Highlighted Events

  • <em>A Map of the most inhabited part of Virginia</em> (1755) by Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson
    13 April 1743

    Born at Shadwell, Goochland (now Albemarle) County, Virginia.

    Photo: A Map of the most inhabited part of Virginia (1755) by Joshua Fry and Peter Jefferson
    Credit: Library of Congress/Geography and Map Division
  • East Elevation of Wren Building, College of William & Mary, by Singleton P. Moorehead, image # D2012-COPY-0802-2001
    1760-1762

    Studies at the College of William and Mary.

    Photo: East Elevation of Wren Building, College of William & Mary, by Singleton P. Moorehead, image # D2012-COPY-0802-2001
    Credit: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
  • title page of <em>A Summary View of the Rights of British America</em> (1774)
    1774

    Publishes A Summary View of the Rights of British America.

    Photo: title page of A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774)
    Credit: Library of Congress/Rare Book and Special Collections Division
  • Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence
    1776

    Drafts the Declaration of Independence.

    Photo: Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence
    Credit: Library of Congress/Manuscript Division
  • Detail of Capitol, modern impression taken from the original 1740s copperplate now in 	the collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, image # 78-654 [Bodleian Plate re-strike]
    1776-1779

    Serves in Virginia House of Delegates. 

    Photo: Detail of Capitol, modern impression taken from the original 1740s copperplate now in the collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, image # 78-654 [Bodleian Plate re-strike]
    Credit: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
  • Detail of Governor’s Palace, modern impression taken from the original 1740s 	copperplate now in the collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, image # 78-655 [Bodleian plate re-strike]
    1779-1781

    Serves as governor of Virginia.   

    Photo: Detail of Governor’s Palace, modern impression taken from the original 1740s copperplate now in the collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, image # 78-655 [Bodleian plate re-strike]
    Credit: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
  • broadside printed in Williamsburg in 1779 of Jefferson’s proposed bill for establishing religious freedom
    1779

    Submits draft bill for establishing religious freedom. Enacted as law by Virginia Assembly in 1786.

    Photo: broadside printed in Williamsburg in 1779 of Jefferson’s proposed bill for establishing religious freedom
    Credit: Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/Rare Books Department
  • <em>Notes on the State of Virginia</em> (London, 1787)
    1781, 1782

    Writes Notes on the State of Virginia.

    Photo: Notes on the State of Virginia (London, 1787)
    Credit: Sid Lapidus ’59 Collection on Liberty and the American Revolution. Rare Books Division. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Princeton University Library
  • miniature portrait of Jefferson (1788) by John Trumbull
    1784-1789

    Serves as minister plenipotentiary to France.

    Photo: miniature portrait of Jefferson (1788) by John Trumbull
    Credit: © Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello
  • Thomas Jefferson by Charles Willson Peale, from life, 1791-1792
    1790-1793

    Serves as first United States Secretary of State.

    Photo: Thomas Jefferson by Charles Willson Peale, from life, 1791-1792
    Credit: Independence National Historical Park
  • Thomas Jefferson by James Sharples Senior, from life, 1796-1797
    1797-1801

    Serves as Vice President of the United States.

    Photo: Thomas Jefferson by James Sharples Senior, from life, 1796-1797
    Credit: Independence National Historical Park
  • Kentucky Resolutions 1798
    1798

    Drafts Kentucky Resolutions opposing  the Alien and Sedition Acts.

    Photo: Kentucky Resolutions 1798
    Credit: Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library
  • commemorative medal of Jefferson’s inauguration, designed by John Reich
    4 March 1801

    Becomes third President of the United States.

    Photo: commemorative medal of Jefferson’s inauguration, designed by John Reich
    Credit: Numismatic Collection, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Princeton University Library
  • map of Louisiana from <em>A new and elegant general atlas. Comprising all the new discoveries, to the present time; containing sixty three maps, drawn by Arrowsmith and Lewis</em> (1804)
    1803

    Announces official purchase of Louisiana Territory and commissions Meriwether Lewis for western expedition. 

    Photo: map of Louisiana from A new and elegant general atlas. Comprising all the new discoveries, to the present time; containing sixty three maps, drawn by Arrowsmith and Lewis (1804)
    Credit: Library of Congress/Geography and Map Division
  • polygraph
    1804

    Adopts the polygraph as a copying instrument for his correspondence. 

    Photo: polygraph
    Credit: Owned by the University of Virginia, on loan to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello
  • Engraving of Jefferson (1804)  by Charles Fevret de Saint -Mémin
    1804

    Re-elected to second term as president.

    Photo: Engraving of Jefferson (1804) by Charles Fevret de Saint -Mémin
    Credit: © Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello
  • Monticello: 1st floor of 2nd version (plan). Drawing by Thomas Jefferson, [1796]. N135; K150. Original manuscript from the Coolidge Collection of Thomas Jefferson Papers.
    1809

    Remodeling of his home at Monticello essentially completed.

    Photo: Monticello: 1st floor of 2nd version (plan). Drawing by Thomas Jefferson, [1796]. N135; K150. Original manuscript from the Coolidge Collection of Thomas Jefferson Papers.
    Credit: Courtesy of the Massachusetts Historical Society
  • Monticello Book Room
    1815

    Sells his 6,700 volume book collection to the Library of Congress.

    Photo: Monticello Book Room
    Credit: © Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, photograph by Robert Lautman
  • Jefferson’s sketch of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia:  South Elevation of 	Rotunda, Ink and pencil drawing, N328, Thomas Jefferson Architectural Drawings
    1814-1826

    Establishes the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.  

    Photo: Jefferson’s sketch of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia: South Elevation of Rotunda, Ink and pencil drawing, N328, Thomas Jefferson Architectural Drawings
    Credit: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia
  • Jefferson’s alcove bed at Monticello
    4 July 1826

    Dies at Monticello on the 50th anniversary of American Independence.   

    Photo: Jefferson’s alcove bed at Monticello
    Credit: © Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, photograph by Robert Lautman

Chronology by Volume

Volume 1: 14 January 1760 to 25 December 1776

13 Apr. 1743

Born at Shadwell, Goochland (now Albemarle) County, Virginia.

