to see you here? I hope when
we do it will be as a resident. Will not Mrs. Barlow
and yourself meet your friends here on the birth-
day of our Constitution? Shall we not have from
our first poet a national ode for that and all other
festive days, to be to us what the Marseilles Hymn
was to the French, God Save Great George to the
English, and adapted to the exalted and already
adopted tune of the miserable ditty, " Hail Columbia"?

Should Mrs. Barlow and yourself come on, I
would propose to you for August and September

 VOL. XIX-11
 



162        Jefferson's Works

a tour through the upper country of Virginia,
which you will find a very healthy and a very fine
one, tacking about at Monticello, where we shall
bc happy to detain you as long as your time will
permit. It is only one hundred and twenty miles
from this, and good roads. I salute you with
affection and respect.

             TO GEORGE HAY.

            WASHINGTON, October 11, 1807.

DEAR SIR,-As I understand by the newspapers
that the examination of. the witnesses in Burr's
case and that of the other persons accused is closed,
I must solicit as early a communication as possible
of the proceedings and evidence. Congress being
so near meeting, and a copy being to be made
out, so that each House may have one, it is evident
we shall have no time to spare. If your copy for
us is not wholly ready, perhaps you could send it
by piecemeal as it is ready, which would enable
us to be forwarding it in the same way. I salute
you with great esteem and respect.

           TO F. A. DELACROIX.

          WASHINGTON, December 21, 1807.

SIR,-Your  letter on the subject of military
service was received on the 2d instant. Our
foreign relations are certainly in a very unsettled
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     163

state, but whether they will terminate in war
cannot yet be foreseen. The decision of that ques-
tion being given by our Constitution to the legis-
lature, it would be premature in the Executive
to accept offers of military service before the
competent authority has decided on their employ-
ment. The readiness of your offer, however, still
merits the acknowledgments which I now make
for them, and when the proper moment shall arrive,
it will be my duty to avail my country of the best
talents which can be procured for its service. I
return you the paper which was enclosed in your
letter.

 Your favor of September 29 was not received
until two days ago. I have with pleasure sent
to Mr. Mackay my subscription to the book you
recommend. No period in human history merits
more to have all its truths produced than that
of the French Revolution. I am only sorry that
the new lights which your materials are to throw
upon it are to be passed through the medium of
translation only. The best translation can render
a sentiment but imperfectly, often falsely. A vast
deal of human misery has already flowed from
this revolution, accompanied by some good, but
what will be its permanent effect on the happiness
of mankind those who come after us will decide.
I salute you with great respect.
 



164        Jefferson's Works

            TO GEORGE HAY.

           WASHINGTON, February 16, 1809.

 DEAR SIR,-I think it was Mr. Wythe's practice
to assign in the body of his decrees the reasons
on which they were founded. If this was done
in the case of Henderson and Peyton, you will
oblige me by obtaining a copy of the decree (to
be charged by the clerk to Mr. Peyton) and enclosing
it to 'me. Some property is offered of the value
of which I can better judge when I see the reasons
of the decree, and can estimate the probability
of affirmance or reversal.

 Burr, who gave you so much trouble, has become
absolutely invisible. There are conjectures of his
being in Philadelphia, but nobody can say they
have seen him.

 Ohio seems a second time to have done her
duty to her sister States. Mr. Giles has brought
forward a bill to amend our criminal law, but,
however necessary, I have no idea that a bill con-
taining a variety of modifications of the law can
ever get through a House where there are a hundred
lawyers. I salute you with great esteem and
respect.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    165

         TO G. HYDE DE NEUVILLE.

           WASHINGTON, February 17, 1808.

 SIR,-On the 13th instant I had the pleasure
of receiving your favor of December 22, covering
one from Madame d'Houdetot, of whom I had not
received information for several years. I am happy
to learn that she is living and enjoying a retire-
ment in comfort. The proofs of friendship I
received from her in France were such as to make
a lasting impression on my mind and to inspire
me with sincere concern for her welfare. Besides
the constant wish to render services to strangers
of merit, the interest she feels in your situation
is an additional title to my readiness to be useful
to you. In answer to your enquiries whether you
can acquire and hold lands in the United States
without becoming a citizen, I have to observe
that as far as I have learnt, it is a general policy
with the several States not to permit this. I have
made the most extensive enquiry I could on this
occasion, whether any one of these States has varied
from this policy, but I cannot find any one has
ox that there is any part of the Union where a
person not being a citizen can hold lands, except
in this District of Columbia. I am inclined also
to believe that this cannot be done through the
medium of any other person as a trustee, because
I suppose the trust would be escheat to the public
as the lands themselves would. But of this the
 



166        Jefferson's Works

lawyers can give you information more to be relied
on than mine. I tender you my salutations and
assurances of respect.

        TO MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.

              WASHINGTON, April 28, 1808.

 MY DEAR SIR,-I wrote you last on the 14th of
July, since which I have received your several
favors of July 8, August 11, September 20, December

 and January 12. This last has been a sincere
affliction to me. My knowledge of the extraor-
dinary worth of our deceased friend, her amiable
and excellent character, her value to yourself,
her family and friends, and the void it would make
at the house of La Grange, sufficiently apprise
me of the immensity of this loss. But on this
subject I will say no more; for experience in the
same school has taught me that time and silence
are the only medicines.

 I will now proceed to your affairs. I mentioned
in a former letter that Mr. Gallatin had compro-
mised the claims of the city of New Orleans by
a lin.e to be run 600 yards from the outer lines
of the town. So that what was beyond that became€
open to your location and left it clear of dispute.
I have not yet learned what location of the residue
has been made by Mr. Duplantier. Through an
indirect channel I know that on the 13th of Novem-
ber last he located 10,000 acres, and that on the
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    167

15th of March the surveyor had finished surveying
9,000 acres of them. Where they lie particularly
I do not know, but as Mr. Duplantier had the first
choice they must be good and well situated. The
moment the surveys are brought here I will sign
the grants, which in the meantime are as secure
as if already signed. I am sorry to learn that
your necessities are so pressing as to induce you
to propose a sale of them at this time. If I am
not deceived in my anticipations of the rise in
value of property near New Orleans, they will
double in value three times within ten or twelve
years. That is to say, that twelve years hence
they will be worth eight times what they now
are. How desirable then, my dear friend, must
it be for the future welfare of yourself and family
that the necessity of selling could be postponed
for that term. The payment of interest is a mere
nothing in comparison of the rise in value. A
dozen years hence the sale of one-eighth will pay
as much as that of the whole now. And should
it be insisted that the payment of interest be
annually made, this may be done by an annual
sale of a few lots adjacent to the city of New Orleans.
I am not without hopes that in Europe, where the
safe placing of funds in these times of uncertainty
must be an object with many, that you may be able
to effect this on the hypothecation of these lands
which, from the moment of their being surveyed,
become a safe and fixed subject of hypothecation.
 



168        Jefferson's Works

I spoke with Colonel Monroe on this subject
on his return and lately wrote to him. He answers
me in these words: "I think I informed you or
Mr. Madison that the Barings had agreed to wait
the term mentioned in your letter (ten years) or
some such term, for the reimbursement of the
money with interest, which they had advanced
to General Lafayette on being secured in it. Such
was the fact, it having been communicated to me
by Alexander Baring for your and Mr. Madisan's
information, just before I left London. It seems,
therefore, most desirable to proceed on that idea
and to give information of it to Lafayette. I
will, however, be happy to write Mr. Baring, if you
deem it necessary, after receiving this information. "

Thus you see the practicability of. procuring a
postponement of this portion of your wants, and
I should suppose the genius and knowledge of
our friend Mr. Parker would readily find capitalists
and effect negotiations for the further sum necessary
for you on the hypothecation of funds so solid as
these, and than which I do not think more solid
can be found on earth.

 I am the more encouraged to hope you may
avoid a sale by information I have this moment
received from Monsieur Mon-Tarbe, who is this
far on his return from Charleston, and who tells
me he is authorized by Mr: Hager of South Carolina
to inform you that he has secured for you a debt
from some General (whose name Monsieur Mon-
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts       169

Tarbe does not recollect, but I presume the late
General Greene's estate) of twenty or twenty-five
thousand dollars, for which you have only to send
" vos titres " (this was his expression) and the
money would be paid instantly. With this wind-
fall, with Mr. Baring's indulgence, and the talents
and friendship of Mr. Parker, or some other of
your friends, I cannot help hoping you may post-
pone the sale of your lands and avoid the cruel
sacrifice that would now occasion.

 My zeal for your interest has occasioned me,
perhaps, to press this subject on you too much,
but you know the sincerity of the motives and
will excuse it. A short visit to this place and
New Orleans, if you cannot make a long one,
would enable you to judge for yourself better
than all your friends can€ do for you.

 I will not write news to you lest it should endanger
passage of my letter. I will barely mention that
Mr. Madison will most unquestionably be elected€
my successor, by a majority of three to one, and
rather probably by an unanimous vote. The news-
papers may deceive abroad, but all' this is well
understood here. Till the last autumn, I have
every autumn written to Madame de Tesse and
sent her a box of seeds. I saw with infinite morti-
fication that they were either carried into England
or arrived so late as to answer no purpose to her.
The state of the ocean the last fall was, and con-
tinues to be, so desperate that it is vain to attempt
 



170        Jefferson's Works

anything again till that be changed. By that
time I shall be maker of my own time and can
never employ it more in gratifying my own feelings
than in doing what will be acceptable to her. Assure
her of my continued friendship, be so good as to
add my respects to Monsieur de Tesse and to accept
yourself the assurance of my affectionate attach-
ment and respect.

           TO THOMAS PAINE.

              WASHINGTON, July 17, 1808.

 DEAR SIR,-Your favor of the 8th received
some days ago. Mr. Holmes did apply to me in
the course of the late session for information
regarding some application of yours, the par-
ticulars of which I do not now recollect. But
I well remember it was on some matter which
took place while I was not a member of Congress
and, therefore, knew nothing of but what was
on the records. I was absent from Congress from
1777 to 1803, being during that interval closely
employed by my own State. I advised him to
examine the files of the Department of State and
have no doubt he obtained all the information
they furnish.

Your ideas expressed in the latter part of your
letter are undoubtedly correct. They were taken
up the moment the law passed giving a power
of suspending the embargo in whole or in part
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     171

on the repeal of the decrees or orders of council.
As yet we have reached no fruit from our endeavors.

 Proposing to absent myself from this place
during the sickly season now approaching and
much occupied with the preparations, I must
here place my salutations and assurances of great
esteem and respect.

          TO ARCHIBALD STUART.

            WASHINGTON, October 22, 1808.

 DEAR SIR,-A Mr. William Jenkings, who lives
four or five miles from the Natural Bridge, and
whom I suppose tn be a merchant, called on me
two days ago to propose to purchase my lands
at the bridge. I asked him some questions about
the adjacent land in order to get his ideas of the
value. He said the adjacent tract had been sold
two or three times at about ten dollars and some
of it as high as four pounds the acre. I enquired
if the land on mine was as good. I think he said
it was, but that it was all thin land, would not
make a good farm, but that his object was to erect
a public house there, as the curiosity of the bridge
drew great numbers to see it. I told him the
idea of selling it had never before presented itself
to my mind, and he concluded to call on me at
Monticello in March next.

You will do me the favor to make inquiry what
the land should sell for according to prices in that
 



172        Jefferson's Works

neighborhood, and without taking the bridge into
consideration, which as a curiosity gives value
to the stand. To me the money would be of more
value and would be convenient on breaking up
here. You have been so kind as to attend to
the payment of the taxes and it is now several
years since I have made any reimbursement, so
that it must now amount to something sensible.
Be so good as to let me know its amount and it
shall be immediately remitted. Should the pay-
ment have escaped attention so long as to endanger
the land, I would pray it to be immediately secured.
When I come home I will find some means of relieving
you from this trouble. As soon as you can give
me information of the value I shall be happy to
hear from you. I salute you with constant friend-
ship and respect.

           TO ROBERT FULTON.

              MONTICELLO, April 16, 1810.

DEAR SIR,-I received yesterday, on my return
from a journey, your letter of March 28th and have
to thank you for the drawing of your self-moving
belier hydraulique, which a first reading shows
to be simple and ingenious, and I have no doubt
will answer. It shall have my early attention.
The object of this prompt reply to your letter,
is the offer you so kindly made of lending me your
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    173

dynamometer. It will be the greatest favor you
can do me.

The Agricultural Society of the Seine sent me
one of Guillaume's famous ploughs, famous for
taking but half the moving power of their best
ploughs before used. They, at the same time,
requested me to send them one of our best, with
my mould board to it. I promised I would, as
soon as I retired home and could see to its con-
struction myself. In the meantime I wrote to
a friend at Paris to send me a dynamometer, which
he did. Unfortunately this, with some other
valued articles of mine, were lost on its passage
from Washington to Monticello. I have made
the plough and am greatly deceived if it is not
found to give less resistance than theirs. In fact
I think it is the finest plough which has ever been
constructed in America. But it is the actual
experiment alone which can decide this, and I
was with great reluctance about to send off the
plough untried when I received your kind offer.
I will pray you to send the instrument to Mr.
Jefferson of Richmond by some careful passenger
in the stage, who will see that it does not miscarry
by the way; or by some vessel bound from New
York direct to Richmond, which is the safest
though slowest conveyance. I suppose there can
never be a week that some vessel is not coming.
I sincerely wish the torpedo may go the whole
length you expect of putting down navies. I wish
 



174        Jefferson's Works

it too much not to become an easy convert and
to give it all my prayers and interest. Accept
assurances of my great esteem and respect.

          TO DR. WILLIAM EUSTIS.

            (SECRETARY OF WAR)

                MONTECILLO, May 30, 1810.

 DEAR SIR,-In the action brought against me
by E. Livingston on the subject of the batture,
the counsel employed desire me, without delay, to
furnish them with the grounds of defense, that
they may know what pleas to put in. To do this
a communication of the papers in the several public
offices material tu the case is very essential. You
will be so kind as to have selected such of those
deposited in your office as may offer either useful
information, or evidence on the subject, on my
assurance that they shall be faithfully and promptly
returned, after noting from them what I may
think important. Mr. Smith, the head clerk of
your office, is so well acquainted with this subject.
that I think he can readily make the selection
with your permission. I must particularly ask a
copy of General Dearborne's letter or order removing
the aggressors by force. This was between the
dates of 1807, Nov. 27, and Jan. 29, 1808. I
should be glad that a list of the papers sent me
be taken, that their return may be verified. Accept
the assurances of my esteem and respect
 



       Supplementary Manuscripts    175

             TO W. B. GILES.

           MONTICELLO, NOVember 12, 1810.

 DEAR SIR,-You have heard of the suit brought
by E. Livingston against me on the subject of the
batture. This has rendered it necessary for me
to make a statement of the facts for the use of
my counsel, and the justification which they offer
being derived from certain systems of foreign law
in force at New Orleans, which I have had more
time to enquire into then they. I have been led
to go into a full investigation of both the law and
fact of the case. This I now enclose to you with
the following view: I am apprehensive that Living-
ston's assiduities and intrigue may induce Congress
to some vote referring his claim to judges or, com-
missioners. The countenance of such a vote would
impress a jury sensitively and unfavorably to me.
I wish the matter to rest as it does till the trial,
and Congress may leave it so with the more pro-
priety, inasmuch as Livingston himself has trans-
ferred it from before them to another tribunal.

 I have thought I might rely on your justice as
well as your friendship to allude to this case in the
Senate so far as to prevent his obtaining there
any vote injurious to a fair trial; and to satisfy
your conscience that this will do him no injustice,
I ask your perusal of the enclosed. I am sensible
it is of a revolting length, but the variety and
novelty of the points it brings forward will not
 



176        Jefferson's Works

be uninteresting to you as a lawyer. When you
shall have read it, be so good as to send it by post
to Mr. Eppes for which purpose I enclose a franked
cover. I have requested of him to bestow in the
House of Representatives the same attention I ask
of you in the Senate, and from both I request
that no communication of the topics of my defense
may be made to anybody, unless indeed, any
attempts in Congress might render it necessary to
use them. You are sensible what advantage a
knowledge of them would give my adversary.
Were this case before an impartial .court it would
never give me a moment's concern, but Livingston
would never have brought it in such a court The
deep-seated enmity of one judge and utter nullity
of the other, with the precedent of Burr's case,
lessen the confidence which the justice of my case
would otherwise give me. Should the Federalists,
from Livingston's example, undertake to harass
and run me down with prosecutions before Federal
judges, I see neither rest nor safety before me.
Wishing you the pleasure of a smooth session, I
salute you with all affection. .

           TO JAMES MADISON.

            MONTICELLO, DeCember 8, 1810.

 DEAR SIR,-I found among my papers the
enclosed survey of Lafayette's lands adjacent to
New Orleans. Whether it be the legal survey or
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    177

not I do not 'know. If it is it gives a prospect
of something considerable after the six hundred
yards laid off round the ramparts. I enclose it
to you as it may possibly be of use. With me
it can be of none.

 I enclose you also a piece in manuscript from
Dupont on the subject of our system of finance
when the progress of manufactures shall have
dried up the present source of our revenue. He
is, as you know, a rigorous economist, and although
the system be not new yet he always gives some-
thing new, and places his subject in strong lights.
The application of the system to our situation also
is new. On the whole it is well worth your reading,
however oppressed with reading. When done with
it I will thank you to hand it to Mr. Gallatin, with
a request to return it to me when he shall have
read it.

 I have had a visit from Mr. Warden. A failure
in the stage detained him here ten days. I suppose
you had hardly as good an opportunity of becoming
acquainted with him. He is a perfectly good-
humored, inoffensive man, a man of science, and,
I observe, a great favorite of those in Paris, and
much more a man of business than Armstrong
had represented him. His memoirs and proceed-
ings in the cases of vessels seized show this. I
observed he had a great longing for his late office
in Paris. I explained to him distinctly the impos-
sibility of his succeeding in a competition before

  vol. xix-12
 



178        Jefferson's Works

the Senate with such a man as Russell, a native,
and of high standing. That failing I endeavored
to find out what other views and prospects he
might have. I find that he is poor, and looks
ultimately to the practice of physic for an inde-
pendent livelihood; that he wishes to find some
means of living while he should be pursuing that
study. He spoke of a secretaryship in one of the
territories as desirable in that view and I believe
he would suit that office. However. any appoint-
ment [would do) which would give him present
subsistence. The consulships which rely on mer-
cantile business he does not much relish, having
no turn to shillings and pence. Having left Paris
very hastily he would be glad to go back as
the bearer of public despatches to settle his affairs
there, if there should be occasion for a messen-
ger. I collected these things from him indirectly,
believing you would wish to know his views. He
is an interesting man, perfectly modest and good,
and of a delicate mind, his principal seems to
have thrown him first on the hands of the Execu-
tive and then off of his own.

 We have not yet received your message from
which we expect to learn our situation as well
with our neighbors as beyond the Atlantic. Wish-
ing you an easy and prosperous campaign for the
winter, I renew the assurances of my constant
affection and respect.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     179

           TO JAMES MONROE.

             MONTICELLO, January 8, 1811.

 DEAR SIR,-I received your friendly letter of
December 24th on my return from Bedford, at
which place I was at its date. It conveyed me
the first notice of the attempt to draw me into
the newspapers on the subject of the propositions
which had been passed between the agents of the
Rivanna company and myself for their accommoda-
tion in passing the navigation through my lands.
I immediately inquired into it, and found it was
John Nicholas, who, having been permitted by the
agents (called directors) to read the papers, had
written long animadversions which he wished to
get with the correspondence into the newspapers.

 Although there is nothing in the correspondence
which I would wish to conceal yet I am now at
that time of life when quiet is the summum bonum,
and I do not see that the public could be either
amused or benefitted by having me dragged into
the papers and harrowed by malignant discus-
sions on every private bargain which, in the ordinary
course of things, we are all obliged to be engaged
in. I am very thankful, therefore, to Mr. Ritchie
for having rescued me from being disturbed by
this miserable scribbler.

 I enclose you the correspondence with a request
that you will be so good as to peruse it. The
sum of what has passed is this: Your gentlemen
 



180        Jefferson's Works

directors, observing that my mill dam and canal
present a dead sheet of water from the entrance
of the river into the mountain, at the Secretary's
ford, to its exit at my mill, desire the use of my
dam to keep the back water at its present navigable
state. Use it. I shall maintain it for my own
purposes. But we wish to raise it two feet. Then
you must maintain the dam yourselves, because,
being raised to five feet, it will be carried away
ten times for once if it remains at three feet. Then
we will not raise it; but we wish the use of your
canal. You are welcome to it. But we wish to
widen it for batteaux. You are free to widen it,
but as admitting a greater volume of water will
certainly destroy the bank in some places you
must maintain the bank. Agreed, but we shall
want a site for our lock at the lower end. I give
it to you. Tmber, earth, stone to build it. I
give it to you, all common timber. Fine timber
trees must be paid for. Agreed, we want a site
and timber for our toll house. I give them to
you. But while we are widening the canal we
must stop your mills perhaps for a month. You
may do it and I will charge you nothing for the
rent of my manufacturing mills for a month, nor
the suspension of my [illegible) mill, the two
objects amounting to about two hundred dollars;
if, after this, your works, or the using your locks,
would stop my mills you must pay for the time.
We agree to it. And I thought the matter settled;

 



        Supplementary Manuscripts      181

but I have heard that they are not satisfied nor
decided. Observe that this is not a general but
merely a local object. . It is only to carry the
navigation from Milton to Moon's ford, in other
words to Charlottesville, a question between the
two towns. The people up the river are left to
open their own navigation. Nor do I believe the
navigation will be used .when done, because a
wagon once at Charlottesville will go on to the
Shadwell mills for less than even the toll of a
barrel of flour, which is g d. besides the price of the
watermen.

 I state all these things to you and have asked
you to peruse the correspondence, because it is
well you should possess the whole subject, as perhaps
it may go to the legislature. Indeed the directors
acknowledge that the former act had done wrong
in authorizing the toll to be taken at Milton instead
of the falls next above the Shadwell mills, from
whence there is at present a perfectly safe naviga-
tion. For Mr. Randolph and myself, at our own
expense (of about three hundred dollars) have
opened a sluice through the Milton falls which we
shall still further perfect. I am told there is a law,
passed some years back, declaring there shall be no
future grants of the beds of rivers or creeks and
annulling all the past. The former is within the
power of the legislature, the latter is not. They
can neither pass a law that my head shall be stricken
from my body without trial, nor my freehold taken
 



182        Jefferson's Works

from me without indemnification, and when not
necessary for a public use. In this case the public
can use the bed of the river without taking the
property of it from me. By the common law,
which was the law here till this act, the king
cannot grant away tidewaters, they are reserved
for the use of the nation. But all other waters
were ever grantable, here as well as in England.
And how is a line to be drawn between rivers and
creeks, and other brooks and branches? I think
the judges would determine the annulling former
grants as merely void. It is material in my case
only as showing, when the Shadwell mill was built
fifty years ago, no trespass was committed on the
bed of the river which was private property, and
that no wrong having been committed, it does
not subject the proprietor to any ex post facto
burden, as the building of a lock, etc. In the case
of Magruder, who did not own the bed of the river
and who got leave to build a dam after the public
had been forty years in the exercise of their right
of navigation along the river, Captain, Meriwether
and the other commissioners for improving the
navigation, gave him five hundred dollars to build
and maintain a lock. This was more, perhaps,
than he had a right to, and is mentioned only to
show the difference of measure meted to him and
to me, if it should be proposed to force me to build
and maintain a lock.

All this, however, is submitted to your con.
 


        Supplementary Manuscripts    183

sideration. If the matter is carried to the legisla-
ture, do what you think is right and it will be
perfectly satisfactory to me. Ever yours affec-
tionately.

      TO REVEREND JAMES MADISON.

          MONTECELLO. DeCember 29, 1811.

