Collection Search

To: Bey of Tunis.

Copy of letter announcing appointment of Lear as Consul, with clerical countersignature of James Madison. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC02794.053

[An Act to alter the times and places of holding the circuit courts in the eastern district, and in North Carolina, and for other purposes]

Printed document signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State. Also signed in type by Jonathan Trumbull as Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Langdon as President pro tempore of the Senate, and approved by George Washington as President....

GLC02806

[Jefferson's first inaugural address]

Copy of Thomas Jefferson's first inaugural address as President. Printed by the Columbian Courier Extra. Lists small number of advertisements on bottom righthand corner. Address given in Washington D.C. Small yellowed discoloration marks throughout...

GLC03011

[An Act making Appropriations for the Support of Government for the Year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two].

Signed by Secretary of State Jefferson, and countersigned in type by Speaker of the House Jonathan Trumbull, Vice President Adams, and President Washington. The act details the federal budget for 1792. Issued by the Second Congress of the United...

GLC03014

A Manual of parliamentary practice for use of the Senate of the United States

With bookplate of James M. Garnett, Essex County, Va. American Bibliography 719, Sabin 35887, Bibliotheca Jeffersoniana p. 83

GLC03024

to Persoon re: thanking Persoon for gift of botanical book

GLC03362

An act to erect a light-house on Montok point in the state of New York

Signed by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Describes the steps to be taken before construction, such as the appointment of a caretaker and the appropriation of funds. Printed below the act are Speaker of the House Jonathan Trumbull's and...

GLC03396

[An Act for regulating Processes in the Courts of the United States, and providing Compensations for the Officers of the said Courts, and for Jurors and Witnesses]

Printed document signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State. Also signed in type by Jonathan Trumbull as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard Henry Lee as President pro tempore of the Senate, and approved by George Washington as President...

GLC03561

to Maria Eppes

Writes to his daughter about her health, his desire for Maria's presence in capital, and planning for her to visit. Waterstaining slightly obscures the text.

GLC03641

to NJ Legislature re: domestic & foreign affairs, gratitude [incomplete]

Dating from Bergh, Collected Writings of TJ, v. 16: 294-96. The last two paragraphs are lacking from this document. Discusses the Embargo Act (obliquely).

GLC03642

[Order to Militia officers to enforce the Embargo Act]

Indicates that a ship near Maryland and Virginia intends to violate the Embargo Act and orders it seized. The order was issued at the instigation of Charles Simms, a collector of customs in Virginia.

GLC03643

[Appointment of Benjamin Morgan as member of Legislative Council for Louisiana]

Countersigned by Secretary of State James Madison. Says the appointment was made in light of Congressional division of the Louisiana Purchase into two sections in 1804, Orleans Territory and the District of Louisiana. Morgan was appointed to the...

GLC03871

to Isaac Briggs re: reports on formation of government & surveying of Louisiana

With three drafts of letters by Briggs to Jefferson.

GLC03872

to William Jarvis

First page contains Jefferson's letter to Jarvis acknowledging the receipt of Iberian wines for Monticello. Also briefly discusses U.S. foreign relations with European nations. Pages three and four contain Jarvis drafted response to Jefferson, dated...

GLC03873.01

to James Oldham

Discusses construction materials and methods used at Monticello. Suggests that it would be better to use riven pine slabs than linen. Includes a drawing of six parallel lines to show how the boards can be laid out. Mentions that if Oldham needs...

GLC03897

to Henry Voigt

Commissions Voight to make him a gold watch for his granddaughter.

GLC03941

[Act of Congress altering times for holding circuit courts]

Printed document signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State. Signed in type by Jonathan Trumbull as Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Adams as Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, and approved by George...

GLC03968

to John Mason

Asks General Mason to serve as one of three disinterested commissioners for the Cumberland Road, two of which should come from "this quarter." A post script indicates he was also asking Thomas Moore, who accepted. Mason apparently declined, since...

