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    The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, Volume 8: 1 October 1814 to 31 August 1815
    The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, Volume 8: 1 October 1814 to 31 August 1815
    The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, Volume 8: 1 October 1814 to 31 August 1815
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    The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, Volume 8: 1 October 1814 to 31 August 1815

    By Thomas Jefferson and J. Jefferson Looney

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    Volume Eight of the project documenting Thomas Jefferson's last years presents 591 documents dated from 1 October 1814 to 31 August 1815. Jefferson is overjoyed by American victories late in the War of 1812 and highly interested in the treaty negotiations that ultimately end the conflict. Following Congress's decision to purchase his library, he oversees the counting, packing, and transportation of his books to Washington. Jefferson uses most of the funds from the sale to pay old debts but spends some of the proceeds on new titles. He resigns from the presidency of the American Philosophical Society, revises draft chapters of Louis H. Girardin's history of Virginia, and advises William Wirt on revolutionary-era Stamp Act resolutions. Jefferson criticizes those who discuss politics from the pulpit, and he drafts a bill to transform the Albemarle Academy into Central College. Monticello visitors Francis W. Gilmer, Francis C. Gray, and George Ticknor describe the mountaintop and its inhabitants, and Gray's visit leads to an exchange with Jefferson about how many generations of white interbreeding it takes to clear Negro blood. Finally, although death takes his nephew Peter Carr and brother Randolph Jefferson, the marriage of his grandson Thomas Jefferson Randolph is a continuing source of great happiness.

    Some images inside the book are unavailable due to digital copyright restrictions.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPrinceton University Press
    Release dateJan 29, 2012
    ISBN9781400840045
    The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, Volume 8: 1 October 1814 to 31 August 1815
    Author

    Thomas Jefferson

    Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd president of the United States. William Peden is professor emeritus of English at the University of Missouri.

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    • 5/5
      What can be more interesting in terms of history as well as autobiography than reading letters and essays, notes and musings of great men, preserved to teach generations to come. This series is very well edited and beautifully bound, and we are looking forward to using these in homeschooling too.

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    The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, Volume 8 - Thomas Jefferson

    From Johannes Vonderpuff

    Missouri, October 1, 1814.

    DEAR SIR—

    I have a library of books which I should be glad to sell. It consists of about 5000 volumes, selected with care and caution. Various projects had occured to me to effect this object, but none has appeared free of objection. One feels awkwardly¹ to be hawking his commodities about streets, and to send such a quantity of books to auction and hire a master of the arts, which there succeed to puff them off with the prevalent common-place slang, seems not quite consistent with those delicate feelings which should govern high-minded men. At the same time, the object is interesting, and if an old man can turn his old books into cash, just as he has done with them and the world, at a good price, and especially if a great portion of them were presents to him, (which, inter nos, you know is the fact with yours and mine), it would be quite a handsome speculation, and save his executors much trouble.

    Observing that you have, in one of your lucky moments, (and I never knew a man who has had more such moments) hit upon a project entirely new, and seeing that it is very popular, I wish to know if you cannot, in a second application to Congress, through some republican friend, aid me.

    My grand father, my father and my self, have employed much time in the last century and in this, in making the collection, so that it may be considered as the acquisition of nearly one hundred years labour. Many of my books are rare, most of them elegant and all inestimable.

    A considerable part of the works are in the Sanscrit, Coptic, Celtic and Arabic tongues. These can be translated, if it is thought proper, at little expence, though I should prefer that they should remain as written, and would respectfully recommend that Congress should immediately employ a competent number of Professors to teach the members of that honorable body those languages. I am aware that there is not now so much "surplus revenue" as there was under your glorious administration (owing² to the war which the vandalism of Great Britain has produced,) yet stock may be created sufficient for their salaries and contingent funds. I hope I shall not be tho’t, by this, to wish to see the undefined field of contingencies opened again, if they have ever been closed.

    My grand father was a dutch merchant, and spent all his time, while resident in Amsterdam, except what was employed in smoaking, in the principal book marts, laying aside all the works of genius and taste which that country produced. The treatises there obtained are chiefly devoted to music, painting and poetry. My father and I have passed much time in both the Indies, and have occasionally visited almost all the enlightened parts of each. Our intercourse was not confined to those regions, but has been extended from Kamschatka to Buenos Ayres. A propensity for curious books, in every science, being incident to the family, it will not be thought vain in me to declare that this library is exceeded only by yours.

    Being now nearly eighty years of age, and having no children, to whom my estate can descend, and not finding much time for reading, I should be much pleased to turn these books into cash. A few of them however, I wish to retain for my own use after they shall be sold, taking care to see, after I am dead, that they be safely transmitted to Washington. Those of this description are Vanderhuyden’s poetical works, in 16 volumes, with notes, critical and explanatory, by Mynheer Van Tromp, dedicated to Admiral Ruyter, who went up the English channel, as mentioned in your letter. Also, a new edition, greatly enlarged, of Robinson Crusoe, in 7 volumes, bound in calf, containing full length portraits of that great traveller and his man Friday, with exact drawings of their working tools and other implements, with facsimiles of their handwriting.³ Also, the whole works of Thomas Paine, your old friend, who has already received his reward in the thankfulness of nations, consisting of his invaluable discoveries in moral, political and theological science. Those copies, (I believe I have only thirty different editions) with those included in your proposals, and the various editions of Hobbes and Spinosa, those learned and virtuous men, will be sufficient, in that peculiarly charming part of theology, for the Congressional library.

    As to the price, I shall leave it entirely to the liberality of congress, not wishing to be my own judge, and believing, inter nos, that by thus reposing on their generosity, the books will sell at from 50 to 100 per cent, higher than in any other conceivable mode.

    To promote the bargain, I wish you to suggest, at the outset of your letter, that I hate, abhor and detest with all my soul, strength and understanding, the whole British nation; that I consider every Englishman, except those who have been naturalized, here (and them, I sincerely love) a thief, liar, poltroon, robber, murderer, assassin, traitor, and that every man, woman and child ought to be hung, imbowelled, impaled, or broken on a wheel. In fine, that the character of that people is justly pourtrayed in a late Washington City Gazette, a paper which is second only to the National Intelligencer, and Binns’s Democratic Press, for truth and wisdom; I am aware that such an introduction to a letter, proposing, merely to sell books is rather unusual, but I see you have resorted to it, and I think very wisely. People are to be treated according to their prejudices and partialities, and I have witnessed your success with them, by those means, in your splendid career from your inaugural address, through dry docks, gun boats, and salt mountains down to that most august measure, the Embargo.