DEAR SIR,-Your favor of Nov. 19th arrived
here just as I had set out for Bedford, from whence
I returned a few days ago and found your letter
here. I thank you for Mr. Lambert's calculations
on my observation of the late eclipse of the sun.
I have been for some time rubbing up my mathe-
matics from the rust contracted by fifty years'
pursuits of a different kind. And thanks to the
good foundation laid at college by my old master
and friend Small, I am doing it with a delight
and success beyond my expectation. I had observed
the eclipse of September 17th with a view to cal-
culate from it myself, the longitude of Monticello;
but other occupations had prevented it before my
journey. The elaborate pa.per of Mr. Lambert
shows me it would have been a more difficult under-
taking than I had foreseen, and that probably I
should have foundered in it. I have no telescope
equal to the observation of the eclipses of Jupiter's
satellites, but as soon as I can fit up a room to fix
my instruments in, I propose to amuse myself
with further essays of multiplied repetitions and
 



184        Jefferson's Works

less laborious calculations. I have a fine theodolite
and equatorial both by Ramsden, a Hadley's circle
of Bords, a fine meridian and horizon as you know.
Once ascertaining the dip' of my horizon, I 'can
use the circle as at sea, without an artificial horizon.

 Do you think of ever giving us a second edition
of your map? If you do, I may be able to furnish
you with some latitudes. I have a pocket sextant
of miraculous accuracy, considering its microscopic
graduation. With this I have ascertained the
latitude of Poplar Forest, (say New London) by
multiplied observations, and lately that of Willis
mountains by observations of any own, repeated
by my grandson, whom I am carrying on in his
different studies. Any latitudes within the circuit
of these three places I could take for you myself, to
which my grandson, whose motions will be on a
larger scale, would be able to add others. My
unremitting occupations while you were engaged
in the first publication, put it out of my power
to furnish you with some local draughts which
might have aided you. To wit : Some very accurate
surveys of James rives from Cartersville about
ten miles upwards, some of the river in this neigh-
borhood, some county lines, the country between
New Loudon and Lynchburg, etc.

Accept my friendly salutations and assurances
of great and continued esteem and respect.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    185

          TO ANDREW ELLICOTT.

               MONTICELLO, June 24, 1812.

 DEAR SIR,-I have duly received your favor
of the 3d and thank you in advance for that of
a copy of your observations, when they will be
published. There always existed a doubt whether
the source of the Savannah was not north of the
35th degree, which your labors have now removed.
A great deal is yet wanting to ascertain the true
geography of our country; more indeed as to its
longitudes than latitudes. Towards this we have
done too little for ourselves and depended too
long on the ancient and inaccurate observations
of other nations. You are wiping off this reproach,
and will, I hope, be long continued in that work.
All this will be for a future race when the super-
lunary geography will have become the object of
my contemplations. Yet I do not wish it the less.
On the same principle on which I am still planting
trees, to yield their shade and ornament half a
century hence.

With my best wishes for the success of your
labors, accept the assurances of my great esteem
and respect.
 



186        Jefferson's Works

          TO WILLIAM BARTON.

             MONTICELLO, October 2, 1812.

Thomas Jefferson presents his compliments to
Mr. Barton and returns him the paper he was so
kind as to inclose him, and to which he has sub-
scribed with great pleasure. In this he has equally
gratified his affectionate reverence for the character
of Dr. Rittenhouse and his friendship and best
wishes toward his much-esteemed connections;
and he is satisfied that the life of such a man must
offer a model and useful lesson to mankind in
general. He salutes Mr. Barton with friendship
and respect.

          TO ALRICHS AND DIXON.

            MONTICELLO, January 14, 1813.

Your favor of Dec. z arrived here when I was
on a journey which occasioned me an absence of
between five and six weeks. I found it on my
return here, and learning at the same time that
the carding machine was on its way up the river
I waited till I could acknowledge the receipt of
both together. The machine arrived safely, and
has now been at work some days. The person
who directs my factory I found to be not so well
acquainted with it as I supposed. He could not
roake it produce a perfect roll until he made
some alteration (probably not for the better) which
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     187

adapted it to his own ideas. It produced at first
a roll partly flat; it now produces it perfect. The
force required to turn it is almost nothing, but
the velocity with which it must be turned is fatigu-
ing. I am putting a six-inch whirl in place of
the handle of the great cylinder, to be driven by
a two-foot wheel and band so that the hand will
make one revolution where it now makes four.
This I expect will be a less fatiguing composition
of force and velocity than the present. The addition
will be attached by two screws only, so that if
it does not answer, it will be taken off and leave
the machine exactly as it now is. I will immedi-
ately desire Messrs. Gibson and Jefferson of Rich-
mond to remit you the $97, amount of your bill.
Your favor of Jan. 1st is just now received, there
being near me a wool-carding machine going by
water renders the question as to hand-carding
machines for that article less important. Accept
my thanks for your attention to this little com-
mission of mine and the assurances of my esteem
and respect.

           TO ROBERT FULTON.

              MONTICELLO, MarCh S, 1813.

DEAR SIR,-It has been some time since I have
tried the experiments for which you were so kind
as to lend me your dynamometer and the recon-
veyance by sea and under the care of some passenger.
 



188        Jefferson's Works

This to New York never happens from our quarter,
to Philadelphia once or twice a year only, if I
knew with whom to lodge it there for .you. To
Washington I could more frequently send it. I
must, therefore, ask your instructions on this
subject.

A Mr. Abraham Howard Quincy, number 108
Chatham street, New York, informs me he has
made an improvement in fireplaces. such as that
with one-tenth of the fuel ordinarily laid on a
fire and that kept up but one hour in five, maintains
summer temperature in the room, and he has
requested me to ask some friend in whom I have
confidence to call on him and receive his demon-
strations of it. I have no acquaintance there
whose turn is mechanical, of whom I could ask
this; but it occurs to me that you may possibly
be there occasionally, and that your affection to
improvements in the arts might induce you to
take the trouble to examine this one, my con-
fidence in your judgment as to the reality of the
improvement would settle my opinion. ' I would
therefore ask you to give a leisure moment to this
examination.

 I rejoice at your success in your steamboats
and have no doubt they will be the source of great
wealth to yourself and permanent blessing to
your country.  I hope your torpedoes will equally
triumph over doubting friends and presumptuous
enemies. I sincerely condole with you on the
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    189

death of our much-to-be-lamented friend Barlow.
The slender thread by which Mrs. Barlow's life
hung will probably be broken by this calamity,
and I consider the loss as irreparable to our country,
when I look for the man capable of writing its
history. In this view I lamented his going to
Europe at all. Accept the assurance of my affec-
tionate esteem and respect.

           TO ELBRIDGE GERRY.

               MONTICELLO, June 19, 1813.

 DEAR SIR,-Yours of the 11th instant is just
received, and I repeat the sincere pleasure it has
given me to see you once more come forward on
the stage of the nation.l I have never thought
the post you now occupy the most agreeable one
the nation can give, and very far preferable to
that which its highest favor confers. And I have
hoped that within three days' journey of one another,
it would afford some occasion of interview. Not
indeed at Washington, for I am too old and too
much engaged to propose such a journey of mere
indulgence to my moral feelings at the expense
of any physical ones, but the chance I look to was
that of some short and occasional adjournment
of Congress, during the interval of which, at a loss
how otherwise to fill it, you might think a tour
through some part of this State not merely super-

1 Gerry had been elected Vice-President of the United States.
 



190        Jefferson's Works

vacaneous. Were this to happen, I had hoped
that an acquaintance of half a century, and a
fellow laborer in good works might be an object
in the tour. In no part of it could you be received
with more pleasure or retained with greater cor-
diality. Let me then believe this possible, and
in the meantime assure you of the unceasing
sentiments of friendship and respect of yours most
affectionately and respectfully.

           TO JAMES MADISON.

               MONTICELLO, July 13, 1813.

 DEAR SIR,-I was so unlucky as to write you
a long letter of business when, as I learned soon
afterwards, you were too ill to be troubled with
any matter of business. My comfort has been in
the confidence that care would of course be taken
not to disturb you with letters. My hope in writing
the present is of a pleasanter kind, the flattering
one that you are entirely recovered. ' If the prayers
of millions have been of avail, they have been poured
forth with the deepest anxiety. The enclosed
letter from Mr. Fulton will inform you why a
similar one did not go to you direct, and that this is
forwarded by express desire. Mr. Fulton's ingenuity
is inexhaustable and his disinterested devotion of
it to his country very laudable. If his present
device depended on me, I should try it on the
judgment of an officer so well skilled as Decatur.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    191

It is one of those experiments which neither the
personal interest nor the faculties of a private
individual can ever bring into use, while it is highly
interesting to the nation. Intersected as we are
by many and deep waters, and unable to meet
the enemy on them with an equal force, our only
hope is in the discovery of the means which inge-
nuity may devise whereby the weak may defend
themselves against the strong. This is done at
land by fortifications, and not being against any
law of nature, we may hope that something equiva-
lent may be discovered for the water.

 You know the present situation of our friend
Strode, entirely penniless. How he comes to be
left to subsist himself by his labors in subordinate
employments, while his son is at his ease, I am not
informed. Nor whether they have had any differ-
ences. Yet the fact is that he is in indigence, and
anxious to get his living by any services he can
render. You know his qualifications. The public
iron works, the armory, the army or some of the
sedentary offices at Washington may perhaps offer
some employment analogous to his talents. His
wish is to earn a livelihood and although in his
letter to me he does not propose to solicit anything,
yet the expressions of his situation show that
decent employment could not fail to be very
acceptable.

We are at the close of the poorest harvest
have ever seen. I shall not carry into my barn,
 



192        Jefferson's Works

more than one-third of an ordinary crop. But
one rain to wet the ground since April. A remark-
able drying wind with great heat the first days
of the harvest, dried up the skin of the wheat so
that it fell before the scythe instead of being cut.
I have seen harvests lost by wet, but never before
saw one lost by dry weather. I have suffered
more by the drought than my neighbors. Most
of them will make a half a crop, some two-thirds.
Much of the evil had been prepared by the winter
and the fly. It is not too late yet for the corn
to recover should there come rains shortly. It
never was seen so low before at this date. Our
gardens are totally burnt up and the river so low
that you can almost jump over it in some places.

 Wishing you a speedy and perfect restoration
of your health, I pray you to accept the assurance
of my constant and affectionate esteem and respect.

           TO ROBERT FULTON.

               MONTICELLO, July 21, 1813,

 DEAR SIR,-Immediately on the receipt of your
favor of July 8th I forwarded it to the President,
and had no hesitation in expressing my own wish
that it should be tried. In fact as we cannot
meet the British with an equality of physical force,
we must supply it by other devices, in which I
know nobody equal to yourself and so likely to
point out to us a mode of salvation.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts 193

 Accordingly I hope this honor is reserved for
you, and that either by subaqueous guns, torpedoes,
or diving boats you will accomplish it by the aid
of government. The New York Evening Post has
given us a quiz on this subject, hoping, I presume,
to draw a flimsy veil of jest over his habitual lies,
and wishing us to suppose all those were but jests.
I confess I have more hopes of the mode of des-
truction by the submarine boat than any other.
No law of nature opposes it, and in that case nothing
is to be despaired of by human invention, nor
particularly by yours.

 Accept the just tribute of an American citizen,
and of a friend in the assurances of my great esteem
and respect.

            TO ABIGAIL ADAMS

            (MRS. JOHN ADAMS).

             MONTICELLO, August 22, 1813.

 DEAR MADAM,-A kind note at the foot of Mr.
Adams' letter of July 15 reminds me of the duty
of saluting you with friendship and respect, a
duty long suspended by the unremitting labors
of public engagement and which ought to have
been sooner revived, since I am the proprietor of
my own time. And yet so it is, that in no course
of life have I been ever more closely pressed by
business than in the present. Much of this proceeds
from my own affairs, much from the. calls of others ;

   VOL. XIX- 13
 



194        Jefferson's Works

leaving little time for indulgence in my greatest
of all amusements, reading. Dr. Franklin used
to say that when he was young and had time to
read he had not books; and now when he has
become old and had books, he had no time. Per-
haps it is that when habit has strengthened our
sense of duties, they leave us no time for other
things; but when young we neglect them and
this gives us time for anything.

 However, I will now take time to ask you how
you do, how you have done? and to express the
interest I take in whatever affects your happiness.
I have been concerned to learn that at one time
you suffered much and long from rheumatism,
and I can sympathize with you the more feelingly
as I have had more of it myself latterly than at
any former period; and can form a truer idea
of what it is in its higher degrees. Excepting for
this I have enjoyed general health; for I do not
consider as a want of health the gradual decline
and increasing debility which is the natural diathesis
of age ; this last comes on me fast. I am not able to
walk much, though I still ride without fatigue and take
long and frequent journeys to a distant possession.

 I have compared notes with Mr. Adams on the
score of progeny and find I am ahead of him and
think I am. in a fair way to keep so. I have ten
and one-half grandchildren, and two and three-
fourths great-grandchildren, and these fractions
will ere long become units.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     195

   I was glad to learn from Mr. Adams that you
have a grandson far enough advanced in age and
acquirements to be reading Greek. These young
scions give us comfortable cares, when we cease
to care about ourselves. Under all circumstances
of health or sickness, of blessing or affliction, I
tender you assurances of my sincere affection and
respect; and my prayers that the hand of time
and of providence may press lightly on you till
your own wishes shall withdraw you from all mortal
feeling.

           TO DUPONT DE NEMOURS.

             MONTICELLO, NOVEMBER 29, 1813.

   MY VERY DEAR AND ESTIMABLE FRIEND,-In
answering the several very kind letters I have
received from you, I owe to yourself and to the
most able and estimable author of the Commentaries
on Montesquieu to begin by assuring you that I
am not the author of that work, and of my own
consciousness that it is far beyond my qualifications.
In truth I consider it as a most profound and logical
work which has been presented to the present
generation. On the subject of government par-
ticularly there is a purity which renders it precious
to our country particularly, where I trust it will be-
come the elementary work for the youth of our
academies and colleges. The paradoxes of Mon-
tesquieu have been too long uncorrected. I will
 



196        Jefferson's Works

not fail to send you a copy of the work if possible
to get it through the perils of the sea.

 I am next to return you thanks for the copy of the
works of Turgot now completed by the receipt of
the last volume. In him we know not which
most to admire, the comprehensiveness of his
mind or the benevolence and purity of his heart.
In his Distribution of Riches and other general
works, and in the great principles developed in
his smaller work we admire the gigantic stature
of his mind, but when we see that mind thwarted,
harassed, maligned and forced to exert all its
powers in the details of provincial administration
we regret to see a Hercules laying his shoulder
to the wheel of an ox-cart. The sound principles
which he establishes in his particular as well as
general works, are a valuable legacy to ill-governed
man, and will spread from their provincial limits
to the great circle of mankind.

 I am indebted to you also for your letter by
Mr. Correa, and the benefit it procured me of his
acquaintance. He was so kind as to pay me a
visit at Monticello, which enabled me to see for
myself that he was still beyond all the eulogies
with which yourself and other friends had pre-
conized him. Learned beyond any one I had
before met with, good, modest and of the simplest
manners, the idea of losing him again filled me
with regret, and how much did I lament that we
could not place him at the head of that great insti-
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     197

tution which I have so long nourished the hope
of seeing established in my country, and towards
which you had so kindly contributed your luminous
views. But, my friend, that institution is still in
embryo as you left it, and from the complexion
of our popular legislature and the narrow and
niggardly views of ignorance courting the suffrage
of ignorance to obtain a seat in it, I see little prospect
of such an establishment until the national govern-
ment shall be authorized to take it up and form
it on the comprehensive basis of all the useful
sciences.

 The inauspicious commencement of our war has
damped at first the hopes of fulfilling your injunc-
tions to add the Floridas and Canada to our con-
federacy. The former indeed might have been
added but for our steady adherence to the sound
principles of national integrity which forbade us
t_o take what was a neighbor's merely because it
suited us and especially from a neighbor under
circumstances of peculiar affliction. But seeing
now that his afflictions do not prevent him from
making those provinces a focus of hostile and
savage combinations of the massacre of our women
and children by the tomahawk and scalping knife
of the Indian, these scruples must yield to the
necessities of self-defence. And I trust that the
ensuing session of Congress will authorize the
incorporation of it with ourselves. Their inhab-
itants universally wish it, and they are in truth
 



198        Jefferson's Works

the only legitimate proprietors' of the soil and
government.

 Canada might have been ours in the preceding
year but for the treachery of our general, who
unfortunately commanded on its border. There
could have been no serious resistance to the progress
of the force he commanded in its march through
Upper Canada, but he sold and delivered his army,
fortified and furnished as it was, to an enemy one-
fourth his numbers. This was followed by a series
of losses flowing from the same source of unqualified
commanders ; carelessness, cowardice, foolhardiness
and sheer imbecility lost us four other successive
bodies of men, who, under faithful and capable
leaders, would have saved us from the affliction
and the English from the crime of the thousands
of men, women and children murdered and scalped
by the savages under her procurement and direction
of British officers, some on capitulation, some in
the field and some in their houses and beds. The
determined bravery of our men, whether regulars
or militia, evidenced in every circumstance when
the treachery or imbecility of their commanders
permitted, still kept up our confidence and sounder
and abler men now placed at their head have given
us possession of the whole of Upper Canada and
the lakes. At the moment I am writing I am in
hourly expectation of learning that General Wilkin-
son, who, about the 10th instant, was descend.ing
upon Montreal has taken possession of it, the
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     199

force of the enemy there being not such as to give
us much apprehension. Between that place and
Quebec there is nothing to stop us but the advance
of the season.

 The achievements of our little navy have claimed
and obtained the admiration of all, in spite of the
endeavors of the English by lying misrepresenta-
tions of the force of their vessels on both sides to
conceal the truth, the loss indeed of one-half a
dozen frigates and sloops of war is no sensible
diminution of numbers to them, but the loss of
the general opinion that they were invincible at
sea, the lesson taught to the world that they can
be beaten by an equal force, has by its moral effect
lost them half their physical force. I consider
ourselves as now possessed of everything from
Florida point to the walls of Quebec. This last
place is not worth the blood it would cost. It
may be considered as impregnable to an enemy
not possessing the water. I hope, therefore, we
shall not attempt it, but leave it to be voluntarily
evacuated by its inhabitants, cut off from all sources
of subsistence by the loss of the upper country.
I will ask you no questions, my] friend, about €your
return to the United States at your time of life;
it is scarcely perhaps advisable. An exchange
of the society, the urbanity and the real comforts
to which you have been formed by the habits of
a long life would be a great and real sacrifice.
Whether, therefore; I shall ever see you again or not,
 



200        Jefferson's Works

let me live in your esteem as you ever will in mine,
most affectionately and devotedly.

  P. S. Monticello, Dec. 14. We have been dis-
appointed in the result of the expedition against
Montreal. The second in command, who had been
detached ashore with a large portion of the army,
failing to join the main body according to orders
at the entrance of the Lake St. Francis, the enter-
prise was of necessity abandoned at that point,
and the inclemency of the winter being already
set in, the army was forced to go into winter quarters
near that place. Since the date of my letter I
have received yours of September 18 and a printed
copy of your plan of national education of which
I possessed the MS. If I can get this translated
and printed, it will contribute to advance the
public mind to undertake the institution; the per-
suading those of the benefit of science who possess
none is a slow operation.

         TO THADDEUS KOSCIUSKO.

           MONTICELLO, NOVEMBER 30, 1813.

 MY DEAR FRIEND AND GENERAL,--I have to
acknowledge the receipt of yours of Dec. I, ' I z
and its duplicate of May 30, '13, and am pleased
that our arrangement with Mr. Morton proves
satisfactory. I believed it would be so, and that
a substantial and friendly house there might some-
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    201

times be a convenience, when, from the dangers
of the sea, difficulty of finding good bills, or other
casualties, Mr. Barnes ' remittances, might incur
unavoidable delay. He is at this time making
arrangements with Mr. Williams, the correspondent
of Mr. Morton, for the usual remittance, having
for some time past been unable to get a good bill.

 You have heard without doubt of the inauspicious
commencement of our war by land. Our old
officers of high command were all withdrawn by
death or age. Scott closed the list of the dead a
few weeks ago, and happy for us would it have
been could we have followed your advice in appoint-
ing new generals; and could we have been directed
in our choice to those only who were good. But
this is a lottery in which are few prizes and our
first draught fell among the blanks. The first
called into action delivered his army and fort up
to a quarter of his own numbers of the English.
He might have taken possession of all Upper Canada
almost without resistance. This was followed by
cases of surprise, of cowardice, of foolhardiness
and of sheer imbecility, by which bodies of men
were successively lost as fast as they could be
raised ; and thus the first year of the war was
lost. General Wilkinson, who you knew in the
late war, has at length been called from the Southern
Department ; General Hampton also ; and they
are doing what their predecessors ought to have
done last year. We have taken all the posts and
 



202        Jefferson's Works

country on Lakes Erie and Ontario; and General
Wilkinson, on the 10th instant, was about entering
the Lake St. Francis in his descent to Montreal,
and would, in three or four days, reach Montreal,
where the British force is such as not to give uneasi-
ness for the result. I trust he is now in possession
of it, and there being neither a post nor a man
between that and Quebec, we may consider our-
selves as commanding the whole country to the
walls of that city. The season, however, will
probably oblige us to make Montreal our winter
quarters.

 Kingston, at the east end of Lake Ontario, has
been left unmolested, because being of some strength
and well garrisoned, it would have required a siege
and the advance of the season would have dis-
appointed us as to all below; insulated as it is from
succors and subsistence it must capitulate at
our leisure. This, my friend, is the present state
of things by land; and as I know not yet how
or when this letter is to go, I may by a P. 5., be
able to add what shall have actually taken place
at Montreal. It is a duty, however, to add that in
every instance our men, militia as well as regulars;
have acted with an intrepidity which would have
honored veteran legions, and have proved that,
had their officers understood their duty as well
as those of our little navy, they would have shown
themselves equally superior to our enemy who
had dared to despise us.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    203

 On the ocean we have taught a lesson of value
to all mankind, that they can be beaten there
with equal force. We have corrected the idea
of their invincibility, which by its moral effect
annihilates half their physical force. I do not
believe the naval history of the world has furnished
a more splendid achievement of skill and bravery
than that of Perry on Lake Erie. They threaten
now to hang our prisoners reclaimed by them,
although naturalized with us, and if we retaliate,
to burn our cities. We shall certainly retaliate,
and if they burn New York, Norfolk, Charleston,
we must 'burn London, Portsmouth, Plymouth,
not with our ships but by our money; not with
our own hands, but by those of their own incen-
diaries. They have in their ..streets thousands of
famished wretches, who, for a loaf of bread to keep
off death one day longer and more eagerly for a
million of dollars, will spread to them the flames
which they shall kindle in New York. It is not
for those who live in glass houses to set the example
of throwing stones, what is atrocious as an example
becomes a duty to repress by retaliation.

 If we have taken, as I expect, the residue of their
troops above Quebec, we have as many of their
troops taken by honorable fighting as they have
of ours purchased or surprised. I have less fear
now for our war than for the peace which is to
conclude it. Your idea that our line of future
demarcation should be from some point in Lake
 



204        Jefferson's Works

Champlain is a good one, because that would shut
up all their scalp markets, but that of their entire
removal from the continent is a better one. While
they hold a single spot in it it will be a station
from which they will send forth their Henrys upon
us to debauch traitors, nourish conspiracies, smuggle
in their manufactures and defeat our commercial
laws. Unfortunately our peace commissioners left
us while our affairs were still under the depression
of Hull's treason and its consequences, and they
would as soon learn their revival in the moon as
in St. Petersburg. The English newspapers will
still fill their ears, as those of all Europe, with lies
and induce them to offer terms of peace under
these erroneous impressions; and a peace which
does not leave us the Canadas will be but a truce.
As for the Floridas they are giving themselves
to us. I hope, therefore, no peace will be made
which does not yield us this indemnification for
the thousand of ships they took during peace, the
thousands of our citizens impressed, their machin-
ations for dissevering our Union, the insults they
have heaped upon us, the inhuman war they have
waged with the tomahawk and scalping knife of
the savage, the suffocation of our prisoners in
pestiferous jails and prison ships, and the other
atrocities against national and individual morality
which have degraded them from the rank of civilized
nations.

