THE LIBRARY OF THE 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 NORTH CAROLINA 
 AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 Mary Farlow 
 
 THE LIBRARY OF THE 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 NORTH CAROLINA 
 AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 ENDOWED BY THE 
 DIALECTIC AND PHILANTHROPIC 
 SOCIETIES 
 
 E302 
 . J47 
 v.19 
 
UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 00007731430 
 

 Digitized by 
 
 the Internet Archive 
 
 
 
 in 2014 
 
 
 https://archive.org/details/writingsofthomas19jeff_0 
 
Jefferson at Sixty 
 
 Photogravure from the Original Gypsum Bas-relief by George Miller. 
 
 This bas-relief was originally owned by Zeligman Phillips, one of 
 the founders, in 1805, of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 
 and is inscribed with date and artist's name in his handwriting. It 
 was presented to the American Philosophical Society by one of his 
 descendants, the late Hon. Henry M. Phillips, of Philadelphia, as a 
 fitting memento of the Society's third President, Thomas Jefferson. 
 
THE WRITINGS OF 
 
 Thomas Jefferson 
 
 2&*mxoriad HFirtiiom 
 
 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 1853 BY ORDER OF THE 
 JOINT COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS 
 
 WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 AND 
 
 A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYTICAL INDEX 
 Andrew A. LIPSCOMB, Chairman Board of Governors 
 
 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 
 
 Albert Ellery Bergh 
 
 MANAGING EDITOR 
 
 VOL. XIX. 
 
 ISSUED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF 
 
 The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association 
 
 OF THE UNITED STATES 
 
 WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 1904 
 
Copyright, 1904, 
 
 BY 
 
 The Thomas Jefferson Memorial 
 Association 
 
flUemortal BMtton 
 
 Limited to 1 ,000 sets, of which 
 this is No. J$ # J 
 
Virginia Statues of Jefferson 
 
 Reproduction from the Original Sculptures by Edward V. Valentine 
 and Alexander Gait 
 
 The figure on the kit is the statue which stands in the Library 
 rotunda of the University of Virginia. It is^the one for which the 
 General Assembly of Virginia, appropriated ten thousand dollars in 
 1854. Alexander Gait, of X or fork, Va., was chosen to do the work, 
 and the statue was unveiled in 1868. In modelling this likeness the 
 sculptor followed a portrait recommended by Jefferson's grandson, 
 Colonel Thomas J Randolph. 
 
 The statue on the right is a more recent work. It was done by 
 Edward V. Valentine, of Richmond, Va., and holds a conspicuous 
 place in that city. It represents Jefferson more as a student and 
 scholar than as a statesman. The sculptor in his work made use of 
 the well-known portraits of Jefferson as well as the clothing worn by 
 the great Virginian and the description given of him by one who saw 
 Jefferson alive. Both of these statues may be fairly regarded as the 
 finest effigies of Jefferson in his native state. 
 
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 dTvernois 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 capa- 
 bility as a man of science was the preparation and 
 
iv Jefferson as a Man of Science 
 
 publication in 1 7 8 1 of his 1 ' 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 Buff on, who was at the 
 time considered the highest living authority on natu- 
 ral history subjects ; and later, when he came to know 
 Buff on 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, Vir- 
 ginia. 
 
 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 1792^0 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 vii 
 
 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 18 14, 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 cf 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. 
 
1 
 
 Jefferson's Marriage License-Bond 
 
 Fac-Simale of the Original Document Signed December 23, 1 7 7 1 . 
 
 On January 1, 1772, Thomas Jefferson married Martha Skelton, 
 the widow of Bathurst Skelton, and daughter of John Wayles. Their 
 marriage license-bond, of which a fac-simile is given here, shows the 
 procedure required by the Virginia laws of these ante-Revolutionary 
 days. This contract was drawn and signed by Jefferson himself. 
 The additional signature of Francis Eppes is that of the father oi 
 Jefferson's son-in-law, John W. Eppes, 
 
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 n-re- ie/U- UsncL f^^Af 1ri~~cL t> <n*^ ^n^rtl^ tR" fait 
 
 ^9>W /J-urfcvh -^eit-AyrO. "fc, *n*M*U l^c. Irimt o^-n-e£^j- JvCvJtC^ J^ut* 
 
 CA^uTta Stnh-^fa. wUvU&i.'Z % ko^LA^ u-o^-m^i^ l&L.'fc-ci^, 
 
Jefferson's Will 
 
 Fac-simile of the Original Document in the Circuit Court 
 Charlottesville, Va. 
 
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CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Jefferson as a Man of Science. By Cyrus Adler, 
 Ph. D., Librarian of the Smithsonian Institution, 
 
 Washington, D. C iii 
 
 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 Crevecceur, 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 Willam Carmichael, January 13, 1786 26 
 
 To James Madison, April 25, 1786 29 
 
 To Philip Mazzei, April 4, 1787 32 
 
 To L'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, 17 88 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 21, 1788 . . . f 48 
 
xii Contents 
 
 Supplementary Manuscripts from the Govern- 
 ment CoLLECTiON-Continued. PAG b 
 
 To John Jay, March i, 1789 52 
 
 To John Paul Jones, March, 23 1789 54 
 
 To John Adams, May 10, 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, 179 1 79 
 
 To Gov. William Blount, August 12, 1791 . . . 81 
 To George Hammond (British Minister), De- 
 cember 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 
 
Contents xiii 
 
 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, 1 801 125 
 
 To James Monroe, March 31, 180 2 126 
 
 To Abraham Baldwin, April 14, 1802 128 
 
 To Thomas Law, May 31, 1802 130 
 
 To William Dunbar, 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. l8 o5 U4 
 
 To the Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation, January 
 
 10, 1806 146 
 
 To William H. Harrison, January 16, 1806 .... * 150 
 
xiv Contents 
 
 Supplementary Manuscripts from the Govern- 
 ment Collection — Continued. PXGB 
 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, 180 7 159 
 
 To Joel Barlow, June 14, 1807 161 
 
 To George Hay, October 11, 1807 162 
 
 To Fi 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 16,1810 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, 181 1 . . . 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, 18 13 190 
 
 To Robert Fulton, July 21,1813 *9 2 
 
 To Abigail Adams (Mrs. John Adams), August 
 
 22, 1813 193 
 
 To Dupont de Nemours, November 29, 1813 . . . 195 
 
 To Thaddeus Kosciusko, November 30, 18 13 . . . 200 
 
 To James Monroe, January 27, 1 814 206 
 
Contents xv 
 
 Supplementary Manuscripts from the Govern- 
 ment Collection — Continued. pagb 
 
 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 Applet on, January 14, 1816 228 
 
 To P. S. Duponeeau, 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 2 4-6 
 
 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 17, 1818. . . . 253 
 To Count Dugnani (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, 1 8 18 263 
 
 To Nathaniel Bowditch, October 26, 1818 264 
 
 To Marquis de Lafayette, November 23,1818.. 268 
 
 To Henry Dearborn, July 5,1819 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 
 
xvi Contents 
 
 Supplementary Manuscripts from the Govern- 
 ment CohLBCTiON-Continued. PAG ? 
 To Messrs. Adams, Fitzuhuylson and Brocken- 
 
 brough, October 18, 1824 279 
 
 To Marquis de Lafayette, January 16,1825.... 2 80 
 
 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 2 ^6 
 
 Manuscripts from the Virginia State Library 
 
 Collection. (Letters written from 1 780-1 781) 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» !7 81 304 
 
 To General Nelson, February 10,1781 305 
 
 To Baron Steuben, February 12,1781 306 
 
 To Speaker Harrison (House of Burgesses), 
 
 February 12, 1 781 .... . 309 
 
 To Baron Steuben, February 13, 1781 310 
 
Contents xvK 
 
 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, 1 78 1 315 
 
 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> 1 7 81 320 
 
 To General Muhlenberg, March 16,1781 321 
 
 To the Speaker of the House of Delegates, March 
 
 i7> x 7 81 3 22 
 
 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, 178 1 328 
 
 To Baron Steuben, April 3, 1771 330 
 
 To General Muhlenberg, 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, 1 781 337 
 
 To the County Lieutenants of Fauquier, Lou- 
 doun, Caroline, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Gooch- 
 land and Henrico, April 14,1781 338 
 
 VOL. XIX B 
 
xviii 
 
 Contents 
 
 Manuscripts from the Virginia State Library 
 
 Collection — Continued. PAGE 
 To the Honorable Richard Henry Lee, April 16, 
 
 i7 Sl 34o 
 
 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 23, 
 
 1781 345 
 
 To Baron Steuben, 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, 1 78 1 350 
 
 To Marquis de Lafayette, May 29, 1781 351 
 
 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 
 
Declaration Signers From the Emmet Collection 
 
 (Northern Group representing Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New 
 Hampshire and New York.) 
 
 Reproductions from the original etchings and water-color drawings 
 by H. B. Hall in the complete set of signers of the Declaration of 
 Independence, collected by Dr. Thomas Addis Emmet, and deposited 
 in the Lenox Library, New York. The two groups of Signers repro- 
 duced from the Emmet Collection are presented in this volume and 
 Volume XX respectively for the purpose of supplementing the por- 
 traits of Signers that are not included in the Independence Hall 
 Collection. Some of these supplementary portraits, however, are 
 derived from sources of questionable authenticity. 
 
 John Morton (17 24-1 77 7) was born 
 in Chester, (Delaware County). Pennsyl- 
 vania. In 1765 he was a delegate to the 
 Stamp Act Congress. He was elected .to 
 the First Continental Congress, of 1774 
 and served till 1776. Fie had previously 
 filled the offices of Sherirf of Chester 
 County, judge of the Coun of Common 
 Pleas and Judge of the Supreme Court of 
 the Province. When the Pennsylvania 
 delegation was divided upon.; the question 
 of adopting the Declaration Of Independ-. 
 ence, Morton gave the casting vote in the 
 affirmative. 
 
 George Taylor (17 16-1781) was born 
 in Ireland. He left home without per- 
 mission to sail for America. Prom 
 1764 to 1770 he was a member of the 
 Provincial Assembly that met at Phila- 
 delphia. In 1775 he .was • pi? ced on the 
 "Committee of Safety," and in 1776 was 
 one of the Pennsylvania delegates Chosen 
 to go to the Continental Congress in place 
 of the members originally selected who 
 had hesitated to agree to the measures 
 of Independence. 
 
 Francis Lewis (1713-1803) was born 
 in Wales. Arrived in America in 1734. 
 Became a, successful merchant. In 1765 
 he was a member of the Colonial Congress, 
 and was one of the delegates from New 
 York to the Continental Congress from 
 i775 to 1779. His extensive experience 
 in commercial affairs made him an invalu- 
 able member of many committees. In 
 1778 he was appointed Commissioner of 
 the Board of Admiralty, 
 
 Samuel Huntington (1 731-1796) was 
 born in Windham, Connecticut. About 
 1758 he settled as a lawyer in Norwich, 
 and became a member of the General 
 Assembly in 1764. From 1 775 to 1783 he- 
 was a member of the Continental Congress, 
 serving as its President during the years 
 1770 to 1781. He was Judge of the 
 Supreme Court of Connecticut, from 1774 
 to 1784, becoming Chief Justice in the 
 latter year. From 1786 to 1796 he was 
 Governor of Connecticut. 
 
 Matthew Thornton (1714-1803) was 
 born in Ireland.- He was brought to 
 America by his father about 17 17. He 
 received a good education and studied 
 medicine. He was chosen President of 
 the Provincial Convention, in 1775, and 
 was Judge of the Supreme Court of New 
 Hampshire from* 1776 to 1782. In Sep- 
 tember 1776, the Legislature of New. 
 Hampshire made him a delegate to the 
 Continental Congress. Although not a 
 member of the Congress when the Declara- 
 tion was voted upon, he affixed his signa- 
 ture to the engrossed copy in the same 
 manner as the Pennsylvania Delegates. 
 
 James Smith (17 20-1 806) was born in 
 Ireland. .Came with his father to America 
 in- 1729. Was educated at the College of 
 Pennsylvania and. subsequently studied 
 law. In 1774 he raised the first volun- 
 teer company in Pennsylvania, to resist 
 Great Britain. He served as a member 
 of Congress from Pennsylvania, from 1776 
 to 1778, and filled various other important 
 offices. 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Jefferson at Sixty Frontispiece 
 
 Photogravure from the Original Gypsum Bas-relief by- 
 George Miller. 
 
 FACING PAGE 
 
 Virginia Statues of Jefferson ii 
 
 Reproduction from the Original Sculptures by Edward V. 
 Valentine and Alexander Gait. 
 
 Jefferson's Marriage License Bond x 
 
 Fac-simile of the Original Document. 
 
 Jefferson's Will x 
 
 Fac-simile of the Original Document in the Circuit Court 
 at Charlottesville, Va. 
 
 Declaration Signers from the Emmet Collection 
 (Northern Group) xviii 
 
 Reproduced from the Original Engravings deposited in 
 the Lenox Library, New York. 
 
 Thomas Paine 62 
 
 Reproduction from the Original Painting by George 
 Romney. 
 
 Marquis de Lafayette 288 
 
 Reproduction from the Original Painting by Thomas 
 Sully. 
 
 Voting the Declaration of Independence 356 
 
 Reproduction from the Original Engraving by Edward 
 Savage. 
 
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 1 780-1826, 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 GOVERN- 
 MENT 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 
 3 2 -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, 1785. 
 Sir, — Your letter of April 4 came to my hands on 
 the 1 6th 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 19th of May, upwards 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 Encyclopedie 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, I 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 to 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 recovery 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 
 
io 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 CREVECCEUR. 
 
 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 n 
 
 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- 
 
i2 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 
 Emperor 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 *3 
 
 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- 
 tions on 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 
 
M Jefferson's Works 
 
 believe we have lost an infinite number. I hope soon 
 to be able to inform our countrymen that these 
 dangers are ceasea. 
 
 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 0 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 Encyclopedie 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 
 
 The vessei 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, 1 785. 
 
 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 
 
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 7 5 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 J 7 
 
 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 
 
*8 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 *9 
 
 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 n, 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 
 
 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. 
 
Jefferson's Works 
 
 TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL. 
 
 Paris, January 13, 1786. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I had the honor of receiving on the 
 1 st 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 2 7 
 
 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 to 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 
 
2 8 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 £50,000 
 sterling necessary for opening the Potomac, £44,000 
 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 in 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 
 
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. If 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 3 1 
 
 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 late 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 
 
Jefferson's Works 
 
 purity of his political and moral character, interest 
 me in the events pending over him and 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 la Rochefoucault and accept yourself my sincere 
 assurances of esteem and regard from, dear Sir, your 
 affectionate friend and humble servant. 
 
 YOL. XIX — 3 
 
34 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 to l'abbe 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 
 
 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 "V — 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 : t- 
 
 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. 
 
3 6 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, 1787. 
 
 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 
 
3 8 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. 
 As 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 10, 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 2 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 sincere 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 tD all his slaves, about 200; 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 ^our 
 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 Ley den 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 or this subject, 
 because in a letter of July 2 2d, 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 iSth 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 Xew 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 H0PKINS0N. 
 
 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. 1 6. 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 on 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 
 2 2d livraison of the Encyclopedic We are now at 
 the 29th. To that number, therefore, and what more 
 may come out before April 1, 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 cf 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 
 
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 5* 
 
 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. i, 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^° of Fahrenheit below nought, that is to 
 say 41^° 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 
 
5 2 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. Adieu. 
 
 TO JOHN JAY. 
 
 Paris, March 1, 1789. 
 Sir, — My last letters have been of the nth, 12th 
 and 2 1 st 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 Lords 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 
 ^4,000 from the French consul at Bergen, without 
 being told for what. My answer was tlvA 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. 
 
5 6 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 Academie, 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. ***** m y 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- 
 
5 8 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- 
 
 1 
 
6o 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 1 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. 
 
6 2 
 
 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. 
 
Thomas Paine 
 
 (1737-1809.) 
 
 Reproduction from the Original Painting by George Jlomney. 
 
 Thomas Paine was horn in the village of Thetford, England. 
 After engaging in his father's trade of staymaker, for some time in 
 London, he secured a place in the Excise. About the year 1761 he 
 became a school teacher, but later relinquished the position to re-enter 
 the Excise. Here he drew up a statement of grievances under which 
 he and his fellow-workers labored. Its style attracted the attention 
 of one of the commissioners who was induced thereby to give Paine a 
 letter of introduction to. Benjamin Franklin. Upon the latter's 
 advice he emigrated o America where he began contributing articles 
 to various periodicals. In 1775 he assumed editorship of the "Phila- 
 delphia Magazine." A year later he published -his book, "Common 
 Sense" which won him high honors and an award from the Legislature 
 of Pennsylvania of £500. Burke referred to this work as "that cele- 
 brated pamphlet which prepared the minds of the people for independ- 
 ence." In 1 78 1 he was chosen to accompany Col. Lawrence to France 
 to negotiate a loan. On his return to America, in acknowledgment 
 of his services to the cause of the War of Independence, he was given 
 an official appointment, a gift of three thousand dollars and a small 
 estate near New Rochelle, N. Y. After the Revolution ended he 
 went to London to pursue mechanical studies in which he had always 
 excelled. While there he published his "Rights of Man" in answer 
 to Burke's "Reflections on the French Revolution." This work was 
 condemned as seditious. Its author was brought to trial and found 
 guilty. Paine, however, escaped and went to France where he became 
 a member of the National Convention. His pamphlet pleading for 
 the life of Louis XVI caused Robespierre to throw him in prison where 
 he remained up to the time of.. Robespierre's downfall. 
 
 In 1795, appeared his famous "Age of Reason " which though 
 denounced as atheistic in its doctrines, expressly inculcates a belief 
 in God. He lived in France until the year 1802, producing a volu- 
 minous amount of work upon social, political and theological- subjects. 
 In 1802 Jefferson, then President of the United States, offered Paine 
 an opportunity to return to America which he accepted. He spent 
 the latter years of his life in writing about the building of war-ships, 
 iron -bridges and kindred matters. Eleven years after Paine's death, 
 in New York, in. 1809, Cobbett removed his bones and relics to Eng- 
 land. A monument was erected to his memory in 1839, near his 
 birthplace. There is also a fine statue of Paine in the vicinity of 
 New Rochelle. New York. ' 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 6 3 
 
 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 nth 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. 
 
6 4 Jefferson's Works 
 
 TO JOHN BONDFIELD. 
 
 Paris, July 16, 1789. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I am honored with yours of the 1 ith 
 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 hour- 
 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 of 
 war ; the Prince of Beauvon is taken into the council 
 and the jeuille 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 6 9 
 
 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: 1. That 
 you may give the idea of such an improvement 
 to our own workmen, if you think it might answer 
 any good end. 2. 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 to-morrow. 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 
 
lo 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 7* 
 
 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 
 
7 2 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 3 8°, 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 mis- 
 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 hvlmble 
 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 
 * * * * we n 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-rnorrow. 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 
 
7 8 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 arppointed 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 
 
So 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 1 st 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 15 th 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 
 
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 
 vii 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- 
 
8 4 
 
 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 8 5 
 
 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, 1 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. 
 
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 vii and render a separate 
 discussion of them 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 8 7 
 
 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 withi?; 
 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 tinder 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 in 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 8 9 
 
 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 
 
9° 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\ 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 9 1 
 
 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 
 instalments. 
 
 1792. 
 
 May 
 
 i5- • 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 i5- 
 
 1793- 
 
 May 
 
 i5- • 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 i5- • 
 
 1794. 
 
 May 
 
 iS- 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 iS- • 
 
 1795- 
 
 May 
 
 iS- • 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 i5- • 
 
 1796. 
 
 May 
 
 iS - 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 i5- 
 
 1797. 
 
 May 
 
 iS- • 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 iS- • 
 
 1798. 
 
 May 
 
 iS- 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 iS- 
 
 1799. 
 
 May 
 
 iS- 
 
 
 Nov. 
 
 iS- ■ 
 
 1800. 
 
 May 
 
 i5- • 
 
 Amount of 
 
 each 
 instalment. 
 
 Aggregate 
 sum of the 
 interest of 
 which is to 
 be deduct- 
 ed from 
 each pay- 
 ment. 
 
 Amount of 
 the inter- 
 est to be 
 deducted 
 from each 
 instalment 
 
 Sum 
 actually re- 
 ceived by 
 
 the 
 borrowers. 
 
 Sums of 
 interest to be 
 paid by sales or 
 otherwise. 
 
 $50,000 
 50,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 100,000 
 
 $50 
 IOO 
 200 
 300 
 400 
 
 OOO 
 OOO 
 
 OOO 
 OOO 
 OOO 
 
 500 
 
 OOO 
 OOO 
 OOO 
 OOO 
 
 $50 
 48 
 
 97 
 94 
 9i 
 
 88 
 
 OOO 
 
 500 
 
 OOO 
 OOO 
 OOO 
 OOO 
 
 $500,000 
 165,000 
 
 $468,500 
 
 $665,000 
 
 $15,000 
 1 5,000 
 15,000 
 15,000 
 15,000 
 15,000 
 15,000 
 15,000 
 
 15,000 
 
 15,000 
 15,000 
 
 $165,000 
 
92 Jefferson's Works 
 
 It appears from the above that the commissioner© 
 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 nth 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 
 
 ^his and the following letter are copies of those enclosed to 
 Thomas Pinckney. See Volume VIII, page 368. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 07 
 
 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 
 
9$ 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 
 
IO ° 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 1°* 
 
 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. 1 
 
 [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, 
 
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 io 3 
 
 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, 
 
i°4 Jefferson's Works 
 
 for particular reasons, to continue a while longer 
 in my office. I should have written to you but 
 that I have been occupied with removing from 
 the town a little way into the country. I am much 
 pleased to see that you are so nearly through the 
 course of reading I had proposed to you. It proves 
 your industry, because I know that that course 
 requires three years' industrious reading. 
 
 With respect to the Roman history, if you have 
 read Suetonius and Tacitus, Gibbon's will be suf- 
 ficient to conduct you down to the time when 
 that empire broke to pieces and the modern states 
 of Europe arose out of them. As I do not suppose 
 you can get a copy of Gibbon you may leave him 
 for the next winter when I shall have mine in 
 Virginia. In the meanwhile study well Blair, 
 Mason, Quintilian, and endeavor to catch the 
 oratorical style of Bolingbroke. I should imagine 
 that at the courts of the next fall you might venture 
 to take your stand at the bar of such of them as 
 you conclude to enter into, and argue some cause, 
 judiciously selected for you by some friendly gentle- 
 man of the bar. This will present you to the view 
 of clients and bring in something perhaps during 
 the winter to begin on in the spring. In the mean- 
 time the winter may be employed in finishing your 
 course of reading and studying the forms of pleading. 
 
 My expectation was to have been in Virginia 
 in time to have provided a resource for the supply 
 of the seventy-five dollars for the spring. Having 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts io 5 
 
 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 
 am, 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 
 
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 io 7 
 
 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 
 
J oS 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 vesssel 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 io 9 
 
 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. DTver- 
 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 DTvernois 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 admeasurements of a degree and 
 other works, professor of natural philosophy. His 
 brother, said by M. D'lvernois 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'lvernois. 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'lvernois 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. 
 
 1. 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 i*3 
 
 M. D'lvernois 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'lver- 
 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 — 8 
 
n 4 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'lvernois, 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 "5 
 
 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 JI 7 
 
 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. 
 
IX 8 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 ^9 
 
 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 
 
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 12 3 
 
 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 
 
12 a 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 12 5 
 
 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 
 for 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 
 
I2 6 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 w T ill 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, w T hich take about four 
 thousand bricks, and I remember it was very doubt- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts * 2 7 
 
 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 I2 9 
 
 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 / - 
 twelvemos 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 
 
*3° 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 I 3 I 
 
 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 mantained (?) 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 
 
13 2 Jefferson's Works 
 
 commerce, v/hether 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 1 33 
 
 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 my 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. 
 
*34 
 
 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 
 them 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 I 35 
 
 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 
 
J 3<5 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 *37 
 
 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 ist and 2d instant, 
 and would arrive at New Orleans on the 7 th, 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.mantain 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. 
 
J 3S 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 permature. 
 
 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 *39 
 
 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 
 
I 4° 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 VON 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 
 
J 42 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 x 43 
 
 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. 
 
i44 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 x 45 
 
 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 IO 
 
*4<S 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 *47 
 
 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 bettei 
 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 nomes, and grant you 
 to find your families and your friends in good health. 
 
i5° Jefferson's Works 
 
 TO WILLIAM H. HARRISON. 
 
 Washington, January 16, 1806. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Your several unanswered letters of 
 June 18, August 29, November 12 and 20, 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 I 5 1 
 
 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. 
 
x 5 2 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 calendaf 
 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 I S3 
 
 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. 1, 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. 
 
*54 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 '93. The courage with which 
 he exposed himself to it, when its novelty fright- 
 ened away the physicians and ir.Z.abitants of the 
 place, marked a mind of superior benevolence. 
 He was among the earliest, too, in noting the fact 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 1 SS 
 
 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 
 
*5 6 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 *57 
 
 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 
 
*5 8 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 i, 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 1 S9 
 
 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. 
 
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 
 
 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— II 
 
i62 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 
 be 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 n, 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 
 ^ou 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, 1808. 
 
 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 l6 S 
 
 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 
 or 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 
 
l6 6 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 10, December 
 5, and January 11. 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 line 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 l6 7 
 
 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. 
 
1 68 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. Madison'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 l6 9 
 
 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 Tess6 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 
 
I 7° 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 da7'S ago. Mr. Holmes did apply to me in 
 the ccuise 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 17 1 
 
 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 to 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 *73 
 
 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 
 
i74 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, l8lO. 
 
 Dear Sir, — In the action brought agaist 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 to 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 ^5 
 
 TO W. B. GILES. 
 
 Monticello, November 12, 18 10. 
 
 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 *77 
 
 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 
 
J 7 8 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 *79 
 
 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 benefited 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 
 
l8 ° Jefferson's Works 
 
 directors, observing that my mill dam 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. T mber, 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 9 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 grant able, 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 l8 3 
 
 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. 
 
 Monticello. December 29, 181 1. 
 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 17 th with a view to cal- 
 culate from it myself, the longitude of Monticello; 
 but other occupations had prevented it before my 
 journey. The elaborate paper 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 
 
1 84 Jefferson's Works 
 
 less laborious calculations. I have a fine theodolite 
 and equatorial both by Ramsden, a Hadley's circle 
 of Borda, 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 my 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 lS 5 
 
 TO ANDREW ELLICOTT. 
 
 Monticello, June 24, 181 2. 
 
 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. 
 
*86 Jefferson's Works 
 
 TO WILLIAM BARTON. 
 
 Monticello, October 2, 181 2. 
 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. 2 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 
 make it produce a perfect roll until he made 
 some alteration (probably not for the better) which 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts l8 7 
 
 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 8, 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. 
 
i88 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 l8 9 
 
 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 nth 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. 1 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 my 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. 
 
*9° 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 1 3, 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 I 9 I 
 
 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 I 
 have ever seen. I shall not carry into my barn 
 
i9 2 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 ^93 
 
 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 
 
i94 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 I 95 
 
 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 
 
19 6 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 mindj 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 
 to 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 m truth 
 
*9 8 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 mur4ered 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 ioth instant, was descending 
 upon Montreal has taken possession of it, the 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts x 99 
 
 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, 
 
2oo 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, i8i;~. 
 My dear Friend and General, — I have to 
 acknowledge the receipt of yours of Dec. 1, '12, 
 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 
 
 times be a convenience, when, from the dangers 
 of the sea, difficulty of finding good bills, or other 
 casualities, 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 
 
2Q2 Jefferson's Works 
 
 country on Lakes Erie and Ontario; and General 
 Wilkinson, on the ioth 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. S., 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 2 °5 
 
 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 
 
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 2 °7 
 
 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. HiggenbothanVs scruples about the 
 payment of his bonds, the first of which is now at 
 hand. 
 
 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 helium ad inter necionem. It would be 
 well if on some proper occasion the government 
 should either justify or disavow Maclure'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 2 °9 
 
 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 
 
2I ° 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 may 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- 
 
2i2 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 tfae 
 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 21 3 
 
 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. 
 
21 4 Jefferson's Works 
 
 2. 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, ist 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- 
 
i 
 
 Supplementary Manuscripts 2 15 
 
 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, Physico-Mathematics ; 3, Physic; 
 
 4, Chemistry; 5, Natural History, to wit: Miner- 
 alogy; 6, Botany; and 7, Zoology; 8, Anatomy; 
 9, 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; 4, 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 
 
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, eletricity, 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 2I 7 
 
 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 
 
 ist Department, the fine arts, to wit: Civil 
 Architecture, Gardening, Painting, Sculpture, and 
 the Theory of Music; the 
 
 2d 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 
 
2I 8 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 certian days, all the 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 2I 9 
 
 students should be taught the manual exercise; 
 military evolutions and manceuvers 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: 
 
 ist 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 
 
2 2o 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, in 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. 
 
 I I . 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, 18 14. 
 
 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 to 
 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 on 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 22 3 
 
 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 f 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 i, 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 22 5 
 
 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 cisterns 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 lost out of my pocket, 
 or laid and left on the bed I cannot say, but being 
 lost I am thrown again on 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 22 7 
 
 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 instalments 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 22 9 
 
 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 
 kow 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. 
 
*3° 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 i, '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 2 3 I 
 
 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 general 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 
 
23 2 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 2 33 
 
 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 II, 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 
 and printed here. I immediately proposed it to 
 Daune who engaged to have it done. After putting 
 me off from six months to six months he at length 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 2 35 
 
 (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? 
 