    I intended to have furnished you with an elegant catalogue of my library, that it might have been open to inspection; but am now wholly occupied in furnishing a drawing of the Capitol and President’s House, while on fire, with Mr. M. mounted on a fleet charger, and in full speed flying to a place of safety, from the vandalism of the enemy, and capt. Jones, with a boatswain’s whistle, calling all hands to burn the Navy Yard, and the frigate on the stocks to prevent them from being carried away by the Cossacks.

    I will however, mention a few of the great number of books, and give you a sketch of the character of the whole.

    There are entire sets of the works of all the atheistical writers in every age and nation and tongue, superbly bound and lettered. Forty different editions of the Bible, thirty nine of which are in the Arabic, and one in the Hebrew Idiom; these are as good as when they came from the hands of the book binder. A very learned treatise in ten volumes quarto, on the nature, properties, and uses of the animal called tad-pole, stiled vulgarly, Polly-wangs, with an appendix in three volumes; on the toad of Caffrania. The whole of these, I have caused to be translated into six different languages. There is also an elaborate and voluminous account of the terrapin, some times called mudturtle, written by the author of sundry ingenious disquisitions on gun boats and dry docks, in modern French—An essay on free trade and sailors’ rights, by a citizen of Algiers, bound in morocco with a copious appendix on allegiance. In this will be found a great part of the instructions given to the American ministers at Petersburgh and at Ghent. It is embellished with striking likenesses of John Henry and the Duke de Crillon. Also, a new edition in seven volumes folio, on the Russian climate, and its effect on Frenchmen, French horses and American politics, with very learned notes by his Excellency Jonathan Russell, late charge de affaires at the Court of St. James, now minister Plenipotentiary at London, Envoy Extraordinary at Gottenburgh and Ghent, otherwise called Jonathan Russell, Esq. of Providence, Trader.—This book is dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte living at Elba, it went thro’ six editions at Ghent in 4 months. A treatise on Treasury notes, Banks and paper money, bound in calf, with a splendid title page, by Jacob Barker, superintendant general of the Finances of the United States and first Lord of the Treasury. A work of great worth, written in Persian, on the grass hopper of the east, delineating, with entire accuracy, the size of his legs in different regions of that extensive country, with a copious appendix containing the whole learning on the subject of that highly curious animal called the weasel.

    A complete system of Ornithology, giving an account of every flying creature, from the insect of a day to the whip poor-will, the night hawk and the crane, in blank verse, by Inchiquin, translated from the Italian into the Sclavonic, by a learned foreigner, comprized in 13 volumes folio.

    Of the whole collection, I take the liberty of saying, that it has been made with a particular view to the promotion of genuine republicanism, and the true orthodoxy in matters of faith of regenerated France, as set forth by those great Apostles, Diderot,⁴ De Lambre, Paine and Godwin. The books are in excellent order, many of them truly elegant. Not a syllable could be taken from them without prejudice to the rest, as all the arts and sciences have a certain natural connection. I cannot consent to see my library gerry-mandered, for though such procedures are proper to promote democracy, which you know is the chief end of man, yet they are not admissible in cases like the present. I must sell the whole or none. Ten waggons would carry the whole from my residence, which is only 200 miles up the Missouri, in the vicinity of our red brethren, the allies of England, to Washington, in a short space of time.

    If it should be objected, that four-fifths of this library are in foreign languages, and of course, unintelligible by nine-tenths of the members of congress, I would reply that such an objection can come only from short-sighted men. The enlightened philosopher looks to the present war, which we have so wisely and righteously waged, as terminating not only in the everlasting establishment upon an eternal basis of free trade and sailors’ rights, (and if it should not so issue, we can make another war at any time) but also in the conquest of immeasurable regions to the north west and south, and to the day when the representatives of this country, will be composed of all people, nations & languages under the whole Heavens. Accept the assurances of my high consideration.

    JOHANNES VONDERPUFF.

    Printed in the Georgetown Federal Republican, 18 Oct. 1814; at head of text: "TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, ESQ. Late President of the United States"; dateline at foot of text.

    The pseudonymous Vonderpuff’s satirical communication was probably created solely for journalistic purposes. It is not recorded in SJL and may never have been seen by TJ. The piece is framed as a direct response to TJ’s much-publicized second letter to Samuel H. Smith of 21 Sept. 1814, wherein the ex-president comments on British VANDALISM, mentions his search for titles in all the principal book marts of Europe, expresses the desire that he be allowed to retain a portion of his library even after its sale, refers to Dutch admiral Michiel Adriaanszoon de Ruyter’s 1667 voyage up the Thames River, requests that Congress set the price for the books, and insists that his library be purchased in toto or not at all.

    TJ remarks on the UNDEFINED FIELD OF CONTINGENCIES in his 8 Dec. 1801 annual message to Congress (PTJ, 36:52–67, quote on p. 61). Vonderpuff’s revelation that he had NO CHILDREN, TO WHOM MY ESTATE CAN DESCEND, is perhaps an allusion to TJ’s reputed children by his slave Sally Hemings. MYNHEER is a Dutch title of respect meaning Sir or Mr. TJ included a variant of the phrase WHO HAS ALREADY RECEIVED HIS REWARD IN THE THANKFULNESS OF NATIONS in his letter to Thomas Paine of 18 Mar. 1801 (PTJ, 33:358–9). His first INAUGURAL ADDRESS is printed in PTJ, 33:134–52.

    The reference to SALT MOUNTAINS is explained in note to TJ to Benjamin Waterhouse, 9 Mar. 1813. MR. M. was President James Madison, while CAPT. JONES was Secretary of the Navy William Jones. Kaffraria (CAFFRANIA) is in the present-day Republic of South Africa. The popular slogan FREE TRADE AND SAILORS’ RIGHTS was often used by those supporting the war against Great Britain (Malcomson, Historical Dictionary, 194).

    The RUSSIAN CLIMATE helped defeat Napoleon’s Grande Armée in 1812 (David G. Chandler, The Campaigns of Napoleon [1966], 858–9). Following his fall from power in April 1814, Napoleon was exiled to the Mediterranean island of ELBA (Felix Markham, Napoleon [1963], 217). The question What is the CHIEF END OF MAN? had long been a part of the standard Anglican catechism (The Humble Advice Of the Assembly of Divines, Now by Authority of Parliament sitting at Westminster, Concerning A Larger Catechism [London, 1647], 3; The Shorter Catcehism, composed by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster [Philadelphia, 1814], 11). OF ALL PEOPLE, NATIONS & LANGUAGES UNDER THE WHOLE HEAVENS combines phrases found in various books of the Bible (see, for instance, Genesis 7.19, Daniel 7.14, 27, Revelation 10.11).

