To Thomas Mann Randolph, 18 April 1790
After relating the latest news Jefferson asks his son-in-law to keep a weather diary.
In this section, we feature a small selection of documents from the Papers of Thomas Jefferson, sorted by historical themes and subjects. Each document links to the transcription and annotations from our volumes, publicly available for free on Founders Online.
Accurate transcriptions and clear annotation help a reader to make sense of a document and to understand it in its historical context. For common abbreviations and repository symbols used, see the summary of our editorial method.
After relating the latest news Jefferson asks his son-in-law to keep a weather diary.
Jefferson’s glowing account of maple sugar resources, growth of American inventions in wake of patent legislation, and use of cod liver oil in coating submarine timbers.
Henrietta Maria Colden reluctantly solicits a naval appointment for her son.
Henrietta Maria Colden, a friend of Alexander Hamilton, shares her views on political subjects with Jefferson.
Jefferson asserts that since the Constitution does not explicitly grant the power to establish a national bank to the federal government, that power belongs to the states and the people. Therefore he believes that the bill is unconstitutional.
Jefferson believes the production of maple sugar and olive oil will reduce US dependence on foreign trade.
Jefferson thanks Linn for sending a copy of his sermon praising freedom of religion as expressed in the Constitution.
Alexander Hamilton expresses support for the republican form of government and a desire to "give it fair course." He criticizes anyone who "by his writings disturbs the present order of things."
A Black astronomer challenges Jefferson on the tyranny and injustice of slavery.
Jefferson offers a reply to Banneker in gratitude for his almanac and expresses hopes for Black amelioration.