336 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 12 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 2 37 
 
 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 2 1 , 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 
 
23 s 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 2 39 
 
 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, and 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 2 4* 
 
 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 16 
 
2 42 Jefferson's Works 
 
 rather than insist on trifles. For their love and 
 the approbation of others will be worth more 
 to yon than the trifle in dispute. Above all 
 things, and at all times, practice yourself in good 
 humor. Whenever yon 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, 181 7. 
 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 *43 
 
 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 1 Hermitage de M. J our dan 
 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 boxtle. 
 
 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 2 45 
 
 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 Montepulctano, 
 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 sincere 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 
 28, 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 2 47 
 
 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. 
 
2 4§ 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 2 2d of the same year was received 
 on the nth 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 2 49 
 
 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 
 
25° 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, 1S17. 
 
 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 2 5* 
 
 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 
 
25 2 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 eleemo- 
 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 2 53 
 
 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, 18 18. 
 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 
 
2 54 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, 181 5, 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 2 55 
 
 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 2 57 
 
 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 
 
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 ^ead 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 2 59 
 
 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 II, 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 
 
2 6o 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 55^°. 
 
 3. The minimum and maximum of the whole term, to wit: 5$° and 
 
 4. The number of freezing nights in a winter (50) and of freezing 
 days (10). 
 
 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. 19- May 1. 
 
 7. The earliest ice in autumn Oct. 24-Nov. 15, and latest in spring 
 Mar. 8-Apr. 10. 
 
 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 J inches average covers the ground 
 22 days. 
 
 12. The number of days each wind prevailed through the year. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 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. 
 
 14. The temperature of the springs 54^°, the winter air being at 75 0 . 
 
 15. The latitude of the place of observation (Monticello) 37 0 57' 
 5 i"- 2 6". 
 
 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. i-Apr. 28. 
 
 The red bud blooms Apr. 2-19. 
 
 The whip-poor-will is heard Apr. 2-21. 
 
 The dogwood blossoms Apr. 3-2 2 . 
 
 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 7-2 1 . 
 
 Katydids or sawyers heard July 14-20. 
 
 
 Average of Every 
 
 Prevalence of the 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 several winds 
 
 
 
 
 stated in days of 
 
 
 Therm. 
 
 Rain. 
 
 year. 
 
 
 36 
 
 3.66 
 
 
 Feb 
 
 40 
 
 3-47 
 
 N. 61 
 
 
 46 
 
 2 .92 
 
 N. E. 29 
 
 
 56* 
 
 3-59 
 
 E. 15 
 
 May 
 
 6ii 
 
 5.60 
 
 S. E. 16 
 
 June 
 
 72 
 
 3-47 
 
 S. 60 
 
 July 
 
 75 
 
 6.56 
 
 S. W. 66 
 
 Aug 
 
 73 
 
 4.06 
 
 W. 47 
 
 Sept 
 
 67 
 
 5-96 
 
 N. W. 71 
 
 Oct 
 
 57 
 
 3 -4o 
 
 
 
 
 
 45* 
 
 2 .92 
 
 365 
 
 Dec 
 
 37 
 
 1.56 
 
 
Jefferson's Works 
 
 TO CHARLES JARED INGERSOLL. 
 
 MONTICELLO, July 20, l8l8, 
 
 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 26 3 
 
 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 y 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- 
 
2 ^4 Jefferson's Works 
 
 merit, 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 26 5 
 
 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 J, 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 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 26 7 
 
 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 them 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 
 
2 68 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 26 9 
 
 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 that 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- 
 
*7° 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 2 7 J 
 
 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 2 73 
 
 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 in several 
 of our papers an intention of the Polonese nation 
 to erect a monument near Cracow to 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 2 75 
 
 from the President of the Seriate 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 2 77 
 
 events be assured of my constant and affectionate 
 friendship and respect. 
 
 TO LEVETT HARRIS. 
 
 Monticello, December 12, 182 1. 
 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. 
 
2 7 8 Jefferson's Works 
 
 TO JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 
 
 Monticello, July 1 8, 1824. 
 Dear Sir,— I have safely received the two copies 
 of the fac-simile 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 2 79 
 
 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 Jetferson's Works 
 
 flatter 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. 
 
 Moxticello, 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, 1 82 5. 
 
 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 
 (exeut?) 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 
 
2g 4 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 28 5 
 
 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, 1 82 5. 
 
 My dear Friend, — Mr. Rebello of Brazil, who 
 has rendered us an agreeable visit, tells me you 
 will be in Washington on the ioth, 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 2 &7 
 
 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 vale at quantum valere debat. Ever and 
 affectionately yours. 
 
Marquis de Lafayette 
 
 (1757-1834.) 
 
 Reproduction from the Original Painting by Thomas Sully. The 
 painting hangs behind the Speaker's Desk in the House of Represen- 
 tatives at Washington. 
 
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- 
 
29 2 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 
 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 
 
2 94 Jefferson's Works 
 
 Berkeley and Hampshire the same, except omitting 
 
 this sentence " you will also receive tents 
 
 and other things." 
 
 Frederick £40,000 
 
 Hampshire 2 5 ,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, 
 ho wit z 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 2 95 
 
 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 2 97 
 
 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. 
 
*9 8 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 2 99 
 
 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. 
 
3°° 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 3 QI 
 
 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. 
 
 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. 
 
 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 
 
 Amherst. 
 
 Albemarle. 
 
 Fluvanna. 
 
 Goochland. 
 
 Powhatan. 
 
 Brunswick. 
 Dinwiddie. 
 Chesterfield 
 Henrico. 
 
 Amelia 
 
 Richmond, February 2, 1781. 
 
3° 2 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 Excellency'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 3°3 
 
 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- 
 
3°4 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 3°5 
 
 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 
 
3° 6 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 3°7 
 
 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 to 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 
 
3°S 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 occured 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- 
 
3 1 © 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 3 11 
 
 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 
 
3 12 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 3 X 3 
 
 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., etc. 
 
 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 
 
3H 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 3*5 
 
 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. 
 
3i 6 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 3 1 ! 
 
 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 to 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 
 
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 3 X 9 
 
 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, 
 
3 20 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 3 21 
 
 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 21 
 
3 22 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 3 2 3 
 
 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 
 
3 2 4 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 3 2 5 
 
 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. 
 
3 26 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 wit: 1 st The species of horse impressed, that 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 3 2 7 
 
 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. 
 5th. 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. 
 
3*8 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 3 2 9 
 
 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 
 
33° Jefferson's Works 
 
 the 23d, from General Greene, and am, with sen- 
 timents of the highest respect and esteem, Sir, 
 yours, etc., etc., 
 
 Hampshire . 
 Shenandoah 
 Orange 
 Louisa 
 Essex 
 
 242 Berkeley 250 
 
 257 Frederick 267 
 
 140 Stafford 113 
 
 140 King George . . 114 
 
 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 33 1 
 
 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 . 
 Berkeley . . . 
 Frederick . . 
 Shenandoah 
 Orange 
 
 242 Stafford 113 
 
 250 Louisa 140 
 
 267 King George. . . 114 
 
 217 Essex 107 
 
 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, 
 
33 2 Jefferson's Works 
 
 having served a tcur 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 1 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. 
 
 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 3J3 
 
 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 NATHANAEL 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 £5,000 
 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. 
 
33 6 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 2 2 
 
33 8 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 should be made sufficiently superior to 
 his enemy. I am, etc., etc. 
 
 P. S. I think in conversation you mentioned 
 that you should store the spare arms and military 
 stores from General Muhlenberg's camp at Prince 
 George Court House. As the depredations of the 
 enemy on Potomac have stopped a considerable 
 part of the militia we had relied on to reinforce 
 General Muhlenberg, so that we are obliged to 
 call on other counties, he will probably continue 
 some time too weak to oppose the enemy. This 
 seems to render it essential that the stores above- 
 mentioned be withdrawn out of reach. 
 
 Prince George Court House being but four miles 
 from the river, I submit it to you whether, on 
 the prospect of our reinforcements being tardy, 
 a more interior situation would not be better. 
 
 TO THE COUNTY LIEUTENANTS OF FAUQUIER, LOUDOUN, 
 CAROLINE, ALBEMARLE, FLUVANNA, GOOCHLAND, 
 AND HENRICO. 
 
 Richmond, April 14, 1781. 
 
 Sir, — I am to desire you to send of your 
 
 militia under proper officers, with such good arms 
 as they have, and especially rifles, to rendezvous 
 at Williamsburg on the first day of May, and to 
 continue in service two months from the time of 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 339 
 
 their getting to the rendezvous. As circumstances 
 may render it necessary to change the rendezvous, 
 you will be pleased to order them by the way of 
 where they will receive final orders on that head. 
 
 You are at liberty to deduct from the above 
 number any delinquents whom you may send 
 with them under sentence to serve six months 
 or any longer time for having failed to obey former 
 calls, or deserting from duty. Should any indi- 
 viduals you shall call for fail to attend at the time 
 you appoint for their meeting in your county, so 
 as to ascertain a deficiency in the above number, 
 you will be pleased immediately to call for that 
 deficiency from the next divisions, and will take 
 measures for sentencing and sending on such new 
 delinquents for six months, and so from time to 
 time on every call. I am, etc., etc. 
 
 P. S. to the letters to Fauquier and Loudoun. — 
 Your men now in the field below are to be discharged 
 the moment those above called for arrive there. 
 
 P. S. to the letter to Goochland. — You will also 
 be pleased to deduct from the above number the 
 forty men furnished by your county to guard 
 prisoners to Winchester. 
 
 P. S. to the letter to Henrico. — You will be 
 pleased to deduct from the above number so many 
 men as you have furnished within those two months 
 as guards, etc., for which we promised you a credit, 
 excepting those also who having been appointed 
 to guard the boats, deserted and left them. 
 
34° 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 Fauquier. 
 Albemarle. 
 Goochland 
 Caroline . . 
 
 252 Loudoun 
 204 Fluvanna 
 129 Henrico. . 
 
 407 
 70 
 
 i45 
 
 245 
 
 TO THE HONORABLE RICHARD HENRY LEE. 
 
 Richmond, April 16, 1781. 
 
 Sir, — We are very sorry that it is out of our 
 power to furnish you with cartridge paper and 
 lead. The former article has been entirely exhausted 
 from our magazines by the Southern and Eastern 
 armies. Your express receives five hundred flints, 
 and should have had powder but that we think 
 it better you should purchase the two or three 
 barrels you propose and draw on the Executive 
 for payment, which shall be made. 
 
 The returns of military stores having been lost 
 we do not know, by recollection, that there are 
 either ball or grape-shot belonging to the public 
 at Fredericksburg: if there be and you can inform 
 me of it, and in the meantime prevail on the person 
 in whose possession it is to deliver a proper quantity 
 to you, I will send him the approbation of the Execu- 
 tive, or if you can buy we will pay for it. Our 
 last news from the south was of the sixth instant 
 when Lord Cornwallis was near Wilmington and 
 General Greene setting out on his march from 
 Deep river for South Carolina. 
 
 Phillips commands in Portsmouth, his whole 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 34* 
 
 force twenty-five hundred. I think you may rely 
 from the intelligence we have had that no land 
 force from thence in the vessels are distressing at 
 Potomac. 
 
 P. S. The advertisement shall be published. 
 
 TO GENERAL MUHLENBERG. 
 
 Richmond, April 16, 1781. 
 
 Sir,— I have duly received the letter of the 7th 
 instant from Mr. Constable, written by command 
 from you, and am sorry to hear of your indisposition, 
 which I hope this will find you relieved from. I 
 expect three hundred and fifty men from Culpeper 
 have joined you before this date. They are to 
 continue till the 14th of June. 
 
 The militia from Frederick, Hampshire, Berkeley, 
 Shenandoah, Orange and Louisa ought now to be 
 coming in, and are to continue till the last of June 
 with a right to retain them a week longer to await 
 reliefs. We have, by letters sent by express yester- 
 day, called militia as follows: Fauquier 252, 
 Loudoun 407, Caroline 245, Albemarle 204, Flu- 
 vanna 70, Goochland 89, Henrico about 100, who 
 are required to be in the field May 1st, and to con- 
 tinue there till the last day of June or 7th of July, 
 if the reliefs should not arrive sooner. We are 
 thus endeavoring to get our militia to a fixed term 
 of two months in the field to be relieved all together 
 between this and the 1st of May. 
 
342 Jefferson's Works 
 
 I cannot but apprehend dangers which are not 
 in our power to prevent. So slow are the militia 
 in moving that none newly called could be expected 
 sooner than those from Frederick, Hampshire, 
 Berkeley, Shenandoah, Orange and Louisa who 
 were called for March 27th. 
 
 The embarkation from New York under Sir 
 Henry Clinton is pretty certainly known to be 
 destined to take post at New Castle on Delaware. 
 I am, etc., etc. 
 
 TO JOHN PAGE. 
 
 In Council, April 18, 1781. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Your favor of the 13th desiring a 
 suspension of the act for raising new levies has 
 been duly received and laid before the board. 
 
 They think they cannot with any propriety sus- 
 pend an act after the terms are all past by which 
 it should have been carried into execution. It 
 would only answer the end of a remission of penalties, 
 which would be an abuse of the suspending power 
 given them by the latter act. The circumstances 
 which produced that law were that the militia 
 of half of the State had been called from counties 
 on the invasion on very distant and long services. 
 The neglect of the commissioners which had pre- 
 vented the assessment from being returned is a 
 reason which, as it did not enter the ideas of the 
 legislature, could by no means justify us in sus- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 343 
 
 pending the law. Under these circumstances I 
 should suppose it best to take up the law as soon 
 as they shall have done their duty and get through 
 it as soon as you can. The men are exceedingly 
 wanting indeed, and if not produced generally 
 as we had a right to expect, it will be impossible 
 for us to enable General Greene to prevent his 
 antagonist from treading back his steps. I am, 
 etc., etc. 
 
 TO BARON STEUBEN. 
 
 In Council, April 20, 1781. 
 Sir, — I take the liberty of inclosing to you a letter 
 to Major-General Phillips with the determination 
 of the Board of War as to the British flag- vessel 
 with necessaries for the convention prisoners, 
 which I will ask the favor of you to forward by 
 flag. I presume it is necessary prudence to put 
 an officer and pilot of our own on board. This 
 has been the practice here and if you approve 
 of it you will be so good as to appoint an officer 
 to this service. The inclosed letter to Commodore 
 Barron the officer will take with him for the pur- 
 pose of obtaining a pilot. I inclose you copies 
 of letters which have this moment come to hand. 
 We can arm about two hundred militia here. The 
 rest must depend on the arms which have been 
 given in by the discharged militia. You will be 
 so good as to give orders on this subject, accom- 
 
344 Jefferson's Works 
 
 modated to the several places of their rendezvous, 
 and determining whether the arms shall be brought 
 to the men, or they marched to the arms. I am, 
 etc., etc. 
 
 TO MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 
 
 Richmond, April 23, 1781. 
 Sir, — I had the pleasure yesterday to receive 
 your favor of the 17th instant, and am very happy 
 that the Southern States are to have the benefit 
 of your aid. On the 18th instant the enemy came 
 from Portsmouth, and (as in the following letter 
 to the President of Congress to the words Little 
 River on the nth) we still consider his as the inter- 
 esting scene of action to us. As long as we can keep 
 him superior to his antagonist we have little to 
 fear in this country; whenever he shall be obliged 
 to retire before Lord Cornwallis and to bring him 
 also into this State our situation will become dan- 
 gerous. North as well as South Carolina, being 
 once in the hands of the enemy, may become the 
 instruments of our subjugation, and effect what 
 the enemy themselves cannot. The British force 
 may harass and distress us greatly, but the 
 Carolinas alone can subdue us. The militia of 
 North is very nearly as numerous as that of this 
 State. Out of that our enemy will be able to 
 raise great armies. We, therefore, think it our 
 first interest to keep them under in that quarter, 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 345 
 
 considering the war in our own country but as a 
 secondary object. For this reason we mean to 
 send our new levies for the regular army to General 
 Greene as fast as they shall be raised, acting with 
 our militia on the defensive only, in this State. 
 
 I shall do myself the pleasure of communicating 
 further to you the future movements of the enemy 
 with us, and occurrances to the southward also, 
 as far as they shall become known to me. I am, 
 etc., etc. 
 
 TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF WAR. 
 
 In Council, April 23, 1781. 
 Sir, — Colonel Wood has applied to us to take 
 measures for furnishing provisions and building 
 barracks for the convention prisoners at Winchester. 
 Neither of these can be effected without consider- 
 able sums of money, either advanced or to be 
 paid within some reasonable time, and I am sorry 
 to be obliged to inform you it is not in our power 
 to do either. Such are the calls on us for money 
 for the Southern army and for the army in our 
 county, that our efforts are exhausted in complying 
 with a part only of these, and I am firmly per- 
 suaded that could our advances and exertions 
 for the continent be stated to you, you would 
 be sensible that no call either for men, money 
 or provisions on account of these prisoners should 
 be made on us. While we were in tolerable quiet, 
 
346 Jefferson's Works 
 
 and our neighbors under difficulties, we cheerfully 
 took on us the support and guard of these troops; 
 but when we have a war on our western, southern 
 and eastern quarters, which keeps our existence 
 in daily question, we cannot withdraw from that 
 a single exertion, nor deceive you by giving you 
 a hope — a hope of our being able to support these 
 prisoners in which we should surely fail. I am, 
 etc., etc. 
 
 TO BARON STEUBEN. 
 
 Richmond, April 26, 1781. 
 Sir, — An officer from Cumberland, having called 
 on me this morning, to direct what should be done 
 with his unarmed men, I took the liberty by him, 
 of stating to you the order in which I thought 
 the militia should be discharged. I did this hastily 
 while he was waiting, and must now, on more 
 mature reflection, beg leave to correct in some 
 degree, what I then wrote, and to take up the whole 
 subject. 
 
 One-fourth of the militia of the counties of Fau- 
 quier, Loudoun, Caroline, Albemarle, Fluvanna, 
 Goochland, Henrico, Culpeper, Frederick, Hamp- 
 shire, Berkeley, Shenandoah, Orange and Louisa, 
 are still relied on for the service of May and June, 
 as I informed you in a letter of the 19th intsant, 
 as is also Spotsylvania, which at the time of writing 
 that letter we expected would have been stopped 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 347 
 
 by the enemy's going up Potomac. These not 
 being come in, and the enemy approaching, we 
 called for the whole of Prince George, Dinwiddie, 
 Chesterfield, Powhatan, Henrico, Hanover, Gooch- 
 land and half of Cumberland and Amelia, to form 
 an opposition until the counties first named should 
 get in. Whenever, therefore, the business of dis- 
 charging may be commenced, the following is the 
 order in which we would wish discharges to be 
 given: First, Prince George, Dinwiddie, and Ches- 
 terfield, because exposed and their draught not 
 over; next, Powhatan, because somewhat exposed, 
 and their draught not over ; then Cumberland, Amelia 
 and Hanover, because their draught is not over, 
 lastly, Henrico and Goochland, except the fourth- 
 men to be kept during the months of May and June. 
 
 I must beg the favor of you to consider this 
 as altogether superseding my first letter of this 
 date on the same subject. It is possible that a 
 change of position by the enemy, by exposing 
 counties now considered as safe, and rendering 
 those safe which are now exposed, may induce 
 a change in this arrangement. Should this happen, 
 I will take the liberty of noting it to you. 
 
 I am very sorry that we have discharged several 
 hundreds of the Hanover militia before we had 
 considered the subject, and settled the order in 
 which discharges should be given. As it has so 
 happened, we think it better not to recall them. 
 I am, etc., etc. 
 
34S . Jefferson's Works 
 
 TO MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 
 
 Richmond, May 6, 1781. 
 
 Sir, — Two persons have applied to me on behalf 
 of a certain John Allison, citizen, under confine- 
 ment, as they say, at camp for some offence. 
 
 Though perfectly satisfied that nothing will be 
 done under your order but what is right, and assur- 
 ing them of the same, yet I have not been able 
 to get clear of their solicitation without a letter 
 from you, asking a favor of a communication of 
 the case and proceedings before any punishment 
 should take place. I am sorry to add this to the 
 many troubles you have, but they have urged it 
 to me on the footing of duty so as to put it out 
 of my power to decline it. I have the favor, etc., 
 etc. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON AND THE 
 HONORABLE VIRGINIA DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 
 
 In Council, May 10, 1781. 
 
 Sir, — The papers of the Executive having been 
 almost wholly lost in the visit which was made by 
 General Arnold to this place, we are endeavoring 
 to procure copies of as many of them as we can. 
 As the correspondence with l your Excellency is 
 among the most important, I am to solicit the 
 favor of you to permit the bearer hereof, Mr. Gran- 
 
 1 Congress. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 349 
 
 ville Smith, to take copies of any letters with which 
 l you have been pleased to honor the Executive, or 
 have received from them previous to the commence- 
 ment of the present year. Besides the general 
 importance of preserving the memorial of public 
 events, it is natural for those who have had a share 
 in the administration to wish that under every 
 possible circumstance the records of their pro- 
 ceedings may guard them against misrepresentation 
 or mistake. Mr. Smith has been particularly chosen 
 to execute this office because of his approved dis- 
 cretion, and we think ourselves safe in assuring 
 you that he may confidentially be relied on. I 
 have, etc., etc. 
 
 In the letter to the Delegates alter as in the 
 margin. 
 
 TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT REID. 
 
 Charlottesville, May 22, 1781. 
 Sir, — Your Excellency's favor of the 6th instant 
 came to hand yesterday. The movement of the 
 enemy since I did myself the honor of writing to 
 your Excellency on the subject of our joint boundary, 
 having rendered it necessary, in the opinion of the 
 general assembly, for them to adjourn to this place; 
 the Executive have, of course, come hither for a 
 time; this has placed us at a great distance from 
 Mr. Madison and Mr. Andrews, two of the com- 
 
 1 They or you. 
 
35° Jefferson's Works 
 
 missioners appointed for the purpose of running 
 the boundary. These gentlemen also unfortu- 
 nately reside in Washington, a place supposed to 
 be an object with the enemy, and I am not without 
 fear that this new circumstance will create difficulties 
 in the time of their attendance. I shall immedi- 
 ately dispatch an express to them with a communi- 
 cation of your Excellency's, and will, on receipt 
 of their answer, do myself again the honor of writing 
 to you. In the meantime as there remains three 
 weeks between this and the 12th of June, the day 
 proposed by your Excellency for the meeting of 
 the commissioners, as a part of this will be explained 
 before I can receive a letter from our commissioners, 
 and it is probable that they have to provide for 
 the safety of their family before their departure, 
 I will beg leave to consider it as your Excellency's 
 desire that as early a day as possible after that 
 may be fixed, and to take the liberty of communi- 
 cating the earliest at which they may be able to 
 attend, according to the answer I shall receive from 
 them. I have the honor to be, etc. 
 
 TO MAJOR RICHARD CLAIBORNE. 
 
 Charlottesville, May 23, 1781. 
 Sir, — Your letters of the 10th and 19th instants 
 came to hand yesterday. Experience has for some- 
 time past convinced the Council that, as the mode 
 of acquiring wagons, horses, etc., by impress is 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 35 1 
 
 the most irritating, so it is the most expensive 
 which can be adopted. They, therefore, have meant 
 to discontinue impresses, and to have purchases 
 made whenever a delay can be permitted, and, 
 indeed, it is questionable, where necessity obliges 
 the public to have an article on the spot, whether 
 any price which the owner would ask to part with 
 it voluntarily would not be less than appraisers 
 would rate it at. 
 
 In answer, therefore, to your letter, I can only 
 advise your procuring the necessaries required by 
 purchase. In a conversation I had with Mr. Lyne 
 I mentioned the necessity of paying your warrants 
 as quickly as possible. He was sensible of it, and 
 I dare say will pay it as soon as he has as much 
 money. I am, etc. 
 
 TO MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 
 
 Charlottesville, May 29, 1781. 
 Sir, — I am honored with your favor of the 26th, 
 as I have been by one of the day before from Colonel 
 John Walker, who informed me that he wrote at 
 your request on the subject of horses. I have 
 now the pleasure to inclose to you eight impress 
 warrants, accompanied with resolutions of the 
 House of Delegates, which I obtained yesterday, 
 and to inform you that as soon as the other branch 
 of the legislature is convened, I believe they are 
 disposed to strengthen you with cavalry to any 
 
3S 2 Jefferson's Works 
 
 amount you think proper, and with good horses 
 as you shall think economy should induce you to 
 take. Stud horses and brood mares will be always 
 excepted, because to take them would be to rip 
 up the hen which laid the golden eggs. 
 
 T am sorry that it has not been in your power 
 to send me the county returns of militia. I assure 
 you that such returns weekly are indispensably 
 necessary to enable the Executive to keep militia 
 in the field. I did, however, on receiving infor- 
 mation from Colonel Walker that the enemy were 
 reinforced, call for one-fourth of the militia of 
 Washington, Montgomery, Botetourt, Rockbridge, 
 Augusta, Rockingham and Amherst, which (the 
 last excepted) are our best rifle counties. They 
 will rendezvous at Charlottesville and there expect 
 your orders. 
 
 Baron Steuben informed me also that only 
 two men were employed in repairing the damaged 
 arms. I am at a loss what to think on this subject, 
 as I have received assurance that one hundred a 
 week are repaired there, and that very shortly 
 they will be enabled to repair one hundred and 
 fifty a week. I will take immediate measures for 
 procuring a state of the repairs. 
 
 I sincerely and anxiously wish that you may be 
 enabled to prevent Lord Cornwallis from engaging 
 you till you shall be sufficiently reinforced and be 
 able to engage him on your own terms. This may 
 be the case when your superiority in cavalry shall 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 353 
 
 become decided, which I have the most sanguine 
 hopes the assembly will immediately provide for. 
 In the meantime the upper country will afford 
 you a secure retreat, presenting hills inaccessible 
 to horses approaching them and to this most dan- 
 gerous enemy, the riflemen. 
 
 I will take the liberty of recommending to you 
 that the two field officers to be appointed for valu- 
 ing the impressed horses be skilled in the business, 
 and that the same two may go through the whole 
 business, that all may be valued on the same 
 scale. Also that officers of mild and condescending 
 tempers and manners be employed, and particularly 
 instructed, while they prosecute their object, 
 steadily to use every soothing art possible. 
 
 A high tone of conduct will, as it did in a former 
 instance, revolt the people against the measure 
 altogether, and produce the suppression of it. I 
 have the honor to be, etc. 
 
 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 BERK- 
 ELEY. 
 
 Charlottesville, May 29, 1781. 
 Sir, — Information having been given me that a 
 considerable number of men have deserted from 
 
 VC- XIX — 23 
 
354 Jefferson's Works 
 
 the French army and navy in America, which the 
 commanding officers are very urgent to have appre- 
 hended, I must desire you to give orders at the 
 several ferries in your county, that all foreigners 
 offering to cross at them, and having the appearance 
 of soldiers or seamen, be examined with great strict- 
 ness, and if there be good reason to believe them 
 to be deserters, that they then be delivered to such 
 persons as you shall appoint to guard them till 
 you can have an opportunity by militia or other- 
 wise, to send them, with a state of the circumstances 
 of suspicion, to the headquarters of Major-General 
 the Marquis Lafayette. I am, etc. 
 
 TO MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 
 
 Charlottesville, May 30, 1781. 
 Sir, — Mr. Maury informs me there is reason to 
 expect from Lord Cornwallis a permission to export 
 to Charleston tobacco for our officers and soldiers 
 in captivity there. As you have been fully appraised 
 of what has been done heretofore, and a negotiation 
 for the relief of officers and soldiers of the Con- 
 tinental Line, which you have honored by accepting 
 the command, seems agreeably reconciled to your 
 office and humanity. I will beg leave to inform 
 you that the State will provide as far as nine hun- 
 dred hogsheads of tobacco to be sent to Charleston, 
 for the above purpose, and to ask the favor of 
 you to negotiate with Lord Cornwallis for the 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 355 
 
 license. The distance of the Executive from his 
 Lordship is an additional reason for asking this 
 favor of you. Mr. Maury will lend any aid in his 
 power to promote this business, and is still recom- 
 mended as a proper person to attend the tobacco 
 to Charleston. I have the honor to be, etc. 
 
 TO MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 
 
 Charlottesville, May 30, 1781. 
 
 Sir, — I inclosed to General Phillips a passport 
 for the British flag vessel, the General Reidseel, 
 and declined it to Captain Innes who called on me 
 for that purpose by order of Major-General Baron 
 Steuben, and was to have accompanied the vessel 
 to and from her port of destination. 
 
 The movements of the enemy and uncertainty 
 where General Phillips was then to be found delayed 
 his going till you had arrived. I think Baron 
 Steuben afterward informed me you would be so 
 kind as to send in the letter by a flag and an officer 
 to go with the vessel. 
 
 The inclosed letter from Mr. Miles King, written 
 at the request of Captain Gerlach, the flagmaster, 
 I take the liberty of transmitting to you by the person 
 who brought it, who is returning to Mr. King, and 
 will carry any line of information with which you 
 will be so kind as to favor him. I am, etc. 
 
35 6 Jefferson's Works 
 
 TO THE SURVEYOR OF THE COUNTY OF MONONGALIA. 
 
 Charlottesville, June 3, 1781. 
 Sir, — It having become impracticable to settle 
 the boundary between this State and Pennsylvania 
 by astronomical observations during, the present 
 season, it is referred by mutual consent till the 
 next year. In the meantime it is agreed that 
 Mason's and Dixon's line shall be extended twenty- 
 three miles with a surveyor's compass, only in the 
 usual manner, marking the trees very slightly. I 
 am, therefore, to desire you to undertake to do 
 this in connection with such person as shall be 
 appointed by his Excellency President Reid, and 
 report your work to the Executive. We shall 
 rely on your engaging chain-carriers, markers, etc., 
 the expense of which shall be paid by the public. 
 I am, etc. 
 
Voting the Declaration of Independence 
 
 Reproduction from an unfinished Engraving by Edward Savage. 
 