    ¹ Printed text: aukwardly.

    ² Printed text: owning.

    ³ Printed text: hands writing.

    ⁴ Printed text: Diduot.

    From Joseph Delaplaine

    Philadelphia October 3d 1814

    DEAR SIR,

    I duly received your favour of the 28h of August, enclosing your outline of the engraved portrait of Columbus [in the?] work of De Bry.

    I beg you to accept my sincere thanks for your kindness in giving me such satisfactory information respecting the authenticity of the Portraits of Columbus. I will avail myself of it & when an opportunity occurs will cause a drawing to be taken from the picture in your possession.

    I would have had the pleasure of replying to your favour earlier, but I have been waiting for a reply to my letter to Mr Stuart on the subject of your portrait, in the hope of giving you a favourable account of the result of our respective applications to him. I am sorry, very sorry, to inform you that he has not even noticed my letter.

    I am anxious to have an engraving of your portrait, & I beg of you to consider what steps you will take for the accomplishment of this object.

    Others, it is well known, have been treated by Mr Stuart precisely in the same manner, and many gentlemen are impressed with a perfect belief that neither you nor myself, will ever be able to prevail upon him to place in your hands that which is your own & which it is so unjust to with-hold.

    I should greatly regret to be compelled to suspend my work, in consequence of not receiving your portrait, and I therefore take the liberty of knowing from you whether you will authorize me by power of Attorney to obtain it.

    I enclose you an engraved portrait of the President & request your opinion of it.

    Hoping to receive an early answer, I remain

    Dear sir, with great regard your very obed. sevt

    JOSEPH DELAPLAINE

    RC (DLC); torn at seal; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL. RC (NHi: Thomas Jefferson Papers); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to Patrick Gibson, 25 Oct. 1814, on verso; addressed: Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello Virginia; franked; postmarked Philadelphia, 5 Oct.

    Despite several APPLICATIONS to the artist, Delaplaine ultimately failed in his attempt to obtain Gilbert Stuart’s 1805 Edgehill Portrait of TJ for use in his Repository of the Lives and Portraits of Distinguished Americans (note to TJ to Delaplaine, 30 May 1813; TJ to Stuart, 9 Aug. 1814). The enclosure was apparently an early state of the stipple engraving of PRESIDENT James Madison (entitled James Madison Esqr [Philadelphia, 1814]) executed for Delaplaine by William R. Jones from Stuart’s 1804 life portrait (Theodore Bolton, The Life Portraits of James Madison, WMQ, 3d ser., 8 [1951]: 30–1, 39, 41–2).

    From Gabriel Penn

    Portsmouth N.H. Octr 3rd 1814

    DEAR SIR

    Although not having the pleasure of your personal acquaintance I presume you will pass over the liberty I have taken of writing to you when you know the object. It has long been my desire to enter the service of my country and for that end went to sea in the merchant service since the war I have been in an armed Vessel. The object of this letter is to solicit your Friendship in procuring for me an appointment in the Navy. I have written to my Father James Penn of New London whose estate joins the Poplar Forest and with whom I presume you are acquainted for some letters of recommen to the secretary of the Navy. but as there are a number of applications I was fearfull that I should meet with some difficulty unless I could have the good will of some person who was acquainted with me and at the Navy department. As it is presumed that every young man who makes an application will not¹ receive an warrant for the greater part are quite young some mere boys: I have been to Sea for three years and think I am² of a proper age to go in the Navy I am twenty years of age and am vain enough to think Myself capable of the duties of a Midshipman I first went to sea with the intention of entering the Navy but not wishing to enter a Novice have endeavored to inprov myself and become capable of the duties of that station.

    We are now engaged in a war that is to establish our liberty on the sea and as I am deeply interested in the welfare of my country. our little Navy increasing and will of course want young officers, a desire to serve my country³ has prompte me to take the liberty of writing to you Soliciting your interest in procuring a warrant for me in the Navy and I trust never shall disgrace you or my country.—

    Virginia has fewer officers than any other State in the Navy and as I presume you wish to see them in the list of Naval officers as soon as any other Men Request your Patronage and hope one day to make myself worthy it.

    I arrived in this place from sea and as it is a long distance home and should I obtain my wish my services⁴ will be better here than on any other station. Although not in the Navy I am⁵ not Idle having a station in Fort Constitution and should an opportunity offer shall enderivor to do my duty.—

    Should you condescend to answr this letter it will meet with the highest marks of respect from your Most Obt Servt

    GABRIEL PENN

    RC (DLC); addressed: Thomas Jefferson Eqr Charlottsvill Virginia; franked; postmarked Portsmouth, N.H., 11 Oct.; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    Gabriel Penn (b. ca. 1794) received no commission in the United States Navy. TJ did not write on his behalf, although he had dined at his grandfather Gabriel Penn’s Amherst County ordinary and done legal work for the elder Penn prior to the Revolutionary War (Lee Forney Crawford, William Webb Crawford, Dean of Birmingham Bankers, and Family Sketches, Genealogies [1958], 35–6; Raleigh Register, and North-Carolina Gazette, 17 Dec. 1813; MB, 1:40, 319).

    ¹ Preceding two words interlined in place of to.

    ² Manuscript: an.

    ³ Manuscript: county.

    ⁴ Manuscript: serrces.

    ⁵ Manuscript: an.

    To Jeremiah A. Goodman

    Monticello Oct. 4. 14.

    DEAR SIR

    I wrote you Sep. 27. since that your brother has been taken ill, and is in such a situation in point of health as to render it certain he cannot go to Bedford. consequently the job of covering the offices must lie over till the spring. my affairs here too are such as to render the time of my being with you extremely uncertain. with the hope always of going in 10. days or a fortnight, I am still totally unable to say when I can come. in the mean time I hope your letter is on the way informing me of the amount of my taxes, in order that I may send the sheriff a draught for it, and at the same time write to mr Gibson directly to pay it on application, should the sheriff go before my draught gets to you. Another most important object is the getting in the crop of wheat at both places. 4. ploughs at the least at each place should be running from this time, to get it in by the middle of November. whatever then is wanting, with the horses remaining and oxen, must be bought. let the horses you buy be good able horses. stout chunky built are the most serviceable, large enough for the waggon, & let them be tolerably young. obtain credit till May that I may have full time to sell my crop. lose not a moment in procuring them so as to have all the ploughs agoing. I shall be with you the moment it is in my power; but put off nothing for that, the time is so uncertain. accept my best wishes.