17 Aug. 1757

His father, Peter Jefferson, dies.

1760–1762

Attends College of William and Mary.

1762

Begins to study law with George Wythe at Williamsburg.

1766 May

Journeys to Philadelphia and New York.

1767

Passes the bar and begins to practice law in Albemarle and Augusta counties. Begins planting at Monticello.

1769

Begins building at Monticello.

1769–1776

Member of House of Burgesses for Albemarle County.

1 Feb. 1770

His home at Shadwell burns.

26 Nov. 1770

Moves to Monticello.

1 Jan. 1772

Marries the widow Martha Wayles Skelton.

27 Sep. 1772

His daughter Martha Jefferson is born.

14 Jan. 1774

From his father-in-law’s estate, inherits debt, land, and slaves, including Betty Hemings, whose children later work in TJ’s household.

3 Apr. 1774

His daughter Jane Randolph Jefferson is born and dies in September 1775.

Aug. 1774

Publishes Summary View of the Rights of British America.

Mch. 1775

Attends Virginia Convention at Richmond.

21 June–31 July 1775

Attends Continental Congress at Philadelphia.

Aug. 1775

Attends Virginia Convention at Richmond.

2 Oct.– 28 Dec. 1775

Attends Continental Congress at Philadelphia.

31 Mch. 1776

His mother, Jane Randolph Jefferson, dies.

14 May–2 Sep. 1776

Attends Continental Congress at Philadelphia.

June 1776

Drafts Declaration of Independence.

Sep. 1776

Resigns from Congress.

26 Sep. 1776

Congress appoints Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane,  and TJ as commissioners to France. TJ declines to serve on 11 Oct.

11 Oct.–14 Dec. 1776

Attends Virginia General Assembly at Williamsburg as a member of House of Delegates.

5 Nov. 1776

Virginia General Assembly names him to a committee of five to revise the laws of Virginia.

Volume 2: 2 January 1777 to 18 June 1779, including the Revisal of the Laws, 1776-1786

13 Jan. 1777

Attends meeting of Committee of Revisors at Fredericksburg.

Feb. 1777

Draws up and enrolls in a subscription to support an Albemarle clergyman, the Rev. Charles Clay.

10 Apr. 1777

Wins reelection to House of Delegates for Albemarle County.

8–20 May 1777

Attends House of Delegates.

16 May 1777

Begins correspondence with John Adams.

28 May 1777

Unnamed son is born; dies 14 June.

30 Oct. 1777–24 Jan. 1778

Attends, with some intervals, House of Delegates.

12 May–1 June 1778

Attends House of Delegates.

24 June 1778

Makes observations on eclipse of the sun.

1 Aug. 1778

Mary (Maria) Jefferson, third daughter, is born.

30 Nov. 1778

Attends House of Delegates in custody of sergeant-at-arms; in attendance until  General Assembly adjourns, 19 Dec.

Apr. 1779

Wins reelection to House of Delegates.

8 May 1779

Attends House of Delegates.

1 June 1779

Becomes governor of Virginia; receives notification and sends message of acceptance, 2 June.

18 June 1779

Reports with committee on proposed Revisal of the Laws of Virginia, including the Bills for Proportioning Crimes and Punishments, for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge, for Amending the Constitution of the College of William and Mary, and for Establishing Religious Freedom.

Volume 3: 18 June 1779 to 30 September 1780

Jan. 1780

American Philosophical Society elects him a member.

Jan.–April 1780

Prepares plans for building Fort Jefferson at the mouth of the Ohio River.

Apr. 1780

Takes up residence in Richmond, the new capital of Virginia.

May 1780

Becomes one of the directors for locating the public buildings and enlarging the town of Richmond.

2 June 1780

Wins reelection as governor of Virginia for one year.

June 1780

Establishes a line of expresses from the armies in the Carolinas to Richmond and from Richmond to Alexandria.

16 Aug. 1780

Lord Charles Cornwallis defeats Horatio Gates at Camden, S.C.; Virginia militia loses arms and supplies.

Sep. 1780

Begins forming plans for an expedition by George Rogers Clark against Detroit.

Volume 4: 1 October 1780 to 24 February 1781

3 Nov. 1780

Daughter Lucy Elizabeth is born.

ca. Nov. 1780

Begins preparing answers to François Barbé de Marbois’s queries (origin of Notes on the State of Virginia).

29 Dec. 1780

Benedict Arnold invades Virginia and raids up the James River, including Richmond and Westham.

5 Jan. 1781

Becomes a councilor of the American Philosophical Society.

22 Jan. 1781

George Rogers Clark leaves Richmond for expedition planned by TJ against Detroit.

31 Jan. 1781

Proposes to J. P. G. Muhlenberg a plan to capture Benedict Arnold at Portsmouth.

Volume 5: 25 February to 20 May 1781

17 Mch. 1781

Notifies legislature of final ratification of Articles of Confederation.

15 Apr. 1781

Daughter Lucy Elizabeth dies.

10 May 1781

General Assembly convenes at Richmond and adjourns to meet in Charlottesville on 24 May.

15 May 1781

Leaves Richmond for Charlottesville.

Volume 6: 21 May 1781 to 1 March 1784

3 June 1781

Retires from governorship.

4 June 1781

British soldier Banastre Tarleton’s troops raid Monticello. TJ takes refuge with friends and, later, retires with his family to Poplar Forest, his plantation in Bedford County.

12 June 1781

House of Delegates votes an inquiry into his conduct as governor for the past twelve months.

14 June 1781

Congress appoints John Adams, John Jay, Henry Laurens, and TJ commissioners to negotiate peace with Great Britain.

26 July 1781

Returns to Monticello from Poplar Forest.

4 Aug. 1781

Declines appointment to serve as a peace commissioner.

26 Nov. 1781

House of Delegates orders appointment of a committee to state charges and receive information concerning his conduct as governor.

10–22 Dec. 1781

Attends General Assembly as member of House of Delegates.

12–15 Dec. 1781

General Assembly agrees unanimously to a resolution of thanks to him for his services as governor.

20 Dec. 1781

Sends replies to François Barbé de Marbois’s queries concerning Virginia.