 The picture divides itself into three groups — in the centre the com- 
 mittee presenting the draft to President Hancock, on the right a 
 group of eight, on the left a group of seventeen.; The members of the 
 Committee, from left to right, are R. R. Livingston, Roger Sherman, 
 John Adams, Jefferson and Franklin. Hancock is seated behind the 
 table, facing to the front, with Secretary Thomson seated at his right. 
 In the group on the right, the figure seated with his back to the spec- 
 tator is Charles Carroll, and the man with his hat on, who is standing 
 to the right, is Stephen Hopkins. Among the others in this group 
 are George Read, Hopkinson, Wolcott, and Witherspoon. In the group 
 on. the left, the seated figure with a cane is Robert Morris, and in the 
 background are Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Edward Rutledge, 
 Philip -Livingston, Benjamin Rush, Thomas Stone, George Ross, and 
 James Wilson. One of the first trial proofs of this engraving is in the 
 Emmet collection, framed and hanging in the Exhibition Room of the 
 Lenox Library, New York. The reproduction presented herewith 
 was made from this impression, which shows that a number of the 
 faces were left unfinished, and consequently appear entirely blank. 
 The engraved copper-plate itself was presented by Samuel T. Snow, 
 of Boston, to the Massachusetts Historical Society, in November, 1859, 
 as the work of an unknown artist. It was stated that it had been left, 
 many years ago, by a party of play-actors, in payment of their board, 
 with an inn-keeper, who, after keeping it for twenty years, brought 
 it to Boston. The Lenox Library acknowledges its indebtedness, to Mr. 
 Charles Henry Hart, of Philadelphia, an authority on American art, 
 for the name of the artist who made the engraving. Mr. Hart discov- 
 ered that it was engraved by Edward Savage, and left unfinished by 
 him at the time of his death, July 6, 1817. The original picture, from 
 which the engraving of the same size is copied, has been recently 
 acquired by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and is of such 
 recognized significance that it is being used as a guide to the restoration 
 of Independence Hall. The painting was begun by Robert Edge Pine, 
 left unfinished by him at his death, November 19, 1788, purchased 
 from his widow by Bo wen and Savage, for the New York Museum, 
 and finished by the latter. Pine called the painting ''The American 
 Congress Voting "Independence," 
 
MANUSCRIPTS 
 
 FROM 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA 
 COLLECTION. 
 
INTRODUCTORY NOTES. 
 
 It will be readily admitted, after due examination, that the 
 "Minutes" of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, 
 under the rectorship of its father and founder, Thomas Jefferson, are 
 far more interesting than the mere reports of similar business meet- 
 ings. They contain an account of the actual growth of that famous 
 institution, — the practical suggestions for the erection of the buildings, 
 the plans and organization for the various academic departments, the 
 adoption of educational theories and innovations and, in short, the 
 establishment of a centre of learning as fulfilled to-day in the Univer- 
 sity of Virginia, 
 
 This fulfillment had been the heart's desire of its founder for 
 many years before his death, and he wished to have its accomplish- 
 ment engraved in the epitaph on his tombstone, together with the 
 record of his services as the author of the Declaration of Indepen- 
 dence and the Statute for Religious Freedom in Virginia. 
 
 Associated with Jefferson on the Board of Visitors were James 
 Madison, James Monroe, Joseph C. Cabell, James Breckenridge, David 
 Watson and J. H. Cocke. All of them were intensely interested in 
 the erection of a State University along the lines conceived by Jeffer- 
 son. Joseph C. Cabell, then a member of the Virginia Senate, 
 was especially enthusiastic and supported in the legislature what 
 Jefferson planned in the privacy of his study. It was due to the 
 tireless efforts of Cabell, stimulated by Jefferson, that the State 
 government ultimately expended $300,000 for the construction of the 
 University and appropriated $15,000 a year toward its maintenance. 
 
 The correspondence between Jefferson and Cabell on the subject 
 of the early history of the University of Virginia was published iv 
 an octavo volume in 1856, and is now very rare. Its appendix cm 
 tains some of the material given in the following pages, but the pro- 
 portion is small compared to the aggregate matter printed herewith 
 for the first time. The "Minutes" given in the present instance 
 embrace a period of nine years, the last entry having been dated 
 only three months before Jefferson's death. 
 
3 6 ° Jefferson's Works 
 
 Not alone did Jefferson outline the process of education for his 
 University, but he also planned its architecture. He superintended 
 each detail of the construction, engaging workmen, buying bricks 
 and choosing the trees to be used for timber. The institution was 
 opened during the month of March, 1825. The first year began with 
 forty students but this number had increased to almost two hun- 
 dred by the beginning of the second term. The University still 
 bears the impress of Jefferson's mind to the extent that it has no 
 president, — this position being filled by a chairman elected from among 
 the professors ; that it bestows no honors and no rewards, and that 
 attendance at religious services is entirely voluntary. Thus the stu- 
 dent is placed upon his principles as a citizen and upon his honor as a 
 man. 
 
 The "Minutes" presented in this collection are taken from a 
 time-worn book in the possession of the University of Virginia. Most 
 of the entries are in the firm handwriting of Jefferson — annther proof 
 of his indefatigability as a penman. For access to the book and for 
 the privilege of reproducing its contents, credit is due to the authori- 
 ties of the University, and especially to Dr. Charles W. Kent. 
 
AN EXACT TRANSCRIPT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Minutes of the Board of Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia, during the Rectorship 
 of Thomas Jefferson. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the Central 
 College held at Charlottesville, on the 5th day of 
 May, 181 7, on a call by three members, to wit: 
 John Hartwell Cocke, Joseph C. Cabell and Thomas 
 Jefferson. Present, James Monroe, James Madison, 
 John H. Cocke and Thomas Jefferson. 
 
 The records of the trustees of the Albermarle 
 Academy, in lieu of which the Central College is 
 established, were received from their secretary by 
 the hands of Alex. Garrett, one of the said trustees. 
 
 Resolved, that Valentine W. Southall be appointed 
 secretary to the Board, and that the records be 
 delivered to him. 
 
 The Board proceeded to the appointment of a 
 proctor, and the said Alexander Garrett was appoint- 
 ed, with a request that he will act as treasurer also 
 until a special appointment can be made. 
 
3 62 Jefferson's Works 
 
 The Board being informed that at a meeting 
 which had been proposed for the 8th day of April 
 last at Charlottesville, and at which the three 
 members only, who called this present meeting had 
 attended, the said members had visited and examined 
 the different sites for the college within a convenient 
 distance around Charlottesville, had deemed the one 
 offered them by John Perry about a mile above 
 the town to be the most suitable, and offered on 
 the most reasonable terms, and had provisionally 
 authorized a purchase of certain parcels thereof 
 for the site of the said college and its appendages, 
 and the members now present having themselves 
 proceeded to the said grounds, examined them and 
 considered the terms of the said provisional pur- 
 chase, do now approve of the said grounds as a 
 site for the said college and its appendages, and 
 of the terms of purchase, which they hereby confirm 
 and ratify. And they accordingly authorize their 
 proctor above named to proceed to a regular con- 
 veyance thereof to himself and his successors in 
 trust for the said college. 
 
 The act establishing the Central College having 
 transferred to the same all the rights and claims 
 existing in the Albemarle Academy and its trustees, 
 and having in aid. of the subscriptions and donations, 
 obtained or to be obtained, and of the proceeds 
 of the lottery authorized by law, specially empowered 
 this college, by its proper officers, to demand and 
 receive the moneys which arose from the sales of 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 3 6 3 
 
 the glebe lands of the parishes of St. Anne and 
 Fredericks ville, or such part thereof as belongs to 
 the county of Albemarle or its citizens, in whatever 
 hands they may be, to be employed for the purposes 
 of this college, ordered that the proctor enquire 
 into the state of said property, and report the same 
 to this Board; and that in the meantime, he be 
 authorized to demand and receive so much of the 
 said moneys as may be requisite to pay for the land 
 purchased from the said John Perry, and to make 
 payment accordingly. 
 
 In view of a plan presented to the trustees of 
 the Albemarle Academy for erecting a distinct 
 pavilion or building for each separate professor- 
 ship, and for arranging these around a square, 
 each pavilion containing a school-room and two 
 apartments for the accommodation of the professor, 
 with reasonable conveniences, the Board deter- 
 mined that one of these pavilions shall now be 
 erected; and they request the proctor, so soon as 
 the funds are at his command, to agree with proper 
 workmen for the building of one of stone or brick 
 below ground, and of brick above, of substantial 
 work, of regular architecture, well executed, and 
 to be completed, if possible, during the ensuing 
 summer and winter ; that the lot for the said pavilions 
 
 be delineated on the ground of the breadth of 
 
 feet with two parallel sides of indefinite length, 
 and that the pavilion first to be erected be placed 
 on one of the lines so delineated, with its floor in 
 
3 6 4 Jefferson's Works 
 
 such degree of elevation from the ground as may 
 correspond with the regular inclined plane to which 
 it may admit of being reduced hereafter. 
 
 And it is further resolved, that so far as the funds 
 may admit, the proctor be requested to proceed 
 to the erection of dormitories for the students 
 adjacent to the said pavilion, not exceeding ten 
 on each side, of brick, and of regular architecture, 
 according to the same plan proposed. 
 
 The Board, proceeding to consider the plan of 
 a lottery prepared by the trustees of the Albemarle 
 Academy, approve of the same, and resolve that 
 it be carried into execution and without delay, by 
 the proctor and by such agents as he shall appoint, 
 and that the moneys to be received for tickets by 
 those entrusted with the sale of them, be from 
 time to time, and at short periods, paid into the 
 hands of the proctor, and by him deposited in the 
 Bank of Virginia in Richmond, with which bank 
 it is thought expedient that an account should be 
 opened with him in trust for the Central College. 
 
 Resolved, that a subscription paper be prepared, 
 and placed in such hands as the proctor shall deem 
 will be most likely to promote it with energy and 
 success, in which shall be different columns, to wit: 
 one for those who may prefer giving a donation in 
 gross, another for those who may be willing to 
 give a certain sum annually for the term of four 
 years, and a third for donations in any other form. 
 And that the moneys subscribed be disposed of as 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 3 6 5 
 
 they are received by the proctor, in the manner 
 above prescribed for those received on the lottery. 
 
 Resolved, that Thomas Jefferson and John H. 
 Cocke be a committee on the part of the Visitors 
 with authority, jointly or severally, to advise and 
 sanction all plans and the application of moneys 
 for executing them which may be within the pur- 
 view and functions of the proctor for the time being. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, 
 James Monroe, 
 James Madison, 
 J. H. Cocke. 
 
 May 5, 1817. 
 
 July 28, 1817. 
 
 At a called meeting of the Visitors of the Central 
 College, held at the ^ouse of Mr. Madison in Orange, 
 Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Hartwell 
 Cocke, and Joseph C. Cabell, being present. 
 
 The plan of the first pavilion to be erected, and 
 the proceedings thereupon, having been stated and 
 agreed to, — 
 
 It is agreed that application be made to Dr. 
 Knox, of Baltimore, to accept the professorship of 
 languages, belles-lettres, rhetoric, history and geog- 
 raphy, and that an independent salary of four 
 hundred dollars, with a perquisite of twenty-five 
 dollars from each pupil, together with chambers 
 for his accommodation, be allowed him as a com- 
 
 1 Montpelier, near Somerset, on the Southern Railway. 
 
3 66 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 pensation for his services, he finding the necessary 
 
 assistant ushers. 
 
 Alexander Garrett requesting to resign the office 
 
 of proctor, it is agreed that Nelson Barksdale of 
 
 the county of Albemarle, be appointed his successor. 
 It is also agreed that it be expedient to import 
 
 a stone-cutter from Italy, and that Mr. Jefferson 
 
 be authorized and requested to take requis:- 
 
 measures to effect that object. 
 
 James Madison, 
 J. H. Cocke, 
 Joseph C. Cabell, 
 Th. Jefferson. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors held at Charlottes- 
 ville 7th October, 181 7: 
 
 On information of the amount of the subscription 
 to the Central College, known to be made, and 
 others understood to be so, the Board resolves, 
 that the pavilion now erecting be completed as 
 heretofore directed, with the twenty dormitories 
 attached to it, and that two other pavilions be 
 contracted for and executed the next year with 
 the same number of dormitories to each; that one 
 of these be appropriated to the professor of languages, 
 belles-lettres, rhetoric, oratory, history and geog- 
 raphy, one other to the professor of chemistry, 
 zoology, botany, anatomy; and the third, until 
 otherwise wanted, for a boarding-house, to be kept 
 by some French family of good character, wherein 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 3 6 7 
 
 it is proposed that the boarders shall be permitted 
 to speak French only, with a view to their becoming 
 familiarized to conversation in that language. 
 
 The Board is of opinion that the ground for 
 these buildings should be previously reduced to a 
 plain, or to terraces as it shall be found to admit 
 with due regard to expense; that the pavilions be 
 correct in their architecture and execution, and 
 that where the family of a professor requires it, 
 two additional rooms shall be added for their 
 accommodation. 
 
 On information that the Reverend Mr. Knox, 
 formerly thought of for a professor of languages, 
 is withdrawn from business, the order of July 20 
 is rescinded, and it is resolved to offer, in the first 
 place, the professorship of chemistry, etc., to Dr. 
 Thos. Cooper of Pennsylvania, adding to it that 
 of law with a fixed salary of 1,000 dollars and tuition 
 fees of twenty dollars from each of his students, 
 to be paid by them; and to accede also to the 
 conditions stated in his letter of September 16 to 
 Th. Jefferson; and that he be advised with as to 
 a qualified professor of languages; or such other 
 measures be taken to obtain one as shall be found 
 most advisable; that the professor of languages 
 should be engaged to take place on the 1st of April, 
 and Dr. Cooper, as soon as a pavilion for him can 
 be erected, or as he can otherwise accommodate 
 himself with lodgings. 
 
 Resolved, that every student shall be required 
 
3 68 Jefferson's Works 
 
 to pay sixty dollars per annum tuition fees, of which 
 twenty dollars shall be paid to each professor he 
 attends, and the surplus thereof, if any, to remain 
 for the use of the college, and that fifteen dollars 
 be paid moreover for each dormitory by the students 
 occupying them. 
 
 Resolved, that any deficiency in the moneys paid 
 or payable by subscription or otherwise, in or 
 before April next, to pay for the pavilions and 
 dormitories, the first year's salaries to the two 
 professors aforesaid and other necessary expenses, 
 shall be obtained, if practicable, by negotiations 
 with the banks on a pledge of the future instal- 
 ments of subscriptions, and of the college property 
 as security, and that of the latter instalment the 
 sum of 25,000 dollars shall be disposed of as shall 
 hereafter be directed, either to the Commonwealth 
 or the banks of some other safe moneyed institution, 
 or an interest sufficient to pay the annual salaries 
 of the two professors aforesaid forever, 
 
 Resolved, that the proctor be authorized to hire 
 laborers for levelling the ground and performing 
 necessary services for the work or other purposes. 
 
 James Madison, 
 James Monroe, 
 David Watson, 
 J. H. Cocke, 
 Jos. C. Cabell, 
 Th. Jefferson. 
 
 October 7, 18 17. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 3 6 9 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors, 8th October, 1817: 
 Certain letters from Dr. Thos. Cooper to Th. 
 Jefferson, dated September 17 and 19, received 
 since the meeting of yesterday, being communicated 
 to the Board of Visitors, and taken into consider- 
 ation with his former letter of September 16, they 
 are of opinion that it will be for the interest of the 
 College to modify the terms of agreement which 
 might be generally proper, so as to accommodate 
 them to the particular circumstances of Dr. Cooper, 
 and to reconcile his interests to an acceptance of 
 the professorship before proposed to him. They, 
 therefore, resolve: 
 
 1. That the expenses of transporting his library 
 and collection of minerals to the College shall be 
 reimbursed to him. 
 
 2. That, however disposed they would be to 
 purchase for the College his collection of mineral 
 subjects, his philosophical and chemical apparatus, 
 the extent of their funds is as yet too little ascer- 
 tained to authorize engagements for them; but 
 that an interest of six per cent per annum on a 
 fair valuation should be paid for the use of them 
 in his own hand, until it can be seen that the other 
 more indispensable calls on the funds of the college 
 will leave them competent to the purchase. 
 
 And, ultimately, should nothing short of the 
 immediate purchase of these articles be sufficient, 
 then we are of opinion that their purchase be made, 
 and the ready money, if required, be obtained 
 
 VOL. XIX 24 
 
37° Jefferson's Works 
 
 from the bank as proposed in the resolution of 
 yesterday for other pecuniary deficiencies. 
 
 3. That the expense in articles consumed neces- 
 sarily in a course of chemical lectures shall be 
 defrayed by the College. 
 
 4. That the branches of science proposed for 
 Dr. Cooper be varied and accommodated in his 
 case, as it is expected they must be in others, to 
 the particular qualifications of the professor. 
 
 5. That the committee of superintendence of the 
 proceedings of the proctor in the execution of his 
 functions heretofore appointed, are authorized to 
 take such measures as they think best for providing 
 the necessary apartments for the use of the chemical 
 and mineralogical purposes. 
 
 Resolved, that Alexander Garrett be appointed 
 treasurer for the College. 
 
 Joseph C. Cabell, 
 J. H. Cocke, 
 James Monroe, 
 Th. Jefferson, for 
 himself and for James Madison, who 
 assented to all the articles but was 
 obliged to depart before they could be 
 copied and signed. 
 October 8, 181 7. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 37 * 
 
 Charlottesville, May n, 1818. 
 At a regular meeting of the Visitors of the Central 
 College, on nth May, 18 18, at which Th. Jefferson, 
 James Madison, John H. Cocke and Joseph C. 
 Cabell were present, it was agreed, that it being 
 uncertain whether Thos. Cooper would accept the 
 professorship of chemistry, in the event of his not 
 doing so, it would be expedient to procure a pro- 
 fessor of mathematics. It was also agreed to allow 
 the proctor of the College the sum of two hundred 
 dollars for the present year. 
 
 James Madison, 
 Th. Jefferson, 
 J. H. Cocke, 
 Joseph C. Cabell. 
 
 May 11, 1818. 
 
 We, the subscribers, Visitors of the Central 
 College, having been specially called to meet on 
 the 26th day of February, 1819, and authorized by 
 the act of the legislature, now in session, for establish- 
 ing the University of Virginia, to continue the 
 exercise of our former functions, and to fulfill the 
 duties of our successors, Visitors of the said Uni- 
 versity, until their first actual meeting, have unani- 
 mously agreed on the following opinions and 
 proceedings : 
 
 That it is expedient that all the funds of the 
 University applicable to the services of the present 
 
372 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 year, which shall remain after meeting all trie other 
 current and necessary purposes, shall be applied 
 to the providing additional buildings for the accom- 
 modation of the professors, and for dieting and 
 lodging the students of the University. 
 
 That the urgency of the advancing season, and 
 the importance of procuring workmen before they 
 become generally otherwise engaged for the season, 
 render it necessary for expediting the objects of 
 the University, that certain measures be forthwith 
 taken, which, if delayed until the first actual meet- 
 ing of our successors would materially retard those 
 objects. 
 
 That taking into view the balance remaining of 
 the funds of the last year, to wit : Of the proceeds 
 of the glebes, and of the first and second instal- 
 ments of subscriptions, after payment shall have 
 been made of the expenditures of the same year, 
 as also the third instalment of subscriptions payable 
 in April, 1820, and the public endowment of 15,000 
 dollars for the present year, engagements may be 
 entered into for building, in the approaching season, 
 two more pavilions for the professors, one hotel 
 for dieting the students, and as many additional 
 dormitories for their lodging, with the necessary 
 appendages, as the said funds shall be competent 
 to accomplish: that we approve of the propositions 
 for covering with tin sheets the pavilions and hotels 
 hereafter to be covered, and for bringing water to them 
 by wooden pipes from the neighboring high lands. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 373 
 
 That Alexander Garrett, treasurer of the Central 
 College, be continued as the depository of the funds 
 of the institution, with authority to exercise the 
 powers and perform the duties of bursar of the 
 University until otherwise provided. 
 
 That to meet the immediate and pressing calls 
 for money, he be authorized to receive from the 
 treasury of the State the sum of fifteen hundred 
 dollars, in part of the public endowment of 15,000 
 dollars for the present year. 
 
 That a copy of these proceedings be laid before 
 the Governor and Council for the exercise of the 
 power of control committed to them by the same 
 act of the legislature, should they think proper to 
 exercise that power on any part of these proceedings. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, 
 James Madison, 
 J. H. Cocke, 
 David Watson. 
 
 February 26, 1819. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia at the said University on Monday, the 
 29th day of March, 1819, being the day prescribed 
 by the Governor for their first meeting, James 
 Madison, Joseph C. Cabell, Chapman Johnson, 
 James Breckenridge, Robert Taylor, John H. Cocke 
 and Thomas Jefferson attended. 
 
 The Board proceeding to the duties prescribed 
 
374 Jefferson's Works 
 
 to them by the act of the general assembly, insti- 
 tuted " An act establishing an University, ' ' appointed 
 Thomas Jefferson their rector and Peter Minor their 
 secretary. 
 
 Resolved, that Alexander Garrett be appointed 
 bursar of the University, and that he be allowed 
 as a compensation for the duties of his said office 
 the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars a year; 
 and that the committee of superintendence hereafter 
 to be named, be authorized to engage Arthur 
 Brockenbrough as proctor of the University, with 
 an allowance not exceeding 2,000 dollars a year, 
 or if he cannot be engaged, then any other person 
 on such terms as they find necessary. 
 
 Resolved, that the acting proctor be instructed 
 to examine into the state of the property, real and 
 personal (moneys and credits excepted), formerly 
 appertaining to the Central College, and conveyed 
 to the president and directors of the Literary Fund, 
 that he make an inventory of the same, as it 
 stands at this day, specifying the items whereof it 
 consists, and noticing the buildings and other 
 improvements already made and those which are 
 in progress, and that the late treasurer of the College, 
 now the bursar, be instructed to make a statement 
 of the funds, in money and credit, which apper- 
 tained to the said College, and were conveyed to 
 the said president and directors; specifying how 
 much of the said moneys have been received, how 
 much have been paid away, t© whom, and for 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 375 
 
 what purposes; what debts, to whom and for 
 what purposes, are due on settled accounts; to 
 whom and for what purposes debts are due on 
 unsettled accounts ; what part of the annual donation 
 by the Commonwealth has been received, and how 
 much thereof has been paid away, to whom, and 
 for what purposes ; all referring to the present date ; 
 and that the said inventory and statement be 
 returned to this Board to be preserved among its 
 records. 
 
 Resolved, that the proctor be required to provide 
 a common seal for the University, in the field of 
 which shall be engraved a Minerva enrobed in her 
 peplum and characteristic habiliments as inventress 
 and protectress of the arts, and that the exergue 
 be " University of Virginia" and at the bottom 
 the date of " 1819." 
 
 It is the opinion of the Board that each of the 
 professors of the University be allowed a standing 
 salary of 1,500 dollars a year, and to receive also 
 thirty dollars annually from every student attending 
 him for instruction in any or all the branches 
 of science, which constitute the department of 
 which he is professor; and that he be allowed for 
 his accommodation the use of one of the pavilions 
 built, or to be built, clear of rent; it being under- 
 stood that a professor of one department, holding 
 temporarily another, may receive tuition fees from 
 students attending him in each department, but only 
 one salary, unless it be ©therwise specially provided. 
 
37 6 Jefferson's Works 
 
 That the dormitories be rented to the students 
 at a rate of twenty dollars a year for each dormitory, 
 to be paid by the occupant or occupants; not 
 more than two being permitted to lodge in the 
 same dormitory. 
 
 Resolved, that a committee of advice, superin- 
 tendence and control be appointed to direct the 
 proceedings of the several agents of the Board 
 during the intervals of its sessions, and to call a 
 special meeting of the Board whenever, in their 
 opinion, the good of the institution indispensably 
 requires it, that notice of such call be addressed 
 by the committee themselves or by the secretary 
 on their order, to each member of the Board, and 
 be forwarded to their respective residences by mail, 
 be also published in the Richmond Enquirer, at 
 least fifteen days before the time appointed for 
 such meeting. 
 
 The Board hereby authorizes their bursar, with 
 the advice of a member of the committee of super- 
 intendence, to draw on the president and directors 
 of the Literary Fund, for the whole or any part 
 of the public donation charged on that fund, either 
 for immediate payment to those to whom moneys 
 may be due, or to deposit the same in the Bank 
 of Virginia, and thence, with the same advice, 
 countersigned by a member of the committee, to 
 draw it occasionally as may be requisite. 
 
 Resolved, that the Board concurs in the opinion 
 of the Visitors of the Central College expressed in 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 377 
 
 their resolution of February 26, that it is expedient 
 that the funds of the University be diverted as 
 little as possible to the general engagement of the 
 professors required for the institution, until pro- 
 vision be made of buildings for their accommodation, 
 and for dieting and lodging the students; and that 
 the measures adopted by them for the buildings 
 of the present year be approved and pursued. 
 
 That Dr. Thomas Cooper of Philadelphia,, hereto- 
 fore appointed professor of chemistry and of law 
 for the Central College, be confirmed and appointed 
 for the University, as professor of chemistry, miner- 
 alogy and natural philosophy, and as professor of 
 law also, until the advance of the institution and 
 increase of the number of students shall render 
 necessary a separate appointment to the professor- 
 ship of law; that in addition to his permanent 
 salary of 1,500 dollars he shall receive such sums 
 during the first and second years as, with his salary 
 and his tuition fees, shall amount, in the whole, to not 
 less than 3,500 dollars a year, to commence on the first 
 Monday of April of the ensuing year, 1820, or so 
 soon after as he shall arrive at the University. 
 
 That the expense of removing his philosophical 
 apparatus, his library and collection of minerals to 
 the University be reimbursed to him; that until he 
 shall have fifty students of chemistry, the expense 
 in articles consumed necessarily in the course of 
 chemical lectures be defrayed by the University, 
 not exceeding 250 dollars in any course. 
 
37 8 Jefferson's Works 
 
 That the offer of his philosophical apparatus at 
 the price it cost him, be accepted, and that also of 
 2,500 specimens of his collection of minerals, labelled 
 and arranged in pasteboard cases, to be selected 
 from his whole collection, for the use of the Uni- 
 versity, at the price of fifty cents each, by John 
 Vaughan, Professor Patterson and Zaccheus Collins, 
 with a suspension of payment, however, of the 
 principal of these purchases until the more urgent 
 provisions for the accommodation of the professors 
 and students shall enable the school of the Uni- 
 versity to be opened generally, and with the pay- 
 ment, in the meantime, of interest at the rate of 
 six per centum per annum on their amount. 
 
 Considering the importance, and the difficulty 
 also at this time, of procuring American citizens, 
 of the first order of science in their respective lines, 
 to be professors in the University, the committee 
 of superintendence are hereby jointly instructed and 
 authorized, should any such offer, not to lose the 
 opportunity of securing them for the University, 
 by any provisional arrangements they can make 
 within the Hmits of the salary and tuition fees 
 before stated, and even with such reasonable accom- 
 modations as the case may require, suspending, 
 however, their actual engagement until a meeting 
 of the Visitors, and reserving to them the right of 
 approval or rejection. 
 
 Resolved, that the said eommitfcee be jointly 
 authorized to purchase, at a fair valuation or reason- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 379 
 
 able price, of John Perry, if a fit occasion occur, 
 such portion of his land lying between the two 
 parcels heretofore purchased cf him, as may con- 
 veniently unite the whole in one body; provided 
 the payment be deferred until it can be received 
 of the sixth instalment of subscriptions, or of the 
 public endowment for the third year of the insti- 
 tution. 
 
 The Board proceeded to the appointment of the 
 committee of superintendence, and John H. Cocke 
 and Thos. Jefferson were appointed, with authority, 
 jointly or severally, to direct the proceedings of the 
 agents of the institution, but jointly only to call 
 a special meeting of the Board. 
 
 Resolved, that the course of authenticating the 
 proceedings of the Board be by the signature of 
 the secretary, and counter-signature of the rector, 
 or if there be no secretary, or not present, then by 
 that of the rector alone. 
 
 And the Board adjourned. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 March 29, 1819. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia, at the said University on Monday, the 
 4th of October, 1819, present, Thomas Jefferson, 
 Robert Taylor, James Madison, Chapman Johnson 
 and John Hartwell Cocke. 
 
 Resolved, that instead of the hotel, which had 
 
3 8 ° Jefferson's Works 
 
 been directed to be built in this present year by 
 the Visitors of the Central College at their meeting 
 of February 26, and approved by this Board on 
 the 29th of March last, the erection of an additional 
 pavilion by the committee of superintendence, is 
 approved; as also their engagements for two other 
 additional pavilions and dormitories, in anticipation 
 of the funds of the ensuing year. 
 
 Resolved, that, for the accomplishment of the 
 buildings commenced, and for all other lawful 
 expenses and disbursements on behalf of the Uni- 
 versity, the bursar be authorized, with the appro- 
 bation of a member of the committee of superin- 
 tendence, to draw on the President and directors 
 of the Literary Fund, for the whole, or any part 
 of the public donation charged on that fund, for 
 the ensuing year, 1820, so soon as the same shall 
 become payable. 
 
 It is the opinion of the Board that at least three 
 other pavilions, making ten with those in hand., 
 five hotels, and additional dormitories, in number 
 depending on that of the students who shall apply 
 for admission into the University, with their append- 
 ages, will be necessary for the proper accommodation 
 of the whole number of professors contemplated by 
 the legislature; and that the proctor, under the 
 direction of the committee of superintendence, be 
 required to make an estimate of the whole expense 
 of completing such buildings, distinguishing the 
 expense of each, and that such estimate should 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 
 
 accompany the report of this Board to the president 
 and directors of the Literary Fund. 
 