GLC04076

to John Stockdale re: purchase of maps and books for inclusion into his atlas

David Franks, the bearer of this letter, was the highest-ranking Jewish officer in the Revolutionary War.

GLC03117

to Benjamin Rush re: thanks for lectures on medicine, mathematics; health, etc.

Signed twice on address leaf with Free frank written in another hand. Ford, Jefferson's Works, 11:211-13 and Butterfield, Rush Letters, 2:1073-76, 1098-1100. Written in Poplar Forest.

GLC03248

to Comte de Moustier re: inability to see him before departure

Written as American Minister to France, to Moustier as French minister to the US. Also mentions relations between France and America, and Britain and America. Published: Boyd, Papers of TJ, 12:224-25.

GLC03270

to Comte de Moustier re: etiquette, new US Constitution, the Estates General

Written as American Minister to France, to Moustier, the French Minister to the U.S. Slight ink bleedthrough. Published in: Boyd, Papers of TJ, 13: 173-76.

GLC03271

to Comte de Moustier re: political changes in France & calling of the Estates

Written as American Minister to France, to Moustier, the French Minister to the U.S. Published in: Boyd, Papers of TJ, 13: 491-92.

GLC03272

to Comte de Moustier re: French fiscal crisis, political affairs, elections

Written as American minister to France. The electioneering was for the gathering of the Estates General. Moderate ink bleedthrough. Published in: Boyd, Papers of TJ, 14: 652-54.

GLC03276

to Comte de Moustier re: regrets Moustier's return to Europe, Bill of Rights

Written as Secretary of State. Jefferson actually had helped engineer Moustier's recall after his stormy tenure as French ambassador.

GLC03280

to William Jarvis re: Jefferson's pleasure at recent retirement

Written as retired President to Jarvis, American consul at Lisbon. Jefferson also thank Jarvis for Merino sheep and the wines he sent. Written in Monticello

GLC03320

to Thomas W. Maury re: the census, map-making, a mineralogical survey

Written in Monticello

GLC03321

to Nathaniel Bowditch

Thanks Bowditch for the extract of his review from the North American and asks him to lecture at the University of Virginia. Bowditch, an astronomer and mathematician, turned down a position at the University in 1818, but kept in contact with...

GLC03415

to John Dev[ereux] DeLacy re: inland navigation, defending Chesapeake Bay

Incomplete. Lined verso. The third line up from the end lacks the line "power. There is a proposition now pending in Congress for an amendment" supplied by the polygraph copy at the Library of Congress. De Lacy came from Charleston, S.C. Most of...

GLC03084

Message of the President... to Congress relative to France and Great Britain

Compiled by Jefferson as Secretary of State, mostly relating to the Genet Affair. Printed for Matthew Carey.

GLC02835

Marriage certificate of Louis Guillaume Otto & Miss de Crevecoeur

In Latin and French, witnessed by numerous people. Signed by Jefferson (serving then as Secretary of State). Also signed by Members of Congress Jeremiah Wadsworth, Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., NYS Supreme Court Justice Richard Morris, Vice Consul of...

GLC02895

An Act to provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrection and repel Invasions

Signed as Secretary of State. Passed during the first session of the Second Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 24 October 1791.

GLC03009

Appointing county commissioners to procure supplies for Continental army

Two printed documents, one signed by Jefferson as governor of Virginia. The supply requisition was for county troops going to the Carolinas. The second document is a printed extract of the relevant act of the Virginia assembly (13 x 16 cm.)

GLC01634

to Lieutenant of Berkeley Co.

Manuscript letter signed by Jefferson as governor of Virginia, ordering the Lieutenant of Berkeley County to mobilize a quarter of the county militia. The letter also discusses the arrival of British troops.

GLC01636

to William Smith

Jefferson writing to Smith of the College of Philadelphia, Jefferson describes John Wales Eppes's (his son-in-law's) knowledge of mathematics, the sciences, and natural philosophy. Tells him that when Smith's courses cover an area known to Eppes...