Apr. 1782

French military officer and liaison François-Jean de Beauvoir de Chastellux visits him at Monticello.

6 May 1782

Declines serving as member of House of Delegates.

8 May 1782

Another daughter, also named Lucy Elizabeth, is born.

30 May 1782

House of Delegates appoints him to a committee to investigate and publish findings concerning Virginia’s western claim.

6 Sep. 1782

His wife, Martha Wayles Jefferson, dies.

12 Nov. 1782

Congress appoints him a peace commissioner.

26 Nov. 1782

Accepts appointment as a commissioner.

27 Dec. 1782

Arrives in Philadelphia to prepare for departure to France.

20 Jan. 1783

Receives honorary degree from College of William and Mary.

26 Jan. 1783

Leaves Philadelphia.

30 Jan. 1783

Arrives in Baltimore to await passage to Europe.

14 Feb. 1783

Congress suspends his appointment as commissioner on news of preliminary peace.

26 Feb. 1783

Returns to Philadelphia.

1 Apr. 1783

Release from his mission to Europe after preliminary peace signed with England.

12 Apr. 1783

Leaves Philadelphia to return to Virginia.

May–June 1783

Drafts proposed constitution for Virginia.

6 June 1783

Wins election as delegate to Congress.

4 Nov. 1783

Takes seat in Congress at Princeton.

22 Nov. 1783

Departs for Annapolis where Congress reconvenes on 13 Dec.

13 Dec. 1783

Joins a committee to report on the definitive treaty with Great Britain.

14 Jan. 1784

Congress ratifies definitive treaty of peace. Congress accepts Virginia’s cession of the territory northwest of the Ohio River.

1 Mch. 1784

Congress accepts Virginia’s cession of the territory northwest of the Ohio River.

1 Mch. 1784

Presents to Congress his report of a plan for the government of the western territory.

Volume 7: 2 March 1784 to 25 February 1785

7 May 1784

Becomes minister plenipotentiary to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce in Europe.

11 May–5 July 1784

Journeys from Annapolis to Boston en route to take passage for his diplomatic post in France.  

5 July 1784

Sails with his daughter Martha (Patsy) from Boston at 4 A.M. in the Ceres, Captain St. Barbe.

26 July 1784

Lands at Cowes and travels to Portsmouth, England.

29 July 1784

Visits Titchfield, Fareham and Gosport.

30 July 1784

Crosses the English Channel to Le Havre.

31 July–3 Aug. 1784

At Le Havre.

3–5 Aug. 1784

At Rouen.

6 Aug. 1784

Arrives in Paris.

6–10 Aug. 1784

At Hôtel d’Orleans, rue de Richelieu.

11 Aug.–16 Oct. 1784

At Hôtel d’Orleans, rue des Petits-Augustins.

26 Aug. 1784

Places his daughter Martha in the Abbaye Royale de Pentemont, a fashionable French convent school.

30 Aug. 1784

First regular meeting of commissioners at Passy.

ca. 13 Oct. 1784

His daughter Lucy Elizabeth dies in Virginia.

17 Oct. 1784

Moves to house in Cul-de-sac Taitbout.

10 Nov. 1784

Commissioners submit new project of treaty to Prussia.

11 Nov. 1784

First report of the commissioners to Congress.

29 Nov. 1784

William Short, his wife’s relative and his young protégé, in Paris.

Volume 8: 25 February to 31 October 1785

10 Mch. 1785

Congress elects him to succeed Benjamin Franklin as minister to France.

10 May 1785

Printing of Notes on the State of Virginia completed.

17 May 1785

TJ presents his credentials as minister to France to King Louis XVI.

20 May 1785

John Adams leaves Paris to take up his residence as minister to Great Britain.

3 June 1785

Date of first extant press copy of a letter made on TJ’s copying press.

11 July 1785

Benjamin Franklin leaves Paris to return to America.

10 Sep. 1785

Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von Thulemeier signs Definitive Treaty between the United States and Prussia, and formally exchanges copies at The Hague.

24 Sep. 1785

Appoints William Short as his secretary.

17 Oct. 1785

Takes up residence at the Hôtel de Langeac.

Volume 9: 1 November 1785 to 22 June 1786

23 Nov. 1785

South Carolina Society for Promoting and Improving Agriculture elects him a member.

30 Nov. 1785

Obtains abatement of duties on American whale-oil imported into France.

Nov.–Dec. 1785

Abbé Morellet, a French economist and writer, begins translating Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia.

9 Dec. 1785

Has conference with French minister of foreign affairs, Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, on commerce.

6 Jan. 1786

Jean Nicolas Démeunier asks TJ to assist him in compiling an article on the United States for the Encyclopédie Méthodique.

16 Jan. 1786

Virginia General Assembly passes an act for religious freedom, chiefly written by TJ in 1779.

26 Jan. 1786

Sends plans for the capitol and prison at Richmond to the directors of public buildings for Virginia.

6 Mch. 1786

Leaves Paris; arrives in London 11 Mch.

ca. 6–13 Mch. 1786

Marquis de Lafayette writes his “Avis au Comité” on the tobacco trade.

17 Mch. 1786

Presents credentials to King George III at the Court of St. James.

2–14 Apr. 1786

Tours the gardens of England.

25 Apr. 1786

Signs treaty with Portugal.

26 Apr. 1786

Leaves London; arrives in Paris ca. 1 May.

11 May 1786

Sends John Adams proposal for a treaty with Austria.

Volume 10: 22 June to 31 December 1786

22 June 1786

Completes observations on Jean Nicolas Démeunier’s article on the United States.

[ca. 1–15 Aug.?]

Meets English artist Maria Hadfield Cosway through introduction by John Trumbull.

3 Aug.– 13 Sep. 1786

Confers with François Soulés concerning his Histoire des troubles de l’Amérique Anglaise.

13 Sep. 1786

Yale University awards him honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

18 Sep. 1786

Dislocates his right wrist as a result of a fall.

22 Oct. 1786

A letter from French politician Charles Alexandre de Calonne to TJ formally states regulations on American trade with France.

Volume 11: 1 January to 6 August 1787

9 Jan. 1787

Recommends Swiss engraver Jean Pierre Droz’s new method of coinage to U.S. secretary of foreign affairs, John Jay.