The longer the peace is delayed, the more firm
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    205

will became the establishment of our manufactures.
The growth and extent of these can be conceived
by none who does not see them. Of coarse and
middling fabrics we never again shall import.
The manufacture of the fine cottons is carried also
to great extent and perfection. A million of cotton
spindles nearly being, I think, now employed in
the United States. This single advancement in
economy, begun by our embargo law, continued
by that of non-importation, and confirmed by the
present total cessation of commercial intercourse,
was worth alone all the war will cost us.

 I have thus, my dear friend, given you the present
state of things with us, which I had done with
the more minuteness because I know that no native
among us takes a livelier interest in them than
you do. The tree which you had so zealously
assisted in planting you cannot but delight in
seeing watered and flourishing. Happy for us
would it have been if a valor" fidelity and skill
like yours had directed those early efforts which
were so unfortunately confided to unworthy hands.
We should have been a twelve month ago where
we now are, and now where we shall be a twelve
month hence. However from one man we can
have but one life, and you gave us the most valu-
able and active part of yours, and we are now
enjoying and improving its effects. Every sound
American, every sincere votary of freedom, loves
and honors you, and it was its enemies only and
 



206        Jefferson's Works

the votaries of England who saw with cold indif-
ference and even secret displeasure your short-lived
return to us. They love none who do not love
kings, and kings of England above all others. God
bless you under every circumstance, whether still
reserved for the good of your native country or
destined to leave us in the fulness of time with
the consciousness of successful efforts for the
establishment of freedom in one country and of
all which man could have done for its success in
another. The lively sense I entertain of all you
have done and deserved from both countries, can
be extinguished only with the lamp of life, during
which I shall ever be, affectionately and devotedly,
yours.

 P. S. Monticello, Dec. 14. We have been dis-
appointed in the result of the expedition against
Montreal, and again by the fault of a general who
refused with his large detachment ashore to meet
the main body, according to orders, at the entrance
of Lake St. Francis. The expedition was of necessity
suspended at that point and the army obliged by
the severity of the season to go into winter quarters.

           TO JAMES MONROE

            MONTICELLO, January 27, 1814,

 DEAR SIR,-I now return you the letter of Mr.
Carter, which was enclosed in yours of November
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     207

30, which was six weeks on its passage to me. The
reference to myself which you are both so kind
as to propose, I must beg to decline. I could not
trust myself with such a decision. For, although
I should certainly endeavor to see nothing but
the facts of the case, yet even as to these my having
been the sole agent through the whole of this busi-
ness for one of the parties only, and the particular
interest which it was thus my duty to feel and
espouse, may but too possibly have left impres-
sions unperceived by myself which might prevent
my seeing the subject in the original and unbiased
view with which an umpire ought to enter into
it. I have, therefore, requested Mr. Carter to
attend at any time convenient to you and himself,
between this and the first of April, until which
time I shall be constantly at home. A letter from
him, however, of December 2d informed me that
you have agreed between you that if your claim
proves correct he is to pay you what he got for
the land without interest. This amounts to an
agreement that the line will stand as marked for
Mr. Short, and that whatever it shall take from
you shall be paid by him to you. This is certainly
perfectly just and it leaves Mr. Short and Mr.
Higgenbotham without further interest in the ques-
tion, and the meeting and proceedings before
proposed are in that case become unnecessary.
The question in this case remains between your-
self and Mr. Carter only to be settled at your leisure.
 



208        Jefferson's Works

If you will be so good as to signify this in a line to
me, I shall be able to satisfy Mr. Short, and to
remove Mr. Higgenbotham's scruples about the
payment of his bonds, the first of which is now at
ha,nd.

 I enclose you a letter from Mr. John Clarke
suggesting a mode of keeping the army filled up.
Whether it be the best or not I am not to decide.
But as it appears to be one of the good ones, I enclose
it to you to be suggested where it may serve.

 What effect will the disaster of Bonaparte have
on the negotiations of Gottenburg? Not a good
one I am afraid. The salvo of maritime rights
by the other party leaves room to claim what-
ever the successes of her allies may embolden, or
her own greediness stimulate her to grasp at.
These successes will enable her to make the ensuing
a warm campaign, a warm one for us. Orleans,
Pensacola and the Chesapeake, one or the other,
or all, are indicated by the number and construc-
tion of the boats they are preparing. Their late
proceedings, too, in the north seem to breathe the
spirit of a bellum ad internecionem. It would be
well if on some proper occasion the government
should either justify or disavow Maelure 's proceedings
at Newark. As it is possible our negotiations may
not obtain what we would wish on the subject
of maritime rights, would it not be well that they
would stipulate for the benefit of those which
should be established by the other belligerents at

 


        Supplementary Manuscripts     209

the settlement of a general peace. Remember me
affectionately to the President. It is long since I
have had occasion of writing to him, and I consider
it a duty to suppress all idle calls on his attention.
Ever affectionately yours.

         TO J.  CORREA DE SERRA.

              MONTICELLO, April 19, 1814.

DEAR SIR,-Mr. Randolph first, and latterly Mr.
Short, have flattered me with the hope that you
would pay us a visit with the returning season. I
should sooner have pressed this but that my vernal
visit to Bedford was approaching, and I wished
to- fix its precise epoch before I should write to
you. I will set out now within a few days and
be absent probably all the month of May, and shall
be very happy to see you here on my return, or
as soon after as may be. It will give me the greatest
pleasure, and our whole family joins in the invitation.
if, consulting your own convenience and comfort,
you would make us as long a stay there as should
permit. You know our course of life. To place
our friends at their ease we show them that we
are so ourselves, by pursuing the necessary vocations
of the day and enjoying their company at the
usual hours of society.

 You will find the summer of Monticello much
cooler than that of Philadelphia, equally so with
that of the neighborhood of that place, and more

  VOL. XIX-14
 



210        Jefferson's Works

healthy. The amusements it offers are such as
you know which, to you, would be principally
books and botany. Mr. Randolph's resignation of
his military commission will enable him to be an
associate in your botanical rambles. Come then,
my dear Sir, and be one of our family as long as
you can bear a separation from the science of the
world.

 Since Bonaparte's discomfiture I wish much to
see you, to converse with you on the probable
effect that will have on the state of the world,
of its science, its liberty, its peace and prosperity,
and particularly on the situation of our literary
friends in Europe. Perceiving the order of nature
to be that individual happiness shall be inseparable
from the practice of virtue, I am willing to hope
it ma.v have ordained that the fall of the wicked
shall be the rise of the good.

 I can readily fulfill M. Cuvier's request for the
skin and skeleton of the mink. I have procured
a fine skin and can at any time get the entire
subject. The difficulty will be to find a vessel
which would receive so large a subject and preserve
the spirits in which it would be immersed: But
this shall be an article of consultation when you
are with us. The cranium of the buffalo cannot
be procured but from the other side of the Mississippi ;
there I can obtain it. But it must go thence by
the way of New Orleans, which cannot well be till
peace.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    211

 I have done for Mr. Warden what you and him-
self wished as to his commission. Its effect with
the government I have not learned. I also suggested
to the government your observation on the differ-
ence of structure in vessels which the difference
of specific gravity between salt and fresh water
might render useful.

 Accept my thanks for Fossonbroni's book, which,
though topographical, presents circumstances of
curiosity. I salute you with sincere affection and
respect.

            TO PETER CARR.

           MONTICELLO, September 7, 1814.

 DEAR SIR,-On the subject of the academy or
college proposed to be established in our neighbor-
hood, I promised the trustees that I would prepare
for them a plan, adapted, in the first instance,
to our slender funds, but susceptible of being
enlarged, either by their own growth or by accession
from other quarters.

 I have long entertained the hope that this, our
native State, would take up the subject of education,
and make an establishment, either with or without
incorporation into that of William and Mary, where
every branch of science, deemed useful at this
day, should be taught in its highest degree. With
this view, I have lost no occasion of making myself
acquainted with the organization of the best semi-
 



212        Jefferson's Works

naries in other countries, and with the opinions of
the most enlightened individuals, on the subject
of the sciences worthy of a place in such an insti-
tution. In order to prepare what I have promised
our trustees, I have lately revised these several
plans with attention; and I am struck with the
diversity of arrangement observable in them-no
two alike. Yet, I have no doubt that these several
arrangements have been the subject of mature
reflection, by wise and learned men, who, con-
templating local circumstances, have adapted them
to the conditions of the section of society for which
they have been framed. I am strengthened in
this conclusion by an examination of each separately,
and a conviction that no one of them, if adopted
without change, would be suited to the circum-
stances and pursuit of our country. The example
they set, then, is authority for us to select from
their different institutions the materials which are
good for us, and, with them, to erect a structure,
whose arrangement shall correspond with our own
social condition., and shall admit of enlargement
in proportion to the encouragement it may merit
and receive. As I may not be able to attend the
meetings of the trustees, I will make you the
depository of my ideas on the subject, which may
be corrected, as you proceed, by the better view
of others, and adapted; from time to time, to the
prospects which open upon us, and which cannot
be specifically seen and provided for.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    213

 In the first place, we must ascertain with pre-
cision the object of our institution, by taking a
survey of the general field of science, and marking
out the portion we mean to occupy at first, and
the ultimate extension of our views beyond that,
should we be enabled to render it, in the end, as
comprehensive as we would wish.

 I. Elementary schools.

 It is highly interesting to our country, and it
is the duty of its functionaries, to provide that
every citizen in it should receive an education
proportioned to the condition and pursuits of his
life. The mass of our citizens may be divided
into two classes-the laboring and the learned.
The laboring will need the first grade of education
to qualify them for their pursuits and duties; the
learned will need it as a foundation for further
acquirements. A plan was formerly proposed to
the legislature of this State for laying off every
county into hundreds or wards of five or six miles
square, within each of which should be a school
for the education of the children of the ward,.
wherein they should receive three years' instruc-
tion gratis, in reading, writing, arithmetic as far
as fractions" the roots and ratios, and geography.
The Legislature at one time tried an ineffectual
expedient for introducing this plan, which having
failed, it is hoped they will some day resume it
in a more promising form.
 



214        Jefferson's Works

 a. General schools.

 At the discharging of the pupils from. the ele-
mentary schools, the two classes separate-those
destined for labor will engage in the business of
agriculture, or enter into apprenticeships to such
handicraft art as may be their choice; their com-
panions, destined to the pursuits of science, will
proceed to the college, which will consist, 1st of
general schools ; ' and, 2d, of professional schools.
The general schools will constitute the second
grade of education.

 The learned class may still be subdivided into
two sections : 1, Those who are destined for
learned professions, as means of livelihood; and,
2, The wealthy, who, possessing independent for-
tunes, may aspire to share in conducting the affairs
of the nation, or to live with usefulness and respect
in the private ranks of life. Both of these sections
will require instruction in all the higher branches
of science; the wealthy to qualify them for either
public of private life; the professional section
will need those branches, especially, which are the
basis of their future profession, and a general
knowledge of the others, as auxiliary to that, and
necessary to their standing and association with
the scientific class. All the branches, then, of
useful science, ought to be taught in the general
schools, to a competent degree, in the first instance.
These sciences may be arranged into three depart-
ments, not rigorously scientific, indeed, but suf-
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    215

ficently so for our purposes. These are,  I.
Language;  II. Mathematics;  III. Philosophy.

 I. Language. In the first department, I would
arrange a distinct science. 1, Languages and His-
tory, ancient and modern; 2, Grammar; 3, Belles
Lettres ; 4, Rhetoric and Oratory ; 5, A school for
the deaf, dumb and blind. History is here asso-
ciated with. languages, not as a kindred subject,
but on the principle of economy, because both
may be attained by the same course of reading,
if books are selected with that view.

 II. Mathematics. In the department of Mathe-
matics, I should give place distinctly : 1, Mathe-
matics pure ; 2, Physic-Mathematics ; 3, Physic ;
4, Chemistry ; 5, Natural History, to wit : Miner-
alogy ; 6, Botany ; and 7, Zoology ; 8, Anatomy ;
g, the Theory of Medicine.

III. Philosophy. In the Philosophical depart-
ment, I should distinguish : 1, Ideology ; 2, Ethics ;
3, the Law of Nature and Nations ; q., Government ;
5, Political Economy.

 But, some of these terms being used by different
writers, in different degrees of extension, I shall
define exactly what I mean to comprehend in each
of them.

 I. ' 3. Within the term of Belles Lettres I
include poetry and composition generally, and
criticism.

 II. 1. I consider pure mathematics as the
science of, 1, Numbers, and 2, Measure in the
 



216        Jefferson's Works

abstract; that of numbers comprehending Arith-
metic, Algebra and Fluxions; that of Measure
(under the general appellation of Geometry), com-
prehending Trigonometry, plane and spherical, conic
sections, and transcendental curves.

 II. 2. Physico-Mathematics treat of physical
subjects by the aid of mathematical calculation.
These are Mechanics, Statics, Hydrostatics, Hydro-
dynamics, Navigation, Astronomy, Geography,
Optics, Pneumatics, Acoustics.

 II. 3. Physics, or Natural Philosophy (not
entering the limits of Chemistry) treat of natural
substances, their properties, mutual relations and
action. They particularly examine the subjects of
motion, action, magnetism, electricity, galvanism,
light, meteorology, with an etc. not easily enum-
erated. These definitions and specifications render
immaterial the question whether I use the generic
terms in the exact degree of comprehension in which
others use them; to be understood is all that is
necessary to the present object.

 3. Professional Schools.

 At the close of this course the students separate;
the wealthy retiring, with a sufficient stock of
knowledge, to improve themselves to any degree
to which their views may lead them, and the pro-
fessional section to the professional schools, con-
stituting the third grade of education, and teaching
the particular sciences which the individuals of
this section mean to pursue, with more minuteness
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    217

and detail than was within the scope of the general
schools for the second grade of instruction. In
these professional schools each science is to be
taught in the highest degree it has yet attained.
They are to be the

 1st Department, the fine arts, to wit: Civil
Architecture, Gardening, Painting, Sculpture, and
the Theory of Music; the

 ad Department, Architecture, Military and Naval;
Projectiles, Rural Economy (comprehending Agri-
culture, Horticulture and Veterinary), Technical
Philosophy, the Practice of Medicine, Materia
Medica, Pharmacy and Surgery. In the

 3d Department, Theology and Ecclesiastical
History; Law, Municipal and Foreign.

To these professional schools will come those
who separated at the close of their first elementary
course, to wit:

The lawyer to the law school.

The ecclesiastic to that of theology and eccle-
siastical history.

The physican to those of medicine, materia
medica, pharmacy and surgery.

The military man to that of military and naval
architecture and projectiles.

The agricultor to that of rural economy.

The gentleman, the architect, the pleasure gar-
dener, painter and musician to the school of fine
arts.

And to that of technical philosophy will come
 



218        Jefferson's Works

the mariner, carpenter, shipwright, pumpmaker,
clockmaker, machinist, optician, metallurgist,
founder, cutler, druggist, brewer, vintner, distiller,
dyer, painter, bleacher, soapmaker, tanner, powder-
maker, saltmaker, glassmaker, to learn as much
as shall be necessary to pursue their art under-
standingly, of the sciences of geometry, mechanics,
statics, hydrostatics, hydraulics, hydrodynamics,
navigation, astronomy, geography, optics, pneu-
matics, physics, chemistry, natural history, botany,
mineralogy and pharmacy.

 The school of technical philosophy will differ
essentially in its functions from the other profes-
sional schools. The others are instituted to ramify
and dilate, the particular sciences taught in the
schools of the second grade on a general scale only.
The technical school is to abridge those which were
taught there too much in extenso for the limited
wants of the artificer or practical man. These
artificers must be grouped together, according to
the particular branch of science in which they
need elementary and practical instruction; and
a special lecture or lectures should be prepared
for each group. And these lectures should be
given in the evening, so as not to interrupt the
labors of the day. The 'school, particularly, should
be maintained wholly at the public expense, on
the same principles with that of the ward schools.
Through the whole of the collegiate course, at
the hours of recreation on certain days, all the
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    219

students should be taught the manual exercise;
military evolutions and manoeuvers should be
under a standing organization as a military corps,
and with proper officers to train and command
them,

 A tabular statement of this distribution of the
sciences will place the system of instruction more
particularly in view:

 1st or Elementary Grade in the Ward Schools.
Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geography.
2d, or General Grade.

 1. Language and History, ancient and modern.

 2. Mathematics, viz: Mathematics pure, Physico-
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Anatomy, Theory
of Medicine, Zoology, Botany and Mineralogy.

 3. Philosophy, viz : Ideology, and Ethics, Law
of Nature and Nations, Government, Political
Economy.

        3d, or Professional Grades.

Theology and Ecclesiastical History; Law, Mun-
icipal and Foreign ; Practice of Medicine ; Materia
Medica and Pharmacy ; Surgery ; Architecture,
Military and Naval, and Projectiles; Technical
Philosophy ; Rural Economy ; Fine Arts.

 On this survey of the field of science, I recur
to the question, what portion of it we mark out
for the occupation of our institution? With the
first grade of education we shall have nothing to
do. The sciences of the second grade are our first
 



220        Jefferson's Works

object ; and, to adapt them to our slender beginnings,
we must separate them into groups, comprehending
many sciences each, and greatly more, zn the first
instance, than ought to be imposed on, or can
be competently conducted by a single professor
permanently. They must be subdivided from time
to time, as our means increase, until each professor
shall have no more under his care than he can
attend to with advantage to his pupils and ease
to himself. For the present, we may group the
sciences into professorships, as follows, subject,
however, to be changed, according to the qualifi-
cations of the persons we may be able to engage.

            I. Professorship.

 Languages and History, ancient and modern.

 Belles-Lettres, Rhetoric and Oratory.

           II. Professorship.

 Mathematics pure, Physico-Mathematics.

 Physics, Anatomy, Medicine, Theory.

           III. Professorship.

 Chemistry, Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy.

           IV. Professorship.

 Philosophy.

 The organization of the branch of the institu-
tion which respects its government, police and
economy, depending on principles which have no
affinity with those of its institution, may be the
subject of separate and subsequent consideration.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    221

 With this tribute of duty to the board of trustees,
accept assurances of my great esteem and con-
sideration.

          TO WILLIAM CARUTHERS.

            MONTICELLO, December 3, 1814.

SIR,-Your letter of Nov. 22 come to hand
yesterday afternoon only, and I sincerely regret
it had not been a single day earlier.

A few day after you called on me on your way
to the North, Dr. Thornton came and proposed
to lease the Natural Bridge for the purpose of
establishing a shot manufactory. I told him at
once you had applied for it for the same purpose
a few days before and must have a preference.
He expressed much concern at the disappoint-
ment, being then on his way to the lead mines tc
contract for lead. I at length agreed if he could
find a secondary situation on the bank I would
lease it to him, but that you must have the Bridge
if you chose it on your return as you were not
entirely decided when you passed on. I then had
occasion for the first time to turn my mind to the
principles on which a rent should be fixed, and
we agreed that. he should pay one hundred and
eighty dollars a year for a site.

 He went to the mines and contracted for the
whole lead which could be furnished there in one year
He called on me again the evening before last and
 



222        Jefferson's Works

still pressed for the Bridge. I considered that
when you went northwardly you were undecided,
that ' you were to let me know cn your return,
that you had been back some time and I had heard
nothing from you; Dr. Thornton informed me he
had spoken with a person in Richmond, who he
understood was to have had some concern with
you in the enterprise, who told him you had been
returned some time, had got no workmen and
that it seemed the speculation would not answer
and must be abandoned. He told me also it was
his purpose to propose to you a part of the concern,
if you chose it. Under these €circumstances I
really supposed the thing abandoned by you, and
that I ought not to lose a certain offer. I there-
fore executed a lease for five years to the Doctor
with which he had left me about six hours when
your letter came to hand.

This, Sir, is an exact statement of what has
passed on this occasion, and I sincerely regret that
I did not receive your letter a few hours only sooner,
as it was my desire and purpose to have given
you a preference to any other applicant what-
ever, and I shall be gratified if your taking part
in a joint concern should be more eligible to you
than one in rivalship, and especially after you had
been forestalled in the produce of the mines which,
of itself excluded every rival. I hope you will
find in these circumstances my excuse for acting
on the belief that you had abandoned your views
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     223

on this object, and that you will accept the assur-
ance of my great esteem and respect.

            TO B. S. BARTON.

           MONTICELLO, February 26, 1815.

 DEAR SIR,-Congress having concluded to replace
by my library the one they lost by British van-
dalism, it is now become their property and of
course my duty to collect and put in place what-
ever stood in the catalogue by which they pur-
chased. This renders it necessary for me to request
the return of Persoon's Botanical work of which
you asked the use some time ago. I am in hopes
you have been able to make it answer the purposes
for which you wished its use. If well enveloped
in strong paper it will come safely by mail.

 I congratulate you on the happy event of peace
and the great action of eclat at New Orleans by
which the war was closed. I hope the legislature
will take care of your city, now become of so much
importance by its manufactures. I have come to
a resolution myself as I hope every good citizen
will, never again to purchase any article of foreign
manufacture which can be had of American make
be the difference of price what it may. The
greatest obstacle I apprehend to our manufac-
tures is our slavish obsequiousness to British
fashions. The British stuffs in fashion will be
sent to us, and while our workmen are preparing
 



224        Jefferson's Works

to imitate them, the fashion will have vanished
and our belles and beaux be drawn off to some-
thing newer. This is .a great evil, but I fear an
irremediable one. It is the particular domain in
which the fools have usurped dominion over the
wise, and as they are in a majority they hold to
the fundamental law of the majority. Accept the
assurances of my constant esteem and respect.

         TO J. CORREA DE SERRA.

             MONTICELLO, January 1, 1816.

 I learned, my dear Sir, with inexpressible concern
on my arrival at home, that my detention in Bedford
had lost me the pleasure of your visit here. Having
heard nothing from you since our parting on the
Natural Bridge, I had supposed your return longer
delayed than you had expected, and that even,
possibly, your course might be so shaped as to
take Poplar Forest in your way. I hungered for
your observations on the country you had passed
over, and should not probably have been mistaken
in your estimate of it. It was additionally unlucky
that when you were at Monticello my family did
not observe the letters for you lying on my table,
some of them had been received, a considerable
time before, but not knowing your exact trajectory,
or in what part of it they might light on you, I
was afraid to risk them in the attempt. I now
inclose them and add a letter I wrote you under
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts      225

cover to Mr. Rhea, expecting it would get to Knox-
ville by mail before your arrival there as it probably
did. But Mr. Rhea being unfortunately absent on
a journey to the westward, you failed in the receipt
of it as in the benefit you might have derived from
his friendly attentions. He lately returned it to
me with expressions of his regret at having lost
the opportunity of being useful to you; and I
now enclose it only to show that the failure did
not proceed from want of attention in me. Not
knowing whether you may have arrived at Phila-
delphia when this gets there I put the whole under
cover to Mr. Vaughan.

The death of Dr. Barton revives my anxiety
to recover the MS. journals of Capt. Lewis for
the satisfaction of his family, and may at the same
time facilitate it. He had promised me sacredly
that he would see to its restoration; and as you
were so kind as to say you would attend to it on
your return to Philadelphia I now earnestly entreat
your aid for this object, knowing nothing of what
is doing, or intended to be done, as to the publication
of the papers respecting the natural history and
geography of the country, you will oblige me by
any information you can obtain on this subject.
The right to these papers is in the government
as may be seen by the instructions to Capt. . Lewis,
they were left in his hands that he might derive
to himself the pecuniary benefit of their publication,
on the presumption they would certainly be pub-

 vol. xix-15
 



226        Jefferson's Works

lished, if that presumption is to fail the govern-
ment must reclaim them ; and it is to. put this
object into an effective course that I wish for
information what is. doing, or likely to be done.
I know I should have the concurrence of General
Clarke in this, were he within the timely reach
of consultation, and I shall not fail to advise with
him as soon as I can do it understandingly.