GLC01724

The Secretary of State.... [report on supplying coinage from England]

Broadside printed by Childs and Swaine. First printing of Jefferson's first published report as Secretary of State rejecting a proposal to import copper coins minted in England as an infringement on American sovereignty. The idea had been proposed...

GLC01738

to Lieutenant of Berkeley Co. re: call for drafting state militia, pay

Partly printed circular letter signed as Governor of Virginia. Refers to an act to prevent desertion, to draft more state militia and to use tobacco loan certificates for pay. Ink and paper losses at center. Lined on verso.

GLC01891

Orders re: to take charge as Commissary of Virginia militia

Signed as Governor of Virginia, mentioning troops being sent "to Fort Pitt on their way down the Ohio" when Indians were raiding the western borders. The close and "thirty thousand pounds" are in Jefferson's hand.

GLC01967

Report of the Secretary of State, on... commerce... in foreign countries

Published by order of the House of Representatives. Printed by Childs & Swain, with contemporary notes, notably on p. 7 and 13.

GLC01970

[Legal document granting power of attorney for John Paradise to Nathaniel Burwell]

Signed by John Paradise but written in Jefferson's hand, while Jefferson served as American ambassador in Paris. Paradise signs over his financial affairs, including the payment of his creditors to Burwell. Signed as a witness by Jefferson, William...

GLC01974

[An act appropriating funds to purchase two lots for building the Mint].

Signed as Secretary of State.

GLC01984

Collateral to US Mint: Rittenhouse medal, one-cent & half-cent coins with prints

Collateral items: print of Jefferson; a photo, "Ye Old Mint;" a print titled "The Coin Room;" a commemorative medal with the words "David Rittenhouse 1st Director U.S. Mint;" a one cent coin with a flowing hair liberty on the front and chain link on...

GLC01997.02

An act to amend ... "An act establishing a mint, and regulating the coins of the United States," so far as respects the coinage of copper.

Title begins: "Second Congress of the United States: At the second session, begun and held at the city of Philadelphia, in the state of Pennsylvania, on Monday, the fifth of November, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two." Signed as Secretary...

GLC01998

[An act to provide for a copper coinage]

Title reads: "Second Congress of the United States: At the first session, begun and held at the city of Philadelphia on Monday the twenty-fourth of October, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one. An act to provide for a copper coinage."...

GLC01999

. . . A mint shall be established under such regulations as shall be directed by law.

Title begins: "Congress of the United States: At the third session, begun and held at the city of Philadelphia, on Monday the sixth of December, one thousand seven hundred and ninety. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United...

GLC02000

An Account of Louisiana, being an abstract of documents, in the offices...

Bound with "Appendix to an Account of Louisiana." (The Appendix is sometimes bound separately.) First (true) edition of the official documents relating to the recently purchased Louisiana Territory.

GLC04138

Pass from Albemarle county to Medicinal Springs in Berkeley County, for Mr. Burchsdorff and Major General Riedesel, and family.

Pass from Albemarle county to Medicinal Springs in Berkeley County, for Mr. Burchsdorff and Major General Riedesel, and family (German mercenaries captured with Burgoyne at Saratoga).

GLC08316

Blank form to promote militia members with instructions on following orders.

Blank form to promote militia members with instructions on following orders. As Governor of Virginia, in Williamsburg [between 01 June 1770 and 02 June 1781.]

GLC08339

Memoir, correspondence, and miscellanies, from the papers of Thomas Jefferson

Edited by Thomas Jefferson Randolph. Second edition. Published in Boston by Gray and Bowen. Signed by Hamilton Fish. This was the first of several attempts to replicate Thomas Jefferson's correspondence. Volumes 1 and 4 are mis-identified on the...

GLC08584

[Act of Congress granting lands to heads of families in Vincennes and the Illinois Country]

Approved by George Washington and signed by Jefferson on 3 March 1791. Docketed 25 March 1791 by Timothy Matlack, Clerk of the Senate.