 Resolved, that as the stone in the neighborhood 
 of the University is not found capable of being 
 wrought into capitals for the columns of some of 
 the pavilions, and it may be necessary to procure 
 elsewhere proper stone or marble, and to have 
 capitals executed here or elsewhere, the proctor 
 be authorized to take such measures relative thereto, 
 and to make such arrangements for their execution, 
 either by the two Italian artists engaged for that 
 purpose, or by others, or compromise with them, 
 as the committee of superintendence shall approve. 
 
 It appearing to the Board that the buildings and 
 the funds of the University will not be in a condi- 
 tion to justify the commencement of any of its 
 schools during the next spring, and that, therefore, 
 the duties of the professorships to which Dr. Thomas 
 Cooper was appointed must be deferred, the com- 
 mittee of superintendence is instructed to com- 
 municate that fact to Dr. Cooper, to arrange with 
 him the terms on which the delay may be made, 
 consistent with his convenience, and conformable 
 to an honorable fulfillment of our engagements 
 with him; and to report their proceedings to the 
 Board at their next meeting. 
 
 An inventory of the property conveyed by the 
 proctor of the Central College to the president 
 and directors of the Literary Fund, a statement 
 of the funds in money and credits of the said 
 
382 Jefferson's Works 
 
 College, conveyed to the use of the University, 
 with the accounts of the disbursements, and of 
 the funds in hand, from the close of the preceding 
 accounts to the last day of September in this pre- 
 sent year, as furnished by the bursar and proctor, 
 and a draught of a report of the same, and of the 
 condition of the University, being proposed to the 
 Board, the same, after consideration and amend- 
 ment is agreed to in the following words, to wit: 
 "To the president and directors of the Literary 
 Fund: 
 
 "In obedience to the act of the legislature of 
 Virginia, entitled 'An act establishing an Uni- 
 versity,' and enjoining on the rector and Visitors 
 thereof 'to make report annually to the president 
 and directors of the Literary Fund (to be laid 
 before the legislature at their next succeeding 
 session), embracing a full account of the disburse- 
 ments, the funds on hand, and a general statement 
 of the conditions of the said University, ' make the 
 following report : 
 
 "The Governor having been pleased, with the 
 advice of Council, to appoint James Breckenridge, 
 Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke, Thomas Jefferson, 
 Chapman Johnson, James Madison and Robert 
 Taylor to be Visitors of the University of Virginia, 
 and prescribed for their first meeting the last Mon- 
 day in March of the present year, the Visitors so 
 appointed met accordingly at the site provided 
 for the Central College, and adopted by the legisla- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 3 8 3 
 
 ture for that of the University, and proceeded 
 to the duties presented to them by the said act of 
 the legislature. They appointed Thomas Jefferson, 
 one of their body, to be rector; Alexander Garrett, 
 bursar; Arthur S. Brockenbrough, proctor, and 
 Peter Minor, their secretary. They examined into 
 the state of the property conveyed by the proctor 
 of the Central College to the president and directors 
 of the Literary Fund; had an inventory thereof 
 made by the proctor, as it stood at that day, speci- 
 fying the items whereof it consisted, and noticing 
 the buildings and other improvements, made or in 
 progress, a copy of which inventory is hereto 
 annexed; and they required and received from the 
 late treasurer of the Central College, now bursar of 
 the University, a statement of the funds in money 
 and credits of the said College, conveyed for the use 
 of the said University, specifying the moneys 
 received, those paid away, to whom and for what 
 purposes; what debts, to whom, and for what 
 purposes were due, and what part of the annual 
 donation by the Commonwealth had been received; 
 a copy of which statement is hereto also annexed, 
 and to these is added an account of the disburse- 
 ments, and of the funds in hand prepared by the 
 bursar and proctor, from the close of the preceding 
 accounts to the last day of September of the present 
 year, as required by law, and also an estimate of 
 the probable cost of the buildings still necessary 
 for the accommodation of the whole number of 
 
3 8 4 Jefferson's Works 
 
 professors contemplated by the legislature and of 
 the students. 
 
 "The Visitors of the Central College, having been 
 in treaty with Dr. Thomas Cooper to be a professor 
 in the said college, those of the University con- 
 firmed his appointment as professor of chemistry, 
 mineralogy and natural philosophy; and agreed 
 with him for the purchase of his valuable collection 
 of minerals and of his philosophical apparatus. 
 The time, however, for the commencement of his 
 functions is not yet ultimately fixed, but they 
 deem it inexpedient to make any further appoint- 
 ments of professors until accommodations for their 
 reception and for that of the students shall be 
 provided; and the rather, as the salaries of the 
 professors, whenever they commence, by absorbing 
 the funds of the University will leave little to be 
 employed in buildings for their accommodation. 
 They, therefore, concur in the opinion of the Visitors 
 of the Central College, expressed in their resolution 
 of February 26, that it was expedient that the funds 
 of the University should be diverted as little as 
 possible to the general employment of professors, 
 until provision should be made for their accom- 
 modation, and for boarding houses and lodgings 
 for the students, and for this purpose they gave 
 directions under which one of the pavilions and 
 fifteen of the dormitories, in the inventory men- 
 tioned, have been as nearly finished as is deemed 
 expedient until wanted for occupation; and the 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 3 8 5 
 
 other pavilion therein also mentioned will be com- 
 pleted this winter. Five others are more or less 
 advanced, each sufficient to accommodate one pro- 
 fessor, and about twenty other dormitories are in 
 progress. These will probably have their walls 
 completed and covered in during the present season, 
 but will not be otherwise finished but in the course 
 of another. And, in order to effect this much, the 
 Visitors have been obliged to enter into engage- 
 ments which will not only exhaust the funds of 
 the present year, but pledge those of the ensuing 
 one also. For two seasons being generally requisite 
 for the accomplishment of good buildings, the one 
 for their walls and covering, the other inner finish- 
 ings, had the commencement of these been post- 
 poned to the ensuing season, another year would 
 have been added to the delays of the institution. 
 
 "The Visitors would have had sincere pleasure in 
 announcing to the president and directors that 
 they should be able to open the University, in time 
 and manner, to meet the public expectations. But 
 the sums necessary for the preliminary measure of 
 providing accommodation will leave the funds of 
 the institution in a condition which does not enable 
 them to do this. If an earlier commencement, 
 however, should be deemed of importance enough 
 to justify an additional and competent aid from 
 the funds over which your Board presides, for 
 effecting the residuary buildings, the Visitors trust 
 that they could have in place, by the autumn or 
 
 VOL. XIX — 25 
 
386 Jefferson's Works 
 
 winter of the coming year, the complement of pro- 
 fessors contemplated by the law, and open the 
 institution at that epoch with the distinction 
 called for by the interests and character of the 
 State. And were they to indulge their own judg- 
 ment, it would be that the annual tribute we are 
 paying to other countries for the education of our 
 youth, the retention of that sum at home, and 
 receipt of a greater from abroad, which might 
 flow to an University on an approved scale, would 
 make it a gainful employment of the money advanced, 
 were even dollars and cents to mingle themselves 
 with the consideration of an higher order urging 
 the accomplishment of this institution. But this 
 urgency they leave with confidence, as in duty 
 bound, to the wiser judgment of the legislature, 
 with assurance, on the part of the Visitors that, 
 whether with the present, or additional funds, 
 they will omit nothing which may hasten the 
 desirable moment when the youth of their country 
 may find at home those resources of instruction 
 which they have so long been in the habit of seek- 
 ing elsewhere, and when, by a sound education, a 
 wholesome direction may be given to public opinion, 
 the safest guide and guardian of the public morals 
 and welfare, the arbitress, in every nation, of its 
 destinies to happiness or wretchedness, and the 
 source to which, as either pure or corrupted, the 
 changes of conditions in every country on earth 
 may be traced and ascribed." 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 3 8 7 
 
 And the rector is instructed to authenticate and 
 transmit the same, with the documents therein 
 referred to, to the president and directors of the 
 Literary Fund, according to law. 
 
 And the Board adjourns itself indefinitely. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 October 4, 18 19. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia at the said University, on Monday, the 
 3d of April, 1820, present Thomas Jefferson, James 
 Madison, James Breckenridge, John H. Cocke and 
 Joseph C. Cabell. 
 
 Resolved, that the Visitors of the University 
 accede to the loan of $40,000 authorized by a 
 resolution of the president and directors of the 
 Literary Fund of 23d March, 1820. 
 
 Resolved, that the aforesaid sum of $40,000 
 shall be applied as follows, viz., first, to the pay- 
 ments of the debts of the University. Second, 
 to the completion of the buildings now on hand. 
 
 Resolved, that the balance that may remain of 
 the $40,000, after accomplishing the two objects 
 last specified, together with the annuity of the 
 year 182 1, after deducting the interest that will 
 be due on the loan from the Literary Fund, be 
 applied toward the erection of three other pavilions 
 and their accessory dormitories. 
 
 Resolved, that the committee of superintendence 
 
3 88 Jefferson's Works 
 
 be authorized to borrow of the president and directors 
 of the Literary Fund, or should that be imprac- 
 ticable, from any other quarter, the further sum 
 of $20,000. 
 
 fResolved, that the aforesaid sum of $20,000, 
 together with any balance of the preceding sums 
 as may remain on hand, and the annuity of the 
 year 1822, after deducting the sum due for interest 
 on moneys borrowed, be applied towards the erection 
 of buildings of accommodation on the eastern 
 back street. 
 
 Resolved, that the committee of superintendence 
 be authorized and required to propose to the presi- 
 dent and directors of the Literary Fund a post- 
 ponement for one year of the period of commence- 
 ment of the instalments of the principal borrowed 
 of the said Fund. 
 
 Resolved, that in the event of the agreement 
 of the president and directors of the Literary Fund 
 to the postponement of the instalments of principal 
 as last mentioned, any balance that may remain 
 on hand of the aforesaid sums of money, together 
 with the annuity of the year 1822, after deducting 
 the sums due for interest, be applied towards the 
 erection of buildings of accommodation on the 
 western back street. 
 
 Resolved, that Thomas Jefferson be appointed 
 rector of the University for the ensuing four years. 
 
 Resolved, that Thomas Jefferson and John H. 
 Cocke be appointed a committee of superintendence. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 3 8 9 
 
 Resolved, that the committee of superintendence 
 be authorized to communicate to Doctor Thomas 
 Cooper the delay and uncertainty now unavoidable, 
 in regard to the time of opening the University, 
 and to make such change in the contracts with 
 him as to them may seem advisable. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 April 3, 1820. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of 
 Virginia, at the said University, on Monday, 2d of 
 October, 1820, present, Thomas Jefferson, James 
 Madison, Robert B. Taylor, John H. Cocke, and 
 Joseph C. Cabell; 
 
 The Board proceeded to the consideration of the 
 annual report, and not having time to go through 
 with the same, adjourned to Tuesday, 3d October. 
 
 At an adjourned meeting of the Visitors of the 
 University of Virginia, held on 3d October, 1820, 
 present, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Robert 
 B. Taylor, John H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell; 
 
 The Board approved the arrangement made by 
 the committee of superintendence relative to the 
 annulment of the contract with Doctor Thomas 
 Cooper. 
 
 Resolved, that from and after the first day of 
 October, 1820, the compensation to the bursar of 
 
39° Jefferson's Works 
 
 the University for his services shall be at the rate 
 of one per cent on the amount of disbursements. 
 * Resolved, that Joseph C. Cabell be and he is 
 hereby desired and authorized to examine and 
 verify the accounts of the preceding year, not 
 already examined and verified. 
 
 Resolved, that the committee of superintend- 
 ence be authorized to enter into negotiations with 
 the following persons, with the view of engaging 
 them as professors of the University, viz: Mr. 
 Bowditch of Salem and Mr. Tichenor of Boston. 
 
 Resolved, that in the negotiations with Mr. Bow- 
 ditch and Mr. Tichenor, the committee be authorized 
 to offer the compensation hereafter specified, viz : 
 
 1. Apartments. 
 
 2. A salary of $2,000 per annum. 
 
 3. A fee of $10 for each student engaged to 
 attend the lectures of the professor. 
 
 4. If the aggregate amount of the salary and of 
 the fees of tuition should fall short of $2,500, in 
 either the first, second or third year, the deficiency 
 to be paid out the funds of the University. 
 
 The following report was agreed to: 
 To the president and directors of the Literary 
 Fund: 
 
 . In obedience to the act of the general assembly 
 *of Virginia, requiring that the rector and Visitors 
 of the University of Virginia should make report 
 annually to the president and directors of the 
 Literary Fund (to be laid before the legislature at 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 39 1 
 
 their next succeeding session), embracing a full 
 account of the disbursements, the funds on hand, 
 and a general statement of the condition of the 
 said University, the said Visitors make the follow- 
 ing report: 
 
 The general assembly at their last session of 
 1819-20 having passed an act authorizing the said 
 Visitors, for the purpose of finishing the buildings 
 of the University, to borrow the sum of 60,000 
 dollars, and to pledge for repayment of the said 
 sum and interest, any part of the annual appro- 
 priation of 15,000 dollars heretofore made by law f 
 the Board of Visitors at their semi-annual meeting 
 of April last proceeded to the consideration of the 
 said act, and of the authorities therein permitted 
 to them. They were of opinion, in the first place, 
 that it would be most expedient to complete all 
 the buildings necessary for the accommodation of 
 the professors and students before opening the 
 institution, as the maintenance of that, when 
 opened, by absorbing all its funds would leave 
 nothing to complete that might yet be requisite 
 for the full establishment called for by law. 
 
 On view of the account rendered by the bursar 
 and proctor, they found that with the aid of the 
 loan authorized (if the commencement of its instal- 
 ments for repayment could be suspended four 
 years), and of their annuity during the same time, 
 they might accomplish the whole of the buildings 
 of accommodation for the professors and students, 
 
39 2 Jefferson's Works 
 
 according to the estimates heretofore made of 
 •^•heir probable cost, of which the following state- 
 ment presents a summary view: 
 
 1820, Apr. The existing debts are $10,000 
 
 To complete the 2 pavilions and 31 dormi- 
 tories, on hand 18,000 
 
 To build 3 more pavilions and 24 dormitories 
 
 to complete the lawn 27,000 
 
 To build 3 Hotels and 25 dormitories complet- 
 ing the east back street 19,000 
 
 1 82 1. To build 2 Hotels and Proctor's house and 
 
 25 dormitories completing west back street 19,000 
 
 $93,000 
 
 Means. 
 
 1820, Apr. Loan from Literary Fund of 40,000 
 
 1821, Jan. 1. Annuity of 15,000 D. — 2,400 int. of 40,000 D. . 12,600 
 
 Additional loan of 20,000 
 
 1822, Jan. 1. Annuity of 15,000 D. — 3,600 D. int. of 60,000, 11,400 
 
 84,000 
 
 1823 Jan. 1. Annuity of 15,000 D. — 3,600 D.int. of 60.000, 11,400 
 
 $95,400 
 
 They, therefore, proceeded to negotiate a loan of 
 40,000 dollars from the president and directors of 
 the Literary Fund, reimbursable by instalments of 
 
 14,244 dollars a year, beginning on the day of 
 
 April, 1824. And afterwards a second loan of 
 20,000 dollars, reimbursable by like annual instal- 
 ments, commencing from the day when the others 
 should end. 
 
 On this view of our resources the Board proceeded 
 to authorize their proctor to enter into contracts 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 393 
 
 for the completion of the buildings already begun, 
 and for the erection of those still wanting, so as 
 to provide in the whole, ten pavilions for the pro- 
 fessors required by law, five hotels for dieting the 
 students and a sixth for the use of the proctor, 
 with 104 dormitories, sufficient for lodging 208 
 students; and they instructed him to make, in 
 his contracts, effectual provision that the whole 
 shall be completed in the autumn of the ensuing 
 year, 1821. At that time, therefore, the buildings 
 of accommodation for the professors and students 
 are expected to be all ready for their reception, and 
 the institution might then be opened, but that 
 the remaining engagements for the building and 
 the reimbursement of the sums borrowed from the 
 Literary Fund will require the whole revenue of 
 the University for seven years to come, that is to 
 
 say until the day of April, 1828. 
 
 In the statement of expenditures and means of 
 the. University it will be perceived that we have 
 not taken the private subscriptions into account. 
 Of these 2,079.33 dollars of the first instalment, 
 3,914.13 dollars of the second, and 8,217.09 of the 
 third are still due; and the last, amounting to 
 10,666.50, will become due on the first day of 
 April next. But of these some loss will be occasioned 
 by the distresses of the times; and the residue, 
 from the same cause, will be so tardy and uncertain 
 in the times of its receipt, that the Visitors have 
 not thought it safe to found on it any stipulations 
 
394 Jefferson's Works 
 
 requiring punctuality in their fulfillment. They 
 have thought it more advisable to reserve it as a 
 supplementary and contingent fund, to aid the 
 general revenue, as it shall be received, and to meet 
 casualties unforeseen, errors of estimate, and 
 expenses other than those of mere building. 
 
 In the report of the commissioners who met at 
 Rockfish gap on the ist day of August, 1818, it 
 was stated that "a building of somewhat more 
 size in the middle of the grounds may be called 
 for in time, in which may be rooms for religious 
 worship under such impartial regulations as the 
 Visitors shall prescribe, for public examinations, 
 for a library, for the schools of music, drawing and 
 other associated purposes." The expenses of this 
 building are not embraced in the estimates herein- 
 before stated. Its cost will probably be of about 
 40,000 dollars, and its want will be felt as soon as the 
 University shall open. But this building is beyond 
 the reach of the present funds; nor are these 
 indeed adequate to the maintenance of the insti- 
 tution on the full scale enacted by the legislature. 
 That body, aware that professors of desirable 
 eminence could not be expected to relinquish the 
 situations in which they might be found for others, 
 new, untried and unknown, without a certainty 
 of adequate compensation, confided to the discre- 
 tion of the Visitors, the salaries which should be 
 stipulated to the professors first employed. But 
 the annuity heretofore appropriated to the main- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 395 
 
 tenance of the University cannot furnish sufficient 
 inducement to ten professors, of high degree each 
 in his respective line of science; and yet, to employ 
 inferior persons would be to stand where we are 
 in science, una vailed of the higher advances already 
 made elsewhere, and of the advantages contem- 
 plated by the statute under which we act. 
 
 If the legislature shall be of opinion that the 
 annuity already apportioned to the establishment 
 and maintenance of an institution for instruction 
 in all the useful sciences, is its proper part of the 
 whole fund, the Visitors will faithfully see that it 
 shall be punctually applied to the remaining engage- 
 ments for the buildings, and to the reimbursement 
 of the extra sum lately received from the general 
 fund: that during the term of its exclusive appli- 
 cation to these objects, due care shall be taken to 
 preserve the buildings erected from ruin or injury, 
 and at the end of that term, they will provide for 
 opening the institution in the partial degree to 
 which its present annuity shall be adequate. If, 
 on the other hand, the legislature shall be of opinion 
 that the sums so advanced in the name of a loan, 
 from the general fund of education, were legiti- 
 mately applicable to the purposes of an University, 
 that its early commencement will promote the 
 public good by offering to our youth, now ready 
 and waiting for it, an early and near resource for 
 instruction, and, by arresting the heavy tribute 
 we are annually paying to other states and count ne$ 
 
39 6 Jefferson's Works 
 
 for the article of education, and shall think proper 
 to liberate the present annuity from its engage- 
 ments, the Visitors trust it will be in their power 
 by the autumn of the ensuing year, 1821, to engage 
 and bring into place that portion of the professors 
 designated by the law, to which the present annuity 
 may be found competent; or, by the same epoch, 
 to carry into full execution the whole objects of the 
 law, if an enlargement be made of its participation 
 in the general fund, adequate to the full establish- 
 ment contemplated by the law. 
 
 The accounts, receipts, disbursements and funds 
 on hand for the year ending with the present date, 
 as rendered by the bursar and proctor of the Uni- 
 versity, are given with this report, as is required by 
 law. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 October 3, 1820. 
 
 And the Board adjourned without day. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 1820, April 1. A special meeting of the Visitors 
 of the University having been called in the month 
 of February, to be held on this day, April 1, signed 
 by Th. Jefferson, James Madison, Chapman Johnson, 
 Joseph C. Cabell, James Breckenridge and Robert 
 Taylor, and duly notified to John H. Cocke to whom 
 no opportunity had occurred of presenting it for 
 his signature, the said Th. Jefferson and James 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 397 
 
 Madison attended accordingly, but not constituting 
 a quorum, no proceedings took place. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia at the said University, on Monday the 2d 
 of April 182 1, present, Th. Jefferson, rector; James 
 Breckenridge, Chapman Johnson and James Madison. 
 
 A letter having been received by the rector from 
 Thomas Appleton, of Leghorn, stating the prices 
 at which the Ionic and Corinthian capitals wanting 
 for the pavilions of the University may be furnished 
 there in marble, and these prices appearing to be 
 much lower than they would cost if made here in 
 stone, resolved, that it be an instruction to the 
 committee of superintendence to procure the said 
 capitals in marble from Italy. 
 
 Resolved, as the opinion of this Board, that it is 
 expedient to procure the loan of 60,000 dollars, 
 or so much thereof as may be necessary, as author- 
 ized by the late act of the general assembly, con- 
 cerning the University of Virginia, and that the 
 committee of superintendence be instructed to 
 negotiate the same with the president and directors 
 of the Literary Fund of preference, or if not to be 
 obtained from them, then with others, according 
 to the authorities of the said act. 
 
 Resolved, that it is expedient to proceed with 
 the building of the library on the plan submitted 
 to the Board: provided the funds of the Univer 
 
398 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 sity be adequate to the completion of the buildings 
 already begun, and to the building the western 
 range of hotels and dormitories, and be also adequate 
 to the completion of the library so far as to render 
 the building secure and fit for use; and that it be 
 an instruction to the committee of superintendence 
 to ascertain as accurately as may be the state of 
 accounts under the contracts already made, the 
 expenses of completing the buildings begun and 
 contemplated. And not to enter into contracts 
 for the library until they are fully satisfied that, 
 without interfering with the finishing of all the 
 pavilions, hotels and dormitories, begun and to 
 be begun, they have funds sufficient to put the 
 library in the condition above desciibed. 
 And the Board adjourns without day. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 October 2, 1820. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia, by special call, on Thursday the 29th 
 of November, 182 1, at the University, two mem- 
 bers only attending, to wit: Thomas Jefferson and 
 Chapman Johnson, they adjourned to the next day. 
 
 November 30, present, Thomas Jefferson, Chapman 
 Johnson, James Madison and John Hartwell Cocke. 
 
 The Board being informed that of the 60,000 
 dollars permitted to be borrowed from the Literary 
 Fund by the act of the last general assembly, the 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 399 
 
 sum of 29,100 dollars only has as yet been obtained, 
 and that there is uncertainty as to the time when 
 the balance may be obtained, they deem it expedient 
 that the annuity of 15,000 dollars, receivable on 
 the 1 st of January next, be applied to the accom- 
 plishment of the buildings and other current purposes, 
 in the first place, and that, should further sums be 
 wanted before the receipt of the balance of the said 
 loan, the committee of superintendence be authorized 
 to borrow from the bank to the amount of that bal- 
 ance, to be replaced by the said balance when received. 
 
 Resolved, that the superintending committee be 
 authorized to have an engraving made of the 
 ground-plat of the buildings of the University 
 including the library, and so many copies struck 
 off for sale as they shall think proper, and also to 
 engage a good painter to draw a perspective view 
 of the upper level of buildings, to be engraved, 
 yielding to him, for his trouble, the patent right, 
 and paying his reasonable expenses coming, staying 
 and returning, should it be required. 
 
 A proposition having been received to join with 
 other seminaries in a petition of Congress, for a 
 repeal of the duty on imported books, resolved, 
 that this Board will concur in such a petition and 
 a form being prepared and approved, and a form 
 also of a letter to our senators and representatives 
 in Congress requesting them to present and advocate 
 the said petition, the rector is desired to authen- 
 ticate and forward the same. 
 
4°o Jefferson's Works 
 
 A form of a report, as annually required to be 
 made to the president and directors of the Literary 
 Fund, on the funds and condition of the University, 
 was then proposed, amended and agreed to in the 
 following words: 
 
 To the president and directors of the Literary 
 Fund: 
 
 In obedience to the act of the general assembly 
 of Virginia, requiring that the rector and Visitors 
 of the University of Virginia shall make report 
 annually to the president and directors of the 
 Literary Fund (to be laid before the legislature 
 at their next succeeding session), embracing a 
 full account of the disbursements, the funds on hand, 
 and a general statement of the condition of the 
 said University, the said rector and Visitors make 
 the following report: 
 
 At their meeting in April last, the attention of 
 the Visitors was first drawn to the consideration 
 of the act of the late general assembly, which 
 authorized the Literary Board to lend, for the 
 use of the University, a further sum of 60,000 
 dollars from such moneys as should thereafter 
 come to their hands. And taking such view as 
 could then be obtained of the expenses already 
 incurred for the lands, buildings and accessory 
 purposes, for the accommodation of the professors 
 and students of the University, so far as already 
 completed, or in a state of advancement, and 
 the further expenses still to be incurred necessarily 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 4°* 
 
 to complete those accommodations, they concluded 
 it to be for the benefit of the institution to obtain 
 the said loan. Application was accordingly made 
 to the Literary Board, a sum of 29,100 dollars 
 was obtained, and the further sum of 30,900 dollars 
 is expected so soon as the receipts of that Board 
 shall enable them to furnish it. 
 
 In the meantime the Board deemed it incumbent 
 to obtain as early as possible a correct statement 
 of the actual cost of what was already done, and 
 a probable one of that still to be done, estimated 
 according to the experience now obtained. They, 
 therefore, instructed their proctor to apply himself 
 assiduously to the completion of the buildings 
 generally, to a settlement of all accounts of the 
 actual cost of those finished, and an estimate, 
 according to that, of what would be the cost of 
 those still to be finished. The completion of the 
 buildings of accommodation, which are in four 
 rows of about 600 feet in length each, as may be 
 seen by the plans accompanying this report, has 
 been pressed with as much effect as could be 
 expected; insomuch that there are now complete, 
 and in readiness for occupation, six pavilions for 
 the accommodation of the professors, eighty-two 
 dormitories for that of the students, and two hotels 
 for their dieting; and the others will all be com- 
 pleted in the ensuing summer. The accounts for 
 the construction of those already finished have 
 been actually settled; and the probable cost of 
 
 VOL. XIX 26 
 
4Q2 Jefferson's Works 
 
 the unfinished has been estimated according to the 
 rates which the others have been found to cost. 
 
 The following is a summary view of the actual 
 expenditures of the institution from the beginning, 
 of those yet to be incurred to its completion, and 
 of the funds received and still receivable, as nearly 
 as can at present be stated: 
 
 6 Pavilions finished have cost, $52,713.76 
 
 17 Capitals for them expected from Italy 
 
 are to cost by contract, 2,052.03 
 
 2 Hotels finished have cost 8,515.82 
 
 82 Dormitories finished have cost, 50,645.74 
 
 $113,927.32 
 
 The following are nearly finished 
 and are estimated at the rates the 
 others have cost, or at prices actually 
 contracted for: 
 
 4 Pavilions $33,563-15 
 
 4 Hotels 16,000.00 
 
 27 Dormitories 11,952.21 61,515.36 
 
 Back yards and gardens 1,500.00 
 
 Making the whole cost of the four rows 
 
 of buildings of accommodation $176,942.68 
 
 The purchase of 245^ acres of land and 
 the buildings on them, past compen- 
 sations to the bursar and proctor, hire 
 and maintenance of laborers, and all 
 other accessory and contingent ex- 
 penses 24,607.77 
 
 Making a total for the lands, buildings, 
 
 etc., complete, $201,550.45 
 
 To which add for interest on the loans, 
 
 calculated to December 3 1 , 1821 6,160.25 
 
 $207,710.70 
 
Supp emetitary Manuscripts 403 
 
 The funds applied and applicable to these 
 expenditures are: 
 
 The sale of glebe lands, $3,104.09 
 
 A. State certificate, No. 32, bearing in- 
 terest, 176.77 
 
 Annuities of 1819, '20, '21, 45,000.00 
 
 Loan of 1820, 60,000.00 
 
 Loan of 1821, 60,000.00 
 
 Subscriptions received to November 2 7 , 
 
 '21 24,676.37! 
 
 Balance of subscriptions (due 19,668.91 
 
 of which suppose 3,000 lost) 16,668.95 
 
 $209,626.18 
 
 From this would result a small sur- 
 plus of, 1,915.48 
 
 $207,710.70 
 
 According to the proctor's accounts for the 
 present year (which, with the bursar's, are herewith 
 enclosed, and) which contain minuter specifications 
 of the expenditures. 
 
 To finish and pay for the whole of the build- 
 ings of accommodation not yet finished and 
 paid for will require a further sum to be 
 
 placed at his command of , $53,494 79 
 
 The resources for this are: 
 The balance of the loan of '21, still to be 
 
 received, $30,900.00 
 
 The balance still due of subscription moneys, 
 
 separate, 16,668.9^ 
 
 Cash in the banks undrawn as per bursar's 
 
 account, 2,301.23 
 
 Dollars in the bursar's hands, as per his 
 
 account .... 447.84 
 
 State certificate No. 32, 176.77 
 
 From which would result a deficit to be sup- 
 plied from the annuity of, 3,000.00 
 
 $53,494-79 
 
404 Jefferson's Works 
 
 So far then, as can at present be seen (and we 
 are now so near the end of this work that there 
 is room for little error) the funds received and 
 receivable will, within a small fraction, pay for 
 the lands purchased, for the whole system of build- 
 ings of accommodation, and all accessory expenses. 
 
 The building for the library, comprehending 
 halls indispensably necessary for other public pur- 
 poses, and estimated by the proctor, according to 
 past experiences, to cost 46,847 dollars will remain 
 to be erected from the same fund of the annuity. 
 The anticipations of this by loans, for expediting 
 the other buildings, will have weakened it by 
 nearly one-half its amount by the sums of interest 
 to which it is subject, and will consequently retard 
 the commencement of its applications to the dis- 
 charge of the sums borrowed by annual instal- 
 ments, if such should continue to be the will of the 
 legislature. 
 