27 Jan. 1787

With John Adams, reports to Congress on the success of negotiations with Morocco by U.S. consul to France, Thomas Barclay.

28 Feb.– 10 June 1787

Travels through southern France and northern Italy; returns to Paris on 10 June.

June 1787

Daughter Mary (Polly) arrives with Sally Hemings in London and stays with Abigail Adams.

July 1787

Adrien Petit brings Mary Jefferson to Paris.

Volume 12: 7 August 1787 to 31 March 1788

ca. 3 Sep. 1787

Begins conferences with French officials to improve the status of French-American trade.

17 Sep. 1787

Federal Constitution drafted in Philadelphia is adopted and convention adjourns.

1 Oct. 1787

Sends French naturalist Georges Louis Leclerc, comte de Buffon, specimens of American animals.

12 Oct. 1787

Receives reappointment as minister to France for three years from 10 Mch. 1788.

29 Dec. 1787

French Council of State passes an act for the encouragement of commerce between France and the United States.

13 Jan. 1788

Sends Egyptian rice to South Carolina for experimentation.

4–31 Mch. 1788

Travels in Holland with John Adams to negotiate funding plans.

Volume 13: [March 1788] to 7 October 1788

31 Mch. 1788

Leaves Amsterdam for seven-week tour through Holland and Rhine Valley.

23 Apr. 1788

Arrives in Paris.

19 June 1788

Offers  suggestions on European travel to Thomas Lee Shippen and John Rutledge, Jr.

25 June 1788

Virginia ratifies federal Constitution.

Volume 14: 8 October 1788 to 26 March 1789

10 Oct. 1788

Gives notice for termination of lease for Hôtel de Langeac, as of 16 Apr. 1789.

ca. Oct. 1788

Drafts proposal for consolidating and funding foreign debt of the United States.

14 Nov. 1788

Concludes negotiations for Consular Convention between United States and France.

ca. 1–15 Nov. 1788

Drafts Observations on the Whale-Fishery.

19 Nov. 1788

Requests leave to return to America for five or six months.

ca. Dec. 1788

Receives portraits of himself and Thomas Paine from John Trumbull.

[?] 1788

Begins translation of Condorcet’s Réflexions sur l’esclavage.

ca. 1 Feb. 1789

His “Crane Neck Chariot” arrives in Paris from London.

13 Feb. 1789

Receives honorary LL.D. from Harvard College.

30 Mch. 1789

Renews lease for Hôtel de Langeac

Volume 15: 27 March to 30 November 1789 with Supplement, 19 October 1772 to 7 February 1790

30 Apr. 1789

George Washington is sworn in as first U.S. president in New York.

5 May 1789

TJ witnesses opening of Estates General, French general assembly.

Late June–early July

Advises Marquis de Lafayette on proposed Declaration of Rights.

4 July 1789

Gives dinner for Lafayette and receives tribute from some Americans in Paris.

6–10 July 1789

Experiences the Mirabeau Incident, a false statement on offer of American grain.

20–22 July 1789

Archbishop of Bordeaux invites TJ to help draft French constitution; TJ declines.

[25 Aug.] 1789

Marquis de Lafayette asks TJ to give dinner at Hôtel de Langeac to arrange coalition among moderates of National Assembly.

27 Aug. 1789

TJ receives congé (license to depart or leave of absence)—and a marble pedestal from French salonnière Madame de Tessé.

11 Sep. 1789

Alexander Hamilton becomes secretary of the Treasury.

26 Sep. 1789

Senate confirms nomination of TJ as secretary of state. TJ leaves Paris with his two daughters, Adrien Petit, and James and Sally Hemings.

7–8 Oct. 1789

TJ and party sail from Le Havre to Cowes, “exceedingly seasick.”

23 Oct. 1789

TJ sails for America in Clermont, Captain Colley, and arrives in Norfolk on 23 Nov. after narrowly escaping shipwreck and loss of baggage by fire on journey.

Volume 16: 30 November 1789 to 4 July 1790

11 Dec. 1789

Receives George Washington’s letter with commission as secretary of state.

23 Dec. 1789

Arrives with daughters at Monticello.

Jan. 1790

Arranges for final settlement of father’s estate.

7 Feb. 1790

Negotiates agreement for settlement of claims of Farell & Jones against estate of John Wayles.

12 Feb. 1790

At Monticello, receives and replies to address of welcome by citizens of Albemarle.

14 Feb. 1790

Accepts appointment as secretary of state.

23 Feb. 1790

His daughter Martha marries Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.

1 Mch. 1790

TJ leaves Monticello.

4 Mch. 1790

At Richmond, settles his private account with Kippen & Co. and Henderson, McCaul & Co., and issues bonds in payment.

6 Mch. 1790

At Petersburg, issues bonds for his share of debt to Farell & Jones, proceeding northward under a personal indebtedness of £6,522.

17–18 Mch. 1790

Sees Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia.

21 Mch. 1790.

Arrives in New York and reports to President George Washington.

Late Mch. or early Apr. 1790

Makes arrangements with editor John Fenno to include foreign news from Gazette de Leide in Gazette of the United States.

14 Apr. 1790

Submits report on copper coinage.

24 Apr. 1790

Cabinet opinion on executive power over diplomatic offices.

1 May 1790

Suffers periodic headache for six weeks.

2 June 1790

Takes up quarters in house at 57 Maiden Lane, New York.

3 June 1790

Cabinet opinion brings first conflict with Alexander Hamilton over arrearages in soldiers’ pay.

7–9 June 1790

Fishes with George Washington off Sandy Hook, New Jersey, hoping the certainty of seasickness will put an end to his headache.

4 July 1790

Submits report on uniform system of weights and measures.

Volume 17: 6 July to 3 November 1790

12 July 1790

Advises policy of neutrality in Anglo-Spanish War crisis, with exactions from belligerents.

15 July 1790

Renders opinion on constitutionality of Residence Bill situating the U.S. capital along the Potomac.

17 July 1790

Reports to George Washington on diplomatic establishment.

21 July 1790

Reports on candidates for consular vacancies.

25 July 1790

Engages house in Philadelphia from Thomas Leiper, Scottish American tobacco merchant.