GLC05567

to Lieutenant of Berkeley Co. re: plans to avenge murders of settlers by Indians

Signed as governor. Planning to retaliate with militia for the murder of frontier settlers by British-backed Indians. "We have been too long diverted by humanity from enforcing good behavior by severe chastisement. Savages are to be curbed by fear...

GLC05710

to Craven Peyton

Discusses a dispute with a neighbor, the Henderson family, and their dam near Monticello. States that although he does not remember the exact position of John and Charles Henderson's four acres of land, he knows they cannot build a mill without...

GLC05966

to David Humphreys re: trade, laws of European countries against US commerce

Extensive ink bleedthrough obscures Jefferson's writing. Written to America's secret agent in Lisbon concerning laws of France, Spain and England damaging American commerce. "Our best interest would be to employ our principal labours in agriculture...

GLC05967

President Jefferson's Library: A Catalogue

Compiled by the auctioneer, Nathaniel P. Poor. Title continues, "of the extensive and valuable Library of the late President Jefferson, (copied from the original MS., in his hand-writing, as arranged by himself,) to be sold at auction, at the Long...

GLC06094

[Patent for Edward West's improvement, being a machine for cutting and heading nails]

Signed by Thomas Jefferson as President. Countersigned by James Madison as Secretary of State and Levi Lincoln as Attorney General. West's written description of his invention is signed by Andrew Holmes and Lewis Sanders as witnesses. Contains a...

GLC06238

[Appointment of William Swann to Captain in the first regiment infantry].

Countersigned by Secretary of War Henry Dearborn.

GLC06418.02

to Dr. William Bentley re: thanks for botanical specimens and illustrations

President Jefferson, writing shortly after his last Christmas in the White House, acknowledges receipt of the gift of some botanical speciments and drawings from the pen of Miss Crownenshield. Bentley (1759-1819) was a Unitarian Minister in Salem...

GLC06675

to Bureaux Pusy?? re: assistance to Revolutionary veteran, forwarding

Letter is addressed to Pusey, and appears to be forwarding a petition for Congress to introduce. Written in Monticello

GLC06749.01

Report of the Joint Committee... for the Library of Mr. Jefferson

Report of members of Congress concerning the library of Thomas Jefferson, which the retired president had offered to the country to replace that destroyed by the British when they burned the capitol in 1814. Jefferson's library became the core of...

GLC06792

to Henry Dearborn re: recommending W.Duncanson for Librarian of Congress

Jefferson, writing to his Secretary of War, discusses nominations for various posts, particularly W. Duncanson for Librarian of Congress, because of his distressed condition. "He was in the worst days of terror, one of the 4 or 5 who alone stood...

GLC06826

to Charles W. Dumas

Sends Dumas plans for the construction of Washington, D.C. "with a desire that they may be exhibited" in Europe. Accompanied by a 1792 Andrew Ellicott Map from "Columbian Magazine" (GLC 7104.02).

GLC07104.01

to James Dinsmore

Discusses the renovation and construction of the dome at Monticello. "I wonder the Copper sheets had not got to hand, as it is very long since they left Philadelphia. the steps, or plinths for the dome must be got from Fluvanna...." States that it...

GLC07105

[Pardon of James Snow for perjury].

Countersigned by Secretary of State James Madison. Snow was convicted of perjury in Alexandria, Virginia in 1803. Jefferson pardoned Snow for "divers causes and considerations."

GLC07146

to William H. Harrison re: seeking more land for the U.S. by subjugating Indians

"To promote this disposition to exchange lands,which they have to spare and we want . . . we shall push our trading houses, and be glad to see the good & influential individuals among them run in debt, because we observe that when these debts get...

GLC07171

to Ann Welsh re: denying pension to widow of Revolutionary War officer

"Having fallen during the war, no right of half pay could arise in their case . . . A legislature must follow general rules, and never do for one person what they would not do for every other under the same circumstances . . . [commutation] has never...