    TH: JEFFERSON

    RC (DLC: TJ Papers, ser. 9); addressed: Mr Jeremiah A. Goodman Poplar Forest near Lynchburg; franked; postmarked Charlottesville, 7 Oct.

    TJ’s letter to Goodman of SEP. 27 is recorded in SJL but has not been found. BOTH PLACES: TJ’s Bear Creek and Tomahawk plantations at Poplar Forest.

    Missing letters from Goodman of 18 July, 1 Aug., and 20 Sept. 1814 are recorded in SJL as received from Poplar Forest on 22 July, 10 Aug., and 26 Sept. 1814, respectively.

    From James Monroe

    washington octr 4. 1814

    DEAR SIR

    I have had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 24th of sepr , to which I shall pay particular attention, and on which I will write you again soon.

    Nothing but the disasters here, and the duties which have devolvd on me, in consequence, the most burthensome that I have ever encounterd, would have prevented my writing you long since, as well as more recently. I had devoted this morning to a full communication to you, but have been pressd by committees, on military topics, till the period has passed. You Shall hear from me again in a few days. with great respect

    & esteem yr friend

    JAs MONROE

    RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 7 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    The office of secretary of war had recently DEVOLVD on Monroe, who also continued as secretary of state (note to James W. Wallace to TJ, 29 Aug. 1814).

    Notes on Bottle and Beverage Supplies

    [6 Oct. 1814–Feb. 1816]

    MS (MHi); written entirely in TJ’s hand at multiple sittings on one side of a single sheet; partially dated.

    B.: barrels. TJ paid Charles MASSIE $25 and Fanny BRAND $28.50 for the abovementioned cider on 22 and 24 Dec. 1815, respectively (MB, 2:1317).

    ¹ The entry relating to the receipt of 126 jugs from Richard Randolph was apparently added at some point after 6 Oct. 1814.

    To Thomas Cooper

    Monticello Oct. 7. 14.

    DEAR SIR

    Your several favors of Sep. 15. 21. 22. came all together by our last mail. I have given to that of the 15th a single reading only, because the handwriting (not your own) is microscopic & difficult, and because I shall have an opportunity of studying it in the Portfolio in print. according to your request I return it for that publication, where it will do a great deal of good. it will give our young men some idea of what constitutes a well educated man: that Caesar and Virgil, & a few books of Euclid do not really contain the sum of all human knolege, nor give to a man figure in the ranks of science. your letter will be a valuable source of consultation for us in our Collegiate courses when, and if ever, we advance to that stage of our establishment.

    I agree with yours of the 22d that a professorship of Theology should have no place in our institution. but we cannot always do what is absolutely best. those with whom we act, entertaining different views, have the power and the right of carrying them into practice. truth advances, & error recedes step by step only; and to do to our fellow-men the most good in our power, we must lead where we can, follow where we cannot, and still go with them, watching always the favorable moment for helping them to another step. perhaps I should concur with you also in excluding the Theory

    [not the Practice

    ] of medecine. this is the Charlatanerie of the body, as the other is of the mind. for Classical learning I have ever been a zealous advocate: and in this, as in his theory of bleeding, and mercury, I was ever opposed to my friend Rush, whom I greatly loved; but who has done much harm, in the sincerest persuasion that he was preserving life and happiness to all around him. I have not however carried so far as you do my ideas of the importance of a hypercritical knolege of the Latin & Greek languages. I have believed it sufficient to possess a substantial understanding of their authors. In the exclusion of Anatomy and Botany from the IId grade of education, which is that of the man of independant fortune, we separate in opinion. in my view, no knolege can be more satisfactory to a man than that of his own frame, it’s parts, their functions & actions. and Botany I rank with the most¹ valuable sciences, whether we consider it’s subjects as furnishing the principal subsistence of life to man & beast, delicious varieties for our tables, refreshments from our orchards, the adornments of our flower-borders, shade and perfume of our groves, materials for our buildings, or medicaments for our bodies. to the gentleman it is certainly more interesting than Mineralogy (which I by no means however undervalue) and is more at hand for his amusement. and to a country family it constitutes a great portion of their social entertainment. no country gentleman should be without what amuses every step he takes into his fields.

    I am sorry to learn the fate of your Emporium. it was adding fast to our useful knolege. our Artists particularly & our Statesmen will have cause to regret it. but my hope is that it’s suspension will be temporary only; and that as soon as we get over the crisis of our disordered circulation, your publishers will resume it among their first enterprises. Accept my thanks for the benefit of your ideas to our scheme of education, and the assurance of my constant esteem and respect.

    TH: JEFFERSON

    PoC (DLC); brackets in original; at foot of first page: Thomas Cooper esq.; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: Cooper to TJ, 15 Sept. 1814. Enclosed in TJ to Joseph C. Cabell, 5 Jan. 1815.

    ¹ Reworked from more.

    From Samuel H. Smith

    Washington Oct. 7. 1814

    DEAR SIR

    It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of Your favor of the ult. wich from some casualty did not reach me until the 2d Instant. It is impossible to repress indignant feeling at the barbarism of our enemy, wch would have cast a shade over the remote ages when civilisation had scarcely dawned on mankind. Instead, however, at present resting in the indulgence of such feeling, it is infinitely better to deal back the blow, thus in some degree drawing good out of evil. To retrieve also the injury done as speedily as we can, is equally the dictate of wisdom.

    The Library, that is lost, was valuable and was the commencement of an Institution fitted in its maturity to be the pride and ornament of our Country. But valuable as it was, if replaced by Your collection the loss will be more than supplied. Being somewhat of an enthusiast as to the benefits that arise from such institutions I cordially hail the prospect of seeing so broad a foundation laid for a national one on a scale of expanding grandeur.

    I submitted, without delay, Your letter and catalogue to the Library Committees of the two Houses of Congress. That of the Senate consists of Mesrs Goldsborough, Tait & Fromentine, and that of the Representatives of Mesrs Seybert, Lowndes & Gaston. The tender was respectfully received by both Committees, with the assurance that no time should be lost in acting upon it. They each expressed the opinion that the Committees could not go further than to recommend to their Houses such steps as they should on consultation consider advisable, and promised to inform me of the course determined on. I have made several other members acquainted with the offer made by you, and have been happy to find that it is highly appreciated by them and will receive their warm support.