 The buildings of accommodation will be finished, 
 as before observed, in the ensuing summer, and 
 will constitute the whole establishment, except 
 that of the library. With the close of these works 
 the accounts of their costs will also be closed. 
 These will be first examined by a committee of the 
 Visitors that nothing may enter into them not 
 sanctioned by the Board. They will then be 
 finally submitted to the accountant of the Literary 
 Board, for the assurance of the public that the 
 moneys have been correctly and faithfully applied. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 405 
 
 In the course of these works, as is unavoidable, 
 perhaps, generally in those of considerable magni- 
 tude, there have occured instances of moneys paid, 
 not in direct furtherance of the legitimate object. 
 The first was the case of a contract by the Visitors 
 of the Central College for a professor, while acting 
 for that as a private establishment, and under an 
 expectation of its immediate commencement. But 
 that institution being afterwards merged in this 
 of the University, and the enlargement of the 
 plan occasioning that of the time of its commence- 
 ment also, it became important that that contract 
 should be rescinded. This was done on a just and 
 reasonable compromise and indemnification of 1 5,000 
 dollars. Another instance was the importation of 
 a fine artist for carving the capitals of the more 
 difficult orders of the buildings. The few persons 
 in this country capable of that work were able 
 to obtain elsewhere such high prices for their skill 
 and labor that we believed it would be economy 
 to procure an artist from some country where 
 skill is more abundant, and labor cheap. We did 
 so. But on trial the stone we had counted on in 
 the neighborhood of the University was found 
 totally unsusceptible of delicate work; and some 
 from a very distant, but the nearest other quarry 
 known, besides a heavy expense attending its 
 transportation, was extremely tedious to work, 
 and believed not proof against the influences of 
 the weather. In the meantime we had inquired 
 
406 Jefferson's Works 
 
 and learned that the same capitals could be furnished 
 in Italy, and delivered in our own ports for a half, 
 or third, of the price, in marble, which they would 
 have cost us here in doubtful stone. We arrested 
 the work here, therefore, and compromised with 
 our artist at the expense of his past wages, his 
 board and passage hither, amounting to 1,390 
 dollars, 56 cents. These are the only instances of 
 false expense which have occurred within our 
 knowledge. 
 
 The two pavilions and their adjacent dormitories, 
 begun and considerably advanced by the authorities 
 of the Central College, were contracted for by them, 
 when all things were at their most inflated paper 
 prices, and, therefore, have been of extraordinary 
 cost. But all the buildings since done on the 
 more enlarged scale of the University, have been 
 at prices of from twenty-five to fifty per cent reduc- 
 tion; and it is confidently believed that, with that 
 exception, no considerable system of building, 
 within the United States has been done on cheaper 
 terms, nor more correctly, faithfully, or solidly 
 executed, according to the nature of the materials 
 used. 
 
 That the style or scale of the buildings should 
 have met the approbation of every individual 
 judgment was impossible from the various structure 
 of various minds. Whether it has satisfied the 
 general judgment is not known to us. No pre- 
 vious expression of that was manifested but in 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 407 
 
 the injunctions of the law to provide for the accom- 
 modation of ten professors, and a competent num- 
 ber of students, and by the subsequent enact- 
 ments, implying an approbation of the plan reported 
 by the original commissioners, on the requisition 
 of the law constituting them, which plan was 
 exactly that now carried into execution. We had, 
 therefore, no supplementary guide but our own 
 judgments, which we have exercised conscientiously 
 in adopting a scale and style of building believed 
 to be proportioned to the respectability, the means 
 and the wants of our country, and such as will 
 be approved in any future condition it may attain. 
 We owed to it to do, not what was to perish with 
 ourselves, but what would remain, be respected 
 and preserved through other ages. And we fondly 
 hope that the instruction which may flow from 
 this institution, kindly cherished, by advancing the 
 minds of our youth with the growing science of 
 the times, and elevating the views of our citizens 
 generally to the practice of the social duties, and 
 the functions of self government, may ensure to 
 our country the reputation, the safety and pros- 
 perity, and all the other blessings which experience 
 proves to result from the cultivation and improve- 
 ment of the general mind. And, without going 
 into the monitory history of the ancient world 
 in all its quarters, and at all its periods, that of 
 the soil on which we live and of its occupants, 
 indigenous and immigrant, teaches the awful lesson, 
 
4o8 Jefferson's Works 
 
 that no nation is permitted to live in ignorance 
 with impunity. 
 
 And the Board adjourned without day. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 November 29, 1821. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of 
 Virginia at said University, on Monday, the 1st of 
 April, 1822 ; present, Thomas Jefferson, rector, Joseph 
 C. Cabell and John Hartwell Cocke, who, not being 
 sufficient to constitute a quorum for buisness, they 
 adjourned indefinitely. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 April 1, 1822. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia at the said University, on Monday, the 
 7th of October, 1822. 
 
 Present, Thomas Jefferson, rector, James Brecken- 
 ridge, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke and James 
 Madison. 
 
 Resolved, that the proctor be instructed to enter 
 into conferences with such skillful and responsible 
 undertakers as he would approve, for the building 
 of the library, on the plan heretofore proposed, 
 and now in his possession, and to procure from 
 them declarations of the smallest sums for which 
 they will undertake the different portions of the 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 409 
 
 work of the said building; each portion to be done 
 as well, in materials, manner and sufficiency, as 
 the best of the same kind of work already done in 
 the preceding buildings, or as well and sufficiently 
 as shall now be agreed on; that (omitting the 
 capitals of the columns, which would be procured 
 elsewhere) the several other portions being speci- 
 fied under such general heads and details as 
 may be convenient to show the cost of each and 
 by whom undertaken, fixing also the time within 
 which each portion shall be completed: and 
 that his agreements be provisional only, and 
 subject to the future acceptance or refusal of the 
 Visitors. 
 
 Resolved, that the committee of superintendence 
 be authorized to employ a collector to proceed to 
 the collection of the moneys still due on subscrip- 
 tions, under such instruction and agreement as 
 they shall approve. 
 
 Resolved, that the examination and report of 
 the account of the bursar of the University of 
 Virginia, from the 1st day of October, 1820, to 
 the 31st day of March, 182 1, and from the 31st 
 day of March, 1821, to the 27th day of November, 
 1 82 1, made by John H. Cocke, at the request of 
 the rector, by his letter of the 1st of December, 
 1 82 1, be hereby ratified as done under authority 
 of this Board; and that the said John H. Cocke 
 be and he is hereby appointed to examine and 
 verify the accounts of the said bursar, from the 
 
4io Jefferson's Works 
 
 27th day of November, 182 1, to this date, and 
 make report thereof to this Board. 
 
 Resolved, that George Loyall, Esq., now a member 
 of this Board, appointed on the resignation of 
 Robert B. Taylor, be added to the committee for 
 settlement of the bursar's and proctor's accounts, 
 with authority to the committee to act singly or 
 together, as convenience may admit. 
 The following report was then agreed to: 
 To the president and directors of the Literary 
 Fund: 
 
 In obedience to the act of the general assembly 
 of Virginia, requiring that the rector and Visitors 
 of the University of Virginia, should make report 
 annually to the president and directors of the 
 Literary Fund (to be laid before the legislature 
 at their next succeeding session), embracing a full 
 account of the disbursements, the funds on hand, 
 and a general statement of the conditions of the 
 University, the said rector and Visitors make the 
 following report : 
 
 The Visitors, considering as the law of their 
 duty the report of the commissioners of 181 8 
 which was made to the legislature, and acted on 
 by them, from time to time subsequently, have 
 completed all the buildings proposed by that report, 
 except one; that is to say, ten distinct houses or 
 pavilions containing each a lecturing room, with 
 generally four other apartments for the accommo- 
 dation of a professor and his family, and with a 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 4 11 
 
 garden and the requisite family offices; six hotels 
 for dieting the students, with a single room in each 
 for a refectory, and two rooms, a garden and offices 
 for the tenant ; and a hundred and nine dormitories, 
 sufficient each for the accommodation of two stu- 
 dents, arranged in four distinct rows between the 
 pavilions and hotels, and united with them by 
 covered ways; which buildings are all in readiness 
 for occupation, except that there is still some 
 plastering to be done, now in hand, which will 
 be finished early in the present season, the gardens, 
 grounds and garden walls to be completed, and 
 some columns awaiting their capitals not yet received 
 from Italy. These buildings are mostly paid for 
 by the moneys which have been received, and it 
 is still expected they would be completely so by the 
 subscriptions due, were they in hand. But the 
 slowness of their collection will render it necessary 
 to make good their deficiencies, in the first instance, 
 out of the annuity of the ensuing years, to be 
 replaced to that fund again by the subscriptions 
 as they come in. 
 
 The remaining building, necessary to complete 
 the whole establishment, and called for by the 
 report of 1818, which was to contain rooms for 
 religious worship, for public examinations, for a 
 library, and for other associated purposes, is not 
 yet begun for want of funds. It was estimated 
 heretofore by the proctor, according to the prices 
 which the other buildings have actually cost, at 
 
4i2 Jefferson's Works 
 
 the sum of 46,847 dollars. The Visitors, from the 
 beginning, have considered it as indispensable to 
 complete all the buildings before opening the 
 institution; because, from the moment that shall 
 be opened, the whole income of the University 
 will be absorbed by the salaries of the professors, 
 and other incidentals and current expenses, and 
 nothing will remain to erect any building still 
 wanting to complete the system. They are still 
 of opinion, therefore, that it is better to postpone 
 for a while, the commencement of the institution, 
 and then to open it in full and complete system, 
 than to begin prematurely in an unfinished state, 
 and go on, perhaps forever, on the contracted scale 
 of local academies, utterly inadequate to the great 
 purposes which the report of 181 8 and the legis- 
 lature have hitherto had in contemplation. They 
 believe that, in that imperfect state, it will offer 
 little allurement to other than neighboring students, 
 and that professors of the first eminence in their 
 respective lines of science, will not be induced to 
 attach their reputations to an institution, defective 
 in its outset, and offering no pledge of rising to 
 future distinction. Yet the Visitors consider the 
 procuring such characters (and it will certainly be 
 their aim) as the peculiar feature which is to give 
 reputation and value to the institution, and to 
 constitute its desirable and important attraction. 
 But the present state of the funds renders the 
 prospect of finishing the last building indefinitely 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 413 
 
 distant. The interest of the sums advanced to 
 the institution now absorbs nearly half its income. 
 A suspension of interest indeed, for three or four 
 years, would give time for erecting the building 
 with the established annuity ; but subsequent repay- 
 ment of the principal from that annuity would 
 remove the opening of the institution to a very 
 remote period. 
 
 On this view of the condition of the University, 
 the Visitors think it their duty to state, if the 
 legislature shall be of opinion that the sums advanced 
 to the University, in the name of loans, from the 
 general fund for education, have been applied to 
 their legitimate object, and shall think proper to 
 liberate the annuity from their reimbursement, it 
 will suffice in three or four years to complete the 
 last building, and the institution may be opened 
 at the end of that term. And further, that if the 
 requisite sum can be supplied from the same or 
 any other fund, then the University may be put 
 into as full operation as its income will admit, in 
 the course of the year ensuing the present date, 
 and while the remaining building will be proceeding 
 on such supplementary fund. This, however, or 
 whatever else their wisdom may desire, is subject 
 to their discretion to which the Visitors will in 
 duty conform. 
 
 In the same report of the commissioners of 181 8 
 it was stated by them that "in conformity with 
 the principles of constitution, which place all sects 
 
414 Jefferson's Works 
 
 of religion on an equal footing, with the jealousies 
 of the different sects in guarding that equality 
 from encroachment or surprise, and with the senti- 
 ments of the legislature in freedom of religion, 
 manifested on former occasions, they had not pro- 
 posed that any professorship of divinity should be 
 established in the University; that provision, how- 
 ever, was made for giving instruction in the Hebrew, 
 Greek and Latin languages, the depositories of the 
 originals, and of the earliest and most respected 
 authorities of the faith of every sect, and for courses 
 of ethical lectures, developing those moral obliga- 
 tions in which all sects agree. That, proceeding 
 thus far, without offence to the constitution, they* 
 had left, at this point, to every sect to take into 
 their own hands the office of further instruction 
 in the peculiar tenet of each." 
 
 It was not, however, to be understood that 
 instruction in religious opinion and duties was 
 meant to be precluded by the public authorities, 
 as indifferent to the interests of society. On the 
 contrary, the relations which exist between man 
 and his Maker, and the duties resulting from 
 those relations, are the most interesting and import- 
 ant to every human being, and the most incumbent 
 on his study and investigation. The want of 
 instruction • in the various creeds of religious faith 
 existing among our citizens presents, therefore, a 
 chasm in a general institution of the useful sciences. 
 But it was thought that this want, and the entrust- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 415 
 
 ment to each society of instruction in its own 
 doctrine, were evils of less danger than a permission 
 to the public authorities to dictate modes or prin- 
 ciples of religious instruction, or than opportunities 
 furnished them by giving countenance or ascend- 
 ancy to any one sect over another. A remedy, how- 
 ever, has been suggested of promising aspect, 
 which, while it excludes the public authorities 
 from the domain of religious freedom, will give to 
 the sectarian schools of divinity the full benefit 
 the public provisions made for instruction in the 
 other branches of science. These branches are 
 equally necessary to the divine as to the other 
 professional or civil characters, to enable them to 
 fulfill the duties of their calling with understanding 
 and usefulness. It has, therefore, been in con- 
 templation, and suggested by some pious individuals, 
 who perceive the advantages of associating other 
 studies with those of religion, to establish their 
 religious schools on the confines of the University, 
 so as to give to their students ready and convenient 
 access and attendance on the scientific lectures of 
 the University; and to maintain, by that means, 
 those destined for the religious professions on as 
 high a standing of science, and of personal weight 
 and respectability, as may be obtained by others 
 from the benefits of the University. Such establish- 
 ments would offer the further and greater advantage 
 of enabling the students of the University to attend 
 religious exercises with the professor of their par- 
 
4i6 Jefferson's Works 
 
 ticular sect, either in the rooms of the building 
 still to be erected, and destined to that purpose 
 under impartial regulations, as proposed in the 
 same report of the commissioners, or in the lecturing 
 room of such professor. To such propositions the 
 Visitors are disposed to lend a willing ear, and 
 would think it their duty to give every encourage- 
 ment, by assuring to those who might choose such 
 a location for their schools, that the regulations 
 of the University should be so modified and accom- 
 modated as to give every facility of access and 
 attendance to their students, with such regulated 
 use also as may be permitted to the other students, 
 of the library which may hereafter be acquired, 
 either by public or private munificence. But always 
 understanding that these schools shall be indepen- 
 dent of the University and of each other. Such 
 an arrangement would complete the circle of the 
 useful sciences embraced by this institution, and 
 would fill the chasm now existing, on principles 
 which would leave inviolate the constitutional 
 freedom of religion, the most inalienable and sacred 
 of all human rights, over which the people and 
 authorities of this state, individually and publicly, 
 have ever manifested the most watchful jealousy: 
 and could this jealousy be now alarmed, in the 
 opinion of the legislature, by what is here suggested, 
 the idea will be relinquished on any surmise of 
 disapprobation which they might think proper to 
 express. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 4*7 
 
 A committee of the Board was duly appointed 
 to settle finally the accounts of all receipts and 
 disbursements, from the commencement of the 
 Central College to the entire completion of the 
 four ranges of buildings of the University. They 
 found it necessary to employ a skillful accountant 
 to make up a complete set of books, in regular 
 form, wherein all the accounts, general and par- 
 ticular, should be stated, so as that every dollar 
 might be traced from its receipt to its ultimate 
 expenditure, and the clearest view be thus exhibited 
 of the faithful application of the moneys placed 
 under the direction of the Board. This work has 
 taken more time than expected; and although 
 considerably advanced is not entirely completed. 
 Until its completion, however, the committee cannot 
 proceed on the final settlement with which they 
 are charged. The bursar's accounts for the year 
 preceding this date are rendered herewith; as are 
 also the proctor's for the first six months; but his 
 books and papers being necessarily in the hands 
 of the accountant, his account for the last year 
 could not as yet be prepared. The settlement by 
 the committee, when made, will be transmitted as 
 a supplementary document, to the Literary Board, 
 as well as for its regular audit by their accountant, 
 as to be laid before the legislature. 
 
 And the Board adjourned without day. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 October 7, 1822. 
 
 VOL. XIX 27 
 
4*8 Jefferson's Works 
 
 Monticello, December 23, 1822. 
 Sir, — According to the requisitions of the law, 
 I now transmit to the president and directors of 
 the Literary Fund, for communication to the 
 legislature, the annual report of the Visitors of 
 the University of Virginia, bearing date the 7th 
 of October last. At that date the regular books 
 were not yet completed which were under prepa- 
 ration for the purpose of exhibiting a clear and 
 methodical view of the application of all the moneys 
 which have been received and employed on this 
 institution. From the best view which, before 
 that time had been taken of the affairs of the Uni- 
 versity it was expected, as is stated in this report, 
 that the buildings now prepared would be com- 
 pletely paid for by the subscriptions still due. 
 These books have been since completed, and the 
 result (as appears by the certificates herewith 
 enclosed) is that the institution has received from 
 
 the beginning: 
 
 To the 23d of the last month, in the whole, and from 
 
 all funds, the sum of, $199, 149. 98^ 
 
 And is still to receive of subscriptions unpaid 1 8, 3 43. 43 \ 
 
 $217,503.42 
 
 That there has been paid, within the same period for 
 
 the purposes of the institution, the sum of, $199, 159. 98^ 
 
 And there remains to be paid debts, settled and un- 
 settled about 27,001.63 
 
 $226,161. 6i^ 
 
 Being more than the arrearages of subscription will 
 
 pay by, $8,658. 19$ 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 4*9 
 
 which sum must, therefore, necessarily come from 
 the annuity of the ensuing year. Some finishings, 
 of small amount, to the garden walls and pave- 
 ments also are still wanting, and there will be some 
 loss of subscriptions by bankruptcies and removals, 
 though not considerable in proportion to the whole 
 sum subscribed. A collector, employed some time 
 since, gives reason to believe that the arrearages 
 which are separate will be generally paid up in 
 the course of the ensuing spring. 
 
 The accounts of the bursar and proctor have 
 been examined, from the beginning to the same 
 date of November 23d, by a member of the Board 
 of Visitors appointed a committee for that purpose, 
 have been tested by their vouchers, and the result 
 certified in the books by the committee, as is shown 
 by the certificates, copies of which accompany 
 this report. From this it will appear that, in a 
 course of so great expenditure, every article (a 
 single one excepted of seventy-five cents only) has 
 been satisfactorily vouched as faithfully applied to 
 the purposes of the institution, with the sanction 
 of the Visitors. The bursar and proctor will pro- 
 ceed without delay, with their accounts and vouchers, 
 to settle with the public accountant the trust which 
 they have so far and so correctly executed. The 
 proctor's last semi-annual account, not ready at 
 the date of the report, is now transmitted. 
 
 An estimate made by the proctor at an early 
 period, supposed that the last building called for 
 
420 Jefferson's Works 
 
 by the report of 1818 and not yet executed, would 
 probably cost the sum of 46,847 dollars, but this 
 did not include two considerable appendages neces- 
 sary to connect it with the other buildings. An 
 estimate including these, now recently made by 
 the principal undertakers and executors of the 
 other buildings, raises its amount to about one- 
 third more. 
 
 It is by instruction from the Visitors that I com- 
 municate facts which, resulting from investigation 
 not concluded at the date of their report, and 
 consequently not known to them, constitute an 
 important supplement to the matter of their report, 
 to which I add the assurance of my high con- 
 sideration. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 A meeting of the rector and Visitors of the Uni- 
 versity of Virginia was held at the University on 
 7th April, 1823, at which were present, Thomas 
 Jefferson, James Madison, Chapman Johnson, George 
 Loyall and Joseph C. Cabell. 
 
 It was resolved, that the loan of sixty thousand 
 dollars, which the president and directors of the 
 Literary Fund were authorized by an act of the 
 last general assembly to make to the University, be 
 accepted, and that the rectoi be authorized to 
 execute the proper bonds, and to take the necessary 
 steps for drawing the money, and that it be drawn 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 421 
 
 in the following time and sums: that is to say, 
 thirty thousand dollars immediately, and the remain- 
 ing thirty thousand dollars on the first day of 
 January next; or in such other sums, and at such 
 other times, as the president and directors of the 
 Literary Fund and the executive committee of the 
 University may agree upon. 
 
 It was resolved that the charges of Mr. Coffee 
 for materials, packages, etc., be allowed him. 
 
 An anonymous letter, supposed to be in the hand- 
 writing of James Oldham, a carpenter, formerly 
 employed at the University, which bears date 18 
 January, 1822 (by error as is supposed for 1823), 
 and addressed to Thomas Griffin, Esq., a member 
 of the legislature of Virginia, containing various 
 charges, of misconduct, against Arthur S. Brocken- 
 brough, the proctor of the University, having been 
 laid before the Board by the said Brockenbrough, 
 and the Board thinking that if the said James 
 Oldham will avow himself the author of this letter, 
 and profess himself willing to afford any evidence 
 of these charges, they ought to be investigated. 
 
 Therefore, resolved, that the executive committee 
 be charged with the duty of calling on the said 
 Oldham, to declare whether he is the author of the 
 letter aforesaid, and is willing to give any informa- 
 tion as to the charges therein mentioned, and if 
 he avow himself the author, and willing to give 
 the information, then that they enter into the 
 investigation thereof, upon evidence taken in such 
 
422 Jefferson's Works 
 
 mode as they may prescribe, anr 1 report thereon 
 to this Board at their next meeting 
 
 Resolved, that the executive committee be author- 
 ized and required to employ from time to time 
 an accountant, to settle and state the accounts of 
 the University and to report thereon to the Board, 
 at each meeting, and that they allow to the said 
 accountant a reasonable compensation for his 
 service. 
 
 Resolved, that Joseph C. Cabell and John H. 
 Cocke, or either of whom may act, be appointed 
 a committee to settle and report to the Board the 
 accounts of the bursar and proctor of the Univer- 
 sity, with authority, if they deem it expedient, to 
 require a statement thereof by the accountant. 
 
 The Board adjourns indefinitely. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 April 7, 1823. 
 
 A meeting of the rector and Visitors of the Uni- 
 versity of Virginia was held at the University on 
 the 6th October, 1823, at which were present 
 Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Brecken- 
 ridge, John H. Cocke, George Loyall and Joseph C. 
 Cabell. 
 
 Resolved, that the Board approves of the con- 
 tract entered into with Giacomo Raggi, for furnish- 
 ing bases of marble of Cararra for the columns of 
 the rotunda. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 423 
 
 Resolved, that they recommend to the executive 
 committee to procure capitals of the same marble 
 for the same columns if practicable, on terms not 
 higher than those offered by Thos. Appleton. 
 
 Resolved, that they recommend also to the said 
 committee to procure squares of marble for paving 
 the portico of the rotunda, if they find that it can 
 be done on terms preferable to what it will cost 
 to have the same paved with country stone. 
 
 Resolved, that it be an instruction to the collector 
 of the University to call once more on the sub- 
 scribers who are in arrear, for the payment of 
 their arrears, that from those not ready to make 
 payment, he may receive, instead thereof, bonds or 
 notes from those who have not already given 
 them, payable in ninety days; and if these be not 
 given, that he institute suits in the proper court 
 with instructions to the attorney engaged to press 
 the suits to execution with the least delay practicable. 
 
 Resolved, that the Board think it expedient to 
 continue the collector so long as the executive 
 committee may deem his employment necessary 
 to finish the collection. 
 
 A report to the president and directors of the 
 Literary Fund having been proposed, was agreed to. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, 
 
 October 6, 1823, 
 
424 Jefferson's Works 
 
 To the president and directors of the Literary 
 Fund: 
 
 In obedience to the law requiring that the rector 
 and Visitors of the University of Virginia should 
 make report annually to the president and directors 
 of the Literary Fund (to be laid before the legis- 
 lature at their next succeeding session), embracing 
 a full account of the disbursements, the funds on 
 hand, and a general statement of the condition of 
 the said University, the said rector and Visitors 
 make the following report: 
 
 In conformity with the act of the general assembly 
 of February 5 of the present year, requiring that, 
 out of the invested capital then lying in the Literary 
 Fund, there should be loaned, by the president and 
 directors of the said fund, to the rector and Visitors 
 of the University of Virginia, for the purpose of 
 completing the buildings, and making the necessary 
 preparations for putting the said University into 
 operation, any sum required by the said rector and 
 Visitors, not exceeding that of 60,000 dollars; the 
 Visitors at their meeting on the 7th of April last, 
 deemed it necessary for the institution to require 
 the whole of the said sum, but that it should be 
 drawn in different portions and at different times, 
 as it should be wanting, so far as the Literary 
 Board should think advisable. There was accord- 
 ingly received, by an order of the said Board, in 
 the month of May last, a sum of forty thousand 
 dollars. ******* j n consequence hereof the 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 425 
 
 larger building, for a library and other purposes 
 was commenced and has been carried on with 
 activity, insomuch that its walls are now ready 
 to receive their roof; but that being of hemispher- 
 ical form and pressing outwardly in every direction, 
 it has been thought not advisable to place it on 
 the walls in their present green state, but rather 
 to give them time to settle and dry until the ensuing 
 season, when the roof will be ready, and the walls 
 in a proper condition to receive it. Whether the 
 interior work of the building will be finished within 
 the ensuing year is doubtful. 
 
 The report of the 7 th of October of the last year 
 stated that the buildings for the accommodation 
 of the professors and students were in readiness for 
 occupation, except as to small articles of plaster- 
 ing then on hand, the garden walls and grounds, 
 and some columns which awaited their capitals 
 from abroad. These finishings are done, the capitals 
 are received and put up; and the whole of these 
 buildings are now in perfect readiness for putting 
 the instituiton into operation. And this might be 
 done (taking reasonable time for procuring pro- 
 fessors) at the close of the ensuing year, 1824, 
 were its funds liberated from their present incum- 
 brances; but these remove the epoch to a very 
 distant time. The several sums advanced from 
 the Literary Fund as loans, when the balance of 
 the last shall have been received, will amount to 
 180,000 dollars, bearing a present interest of 10,800 
 
426 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 dollars. This, with the cost of the necessary care 
 and preservation of the establishment will leave, 
 of the annual endowment of the University, a sur- 
 plus of between two and three thousand dollars 
 only, with its compound increase for the redemption 
 of the principal. This being as before mentioned, 
 of i So, ooo dollars, will be extinguished by the 
 annual payment of a constant sum of 2,500 dollars 
 at the end of twenty-five years, a term too distant 
 for the education of any person already born, or 
 to be bom for some time to come; and within 
 that period a great expense will be incurred in the 
 mere preservation of the buildings and appurte- 
 nances. These are views which it is the duty of 
 the Visitors to present, and to leave to the wisdom 
 and paternal consideration of the legislature, to 
 whose care are confided the instruction, and other 
 interests of the present, as well as of the future 
 generations proceeding from us. 
 
 That report, with the letter of the 23d accom- 
 panying it, state a alsc that the cuil dings cf accom- 
 modation for the professors and students were so 
 far paid for as that the arrearages of subscriptions 
 still due being 18,343 dollars 43-J cents would, 
 when received, complete their payment to within 
 the sum ef S.65S cellars 19+ cents. While there 
 were other funds to which present recourse could 
 be had, it had been deemed reasonable to indulge 
 the convenience of such subscribers as found diffi- 
 culties in paying their instalments rigorously at 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 427 
 
 the periods prescribed. But that the arrears having 
 then become urgently necessary, an active collector 
 had been employed to settle and call for them. In 
 the course of the year he has collected, of these 
 arrearages, the sum of 4,825 dollars 77^ cents; 
 he has obtained bonds or promises, verbal or written, 
 for prompt payment, deemed good, to the amount 
 of 10,107 dollars 93! cents; and as to the remainder, 
 some of the subscribers have not yet been called 
 on, some have removed out of the State, and some 
 become insolvent; of this remainder, he considers 
 932 dollars 25 cents sperate, and the residue, 
 between 2,500 and 2,600 dollars as desperate; 
 which on 43,808 dollars, the whole sum subscribed, 
 will be an ultimate loss of nearly 6 per cent. This 
 will so far increase the deficit of 8,658. 19^ before 
 stated as falling short of paying for the four rows 
 of buildings, and so far add to the charge on the 
 funds on hand or still to accrue. This state of 
 things obliges a call for peremptory and prompt 
 payment of these arrearages, which cannot be 
 thought unreasonable by the subscribers who have 
 been so far indulged already, when it is considered 
 that these works were engaged on the faith of the 
 sums subscribed, so far as their amount, that those 
 who undertook them have accordingly executed 
 them, and are now justly entitled to the com- 
 pensation stipulated. We trust, therefore, that, 
 in the course of the ensuing twelve months, these 
 arrearages will be paid up, except such as inter- 
 
428 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 vening circumstances may have rendered desperate. 
 A general statement of the receipts and expendi- 
 tures, from all funds and for all purposes, from the 
 beginning of the establishment to the ist of October 
 of the last year, was communicated for the legis- 
 lature, at their last session. Those of the bursar 
 and proctor, for the year ending the ist day of 
 this present October are herewith rendered. They 
 have been duly settled, and tested by their vouchers, 
 by the same accountant and committee employed 
 on the former occasion, and will be duly submitted 
 by those officers, for audit by the accountant of 
 the Literary Board. 
 
 Th. Jefferson. 
 
 October 6, 1823. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia, held at the said University on Monday, 
 the 5th day of April, 1824, as prescribed by the 
 Governor of the Commonwealth; present, James 
 Madison, Chapman Johnson, John H. Cocke and 
 Thomas Jefferson. 
 
