Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to Samuel Mitchill

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01737 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: March 1, 1806 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24.7 x 19.7 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 25.9 x 17.7 cm Order a Copy

President Jefferson sends New York Senator Mitchill an enclosed letter (not included) regarding a case involving General John Armstrong. Asks if the Tripoline Treaty experiences delay in the Senate. One full length seated engraving of Jefferson included.

Mitchill replaced Armstrong, who resigned as New York Senator in 1805.

Prest Jefferson to Dr. Mitchill
Washington Mar. 01. 06
Dear Sir,

Since my letter of Feb. 14, we have received one from Genl. Armstrong in answer to that I informed you had been written on the subject of the New Jersey. I send you that part of the letter which relates to this subject. You will find the case very different indeed from what has been stated, & strongly justifying the precept 'audi alteram partem'. You will find by this that tho' the Genl. was under a momentary error as to the rights of insurers, it was speedily corrected, & never had the least influence on that or any other case. It is possible that under the partial information which the Senate has on this occasion, there might be some difficulty as to the nomination of Armstrong sent in yesterday. The embarrassment is how to give them this information without exciting [struck: their] umbrage at it's; going through an individual <chan>nel. I must rely for this on your own discretion. The nomi<na>tion presses in point of time.

Does the Tripoline treaty experience hesitation? If it does not it is important it should go before the other house without delay as their appropriation bill is in an advanced stage & this treaty will call for a considerable place in it. Pardon me if any connection with these measures induces me to feel an anxiety for their progress and accept my salutations & assurances of esteem & respect.

Th: Jefferson

Dr. Mitchell

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Mitchill, Samuel L. (Samuel Latham), 1764-1831
Armstrong, John, Jr., 1758-1843

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