    I perceive no obstacle to its acceptance but the pending proposition to remove the seat of government. I fear that many of those who are interested in this measure will consider the possession of such a library as depriving them of a strong argument in favor of removal, and will thence be apt by delay or evasion to keep back its consideration. Should this prove to be the case I submit to You the policy of permitting a publication of Your letters

    In the hope that You continue to enjoy health & happiness, I am with sentiments of great & unabated respect and regard

    SA H SMITH

    I am just advised by mr Goldsborough that the joint Come have reported a resolution empowering¹ them to contract for the purchase of the Library

    RC (DLC); postscript written perpendicularly in left margin; at foot of text: Thomas Jefferson Esquire; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    FOR YOUR FAVOR OF THE ULT. see TJ’s two letters to Smith of 21 Sept. 1814. Early in the autumn of 1814 the United States House of Representatives hotly debated a proposal TO REMOVE THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT from Washington for the duration of the war with Great Britain. A bill to that effect was introduced on 13 Oct. 1814 but voted down two days later (Annals, 13th Cong., 3d sess., esp. 311–2, 387–8, 394–6 [26 Sept., 13, 15 Oct. 1814]).

    ¹ Manuscript: empowerig.

    From Thomas Ritchie

    Richmond, Oct. 9. 1814.

    SIR

    I have the honor to enclose you the letters of Dr Mease & Mr Greer, which you were so kind as to forward me some time since. The interest excited by the fall of Washington, the events which have since transpired, and the military duresse to which I have been subjected, have drawn off my attention too much from other objects. Let this plead my Apology for the delay!

    These letters have answered the purpose for which they were transmitted, without my having made any public use of them. The day I recd them, I made it a point to see Mr Clopper, and very frankly informed him of my Intention to state on the ensuing Morning the facts which had been disclosed to me. Mr C. was evidently alarmed, and begged me to suspend the article until he could see me again in the Evening. He was punctual to his appointment, and the conference ended in a solemn pledge on his part, that he would not sell any patent right in Va for more than $20. nor would he sell out on shares, to any association of persons, without informing them of the current price in Baltimore at $20.—I also made it a point to see Mr Harris, and acquaint him with the same circumstances. He

    has since joined an Association of Gentlemen, who have bought of Mr Clopper on shares. What part they mean to play, and what price to ask for their patent, I have not understood—but it will be time to act, when their

    schemes shall have been developed.

    I profoundly regret, Sir, that it is out of my power to edit at this moment the interesting Work of m. de Tracy. I had

    some hopes of being able to make an Arrangement for this purpose; but th[e] call of the Legislature, the military duties to which my hands are subjected, and other circumstances which it is useless to specify, have compleatly prevented me.—It would not be in my power to strike upon it, until the Spring—but the delay which has already taken place in the publication, makes you, I presume, solicitous to have it out as soon as possible.—Your friendly proposition to myself, Sir, can never be forgotten.

    Such works, as M. Tracy’s, are too scarce in the world, and a fortiori too slightly studied in this world of ours. We want financiers to extract and to economise our resources. We have men

    , and munitions

    enough—the great want at present is money

    —not gold & silver merely, but some representative of the credit & resources of the nation.—I had the honor of seeing, some short time past, some M.S. letters of yours on Finances and Bank Paper. It is, I suppose, useless to intreat you to give them to your Country. Their speculations were bold & original—and I could not but wish that the pleasure which they gave me

    , should be made a common property.

    I sincerely wish that M. de Tracy’s 12th Chap. On the Revenues & Expences of Government and of their debts—was at this moment before us. Mr Campbell’s last Report on our Finances seems to argue a want of this species of information.—His

    Report has set every thing afloat—The Com: of Ways & Means ought to come out with some vigorous Projet, to anchor the public mind.

    I am, Sir,

    With the highest Respect, Yrs

    THOMAS RITCHIE.

    RC (DLC); edge chipped; dateline at foot of text; addressed: Thomas Jefferson Esqe Monticello; franked; postmarked Richmond, 9 and 12 Oct.; endorsed by TJ as received 14 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosures: enclosures to TJ to Ritchie, 15 Aug. 1814.

    Ritchie’s MILITARY DURESSE arose out of his brief service during the waning days of the War of 1812 (DAB). The INTERESTING WORK was the as-yetunpublished fourth volume of Destutt de Tracy’s Élémens d’Idéologie. For TJ’s FRIENDLY PROPOSITION that Ritchie publish this manuscript, see TJ to Ritchie, 27 Sept. 1814. For former treasury secretary George W. Campbell’s LAST REPORT ON OUR FINANCES, see ASP, Finance, 2:840–53.

    From James Madison

    Washington Ocr 10. 1814

    DEAR SIR

    Your favor of the 24th ult: came duly to hand. I learn that the Library Come will report favorably on your proposition to supply the loss of books by Congs . It will prove a gain to them, if they have the wisdom to replace it by such a Collection as yours. Mr Smith will doubtless write you on the subject.

    I have not yet read your last comunication to Mr Monroe on the subject of finance. It seems clear, according to your reasoning in the preceding one, that a circulating medium, to take the place of a bank or metallic medium, may be created by law and made to answer the purpose of a loan, or rather anticipation of a tax; but as the resource can not be extended beyond the amount of a sufficient

    medium, and of course can not be continued

    but by successive re-emissions & redemptions by taxes, resort must eventually be had to loans, of the usual sort, or an¹ augmentation of taxes, according to the public exigences: I say augmentations of taxes, because these absorbing a larger sum into circulation, will admit an enlargement of the medium employed for the purpose. In England where the paper medium, is a legal tender in paying a hundred millions of taxes, thirty millions of interest to the public creditors &c &c, and in private debts, so as to stay a final recovery, we have Seen what a mass of paper has been kept afloat with little if any depreciation. That the difference in value between² the circulating³ notes and the metals proceeded rather from the rise in the latter than from the depreciation of the former, is now proved by the fact, that the notes are, notwithstanding a late increase of their quantity, rising towards a par with the metals, in consequence of a favorable balance of trade which diminishes the demand of them for foreign markets.