 On a view of the commissions produced, and of 
 a letter from the Governor, dated the ist of March 
 last past, it appears that Thomas Jefferson, James 
 Madison, Chapman Johnson, Joseph C. Cabell, 
 George Loyall, James Breckenridge and John H. 
 Cocke were on the same ist day of the said month 
 of March appointed by the Governor, with advice 
 of counsel, Visitors of the said University. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 429 
 
 The Board proceeded to the appointment of a 
 rector, and Thomas Jefferson was appointed; and 
 being of opinion that the other officers of the insti- 
 tution continue in office of course, they deem 
 reappointment unnecessary. 
 
 The legislature, at their late session, having 
 released to the University the payment of interest 
 on the sum of 180,000 dollars, advanced by the 
 Literary Fund for the accomplishment of its build- 
 ings, with the view that the institution may be 
 brought into operation with as little delay as 
 practicable, the Board now proceeds to take such 
 preparatory measures as can be taken at this time, 
 to carry that view into effect. 
 
 From accounts and estimates now rendered by 
 the bursar and proctor, it appears that, on the 
 last day of the preceding year, 1823, the funds 
 of the University in hand and due of the last loan, 
 and of the arrearages of subscriptions, would be 
 sufficient, when received, to pay all debts then 
 existing on any account, and to leave a sum of 
 about 21,000 dollars applicable to the building of 
 the rotunda, which, with the further sum of 19,370 
 dollars 40J cents already paid or provided for, 
 making together the sum of about 40,500 dollars 
 applied, or which may be applied, to that edifice, 
 would put it into a state sufficient for use, until 
 other and more pressing objects shall have been 
 accomplished. 
 
 They consider the University, therefore, as having 
 
43° Jefferson's Works 
 
 had in hand on the ist day of this present year, 
 1824, the annuity of this year, clear of all prior 
 claims, as a fund for defraying the current expenses 
 of the institution for the present year, for meeting 
 those necessary for procuring professors, for bringing 
 them into place, for paying any commencements 
 of salaries which may be incurred to the end of 
 the year, and to leave a surplus for contingencies 
 of about 3,000 dollars. 
 
 They calculate that in future years, in addition 
 to the annuity of 15,000 dollars, they may count 
 on the rents of six hotels at 150 dollars each, of 
 100 dormitories at sixteen dollars each, of nine 
 others smaller at twelve dollars each, and an addi- 
 tional rent from 218 students at twelve dollars 
 each, for their participation in the use of the public 
 apartments; making a total income of 21,224 
 dollars. 
 
 They are of opinion that to obtain professors 
 of the first order of science in their respective lines, 
 they must resort principally to Europe; and that 
 persons of eminence may not be expected to leave 
 a known for an untried situation, but on certain 
 salaries in addition to liberal tuition fees. 
 
 On this view of their future funds, it is evident 
 that they will not be adequate to the full establish- 
 ment of the ten professorships contemplated by the 
 legislature in their act of January 25, 18 19, for 
 establishing the University. 
 
 It is their opinion, however, that they may, 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 43 1 
 
 on that income, adventure on the establishment 
 of eight professorships, either immediately, or at 
 a period not distant; and that the branches of 
 science proposed to be taught in the University 
 may be arranged within the competence of that 
 number for a time, and until future and favorable 
 circumstances may enable them to add others to 
 lighten duly the professorships thus overcharged 
 with duties. 
 
 That to be ensured of obtaining characters of 
 the due degree of science, of talents for instruction, 
 and of correct habits and morals, a special agent 
 be sent to Europe, and of preference to the countries 
 there using our own language, to make the selection, 
 under necessary instructions, caution and advise- 
 ment, and to counsel and effect their passage to 
 this country and to the University. 
 
 That the agent be instructed to procure them 
 for such compensation, within the limits herein 
 prescribed, as he shall find practicable and deem 
 right; that he offer to each a fixed salary, not less 
 than 1,000 nor more than 1,500 dollars a year 
 with the privilege of receiving the tuition fees 
 required from the students by the regulations of 
 this Board, and that he be authorized, if he find 
 it expedient, to assure to each, or any of them, 
 that his salary, together with his fees, shall not 
 be less annually, for five years, than the sum of 
 2,500 dollars; and that though the Board of Visitors 
 retain the power of regulating the tuition fees from 
 
43 2 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 time to time, as circumstances may require, they 
 will not reduce them below the rate now fixed at 
 any time within five years, without the consent 
 of the professor to be affected by such reduction, 
 and at no time thereafter without strong consid- 
 eration connected with the prosperity of the 
 institution. 
 
 That a sum of 2.000 dollars be placed in Great 
 Britian subject to his orders, for such advances as 
 may be necessary to the professors on account of 
 salaries; which salaries may commence on the 1st 
 day of October, or on whatever later day they 
 may embark for their destination. 
 
 That a further sum of 6,000 dollars be placed 
 in like manner for the purchase of such chemical, 
 astronomical, physical and mathematical apparatus, 
 and for such text books, as on consultation with 
 the representative professors, each for his depart- 
 ment, shall be deemed indispensable for a beginning, 
 and not exceeding in the whole the sum so placed 
 
 That the sum of 1,500 dollars be allowed and 
 advanced to the agent in full of all compensation 
 for his expenses and services on this mission. 
 
 Resolved, that Francis Walker Gilmer be appointed 
 agent for the purposes aforesaid; that he proceed 
 on the mission with as little delay as possible, 
 and that he use his best diligence to have the pro- 
 fessors in place by the middle of November next, 
 that there be time for announcing sufficiently, and 
 on certain grounds, the commencement of the 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 433 
 
 institution on the ist day of February following. 
 That, if the moneys destined for these advances 
 be not in hand, to save time and disappointment, 
 they be borrowed by the executive committee on 
 the credit of the University, from any bank, body, 
 or individual, whatever, to be replaced by the said 
 moneys when received. 
 
 And inasmuch as it is necessary for the infor- 
 mation of the agents, now to specify the sciences 
 to be taught, and their distribution among the 
 professorships, and it may be satisfactory to the 
 professors also to know what their general situation 
 in the University will be, what and on whom their 
 dependence will be, and the duties expected from 
 them, the Board proceeds to the following enact- 
 ments; adjourning, however, for the present until 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Tuesday, April 6th a constant and heavy rain 
 prevented the meeting of the Board. 
 
 Wednesday, April 7, 1824. 
 Joseph C. Cabell attended with the members 
 present on Monday. In the University of Virginia 
 shall be instituted eight professorships, to wit: ist, of 
 ancient languages ; 2d, modern languages; 3d, mathe- 
 matics; 4th, natural philosophy; 5th, natural history; 
 6th, anatomy and medicine; 7th, moral philosophy; 
 8th, law. 
 
 VOL. XIX 28 
 
434 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 In the school of ancient languages shall be 
 taught the higher grade of the Latin and Greek 
 languages, the Hebrew, rhetoric, belles-lettres, 
 ancient history and ancient geography. 
 
 In the school of modern languages shall be taught 
 French, Spanish, Italian, German and the English 
 language in its Anglo-Saxon form; also modern 
 history and modern geography. 
 
 In the school of mathematics shall be taught 
 mathematics generally including the high branches 
 of numerical arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, plane 
 and spherical geometry, mensuration, navigation, 
 conic sections, fluxions or differentials, military and 
 civil architecture. 
 
 In the school of natural philosophy shall be taught 
 the laws and properties of bodies generally, including 
 mechanics, statics, hydrostatics, hydraulics, pneu- 
 matics, acoustics, optics and astronomy. 
 
 In the school of natural history shall be taught 
 botany, zoology, mineralogy, chemistry, geology and 
 rural economy. 
 
 In the school of anatomy and medicine shall be 
 taught anatomy, surgery, the history of the progress 
 and theories of medicine, physiology, pathology, 
 materia medica and pharmacy. 
 
 In the school of moral philosophy shall be taught 
 mental science generally, including ideology, general 
 grammar, logic and ethics. 
 
 In the school of law shall be taught the common 
 and statute law, that of the chancery, the laws 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 435 
 
 feudal, civil, mercatorial, maritime and of nature 
 and nations ; and also the principles of government 
 and political economy. 
 
 This arrangement, however, shall not be under- 
 stood as forbidding occasional transpositions of a 
 particular branch of science from one school to 
 another in accommodation of the particular quali- 
 fications of different professors. 
 
 In each of these schools instruction shall be 
 communicated by lessons or lectures, examinations 
 and exercises, as shall be best adapted to the nature 
 of the science, and number of the school; and 
 exercises shall be prescribed to employ the vacant 
 days and hours. 
 
 The professors shall be permitted to occupy, rent 
 free, a pavilion each, with the grounds appropriated 
 to it. They shall also receive from the funds of 
 the University such compensation as shall have 
 been stipulated by the agent or fixed by the Board; 
 and from each student attending them tuition fees 
 as hereinafter declared. 
 
 The professors shall permit no waste to be com- 
 mitted in their tenements, and shall maintain the 
 internal of their pavilions, and also the windows, 
 doors and locks external during their occupation, 
 in as good repair and condition as they shall have 
 received them. 
 
 The collegiate duties of a professor, if discharged 
 conscientiously, with industry and zeal, being suf- 
 ficient to engross all his hours of business, he shall 
 
43 6 Jefferson's Works 
 
 engage in no other pursuits of emolument uncon- 
 nected with the service of the University without 
 the consent of the Visitors. 
 
 Every student shall pay to the professor whom 
 he attends, if he attends but one, fifty dollars the 
 session of ten months and a half; if two, thirty 
 dollars each, if three or more, twenty-five dollars 
 each — and these payments shall be made in advance, 
 and before his admission into the school. And 
 they shall maintain their dormitories in the con- 
 dition in which they shall receive them in like 
 manner as is required of the professors. The proc- 
 tor shall in duty attend in both cases to the obser- 
 vance of this requisition. 
 
 Although, as before expressed, the Board is in 
 the expectation that they may be able, either 
 immediately or at no distant period, to establish 
 eight professorships; yet some uncertainties in the 
 state of their funds, and other considerations render 
 it prudent, for the present, to establish seven only; 
 and the school of anatomy being that which it 
 will be most expedient to postpone, they instruct 
 their agent accordingly to make no engagement 
 for an anatomical professor, or a provisional one 
 only, subject to the future determination of the 
 Board. They deem it also expedient that pro- 
 fessors of law and moral philosophy shall be taken 
 from among the citizens of the United States. 
 
 Considering as satisfactory the qualifications and 
 character of George Blaettermann, of the city of 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 437 
 
 London, recommended to them as professor of 
 modern languages, the agent is authorized to 
 engage him for that professorship, unless circum- 
 stances unknown to this Board should, in his judg- 
 ment, furnish cause to decline that engagement, 
 and to proceed to procure one who may merit 
 more unexceptionably the approbation of the Board. 
 
 The Board then proceeded to the appointment 
 of a professor, and Francis Walker Gilmer was 
 appointed to the professor of law, or of moral 
 philosophy, at his election, to be signified to the 
 rector. 
 
 The executive committee are authorized to appoint 
 a collector of the arrears of subscriptions, and are 
 required to take measures as may be necessary to 
 effect a speedy collection. 
 
 An act of the last assembly having appropriated 
 to the University, for the purchase of a library 
 and apparatus, the sum of 50,000 dollars out of 
 the first moneys that may be received from the 
 government of the United States on account of 
 the claim of this Commonwealth for advances and 
 expenditures during the late war, having also 
 authorized a contingent loan to that amount, by 
 board of public works, on the credit of the appro- 
 priation so made, and it being proper to provide 
 for the receipt and disposal of this money, and 
 for the negotiations of the authorized loan to such 
 extent as may be advisable, the Board doth there- 
 fore, resolve: 
 
43 8 Jefferson's Works 
 
 First, that as soon as the money so appropriated, 
 or any part thereof, shall be payable, it be paid 
 to the bursar of the University, or to his order; 
 that so much thereof as may be required by the 
 executive committee, not exceeding 20,000 dollars, 
 be placed by him in Europe under the control of 
 the agent hereby deputed to that country, to be 
 employed in the purchase of such books and appa- 
 ratus as may be deemed most useful for the com- 
 mencement of the several schools in the University; 
 and the balance of the money which may be received 
 by the bursar be deposited in bank, subject to the 
 future orders of the Board. 
 
 Secondly, that the executive committee be author- 
 ized, if they deem it expedient, in anticipation of 
 the money to be received from the General Govern- 
 ment, to negotiate a loan with the board of public 
 works for any sum not exceeding that hereby 
 directed to be placed under the control of the agent 
 in Europe ; and to pledge the money so to be received 
 from the General Government for the payment of 
 the interest and refunding the principal of the loan; 
 and any money so borrowed by the executive com- 
 mittee sha 1 be placed under the control of the 
 agent in Europe, in lieu of that mentioned in the 
 first resolution, and for the purpose therein specified. 
 
 And the Board adjourned without day. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 439 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University, 
 at the University, on Monday the 4th of October, 
 1824, at which were present, Thomas Jefferson, 
 James Madison, James Breckenridge, John H. Cocke, 
 George Loyall and Joseph C. Cabell. 
 
 Resolved, that the Board ratify two purchases 
 of land in front of the rotunda, purchased of Daniel 
 A. Piper and Mary A. F., his wife. 
 
 Resolved, that permission be given to Francis W. 
 Gilmer, now on his mission to Great Britain for 
 the purpose of engaging professors for the Univer- 
 sity, to use for his expenses six or seven hundred 
 dollars of the 6,000 dollars put into his hands for 
 the purchase of books and apparatus. 
 
 Resolved, that it is the opinion of the Board 
 that if the arrearages of subscriptions should not 
 be sufficient to pay for the articles of marble con- 
 tracted for in Italy, it will be proper to supply the 
 deficiency from the annuity of the year 1825. 
 
 Resolved, that the bursar be authorized to enter 
 into negotiations with any one of the banks for 
 the purpose of procuring an advance of the separate 
 part of the arrears of subscriptions, with an under- 
 standing that the University shall not be called on 
 for the reimbursement of the moneys till such time 
 as they shall be paid by the subscribers, or within 
 such other times as shall be reasonable. 
 
 Resolved, that the rent for the hotels be fixed 
 at 200 dollars per annum. 
 
 The Board then proceeded to consider of the 
 
44° Jefferson's Works 
 
 regulations necessary for constituting, governing 
 and conducting the institution in addition to those 
 passed at their last session, agreed to the following 
 supplementary enactments: 
 
 Each of the schools of the University shall be 
 held two hours of every other day of the week; 
 and that every student may be enabled to attend 
 those of his choice, let their sessions be so arranged, 
 as to days and hours, that no two of them shall 
 be holden at the same time. Therefore, 
 
 The school of ancient languages shall occupy 
 from 7.30 to 9.30 a. m., on Mondays, Wednesdays 
 and Fridays. 
 
 That of modern languages shall occupy the same 
 hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 
 
 That of mathematics shall occupy from 9.30 to 
 11.30 a. m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 
 
 That of natural philosophy the same hours on 
 Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 
 
 That of natural history shall occupy from 11.30 
 a. m. to 1.30 p. m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and 
 Fridays. 
 
 That of anatomy and medicine the same hours 
 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 
 
 That of moral philosophy shall occupy from 1.30 
 to 3.30 p. m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 
 
 That of law the same hours on Tuesdays, Thurs- 
 days and Saturdays. 
 
 The Visitors of the University shall be free, 
 severally or together, to attend occasionally any 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 441 
 
 school, during its session, as inspectors and judges 
 of the mode in which it is conducted. 
 
 Wherein the instruction is by lessons, and the 
 class too numerous for a single instructor, assistant 
 tutors may be employed, to be chosen by the 
 professor, to have the use of two adjacent dormi- 
 tories each, rent free, and to divide with the pro- 
 fessor the tuition fees, as shall be agreed between them. 
 
 The professors, tutors and all officers of the 
 University shall reside constantly in the apart- 
 ments of the University, or of its precincts, assigned 
 to them. 
 
 At a meeting of the faculty of professors, on 
 matters within their functions, one of them shall 
 preside, by rotation, for the term of one year each. 
 A majority of the members shall make a quorum 
 for business. They may appoint a secretary of 
 their own body, or otherwise, who shall keep a 
 journal of their proceedings, and lay the same 
 before the Board of Visitors at their first ensuing 
 meeting, and whenever else required. The com- 
 pensation for such secretary shall be fifty dollars 
 yearly, payable from the funds of the University. 
 
 Meetings of the faculty may be called by the 
 presiding member of the year, or by any three of 
 the professors, to be held in an apartment of the 
 rotunda, and the object of the call shall be expressed 
 in the written notification to be served by the 
 janitor. But when assembled, other business also 
 may be transacted. 
 
442 Jefferson's Works 
 
 The faculty may appoint a janitor, who shall 
 attend its meetings, and the meetings of the Visitors, 
 and shall perform necessary menial offices for them, 
 for which he shall receive 150 dollars yearly from 
 the funds of the University, and be furnished wtih 
 a lodging room. 
 
 No student is to be received under sixteen years 
 of age, rigorously proved. None to be admitted 
 into the mathematical school, or chat of natural 
 philosophy, who is not an adept in all the branches 
 of numerical arithmetic; and none into the school 
 of ancient languages, unless qualified, in the 
 judgment of the professor, to commence reading 
 the higher Latin classics; nor to receive instruction 
 in Greek, unless qualified in the same degree in 
 that language. 
 
 No one shall enter as a student of the University, 
 either at the beginning or during the progress of 
 the session, but as for the whole session, ending 
 on the 15th day of December, and paying as for 
 the whole. 
 
 The dormitories shall be occupied by two students 
 each, and no more, at fifteen dollars yearly rent, 
 to be paid to the proctor at or before the end of 
 the session, one-half by each occupant, or the whole 
 by one, if there be only one. And every student, 
 within the same term, shall pay to the proctor, 
 also, for the University, fifteen dollars annually 
 for his participation in the use of the public apart- 
 ments during the session. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 443 
 
 The students shall be free to diet themselves in 
 any of the hotels of the University, at their choice, 
 or elsewhere, other than in taverns, as shall suit 
 themselves, but not more than fifty shall be allowed 
 to diet at the same hotel. 
 
 No keeper of any of the hotels of the University 
 shall require or receive more than 100 dollars for 
 dieting any student and for performing the necessary 
 offices of his dormitory, during the session of ten 
 months and a half, nor shall suffer ardent spirits 
 or wine, mixed or unmixed, to be drank within 
 his tenement, on pain of an immediate determi- 
 nation of his lease, and removal by the Faculty; 
 nor shall any person boarding elsewhere than 
 with their parents, in any house, and using wine 
 or ardent spirits, mixed or unmixed, within such 
 house, or its tenement, or paying more than 120 
 dollars for diet, lodging, and other offices and 
 accommodations of the house and tenement, during 
 a like term, be admitted to any school of the Uni- 
 versity. 
 
 Every student shall be free to attend the schools 
 of his choice, and no other than he chooses. 
 
 There will be one vacation only in the year, 
 and that shall be from the 15th day of December 
 to the last day of January. 
 
 Examination of the candidates for honorary dis- 
 tinctions shall be held in the presence of all the 
 professors and students, in the week preceding the 
 commencement of the vacation. At these examina- 
 
444 Jefferson's Works 
 
 tions shall be given, to the highly meritorious only, 
 and by the vote of a majority of the professors, 
 diplomas, or premiums of medals or books, to be 
 provided by the University, to wit: Diplomas to 
 those of the highest qualifications, medals of more 
 or less value to those of the second grade of acquisi- 
 tion, and books of more or less value to those of 
 a third. These diplomas shall be of two degrees; 
 the highest of doctor, the second of graduate. 
 And the diploma of each shall express the partic- 
 ular school or schools in which the candidate shall 
 have been declared eminent, and shall be subscribed 
 by the particular professors approving it. But no 
 diploma shall be given to any one who has not 
 passed such an examination in the Latin language 
 as shall have proved him able to read the highest 
 classics in that language with ease, thorough under- 
 standing and just quantity; and if he be also a 
 proficient in the Greek, let that, too, be stated in 
 his diploma. The intention being that the repu- 
 tation of the University shall not be committed 
 but to those who, to an eminence in some one or 
 more of the sciences taught in it, add a proficiency 
 in these languages which constitute the basis of 
 good education, and are indispensable to fill up the 
 character of a "well-educated man." 
 
 Punishment for major offences shall be expulsion, 
 temporary suspension, or interdiction of residence 
 or appearance within the precincts of the Univer- 
 sity. The minor punishment shall be restraint 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 445 
 
 within those precincts, within their own chamber, 
 or in diet, reproof by a professor, privately or in 
 presence of the school of the offender, or of all 
 the schools, a seat of degradation in his school-room 
 of longer or shorter duration, removal to a lower 
 class, dismission from the school-room for the day, 
 imposition of a task; and insubordination to these 
 sentences shall be deemed and punished as con- 
 tumacy. 
 
 Contumacy shall be liable to any of the minor 
 punishments. 
 
 The precincts of the University are to be under- 
 stood as co-extensive with the lot or parcel of its 
 own grounds on which it is situated. 
 
 The major punishments of expulsion from the 
 University, temporary suspension of attendance and 
 presence there, or interdiction of residence or appear- 
 ance within its precincts, shall be decreed by the 
 professors themselves. Minor cases may be referred 
 to a board of six censors, to be named by the faculty, 
 from the most discreet of the students, whose duty 
 it shall be, sitting as a board, to inquire into the 
 facts, propose the minor punishment which they 
 think proportioned to the offence, and to make 
 report thereof to the professors for their appro- 
 bation, or their commutation of the penalty, if it 
 be beyond the grade of the offence. The censors 
 shall hold their offices until the end of the session 
 of their appointment, if not sooner revoked by the 
 faculty. 
 
446 Jefferson's Works 
 
 Inattendance on school, inattention to the exer- 
 cises prescribed, and misbehavior or indecorum in 
 school shall be subject to any of the minor punish- 
 ments; and the professor of the school may singly 
 reprove, impose a task, or dismiss from the room 
 for the day. 
 
 Habits of expense, of dissoluteness, dissipation, 
 or of playing at games of chance, being obstructive 
 to the acquisition of science by the student himself 
 and injurious by example to others, shall be subject 
 in the first instance to admonition and reproof to 
 the offender, and to communication and warning to 
 the parent or guardian, and, if not satisfactorily 
 corrected, to a refusal of further continuance at the 
 University. 
 
 No student shall make any festive entertainment 
 within the precincts of the University, nor contri- 
 bute or be present at them, there or elsewhere, but 
 with the consent of each of the professors whose 
 school he attends, on pain of a minor punishment. 
 
 No student shall admit any disturbing noises in 
 his room, or make them anywhere within the pre- 
 cincts of the University, or fire a gun or pistol 
 within the same, on pain of such minor sentence 
 as the faculty shall decree or approve. But the 
 proper use of musical instruments shall be freely 
 allowed in their rooms, and in that appropriated 
 for instruction in music. 
 
 Riotous, disorderly, intemperate or indecent con- 
 duct of any student within the precincts shall be 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 447 
 
 punished by interdiction of a residence within the 
 precincts; and repetitions of such offences, by expul- 
 sion from the University. 
 
 Fighting with weapons which may inflict death, 
 or a challenge to such fight, given or accepted, 
 shall be punished by instant expulsion from the 
 University, not remissible by the Faculty; and it 
 shall be the duty of the proctor to give information 
 thereof to the civil magistrate, that the parties 
 may be dealt with according to law. 
 
 Offences cognisable by the laws of the land shall 
 be left to the cognisance of the civil magistrate, 
 if claimed by him, or otherwise to the judgment 
 of the faculty; all others to that of the faculty. 
 And such of these as are not specially designated 
 in enactments of the Visitors may be subjected by 
 the faculty to any of the minor punishments per- 
 mitted by these enactments. 
 
 Sentences of expulsion from the University (except 
 in the case of challenge or combat with arms) shall 
 not be final until approved by the Board of Visitors 
 or, when they are not in session, by a majority of 
 them, separately consulted. But residence within 
 the precincts, and attendance on the schools may 
 be suspended in the meantime. 
 
 No student shall, within the precincts of the 
 University, introduce, keep or use any spirituous 
 or vinous liquors, keep or use weapons or arms of 
 any kind, or gunpowder, keep a servant, horse or 
 dog, appear in school with a stick, or any weapon, 
 
448 Jefferson's Works 
 
 nor while in school, be covered without permission 
 of the professor, nor use tobacco by smoking or 
 chewing, on pain of any of the minor punishments 
 at the discretion of the faculty, or of the board of 
 censors, approved by the faculty. 
 
 All damages done to instruments, books, build- 
 ings or other property of the University by any 
 student, shall be made good at his expense; and 
 wilful injury to any tree, shrub or other plant 
 within the precincts, shall be punished by fine, not 
 exceeding ten dollars, at the discretion of the 
 faculty. 
 
 When a professor knocks at the door of a student's 
 room, any person being within, and announces 
 himself, it shall be opened, on pain of minor pun- 
 ishment; and the professor may, if refused, have 
 the door broken open; and the expenses of repair 
 shall be levied on the student or students within. 
 
 At the hour appointed for the meeting of every 
 school, the roll of the school shall be called over, 
 the absentees and those appearing tardily, shall be 
 noted, and if no sufficient cause be offered, at the 
 rising of the school, to the satisfaction of the pro- 
 fessor, the notation shall stand confirmed, and 
 shall be given in to the faculty, the presiding 
 member of which for the time being shall, on the 
 15th days of May, August and December, or as 
 soon after each of these days as may be, transmit 
 by mail a list of these notations to the parent or 
 guardian of each delinquent. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 449 
 
 When testimony is required from a student, it 
 shall be voluntary, and not on oath. And the 
 obligation to give it shall — (if unwilling to give it, 
 let the moral obligation be explained and urged, 
 under which every one is bound to bear witness, 
 where wrong has been done, but finally let it) — be 
 left to his own sense of right. 1 
 
 Should the religious sects of this State, or any 
 of them, according to the invitation held out to 
 them, establish within, or adjacent to, the precincts 
 of the University, schools for instruction in the 
 religion of their sect, the students of the University 
 will be free, and expected to attend religious worship 
 at the establishment of their respective sects, in 
 the morning, and in time to meet their school in 
 the University at its stated hour. 
 
 The students of such religious school, if they 
 attend any school of the University, shall be con- 
 sidered as students of the University, subject to 
 the same regulations, and entitled to the same 
 rights and privileges. 
 
 The room provided for a school-room in every 
 pavilion shall be used for the school of its occupant 
 professor, and shall be furnished by the University 
 with necessary benches and tables. 
 
 The upper circular room of the rotunda shall be 
 reserved for a library. 
 
 One of its larger elliptical rooms on its middle 
 floor shall be used for annual examinations, for 
 
 'This altera was made by the Board March 5, 1825. 
 VOL. xix — 29 
 
45° 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 lectures to such schools as are too numerous for 
 their ordinary school-room, and for religious worship, 
 under the regulations allowed to be prescribed by 
 law. The other rooms on the same floor may be 
 used by schools of instruction in drawing, music, 
 or any other of the innocent and ornamental accom- 
 plishments of life; but under such instructors only 
 as shall be approved and licensed by the faculty. 
 
 The rooms in the basement story of the rotunda 
 shall be, one of them for a chemical laboratory, 
 and the others for any necessary purpose to which 
 they may be adapted. 
 
 The two open apartments, adjacent to the same 
 story of the rotunda, shall be appropriated to the 
 gymnastic exercises and games of the students, 
 among which shall be reckoned military exercises. 
 
 A military instructor shall be provided at the 
 expense of the University, to be appointed by the 
 faculty, who shall attend on every Saturday from 
 half after one o'clock to half after three p. m., and 
 shall instruct the students in the manual exercise, 
 in field evolutions, manoeuvres and encampments. 
 The students shall attend these exercises, and 
 shall be obedient to the military orders of their 
 instructor. The roll shall be regularly called over 
 by him at the hour of meeting, absences and insub- 
 ordinations shall be noted, and the list of the 
 deliquents shall be delivered to the presiding mem- 
 ber of the faculty for the time being to be animad- 
 verted on by the faculty, and such minor punish- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 45 1 
 
 ment imposed as each case shall, in their discretion, 
 require. The school of modern languages shall be 
 pretermitted on the days of actual military exercise. 
 
 Substitutes in the form of arms shall be provided 
 by the proctor, at the expense of the University; 
 they shall be distinguished by numbers, delivered 
 out, received in and deposited under the care and 
 responsibility of the instructor, in a proper deposi- 
 tory to be furnished him; and all injuries to them 
 by a student shall be repaired at the expense of 
 such student. 
 
 Work-shops shall be provided, whenever con- 
 venient, at the expense of the University, wherein 
 the students who choose, may exercise themselves 
 in the use of tools, and such mechanical practices 
 as it is convenient and useful for every person to 
 understand, and occasionally to practice. These 
 shops may be let, rent free, to such skillful and 
 orderly mechanics as shall be approved by the 
 faculty, on the condition that they will permit 
 the use of their tools, instruments and implements, 
 within the shop, to such students as shall desire 
 and use the permission discreetly, and under a 
 liability for any injury they may do them; and 
 on the further condition, if necessary, of such 
 mechanics receiving instruction gratis in the mechan- 
 ical and philosophical principles of his art, so far 
 as taught in any of the schools. 
 
 The Board then proceeded to consider the draught 
 of a report to be made, as required by law, to the 
 
452 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 president and directors of the Literary Fund, and 
 before concluding it finally, they adjourned to 
 to-morrow morning. 
 
 Tuesday, October 5th, 1824. 
 
 The Board met pursuant to adjournment. Pre- 
 sent, Thomas Jefferson, James Breckenridge, John 
 H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell. 
 