29 July 1790

Renders opinion on monopoly of trade with Creek Indians, upholding supremacy of treaties over laws.

Early Aug. 1790

Recurrence of illness.

2–12 Aug. 1790

Prepares letters for David Humphreys’ mission to Spain.

12 Aug. 1790

Inaugurates inquiry into violations by states of Treaty of Peace of 1783.

15 Aug. 1790

Departs with George Washington for Rhode Island; returns on 21 Aug.

26 Aug. 1790

Prepares “rule of office” for consuls.

26 Aug. 1790

Renders opinion on fiscal policy.

29 Aug. 1790

Prepares agenda for George Washington on seat of government.

1 Sep. 1790

Departs New York with James Madison.

13 Sep. 1790

Confers with landowners at Georgetown about seat of government.

15 Sep. 1790

Reports to George Washington at Mount Vernon about conference.

19 Sep. 1790

Arrives at Monticello.

27 Sep. 1790

Departs for Richmond on business affairs.

5 Oct. 1790

Arranges for sale of Elk Hill lands in Goochland County.

7 Oct. 1790

Proposes that Virginia build private dwellings at seat of government.

Volume 18: 4 November 1790 to 24 January 1791

8 Nov. 1790

Leaves Monticello.

11–12 Nov. 1790

In company with James Madison, visits George Washington at Mount Vernon.

20 Nov. 1790

Arrives at Philadelphia, resides at first in Mrs. Mary House’s boardinghouse.

27 Nov. 1790

Returns fragment of Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography to Franklin’s grandson, William Temple Franklin.

29 Nov. 1790

Prepares suggestions for George Washington’s Annual Message.

3 Dec. 1790

Offers opinion on proposed textile manufactory in Virginia.

11 Dec. 1790

Takes possession of two rooms in Philadelphia house leased from Thomas Leiper.

14 Dec. 1790

Reports on executive proceedings in Northwest Territory.

15 Dec. 1790

Reports on Gouverneur Morris’s mission to England.

17 Dec. 1790

Drafts instructions on impressment of American seaman Hugh Purdie and others.

22 Dec. 1790

Receives first of twenty-seven drayloads of furniture from France.

28 Dec. 1790

Reports on Mediterranean trade and Algerine captives.

17 Jan. 1791

Submits supplementary report on weights and measures to Senate and House of Representatives.

18 Jan. 1791

Reports on French representation against the Tonnage Acts.

Volume 19: 24 January to 31 March 1791

23 Jan. 1791

Birth of Anne Cary Randolph, his first grandchild.

24 Jan. 1791

Assists George Washington in preparation of proclamation locating Federal District.

1 Feb. 1791

Drafts report on American whale and cod fisheries.

9 Feb. 1791

Advertises for sale of his lands at Elk Hill.

15 Feb. 1791

Considers the Bank Bill unconstitutional in his opinion drafted for the president.

21 Feb. 1791

Makes recommendations on consular vacancies.

4 Mch. 1791

Offers opinion on judicial appointment of Joseph Anderson.

10 Mch. 1791

Decision to confront Spain on Mississippi question and extradition of slaves.

15 Mch. 1791

Searches for collaboration from France, Spain, and Portugal on navigation laws.

26 Mch. 1791

Experiments in desalination of seawater.

Volume 20: 1 April to 4 August 1791

10 Apr. 1791

Gives suggestions to Pierre L’Enfant on fixing the seat of government.

10 Apr. 1791

Negotiates payment of U.S. debt to France.

17 Apr. 1791

Advises on unofficial diplomacy on Indian Affairs.

26 Apr. 1791

Forwards Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man to printer.

17 May– 19 June 1791

Takes northern journey to New York, Connecticut, and Vermont with James Madison.

14 June 1791

Visits Unquachog Indians and records their vocabulary.

4 Aug. 1791

Philip Freneau informs TJ of proposals for National Gazette.

Volume 21: Cumulative Index, Volumes 1-20

No chronology is available for Volume 21, which is a cumulative index of the first 20 volumes.

Volume 22: 6 August to 31 December 1791

12 Aug. 1791

Receives new French minister, Jean Baptiste Ternant.

2 Sep. 1791

Leaves Philadelphia for Monticello, accompanied by James Madison.

8 Sep. 1791

Confers with District of Columbia commissioners in Georgetown on details for seat of government.

22 Oct. 1791

Returns to Philadelphia.

24 Oct. 1791

Reports on first national census.

8 Nov. 1791

Reports on public lands ceded to U.S. by North Carolina within Northwest Territory.

21 Nov. 1791

Reports on desalination of seawater.

26 Nov. 1791

Presents plan of commercial treaty with France.

29 Nov. 1791

Begins negotiations with British minister, George Hammond.

2 Dec. 1791

Offers resolutions on treaty with Algiers over captives and preservation of peace.

22 Dec. 1791

Reports on negotiations with Spain on free navigation of Mississippi River.

Volume 23: 1 January to 31 May 1792

4 Jan. 1792

Advises Senate on diplomatic establishment.

27 Feb. 1792

Notifies Pierre L’Enfant of his dismissal.

28 Feb. 1792

Informs George Washington of his intention to retire.

6 Mch. 1792

Solicits plans for Capitol and President’s House.

18 Mch. 1792

Reports on Spanish negotiations on boundaries, commerce, and navigation of the Mississippi River.

22 Mch. 1792

Reports on extradition convention with Spain.

1 Apr. 1792

Advises George Washington on Algerine mission.

4 Apr. 1792

Opinion on Apportionment Bill for representatives and direct taxation.

17 Apr. 1792

Circular letter on Hessian fly.

28 Apr. 1792

Seeks new commercial treaty with France.

23 May 1792

Warns George Washington about Alexander Hamilton’s fiscal policies.

29 May 1792

Letter to British minister, George Hammond, on infractions of Treaty of Paris.

Volume 24: 1 June to 31 December 1792

1 June 1792

Completes instructions for John Paul Jones’s Algerine mission.

1–15 June 1792

Experiments with Hessian fly.

3 June 1792

Confers with British minister, George Hammond, about infractions of peace treaty.