 I am ashamed to ask whether your observations
or information as to the aisterns of Charlestown
can facilitate the perfecting of those I have con-
structed because by some accident which I cannot
ascertain, I lost the paper you were so kind as
to give me at Dowthwaites. You recollect our
situation there; I was shaving, changing my linen,
opening and doing up my baggage on the bed
when you put that paper into my hands. I
thought it certain that I put it into my pocket,
but when I got back to Poplar Forest I could not
find it. Whether it was Inst out of my pocket,
or laid and left on the bed I cannot say, but being
lost I am thrown again no your goodness to replace
it if you can.

What effect will the apparent restoration of
the Bourbons have on your movements? Will
it tempt your return? I do not see in this a resto-
ration of quiet; on the contrary I consider France
as in a more volcanic state than at any preceding
time, there must be an explosion and one of the
most destructive character. I look forward to
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    227

crimes more fierce and pitiless than those which
have already distinguished that bloody revolution.
These are not scenes, my dear friend, for you to
be thrown into. They have no analogies with the
tranquillity of your character. True, we cannot
offer you the scientific society of Paris, but who
can enjoy science, or who think of it in the midst
of insurrection, madness and massacre? Besides,
you possess all science within yourself; from others
you can get nothing new, and the pleasure of com-
municating it should be greatest where it is most
wanting. Stay then with us, become our instructor,
help us on in the paths of that science which is
wanting to our ripening character. You know
how much you are beloved and desired every-
where, welcome everywhere, but nowhere so
cordially as at Monticello. Come and make it
your home then, the place of rest and tranquillity,
from which, as your pre-des-tal, you can make
what excursions you please. You will find its
summers as moderate as those of Philadelphia,
and its winters more so. Had I arrived before
your departure I should have pressed your trial of it
for the present winter. A comfortable room in
a country of fuel, for retirement when you chose
it, and a sociable family full of affection and respect
for you, when tired of being alone, would have
made you forget the suspension of the season for
botanical rambling. Turn this subject in your
mind, my good friend, and let us have as much
 



228        Jefferson's Works

of the benefit of the result as shall be consistent
with your own happiness, and in all cases be assured
of my warm affection and respect.

          TO THOMAS APPLETON.

            MONTICELLO, January 14, 1816.

DEAR SIR,-Your letters of August 26 and Octo-
ber 25 have been both received. The condition
of my friend Mazzei, both of body and mind, is
really afflicting, of the former he had given me
some account himself, of the latter I was unapprised,
although his very advanced age, with such bodily
infirmities, might have given room to expect it.
It is unfortunate, too, that persons in that situation
are themselves the least and last sensible of it,
and injure their affairs and family by not knowing
when to give them up. Under the circumstances
you state, friendship to himself requires a co-ope-
ration with his family in keeping him and them
from injury. It is what he himself would have
approved in the sounder state of his mind. It is
unlucky that a little before the date, and two
months before the receipt of your first letter, I
had written to him assurances that he should
receive a third of his principal, with its interest,
in the ensuing spring, and the remaining two-thirds
at two annual installments after. Of course some
excuse must be found to him, when, according to the
request of his family, I remit the interest only in
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    229

the spring without the portion of the principal.
This may be found, perhaps, in the expediency
of his keeping something as a forlorn hope for
himself and his family in a country where all is
secure, until the affairs of Europe are more settled,
or in some motives of inconvenience to myself
which his friendship may admit. I will remit a
year's interest, therefore, in the spring through
your hands, and you will act on it for him and
his family, as you and they will find most practicable
and for the best. In this, and whatever else may
be best for his family, I beg you to assure them
they may rely on me, conscious that in serving
them I shall do for him what I would expect my
friends to do for me in a like situation.

 I wish it were in my power to hold up to Mr.
Bartholini a prospect of employment and emolu-
ment here worthy of his talent. Our early and
prolific marriages, and the justice of our laws
dividing the property of the parents equally among
all the children, place the body of our people in
ease .and happiness in the mass but occasion rare
instances of great individual wealth. You know
how unusual these instances are and how few
even among them have a taste for the fine arts.
There is at this time an Italian artist of the name
of Andiriani--or Franzioni, I do not know which
-lately gone from this country to Florence, Rome,
etc., in quest of artists to assist him in repairing
the Capitol at Washington, burnt by the British.
 



230        Jefferson's Works

He is one of two who were procured by Mr. Mazzei
and forwarded over by yourself about eight or ten
years ago. His object there at present is to obtain
architects only, and I name him merely because,
having resided here so long, he could be able to
give to Mr. Bartolini information of the country
the best adapted to his views.

 I note what you say of the bust of General Wash-
ington by Ciracchi and those of Columbus and
Vespucius, but I am done with dealing in marble.
An humble copy in plaster of Ciracchi's Wash-
ington would be my limit in that way. Perhaps
you can tell me what such an one would cost, I
may include it in some future remittance.

 For the present I confine myself to the physical
want of some good Montepulciano; and your
friendship has theretofore supplied me with that
which was so good that I naturally address my
want to you. In your letter of May 1, '05, you
mention that what you then sent me was produced
on grounds formerly belonging to the order of
Jesuits and sold for the benefit of the government
in 1773, at the time that that institution was
abolished. I hope it has preserved its reputation
and the quality of its wines. I send this letter to
my friend John Vaughan of Philadelphia, and
inclose with it to him fifty dollars to be remitted
to you, and I pray you to send me its amount in
Montepulciano in black bottles, well corked and
cemented, and in strong boxes, addressed to the
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    231

collector of any port from Boston to the Chesa-
peake, to which the first opportunity occurs.
Norfolk and Richmond being always to be pre-
ferred if a conveyance equally early offers. But
the warm season will be so fast advancing when
you receive this that no time will be to be lost.
Perhaps I may trouble you annually to about the
same amount, this being a very favorite wine.
and habit having rendered the light and high
flowered wines a necessity of life with me. I
salute you with assurances of my constant esteem
and respect.

           TO P. S. DUPONCEAU.

            MONTICELLO, January 22, 1816.

 DEAR SiR,-I have been for the last five months
absent from home, which must apologize for this
very tardy acknowledgment of your 'favor of
November 14. I learn with much satisfaction
the enlargement by the Philosophical Society of
the scope of their institution by the establishment
of a standing committee for history, the moral
sciences and genera! literature. I have always
thought that we were too much confined in practice
to the natural and mathematical departments.
This committee will become a depository for many
original MS., many loose sheets of no use by them-
selves and in the hands of the holders, but of great
value when brought into a general depot open to
 



232        Jefferson's Works.

the use of the future historian or literary inquirer.
I shall be very happy to contribute to the use-
fulness of your establishment by anything in my
possession or within the reach of my endeavors,
and I begin by inclosing you a geographical and
statistical account in MS. of the Creek or Muscogee
Indians and Country as it was in the years of '98
and '99. This was written by Colonel Hawkins
who has lived among them as agent now upwards
of twenty years. Besides a general interspersion
of observations on the state of society, manners and
opinion among them, there is in the latter part
an interesting account of their government and
ceremonies, civil and religious, the more valuable
as we have so little information of the civil regimen
of the Indian nations. I think it probable I may
find other things on my shelves, or among my
papers worth preserving with you, and will with
pleasure forward them from time to time as I lay
my hands on them.

 Of the MS. journal of the Commissioners of 1728
on the North Carolina boundary, I cannot give you
positive information. It has always been under-
stood that the Westover family possessed such a
journal written by their ancestor, Dr. Byrd, who
was one of the Commissioners, was the father of
the late Colonel William Byrd, a member of our
council, who died soon after the beginning of our
revolution. Dr. Byrd was the founder of the
Westover library and of the princely estate which
 


        Supplementary Manuscripts     233

was dissipated by his son, and has left behind
him the reputation of being a man of learning
and understanding. Within these two or three
years I was offered the reading of this MS. by
some one whom I cannot now recollect, but a con-
nection of the Westover family. I will make
enquiry into this and communicate to you the
result. Accept the assurance of my great respect
and esteem.

           TO ALBERT GALLATIN.

               MONTICELLO, April 11, 1816.

 DEAR SIR,-Your last favor is received just as
I am setting out for a possession ninety miles
southwardly, from whence I shall not return until
the first week of the ensuing month. I hasten,
therefore, to drop you a line of adieu. I sincerely
rejoice that you are going to France. I do not
think with you that nothing can be done there.
Louis XVIII is a fool and a bigot, but bating a
little duplicity he is honest and means well. He
cannot but feel the heavy hand of his masters,
and that it is England which presses it and
vaunts the having had the glory of effecting their
humiliation. His ministers, too, although ultra-
royalists, must feel as Frenchmen, although our
government is an eyesore to them, the pride
and pressure of England is more present to their
feelings, and they must be sensible that having
 



234        Jefferson's Works

a common enemy, an intimate connection with us
must be of value to them. England hates us,
dreads us, and yet is silly enough to keep us under
constant irritation instead of making us her friends.
She will use all her sway over the French Govern-
ment to obstruct our commerce with them, and
it is exactly there you can act with effect by keeping
that government informed of the truth in oppo-
sition to the lies of England.

 I thank you for your attention to my request
as to Mr. Terril. You judge rightly that I have
no acquaintances left in France. Some were guil-
lotined, some fled, some died, some are exiled
and I know of nobody but Lafayette. I correspond
with his connection M. Destutt Tracy, the ablest
writer in France in the moral line. Your acquaint-
ance with M. de Lafayette will of course bring
you to that of M. Tracy. Will you permit me
to tell you a long story and to vindicate me in
conversation to both those friends before whom
it is impossible, but that I must stand in need of it.

 M. Tracy has written the best work on political
economy which has ever appeared, he has estab-
lished its principles more demonstratively than
has been done before, and in the compass of one-
third of even M. Say's work. He feared to print
it in France and sent it to me to have it translated
a.nd printed here. I immediately proposed it to
Daune who engaged to have it done. After putting
me off from six months to six months hp at length

 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    235

(after two or three years delay) wrote me that
he had had it translated but was not able to print
it. I got from him the original and the translation
and proposed the publishing of it to Milligan of
Georgetown, promising to revise the translation
if he would undertake it. He agreed to it, and
when I came to look into the translation it had
been done by one who understood neither French
nor English, and I then rejoiced that Duane had
not published it; it would have been horrid. I
worked on it four or five hours a day for three
months comparing word by word with the original,
and, although I have made it a strictly faithful
translation, yet it is without style, le premier jet
was such as to render that impossible. I sent
the whole to Milligan about ten days ago and he
had informed me his type and everything was
ready to begin it. I have not the courage to write
to M. Tracy until I can send him a copy of the
book, and were I to write to M. Lafayette and
be silent on this subject they would conclude I
had abandoned it, but in truth I have never ceased
to urge it, indeed, I take great interest in its publi-
cation, its brevity will recommend it to our country-
men, and its logic set their minds to rights as to
principles and you know there in no science on
which they are so little informed. Now can you
remember all this, and will you be so good as to
place me erect again before my friends by a verbal
explanation?
 



236        Jefferson's Works

God bless you and give you a safe and pleasant
voyage and a safe return to us in the fullness of time.

I trouble you with two letters to Mr. Terril to
be forwarded to Geneva.

           TO J. F. DUMOULIN.

                MONTICELLO, May 7, 1816.

 SIR,-Your favor of April Ia is just received,
and with it the two copies of your treatise on
Naturalization and Allegiance, the one of which
has been delivered as you requested to Colonel
Randolph and for the other be pleased to accept
my thanks. From a cursory view I promise my-
self great pleasure in reading it, as well from its
logic as its learning on these subjects. We cannot
but think alike, and I permit myself to doubt
whether there is a man in the world who thinks
otherwise; provided he has thought at all on the
subject, has turned inwardly on himself and ascer-
tained whether he has not there found the same
innate feeling of right to live on the outside of
an artificial geographical line as he has to live
within it; whether he finds there any stronger
sentiment of right to use his own faculties at all
than of that to use them in whatever place he
can do it to the greatest promotion of his own
happiness; whether he feels any obligation to die
by disease or famine in one country rather than
go to another where he can live?
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    237

 The family accepts with thankfulness the kind
expression of your remembrance of them, and
joins me in assuring you that we consider our-
selves as the debtors for the visit you did us the
favor to make the last autumn, and in assurance
of great esteem and respect.

      TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.

               MONTICELLO, May 17, 1816.

 I received, my dear friend, yesterday evening
only, your letter of January 21, and this day I write
to a bookseller in Philadelphia to send immediately
for you two copies of the Anonymous Review of
Montesquieu, under cover to Mr. Gallatin, if he
be not gone. In a letter to him lately I begged
of him to say to yourself and M. T. that I had
not the courage to write to either of you until I
could send a copy of the work on political economy,
which I have been so long endeavoring to get
printed.

 I will state to you, however, the simple fact.
I proposed to the same editor at Philadelphia to
translate and print this, who had done the former
work; he undertook it. After time enough had
elapsed, as I thought, to have heard of its publication,
I wrote to ask when it would appear? At such
a time it was answered. It is needless to repeat
to you the subsequent reiterated application, excuses
and promises, they ended finally in a declaration
 



238        Jefferson's Works

that the work was translated but that he could
not print it. I then desired a return of the work;
it was sent to me with the translation. I then
engaged a person in Washington to print it, offering
if he would, to revise the translation myself. He
has undertaken it, but when I came to look into
the translation, I found it such as had never been
seen. It had been done by a person who under-
stood neither French nor English. I entered on
the corrections, and had got too far into it before
I became sensible it would have been shorter for
me to have translated it anew. I spent five hours
a day on it for between two and three months.
I was able at length to make it faithful to the text
but not elegant, le premier jet rendered that impos-
sible. It has been in the hands of the editor about
a month, but as he is to send me  the proof sheets
for correction successively as they come out and
by mail, it will employ the summer and autumn
probably.

 Nothing has been spared which depended on
me and had I resided where the publication was
undertaken I could, by daily attention, have soon
seen into the fact and cause of delay and have
remedied them. But at the distance of 300 miles
from Philadelphia, unable to get information but
such as the undertaker chose to give, and through
the public mail, I was quite at his mercy. Still
I shall think my trouble and vexation well requited
by possessing my countrymen of such a work.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     239

Its principles are so profound, so logically demon-
strated and so briefly expressed that it must become
the elementary book of the world for the science
of political economy, as the other will be of that
of government. The very metaphysical character
of the prefatory pieces may deter some readers
not in the habit of abstract contemplation, while
it will be highly satisfactory to those which are.
The indications, however, are sufficient which show
the former where the part of the work begins which
will be interesting to them and levelled to com-
prehensions 'less exercised in speculations of this
character.

 In this plain statement I hope yourself and
your friend will find an apology for the delays
which have taken place in sending you this work.
With respect to the Commentary on Montesquieu
there is a fact of some note. You are aware that
the Edinburgh Review is considered as the ablest
work of that kind which has ever been published.
Means were taken to place this work in the hands
of the editor but while the work itself and the
principles of his review permitted him to say nothing
against it, its being an American publication was
ground enough to avoid saying anything in its
favor. They have, therefore, not even mentioned
it in their monthly catalogue of new publications.
Such are the feelings of that country toward us.

 Uncertain whether Mr. Gallatin is yet gone,
and of course whether this letter will reach him
 



240        Jefferson's Works

in time, or go by some other conveyance, it is
most prudent to say little in politics. That the
violations of all rights committed on the con-
tinent by France under the directions of Bonaparte,
as well as those on the ocean by England, merited
a proper measure of retaliation and punishment,
I imagine yourselves are sensible. On England
it is yet to come, and on France had it proceeded
but a reasonable length, justice would not have
condemned it, but it has passed that term. The
continuation of it becomes aggression, arid the
allies have gone on to commit equal violations
on independent nations with those of Bonaparte.
If there were another world to do it, the same
crusade ought now to be undertaken against them
which they enlisted against France. Still I believe
the loss of the battle of Waterloo was the salvation
of France. Had Bonaparte obtained the victory,
his talents, his egoism and destitution of all moral
principle would have rivetted a military despotism
on your necks. In your present situation you
will affect a constitution in which the will of the
nation shall have an organized control over the
actions of its government, and its citizens a regular
protection against its oppressions.

 I dare add no more, but my prayers for
the events, and that your steady pursuits of this
object may be rewarded by the happiness of your
seeing it realized before you sing your nunc
dimittis.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    241

           TO FRANCIS EPPES.

              MONTICELLO, May 21, 1816.

I send you, my dear Francis, a Greek grammar,
the best I know for the use of schools. It is the
one most generally used in the United States. I
expect you will begin it soon after your arrival
at the New London academy. You might, while
at home, amuse yourself with learning the letters
and spelling and reading the Greek words, so that
you may not be stopped by that when Mr. Mitchell
puts you into the grammar.

I think you will like him and old Mr. and Mrs.
Dehavens, from the character I have of them.
I am sure Mr. Mitchell will do everything for you
he can, and I have no fear that you will not do
full justice to his instruction. But while you
endeavor, by a good store of learning to prepare
yourself to become an useful and distinguished
member of your country, you must remember
that this can never be without uniting merit with
your learning. Honesty, disinterestedness and good
nature are indispensable to procure the esteem
and confidence of those with whom we live, and
on whose esteem our happiness depends. Never
suffer a thought to be harbored in your mind which
you would not avow openly. When tempted to
do anything in secret ask yourself if you would
do it in public. If you would not be sure it is wrong.
In little disputes with your companions, give way

  VOL. XIX-I 6
 



242        Jefferson's Works

rather than insist on trifles. For their love and
the approbation of others will be worth more
to you than the trifle in dispute. Above all
things, and at all times, practice yourself in good
humor. Whenever you feel a warmth of temper
rising check it at once, and suppress it, recollecting
it will make you unhappy within yourself and
disliked by others. Nothing gives one person so
great advantage over another as to remain always
cool and unruffled under all circumstances. Think
of these things, practice them, and you will be
rewarded by the love and confidence of the world.

 I have some expectation of being at Poplar
Forest the third week of June, when I hope I shall
see you going on cleverly and already beloved by
your tutor, curators and companions, as_ you are
by, yours affectionately.

           TO JAMES BARBOUR.

            MONTICELLO, January 19, 1817,

 DEAR SIR,-Your favor of the 9th is received
by our last mail. I have been very long and
intimately acquainted with Colonel Trumbull, have
had the best opportunity of knowing him thor-
oughly and can therefore bear witness of my own
knowledge to his high degree of worth as a man.
For his merit as a painter I can quote higher author-
ities, and assure you that on the continent of
Europe, when I was there, he was considered as
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     243

superior to West. Baron Grimm, who was the
oracle of taste at Paris, in sculpture, painting and
the other fine arts generally, gave him the decided
preference, and came often to my house in Paris
while Colonel Trumbull was with me, to see his
paintings. I pretend not to be a connoisseur in
the art myself, but comparing him with others
of that day I thought him superior to any historical
painter of the time except David. It is in the
historical line only that I am acquainted with
his painting. In England, West was preferred by
the king to whom all others followed suit.

 The subjects on which Colonel Trumbull has em-
ployed his pencil are honorable to us, and it would
be extremely desirable that they should be; retained
in this country as monuments of the taste as well
as of the great revolutionary scene of our country.

 You know how averse I am to be quoted on any
occasion, yet as far as my testimony to Colonel
Trumbull's worth can be of any avail by using
it in private circles you are entirely free to do so
as a just tribute to truth and worth. Accept my
friendly and respectful salutations.

            TO JAMES MONROE.

                MONTICELLO, April 8, 1817.

 DEAR SIR,--I shall not waste your time in idle con-
gratulations. You know my joy on the commitment
of the helm of our Government to your hands.
 



244        Jefferson's Works

 I promised you when I should have received
and tried the wines I had ordered from France,
and Italy to give you a note of the kinds which
I should think worthy of your procurement; and
this. being the season for ordering them, so that
they may come in the mild temperature of autumn,
I now fulfil my promise.

 They are the following:

 Vin blanc liquoureux d'Hermitage de M. Fourdan
a Tanis. This costs about eighty-two and a half
cents a bottle put on shipboard.

 Vin de Ledarion (In Languedoc) something of
the port character but higher flavored, more deli-
cate, less rough. I do not know its price, but
probably about twenty-five cents a bottle.

 Vin de Roussillon. The best is that of Perpignan
or Rives alte of the crop of M. Durand. It costs
seventy-two cents a gallon, bears bringing in a
cask. If put into bottles there it costs eleven
cents a bottle more than if bottled here by an
inexplicable and pernicious arrangement of our tariff.

 Vin de Nice. The crop called Bellet, of Mr.
Sasterno; is the best. This is the most elegant
every-day wine in the world and costs thirty-one
cents the bottle. Not much being made it is little
known at the general markets..

Mr. Cathalan of Marseilles is the best channel
for getting the first three of these wines and a good
one for the Nice, being in their neighborhood and
knowing well who makes the crops of best quality.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     245

The Nice being a wine foreign to France occa-
sions some troublesome forms. If you could get
that direct from Sasterno himself at Nice, it would
be better. And, by the bye, he is very anxious
for the appointment of consul for the United
States at that place. I knew his father well, one
of the most respectable merchants and men of the
place. I hear a good character of the son, who
has succeeded to his business. He understands
English well, having passed some time in a counting
house in London for improvement. I believe we
have not many vessels going to that port annually
and yet as the appointment brings no expense to
the United States, and is sometimes salutary to
our merchants and seamen, I see no objection to
naming one there.

There is still another wine to be named to you,
which is the wine of Florence called Montepulciano,
with which Mr. Appleton can best furnish you.
There is a particular very best crop of it known
to him and which he has usually sent to me. This
costs twenty-five cents per bottle. He knows, too,
from experience how to have it so bottled and
packed as to ensure its bearing the passage which
in the ordinary way it does not. I have imported
it through him annually ten or twelve years and
do not think I have lost one bottle in one hundred:

 I salute you with all my wishes for a prosperous
and splendid voyage over the ocean on which you
are embarked, and with sin.cere prayers for the
continuance of your life and health.
 



246        Jefferson's Works

         TO JOSEPH DELAPLAINE.

              MONTICELLO, April 12, 1817.

DEAR SIR,-My repugnance is so invincible to
be saying anything of my own history as if worthy
to occupy the public attention that I have suffered
your letter of March 17, but not received till March
z 8, to lie thus long without resolution enough to
take it up. I indulged myself at some length on
a former occasion because it was to repel a calumny
still sometimes repeated after the death. of its
numerous brethren, by which a party at one time
thought they could vote me down, deeming even
science itself as well as my affection for it a fit
object of ridicule and a disqualification for the
affairs of government. I still think that many
of the objects of our inquiry are too minute for
public notice. The number of names and ages of
my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
etc., would produce fatigue and disgust to your
readers of which I would be an unwilling instru-
ment, it will certainly be enough to say that
from one daughter living and another deceased, I
have a numerous family of grandchildren and an
increasing one of great-grandchildren.     ,

 I was married on New Year 's day of 1772, and
Mrs. J. died in the autumn of 1782. I was educated
at William and Mary College, in Williamsburg.
I read Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish and
English of course, with something of its radics,
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    247

the Anglo-Saxon. I became a member of the
legislature of Virginia in 1769 at the accession of
Lord Botetourt to our government. I could not
readily make a statement of the literary societies
of which I am a member, they are many and would
be long to enumerate and would savor too much
of vanity and pedantry. Would it not be better
to say merely that I am a member of many literary
societies in Europe and America.