 On motion, resolved, that the proctor be author- 
 ized and required, after the 15th day of November 
 next, to lease the hotels of the University to such 
 persons offering, of worthy and proper character, 
 as he shall approve; that the lease shall not be of 
 a longer term than one year; and that he cause 
 to be inserted therein such covenants as he shall 
 deem necessary as to the preservation of the houses, 
 inclosures and appurtenances of the tenements, 
 and observance of the preceding regulations; and 
 that this be published without delay, that all 
 persons may have notice who may desire to apply. 
 
 And the Board, having concluded, and agreed to 
 the report to be made to the president and directors 
 of the Literary Fund, adjourned without day. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 October 5th, 1824. 
 
 Which report is in the words following: 
 To the president and directors of the Literary 
 Fund: 
 
 In obedience to the law requiring that the rector. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 453 
 
 and Visitors of the University of Virginia should 
 make report annually to the president and directors 
 of the Literary Fund (to be laid before the legislature 
 at their next succeeding session), embracing a full 
 account of the disbursements, the funds on hand, 
 and a general statement of the condition of the 
 said University, the said rector and Visitors make 
 the following report: 
 
 In that of the preceding year it was stated that 
 the buildings for the accommodation of the pro- 
 fessors and students were in readiness for their 
 occupation, and that the walls of the larger build- 
 ing, intended for a library and other purposes, 
 were completed. In the course of the present 
 season this building has received its roof, and will 
 be put into a condition for preservation and use, 
 although its interior cannot be completed. It was 
 then also stated that, without awaiting that com- 
 pletion, the institution might be put into operation 
 at the close of this present year were its funds 
 liberated from the encumbrances with which they 
 were charged. This obstacle was removed by the 
 act of the legislature of January 27 of the present 
 year concerning the University of Virginia. 
 
 In consequence of this liberation, the Board of 
 Visitors at their ensuing meeting, on the 5th of 
 April last, proceeded to take such preparatory 
 measures as could be taken at that time to carry 
 the views of the legislature into effect with as 
 little delay as practicable. From the accounts and 
 
454 Jefferson's Works 
 
 estimates then rendered by the bursar and proctor, 
 it appeared that on the last day of the preceding 
 year, 1823, the funds in hand and due to the Uni- 
 versity, of the last loan, and of the arrearages of 
 subscriptions, would be sufficient, when received, 
 to pay all debts then existing on any account, and 
 to leave a sum of about 21,000 dollars applicable 
 to the building of the library, which, with the sum 
 of 19,370.40^ dollars already paid or provided 
 for that edifice, would put it into a state of safety 
 and of some uses, until other and more pressing 
 objects should have been accomplished. They con- 
 sider the University, therefore, as having had in 
 hand, on the first day of the present year, 1824, 
 the annuity of this year (clear of all prior claims), 
 as a fund for defraying the current expenses 
 of the year, for meeting those necessary toward 
 securing professors, paying any commencement 
 of salaries which might be incurred to the end 
 of the year, and to leave a small surplus for con- 
 tingencies. 
 
 They found, from a view of the future income, 
 consisting of the annuity, and such rents for build- 
 ings as may be reasonably required that it would 
 not be adequate to the full establishment of the 
 ten professorships contemplated by the legislature 
 in their act of January 25, 1819, for establishing 
 the University; but that it might suffice for insti- 
 tuting eight professorships for the present, and 
 that the branches of science proposed to be taught 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 455 
 
 in the University might be arranged within the 
 competence of that number for a time, and until 
 future and favorable circumstances might enable 
 them to add the others, and to lighten duly the 
 professorships thus overcharged with duties. 
 
 They proceeded, therefore, to settle the organ- 
 ization of the schools, and the distribution of the 
 sciences among them, and they concluded on the 
 same, as follows: 
 
 In the University of Virginia shall be instituted 
 eight professorships, to wit: First, of ancient lan- 
 guages; second, modern languages; third, mathe- 
 matics; fourth, natural philosophy; fifth, natural 
 history; sixth, anatomy and medicine; seventh, 
 moral philosophy; eighth, law. 
 
 In the school of ancient languages are to be 
 taught the higher grade of the Latin and Greek 
 languages, the Hebrew, rhetoric, belles-lettres, 
 ancient history and ancient geography. 
 
 In the school of modern languages are to be 
 taught French, Spanish, Italian, German and the 
 English language in its Anglo-Saxon form; also 
 modern history and modern geography. 
 
 In the school of mathematics are to be taught 
 mathematics generally, including the higher branches 
 of numerical arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry plane 
 arid spherical, geometry, mensuration, navigation, 
 conic sections, fluxions or differentials, military 
 and civil architecture. 
 
 In the school of natural philosophy are to be 
 
45 6 Jefferson's Works 
 
 taught the laws and properties of bodies generally, 
 including mechanics, statics, hydro-statics, hydrau- 
 lics, pneumatics, acoustics, optics and astronomy. 
 
 In the school of natural history are to be taught 
 botany, zoology, mineralogy, chemistry, geology 
 and rural economy. 
 
 In the school of anatomy and medicine are to 
 be taught anatomy, surgery, the history of the 
 progress and theories of medicine, physiology, path- 
 ology, materia medica and pharmacy. 
 
 In the school of moral philosophy are to be 
 taught mental science generally, including ideology, 
 general grammar and ethics. 
 
 In the school of law are to be taught the common 
 and statute law, that of the chancery, the laws 
 feudal, civil, mercatorial, maritime and of nature 
 and nations; and also the principles of government 
 and political economy. 
 
 But it was meant that this distribution should 
 give way to occasional interchanges of particular 
 branches of science, among the professors, in accom- 
 modation of their respective qualifications. 
 
 The Visitors were sensible that there might be 
 found in the different seminaries of the United 
 States persons qualified to conduct these several 
 schools with entire confidence; but it was neither 
 probable that they would leave the situations in 
 which they then were, nor honorable or moral to 
 endeavor to seduce them from their stations ; and to 
 have filled the professional chairs with unemployed 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 45-7 
 
 and secondary characters, would not have fulfilled the 
 object, or satisfied the expectations of our country 
 in this institution. It was, moreover, believed that, 
 to advance in science, we must avail ourselves of 
 the lights of countries already advanced before us. 
 It was, therefore, deemed most advisable to resort 
 to Europe for some of the professors, and of prefer- 
 ence to the countries which speak the same language 
 in order to obtain characters of the first grade of 
 science in their respective lines. And, to make 
 the selection with proper information, caution and 
 advisement, it was necessary to send an agent of 
 science and confidence. Francis W. Gilmer, a 
 learned and trustworthy citizen of this State, was 
 appointed and has proceeded on the mission; and 
 should his object be accomplished as early as 
 expected, we count on opening the institution on 
 the ist day of February next. 
 
 Could the donation of the last legislature, out 
 of the debt due to this State from the United States, 
 have been obtained for the purposes of procuring a 
 library and the apparatus necessary for the several 
 schools the opportunity would have been highly 
 advantageous of having them chosen by this agent, 
 while in Europe, with the advice and assistance of 
 the respective professors. But the application was 
 not in time to be acted on before the adjournment 
 of the late Congress. Yet some books were indis- 
 pensable, and some apparatus to make even an 
 imperfect commencement. To procure these articles, 
 
45 8 Jefferson's Works 
 
 therefore, and to defray the expenses necessary 
 for the other objects of the mission, the Board was 
 under the necessity of applying to these purposes 
 a sum of 10,000 dollars of the annuity of the present 
 year, and to leave the internal finishing of the 
 library, however much to be regretted, until some 
 opportunity of greater convenience should occur. 
 
 There is some reason to doubt, from the informa- 
 tion received, whether our agent will be able to 
 effect his object at as early a day as we had expected. 
 But of this more will be known in time for its com- 
 munication by the rector with this report. Were 
 it still possible to obtain from the United States a 
 settlement of so much of the claim on them as was 
 appropriated to this institution, in time to find 
 our agent and professors yet in place to invest it, 
 our University would open under auspices highly 
 propitious in comparison with those to which it 
 will be subjected by this unfortunate delay. 
 
 The success of our collector in his applications for 
 the arrearages due from subscribers, has not been 
 as great as it has been in further securing the sums 
 which had not yet been secured. The receipts from 
 this resource since the date of our last report have 
 amounted to 2,069 dollars 88^- cents — and the sums 
 deemed separate and still to be received, amount to 
 7,468 dollars 92^ cents. 
 
 The accounts of the receipts, disbursements and 
 funds on hand for the year ending with the last 
 month of September, as rendered by the bursar and 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 459 
 
 proctor, are given with the report as is required by 
 law. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 October 5, 1824. 
 
 At a special meeting of the Board of Visitors 
 of the University, called by George Loyall, Chapman 
 Johnson and Joseph C. Cabell, while attending the 
 last session of the legislature, and held at the Uni- 
 versity March 4, 1825. 
 
 Present, Thomas Jefferson, rector, James Madison, 
 George Loyall, John H. Cocke and Joseph C. Cabell. 
 
 Resolved, that in consideration of the delay 
 Which attended the opening of the University 
 beyond the day on which it had been announced, 
 the uncertainty which this might occasion in the 
 minds of many at what time it might be opened, 
 and the temporary engagements which in conse- 
 quence thereof they might enter into elsewhere, 
 notice shall be given that, for the present year, 
 students will be received at the University at any 
 time of the year when they become disengaged, on 
 payment of so much only of the usual charges as 
 shall be proportioned to the time unexpired at the 
 date of their reception. 
 
 A blank having been left in one of the regulations 
 of the 4th of October last, respecting the price of 
 board in boarding-houses not within the precincts 
 of the University, resolved, that it be filled with 
 the sum of 120 dollars. 
 
460 Jefferson's Works 
 
 On a revision of the rule of October 4 last, respect- 
 ing testimony required from students, it was pro- 
 posed to amend the same by striking out the words, 
 4 'if unwilling to give it, let the moral obligation be 
 explained and urged, under which every one is 
 bound to bear witness where wrong has been done, 
 but finally let it," and to insert instead thereof the 
 words, "and the obligation to give it shall," which 
 being agreed to, the rule as amended now stands 
 in these words: "When testimony is required from 
 a student, it shall be voluntary and not on oath, 
 and the obligation to give it shall be left to his own 
 sense of right." 
 
 A resolution was moved and agreed to in the 
 following words: 
 
 Whereas, it is the duty of this Board to the 
 government under which it lives, and especially to 
 that of which this University is the immediate 
 creation, to pay especial attention to the principles 
 of government which shall be inculcated therein, 
 and to provide that none shall be inculcated which 
 are incompatible with those on which the Consti- 
 tutions of this State, and of the United States were 
 genuinely based, in the common opinion; and for 
 this purpose it may be necessary to point out 
 specially where these principles are to be found 
 legitimately developed : 
 
 Resolved, that it is the opinion of this Board 
 that as to the general principles of liberty and the 
 rights of man, in nature and in society, the doc- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 461 
 
 trines of Locke, in his " Essay concerning the true 
 original extent and end of civil government," and 
 of Sidney in his "Discourses on government," may 
 be considered as those generally approved by our 
 fellow citizens of this, and the United States, and 
 that on the distinctive principles of the govern- 
 ment of our State, and of that of the United States, 
 the best guides are to be found in, 1. The Declaration 
 of Independence, as the fundamental act of union 
 of these States. 2. The book known by the title of 
 " The Federalist, " being an authority to which appeal 
 is habitually made by all, and rarely declined or denied 
 by any as evidence of the general opinion of those who 
 framed, and of those who accepted the Constitution 
 of the United States, on questions as to its genuine 
 meaning. 3. The Resolutions of the General Assembly 
 of Virginia in 1799 on the subject of the alien and se- 
 dition laws, which appeared to accord with the pre- 
 dominant sense of the people of the United States. 
 4. The valedictory address of President Washington, 
 as conveying political lessons of peculiar value. And 
 that in the branch of the scnool of law, which is to 
 treat on the subject of civil polity, these shall be 
 used as the text and documents of the school. 
 
 Resolved, that George Tucker, Esquire, of Lynch- 
 burg, be appointed professor of the school of moral 
 philosophy. 
 
 Resolved, that Doctor John Patton Emmet, of 
 New York, be appointed professor of the school of 
 natural history. 
 
462 Jefferson's Works 
 
 Resolved, that whensoever the 50,000 dollars, 
 which the legislature has authorized this Board to 
 receive from the General Government for the pur- 
 chase of a library and apparatus, shall be placed 
 at the command of the Board, the sum of 6,000 
 dollars advanced by the fund for building and other 
 general purposes towards the purchase of books 
 and apparatus, should be charged to the Literary 
 Fund, and replaced to the credit of that for building 
 and other general purposes. 
 
 Resolved, that on receipt of the said 50,000 dollars 
 and consequent replenishment of the building fund, 
 an anatomical theatre be built, as nearly as may 
 be on the plan now exhibited to the Board. 
 
 The Board adjourned to to-morrow. 
 
 March 5, the Board met according to adjourn- 
 ment, present the same members as yesterday. 
 
 Resolved, that on payment of the said sum of 
 50,000 dollars by the General Government, a sum 
 not exceeding 6,000 dollars thereof be advanced on 
 loan to the building fund of the University for the 
 purpose of finishing the interior of the library-room. 
 
 For the use and care of the library the Board now 
 establishes the following regulations : 
 
 The professors of the University shall at all times 
 have free use of the books of the library, in con- 
 fidence that they will not keep them out longer 
 than while in actual use, and leaving with the 
 librarian a note of the books borrowed. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 463 
 
 Books may be lent to the students of the Univer- 
 sity, by the librarian, and by no other person, on 
 a written permit from a professor whom such 
 student attends, specifying the day beyond which 
 they will not be retained. But it is meant that 
 the books lent are for reading only, and not for 
 the ordinary purpose of getting lessons in them as 
 school books. 
 
 No student shall carry any book borrowed from 
 the library, out of the precincts of the University; 
 nor shall any student be permitted to have more 
 than three volumes in his possession at any time. 
 
 If a student shall not return a borrowed book 
 on or before the day limited in his permit, he shall 
 receive no other until it be returned; and he shall 
 pay, moreover, for every week's detention beyond 
 the limitation, ten cents for a 12 mo. or book of 
 smaller size, twenty cents for an 8mo., thirty cents 
 for a 4mo. and forty cents for a folio. 
 
 Not every book in the library shall be free to 
 be lent to students, but such only as shall not be 
 expressly prohibited by the faculty on account 
 of their rarity, value or liableness to injury. 
 
 No student shall ever be in the library but in 
 presence of the librarian, or of some professor 
 whom he attends, nor shall be allowed to take 
 any book from the shelves, nor remain in the room 
 to read or consult any book, but during such presence. 
 
 If any student deface, injure, or lose any book 
 of the library, he shall pay the value of the book 
 
464 Jefferson's Works 
 
 if defaced, double value if injured, and threefold, 
 if lost; and shall be suspended from the privilege 
 of borrowing during such term as the faculty shall 
 adjudge. 
 
 On some one day of every week during term, 
 and during one hour of that day (such day and 
 hour to be fixed on by the faculty) the librarian 
 shall attend in the library, to receive books returned, 
 and to lend such others as shall be applied for 
 according to rule. And at some one hour of every 
 day (to be fixed by the faculty) the librarian 
 shall attend, if requested by any such professor, 
 such book or books as he may require, and to 
 receive any he may have to return. 
 
 The librarian shall make an entry of every book 
 lent, and cancel the same when returned, so that 
 it may always be known in what hands every book is. 
 
 Strangers whom the librarian may be willing to 
 attend, may visit the library; but, to prevent 
 derangement of the books, they are to take no 
 book from the shelf, but in his presence. They 
 may also be permitted to consult any book, to 
 read in it, make notes or quotations from it, at 
 the table, under such accommodations and arrange- 
 ments as the librarian shall prescribe, on his own 
 responsibility. 
 
 Resolved, that the salary of the librarian be 
 raised to the sum of 150 dollars. 
 
 Resolved, that the moneys, expected as before 
 mentioned from the General Goverment, shall be 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 4 6 5 
 
 paid, the Board consider it advisable to employ 
 Mr. Hilliard, of the firm of Cummings, Hilliard 
 and Co., of Boston, to purchase the library of the 
 University, according to the catalogue which has 
 been made. 
 
 Resolved, that the professorships of the school of 
 law be proposed to Chancellor Henry St. George 
 Tucker, and in the event of his refusal, then to 
 Judge Philip P. Barbour, and if he should refuse, 
 that then the rector be authorized to call the Board 
 for the purpose of further proceeding towards 
 making the appointment. 
 
 Resolved, that the loan of 5,000 dollars, which 
 has been negotiated by the bursar of the Univer- 
 sity with the Farmers' Bank of Virginia, and the 
 terms on which the same has been negotiated, be 
 confirmed by the Board of Visitors, and the funds 
 of the University are hereby pledged for the reim- 
 bursement of the said loan. 
 
 A letter having been addressed to the Board 
 of Visitors by Mr. Bonnycastle, professor of natural 
 philosophy, representing that from the communi- 
 cations with the agent of the Board, on the subject 
 of his appointment, he conceived himself entitled 
 to expect that a bond of his to the British govern- 
 ment to the amount of £500 would be advanced: 
 Resolved, that the rector be requested to obtain 
 from Mr. Gilmer his view of the understanding 
 which took place on the occasion; and if it should 
 appear to the rector, from the circumstances of the 
 
 VOL. XTX 30 
 
466 Jefferson's Works 
 
 case, that the interest and credit of the University 
 would justify and require the advances, in that 
 event it shall be made from the funds of the insti- 
 tution. 
 
 Resolved, that John H. Cocke and Jos. C. Cabell 
 be appointed a committee to settle the accounts of 
 the proctor and the bursar of the University. 
 
 And the Board adjourned without day. 
 
 Th. Jefferson. 
 
 March 5, 1825. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia at the said University on Monday the 
 3d of October, 1825, at which were present Thomas 
 Jefferson, rector, James Madison, James Brecken- 
 ridge, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. Cocke, Chapman 
 Johnson and George Loyall. 
 
 In pursuance of the resolution of the Board of 
 the 5th of March last, on the subject of a claim of 
 Mr. Bonnycastle to the discharge of a certain bond 
 for £500 sterling, given by him to the British 
 government, the rector having agreed with him 
 that the money payment thereof should be advanced 
 by the University to be repaid by him in instal- 
 ments, Resolved, that the Board approves of the 
 said agreement, and of the provisional measures 
 taken by the rector in his letters to Rufus King, 
 and Peter Barlow, bearing date the 30th of June 
 last, for its advance, if required by that government. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 467 
 
 Resolved, that the Board ratifies and confirms 
 the purchase lately made by the rector of 132 acres 
 of land of John M. Perry, lying between and adjacent 
 to the wvvo parcels of 107.8 and 153 acres here- 
 tofore owned by the University, which purchase was 
 made on the proposition of the rector with the 
 approbation of the following members, to wit: 
 Of James Madison, James Breckenridge, John H. 
 Cocke, Joseph C. Cabell and George Loyall, pre- 
 viously expressed in letters from them individually 
 to the rector, and the payment already made 
 towards the same, is approved. 
 
 Resolved, that the Board approves of the advance 
 of 18,000 dollars to William Hilliard, agent for pro- 
 curing the library, of the deposit made in the hands 
 of Rufus King, Esquire, of 6,300 dollars for the 
 purchase of a philosophical apparatus, and of that 
 of 3,157 dollars 50 cents, in the same hands, for 
 articles necessary for the anatomical school, with 
 the instructions relative thereto given by the rector, 
 and also of the purchase, and payment of 500 
 dollars for Doctor Emmet's chemical apparatus and 
 collection of minerals. 
 
 Resolved, that the temporary application of 5,000 
 dollars of the library fund, which was lying unem- 
 ployed in the Bank of Virginia, to take up the 
 note for the like sum, lent by the Farmer's Bank 
 of Virginia to the University, thereby saving its 
 interest, and also of so much of the said fund as 
 
 1 See Journal of March 29, 18 19, similar resolution. 
 
468 Jefferson's Works 
 
 was necessary to make the first payment to Perry, 
 is approved, and that the same sums be replaced 
 from the general fund when necessary. 
 
 Resolved, that Francis Walker Gilmer be appointed 
 professor of the school of law. 
 
 Resolved, that it be communicated to the Faculty 
 of the professors of the University, as the earnest 
 request and recommendation of the rector and 
 Visitors, that so far as can be effected by their 
 exertions, they cause the statutes and rules enacted 
 'for the government of the University, to be exactly 
 and strictly observed; that the roll of each school 
 particularly be punctually called at the hour at 
 which its students should attend; that the absent 
 and the tardy, without reasonable cause, be noted, 
 and a copy of these notations be communicated by 
 mail or otherwise to the parent or guardian of 
 each student respectively, on the first days of every 
 month during the term (instead of the days pre- 
 scribed in a former statute for such communications). 
 
 That it is requested of them to make known to 
 the students that it is with great regret that some 
 breaches of order, committed by the unworthy 
 few who lurk among them unknown, render neces- 
 sary the extension to all of processes afflicting to 
 the feelings of those who are conscious of their 
 own correctness, and who are above all participa- 
 tion in these vicious irregularities. While the 
 offenders continue unknown the tarnish of their 
 faults spreads itself over the worthy also, and con- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 469 
 
 founds all in a common censure. But that it is 
 in their power to relieve themselves from the impu- 
 tations and painful proceedings to which they are 
 thereby subjected, by lending their aid to the 
 faculty, on all occasions towards detecting the 
 real guilty. The Visitors are aware that a pre- 
 judice prevails too extensively among the young 
 that it is dishonorable to bear witness one against 
 another. While this prevails, and under the form 
 of a matter of conscience, they have been unwilling 
 to authorize constraint, and have therefore, in their 
 regulations on this subject, indulged the error, 
 however unfounded in reason or morality. But 
 this loose principle in the ethics of school-boy 
 combinations, is unworthy of mature and regulated 
 minds, and is accordingly condemned by the laws 
 of their country, which, in offences within their 
 cognisance, compel those who have knowledge of 
 a fact, to declare it for the purposes of justice, 
 and of the general good and safety of society. And 
 certainly, where wrong has been done, he who 
 knows and conceals the doer of it, makes himself 
 an accomplice, and justly censurable as such. It 
 becomes then but an act of justice to themselves, 
 that the innocent and the worthy should throw 
 off with disdain all communion of character with 
 such offenders, should determine no longer to 
 screen the irregular and the vicious under the 
 respect of their cloak, and to notify them, even 
 by a solemn association for the purpose, that they 
 
47° Jefferson's Works 
 
 will co-operate with the faculty in future, for pre- 
 servation of order, the vindication of their own 
 character, and the reputation and usefulness of an 
 institution which their country has so liberally 
 established for their improvement, and to place 
 within their reach those acquirements in knowledge 
 on which their future happiness and fortunes depend. 
 Let the good and the virtuous of the alumni of 
 the University do this, and the disorderly will 
 then be singled out for observation, and deterred 
 by punishment, or disabled by expulsion, from 
 infecting with their inconsideration the institution 
 itself, and the sound mass of those which it is pre- 
 paring for virtue and usefulness. 
 
 Although nocturnal absences from their chambers 
 occasionally happening are not entirely forbidden, 
 yet if frequent, habitual, or without excusable 
 cause, they should be also noted and reported, 
 with other special delinquencies, to the parent or 
 guardian. 
 
 The rector and Visitors, impressed themselves 
 with the beneficial effect, and the necessity of 
 strict examinations of the students, on the topics 
 of the lectures and lessons delivered them, recom- 
 mend this practice to the consideration and attention 
 of the professors. 
 
 The Board, considering that it will be for the 
 benefit of the school of medicine that its professor 
 should have opportunities of keeping in mind, to 
 a certain degree, the practical part of his profession, 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 47 1 
 
 and of acquiring moreover a knowledge of the 
 peculiarities of disease incident to our climate 
 and country, are of opinion that, besides the habitual 
 practice within the precincts of the University, 
 allowed by a former resolution, he be permitted 
 also to act as a consulting physician elsewhere, 
 so timing these avocations however, as not to 
 interrupt the regular business of his school. 
 
 The 4.55 acres of land purchased of Daniel A. 
 Piper and Mary his wife, since the date of the statute 
 defining the precincts of the University, and adja- 
 cent to the public road as now established, are 
 made a part of the said precincts. 
 
 Resolved, that it be recommended to the faculty 
 of professors in their appointment of a janitor, to 
 have regard to his qualifications in law as a witness 
 to transactions passing within his notice, and that 
 such a janitor be allowed wages not exceeding 200 
 dollars a year, and a room to lodge in, he dieting 
 and otherwise finding himself. 
 
 Resolved, that on a renewal of the leases of the 
 hotels, it shall be made a covenant and condition 
 of the leases that the tenants shall furnish no enter- 
 tainment in his tenement for pay or compensation 
 of any kind, to any one who is not a student of, 
 or attached to, the University, or a member of his 
 own family; nor shall he permit his tenement, 
 or any part of it, without compensation, to be 
 used for any other then the purposes of a boarding- 
 house. The faculty of professors, on these ques- 
 
47 2 Jefferson's Works 
 
 tions, shall be judges of the matter of fact, and, 
 finding it true, shall decide either on the immediate 
 termination of the lease, and removal of the tenant 
 or his continuance on such special conditions as 
 shall satisfy them against a repetition of the offense. 
 
 Resolved, that the 35th enactment be amended 
 by striking therefrom the following words, " within 
 those precincts, within their own chamber or in 
 diet, a seat of degradation in his school-room of 
 longer or of shorter duration, removal to a lower 
 class, imposition of a task." 
 
 Resolved, that the 36th enactment be amended 
 by striking therefrom the word "minor" and 
 inserting in lieu thereof the word " major." 
 
 Resolved, that the 39th enactment be amended 
 by striking therefrom the words "impose a task." 
 
 Resolved, that the 43d enactment be amended 
 by striking therefrom the following words, "and 
 repetitions of such offences by expulsion from the 
 University," and inserting in lieu thereof the follow- 
 ing words, "or any of the minor or major punish- 
 ments at the discretion of the faculty." 
 
 Resolved, that the 43d enactment be amended 
 by adding thereto the following words, "that every 
 occupant of a dormitory permitting these offences 
 therein, be subject to any of the minor punishments 
 at the discretion of the faculty." 
 
 Resolved, that the faculty shall have the power, 
 for offensive conduct, of removing the occupant 
 from any dormitory. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 473 
 
 Resolved, that if a student be irregular in all 
 his classes for more than a month, after his parent 
 or guardian has been informed, the faculty shall 
 have the discretionary power to dismiss him from 
 the University. 
 
 Resolved, that the faculty shall have power 
 from time to time to prescribe regulations of police, 
 not inconsistent with the laws of the land, or the 
 enactments of this Board, which regulations shall 
 be submitted to the Visitors at their next succeed- 
 ing meeting and shall be in force till disapproved 
 by the Visitors or repealed by the faculty. 
 
 The Board then adjourned to to-morrow. 
 
 Tuesday, October 4. 
 
 The Board met according to adjournment. Pre- 
 sent the same members as yesterday. 
 
 On complaint from the faculty of certain riotous 
 proceedings of some of the students on the nights 
 of September 30 and October 2, and of insults on 
 some of the professors, the whole of the students 
 were called before the Board of Visitors, they were 
 exhorted to state to the Board the facts which 
 had taken place within their knowledge, whereupon 
 fourteen of them came forward and acknowledged 
 that on the night of the second they had masked 
 and disguised themselves and gone out on the lawn 
 where they had made some noise, but denied they 
 had committed any trespasses or insults on the 
 
474 Jefferson's Works 
 
 professors, and on their engaging to appear before 
 the board of the faculty and to repeat to them the 
 information now given, they were dismissed. 
 
 The Board receives from Messrs. Key and Long 
 a written declaration that in consequence of the 
 transactions which had taken place, and particu- 
 larly of a remonstrance of the day before sub- 
 scribed by sixty-five students, they could no longer 
 remain in their present situations, that they had lost 
 all confidence in the signers of that remonstrance, 
 and cannot and will not meet them again. 
 
 The Board adjourned to to-morrow. 
 
 Wednesday, October 5. 
 
 The Board met according to adjournment. Pre- 
 sent the same members as yesterday. 
 
 Resolved that the 47th enactment be amended; 
 by inserting after the word " chewing" the words 
 "or smoking." 
 
 No student shall appear out of his dormitory 
 masked or disguised in any manner whatever, 
 which may render the recognition of his person 
 more difficult, on pain of suspension or expulsion 
 by the faculty of professors. 
 
 Intoxication shall, for the first offense, be liable 
 to any of the minor punishments, and any repetition 
 of the offence to any of the major punishments. 
 
 Resolved, that the 40th enactment be amended, 
 by inserting after the word " dissipation, " the words 
 "of profane swearing." 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 475 
 
 No person who has been a student at any other 
 incorporated seminary of learning shall be received 
 at this University, but on producing a certificate 
 from such seminary or other satisfactory evidence 
 to the faculty with respect to his general good 
 conduct. 
 
 The professors being charged with the execution 
 of the laws of the University, it becomes their 
 duty to pursue proper means to discover and pre- 
 vent offences. Respect from the student to the 
 professor being at all times due, it is more especially 
 so when the professor is engaged in his duty. Such 
 respect, therefore, is solemnly enjoined on every 
 student, and it is declared and enacted, that if 
 any student refuse his name to a professor, or 
 being required by him to stop, shall fail to do so, 
 or shall be guilty of any other disrespect to a pro- 
 fessor, he shall be liable to any of the punishments, 
 minor or major. 
 
 Resolved, that the compensation to the accountant 
 whom the committee of accounts has employed or 
 may employ at any time be ten dollars a day while 
 employed. 
 