3 June 1792

Prepares papers for sale of Elk Hill land.

16 June 1792

Suggests settlement of Saint-Domingue slave revolt.

10 July 1792

Urges George Washington to serve a second term.

ca. 11 July 1792

Makes shorthand note of agenda for reforming the national government.

13 July 1792

Leaves Philadelphia for annual visit to Monticello.

July-Oct. 1792

Submits accounts as minister plenipotentiary in France.

9 Sep. 1792

Denounces Alexander Hamilton to George Washington.

15 Sep. 1792

Thomas Jefferson Randolph, his grandson, is born.

5 Oct. 1792

Returns to Philadelphia.

14 Oct. 1792

Opposes Spanish interference with Southern Indians.

15 Oct. 1792

Orders halt in debt payments to France after learning of abrogation of Louis XVI.

15 Oct.–1 Nov. 1792

Drafts paragraphs for George Washington’s fourth annual message to Congress.

17 Oct. 1792

Responds to Alexander Hamilton’s criticisms on French debt and Constitution.

7 Nov. 1792

Enunciates policy of diplomatic recognition.

Nov.–Dec. 1792

Makes plans to resume building of Monticello in anticipation of retirement.

10 Dec. 1792

Rejects proposed British mediation of Indian War and creation of neutral Indian barrier state.

ca. 10 Dec. 1792

Writes thoughts on bankruptcy bill.

ca. 15 Dec. 1792

Learns of establishment of French republic.

17 Dec. 1792

Makes notes on “affair of Reynolds and his wife” in his Anas volumes.

25 Dec. 1792

Advises Senator John Rutherford of New Jersey on uniform system of weights and measures.

Volume 25: 1 January to 10 May 1793

3 Jan. 1793

Defends French Revolution in letter to William Short.

ca. 4 Jan. 1793

Prepares notes on Alexander Hamilton’s Report on Foreign Loans.

26 Jan. 1793

Informs daughter Martha of his decision to defer retirement as secretary of state.

1 Feb. 1793

France declares war on Great Britain and the Netherlands.

7 Feb. 1793

Notifies George Washington of his decision to continue as secretary of state.

12 Feb. 1793

Makes observations on the American debt to France.

20 Feb. 1793

Defers submission of Report on Commerce to House of Representatives.

27 Feb.–1 Mch. 1793

Resolutions censuring Alexander Hamilton introduced and defeated in the House of Representatives.

7 Mch. 1793

France declares war on Spain.

12 Mch. 1793

Decides to rent house on the Schuylkill River from Moses Cox; takes up residence on 9 Apr.

12 Mch. 1793

Instructs Gouverneur Morris to resume payments on the debt to France.

15 Mch. 1793

Instructions concerning Marquis de Lafayette’s captivity.

ca. 17 Mch. 1793

Drafts new form for United States patents.

23 Mch. 1793

Withdraws offer to guarantee Spanish possession of Louisiana.

7 Apr. 1793

Notifies George Washington of war between Great Britain and France.

22 Apr. 1793

George Washington proclaims neutrality on war between France and Great Britain.

28 Apr. 1793

Offers opinion defending the validity of the French treaties.

ca. 30 Apr. 1793

Prepares instructions for French botanist André Michaux’s expedition of trans-Mississippi West.

8 May 1793

Criticizes Alexander Hamilton’s plan for enforcing neutrality.

Volume 26: 11 May to 31 August 1793

15 May 1793

Defines French violations of American neutrality.

5 June 1793

Announces that French privateers outfitted in Charleston must leave American ports.

20 June 1793

Eli Whitney requests patent for cotton gin.

30 June 1793

Prepares instructions to William Carmichael and William Short on diplomatic crisis with Spain.

5–12 July 1793

Crisis over the Little Sarah, a British merchant ship captured by the French and outfitted as an armed privateer in an American port. 

15 July 1793

Conference on William Thornton’s plan for the Capitol.

18 July 1793

Submits twenty-nine neutrality questions to the Supreme Court; Court declines advisement on 8 Aug.

31 July 1793

Notifies George Washington that he plans to retire as secretary of state at the end of September.

1 Aug. 1793

Cabinet agrees to request recall of French minister to the U.S., Edmond Charles Genet.

3 Aug. 1793

Cabinet approves neutrality rules.

7 Aug. 1793

Announces that the United States will restore or make compensation for certain prizes captured by French privateers.

11 Aug. 1793

Advises James Madison on Republican party strategy.

11 Aug. 1793

Notifies George Washington of his willingness to remain in office until the end of the year.

16 Aug. 1793

Writes letter to Gouverneur Morris requesting Edmond Charles Genet’s recall; cabinet approves recall on 20 Aug.

23 Aug. 1793

Indicates American interest in a new commercial treaty with France.

29 Aug. 1793

Instructs Governor Isaac Shelby of Kentucky to oppose French expedition against Louisiana; advises again on 6 Nov.

Volume 27: 1 September to 31 December 1793 with Supplement, July 1764 to July 1793

1 Sep. 1793

Describes yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia.

7 Sep. 1793

Admonishes French consular officials to respect American neutrality.

7 Sep. 1793

Informs French minister, Edmond Charles Genet, of the American government’s request for his recall.

7 Sep. 1793

Instructs U.S. minister to Great Britain, Thomas Pinckney, to protest British violations of American neutral rights.

17 Sep. 1793

Leaves home on Schuylkill River to visit Monticello.

22 Sep. 1793

Protests to British minister, George Hammond, about British violations of American neutral rights.

17 Oct. 1793

Advises President George Washington not to change meeting place of Congress.

18–28 Nov. 1793

Cabinet debates George Washington’s address and messages to Congress.

30 Nov. 1793

Arrives at Philadelphia.

14 Dec. 1793

Report on Morocco and Algiers.

16 Dec. 1793

Proposes public statement on Edmond Charles Genet as preface to memo to George Washington.

16 Dec. 1793

Report on Commerce; submits supplementary report on 30 Dec.

18 Dec. 1793

Orders first nailrod for Monticello nailery.

31 Dec. 1793

Submits accounts and resigns as secretary of state after conflicts with Alexander Hamilton.