 Your statements of the corrections of the Decla-
ration of Independence by Dr. Franklin and Mr.
Adams are neither of them at all exact. I should
think it better to say generally that the rough
draft was communicated to those two gentlemen,
who each of them made two or three short and
verbal alterations only, but even this is laying
more stress on mere composition than it merits,
for that alone was mine. The sentiments were of
all America. I already possess a portrait of Mr.
Adams, done by our countryman Brown when
we were both in England, and have no occasion,
therefore, for the copy you propose to me. Accept
my apologies for not going more fully into the
minutiae of your letter. With my friendly and
respectful salutations.
 



248        Jefferson's Works

         TO JEAN BAPTISTE SAY.

               MONTICELLO, May 14., 1817.

DEAR SIR,-Your letter of June 15, 1814, came
to my hands on the 9th of December following,
and that of August 22d of the same year was received
on the 11th of May, ' 15. In the meantime I had
answered the former on the 2d of March and had
gone fully into all details in the line of information
to which your enquiries had led, stating every-
thing on the subject of prices, articles of culture,
climate, society, etc., which I thought would aid
your determination on the question of removal.
This letter was committed to the care of a Mr.
Ticknor, a young gentleman of Boston, who was
on the point of embarking for France; but before
actual embarkation peace taking place with England,
he went first to that country and thence to Got-
tingen where I expect he has continued to about
this time. How this letter was conveyed to you,
or whether you ever received it, I am uninformed,
but a fear that it might have miscarried has led
me to this recapitulation that in that case you
might know the truth and be assured I was incapable
of omitting to comply with your request of informa-
tion on points so interesting to you.

The only changes since occurring as to any par-
ticulars of that information has been in our cir-
culating medium, which, from the wretched state
it was then in has become much worse by the great
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    249

increase of bank paper in circulation and consequent
advance of normal prices; and that advance of
such uncertainty as that nothing can now be esti-
mated in that medium. I add this to the information
formerly given on the possibility that you may
still contemplate a removal, and can assure you
that your arrival here would be hailed with universal
welcome and by none with more than by myself.

 I rejoice that the book, of which you were so
kind as to send me a copy, is becoming known
here, begins to be much read, and really see in that
circumstance chiefly a prospect, however distant,
that our rulers will come in time to understand
the subject and to apply the remedy which is in
their power only. A shorter work of Mr. Tracy's
on the same subject is in course of publication,
and will co-operate with yours to the same end.

 For the conveyance of this letter I avail myself
of the kindness of its bearer, Mr. Lyman, a young
gentleman of Boston who proposes to visit France
for his health. He is not personally known to
me, but is much recommended on the part of Mr.
Adams, former President of the United States.
He speaks of him as a young man of great worth
and promise and whose ardor in pursuit of science
has produced that derangement of health which
occasions his visit to Europe. In proposing to
him to be the bearer of a letter to you he naturally
wished an introduction to a character of such an
advantageous standing in the literary world, and
 



250        Jefferson's Works

to place the honor of being made known to you
among the rewards of his voyage.

 Be so good then as to receive him into your
notice, and to indulge a desire on his part produced
by motives of veneration for your character, and
accept the assurances of my great respect and
esteem.

          TO JOSEPH C. CABELL.

            MONTICELLO, October 24, 1817.

DEAR SIR,-YOURS of the 14th came to hand
two days ago. Soon after you left us, I received
the pamphlet you were so kind as to have directed
to me, containing several papers on the establish-
ment of a system of education.

A serious perusal of the bill for that purpose
convinced me that unless something less extrava-
gant could be devised the whole undertaking must
fail. The primary schools alone on that plan
would exhaust the whole funds, the colleges as
much more, and an university would never come
into question. However slow and painful the
operation of writing is become from a stiffening
wrist, and however deadly my aversion to the
writing-table, I determined to try whether I could
not contrive a plan more within the compass of
our funds. I send you the result brought into
a single bill lest by bringing it on by detachment
some of the parts might be lost.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    251

 You ask if we should not associate with it the
petty academies and colleges spread over the State
in order to engage their interest ? Why should we ?
For their funds ? They have none. Scarcely any of
them have funds to keep their buildings in repair.
They depend on what they get from their students.
Aggregated to our regular system they would make
it like the image of brass and clay substances
which never amalgamate. They would only em-
barrass and render our colleges impracticable. I
have always found it best never to permit a rational
plan to be marred by botching. You would lose
on the vote more honest friends than you would
reconcile dishonest enemies, under which term I
include those who would sacrifice the public good
to a local interest. However, take it and make
of it what you can if worth anything. Communicate
it also to Mr. Rives if you please. I meddle no
more with it. There is a time to retire from labor
and that time is come with me. It is a duty, as
well as the strongest of my desires, to relinquish
to younger hands the government of our bark
and resign myself as I do willingly to their care.

 Our Central College gives me more employ-
ment than I am equal to. The dilatoriness of
the workmen gives me constant trouble. It has
already brought into doubt the completion this
year of the building begun, which obliges me to
be with them every other day. I follow it up
from a sense of the impression which will be made
 



252        Jefferson's Works

on the legislature by the prospect of its immediate
operation. The walls should be done by our next
court, but they will not, by a great deal. We
hope to see you then. En attendant, I salute you
with friendship and respect.

P. S. I drew a plan of a college in its dormitories,
such as the bill calls for, to demonstrate that it
will not cost more than the sum allotted.

            TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

                (WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD).

                    MONTICELLO, January 5, 1818.
DEAR SIR,-The death of General Kosciusko,
which I see announced in the papers in a form
leaving no doubt of its truth, makes it' a duty
in me to trouble you with this letter.

         He possessed; as you know, a considerable sum
of money in our funds. When he left the United
States in 1790 he authorized me, by a power of
attorney, to superintend the transaction of his
business here which has accordingly been done
through the agency of Mr. Barnes, under my direc-
tion and sanction. But he, at the same time,
left with me an autograph will making an elecmo-
sinary disposition of his property, of which will
he named me executor. Some doubts arise in my
mind as to the court in which this will must be
proved and myself qualified to execute it. As it
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    253

is essential that this should be in a court which
the government will think of complete cognizance
of the case, to authorize their placing the money
under the trust, I have taken the liberty of stating
the case to the Attorney-General, who is particu-
larly acquainted with our laws, by whose advice
and your sanction I wish to be governed. The
hope that this probate and qualification in our
state courts will be sufficient is nourished by me
merely in consideration of the difficulty with which
I could take a long journey.

Although General Kosciusko in his last letter
to me of September 15 uses expressions which
show that his purpose had not been changed, yet
I shall withhold proving the will until I shall hear
particulars from the friends in his confidence who
were probably about him at the time of his death,
and who will doubtless inform me of the event
and of any particulars which ought to be known.

 I pray you to be assured of my highest esteem
and consideration.

       TO GENERAL JOHN ARMSTRONG.

            MONTICELLO, January 17, 1818.

DEAR SIR,-Your favor of the 4th was received
on the 12th. General Kosciusko on leaving the
United States in 1798 left in my hands an auto-
graph will disposing of his property in the United
States to a charitable purpose, of which will he
 


254        Jefferson's Works

made me executor. His residence under one
government, his property in another and his
executor in a third induced me to write to the
Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney-General
of the United States to know where the probate
of the will should be to authorize their placing
the money in the public funds under its directions.
I expect their answer but am not decided to under-
take the trust; its execution will call for a great
many minute and continued attentions and many
more years to complete than I have to live. How-
ever, in whatever hands the administration may
be I presume the claim of your son will meet with
no difficulty or delay, the money being ready
whenever an authority shall be complete for receiving
and paying it, and of this as soon as determined
I will advise you, being happy in every occasion of
assuring you, of my continued affection and respect.

           TO COUNT DUGNANI

             (PAPAL NUNCIO)

           MONTICELLO, February 14,  1818.

 MY DEAR CARDINAL,-In March, 1818, I took
the liberty of addressing a letter to you by Dr.
Barton, a member of our Philosophical Society,
distinguished for his science, who visited Europe
for his health and expected to go as far as Rome.
I was happy in the opportunity he furnished me
of presenting myself to your recollection and of
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     255

renewing to you the assurances of the sentiments
of friendship and respect engraved on my mind
during our residence at Paris, and of their cordial
continuance. But I doubt whether Dr. Barton
reached Rome, as the aggravation of his malady
induced an early return which was followed
immediately by his death.

 A few days ago I received a letter from M.
Marechal, Archbishop of Baltimore, in which he
informs me that besides your friendly expressions
toward me on his leaving Paris some years ago,
you had in a letter of September last made kind
enquiries after myself and my family. I feel a
pleasure as well as a duty in answering these myself.
Since my retirement in 1809 from all public duties
I have enjoyed uninterrupted good health and
retain as much activity of body and mind as,
at the age of 74, we have a right to expect. My
eldest daughter, who had the honor of being known
to you in Paris, lives also and in good health and
has blessed me with many grandchildren, and some
of these have commenced another generation.

 My last information from yourself directly was
by the return .of two young Americans educated
at Rome who bore witness to your friendly patronage
of them, and brought me from you the two exquisite
engravings of Belisarius and Moncada, chef d'oeuvres
of that art, which, placed among the ornaments
of my house, renew to me daily the memory of
your friendship.
 



256        Jefferson's Works

 During the terrible revolutions of Europe I felt
great anxiety for you, and have never yet learnt
with certainty how far they affected you. Your
letter to the Archbishop being from Rome and so
late as September makes me hope that all is well,
and thanks be to God the tiger who revelled so
long in the blood and spoils of Europe is at length,
like another Prometheus, chained to his rock,
where the vulture of remorse for his crimes will
be preying on his vitals and in like manner without
consuming them. Having been, like him, intrusted
with the happiness of my country, I feel the blessing
of resembling him in no other point. I have not
caused the death .of five or ten millions of human
beings, the devastation of other countries, the
depopulation of my own, the exhaustion of all
its resources, the destruction of its liberties, nor
its foreign subjugation. All this he has done to
render more illustrious the atrocities perpetrated
for illustrating himself and his family with plundered
diadems and sceptres. On the contrary, I have
the consolation to reflect that during the period
of my administration not a drop of the blood of
a single fellow citizen was shed by the sword of
war or of the law, and that after cherishing for
eight years their peace and prosperity I laid down
their trust of my own accord and in the midst
of their blessings and importunities to continue in
it. But, beginning to be sensible of the effect of
age, I feared that its infirmities might injure their
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    257

interests and believed the example would be salutary
against inveteration in office, and I now enjoy in
retirement the comfort of their good will and of
a conscience calm and without reproach. I have
thus, my dear Cardinal, given you the information
you have requested, and nothing but that request
could have justified so much egoism. In return
you cannot gratify me so much as by saying as
much to me of yourself in whose welfare I take
cordial interest.

 Before closing my letter I will take the liberty
of requesting that if Mr. George Ticknor, a young
American, should be yet at Rome, as I think is
possible, you will do me the favor of extending
to him your countenance and protection while
there. His science, his talents, the worth and
correctness of his character, place him among the
ornaments and the hopes of our country; and
my particular friendship for him will add, I trust,
a motive the more for your notice of him. I
should have given him a letter to you but that
having been three years on his travels through
Europe I could not with certainty convey it to
him. He was to pass this present winter in Italy
chiefly and at Rome, and I fear indeed, he may
have left it before he can receive this proof of my
attention to him, or of your friendship to me.
In every event, however, accept, my dear Cardinal,
the assurance of my constant and affectionate
friendship and the homage of my high consideration.

  VOL. XIX--17
 



258        Jefferson's Works

           TO ALBERT GALLATIN.

            MONTICELLO, February 15, 1818.
DEAR SIR,-I take the liberty of putting under
the protection of your cover a letter to Cardinal
Dugnani at Rome, in the hope that through the
Nuncio resident at Paris it may find a sure con-
veyance to him. In return for this trouble I wish
I could give you any news which would interest
you, but withdrawn entirely from all attention
to public affairs, I neither know nor enquire what
Congress are doing. You will probably know this
better than myself from the newspapers, which I
have ceased to read in a great degree. A single
measure in my own State has interested me much.
Our legislature some time ago appropriated a
fund of a million and a half dollars to a system
of general education. After two or three projects
proposed and put by I ventured to offer one which,
although not adopted, is printed and published
for general consideration to be taken up at the next
session. It provides an elementary school in every
neighborhood of fifty or sixty families, a college
for the languages, mensuration, navigation and
geography within a day 's ride of every man 's
house, and a central university of the sciences
for the whole State of eight, ten or twelve pro-
fessors. But it has to encounter ignorance; malice,
egoism, fanaticism, religious, political and local
perversities.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    259

 In one piece of general information which I am
sure will give you pleasure I can add mine to the
testimony of our other correspondents. Federalism
is substantially defunct. Opposition to the war,
the Hartford Convention, the peace of Ghent,
and the battle of Orleans, have revolted the body
of the people who called themselves federalists
against their leaders, and these have sunk into
insignificance or acquiescence under the govern-
ment. The most signal triumph is in Connecticut
where it was least and last expected. As some tub,
however, must always be thrown out to the whale,
and a religious one is fittest to recall the priesthood
within their proper limits, the questions of unity
and trinity are now set afloat in the Eastern States,
and are occupying there all the vehemence of the
genius irratabile ratum. This is food for the fools,
amusement to the wise and quiet to the patriot,
while the light of the age will prevent danger from
the flame it kindles. The contest, too, must issue in
triumph of common sense over the unintelligible
jargon of Gothic fanaticism. Ever and affection-
ately yours.

           TO JACOB BIGELOW.

              MONTICELLO, April 11, 1818

I thank you, Sir, for the comparative statement
of the climates of the several States as deduced
from observations on the flowering of trees in the
 



260        Jefferson's Works

same year. It presents a valuable view and one
which it is much to be desired could be extended
through a longer period of years and embrace a
greater number of those circumstances which
indicate climate.

 I closed the year before last a seven years' course
of observations intended to characterize the climate
of this State, which though very various in its
various parts may be considered as reduced to a
mean at this place nearly central to the whole. In
return' for your favor I transcribe the heads of
observation which I thought requisite and some of
the general results with the assurance of my high
respect and esteem:

 1. The greatest and least height of the thermometer every day.

 2. The greatest, least and mean height of the thermometer in every
month, with the mean of each year and the mean of the seven years
which last was 55Ço.

 3. The minimum and maximum of the whole term, to wit :. 5 Ço and
94.5

 4. The number of freezing nights in a winter (50) and of freezing
days ( I o).

 5. How long fires are necessary in our apartments, to wit : 4 months
constant, and on evening and morning of month before and after that
time.

 6, The earliest frost in autumn Oct. 7-26, and the latest in spring
Mar. I 9-May 1.

 7. The earliest ice in autumn Oct. 24-Nov. Ig, and latest in spring
Mar. 8-Apr. I o.

 8. The quantity of water falling in a year, average 47.218

 9. The number of rains in the year, 89.

 10. The number of fair days average 5 to the week.             €

 11. The number of snow 22.5 inches average covers the ground

22 days.

 12. The number of days each wind prevailed through the year,

 



        Supplementary Manu scripts   261

 13. The flowering of plants, ripening of their fruit and coming to
table of the products of the garden, arrival of birds, insects, etc.

 sq. The temperature of the springs 54.5 degrees, the winter air being at 75
degrees.

 15. The latitude of the place of observation (Monticello) 37 degrees 57'
51" -26".

Extract from Number 13:
The peach blossoms Mar. 9 - Apr. 4.
The tick appears Mar. 15- Apr. 2.
The house martin Mar. 18 - Apr. 9.
Asparagus come to table Mar. 23-Apr. 14.
The lilac blooms Apr. 1- Apr. 28.
The red bud blooms Apr. 2-19.
The whip-poor-will is heard Apr. 2-21.
The dogwood blossoms Apr. 3-22.
The locust blossoms Apr. 25-May 17.
Garden pea comes to table (unforced) May 3-25.
Strawberries ripe May 3-25.
Fireflies appear May 8.
Cherries ripe May 18-25.
Wheat harvest begins June 21-29.
Cucumbers at table (unforced) June 22-25.
Peaches ripe July 7-21.
Katydids or sawyers heard July 14-20.

        ³Average of        ³every Mo.        ³Prevailence of the
        ³        ³        ³several winds stated
        ³        ³        ³in days of
        ³therm.        ³ Rain        ³ year
ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÅÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ
Jan........        ³36        ³3.66        ³
Feb........        ³40        ³3.47        ³      N.   61
Mar........        ³46        ³2.92        ³   N. E.   29
April......        ³56.5        ³3.59        ³      E.   15
May........        ³61.5        ³5.60        ³   S. E.   16
June.......        ³72        ³3.47        ³      S.   60
July.......        ³75        ³6.56        ³   S. W.   66
Aug........        ³73        ³4.06        ³      W.   47
Sept.......        ³67        ³5.96        ³   N. W.   71
Oct........        ³57        ³3.40        ³          ----
Nov........        ³45.5        ³2.92        ³           365
Dec........        ³37        ³1.56        ³

 



262        Jefferson's Works

       TO CHARLES JARED INGERSOLL.

               MONTICELLO, July 20, 1818.

SIR,-On my return the day before yesterday
after a long absence from this place, I found here
your favor of July 4 with the two Chinese works
from Mr. Wilcox which accompanied it. I pray
you to accept my thanks for the trouble you have
taken in forwarding them, and if you are in cor-
respondence with Mr. Wilcox and should have
other occasion to write to him I must request you
to express to him my sense of his kind attention
in sending me these works.

 They are real curiosities and give us a better
idea of the state of science in China than the relations
of travellers have effected. It is surely impossible
that they can make much progress with characters
so complicated, so voluminous and inadequate as
these are. It must take a life to learn the char-
acters only and then their expression of ideas
must be very imperfect. I imagine that some
fortuitous circumstance will some day call their
attention to the simple alphabets of Europe, which
with proper improvements may be made to express
the sounds of their language as well as of others,
and that then they may enter on the field of science.
I think missionaries to instruct them in our alpha-
bets would be more likely to take good effect and
lead them to the object of our religious missionaries
than an abrupt introduction of new doctrines for
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     263

which their minds are in no wise prepared. With
my thanks be pleased to accept the assurance
of my great esteem and respect.

           TO JOSEPH MILLIGAN.

            MONTICELLO, OCTOBER 25, 1818.

 SIR,-I now return you, according to promise,
the translation of M. Destutt Tracy's Treatise on
Political Economy, which I have carefully revised
and corrected. The numerous corrections of sense
in the translation have necessarily destroyed
uniformity of style, so that all I may say on that
subject is that the sense of the author is every-
where now faithfully expressed. It would be
difficult to do justice, in any translation, to the
style of the original, in which no word is unnecessary,
no word can be changed for the better, and severity
of logic results in that brevity to which we wish
all science reduced. The merit of this work will,
1 hope, place it in the hands of every reader in our
country. By diffusing sound principles of Political
Economy, it will protect the public industry from
the parasite institutions now consuming it, and
lead us to that just and regular distribution of
the public burdens from which we have sometimes
strayed. It goes forth, therefore, with my hearty
prayers that while the Review of Montesquieu,
by the same author, is made with us the elementary
book of instruction in the principles of civil govern-
 



264        Jefferson's Works

ment, so the present work may be in the particular
branch of Political Economy.

         TO NATHANIEL BOWDITCH.

            MONTICELLO, October 26, 1818.

 DEAR SIR,-I have for some time owed you a
letter of thanks for your learned pamphlet on
Dr. Stewart 's formula for obtaining the sun 's
distance from the motion of the moon's apsides,
a work, however, much above my mathematical
stature. This delay has proceeded from a desire
to address you on an interest much nearer home,
and on the subject of which .I must make a long
story.

On a private subscription of about fifty or sixty
thousand dollars we began the establishment of
what we called the Central College, about a mile
from the village of Charlottesville and four miles
from this place, and have made some progress
in the buildings. The legislature at their last
session took up the subject and passed an act
establishing an University, endowing it for the
present with an annuity of fifteen thousand dollars
and directing commissioners to meet to recommend
a site, a plan of buildings, the professorships
necessary for teaching all the branches of science
at this day deemed useful, etc.

The commissioners by a vote of sixteen for
the Central College, two for a second place and
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    265

three for a third adopted that for the site of the
University. They approved by an unanimous vote
the plan of building begun at that place, and agreed
on such a distribution of the sciences as it was
thought might bring them all within the com-
petence of ten professors; and no doubt is enter-
tained of a confirmation by the legislature at their
meeting in December. The plan of building is
not to erect one single magnificent building to
contain everybody, and everything, but to make
of it an, academical village, in which every pro-
fessor should have his separate house, containing
his lecturing room with two, three or four rooms
for his own accommodation according as he may
have a family or no family; with kitchen, garden,
etc., distinct dormitories for the students, not
more than two in a room and separate boarding-
houses for dieting them by private housekeepers.
We concluded to employ no professor who is not
of the first order of the science he professes, that
when we can find such in our own country we
shall prefer them and when we cannot we will
procure them wherever else to be found.

The standing salary proposed is of one thousand
to fifteen hundred dollars with twenty-five dollars
tuition fee from each student attending any pro-
fessor, with house, garden, etc., free of rent. We
believe that our own State will furnish five
hundred students, and having good information
that it will be the resort of all the Western and
 



266        Jefferson's Works

Southern States, we count on as many more
from them, when in full operation. But as the
schools will take time to fill, we propose that until
the tuition fees with the salary shall amount to
two thousand dollars we will make up that deficiency
so as to ensure two thousand dollars from the
outset.

 The soil in this part of the country is as fertile
as any upland soil in any of the maritime States,
inhabited fully by a substantial yeomanry of
farmers (tobacco long since given up) and being
at the first ridge of mountains there is not a healthier
or more genial climate in the world. Our maximum
of heat and that only of one or two days in summer
is about 96, the minimum in winter is 5.5, but the
mean of the months of June, July, August is 72,
75, 73, and of December, January, February is 45,
36, 40. The thermometer is below 55 (the fire
point) four months in the year and about a month
before and after that we require fire in the mornings
and evenings. Our average of snow is 22 inches,
covering the ground as many days in the winter.
The necessaries of life are extremely cheap, but dry-
goods and groceries excessively dear, which renders
it prudent to draw them directly from Philadelphia,
New York or Boston, as they come to our doors
by water. Our religions are Presbyterian, Metho-
dist, Baptist and a few Anglicans, a preacher of
some of these sects officiating in Charlottesville
every Sabbath. Our society is neither scientific
 



267        Supplementary Manuscripts

nor splendid, but independent, hospitable, correct
and neighborly. But the professors of the Uni-
versity of themselves compose a scientific society.
They will be removable only by a vote of two-
thirds of the Visitors; and when you are told that
the Visitors are Mr. Madison, President Monroe
and myself, all known to you by character; Senator
Cabell, General Locke, Mr. Watson, gentlemen of
distinguished worth and information, you will be
sensible that the tenure is in fact for life.

Now, Sir, for the object of all this detail. I
have stated that when men of the first order of
science in their own line can be found in our own
country we shall give chem a willing preference.
We are satisfied that we can get from no country
a professor of higher qualifications than yourself
for our mathematical department and we entertain
the hope and with great anxiety that you will
accept of it. The house for that professorship
will be ready at midsummer next or soon after,
when we should wish that school to be opened.

I know the prejudices of every State against the
climates of all those States south of itself, but I
know also that the candid traveller advancing
southwardly, to a certain degree at least, sees
that the real advantages of climate are in the
middle and temperate States, and especially when
above their tide-waters..

 I must add that all this is written on the hypo-
thesis that the legislature will confirm the report
 



268        Jefferson's Works

of the commissioners. But that is undoubted,
and therefore I make this early application to
pray you to take this proposition into consideration
and as soon as you can settle your mind on it,
to favor me with a line on the subject, shortening
my anxiety for its reception only according to
your convenience. In the meantime accept the
assurance of my great esteem and respect.

       TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.

           MONTICELLO, NOVember 23, 1818.

 The hand of age, my dear friend, has been pressing
heavily on me for the few last years and has rendered
me unequal to the punctualities of correspondence.
My health; too, is lately very much broken down
by an illness of three months from which I am
but .now on the recovery. If, therefore; I am
slack in acknowledging the receipt of your much
valued letters, goodness will ascribe it to its true
causes, declining age and health.