GLC07172

to Gilbert M. Lafayette re: Louisiana Purchase lands for Lafayette as a gift

Concerning Louisiana lands for Lafayette's sacrifices during Revolution: "There are adjacent to the town of N. Orleans on both sides of the Canal of Cavondelet a body of ungranted lands . . . considering the great value that this will very soon be...

GLC07173.01

to M. Dumas

Written as American ambassador to France to Dutchman Charles William Frederic Dumas at the Hague, who had wanted to negotiate a commercial treaty for America. Dumas had been refused. Jefferson points out past history and present problems, including...

GLC00322

An Act Supplemental to the Act "establishing the Treasury Department," and for a farther Compensation to certain Officers.

Copy of an act of Congress supplementing the act that established the treasury department. Fixes salaries and protocol for treasury department officers. Signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State.

GLC00383

Printed letter signed re: invasion & defense of Virginia

Circular notice signed as Governor of Virginia concerning Benedict Arnold's invasion of Va. and defense measures. Addressed to Berkeley County. Mentions musters for militia and required supplies. Lined on verso.

GLC00448

[Virginia land grant for Josiah Smith]

For thirty-five shillings sterling, Smith was granted 343 acres of land, the borders of which are described. With state seal. Printed document, partially filled in by hand, signed as Governor of Virginia.

GLC00496.038

to Littleton W. Tazewell

Letter clarifying a late payment of an estate debt that is currently under Tazewell's management. Eulogizes his father, Henry Tazewell.

GLC00496.039

to James Ronaldson

Docketed by Ronaldson. Jefferson compares the specimens (probably Ronaldson and Binney no. 1) to those used in a book in the mid-eighteenth century, and is cheered by the prospect of human progress. Ronaldson-Binney's first typeface was the first...

GLC00496.042

to John Hancock

Thomas Jefferson asks Governor Hancock to collect data on the cod and whale fisheries. Seller's note reads: "an incomplete press copy of a contemporary transcript." First pages missing. Written while Jefferson was Secretary of State. Letter is...

GLC00496.175

to Thomas Jefferson Randolph

Titled: "To Thomas Jefferson Randolph from his illustrious grand Father." Advises his grandson on such issues as choosing friends, using common sense, and knowing when to leave well enough alone. Notes on verso. Former owner Harry Dalton's note...

GLC00496.178

to Samuel McKay

Suggests that two parties are essential to a functioning democracy. McKay was a farmer and local political leader in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Fourth of July oration was entitled "An Address," delivered at the Request of the Republican Committee...

GLC00639.14

to Henry Remsen, Jr.

Jefferson writes after a Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia had scattered the functions of the federal government through the countryside, and questions whether Congress could gather after voting to re-convene in Philadelphia. Question of seat of...

GLC00639.16

Notes on the establishment of a money unit....

Printed by Pierres in Paris. Copies of this work were bound into the private edition of Notes on the State of Virginia (GLC 5096). A rare work by Jefferson, one with important consequences for the United States. Jefferson Papers 8: 295 and 7: 150...

GLC01034

to Jeremiah A. Goodman

One letter written by Thomas Jefferson to Jeremiah A. Goodman dated July 30, 1817. Goodman was Jefferson's former plantation overseer at Poplar Forest. Item documents the cancellation of selling Sally, a three-year old enslaved child to Goodman....

GLC01084

to James Madison

Regarding the establishment of the University of Virginia, Jefferson writes to set a meeting for handling donations to "our subscription paper" and discusses the details of arranging a meeting. Among those also contacted for the meeting were Joseph C...

GLC01198

A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies Of North America, Now Met in General Congress at Philadelphia, Setting forth the Causes and Necessity of their taking up Arms.

Secretly printed pamphlet co-authored with John Dickinson. 8vo. Signed in type by Hancock and Charles Thompson. Printed in Philidelphia. For the London printing see GLC00156.