    We have just recd despatches from Ghent, which I shall lay before Congs today. The British sine qua non, excluded us from fishing within the soverignty attached to her shores, and from using these in curing fish—required a Cession of as much of Maine as wd remove⁴ the obstruction to a direct

    communication between Quebec & Halifax, confirmed to her the Passamaquoddy Islands as always hers of right—included in the pacification the Indian Allies, with a boundary for them,⁵ (such as that of the Treaty of⁶ Greenville) agst the U.S. mutually guaranteed, and the Indians restrained from selling their lands to either party, but free to sell them to a third

    party—prohibited the U.S. from having an armed force on the Lakes or forts on their shores, the British prohibited as to neither—and substituted for the present N.W. limit of the U.S. a line running direct from the W. end of L. Superior to the Mississippi, with a right of G.B. to the navigation of this river. our ministers were all present & in perfect harmony of opinion on the arrogance of such demands. They wd probably leav[e] Ghent shortly after the sailing of the vessel just arrived. Nothing can prevent it, but a sudden change in the B. Cabinet not likely to happen, tho’ it might be somewhat favored by an indignant rupture of the negociation, as well as by the intelligence from this Country, and the fermentations taking place in Europe.

    I intended to have said something on the changes in the Cabinet, involving in one instance, circumstances of which the public can as yet very little judge, but cannot do it now.

    The situation of Sacketts Harbour is very critical. I hope for the best, but have serious apprehensions.

    With truest affection always yrs

    JAMES MADISON

    RC (DLC: Madison Papers); edge trimmed; at foot of text: Thomas Jefferson; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    For the August 1814 DESPATCHES FROM GHENT, see ASP, Foreign Relations, 3:695, 705–10. For the 1795 TREATY OF GREENVILLE between the United States and various Northwest Indian nations, see U.S. Statutes at Large, 7:49–54. THE LAKES: the Great Lakes. In the most recent reorganization of the CABINET, James Monroe took over for John Armstrong at the War Department and Alexander J. Dallas replaced George W. Campbell at the Treasury Department (JEP, 2:530, 533 [26, 27 Sept., 5, 6 Oct. 1814]). Reports of an imminent British attack on the American post at SACKETTS HARBOUR proved to be unfounded (Washington Daily National Intelligencer, 10 Oct., 10 Nov. 1814).

    ¹ Preceding six words interlined.

    ² Manuscript: betwen.

    ³ Word interlined in place of paper.

    ⁴ Word interlined in place of allow.

    ⁵ Preceding two words interlined.

    ⁶ Preceding three words interlined.

    From James Monroe

    washington. octr 10th 1814

    DEAR SIR

    The suspension of payments in specie by the banks is undoubtedly a species of insolvency. At this time, the foundation of their credit with the public, in a principal degree, at least, is the stock of the u states in their possession. On it they issue their paper, for which they obtain an interest of about 7 pr cent. The u States pay them that interest on advances, on the credit of their own funds. The demonstration is complete, that having better credit than any bank, or than all the banks together, the govt might issue a paper, which would circulate without their aid, throughout the U States, and on much better terms to the public. Your letters I shall take the liberty of shewing to mr Dallas, who is expected here in a day or two. They were put up with my papers on the late occurrence, and are not yet unpack,d, being sent to Lee’sbg.

    I shall be happy to promote the disposition of your library in the manner your propose, tho’ I regret that you are to be deprivd of such a resource & consolation in your retirment.

    Letters were recd yesterday from our ministers at Ghent, which announce the approaching termination of the negotiation, without any hope of peace. They will probably return in less than a month. The demands of G Britain, corresponding with what the papers had before given us, have renderd all accomodation impracticable. The President will communicate these despatches to Congress to day, so that you may probably receive them by this mail. very respectfully your friend

    & servant

    JAs MONROE

    RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 12 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    The letters on finance that Monroe intended to show Treasury Secretary Alexander J. DALLAS were TJ to John Wayles Eppes, 24 June, 11 Sept., 6 Nov. 1813, TJ to Joseph C. Cabell, 17 Jan. 1814, and possibly also TJ to Cabell, 23 Sept. 1814. The LATE OCCURRENCE was the government’s evacuation of Washington following the American defeat at Bladensburg on 24 Aug. 1814.

    From John Barnes

    Ge[orge] Town 11th Octr 1814—

    DEAR SIR—

    Your favr 30th Ulto reached me last Evening, Covering five dollar Alexa Bank Note. they pass Currt with us. and I trust will continue so to do—

    and I regret to perceive they’re refused in exchange even for Virga paper,—Not to Accomodate with so near a Neighbour—whose late Misfortunes Shd rather excite Compassion—and Assistance—then fear of their not being able to repair their unavoidable losses—,—the¹ present distresses of our Banks’ Circulation—Arises chiefly between the Northern² and Southern Banks. the latter being all indebted to the former—The Philada and N York merchts having been Accustomed to forward their Customers Notes of hand made payable at the place of their Residence—viz Geo Town Alexa Richmond, & Petersburg—to the Cashiers of those several Banks untill they were obliged from necessity to refuse Collecting them—it is however presumed some Accomodation will soon take place between Certain of the Northern & southern Cashiers—in Order to Accomodate each Other—at this distressing time in Bank Circulation—and thereby prevent the fatal consequences³ which might Otherwise follow.— the best Established Banks—will I trust stand their ground—at a depreciated Value—as to Stock—and dividend. the Others of less Stability will risque perhaps—their existance—those Banks who have already Subscribed to the loans—has so far reduced their Capital—which they cannot now replace—but at very considerable loss.— wil[l ne]vertheless recive a hansome Interest—and thereby be inabled to pay a Reasonable dividend.

    the failure in the late Loan—is of all—the most unfortunate at this Crisis of our Public Affairs—and some effectual Remedy must— and I trust—will soon be Applied—the present good spirits of the Army and Navy must be incouraged & supported—their Continued successes are beyond our most sanguin expectations—to damp their Ardor for the want of Resources would be fatal—in the extreme—More especially—as we are now freed from a lingering Suspense,—more dangerous in its Consequences—then a determined Resolution—(however to be dreaded.) by either—to abide—and to be decided—by the length of the Sword,—all party disputes We may now expect to be buried—and with one United Voice and Arm to Resist—rather then submit to such degrading Ignominous terms, and Conditions—as proposed (Knowing they could not⁴ be Assented to,)—Our Invoys, will I hope be soon hailed—on their⁵ safe Arrival, with repeated Acclamations of Joy and triumph,—the Resources of the Country are more then sufficient⁶ —for the Occasion—and I trust will be⁷ drawn forth, and Acquiesce in, with Cheerfullness and full Confidince as to the Result—Another successfull Campaign, will have—I expect the like effect of that in which—(you will Recollect) when Doctr Franklin and if I mistake not Mr Adams met the Admiral and his Bror Genl How—at Staten Island [in] 1776—

    Excuse my hasty involuntary Ideas. they press upon me irresistably⁸ —that I cannot restrain myself—from expressing them—