 I learn with great pleasure that your country will
have in the end a good degree of freedom by a
proper attemporament of limited monarchy with
representative ingredients; indeed that you have
already such a government, for as far as I under-
stand your present constitution, it has more of
popular independence and integrity in it than the
boasted one of England, and what it still wants,
time and the advance of light, will bring probably
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     269

as fast as the people can be prepared for it. This I
hope will be waited for without risking new convul-
sions.

 Here all is well. Our government is now so
firmly put on its republican tack that it will not
be easily monarchised by forms. You have made
a mighty noise in Europe about our taking posses-
sion of some posts in Florida. The President's
message delivered a few days ago will set you
right on that subject, and show 'that no wrong
was contemplated for a single moment. And what
shows an honorable and comfortable trait in our
nation was the universal uproar of our own people
in the first moment of the apparent aggression
and until they saw thai, their government had
no such thing in view. I was delighted with this
proof of moral principle in our citizens as to the
conduct of their foreign relations and considered it
as a pledge that they would never as a nation
approve of any measure swerving from justice

 Mr. Poirey has plausible ground for supposing
I have been inattentive to the claim for compen-
sation for his services during the Revolution, which
he committed to my care, but I am without blame
on this score. Just as I received his papers the
then Secretary of War retired from office. I
knew it would be worse than useless during the
vacancy to commit to a chef de bureau a business
which he would not have weight nor confidence
enough to act in with effect. The vacancy con-
 



270        Jefferson's Works

tinued unfilled nearly a twelvemonth. As soon
as a Secretary was appointed I placed the case
and papers under his consideration. The enclosed
letter from him will show its present state and
prospects, and I now write to him to secure his
early attention to it during the present session;
being now entirely unequal to the labors of the
writing-table I must request Mr. Poirey to consider
my, intermediate silence as saying that nothing
is yet done, on the assurance that the moment
that anything definite takes place I will give him
notice of it. I am rendered very happy by being-
able at length to send M. Tracy a copy of the
translation of his book on political economy, the
publication of which is at length accomplished.
The delay has been scandalous and to me most
vexatious. But I am fully repaid by the good
the publication will render to our country. God
bless you and preserve you and yours in health and
happiness as long as you shall desire it yourselves.

         TO HENRY DEARBORN.

                MONTICELLO, July 5, 1819.

 DEAR SIR,-I received yesterday your favor of
June 24, and am very sensible of the interest you
so kindly take in my health. The eruptive com-
plaint which came upon me in August last was
unquestionably produced by the bath of the warm
springs which I tried on account of rheumatism.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    271

The cause of the eruption was mistaken and it
was treated with severe unctions of mercury and
sulphur. These reduced me to death's door and
on ceasing to use them I recovered immediately
and consider my health as now perfectly re-estab-
lished except some small effect on the bowels
produced by these remedies and nearly not entirely
worn off. I am still thankful for your receipt,
and should the eruption return I shall certainly
try its effect in preference to those before tried.

 With respect to Mr. Stuart, it was in May, 1800,
I got him to draw my picture and immediately
after the last sitting I paid him his price, one
hundred dollars. He was yet to put the last hand
on it, so it was left with him. When he came to
Washington in 1805 he told me he was not satisfied
with it, and therefore begged me to sit again, and
he drew another which he was to deliver me instead
of the first, but begged permission to keep it until
he could get an engraving from it. I soon after
got him to sketch me in the medallion form, which he
did on paper with crayons. Although a slight thing
I gave him another hundred dollars, probably the
treble of what he would have asked. This I have;
it is a very fine thing, although very perishable.

 I cannot say I am anxious about the Spanish
treaty; in giving up the province of Texas, we gave
up a sugar country sufficient for the supply of
the United States. I would rather keep that and
trust to the inevitable falling of Florida into our
 



272        Jefferson's Works

mouths. It is true, however, that present peace
is secured by the exchange; and on the general
separation of the Spanish colonies which is to
take place, Cuba will join us and give us sugar.
The crush of our gambling adventurers who call
themselves merchants, but who never owning a
dollar were playing doubles or quit with money
of others, will be a good in the end by restoring
commerce to its true measure; that is to say, just
so much as will take off our surplus produce and
exchange it for what we want. It is better for
us to let other nations carry on their commerce
and meet the wars it always produces. What
is unfortunate in the present crisis is the danger
of its shattering the merchant of real capital, and
the country people, many of whom will be heavily
affected; some legislative provision to save them.
and let the crisis wear off by degrees may be salutary.

 I am not afraid of a war with England; the eyes
of that government are opened as to us, and the
inveteracy of their people is softening. It is our
interest to meet them in friendship if they will
treat us with justice and respect. If we can avoid
war with that nation we need never have it with
any other, for the separation of Spain from her
colonies removes all ground of war with her. Our
family joins in testimonies of attachment and
kind remembrances to Mrs. Dearborn and your-
self, and mine is what it ever was and will be, most
affectionate and sincere.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    273

           TO ELIJAH GRIFFITH.

               MONTICELLO, May 15, 1820.

 DEAR SIR,-I received in due time your favor
of April 7 and it renewed pleasing recollections
of our former acquaintance, and of my sense of
your worth which the lapse of twenty years has
not obliterated. For some time after my retire-
ment from public affairs I yielded to the requests
of others to solicit for them appointments under
the general government; these, however, became
so numerous and burdensome as to keep me con-
tinually in the humble and painful attitude of a
supplicant at the feet of the government. Against
this humiliation I was obliged to revolt and to
come to a resolution to decline further interpositions,
from the observance of which I have found ease,
comfort and independence. But from a wish to
be useful to you I reserved your letter and kept
on the watch to see if the bankrupt law should
pass, with a view to serve you through an indirect
channel; but the bill having failed, the occasion
has not occurred of rendering you the service
requested.

 The distresses you describe in your section of
the Union have been bitterly felt here. They
are not greater than I had always expected and
freely expressed in the creation of the first bank
by the new government. Mr. Madison and myself
left nothing untried to obtain General Washington's

  vol. xix--18
 



274        Jefferson's Works

negative to the law, but after a long struggle in
his mind Hamilton prevailed in the last hour and
let in this torrent of swindling institutions which
have spread ruin and wretchedness over the face
of our country. And what is the most disheartening
it has still left such a hankering after these allusive
establishments that no hope remains of their pro-
scription in future. Their fatal effect has been
greatly aggravated in this State by an unexampled
drought which, having prevailed from June last to
this time, destroyed the bread of that year and
threatens that of the present. I greet with good-
will my declining health which promises to relieve
me from witnessing the resuscitation of this evil
and still more threatening political calamities, and
I salute you with constant esteem and respect.

            TO JAMES MONROE.

             MONTICELLO, August 13, 1821.

 DEAR SIR,-You have seen announced 111 several
of our papers an intention of the Polonese nation
to erect a monument near Cracowto the memory
of General Kosciusko, and their wish that England
and the United States, by joining in contributions,
might give a proof of the interest they take in
his character; that for this purpose they had
addressed a letter to Lord Holland in England
and to myself in the United States.

 I received in fact such a letter some weeks ago
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     275

from the President of the Senate of Cracow, with
an indication that it should be communicated to
you also. Much at a loss to devise in what way
I could get about the execution of this proposition
I have held the subject for some time under con-
sideration. Retired as I am among the mountains
of our interior country I see nobody but the farmers
of my neighborhood, who would consider contri-
butions to public monuments in other countries
as very foreign to the conditions of their lives.
I have been so long withdrawn, too, from inter-
course with the world that I no longer know who
of Kosciusko's fellow-soldiers are now living, as
from them we might expect the most zealous
co-operation in rendering this last testimony of
respect to him; and above all other considerations
the heavy hand of age paralyzing the faculties
both of body and mind have rendered me quite
unequal to the correspondence it might require,
and unfit to become the centre of such an operation.
Independent of the express intimation to communi-
cate the paper to you, I should of myself have
turned my views first to you as the friend of his
fame, and aid of my age; and because should
any communications with Lord Holland be expe-
dient, your acquaintance with him would open
the door to them.

 Notwithstanding, therefore, the burdens of business
which your office imposes on you, I have hoped
that in your position you could put the thing into
 



276        Jefferson's Works

an organized course with little trouble. You know
who remain of his former companions in arms
and where to be found. You could probably think
of some person in each State and great city who
would undertake with zeal the necessary solicitations
and you could command attentions which would not
be yielded to me. The trouble of drawing a circular
which the scribes by whom you are surrounded
would multiply, would, I hope, be the principal
labor imposed on you, for I presume the contri-
butions should be deposited in convenient banks
from whence they could be easily brought together
for remittance, or (which is very possible under
present distresses) should their amount fall short
of what might be deemed worthy of acceptance,
they could be readily restored to the contributors,
and an apology to the Senate of Cracow be given
on reasonable ground. I suggest this course by
way of example only, for you may probably devise
some, other more practicable and promising.

 I enclose you the papers sent to me, and knowing
the labors of reading to which you are subjected
I would point out to you the letter of the President
and the Proclamation of the Senate No. 1, as the
material papers for explaining to you their wishes
and expectations.

I hope you will excuse this trespass. of age leaning
on younger shoulders to relieve itself from a burden
to which it is unequal. From such a one I never
shrunk while I had force to encounter it. In all
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     277

events be assured of my constant and affectionate
friendship and respect.

            TO LEVETT HARRIS.

           MONTICELLO, December 12, 1821.

 DEAR SIR,-I have to return you thanks for
Mr. Adelung's view of the languages of the earth
and to pray you to make them acceptable to him
also for this mark of his attention. It is a work
of vast learning and unparalleled application. It
seems to present a summary of the great vocabulary
of which I had a copy through your agency and
kindness.                             '

 I am sorry we lost the pleasure of your visit
at the time you had first proposed. But we find
comfort in the French adage " tout ce qui est differe
n'est pas perdu." No visit will be welcomer when
convenient to yourself to make it.

 I am afraid our quondam favorite Alexander
has swerved from the true faith. His becoming
an accomplice of the soi-disant Holy Alliance, the
anti-national principles he has separately avowed,
and his becoming the very leader of a combination
to chain mankind down eternally to oppressions
of the most barbarous ages, are clouds on his char-
acter not easily to be cleared away. But these
are problems for younger heads than mine: You
will see their solution and tell me of it in another
world, I salute you with great friendship and respect.
 



278        Jefferson's Works

        TO JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

               MONTICELLO, July 18, 1824.

DEAR SIR,--I have safely received the two copies
of the facsimile of the Declaration of Independence
which you have been so kind as send me under
a resolution of Congress. With a deep sense of
respect for this mark of attention to myself I con-
template with pleasure the evidence afforded of
reverence for that instrument, and view in it a
pledge of adhesion to its principles and of a sacred
determination to maintain and perpetuate them.
As toward this holy purpose no one has it 'more
in his power to contribute with effect than your-
self, so I am equally happy in the confidence that
none will do it with more zeal and fidelity, 'and I
pray you to accept the assurance of my great
esteem and respectful consideration.

           TO JAMES MADISON.

          MONTICELLO, September 24, 1824.

DEAR SIR,-I have got through my catalogue
except the alphabet and send you a result. The
inclosed table shows the number, size and cost
of the whole and its parts. 6860 volumes will
cost twenty-four thousand and seventy-six dollars
or three and one-half dollars a volume on an average
of all sizes. If we get our fifty thousand dollars
and also if ten thousand would do for apparatus,
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     279

there would remain sixteen thousand to invest
in stock. This would give us a thousand dollars
a year forever, which beginning with such a nucleus
as this would make and keep our library what it
should be. Charlottesville is preparing for Lafayette.
As he will see you at your own house we shall hope
you will come here with him. But in the meantime
you will be with us as a visitor a day or so before
the 4th. Affectionately yours.

    TO MESSRS. ADAMS, FITZUHUYLSON AND

            BROCKENBROUGH.

            MONTICELLO, October 18, 1824.

 I have duly received the favor of your invitation
of the 12th instant to join you on the interesting
occasion of the reception of Major-General Lafayette
in testifying the veneration of the citizens of Rich-
mond for his character, their sense of his services
and their affection for his person. No one would
harmonize in all these sentiments more cordially
than myself, no one perhaps having had so pro-
tracted and multiplied proofs not only in the war,
but the peace which followed it, of his zealous
attachment to the service of our country. But at
the age and under the infirmities of eighty-one,
I am no longer equal to such a journey nor able
to avail myself of occasions so distant of joining in
the just expressions of the gratitude of my fellow-
citizens to this early friend and benefactor. I
 



280        Jefferson's Works

matter myself with being indemnified by the oppor-
tunity he will give to myself and my neighbors
of manifesting here our sense of the services he
rendered our portion of the country particularly,
and our participation in the general joy which his
visit has inspired in every breast.

 Declining this kind invitation, therefore, as I
must from necessity, I beg leave to say that my
respect for yourselves and the citizens of Richmond
would have been a great additional inducement
for my acceptance of it. A serious indisposition
of some continuance obliges me to borrow the pen
of another to convey to yourselves and the citizens
of Richmond' these my thanks and regrets, and
the assurance of my high consideration.

      TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.

            MONTICELLO, January 16, 1825,

 MY DEAR FRIEND,-I have never been more
gratified by the reading of a book than by that
of Flourens which you were so kind as to send me.
Cabanis had gone far toward proving from the
anatomical structure of and action of the human
machine that certain parts of it were probably
the organs of thought and consequently that matter
might exercise that faculty. Flourens proves that
it does exercise it and that deprived of the cerebrum
particularly the animal loses all sense, all intellect
and memory, yet lives in health and for indefinite
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    281

terms. It will be curious to see what the imma-
terialists will oppose to this.

 I congratulate you on the testimony of gratitude
you have lately received from Congress, and that
it was with scarcely a shadow of opposition. The
relief from your debts will give you nights of sound
sleep and the surplus I hope days of ease and com-
fort through the rest of your life. You will have
where you are better advice than I can give you
on the question whether it will not be advisable
to keep the stock in your own hands and in its
original form. There can be no safer deposit on
earth than the Treasury of the United States.

You know how much I have at heart the success
of our university. Its opening now awaits only
the arrival of three professors engaged in England
who were to have sailed in October or November
last, but of whose actual sailing we have not yet
heard. Still we hourly expect them and in the
moment of their arrival shall announce the opening
of the University. I count on its changing the
condition and character of our State in the course
of a very few years. That health, happiness and the
love of all may ever attend you is the constant
prayer of your faithful and affectionate friend.
 



282        Jefferson's Works

          TO WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD.

            MoNTIcELLo, February 15, 1825.

  DEAR SIR,-Your two letters of January 31
and February 4 were received in due time. With
the former came safely the seed from Mr. Appleton
which I commit to the Agricultural Society of
our county, of which Mr. Madison is president.
Of the talents and qualifications of Dr. Jackson
as a professor in the branches of science specified
in your last letter your recommendation would
have had great weight in our estimation, but our
professors are all designated so that we have no
vacancy in Which we can avail ourselves of his
services.

 I had kept back my acknowledgment of these
in the hope I might have added in it congratu-
lations which Would have been cordially offered.
I learnt yesterday, however, that events had not
been what we had wished. The disappointment
will be deeply felt by our State generally, and by
no one in it more seriously than by myself. I
confess that what we have seen in the course of
this election has very much damped the confidence
I had hitherto reposed in the discretion of my
fellow citizens. The ignorance of character, the
personal partialities and the inattention to those
questions which ought to have guided their choice,
augur ill of the wisdom of our future course.
Looking, too, to Congress my hopes are not strength-
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     283

ened. A decided majority seem to measure their
powers only by what they may think or pretend
to think for the general Welfare of the States.
All limitations, therefore, are prostrated and con-
solidation the general welfare in name but not
in effect is now the principle of every department
of the government. I have not long to witness
this, but it adds another to the motives by which
the decays of nature so finely prepare us for
welcoming the hour of exit from this state of
being.

 Be assured that in your retirement you will
carry with you my entire confidence and sincere
prayers for your health, happiness and prosperity.

          TO EDWARD EVERETT.

               MONTICELLO, July 21, 1825

DEAR SIR,-I thank you for the copies of your
two public addresses inclosed in your favor of
the 6th instant; that of Concord, as a morsel of
(exect) history and of a most interesting event,
was peculiarly acceptable. I am sorry it is not
in my power to give you any information on the
subject of the Louisiana treaty. My memory is
gone and I have no papers on the subject. But
surely the " Conjectural note " you mention as
annexed to the Convention must still remain
annexed and preserved in the Secretary of State's
 



284        Jefferson's Works

office. Colonel Monroe, too, must be able to give
some account of it, and other resources of infor-
mation will open on you..when you come on to
Congress. The report of the commissioners, Mercer,
McClure and (I believe) Warden, will unquestionably
be in that or the treasury office.

 I knew the range of your mind too well ever
to have supposed for a moment you could view
but with contempt the miserable sneers on our
seeking abroad some of the professors for our
University. Had I thought them worth notice
I should have asked of those wits and censors these
questions only. The seminaries of the United € States
being all of them first served for the choice of
the talents of our own country, were we to take the
refuse and place ourselves thus at the fag end of
the whole line ? Would it have been either patriotism
or fidelity in us to have sunk the youth of our
State to a half-lettered grade of education by com-
mitting them to inferior instruction and rejecting
that of the first order merely because offered from
without the limits of our own Union, and the mass
of science among us still further reduced by the
refusal of many eminent characters to accept
academical instructions, and is this the way to
advance the American character? We thought
otherwise and as yet believe we have reason to be
satisfied with the course we have pursued. I hope
the only rivalship 'with our elder sisters will be
in honorable efforts to do the most good possible.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    285

I am happy in the expectation which your letter
authorizes that you will think our institution
worthy of a visit and I shall even hope from your
experience and kindness to receive suggestions for
its further improvement than which none would
be more respected by me. I beg you to be assured
also that no visit will be received with more wel-
come than yours.

 I am truly gratified by the flattering anticipations
you express of the society of my granddaughter
now arriving at Boston, and hope you will not
be disappointed in this. She is so deeply seated
in my affections that a kindness to her counts
tenfold with me. I think her most fortunate, too,
in the person to whom we have committed her
happiness. I have not been acquainted with a
finer character than Mr. Coolidge, more amiable,
more respectable or more worthy ; and (destined ?)
to relinquish her native home we are thankful
it was in exchange for the favorite seat of hospi-
tality and science.

      TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.

              MONTICELLO, August 8, 1825.

MY DEAR FRIEND,-Mr. Rebello of Brazil, who
has rendered us an agreeable visit, tells me you
will be in Washington on the 10th, and that we
may hope to have the pleasure of seeing you here
very soon after that; this we shall ever do with
 



286        Jefferson's Works

heartfelt welcome. I am not well, but it is a local
complaint which confines me to the house indeed,
but in tolerable health otherwise and I shall be
much the better for your presence which will be
my best medicine, only unable,to make excursions
with you. Not knowing where the enclosed letter
would find Miss Wright; I take the liberty of giving
it the benefit of your cover and of requesting you
to superscribe its address and to dispose of it so
that she may get it as early as practicable. In the
hope of seeing you within a few days and your
companions for whom I here place my respects, I
repeat the assurances of my affectionate and con-
stant friendship and attachment.

           TO JAMES MADISON.

            MONTICELLO, October 18, 1825.

 Everything is going on smoothly at the Uni-
versity. The students are attending to their schools
with more assiduity and looking to their professors
with more respect. The authority of the latter
is visibly strengthened as is the confidence of
those who visit the place, and the effect on the
whole has been salutary. The professors are all
lecturing; the two Cantabs, somewhat in the pouts,
however, are reserved. I sent a copy of the new
enactments the other day with a request they might
be read to the schools for promulgation. .. The
other professors did it, these did not nor said why.

 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    287

 My rides to the University have brought on me
great sufferings, reducing my intervals of ease
from forty-five to twenty minutes. This is a good
index of the changes which take place.

 I was taken in by Mr. Browere. He said his
operation would be of about twenty minutes, and
less unpleasant than Houdon 's method. I submitted
without enquiry. But it was a bold experiment on
his part on the health of an octogenary worn down
by sickness as well as age. Successive coats of
grout plastered on the naked head and kept there
an hour would have been a severe trial of a young
and hale man. He suffered the plaster also to
get so dry that separation became difficult and
even dangerous. He was obliged to use freely
the mallet and chisel to break it into pieces and
get off a piece at a time. These strokes of the
mallet would have been sensible almost to a logger-
head. The family became alarmed and he confused
till I was quite exhausted, and there became real
danger that the ears would tear from the head
sooner than from the plaster. I now bid adieu
for ever to busts and even portraits. I do not
know whether you are acquainted with Colonel
Peyton of Richmond, as honest and worthy a man
as lives, and the most punctual in business. He
understands that Lay, your correspondent there,
is become bankrupt, and would gladly serve you
there. He has been mine ten or a dozen years
and I never had one who would lend himself even
 



288        Jefferson's Works

in the smallest things so kindly and zealously.
He has all the business of this neighborhood and
the Staunton county. I know that these con-
nections are dictated often by very special and
personal considerations and my mention of him is
only ut valeat quantum valere debat. Ever and
affectionately yours.
 



        MANUSCRIPTS

        FROM

        THE VIRGINIA STATE LIBRARY

        COLLECTION.

        vol. xix-19
 



        INTRODUCTORY NOTES.

 A curious old tome bearing the title "Thomas Jefferson's Letter
Book" recently came to light in the Virginia State Library at Rich-
mond. Upon examination it was found to contain copies of letters
and orders sent by Jefferson during the last six months of his Governor-
ship of the State of Virginia. In all probability these letters and orders
were transcribed in this book by one of Jefferson's secretaries or some
other official. Careful consideration of the contents led to the selec-
tions presented in the following pages which, though not attempting
to give the collection in its entirety, owing to repetitions of the same
statement to different persons, may be said, however, to present the
gist of the collection as a whole.

 So far as is known this is the first time the letters have been
printed and given to the public. It is well known that Jefferson was
in the habit of retaining a copy of everything that emanated from
his pen. These copies were usually in his own handwriting. It was
presumably owing to the stress of the occasion during which these
letters were issued that he entrusted the€copying to a clerk. Hence
the copies of these letters and orders in the old yellowed volume in
which they have been preserved.

 These documents are of unusual interest as written evidences of
Jefferson's efforts to cope with one of the greatest crises of his life,
when, at the expiration of his second term as Governor of Virginia,
his native State was a centre of warring elements. Strife concentrated
about him. He had to supply the Virginia regiment in Washington's
Army with men, and at the same time send all possible support to
General Gates in his Southern Campaign. The Indians in the western
part of the State were a source of constant anxiety and trouble, and
the British and Hessian prisoners had to be guarded and supplied
with provisions. Then came Benedict Arnold, early in January, 1781,
with his vessels of war and sixteen hundred men to besiege and plunder
the city of Richmond, and to cap the climax of Jefferson's trials. How
Jefferson conducted himself is a matter of history which the documents
contained in "The Richmond Collection" further corroborate. testi-
 



292        Jefferson's Works

fying to his constant endeavors to meet and thwart the difficulties
threatening to overcome him.

  The majority of the letters are addressed to Baron Steuben,
General Gates, General Nelson, General Greene, General Muhlenberg
and Marquis de Lafayette. All of them show the activity of Jefferson
in keeping up communication with these commanders throughout the
country wherever they might be engaged in fighting against the
British invaders.

  Acknowledgment is due to John P. Kennedy, Librarian of the
Virginia State Library, Richmond, Va., to whose kindness and courtesy
the editors of the present edition of Jefferson's Writings are indebted
for the reproduction of the manuscripts in question.

 



        MANUSCRIPTS FROM THE VIRGINIA    293
        STATE LIBRARY COLLECTION.

        TO THE QUARTER-MASTERS OF FREDERICK, HAMPSHIRE
        AND BERKELEY.