Volume 28: 1 January 1794 to 29 February 1796

1 Jan. 1794

George Washington accepts his resignation as secretary of state.

3 Jan. 1794

James Madison offers resolutions in House of Representatives to implement Jefferson’s Report on Commerce.

5 Jan. 1794

Leaves Philadelphia, arriving at Monticello 15–16 Jan.

29 May–10 June 1794

Travels to Chestnut Grove, Eppington, and Richmond.

30 Aug. 1794

Granddaughter Ellen Wayles Randolph is born.

7 Sep. 1794

Declines offer of special mission to Spain.

23 Oct. 1794

Calls Monticello in a state of renovation a “brick-kiln,” but says he will recommence work on it in the summer.

24 Dec. 1794

Signs deed of manumission for Robert Hemings, the first of his slaves actually released.

26 Dec. 1794

Authorizes J. P. P. Derieux and Thomas Mann Randolph to hire slaves for Monticello.

28 Dec. 1794

Criticizes George Washington’s address defending use of federal troops to quell Whiskey Rebellion and denouncing the Democratic Societies.

29 Dec. 1794

Explains his philosophy of crop rotation to John Taylor.

26 Mch. 1795

George Wythe suggests that Jefferson make available his collection of the laws of Virginia.

14–16 May 1795

William Strickland, British naturalist and agriculturalist, visits at Monticello.

21 July 1795

Receives copy of Jay Treaty sent by Henry Tazewell.

26 July 1795

Infant granddaughter, Ellen Wayles Randolph, buried at Monticello.

ca. 1–15 Oct. 1795

James and Dolley Payne Madison visit Monticello.

11 Dec. 1795

Reports quality of his tobacco crop too poor to send to Philadelphia market.

12 Jan. 1796

Sends his printed collection of Virginia statutes to Richmond binder.

5 Feb. 1796

Signs deed of manumission for James Hemings, his slave and cook.

Volume 29: 1 March 1796 to 31 December 1797

19 Mch. 1796

Reports that “demolitions” have begun at Monticello.

24 Apr. 1796

Discusses state of American politics in private letter to Philip Mazzei.

May 1796

Mortgages 150 of his slaves (and does so again in November), to preserve his property against creditors.

June 1796

Hosts French friends La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt and Constantin François Chasseboeuf Volney at Monticello.

19 Aug. 1796

First operates his threshing machine at Monticello.

28 Aug. 1796

George Washington writes TJ the final letter of their correspondence.

13 Oct. 1796

Ellen Wayles Randolph (second granddaughter of that name) born.

28 Dec. 1796

Writes John Adams a congratulatory letter on election but leaves its delivery to James Madison’s discretion.

20 Feb. 1797

Leaves Monticello for Philadelphia, arriving late on 2 Mch.

3 Mch. 1797

American Philosophical Society installs him as its president.

4 Mch. 1797

Becomes vice president of the United States.

10 Mch. 1797

His paper on the megalonyx, a ground sloth, is presented before the American Philosophical Society.

13 Mch. 1797

Leaves Philadelphia for Monticello, arriving on 20 Mch.

Apr. 1797

First appearance of attacks on TJ by Maryland lawyer, Luther Martin.

5 May 1797

Leaves Monticello, arriving in Philadelphia on 11 May and learning en route of the publication of his letter to Philip Mazzei.

21 June 1797

Urges Massachusetts statesman Elbridge Gerry to accept appointment as an envoy to France.

6 July 1797

Leaves Philadelphia, arriving at Monticello 11 July.

28 Sep. 1797

Journalist and scandal-monger James Thomson Callender asks for financial assistance.

30 Sep. 1797

Completes statement on profits of nailery at Monticello.

13 Oct. 1797

Daughter Mary marries John Wayles Eppes at Monticello.

4 Dec. 1797

Departs from Monticello, arriving on 12 Dec. for “the real business” of the second session of Fifth Congress.

31 Dec. 1797

Defends himself against Luther Martin’s attack on his rendition of speech by Mingo Indian chief Logan.

Volume 30: 1 January 1798 to 31 January 1799

23 Mch. 1798

Writes description of moldboard plow for Sir John Sinclair.

5 May 1798

Aids Polish patriot and exile Tadeusz Kosciuszko in his secret departure from Philadelphia.

4 June 1798

Writes attestation for Pennsylvania resident and independent citizen George Logan, who soon embarks for Europe.

27 June 1798

Departs Philadelphia, arriving at Montpelier 2 July and at Monticello the next day.

July 1798

Concern for daughter Mary’s health.

by 4 Oct. 1798

Writes resolutions against Alien and Sedition Acts (adopted by Kentucky legislature in November).

ca. 15 Oct. 1798

James Madison visits Monticello.

23 Nov. 1798

Plans to delay trip to Philadelphia to oversee work at Monticello.

26 Nov. 1798

Writes Virginia politician and agriculturist John Taylor he is resuming emphasis on tobacco as a crop.

18 Dec. 1798

Leaves Monticello, spending first night at Montpelier and arriving in Philadelphia on Christmas.

30 Jan. 1799

Logan Act, forbidding private citizen diplomacy, becomes law.

Volume 31: 1 February 1799 to 31 May 1800

1 Mch. 1799

Leaves Philadelphia for Monticello, arriving on 8 Mch.

26 July 1799

Granddaughter Cornelia Jefferson Randolph is born.

Aug. 1799

Dolley Madison calls at Monticello.

1 Oct. 1799

Leases fields at Shadwell to Craven Peyton.

5 Nov. 1799

Charles Peale Polk finishes TJ’s life portrait, the first of four likenesses taken of TJ by various artists over the next seven months.

6 Dec. 1799

Virginia legislature chooses James Monroe for governor.

9 Nov. 1799

Napoleon Bonaparte becomes First Consul in reconstituted French government.

14 Dec. 1799

George Washington dies at Mount Vernon.

21 Dec. 1799

Leaves Monticello for Philadelphia, arriving on 28 Dec.

31 Dec. 1799

Daughter Mary gives birth to a daughter.

7 Jan. 1800

Helps draft American Philosophical Society memorial to Congress on taking a census.

18 Jan. 1800

Invites Joseph Priestley to offer his views on education.