    Yours most sincerely & obedt

    JOHN BARNES,

    PS. it is with equal sentiments of Congratulation—at the fortunate Circumstance of my being inabled to close the good Genl K— Bank stock at so adventageous a Crisis and transpose the proceeds in the late Loan—on the like adventageous terms—but not yet particularly⁹ adjusted—

    RC (ViU: TJP-ER); torn at seal; at foot of text: Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello; endorsed by TJ as received 14 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    Since the outbreak of the War of 1812, Congress had authorized LOANS for up to $48.5 million (U.S. Statutes at Large, 2:798–9, 3:75–7, 111–2 [8 Feb., 2 Aug. 1813, 24 Mar. 1814]). Treasury Secretary George W. Campbell effectively conceded the FAILURE IN THE LATE LOAN by reporting to the United States Senate late in September that only $4.3 million had been raised out of $25 million in borrowing authorized on 24 Mar. 1814 (ASP, Finance, 2:841–2). A committee of the Continental Congress composed of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge adamantly refused to reconsider the issue of America’s independence from Great Britain during a meeting with Admiral Richard Howe (General William Howe being absent) on STATEN ISLAND in September 1776 (Leonard W. Labaree and others, eds., The Papers of Benjamin Franklin [1959– ], 22:598–605). GENl K—: Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

    ¹ Manuscript: thee.

    ² Manuscript: Northen.

    ³ Manuscript: consiquences.

    ⁴ Word interlined.

    ⁵ Manuscript: they.

    ⁶ Manuscript: suffent.

    ⁷ Manuscript: and will I trust will be.

    ⁸ Manuscript: irrestably.

    ⁹ Manuscript: particular.

    From Isaac A. Coles

    Enniscorthy Oct: 11th 1814.

    DR SIR,

    I send you by the Bearer the wild

    Orange

    of South Carolina—It grows in the middle & upper parts of the State, is Said to be a very hardy tree, & one of the Most beautiful in the world—I am induced to beleive from the account I have received of it, that it will do well in our climate—.

    mrs Singleton from whom I received it, is very desirous of getting a few plants of the Marseilles Fig to Carry back with her to Carolina, where it is not known at all, & where the climate will Suit it So well— you will oblige me much by sending a few Plants¹ by the Servant—

    The Enemy having left the Chesapeake I propose to Spend a week with my friends, & mean to visit Monticello before my return—with Sincere respectful attachment

    I am ever yr obdt Servt

    I. A. COLES

    RC (DLC); at foot of text: Thos Jefferson; endorsed by TJ as received 11 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    MRS SINGLETON was probably Coles’s sister Rebecca Coles Singleton (William B. Coles, The Coles Family of Virginia [1931], 52, 111).

    ¹ Word interlined.

    From James Oldham

    Richmond October 11th 1814.

    DEARE SIR

    youre Letter of the 27 Ultimo was duly Receved. I have examened Richmond thruoute and there is not A Pane of glass lerger than 9 I. by 11 I in the Town. understanding there was A Probebility of Some in Peters-burge, I rote to Mr Frederick Y. Roddy who Informs me there is none to be Purchas’d

    A Mr Foulke of Richmond sets oute for Baltimore this day and is well acquanted with the manegers of the Glass-workes there, has Promised me to have the Glass cut and Sent on to Richmond by the first convayance; I consulted Mr Gibson and he wos of the opinion that it wos the only way to get it.

    With Grate Respect I am Sir your Obt Sevt

    J, OLDHAM

    RC (MHi); at foot of text: Thos Jefferson Esqr ; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    To Samuel H. Smith

    Monticello Oct. 11. 14.

    DEAR SIR

    In the letter which accompanied my catalogue I promised an Alphabetical Index of Author’s names referring to the chapters of the catalogue in which the titles of their works would be found at large. I have just finished & now inclose it. mr Millegan will be so good as to stitch it in at the end of the catalogue, the paper being of the same format.

    My affairs at a distant possession (in Bedford) call me thither urgently and would require a considerable stay there. but if the library committee contemplate, in your opinion, an acceptance of the offer of the library I will so arrange my journey as to occasion as little delay as possible, supposing that many members would find, in it’s early possession, a considerable alleviation of their vacant hours. if you will be so good as to drop me a line immediately expressing your expectations on this subject, it may be recieved before my departure, and will serve to govern the time and term of my journey. Accept assurances of my great esteem & respect.

    TH: JEFFERSON

    RC (Charles M. Storey, Boston, 1958); adjacent to signature: Saml H. Smith esq.; notation by Smith at foot of text: Answd Oct. 14. 1814. PoC (DLC); endorsed by TJ. Enclosure not found.

    From Joseph Milligan

    Georgetown Oct 12th 1814

    DEAR SIR

    By this days Stage I have sent you a Box containing

    7th & 8th Ornithology

    6 Jeffersons Manual

    1 Herodotus 4 vols

    1 Southeys Life of Nelson

    and

    Sundries for Mrs Randolph and Children

    The Box is sent to the care of William F Gray Bookseller of Fredericksburg via¹

    With Respect

    JOSEPH MILLIGAN

    RC (DLC); at foot of text: Thos Jefferson Esqr; endorsed by TJ as received 14 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    ORNITHOLOGY: TJ sold all nine volumes of Alexander Wilson’s American Ornithology; or, The Natural History of the Birds of the United States (Philadelphia, 1808–14; Sowerby, no. 1022) to Congress. However, he retained William Beloe’s annotated English translation of The History of Herodotus, 4 vols. (London, 1791, and later eds.; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 3 [no. 6]) and Robert Southey’s The Life of Nelson (London, 1813, and later eds.; Poor, Jefferson’s Library, 4 [no. 110]).

    ¹ Abbreviation for Virginia.

    To James Madison

    Monticello Oct. 13. 14.