             RICHMOND, December 24, 1780.

  SIR,-A detachment of the militia of the county
of Frederick being ordered to Fort Pitt on their
way down the Ohio, you are desired to act as com-
missary and quarter-master for them till their
arrival at Fort Pitt. The time of their rendez-
vousing within the county will be made known
to you by the commanding officer. You will,
therefore, provide in time subsistence for them
during their march, and transportation for the
little baggage they will carry. You will also receive
and transport with them to the same place 400
camp kettles, 1000 pounds powder, some medicine
tents and other things. This transportation is
to be effected by wagons or horses for hire, and
not to be purchased. I send you for the purpose
of enabling you to perform these duties to ----
for the expenditure of which you will finally settle
with the board of auditors for the counties of

 



294        Jefferson's Works

Berkeley and Hampshire the same, except omitting
this sentence " you will also receive tents
and other things. "


    Frederick.............. L40,000
    Hampshire...........     25,000
    Berkeley.................30,000

     TO MAJOR-GENERAL BARON STEUBEN.

              RICHMOND, January 12, 1781.

 SIR,-I was honored with yours of yesterday by
Colonel Loyante. General Weedon, to whom the
care of the works at Fredericksburg had been
committed, being now at Hanover Court-House, I
have referred Colonel Loyante to him, and given
them authority to make use of the brass cannon,
howitz or mortars at New Castle, if they use them,
for they are unmounted. I heard in the same
instant that 744 riflemen under Colonel Matthews
were as far as Albemarle on their way down. Being
then within sixty miles of Fredericksburg I have
ordered them to proceed to that place.

     TO MAJOR-GENERAL BARON STEUBEN.

             RICHMOND, January 14, 1781.

SIR,-Your letters of the 12th and 13th are now
before me. They are in some measure answered
by some marginal notes on the several articles
in a paper delivered me by Major Walker. If
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     295

there be any State arms fit for use and still unde-
livered they are so few that we may consider them
as nothing. I should, therefore, think it proper
to discharge so many militia as cannot be furnished
with arms. My letter of yesterday will point out
what particular militia should be discharged.
Should it happen that there are already more
militia with you from the counties enumerated
in my yesterday's letter than you have arms for
would it not be proper to send the surplus of such
militia over to General Nelson to take the place
and arms of so many of his who were not meant
to be detained?

 The public have not a pound of powder or other
article of military stores at South Quay, except
some twenty-four and eighteen pound iron cannon:
they are unusually heavy for this bore, and a
quarter-master has been specially sent and em-
ployed there during the last summer in bringing
them over to Suffolk or Smithfield. They have
so far baffled his attempts, as that he has got over
but one of them; another broke down a bridge
on its passage, which suspend his further endeavors.

 P. S. If it be possible for you to spare Colonel
Senf to plan our works at Westham we shall be
glad of his assistance.

 


296        Jefferson's Works

      TO COLONEL TIMOTHY PICKERING.

              RICHMOND, January 15, 1781

SIR,-I wrote you in a former letter that on
the recommendation of General Greene, we had
proposed to Major Forsyth the accepting the
appointment of deputy quarter-master here, which
you had been pleased to refer to us. ' This appoint-
ment was kept open, I think, a month, during
which time (and indeed at any time since) we
never received any answer from Major Forsyth,
or intimation through any other channel that he
would undertake it. On the contrary it appeared
by letter from him that he had accepted the office
of deputy commissary of purchases for the
Southern Department. In the meantime Colonel
Canington, appointed by General Greene deputy
quarter-master to the Southern army, arrived
here, claimed the right of nomination, and nominated
a Major Claiborne. Though we doubted the pro-
priety of his claim, yet it was a want of acquaintance
with Major Claiborne and a real inability (after
the refusal of Mr. Divers and Major Forsyth) to
find another whom we could recommend in all
points, which induced us to refer the nomination
altogether to Baron Steuben, who was here. He
approved of Major Claiborne as having formerly
known him while of General Greene's family and
assured us the appointment would be particularly
agreeable to General Greene, and that he would
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     297

undertake to satisfy you also of its propriety. I
thought it my duty to inform you of this matter,
and have no doubt from anything which I have
yet seen but that Major Claiborne will do justice
to the Baron's expectations.

          TO GENERAL NELSON.

             RICHMOND, January 16, 1781.

SIR,-The bearer hereof, Captain Joel, proposes
to engage with others to undertake with himself
an enterprise on the enemy's fleet wherever it shall
be collected in harbor. As he requires only an
old vessel of the most worthless kind, and proper
preparations for her, I think the object will justify
the risk. So many orders and measures may be
necessary in the detail of executing this business
that I cannot do better than to give a general sanc-
tion to it, and ask the favor of yourself to have
everything provided which he may think necessary
to ensure success. Rewards are expected on des-
perate undertakings of this kind, and though not
necessary to stimulate him, may be necessary for
his associates. I will, therefore, leave it to your-
self to fix them previously, or to agree with the
gentlemen that they shall be referred to the Execu-
tive after the service shall have been performed.
 



298        Jefferson's Works

         TO COLONEL CARRINGTON.

             RICHMOND, January 16, 1781.

Sir,-I have desired Colonel Muter to have
delivered to Major Claiborne such of the articles
applied for in your letter of the 10th instant as we
have. We have no tents of any kind. Axes,
spades, shovels and padlocks can probably be
furnished. We have sent to Fredericksburg for
camp-kettles, which shall be forwarded as soon
as they come.

 I think a few days will probably determine
the enemy's ultimate designs as to us: in the
meantime I do not wish to give any decisive orders
as to the place of slaughtering the provisions. The
expenditure of pork indeed at this season must
be forbidden. It shall be my endeavor to suffer
this invasion to divert as little as possible of our
supplies for the Southern army. .

          TO BARON STEUBEN.

             RICHMOND, January 19, 1781.

SIR,-A warrant was yesterday made out for
Mr. Harrison for two hundred thousand dollars,
and I shall take the first opportunity of informing
him that the money is in readiness. This is in
consequence of your requisition communicated by
Major Walker.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    299

 Dr. Evans, the bearer of your letter, will receive
from the gentleman who has the care of our medicine
whatever articles can be furnished from that stock.
It is a very imperfect collection. I, immediately,
on receiving the communication from you by
Major Walker that you would wish such a person
as you therein described to be with you, laid
it before the Council. We concluded to propose
to Mr. Walker (late one of our delegates) to accept
this office; having once been a member of the
Council, he is not unacquainted with our arrange-
ments. I sent to him by express, and shall hope
for an answer very shortly. I sincerely wish he
may consent to undertake it, as I am satisfied
he can save you much trouble. Should he decline
it I apprehend it is not easy to find another who
will be of real use to you.

 None of the militia with General Weedon (except
from the counties of Rockbridge, Augusta, Rock-
ingham and Shenandoah) were of the counties
intended to be kept in the field. I thought it
necessary to mention this circumstance to you,
as you might perhaps think proper to discharge
them before they join General Nelson. I have
the honor to be, with great respect and esteem,
Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant.
 



300        Jefferson's Works

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

            RICHMOND, January 19, 1781,

 SIR,-Shirts had been ordered for Colonel
Armand's Corps on your former requisition; these,
I believe, are ready. They are ordered to be
delivered to Major Loman's order. We have not
a single article of the others enumerated in his
list of necessaries wanted. We could, therefore,
only undertake for him to furnish money to the
Continental quarter-master or any other proper
person to procure them; if this mode should be
approved, this or any other assistance we can give
shall be afforded. The practice introduced by
the enemy of laying the country through which
they pass under a parole is so mischievous that
I have thought it necessary to issue the proclamation
of which I enclose you a copy. I have the honor
to be, with the greatest esteem, Sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant.

          TO BARON STEUBEN.

             RICHMOND, January, 29 1781.

SIR,-I send you below a list of the counties
which were called on to make a part of the four
thousand men for this invasion, though they were
called into the field on the last invasion also. As
your reduction of the four thousand to two thousand
seven hundred will enable you to discharge some
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    301

of those counties, I think it would be best that
these below mentioned should be first discharged.
I have the honor to be, with great esteem, Sir, your
most obedient and most humble servant.

 Amherst.          Amelia

 Albemarle.         Brunswick.

 Fluvanna.          Dinwiddie.

 Goochland.         Chesterfield.

 Powhatan.          Henrico.

 Note.-Rockbridge, Augusta and Rockingham
were also called down on the former invasion, but
I apprehend it will not be proper to discharge them.

  TO GOVERNOR NASH OF NORTH CAROLINA.

              RICHMOND, February 2, 1781.

SIR,-As it is possible the enemy may mean
to continue in their present position at Portsmouth,
and thereby shut up all commerce through the
bay of Chesapeake, it becomes necessary to make
provision in time through some other channel,
of salt, clothing and coverings for our Southern
army. South Quay presents itself as the most
practicable port. We have found it necessary
here to permit the exportation of corn on public
account to procure salt for public use. Vessels
will, therefore, be freighted with this article from
South Quay, which, as they must of necessity pass
through your State, I hope will be permitted to
pass freely ; indeed could your Excellency give
 



302        Jefferson's Works

permission to Mr. Ross, our commercial agent,
to procure part of his loading of corn in your State,
it would save much transportation to us. The
returns in salt will be in like manner to South
Quay, or directly up the Roanoke to the magazines
desired to be established by General Greene.

 We hope within a short time to complete the
equipments of the residue of our regulars (between
four and five hundred) and to send them on to
General Greene, being determined to permit the
body of plunderers in our State to divert as little
as possible of our effectual aids from the southern
quarter. We shall oppose them with militia, and
send our regulars to join the Southern army.

 I have the honor to be, with very great esteem,
your Exeellency's most obedient and most humble
servant.

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

             RICHMOND, February 7, 1781.

 SIR,-The inclosed letter contains the first noti-
fication the Executive have received of the existence
of any such cases as that of Lieutenant Warman
therein stated. Exclusive of the justice of his
claim, the express reservation by the board of
officers of the rights of all those in his situations,
seems to place him on the footing on which he
would have been had his commission been actually
made out instead of that of whatever officer was
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    303

substituted in his place. As you are proceeding
to a new arrangement of our line, I have taken
the liberty of referring Lieutenant Warman with
the inclosed letter to you to claim his rank. Should
these be contrary to the expectations of the Execu-
tive, such reasons against his claim and in favor
of his competition, as in your judgment should
decide this point against Lieutenant Warman,
shall be obliged to you for a communication of
them; and in the meantime to keep the question
open.

 I have the honor to be with very great esteem
and respect, your most obedient humble servant.

            TO BARON STEUBEN.

             IN Council, February 7, 1781,

  SIR,-The bearer hereof, Colonel Gaines, a militia
officer in the county of Amherst, being desirous
to become qualified in fact for the command he
holds in his county, has applied to us to be per-
mitted to serve on such a footing as will place
it in his power to acquire a knowledge of his duty,
asking nothing but rations and forage. While
others, offended at the preference given to officers
formerly of the line, have resigned commissions,
the duty of which they were not qualified to dis-
charge, this gentleman more laudably determines
to learn those duties. This spirit we wish to
encourage because produced by a due tempera-
 



304        Jefferson's Works

ment of modesty and patriotism. Now, therefore,
as the undertaking is, I must beg the favor of
you to find some means of disposing not only of
him, but of any others who may apply for the
same purpose, so as to put it in their power to
acquire the knowledge necessary to enable them
to act in their proper command hereafter. The
rations and forage allowed them shall be at the
expense of the State. I am, with much respect,
Sir, yours, etc.

  TO THE VIRGINIA DELEGATES IN CONGRESS.

             RICHMOND, February 7, 1781.

GENTLEMEN,-The Courier d'Europe, a vessel
from Penet and Company, having on board military
stores for this State, was chased into Boston by
the enemy in the summer of 1779.  They were
principally artillery stores, too bulky and heavy
for us to think of bringing them on by land. By
the loss of our papers we are unable to furnish
an invoice of them, but they are in the hands of
a Mr. I. Bradford, in Boston, who, I suppose, can
furnish you with one. If you can get them on
board any part of the French fleet, which may
at any time be coming here, it would be eligible;
otherwise I beg the favor of you. to have them
disposed of to the best advantage for the public.

I am, with very great respect and esteem, gentle-
men, your most obedient and most humble servant.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    305

           TO GENERAL NELSON.

            IN COUNCIL, February 10, 1781.

DEAR GENERAL,-Information having been given
the Board that sundry horses of British property,
having been left by the enemy, were taken by our
militia or unarmed citizens, and a question made
whether they belong to the Commonwealth or the
captor, we are of opinion that they should be
yielded to the captor. It is thought, however,
when any public doubt can arise who was captor,
that the horses should be put in the hands of the
State quarter-master, and the party or parties
claiming make their right appear to the Commis-
sioner of the War Office. As this question, as far
as we are informed, concerns only persons under
your command, I take the liberty of communicating
it to you.

 Your disposition of the hides of slaughtered
beeves is approved of. I am sorry any loss has
been incurred in that article before. We made
it the subject of inquiry on the former invasion,
and from the reports made to us, had reason to
believe all had been taken care of. The oil is
almost of as much importance as the hide.

 The wagons which were sent to Fredericksburg for
camp-kettles found none ready made. Mr. Hunter
is making more, and other wagons will go off for
them within three on four days. As fast as they
are brought we shall endeavor to send them to

 VOL. XIX-20

                                                 I
 



306        Jefferson's Works

the militia. It would be well for us to be informed
what number you have.
I am, with great respect, etc., etc.

            TO BARON STEUBEN.

             IN COUNCIL, February 12, 1781.

 SIR,-I have been honored with your letter
of yesterday's date. Your representation of the
importance of erecting a small work at Hood's
was considered by the Executive as an evidence
of your friendly attentions to the defence of the
State, and was by them, as you desired, laid before
the assembly. The assembly,pressed in time, did
not, as far as I am informed take it under con-
sideration. The invasion which took place just
before their rising prevented anything further
being done till the departure of the enemy from
this place, and the return of the Executive to it.
The proposition of undertaking the work which
you then again renewed was approved by them,
and they determined to procure if possible the
several articles necessary for carrying it into imme-
diate execution according to a plan and estimate
prepared by Colonel Senf. I think, however, you
misapprehended us when you understood it was
agreed that the forty negroes and ten artificers
required should be furnished by the five nearest
counties, and be at the spot the 7th instant; it
does not occur to myself, or any gentleman of the
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    307

Council, that the 7th, or any other day was fixed
on for their assembling. and that we could not
have agreed that the forty negroes and ten artificers
should be furnished by the five nearest counties
may be deduced from the conversation which you
will recollect to have passed between us the evening
before you last went to Cabin Point. You informed
me you meant to call for twenty militia from each
of the five circumjacent counties to come.to Hood's
with their hoes and axes tb erect the work, but
to notify them at the same time that you would
receive ten negroes in their room. And you asked
me whether you must apply to government for
authority to do this. I answered, that such an
application would produce no effect, as it had
been the subject of conversation at the Council
Board that day, and the Board was of opinion
we had no right to call out the militia to do fatigue
duty. You then replied, you could do it of your
own authority and throw yourself on the assembly
for a justification.

 I repeat this conversation thus particularly to
satisfy you that we could not have agreed that
the five nearest counties should produce these
laborers,' and of course that we stand discharged
of having failed to fulfil such an agreement.

 The Executive have not by the laws of this
State, any power to call a freeman to labor even
for the public without his consent, nor a slave
without that of his master: sensible of this, when
 



308        Jefferson's Works

we first proposed to undertake this work, as you
meant that Colonel Senf should superintend it,€..
I desired him to search among our artillery officers
whom he would choose to conduct it under his
direction, and that this officer should immediately
proceed to hire the slaves in the neighborhood
of Hood's, where I thought it most likely the people
would be willing to hire as the work respected
their safety more immediately. He did so, and
sent a Captain Allen on this business. In a sub-
sequent journey to Petersburg Colonel Senf informed
me that he had himself engaged eight or ten. Four
carpenters were assigned to Colonel Senf at this
place. The several articles of tools (except hoes)
and fascine knives and barrows were procured
for him here, a boat to carry them down, and I
took it for granted that they went. The two
blacksmiths are ready at this place when wanted.
What success Captain Allen has had is not reported
to me. The Executive are far from thinking
this work unnecessary; nor yet that it will be out
of their power to furnish the necessaries for erect-
ing it. Yet they may possibly be disappointed
in their expectations of engaging voluntary laborers,
the only means in their power. Sensible that a
necessary work is not to be abandoned because their
means are not so energetic as they could wish them,
and on the contrary that it is their duty to take those
means as they find them and to make the most of
them for the public good, they propose to pursue
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    309

this work, and if they cannot accomplish it in a
shorter, they will in a longer time.

 From a review of these circumstances, I hope
you will be persuaded that any delays which may
have occurred have been produced by circumstances
which it was not in our power to control, and not
from either a want of attention or inclination
to the work. I have the honor to be, with great
respect, yours, etc., etc.

          TO SPEAKER HARRISON

          (HOUSE OF BURGESSES).

             RICHMOND, February 12, 1781.

SIR,-Colonel John Gibson is appointed to go
as next in command under General Clarke on the
business communicated to you. As Colonel Gibson
is now here he will return to Fort Pitt by the way
of Baltimore to see the powder sent on, and prevent
any danger of its stopping by the way. Be so
good as to lodge at Goddard's, the printer, in Balti-
more, a line to Colonel Gibson informing him in
what State the procuring of the powder is; he will
call there for it.

That your information may be perfect as we
can render it, I am to inform you that the three
months' militia under General Stevens in North
Carolina, their number not known, are discharged,
having served their term out. For southern news
I beg leave to refer you to the President of Con-
 



310        Jefferson's Works

gress, who has a letter from Baron Steuben giving
information of the events in the neighborhood
of General Greene, and one from myself as to the
movements of the enemy at Cape Fear. Arnold
remains quiet. Colonel `Dunlap came out the first
instant with five hundred men towards Suffolk.
General Lawson went down toward him with an
equal number, whereon Dunlap returned in the
night. They are drawing their shipping into
shallow water, and have a large vessel from New
York cut down so as to mount twenty twenty-four
pounders on one deck. I am, etc., etc.

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

            RICHMOND, February 13, 1781.

SIR,-The inclosed resolutions of Congress of
January 8th and April 9th, 1779, under which
Captain Weths' independent company at Fort Pitt
were raised, will inform you of a condition to which
they seem entitled of not being removed from
that station without their consent; the subsequent
one of October 3d, 1780, incorporates them in
positive terms into the troops of the State. The
former resolutions were probably not recollected
at the time. The footing on which, therefore,
they seem to stand rightfully, is to remain at Fort
Pitt if they choose it; but as it was the desire
of Congress that they should be annexed to some
of our regiments, and Colonel J. Gibson thinks
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    311

they would rather join his than remain at Fort
Pitt after losing their own officers, I beg leave to
refer to you whether it might not be proper that
you should order so many of them to be annexed
to that regiment as should be willing to join it.

 This, while it pays due respect to a solemn engage-
ment with those.people, will probably effect the
wish of Congress in reducing that, as well as other
detached corps, to some regular from.

 I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant.

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

             RICHMOND, February 15, 1781.

 SIR,-I received last night a letter from General
Greene referring me for particulars to you. How-
ever, he gives me enough to convince me that
reinforcements of militia must be sent him. I
think the most speedy and effectual reinforcement
would be the militia of Rockbridge, Augusta,
Rockingham and Shenandoah now encamped below,
provided they can be induced to go willingly.
The length of their march heretofore, and having
been some time in service, seems to give them a
right to be consulted. I leave the detaching them
to the aid of General Greene to your better judg-
ment. Should you approve of it and think it
necessary to call other militia to take their place,
I will order others. Besides this reinforcement to
 



312        Jefferson's Works

General Greene I propose to order from Washington,
Montgomery and Botetourt, five hundred and forty
riflemen, and from Pittsylvania and Henry four
hundred and eighty, who will want arms; to these
add the detachment at Chesterfield C. H. I send
out to-day the orders to Washington, Montgomery,
Botetourt, Pittsylvania and Henry. If you would
advise any more, and think they can be armed,
more will be sent.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir,
etc. , etc.

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

            RICHMOND, February 17, 1781.

SIR,-Mr. Loyall, from the post at the North
West Bridge, representing to me that about four
hundred of the militia of Princess Anne and Nor-
folk are embodied, that they annoy the enemy
considerably, restraining their foraging parties, and
checking their motions (which latter circumstance
is confirmed by letter from General Lawson), but
that they are dispirited for want of some com-
munication with the main army on the northern
end of the Dismal, and meditating to lay down
their arms. I submit to yourself the propriety
of establishing a line of riders from General Gre-
gory's camp to such of your posts as you shall
think proper. Your order (if you think proper)
to Colonel Elliott, the field quarter-master, will
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    313

suffice to effect this. I have taken the liberty
of referring Mr. Loyall to you. He will also speak
with you on the subject of arms; but as those
already embodied are armed, I cannot but doubt
the expediency of sending any from our stock
under present circumstances.

 I order the commissary to send a deputy to
subsist these men on the east of the Dismal. Every
circumstance of notice will keep up their spirits;
and if the enemy can be restrained from foraging
below Portsmouth as well- as above, they will be
less easy in their situation. I am, etc., ete.

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

             RICHMOND, February 18, 1781.

 SIR,-I have this moment received intelligence
that Lord Cornwallis continues his rapid approach,
and there is reason to believe he was at Roanoke
on the 14th. This information is not authentic,
yet it comes in such manner as to command some
attention. I have, therefore, thought it expedient
to order every man of the counties of Powhatan,
Cumberland, Amelia, Lunenburg and Brunswick
who has a firelock, or for whom one can be pro-
cured, to be embodied and marched immediately
to join General Greene, and those of the counties
of Chesterfield and Dinwiddie to be embodied,
but not marched till further orders, which they
 



314        Jefferson's Works

may receive at the moment of embodying better
adapted to actual circumstances.

  I am aware of the possibility that my informa-
tion may be premature, yet as its truth is equally
possible and the consequences of disregarding it
might be so much more fatal, I think it my duty
to take this measure. I am, etc., etc.

           TO GENERAL GREENE.

             RICHMOND, February 19, 1781.

SIR,-I wrote              you in haste yesterday by the
return of your express in answer to your letter
of the 15th. Major McGill not being able to set
out till this morning, furnishes me with an oppor-
tunity of inclosing you regular blank powers of
impress to be directed to such persons as you shall
think proper for impressing horses for your dragoons.

 When we ordered out the militia from the several
counties we ordered them to go properly officered,
as we had no certainty of there being any regular
officers ready to command them. There is now
a great collection of regular officers at Chester-
field C. H., met for the purpose of arranging our
line and discharging it of supernumeraries. As
there are not regulars for even those who will
remain in the service to command, I shall submit
to Baron Steuben, whether, besides requesting
all those who shall be declared supernumerary
to go to you, it may not be expedient to send

 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     315

those also who though remaining of the line cannot
have a. present command for want of men. If
these go, it will be in your power to permit such
of the militia officers to return home as choose it,
and forming the men into small battalions, to
dispose of both regular and militia officers as you
please.

 Baron Steuben has availed himself at Suffolk
of the regular officers by forming the militia into
regiments of four hundred each, and dividing
the regiment into two battalions of two hundred
each. This gave room for the regular officers,
who, of course, commanded those of the militia
of the same rank; however, this and every other
plan is submitted to yourself. I have the honor
to be, with very great esteem, Sir, etc., etc.

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

            RICHMOND, February 21, 1781.

SIR,-I received from Mr. Armistead yesterday
afternoon a copy of the receipt for the one hundred
and seventeen blankets. He excuses himself for
the error in calling them one hundred and fifty-
five from having spoken by memory. I did not
observe till I delivered it to you that the certi-
ficate of the delivery of Mr. Ross's blankets (one
hundred and five I think there were) wanted a
date. I know, however, that they were delivered
about the same time with those from Mr. Armistead.
 