 The act of Congress imposing an additional duty 
 of 15 per cent on works of marble, having been 
 passed after the marble capitals for the portico of 
 the rotunda had been ordered, it is considered as 
 retrospective and unjust, and that it will be proper 
 to apply to Congress for a remission of that portion 
 of duty thereon, as it may be thought by that 
 
47 6 Jefferson's Works 
 
 body but a just encouragement to science to relieve 
 the University from the old as well as new duties 
 on the marbles recently received for the same 
 building, it will be expedient to bond the whole 
 duties for eight months to give time for application 
 to Congress on the subject. And thereupon the 
 members executed the requisite bond in their 
 individual characters, instructing at the same time, 
 the proctor to retain in his hand always a sufficient 
 sum to pay the duties, old and new, if ultimately 
 required. 
 
 Resolved, that 400 copies of a new edition of 
 the enactments of the Board of Visitors for the 
 government of the University be printed, in which 
 the amendments made since the date of each enact- 
 ment shall be incorporated, so that the same shall 
 read in form and substance as now established. 
 
 The Board being of the opinion that so much 
 of the ground of the University as can be con- 
 veniently applied to that purpose, should be laid 
 off in lots for the uses of the professors, the proctor 
 and keepers of the hotels, rent free, but to be enclosed 
 and improved at their expense; therefore, 
 
 Resolved, that the proctor, under the direction 
 of the executive committee, do cause such lots to 
 be laid off, and assigned to the several pavilions 
 and hotels and to the proctor's house. 
 
 Resolved, that on the supposition that the renters 
 of the hotels might reasonably have expected thirty- 
 three boarders for the term, at the rent of 200 dollars 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 477 
 
 (283 days, 200 dollars), in which they have been 
 more or less disappointed, the Board of Visitors 
 deem it just that in consideration of the particular 
 circumstances of the present year an abatement 
 should be made in the rent of each in the propor- 
 tion of the number of boarders each had, and the 
 time of his boarding with them combined. 
 The Board adjourned to to-morrow morning. 
 
 Thursday, October 6. 
 
 The Board met according to adjournment. Pre- 
 sent the same members as yesterday. 
 
 Resolved, that Mr. Johnson, Mr. Cabell, and Mr. 
 Loyall be appointed a committee, whose duty it 
 shall be to consider and enquire what system may 
 be digested for the better government of the Uni- 
 versity; that they be especially charged with the 
 duty of considering how far it may be practicable 
 and prudent to connect with the University a court 
 having cognisance over misdemeanors committed 
 within the precincts of the University, and over 
 those committed by members of the University, 
 within the county of Albemarle, and that they 
 report thereupon to the next meeting of the Visitors. 
 
 Resolved, that for the purpose of receiving the 
 report of the committee appointed by the preceding 
 resolution, and of acting thereupon, and for the 
 transaction of such other business as may then 
 require attention, an extra meeting of the Board 
 be held on the second Monday in December next. 
 
47 8 Jefferson's Works 
 
 A communication from the faculty of professors 
 is received in the following words, to wit: "Uni- 
 versity of Virginia. Ordered, that Wilson Miles 
 Carey having, on the night of the ist instant, resisted 
 the authority of a professor, used violence against 
 him, and excited others to follow his example, and 
 for abusive epithets concerning the said professor, 
 be expelled from the University. Copied from the 
 minutes of the faculty. Robert Dunglison, secre- 
 tary. George Tucker, chairman of the faculty. 
 October 6, 1825." Resolved, that the said sentence 
 is unanimously approved by the Board of Visitors. 
 
 Another communication from the said professors 
 is received in the following words, to wit: " Uni- 
 versity of Virginia. Ordered, that William L. Eyre 
 having, on the night of the ist instant, promoted 
 a riot by repeatedly using indecent and approbrious 
 language respecting some of the professors during 
 the disturbance of the night in question, and having 
 refused to give his name when called upon by two 
 professors, be expelled from the University. Copied 
 from the minutes of the faculty. Robert Dung- 
 lison, secretary. George Tucker, chairman. 1825, 
 October 6." Resolved, that the said sentence is 
 unanimously approved by the Board of Visitors. 
 
 A third communication from the said professors 
 is also received in the following words, to wit : " Uni- 
 versity of Virginia. Ordered, that Robert A. Thomp- 
 son having, on the night of the first instant, armed 
 himself with a stick for the purpose of resisting 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 479 
 
 the authority of two professors, be expelled from 
 the University. Copied from the minutes of the 
 faculty. Robert Dunglison, secretary. George 
 Tucker, chairman. October 6, 1825." Resolved, 
 that the said sentence is approved by the Board of 
 Visitors. 
 
 A letter is received from T. H. Key and George 
 Long in these words, to wit: "To the rector and 
 Visitors of the University of Virginia: Gentlemen, 
 The undersigned professors of the University of 
 Virginia hereby tender to you the resignation of 
 their respective chairs. T. H. Key, George Long. 
 October 6, 1825." 
 
 Resolved, that Chapman Johnson, Joseph C. 
 Cabell and John H. Cocke be a committee to com- 
 municate to Professors Key and Long the objec- 
 tions which occur to the Board to the resignation 
 of their offices as proposed in theirs of this day, 
 and to confer with the said professors on the sub- 
 ject of that letter. 
 
 Resolved, that the said committee do make 
 known to the faculty of professors the proceed- 
 ings which have been had upon their commu- 
 nication of the second day of this month, relative to 
 the disorders in the University, which have lately 
 occurred, and that they also make known to them 
 the names of those students who voluntarily acknow- 
 ledge themselves present and agents in some of the 
 transactions complained of. 
 
 The Board adjourned to to-morrow. 
 
Jefferson's Works 
 
 Friday. October 7, 1825/' 
 
 The Board met according tc adjournment. Pre- 
 sent the same members as yesterday. 
 
 Resolved, that the pre etc r be charged with the 
 duty at all times, as the attorney in fact of the 
 rector and Visiters, of preventing trespasses and 
 intrusions on the property of the University real 
 and personal, and of recovering its possession from 
 any person who shall improperly withhold the 
 same. and. for this purpose, that he institute such 
 legal proceeding as may be proper. It shall also 
 be his duty to lay before the civil authorities, and 
 to communicate to the proper law officer, such 
 information as he may at any time have, and as 
 may be calculated t: prevent or punish breaches 
 of the peace, trespasses and other misdemeanors 
 within the precincts of the University, or com- 
 mitted by students elsewhere, and especially that he 
 take the proper measures to bring the late offenses 
 at the University before the civil authorities. 
 
 A motion was made in the following words, to 
 wit: "After the present year, the annual vacation 
 shall commence on the 1st of August and terminate 
 on the 14th of September. There may, moreover, 
 be allowed a recess of all the schools for two weeks 
 at Christmas. This regulation curtailing the next 
 session to six- tenths of the usual length, the fees 
 of the students for that session shall be reduced 
 accordingly. But this resolution shall be suspended 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 481 
 
 till approved by all the professors. And the said 
 motion was ordered to be laid on the table. 
 
 Resolved, that the Board of Visitors do not 
 accept the resignation of the chairs of Professors 
 T. H. Key and George Long. The proctor is 
 requested to communicate this resolution to those 
 gentlemen. 
 
 Resolved, that in case of vacancy in the office of 
 any professor happening during the recess of this 
 Board, it shall be lawful for the executive committee 
 to make such temporary arrangement for dis- 
 charging the duties of the vacant chair as they 
 deem expedient; provided that such arrangement 
 be not for a longer time than the next meeting of 
 the Board. If such vacancy shall involve the 
 breach of contract on the part of any professor, 
 the proctor shall be required to cause an action 
 of covenant, or other proper action, to be brought 
 upon the contract, unless the executive committee 
 shall deem it inexpedient. 
 
 A form of a report, as annually required to be 
 made to the president and directors of the Literary 
 Fund, on the funds and condition of the Univer- 
 sity, was then proposed, amended, and agreed, in 
 the following words: 
 
 To the president and directors of the Literary 
 Fund: 
 
 In obedience to the law requiring that the rector 
 and Visitors of the University of Virginia should 
 make a report annually to the president and direc- 
 
 VOL. XIX — 31 
 
482 Jefferson's Works 
 
 tors of the Literary Fund (to be laid before the 
 legislature at their next succeeding session), embrac- 
 ing a full account of the disbursements, the funds 
 on hand, and a general statement of the condition 
 of the said University, the said rector and Visitors 
 make the following report; 
 
 That which was rendered on the 5 th of October 
 of the last year informed the president and directors 
 of the Literary Fund of the state of preparation 
 to which we were then advanced towards getting 
 the institution into actual operation, of the measures 
 taken for procuring professors for the several schools, 
 for purchasing some books and apparatus, and of 
 the ground of hope then existing that it might 
 be actually opened on the 1st day of February, 
 then next ensuing. It was not, however, until the 
 7th of March that the professors of ancient and 
 modern languages, of mathematics, of natural phil- 
 osophy and of anatomy and medicine, being in 
 place, the institution was opened, and put into 
 operation. Professors of the schools of moral phil- 
 osophy and natural history were received at short 
 intervals afterwards; but no satisfactory engage- 
 ment having been effected, till lately, of a professor 
 for the chair of law, that school has not yet been 
 opened, nor is it decided whether it will be most 
 eligible to put it into operation at this advanced 
 season of the year, or to await the beginning of 
 the term in February next. The commencement 
 on the 7th of March was with about forty students, 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 483 
 
 others continued to arrive from day to day at first, 
 and from week to week since, and the whole number 
 matriculated on the last day of the last month 
 of September was 116. Few more can be expected 
 during the present term, which closes on the 15th 
 of December next. And the state of the schools 
 on the same day was as follows: 
 
 In the school of ancient languages were 5 5 scholars ; 
 modern languages, 64; mathematics, 68; natural 
 philosophy, 33; natural history, 30; anatomy and 
 medicine, 20; moral philosophy, 14. 
 
 From the information received from different 
 quarters we have reason to expect a large accession 
 to our numbers at the commencement of the next 
 term. The dormitories now provided can accom- 
 modate 218 students, the neighboring town of 
 Charlottesville perhaps fifty more. But should 
 more be offered they could not be received. Ex- 
 boarders, too, will labor under serious disadvantages, 
 as, besides increased opportunities of relaxed order, 
 they must lose the use of the library, the books 
 of which cannot be permitted to be carried out 
 of the precincts of the University. 
 
 A printed copy of the statutes and regulations 
 enacted by the Board of Visitors for the govern- 
 ment of the University is now communicated. 
 We have thought it peculiarly requisite to leave 
 to the civil magistrate the restraint and punish- 
 ment of all offences which come within the ordinary 
 cognisance of the laws. At the age of sixteen, the 
 
4^4 Jefferson's Works 
 
 earliest period of admission into the University, 
 habits of obedience to the laws become a proper 
 part of education and practice. The minor pro- 
 visions and irregularities alone (unnoticed by the 
 laws of the land) are the peculiar subjects of aca- 
 demical authority. No system of these provisions 
 has ever yet prevented all disorder. Those first 
 provided by this Board were founded on the prin- 
 ciples of avoiding too much government, of not 
 multiplying occasions of coercion, by erecting indif- 
 ferent actions into things of offense, and of leaving 
 room to the student for habitually exercising his 
 own discretion. But experience has already proved 
 that stricter provisions are necessary for the pres- 
 ervation of order. That coercion must be resorted 
 to where confidence has been disappointed. We 
 have accordingly, at the present session, consider- 
 ably amended and enlarged the scope of our former 
 system of regulations, and we shall proceed in the 
 duties of tightening or relaxing the reins of govern- 
 ment as experience shall instruct us in the progress 
 of the institution; and we are not certain that the 
 further aid of the legislature itself will not be neces- 
 sary to enable the authorities of the institution to 
 interpose, in some cases, with more promptitude, 
 energy and effect than is permitted by the laws as 
 they stand at present. 
 
 The lands heretofore purchased for the use of the 
 University, consisted of two parcels, about a half 
 mile distant the one from the other; the one of 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 485 
 
 153 acres, comprehending a small mountain, pecu- 
 liarly adapted, and important to be secured, for 
 the purpose of an observatory, whenever the 
 future advance of circumstances may render such 
 an establishment desirable. The other of 107.8 
 acres, made up of several small purchases, which 
 constitute the site of the University itself. Between 
 these is a parcel of 132 acres, which, besides the 
 consolidation of these possessions, and other and 
 great conveniences offered by it, lies in the way 
 of the water necessary for the supply of the estab- 
 lishment, which is brought in pipes, through it, 
 from the high lands to the site of the University. 
 From the benefit of this communication we were 
 liable to be cut off, at any moment, by the owner 
 of this parcel of lands. It was lately offered to us, 
 and at a price thought reasonable, to wit, at fifty 
 dollars the acre. We had, several years ago, paid 
 forty dollars for the parcel adjacent on one side, 
 and one hundred dollars the acre had been given 
 by an individual for a large parcel adjacent on 
 another side. The consideration that the purchase 
 would so far lessen the funds for finishing the 
 rotunda, called certainly for serious hesitation. 
 But the supply of water indispensable to the estab- 
 lishment, the irrecoverable loss of it, if sold out 
 to individuals in lots, as proposed by the proprietor, 
 made it, in our view, an over-ruling duty to secure 
 the University so irreparable an injury, and we 
 concluded the purchase. This now gives to the 
 
Jefferson's Works 
 
 institution a tract of nearly four hundred :::es 
 beyond the limits of which it has nothing to desire. 
 
 Trie last renert stated that, in addition to the 
 sum of 19,370 dollars 40J cents which had been 
 paid or provided towards the bunding called the 
 rerun da. there were still remaining, cf the general 
 funds a sun: of about 21,000 dollars applicable to 
 that bunding: that this sum, although not sufficient 
 to finish it, would put it into a state of safety, and 
 of some uses, until other and more pressing objects 
 sheuld have been aecrmrhshed. It has been indis- 
 pensable to finish the circular room, destined for 
 the reception of the books ; because, once deposited 
 in their places, the removing them for any finishing 
 which might be left to be dene hereafter, would 
 be inadvisable. That has. there:: re. been carried 
 on actively, and we trust will be ready in time for 
 the recertirn e: the bocks. The ether apartments 
 of indispensable use were, two for a chemical labor- 
 atcry. ene ::r a n:useun: c: natural histery, and 
 one for examinations, for accesscry schools, and 
 ether ass::ia:ei rumises. An additienal building, 
 too, for anatomical dissections, and other kindred 
 uses, was beeeme necessary. We are endeavoring 
 to put these into a bare state for use, although 
 with seme ieerardy as :: :he competence of the 
 
 - ~ ^ . 
 
 On representation to the General Government of 
 the interest which the legislature of Virginia had 
 given to their University in certain claims then 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 487 
 
 depending between them, of the great disadvan- 
 tages under which that institution must labor, 
 without the books and apparatus which this dona- 
 tion was to supply, that government did not hesitate 
 to aid us with an advance, on account, of such 
 a sum as might cover that given to the University. 
 A catalogue of books for the library was thereupon 
 prepared, an agent employed to purchase them, 
 wherever they could be obtained cheapest and best, 
 and a sum of 18,000 dollars for this purpose was 
 placed at his disposal. A previous sum of 7,677 
 dollars 81 cents had been advanced by the general 
 fund for the purchase of books and apparatus of 
 immediate necessity; and a sum of 6,000 dollars 
 appropriated on loan towards preparing the room 
 in the rotunda destined for a library, making 
 together 31,677 dollars 81 cents for the purchase 
 of a philosophical apparatus, a sum of 6,000 dollars 
 was deposited in London (having cost here 6,300 
 dollars). A list of the proper articles, and their 
 selection and purchase were committed to a char- 
 acter there highly qualified for the execution of 
 the charge, and another sum of 3,000 dollars was 
 deposited in London (having cost here 3,157 dollars 
 50 cents) for the acquisition of articles necessary 
 for the anatomical school, which, with 500 dollars 
 paid for a chemical apparatus, and 289 dollars 58 
 cents for transportation and other miscellaneous 
 expenses, amount to 41,924 dollars 89 cents, leaving 
 a balance of 8,075 dollars 11 cents for defraying 
 
488 Jefferson's Works 
 
 incidental expenses, which will be considerable. 
 A good proportion of these articles we are in hopes 
 to receive this autumn, and the residue in the 
 ensuing spring. Some donations of mineral collec- 
 tions have already been received, others destined 
 for the University are known of, and it is believed 
 we shall, in this way, be supplied sufficiently for 
 all the purposes of education. Much, too, may be 
 expected from the future industry of the alumni 
 themselves of the University, when they shall have 
 entered on the active business of life. 
 
 The receipts by the collector of arrearages of 
 subscriptions since the date of our last report have 
 amounted to 2,734 dollars 89 cents, and the balance 
 still to be expected is 4,306.53^, leaving a sum of 
 4,500 dollars desperate as is believed. 
 
 The accounts of the receipts, disbursements and 
 funds on hand for the year ending with the late 
 month of September, as rendered by the bursar 
 and proctor, are given with this report, as is required 
 by law. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector of the University. 
 The Board then adjourned to the second Monday 
 of December next. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 October 7, 1825. 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University 
 of Virginia, held at the said University, on Monday 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 489 
 
 the 3d and Tuesday the 4th of April, 1826, at which 
 were present, Thomas Jefferson, Joseph C. Cabell, 
 John H. Cocke, Chapman Johnson and James Madi- 
 son, the following proceedings were had: 
 
 There shall be established in the University a 
 dispensary, which shall be attached to the medical 
 school, and shall be under the sole direction and 
 government of the professor of medicine, who shall 
 attend personally at the anatomical theatre, or 
 such other place as he shall notify, from half after 
 one to two o'clock on every Tuesday, Thursday 
 and Saturday, for the purpose of dispensing medical 
 advice, vaccination, and aid in surgical cases of 
 ordinary occurrence, to applicants needing them. 
 
 All poor, free persons, disordered in body, topi- 
 cally or generally, and applying for advice, shall 
 receive it gratis; all others, bond or free, shall 
 receive it on payment of half a dollar at each atten- 
 dance, for the use of the institution, and all persons 
 shall be vaccinated gratis, and the students par- 
 ticularly shall be encouraged to be so, as a protection 
 to the institution against the malady of the small-pox. 
 
 The students of the medical school shall be 
 permitted to attend with the professor, to examine 
 the patients by the pulse, and other indications 
 of disease, ask of them such questions as the pro- 
 fessor shall think pertinent and shall permit, and 
 to acquire practical knowledge of the processes of 
 pharmacy by taking a part in the preparation of 
 medicines. 
 
49° Jefferson's Works 
 
 The moneys so received shall be applied to the 
 providing and keeping up of a proper and sufficient 
 stock of medicines and salves, to the procuring 
 surgical instruments for ordinary operations, and 
 to defraying other expenses necessary for the 
 institution. For the first stock of medicines, and 
 for necessary instruments, money shall be advanced 
 from the funds of the University to be reimbursed 
 from the receipts of the dispensary. 
 
 Notice of this enactment shall be inserted in 
 the first Central Gazette of each month till dis- 
 continued by order of the executive committee, 
 for the purpose of keeping under constant notice, 
 all those who may wish to avail themselves of the 
 benefits of the institution. Passed April 4, 1826. 
 
 In order that the several schools may participate 
 equally of the conveniences and inconveniences of 
 early and late hours, on and after the 1st day of 
 July next (and without any change in their respec- 
 tive days of duty) there shall be an advance of 
 two hours in the times of the day for opening and 
 closing the three earlier schools of the day, and 
 that now latest shall take the earliest hours of its 
 day, which shall continue until the 1st of February 
 following, when there shall again be a similar 
 advance and change of two hours. And like changes 
 shall continue to be made, on the same days in 
 every year after. Passed April 4, 1826. 
 
 The 43d enactment of the rector and Visitors 
 shall be amended by striking therefrom the follow- 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 49 1 
 
 ing words in the second line thereof, viz., " within 
 the precincts," and hereafter shall be interpreted 
 and executed as if these words were not therein. 
 
 Resolved, that there be established the office 
 of president of the University, with a salary of 
 1,500 dollars per annum, to be paid out of the 
 annuity of the University, in the manner in which 
 the salaries of the professors are paid. 
 
 The president shall be the executive officer of 
 the University, and as such, charged with a general 
 superintendence of the execution of all laws made 
 for its government. 
 
 • The proctor and all subordinate agents shall be 
 subject to his control and direction in the execution 
 of their respective duties. 
 
 He shall convene the faculty whenever he may 
 think the interests of the institution require it, 
 and whenever else any two professors shall request it. 
 
 He shall preside at all the meetings of the faculty, 
 when present, and having a vote as professor, he 
 shall have a casting vote as president, when the 
 votes of the professors, pro and con, are equally 
 divided. 
 
 In his absence from the meetings of the faculty 
 a chairman pro tempore shall be appointed. In 
 the absence of the president from the University, 
 and in case of his disability by sickness, or other- 
 wise, the faculty may be convened, and may act 
 as at present. 
 
 When the president shall believe that a student 
 
49 2 Jefferson's Works 
 
 has committed any offence requiring trial before 
 the faculty, he shall have power to suspend such 
 student, and in case of emergency, forbid him 
 access within the precincts, till a board can be 
 convened for his trial; provided that no such 
 suspension or restraint shall be for a longer time 
 than two weeks, if a board can be convened within 
 that time. Any student violating the order of a 
 president, made pursuant to the authority hereby 
 vested in him, shall be deemed guilty of contumacy 
 and punished accordingly. 
 
 Resolved, that William Wirt, at present Attorney- 
 General of the United States, be appointed president 
 of the University and professor of law; and that 
 if he declines the appointment, the resolution 
 establishing the office of president be null and void. 
 
 If the appointment hereby made shall be accepted, 
 the professor will be expected to enter on the duties 
 of his office as soon as his convenience will allow, 
 not later, however, than the commencement of the 
 next session. 
 
 From the enactments establishing the office of 
 president, the rector dissented. His dissent is 
 ordered to be entered in the journal, and is in the 
 words following: 
 
 The subscriber, rector of the University, fully 
 and expressly concurring in the appointment of 
 Wilh* am Wirt to the professor of the school of law, 
 dissents from, and protests against, so much of 
 these enactments as go to the establishment of 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 493 
 
 the office of president of the University, for these 
 reasons : 
 
 1. Because the law establishing the University, 
 delineating the organization of the authorities by 
 which it should be directed and governed, and 
 placing at its head a Board of rector and Visitors, 
 has enumerated with great precision the special 
 powers it meant to give to that Board, in which 
 enumeration is not. to be found that of creating a 
 president, making him a member of the faculty 
 of professors, and with controlling powers over 
 that faculty; and it is not conceivable that, while 
 descending, in their enumeration to give specially 
 the power of appointing officers of the minutest 
 grade, they should have omitted to name him of 
 the highest, who was to govern and preside over 
 the whole. If this is not among the enumerated 
 powers, it is believed it cannot be legitimately 
 inferred, by construction, from the words giving 
 a general authority to do all things expedient for 
 promoting the purposes of the institution; for, so 
 construed, it would render nugatory the whole 
 enumeration, and confer on the Board powers 
 unrestrained within any limits. 
 
 2. Because he is of opinion that every function 
 ascribed to the president by this enactment, can 
 be performed, and is now as well performed by the 
 faculty, as now established by law. 
 
 3. Because we owe debts at this time of at 
 least 11,000 dollars beyond what can be paid by 
 
494 
 
 Jefferson's Works 
 
 any means we have in possession, or may command 
 within any definite period of time; and fixes on 
 us permanently an additional expense of 15,000 
 dollars a year. 
 
 4. Because he thinks that so fundamental a 
 change in the organization of the institution ought 
 not to be made by a thin Board, two of the seven 
 constituting it, being now absent. 
 
 For these reasons the subscriber protests against 
 both the expedience and the validity of the estab- 
 lishment of this office. 
 
 Th. Jefferson. 
 
 Resolved, that John Taylor Lomax be appointed 
 professor of law to the University in case the appont- 
 ment shall be declined by Mr. Wirt. 
 
 The appointment of William Wertenbaker a 
 librarian to the University, is approved and con- 
 firmed. 
 
 Resolved, that it is proper to exclude students 
 from the library room, except in cases in which 
 the faculty may authorize their admission. 
 
 Resolved, that the proctor be instructed to take 
 proper measures to have prosecutions instituted 
 against D. S. Mosby and Thomas Draffin, for viola- 
 tions of the law concerning ordinaries and tippling 
 houses, and to have their licenses revoked, if any 
 they have. That it be also the duty of the proctor 
 to have likewise proceedings instituted against 
 other such offenders, if any should be at any time 
 known to him. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 495 
 
 To enable the proctor to perform this and other 
 duties requiring proceedings in court, he shall be 
 authorized to employ counsel for the University, 
 and pay him reasonable fees. 
 
 It being suggested to the Board that a young 
 man named Robert Beverly abiding for the time 
 in the town of Charlottesville, habitually indulges 
 habits of intemperance and disorder, violating the 
 laws of the land, setting an evil example to the 
 students, and seducing them from their duties, and 
 the Visitors deeming it their duty to procure the 
 punishment of such offences in order that the 
 offender and his example may be removed, therefore, 
 
 Resolved, that the proctor be instructed to give 
 information to the attorney for the Commonwealth 
 for the county court, and superior court of law for 
 Albemarle, and to take such measures as either of 
 the said attorneys shall advise, for binding the said 
 Robert Beverly to his good behavior, and for 
 punishing his violations of the law. 
 
 Resolved, that the proctor be instructed to 
 consult with the attorney for the Commonwealth 
 for the superior court, and take such measures as 
 may be proper to continue the prosecutions com- 
 menced against Philip Clayton and William L. 
 Eyre, late students of the University, or to institute 
 new prosecutions if necessary. 
 
 It is especially enjoined on the proctor to make 
 vigilant enquiry into the violence lately offered to 
 the house of Professor Emmet, and the wall of 
 
496 Jefferson's Works 
 
 Professor Blaetterman's garden, and to endeavor to 
 bring the offenders before the civil authorities. 
 
 Resolved, that students heretofore or hereafter 
 expelled from the University, shall be absolutely 
 inhibited from coming in its precincts for the period 
 of five years after such expulsion, unless by leave 
 of some professor; and if any such expelled student 
 shall come within the precincts in violation of this 
 resolution, it shall be the duty of the proctor to 
 warn him off, and if he do not depart, or after- 
 wards returns, the proctor shall consult with the 
 attorney employed for the University, and take 
 such measures as the law will allow for punishing 
 the offense, and preventing its repetition. 
 
 The keepers of the hotels are expected to be 
 men of discretion and firmness, willing at all times 
 to co-operate with the faculty and Visitors in 
 executing the laws of the institution; it is, there- 
 fore, at present recommended to them as proper, 
 and after the existing leases expire, it is expressly 
 enjoined upon them as a duty, that they shall 
 whenever called on, either by the Visitors, or by 
 the faculty, freely give evidence upon honor, of 
 all matters within their knowledge, touching the 
 conduct of the students. 
 
 In all future leases of the hotels the proctor is 
 required to insert an express covenant that the 
 tenant shall, during the continuance of the lease, 
 conform to the laws of the institution existing at 
 the date of the lease, and a condition that for the 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 497 
 
 wilful violation of such law the lease shall be void, 
 and the tenant removed or continued on special 
 conditions, as provided by the eighty-fourth enact- 
 ment. 
 
 No student boarding at any hotel, shall be allowed 
 to change his boarding-house till the end of the 
 session, without permission from the faculty. 
 
 Hacks and other carriages let on hire shall be 
 admitted within the precincts of the University 
 only under such regulations as shall be prescribed 
 by the faculty. 
 
 The executive committee are required to provide 
 for lighting the University, if it can be effectually 
 done at a reasonable expense. 
 
 The proctor is required to keep the drains in the 
 grounds of the University always free from obstruc- 
 tion, and to construct such others as the executive 
 committee may direct. 
 
 If the duties on the imported marble should be 
 remitted by Congress, the executive committee are 
 authorized to procure a clock and bell for the use 
 of the University. 
 
 That part of the communication of the faculty 
 respecting the procurement of books for the students, 
 is referred to the executive committee, who are 
 requested to investigate the subject, and take such 
 measures as they may find expedient to obviate 
 the evils complained of. 
 
 The list of periodical publications furnished by 
 the faculty, being approved by the Board, the 
 
 VOL. XIX — 32 
 
49 8 Jefferson's Works 
 
 rector is requested to forward a copy thereof to 
 Mr. Hilliard, and to require him to furnish them 
 to the University annually, till the further order 
 of the Board. 
 
 The expulsion of Philip Clayton from the Univer- 
 sity by an order of the faculty, made on the 14th 
 of October last, is approved and confirmed by this 
 Board. 
 
 The expulsion of William Lewis Cabell, by an 
 order of the faculty made on the 30th of January 
 last, is also approved and confirmed. 
 
 The Board having received a communication 
 from the professors of medicine and ancient 
 languages on the subject of diplomas, on which 
 they are not prepared to act definitely, the faculty 
 are invited to take under their consideration the 
 subject of diplomas and premiums for literary merit, 
 and to report to the Visitors at their meeting next 
 autumn, such alterations in the enactments on that 
 subject as they may deem expedient. 
 
 The communication of the faculty, on the sub- 
 ject of police, is referred to the committee raised 
 at the last meeting of the Board, and charged with 
 the duty of digesting and reporting a system for 
 the better government of the University; and that 
 committee is required to report to the Board at 
 their next meeting. 
 
 The Board adjourns without day. 
 
 Th. Jefferson, Rector. 
 
 April 7, 1826. 
 
Supplementary Manuscripts 499 
 
 At a meeting of the Visitors of the University of 
 Virginia, held at the University on Monday, October 
 2d, 1826, at which were present James Madison, 
 James Breckenridge, Joseph C. Cabell, John H. 
 Cocke, Chapman Johnson and James Monroe. 
 
 The Board being apprised of the death of Thomas 
 Jefferson, rector, proceeded to fill the vacancy in 
 that office, and James Madison was elected.