GLC01240

An Act to provide for Mitigating or Remitting the Forefeitures and Penalties, accruing under the Revenue-Laws, in certain cases therin mentioned.

Places district judges in charge of all cases of fines, penalty of forfeiture, etc. Judges then report the cases to the Secretary of the Treasury. Printed document signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State, verified as a true copy.

GLC01431.01

[Patent for John Templeman's improvement in the chain bridge]

Signed by Jefferson as President. Countersigned by James Madison as Secretary of State and Caesar Augustus Rodney as Attorney General. Templeman's written description of his improvement is signed by Thomas Corcoran and John Oto as witnesses. The...

GLC07328

to James Dinsmore re: building bed at Monticello, with sketches

GLC07509

to John Barnes re: activities at Monticello

Also discusses Kosciuzko and Jefferson's financial situation. Written in Monticello

GLC07510

[Presidential proclamation requiring potential insurgents against the Embargo Act at Lake Champlain to disperse peaceably]

Countersigned by James Madison. With white paper seal. In an effort to enforce the Embargo Act in New England, Jefferson warns all who do not disperse that officers will be ordered to "subdue such insurrections or combinations, to seize upon all...

GLC07541

to Mr. Cheetham re: negotiations over 12th amendment

"No serious evil can result from the designs of the little faction which has existed for a short time previous to the presidential election [of 1800], & which is governed by no principle but is solely devoted to the aggrandisement of an individual."...

GLC07557

to Gilbert M. de Lafayette re: transition in Louisiana Purchase territory

"I had rather have your single person there than an army of ten thousand men for the purpose of securing the tranquility & preservation of the country."

GLC07560.01

Appointing Tobias Lear as Consul to Algiers

GLC07658

to unknown

Sends copies of "the act for establishing the...permanent seat of the government of the United States" in Washington, D.C. and an act providing for the payment of invalid pensioners (the actual copies are not included). The text of this letter is...

GLC07668

to Pierre C. L'Enfant

Requests a meeting to go over some papers Jefferson received from President Washington, so that the relationship between the commissioners superintending the building of Washington, D.C. and L'Enfant could be "entirely understood." L'Enfant designed...

GLC07669

to Tristam Dalton

Thanks him for the copy of Agriculture Magazine he sent. Regarding cattle feed, he states that instead of the widely used crops of carrots, potatoes, and beets, he recommends Jerusalem artichoke and succory (chicory). He describes the merits of...

GLC07670.01

A Bill for Establishing a System of Public Education

GLC07841

to John F. Mercer re: postponing visit with Madison to Mercer's estate

GLC07854

to Edward Livingston, Esq.

Discussing his opinions on the Sedition act. In part: "...My text of explanation would be this. The President is to heave the laws executed. He may order an offense then to be prosecuted. If he sees a prosecution put into a train which is not...

GLC07869

Message from the President... A statement of the militia....

GLC08698

Message from the President... respecting new principles [neutrality]

Disbound. Printed by Duane & Son. Report on neutral rights, reprinting the decree of Gen. Louis Ferraud.

GLC08858

to unknown

Circular letter in which President Jefferson urges the state governments to "carry into effect the militia system adopted by the national legislature." Explains that "None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. to keep ours armed...

GLC08925

to Lewis Brantz

Discusses his recommendation of Mr. Haessler, probably Ferdinand R. Hässler who was the first supervisor of the Survey of the Coast, to Virginia Governor James Pleasant. Recipient noted in a different hand. Formerly pasted with a printed label...

GLC00693.01

An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes

Printed document signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State. With an unusual free frank for the printer, Childs and Swain of New York.

GLC00696

An Act making Appropriations for the Support of Government for the Year one thousand seven hundred and ninety three.

Sets the federal budget for the year at $1,589,044.72. Lists the salaries to be paid to members and employees of government, the amount of their expenses, such as stationary, to be covered, and other costs of the federal government, such as the...

GLC00755