316        Jefferson's Works

There will still remain ninety unaccounted for,
which will be worth inquiring.

 The enclosed letter from the Continental director
of the hospital at Fredericksburg being proper
to be transmitted to whatever person has succeeded
Dr. Kirkman, either in his office generally or in
the custody of the Continental medicines, and
being uninformed who that person is, I take the
liberty of submitting it to your order.

TO THE OFFICER COMMANDING THE NAVAL FORCE

 OF HIS MOST CHRISTIAN' MAJESTY ON THE COAST

 OF VIRGINIA.

             RICHMOND, February 28, 1781.

 SIR,-I have the honor to forward to you the
inclosed letter which accompanied others from
General Washington and the Marquis Lafayette
to the honorable Major-General Baron Steuben
and myself. That there may be no disappoint-
ment in procuring the pilots required, I get the
favor of Captain Maxwell, Naval Commander to
this State, to proceed to Hampton to provide them.
His knowledge of the service and of the properest
persons to be employed will, I hope, ensure our
getting them. You will be pleased to advise
him as to the number necessary. The commu-
nication between yourself and the commanding
officer on shore, I suppose to be at present safe and
easy. If you can point out anything which it is in
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts      317

my power to have done to render it more so, I shall
with great pleasure have it done.

General Washington mentions that you had
been so kind as to take on board some arms and
clothing on account of this State. Captain Max-
well is instructed to take measures for receiving
them. I shall be happy to have it in my power
to contribute by any orders I can give towards
supplying your troops with provisions, or any
other necessaries which may promote their health
or accommodation, and in every instance to testify
our gratitude tn your nation in general, and your-
self personally, for the aid you have brought us
on the present emergency, and the honor to be,
with the greatest esteem and respect, Sir, yours,
etc. , etc.

          TO COLONEL PICKERING.

                RICHMOND, March 4, 1781.

 SIR,-I am very sorry that the appointment
of deputy quarter-master in this State has been
so managed as to produce difficulty. You will
he pleased to observe that after I wrote to Major
Forsythe to know whether he would accept of it,
I waited upwards of a month and received no
answer. The business of transportation suffered
greatly for want of a head to the several deputies,
and much distressed the Southern army. At the
end of that period I received a letter from Major
 



318        Jefferson's Works

Forsythe taking no notice of the appointment of
deputy quarter-master which had been tendered
him, and showing that he was acting under a new
appointment of deputy commissary-general to the
Southern army, or of the Southern department,
I forget which. From this it was supposed that
he declined undertaking the office of deputy
quarter-master, and the papers were put into
the hands of Baron Steuben and a new appoint-
ment made, as has been formerly explained to
you. At the time we proposed Major Forsythe
as deputy quarter-master his former office of deputy
commissary of purchases in this State was become
a nullity, because we had undertaken to provide
by agents of our own, the specifics required by
Congress, which were to be delivered to store-
keepers under the direction of the quarter-master.
There was, therefore, nothing to be done by a
Continental commissary of purchases within the
State. The present appointment, however, of
Major Forsythe as deputy commissary-general to
the Southern army will require his attendance
on that army, will occupy his time fully in pro-
curing provisions to subsist the army during the
intervals, which the irregularities of the specific
supplies by the several States will necessarily
occasion, and, therefore, seems not to leave it
in his power to perform the duties of your deputy
in this State. I have the pleasure, however, to
inform you that Major Forsythe expresses himself
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    319

perfectly satisfied, and does not propose to urge
a right to the appointment.

 Major Claiborne being at first utterly unknown
to me, I was afraid to do more in my former letter
to you than to hand to you what was said of him
by others. The duties of his office, giving me
daily occasion to judge of him from my own obser-
vation, I think he is exceedingly attentive, dis-
creet, with talents not inferior to the office, and
upon the whole that he will give you satisfaction.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir,
yours, etc., etc.

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT OF

              CHANCERY.

               RICHMOND, March 5, 1781.

 SIR,-The Executive (on the public account)
are under a difficulty which will be sufficiently
explained by the within paper. ' You will perceive
by that that we propose to refer the matter to
arbitration in another State. Nevertheless, we
suppose the only question which' occasions a doubt
(that is whether if Mr. Nathan took up the bills
bona fide, as he alleges, he is entitled to a pay-
ment in hard, money at par) must have been fre-
quently decided, and in such case we should be
unwilling to show such ignorance of the law as
to require an award on a clear point. I am, there-
fore, desired to beg, your advice on that point,
 



320        Jefferson's Works

assuring you that it shall not come in question
before you judicially. If you shall be of opinion
that we ought to pay at par we shall do it; if you
think otherwise it shall be referred, as you see
by the papers, has been agreed on. I am only
to trouble you further for an immediate answer,
if you will be so good as to oblige us. I am, with
very great esteem, your most obedient servant.

TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

             IN COUNCIL, March 9, 1781.

SIR,-The Executive were informed during the
last summer or fall, that the Accomack and Diligence
galleys were deserted by officers and men, and
left open to be plundered of their guns and furniture.
Orders were immediately given to Commodore
Baron to arrest the officers, to have the men sought
for and taken, one of the galleys brought round
to the Bayside of the eastern shore and manned
with the same men and the other to be brought
to the western shore to be repaired. The bay
being infested with privateers at that time pre-
vented the immediate execution of the orders,
and the subsequent invasions which took place
in October and December have continued the
interruption of our intercourse with that shore.
In the meantime we learn that the vessels have
been much plundered, and their hulls so injured
as to render it doubtful whether worth repairing.
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    321

We have taken, and shall continue to pursue,
measures for punishing those who have thus abused
the public, and recovering indemnification, but
should it be not expedient to dispose of the hulls,
the sanction of the general assembly, if they
approve of it, would be necessary.

 I have the honor to be, etc., etc.

         TO GENERAL MUHLENBERG.

              IN, COUNCIL, March 16, 1781.

 SIR,-We have thought it better to change our
line of expresses from hence to your headquarters,
and make it across the river at Hood's. Mr. Kempe
comes down with sundry articles procured at the
request of the Marquis, and to procure others
which could not be got here. These you will be
so kind as to have taken care of to be delivered
to the particular order of the Marquis when he
shall arrive. I before wrote to ask the favor of
you to take measures for the subsistence and safe
custody of the horses procured for the Marquis
by Mr. Smith or his agents.

 The militia who were first called into service
and still remain are, as I am informed, impatient
to be relieved. They should certainly have been
relieved before this, but it cannot be unknown
to them that an enterprise is meditated, which may
put an end, in some measure, to the necessity of
calling them from their homes in the future. I

  VOL€ XIX-2 I
 



322        Jefferson's Works

think that a successful attempt on the present
army in Portsmouth will prevent our enemies                        from ever
trusting another in Chesapeake. To
change the whole militia at such a crisis would
be the most dangerous operation that could be
attempted. I will beg you to assure them that
the moment this enterprise is over, and I hope
not very many days will be requisite, a relief shall
be ready to take their places if a relief shall be
necessary. I shall be glad to hear from you fre-
quently, and am, with much esteem, Sir, yours,
etc. , etc.

TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

              IN COUNCIL, March 17, 1781.

 SIR,-I take the liberty of inclosing to the general
assembly, the within proposition from Mr. Ross,
the Continental agent for the State, as the legis-
lature alone can carry it into effect, should it meet
with approbation. I have the honor to be, with
very great respect, Sir, yours, etc., etc.

TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

              IN COUNCIL, March 17, 1781.

SIR,-The inclosed act of Congress will inform
you of the final ratification of the confederation
of thirteen United States of America. I beg leave
to congratulate the general assembly on this
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts     323

very important event, by which a firm bond of
union is drawn on these States, our friends enabled
to report confidence in our engagements, and our
enemies deprived of their only remaining hope. I
have the honor to be, etc.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF HISPANIOLA.

       RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, MarCh 24, 1781.

 SIR,-Mr. David Ross, commercial agent for this
State., who, as such, is entrusted with the exporta-
tion of commodities on the public account, and
information of necessaries for the army, dispatches
a vessel for the island over which your Excellency
presides.

 The extreme distress of this State for arms and
military stores, and the unison of object of his
most Christian Majesty and the North American
States in the present war against Great Britain,
embolden me to ask your Excellency's permission
to the agent of Mr. Ross to purchase, either from
private or public stores within your government,
and to export such arms and military stores as
the proceeds of the cargo may enable him to purchase.
Not knowing whether the regulations of your
government may admit this without your per-
mission, I have taken the liberty of troubling
your Excellency with this application, and have
the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest
 



324        Jefferson's Works

respect, your Excellency's most obedient and most
humble servant.

    TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR NASH.

               RICHMOND, MARCH 24, 1781.

 SIR,-The situation of affairs in our eastern and
southern quarters rendering peace on our western
frontier extremely desirable, the general assembly
of this State, by a resolution which I do myself
the honor of enclosing to your Excellency, have
recommended a conciliation with the Cherokees
in a particular manner. Not knowing what is
the present situation of the war with that nation
I have given authority to Colonels Preston and
Christian and Major Martin to concur with any
commissioners whom your Excellency may think
proper to authorize, to treat on the subject of
peace, whenever a proper occasion shall offer.
I cannot doubt your concurrence in opinion that
it is our policy to discontinue the division of our
western militia from their attention to the Southern
war. Should you be pleased to make such an
appointment on your part, your commissioners will
be enabled immediately to open a correspondence
with ours, so as to agree on circumstances, lines
and places. The resolution seems to suppose some
ground of complaint to exist with the Cherokees
as to their boundary. As none such of late date
have come to my knowledge, I could only assure
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    325

the commissioners that every just cause of com-
plaint on that subject should be removed by us
as far as this State is concerned in it. Better
information will perhaps enable you to be more
precise in your instructions to your commissioners.

 I had the honor of your Excellency's letter of
the 17th instant from Granville county. I have
given orders to our commissary to instruct his
agents in Mecklenburg and Halifax counties to
pursue the plan your Excellency had begun, and
to avail himself in the fullest manner of the resource
which the river and seasons afford us. He will
send out salt for the purpose of curing what fish
can be taken there. He apprehends considerable
difficulty in the article of barrels.

 You will, no doubt, before this. reaches you,
hear of the arrival of twelve British ships in our
bay, under Graves and Arbuthnot. Seven of them
are of the line, two 50's, the others smaller. . They
are said to have fallen in with the French fleet
destined for the same place just off the capes, and
to have had a partial engagement in which neither
suffered the loss of a ship or other material injury.

 I apprehend our plans against Arnold will fall
to the ground. I am, etc., etc.
 



326        Jefferson's Works

           TO GENERAL GREENE.

             IN COUNCIL, MARCH 24, 1781.

SIR,-I do myself the honor of inclosing to you
some resolutions of general assembly on the subject
of the horses procured and to be procured for the
first and third regiments of cavalry, in the execution
of which I shall need your assistance. Repre-
sentations were made by the conduct of the persons
who were, or pretended to be, entrusted with the
execution of the impress warrants, which I had
inclosed to you, very unfavorably to them. They
are said to have transgressed extremely, not only
by exceeding the tract of country to which the
warrants were restrained, but in the kind of horses
on which they seized. This produced the reso-
lutions of March 7th, the first of which is no doubt
become unnecessary, as I suppose the departure
of the enemy from this State, and their present
tendency renders nugatory, warrants which were
restrained to the neighborhood and probable route
of the enemy. I should otherwise ask the favor
of you to issue your orders for the discontinuance
of impresses under those warrants altogether. The
second resolution of the same date obliges me to
trouble you with ordering the several persons
who have been employed in these impresses to
make a report of their proceedings therein, which
may be done by way of calendar under these heads,
to with 1st. The species of horse impressed, that
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    327

is whether a stone horse, gelding or brood mare.
2d. A description by the size, age, and general
appearance, which latter circumstance I would
only wish to have designated by such short terms
as those "fine," " indifferent," etc., etc. 3d. The
sum at which estimated. 4th. Whose property.
8th. In what county inpressed. 6th. By whom
impressed. 7th. To what purpose applied.

 This, I apprehend, will answer most of the pur-
poses which the general assembly had in view.
Should there have been any other circumstances
in the conduct of these gentlemen which would
become proper subjects of enquiry, they can only
be gathered from those who would be interested
in producing them. On view of such a report
yourself also will be enabled to judge which par-
ticular horses, according to the same resolution,
must be returned to their owners.

 Before it will be in our power to proceed in the
execution of the resolution of March 17th I must
give you the trouble of procuring me information
what number of horses will be wanting to fill up
the two regiments after withdrawing such of the
impress horses as are, by the resolution before
mentioned, to be returned. It would be the wish
of the Executive to appropriate a certain portion
of the money for the purchase of these, and that
this should be laid out by persons of your own
appointment if it would be agreeable to you. I am,
etc. , etc.
 



328        Jefferson's Works

      TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.

              IN COUNCIL, March 28, 1781.

SIR; Colonel Senf handed me a list of entrench-
ing tools and other necessaries for the operations
against Portsmouth. Notwithstanding present
appearances, I shall have them proceed. I appre-
hend we shall be obliged to have many of them
made at Fredericksburg.

Mr. Walker delivered me your wish to have
seamen procured for manning the armed vessels.
I know of no method of effecting this but by draught-
ing from the lower militia such men as are used
to the water. Should this weaken the body of
militia too much we can have them reinforced
by other militia, but perhaps the arrival of the
fleet and transports of the enemy may have rendered
our plans against Portsmouth desperate; in which
case economy would require the immediate dis-
charge of the private vessels now retained at the
expense and risk. I shall discharge all of them
except the three largest, and as to them await
your opinion. Captain Maxwell is at present,
and for some time will be, at the shipyard on Chick-
ahominy endeavoring to withdraw the vessels and
stores from that place into James river. He will
there receive any others you may wish to have
executed within the naval department. When he
shall have effected the business on which he is
there engaged, I will take care to make known
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    329

to you the station he takes, and that it be con-
venient to your situation.

  We are now calling for militia as stated below,
to relieve those who have had so very long a tour.
They will probably begin to come in within a fort-
night, and be all in within four weeks. These
of the counties of Loudoun, Fauquier, Prince William,
Fairfax, Spotsylvania, Caroline and Culpeper, some
of whom are already in and some coming under
calls issued some little time ago are meant to be
retained, and with those stated below to constitute
the force of the ensuing two or three months. We
are the more anxious to relieve the militia who
have been so long in the field because, during
their absence the act for raising new levies is sus-
pended in their counties

 Captain Reid's troop of horse is just arrived
here from guarding the Saratoga prisoners, in
which business it has been employed for eighteen
months past. They came under an order which
was meant to carry them into immediate service
below, but Captain Reid reports them to me as
totally unfit for service from poverty, sore back
and broken saddles. I, . therefore, have thought
it best to send them to Port Royal to refit, as
there is at that place a plenty of forage which
cannot be brought forward for the use of either
army, and they will be convenient to Fredericks-
burg where their equipments may be effected.

 I have the pleasure to inclose you a letter of
 



330        Jefferson's Works

the 23d, from General Greene, and am, with sen-
timents of the highest respect and esteem, Sir,
yours, etc., etc., 


 Hampshire..............242    Berkeley.......250
 Shenandoah.............257    Frederick......267
 Orange.................140    Stafford.......113
 Louisa.................140    King George....114
 Essex................. 107 
                                              1598

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

                IN COUNCIL, April 3, 1871.

 SIR,-No term having been fixed by the Executive
for the service of the militia, I do not know whence
it could have been collected that it was within
ten days of expiring. Nevertheless it is most
certain they would have been relieved long e'er
this had it not been for the enterprise meditated
against Portsmouth. It was thought too danger-
ous to change the whole body of militia at that
critical juncture. The moment that object was
laid aside we called for militia from the counties
named in the margin, who with those before called
from Loudoun, Fauquier, Fairfax, Prince William,
Spotsylvania, Caroline and Culpeper were intended
to constitute the force acting in the field the succeed-
ing two or three months, discharging all others
as fast as they should come in. From these calls
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    331

we expected twenty-seven hundred men, the
number you had desired to keep up while
nothing offensive was meditated. Of all this we
gave notice to the Marquis Lafayette, the then
commanding officer. Considering the unusually long
tour the riflemen and other militia below have
served, I think every acknowledgment of their
patient service just, and every encouragement
necessary to keep them contentedly till the arrival
of the reliefs ordered from the counties in the
margin. I suppose we are not to expect the men
till the middle of the month, and that it will be
the last of the month before all get in. We take
for granted you will be pleased always to notify
the executive the number of men you think requisite
in the field, which may enable them to give orders
for them on the proper counties, I am, etc., etc.



Hampshire..............242  Stafford.........113
Berkeley...............250  Louisa...........140
Frederick..............267  King George......114
Shenandoah.............217  Essex............107
Orange.................140
                               1598

         TO GENERAL MUHLENBERG.

                IN CouNcIL, April 3, 1781.

 SIR,-The men under your command who have
been in the field from the beginning of the invasion,
 



332        Jefferson's Works

having served a tour of duty unusually long, I
am anxious to have them satisfied of the accidents
which have as yet prevented their relief. Others
would have been ordered in their places long e'er
this, had it not been for the enterprise meditated
against Portsmouth. The changing the whole
militia was thought too dangerous an operation
at that critical time. They know the circum-
stances which occasioned this enterprise to be
laid aside. The moment the arrival of a reinforce-
ment to the enemy obliged us to discontinue our
intentions, a body of militia was called for to relieve
them, from the counties which had not yet been
in service. I state to you in the margin the whole
of them. The six counties first named were called
on to aid the operations against Portsmouth. It
was meant, however, that they shall be kept with
the nine last named to serve a full tour and con-
stitute the opposing force, discharging all others
as fast as these came in, and first those which have
been longest in the field. I must solicit your
most exact attention to the return of all public
arms and accoutrements and ammunition put into
the hands of -militia, whenever they shall be
discharged. No man should be discharged till
he does this or gives a satisfactory account of
their loss or expenditure.

 @#(1) Loudoun, 168 ; Fauquier, 292 ; Fairfax, 200 ; Prince william, 185 ;
Spotsylvania, 120 ; Caroline, 260 ; Culpeper, 352 ; Hampshire, 242 ;
Berkeley, 258; Frederick, 267; Shenandoah, 217; Orange, 140; Staf-
ford, 113; Louisa, 140; King George, 114; Essex, 107-3075 @#
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts      333

 I think myself very particularly obliged to
acknowledge the patient service of those who
have been so long from home, and am anxious
that they should know that this has not proceeded
from any previous intention in government, but
from the circumstances before explained. I hope
they will be relieved in a very few days, and that
in the meantime they will fill up the measure of
merit by continuing to restrain the excursions of
the enemy till others can come to succeed to those
duties. I beg leave to have these matters particu-
larly explained to Colonel Matthews and Bouyer,
and through them to their men, who, I believe,
have been longest from home. I am, etc., etc.

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

               IN COUNCIL, April 6, 1781.

 SIR,-The Executive have had it much at heart
to prevent, as far as possible, interruption in
raising the new levies while they were constrained
to bring a number of militia into the field. For
this reason about one-half of the counties in the
northern part of the State were not called on for
militia till they had time to go through their draught.
This being done by them, they have been all of
them (except those laying much exposed on the
bay and lower parts of the rivers) required to
send one-fourth of their militia to relieve those
of the southern counties now in the field.
 



334        Jefferson's Works

Those amounted but to the number of three
thousand and seventy-five, and we had wished
as soon as they could be in, and the southern counties
discharged, to set those southern counties to raising
their new levies, and leave them undisturbed during
that operation, which would employ them two
months. This plan has, however, been broken
on by a requisition from General Greene of fifteen
hundred militia, which obliged us to call on eleven
of those counties. Anxious as we are to favor the
raising the new levies we would not sacrifice to it the
manifest safety of the State, and will, therefore,
call for from them any number of militia you shall
think requisite to act defensively in this State.

 Major Nelson's third troop came here, and, Captain
Reid reported them totally unfit for service, from
poverty, sore backs, etc. I, therefore, ordered
them to Port Royal to recruit their horses and
to have their equipments repaired at Fredericks-
burg, of which I informed the Marquis Fayette.
Perhaps the quarter-master in that quarter might
best judge whether Armand's corps could be accom-
modated and fed there also, or whether there
be any better place in his district. I am, etc., etc.

   TO MAJOR-GENERAL NATHANIEL GREENE.

               IN COUNCIL, April 5, 1781.

 SIR,-It was formerly usual to require from
the Continental staff officers in this State, warrants
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts      335

from Congress for all moneys advanced to them.
Since the war has been transferred to the south-
ward, the calls for money have been so apparently
indispensable that we could not await warrants
from Congress as had been before practised on
draughts from yourself or Major General Gates,
to whom authority to draw for money was given.
Nevertheless we think it essential to obtain your
sanction of the moneys after payment of them,
for which purpose I take the liberty of troubling
you with Major Claiborne's receipt for some moneys
from the State, which were ordered without any
previous authority from a sense of their necessity.

 It is not in our power to produce you the L5,000
hard money which you desired, but we have put
into the hands of Major Claiborne a warrant for
half a million of pounds current money to be liable
to your order only. Perhaps you can find means
to have the hard money purchased in Philadelphia
for money to be paid here.

That you may form some idea of the indiscretions
which have occasioned a dissatisfaction in the
impresses of horses, I inclose you copies of two
papers lodged with me against a Mr. Rudder
employed in that business. Instead of soothing
the minds of the people, and softening the harsh
act of taking their valuable horses by force, it
has been frequently accompanied, as we are informed,
by defiances of the civil power, and circumstances
of personal irritation.
 



336        Jefferson's Works

As tedious as is the operation of reasoning with
every individual on whom we are obliged to exercise
disagreeable powers, yet free people think they
have a right to an explanation of the circumstances
which give rise to the necessity under which they
suffer. Such has been the general irritation under
these impresses that we have been obliged to
authorize the county lieutenants to restrain them
under the directions of the resolutions of the
assembly I formerly inclosed you. I am, etc. , etc,

         TO COLONEL HENRY LEE.

               IN COUNCIL, April 13, 1781.

 SIR,-I am exceedingly sorry to hear that the
counties on Potomac are so much harassed by
the enemy, and am very apprehensive it will con-
tinue some time until our allies can clear us of
them, which I hope and expect.

 The act of assembly referred to in your letter
as authorizing the Executive to raise militia cavalry,
only gave that authority where there was reason
to apprehend a meeting against the late draught.
Upon this apprehension we authorized the raising
a troop for the two counties of Northumberland
and Lancaster, and nowhere else. We wish ex-
ceedingly that we had a power of doing it, because
it would be the most effective protection to the
exposed counties which could be given them by
land. All we can venture to do is, if you can
 



        Supplementary Manuscripts    337

make ase of a party of militia not exceeding the
number of a troop as mounted infantry, finding
their own horses, we may order forage to be found
them while on actual duty, but in every other
respect they must be considered as militia for
this purpose. I inclose you an order to Mr. McMillan,
deputy to Mr. Brown in your county. I am, etc., etc.

           TO BARON STEUBEN.

                RICHMOND, April 14, 1781.

 SIR,-As so much of the subject of Colonel Davies'
letter as relates to the conduct of the Continental
issuing commissary general in this State lies within
your powers of reformation altogether, I take the
liberty of handing on the letter to you. It is
very interesting to us that the provisions issued
for Continental use be issued to persons authorized
to give proper vouchers for debiting the continent,
and I entertain no doubt but that you will be so
kind as to have this branch of business so arranged.
In the meantime it might have an ill effect to
stop the issue at so early a day as the one proposed,
as within that space it might not perhaps be prac-
ticable to have the necessary arrangements made.
I also inclose you copies of letters just come to
hand from the President of Congress. I wish
this intelligence may not stop the Pennsylvania
Line, and leave General Greene to depend still on
this State and Maryland alone. As to ourselves,

  VOL. XIX--22
 



338        Jefferson's Works

it is our wish to act on the defensive only in this
State, and not to stop a single regular till General
Greene shoul