    DEAR SIR

    It seems as if we should never find men for our public agencies with mind enough to rise above the little motives of pride & jealousy, & to do their duties in harmony, as the good of their country, & their own happiness would require. poor Warden, I find, has been thought an object of jealousy to Crawford, and the scenes of Dr Franklin and mr Adams, Dr Franklin & Lee, Dr Franklin and Izard (si magnis componere parva licebit) are to be acted over again in Crawford & Warden. I inclose you a letter from the latter, which seems so simple a narrative as to carry truth on it’s face. Warden has science enough, with his modest manners, to have gained the affections & society of the literati, and even those of the high circles of the place. Crawford has sound sense, but no science, speaks not a word of the language, and has not the easy manners which open the doors of the polite circle. his functions are limited by insuperable barriers to a formal correspondence, by letter

    , with the minister. it is natural that in this situation he should be uneasy & discontented, and easy for him to mistake the objects on which it should be manifested. I have no doubt, from what I learn through other channels, that Warden renders us an essential service, which mere superiority of office does not put in the power of the other, of keeping the public there truly informed of the events of the war here. I have as little doubt that if Crawford could suppress the little pride & jealousy which are beneath him, he might often make Warden the entering wedge for accomplishing with that government, what will be totally beyond his own faculties. I fear his experience has not yet taught him the lesson, indispensable in the practical business of life, to consider men, as other machines, to be used¹ for what they are fitted; that a razor should be employed to shave our beards, and an axe to cut our wood, and that we should not throw away the axe because it will not shave us, nor the razor because it will not cut our wood. it is true that on the subject of the letter inclosed, I have heard not a tittle from any other source. to you, who have doubtless recieved the doleances of Crawford, I have thought it would be satisfactory audire alteram partem; and the rather as he has perhaps unbosomed himself to a private individual more unreservedly than he would in a formal defence addressed to yourself. ever affectionately & respectfully yours.

    TH: JEFFERSON

    RC (DLC). PoC (DLC); at foot of first page: The President of the US.; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: David Bailie Warden to TJ, 25 July [1814]. Enclosed in Madison to TJ, 23 Oct. 1814 (second letter).

    SI MAGNIS COMPONERE PARVA LICEBIT is a change in word order but not in meaning from si parva licet componere magnis (if we may compare small things with great), in Virgil, Georgics, 4.176 (Fairclough, Virgil, 1:230–1). DOLEANCES: complaints (OED). AUDIRE ALTERAM PARTEM: to hear the other side.

    ¹ Preceding three words interlined.

    From John L. E. W. Shecut

    Charleston So Caro Oct 13. 1814

    ESTEEMED SIR

    Your very obliging letter of the 25. Ult, has been received and I cannot but be grateful for the friendly interest you take for the success of my proposed Publication, as also for the advice afforded¹ me towards applying for Some Vacancy under Government. Previous to entering on any other subject I beg leave to Say, that I exceedingly regret, the evident changes in your health as mentioned in your letter, and to express my Sincerest wishes for the prolongation of a life, dear to every genuine American. And that you may live to See these United States rais’d to the Scale highest in the rank of Nations, and enjoying all those blessings which cannot fail to spring from that Constitution, which owes So much of its excellence to your head and heart. That time I hope is certainly approaching And I look forward to share, at least a Small Portion of its blessings with you.

    I have addressed a Letter to the Speaker of the House, being formerly intimately acquainted with him. The other Honble Members from So Carolina, I have not had the pleasure of a Personal acquaintance, I doubt not however that Mr Cheves will oblige me by interesting them in my Favour.

    My esteemed Friend Doctor Ramsay, has been also good enough to mention to Mr Cheves, I have read the Manuscript Copy of the work referred to in this Letter and am of opinion that it is executed with great industry, ingenuity and ability and promises to do honor to the author and to be well worth the purchase and perusal of Numerous readers.—

    In my application, I have given a Preference to an appointment to France, but leave it in the power of my Friends to place me either there or at or near the Government. I feel perfectly assured, that shoud it be in your power to aid to the Success of my application, in any manner consistent with those rules that you have laid down for yourself, that you will most cordially do So without further solicitation.

    Permit me to offer you the renewed assurances of grateful esteem accompanied with my best wishes for the restoration of your health and every other blessing. Dear Sir with Sincere respect

    Yours most Obedt

    J L E W SHECUT

    RC (DLC); at foot of text: His Excellency Thomas Jefferson; endorsed by TJ as received 24 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    In his APPLICATION of about this date for a secretaryship, Shecut advised President James Madison that he would prefer being Sent to France (RC in DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1809–17; dateline frayed).

    ¹ Manuscript: affirded.

    From William F. Gray

    Fredericksburg Oct. 14. 1814

    SIR,

    Mr Joseph Milligan of Geo. Town has requested me to take charge of any little Packets that may be forwarded to this place for you; and by his desire I acquaint you of my willingness to do so. Any thing that may be committed to my care for you, be assured shall be promptly¹ attended to.

    If, Sir, I can serve you in the line of my business, be pleased to command me.

    Yours &c

    WM F. GRAY

    RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 19 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    ¹ Manuscript: promply.

    From Samuel H. Smith

    Washington Oct. 14. 1814

    DEAR SIR

    I had this day the pleasure of receiving¹ Your favor of the 11th Inst. with the Alphabetical Index of Authors Names &c.

    As You will have seen by the Newspapers the Library Come of the Senate reported with great promptness a resolution to authorise them to contract for the library, and in terms worthy of the object, wch the Senate as promptly adopted.

    A similar recommendation having subsequently gone to the House from their committee was discussed on Tuesday. I understand, from the indication of sentiment, furnished by this discission,² as well as from conversation with a number of members, that a decided majority are in favor of the offer; the opposition made was from the federal side of the House, and was rather incidental than direct. I entertain scarcely a doubt of the eventual adoption of the resolution, and that, probably, within a few days. You are, however perfectly acquainted with the mode of transacting business in a large deliberate-body, and know how difficult it is to make any accurate calculation of the period within wch any pending measure will be drawn to a close. Should a determination take place I will not fail to advise You of it without delay, directing³ to Monticello, until otherwise desired.

    Be pleased to give our best remembrances to Mr & Mrs Randolph with the other members of Your family, and [ac]cept my assurances of high and unequivocal respect & regard.

    SA H SMITH

    RC (DLC); torn at seal; addressed: Thomas Jefferson Esquire Monticello Virga; franked; postmarked Washington, 15 Oct.; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Oct. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.

    On Tuesday, 11 Oct. 1814, Jotham Post of the FEDERAL SIDE of the United States House of Representatives unsuccessfully proposed that it re-consider the vote giving leave to the committeee of the Whole House to sit again on the resolution aforesaid (JHR, 9:472).

    ¹ Manuscript: receivig.

    ² Thus in manuscript, intending either decision or discussion.

    ³ Manuscript: directig.

    To James Madison

    Monticello Oct. 15. 14.

    DEAR SIR

    I thank you for the information of your letter of the 10th . it gives at length a fixed character to our prospects. the war undertaken, on both sides, to settle the questions of impressment & the Orders of Council, now that these are done away by events, is declared by Great Britain to have changed it’s object, and to have become a war of Conquest, to be waged until she conquers from us our fisheries, the province of Maine, the lakes, states & territories North of the Ohio, and the Navigation of the Missisipi; in other words, till

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