4 Feb. 1800

Learns of deaths of newborn granddaughter and of his slave Jupiter.

28 Feb. 1800

Seeks George Wythe’s aid in compiling parliamentary manual.

Mch. 1800

Distributes James Madison’s report on Virginia Resolutions of 1799.

Apr. 1800

Appendix to the Notes on Virginia is published.

7 Apr. 1800

Sends political pamphlets by Thomas Cooper to Philip Norborne Nicholas for distribution to Virginia Republican county chairmen.

15 May 1800

Departs for Virginia.

Volume 32: 1 June 1800 to 16 February 1801

3 June 1800

Journalist James Thomson Callender convicted after sedition trial in Richmond.

4 July 1800

Harvests good wheat crop at Monticello by this date.

13 Aug. 1800

Outlines his principles of government to Gideon Granger.

16 Aug. 1800

Insures buildings at Monticello through Mutual Assurance Society for $6,300.

22 Aug. 1800

Agrees to lease five fields to Albemarle County landholder and slaveowner, John H. Craven.

ca. 2 Sep. 1800

Writes summary of his public service.

5 Sep. 1800

Receives Pierre S. Du Pont’s work on national education.

12 Sep. 1800

Learns from James Monroe about Gabriel’s slave revolt in Virginia.

23 Sep. 1800

Responds to Benjamin Rush about his “religious Creed.”

ca. 1 Nov. 1800

Visits Poplar Forest.

27 Nov. 1800

Arrives in Washington and boards at Conrad & McMunn’s.

12 Dec. 1800

Learns of Republican majority of electoral votes from South Carolina.

14 Dec. 1800

Offers Robert R. Livingston of New York secretaryship of the navy.

18 Dec. 1800

Reports probability of electoral tie between himself and Aaron Burr.

3 Jan. 1801

Visits Widow Martha Washington at Mount Vernon.

25 Jan. 1801

Continues as president of the American Philosophical Society.

27 Jan. 1801

Senate consents to John Adams’s nomination of John Marshall as chief justice.

3 Feb. 1801

Senate approves convention with France, with proviso.

11 Feb. 1801

Presidential balloting begins in the House of Representatives to break tied electoral votes.

13 Feb. 1801

Judiciary Act of 1801 takes effect.

Volume 33: 17 February to 30 April 1801

17 Feb. 1801

House of Representatives elects him president on the 36th ballot.

18 Feb. 1801

Offers Henry Dearborn secretaryship of the War Department.

21 Feb. 1801

Letter of thanks read to the House of Representatives.

23 Feb. 1801

Offers Meriwether Lewis appointment as private secretary.

27 Feb. 1801

Manual of Parliamentary Practice advertised for sale in the National Intelligencer.

28 Feb. 1801

Presents farewell address to the Senate as vice president.

3 Mch. 1801

Congress passes Peace Establishment Act to reduce the navy.

4 Mch. 1801

Takes oath of office in Senate chamber as third president of the U.S.

5 Mch. 1801

Presents first nominations to the Senate; Congress adjourns.

8 Mch. 1801

Holds first cabinet meeting; Albert Gallatin, Henry Dearborn, and Levi Lincoln attend.

16 Mch. 1801

Issues presidential pardon for James Thomson Callender.

18 Mch. 1801

Hires Joseph Rapin as steward of the President’s House.

ca. 19 Mch. 1801

Takes up residence in the President’s House.

21 Mch. 1801

Treaty of Aranjuez formally acknowledges Spanish cession of Louisiana to France.

24 Mch. 1801

Hires James Oldham as house joiner at Monticello.

1 Apr. 1801

Leaves Washington, D.C.,  for Monticello, arriving on 4 Apr.

20 Apr. 1801

Calculates tobacco crop for 1800 at Monticello to be 10,028 lbs.; receives four carriage horses purchased for $1,600.

26 Apr. 1801

Leaves Monticello for Washington, D.C., arriving on 29 Apr.

Volume 34: 1 May to 31 July 1801

14 May 1801

Appoints Albert Gallatin secretary of the Treasury.

17 May 1801

Cabinet agrees to reduction of diplomatic establishment in Europe.

21 May 1801

Alerts Yusuf Qaramanli, bey of Tripoli, of detachment of American squadron in the Mediterranean.

23 May 1801

Appoints Samuel Bishop collector at New Haven in place of Elizur Goodrich.

26 May 1801

James and Dolley Madison leave President’s House after temporary residence.

29 May 1801

Withdraws gift of $50 and severs ties with James Thomson Callender.

1 July 1801

Appoints Joel Lewis marshal for Delaware.

12 July 1801

Articulates his patronage policy in his reply to remonstrance of New Haven merchants.

13 July 1801

Robert Smith accepts his offer of secretaryship of the navy.

14 July 1801

Begins to acquire Albemarle County land from the heirs of Bennett Henderson.

19 July 1801

Directs a halt to the prosecution against William Duane for sedition.

30 July 1801

Leaves Washington, D.C., for Monticello, arriving on 2 Aug.

31 July 1801

France ratifies Convention of 1800.

Volume 35: 1 August to 30 November 1801

7 Aug. 1801

Smallpox vaccinations commence at Monticello.

13 Aug. 1801

Receives first letter from “Nicholas Geffroy.”

22 Aug. 1801

Virginia Jefferson Randolph, TJ’s granddaughter, is born at Monticello.

6 Sep. 1801

Étienne Lemaire assumes stewardship of the President’s House.

18 Sep. 1801

Aaron Burr protégé Matthew L. Davis visits TJ at Monticello.

20 Sep. 1801

Francis Eppes, TJ’s grandson, born at Monticello.

27 Sep. 1801

Leaves Monticello for Washington, D.C., arriving on 30 Sep.

25 Oct. 1801

Gideon Granger accepts appointment as postmaster general.

1 Nov. 1801

Inquires into the suicide of James Hemings, his former slave and cook.

5 Nov. 1801

Forwards vaccine matter to John Vaughan in Philadelphia.

6 Nov. 1801

Issues circular to heads of departments on communications between president and cabinet officers.

24 Nov. 1801

Sends James Monroe opinion on removal of rebellious slaves from Virginia.

28 Nov. 1801

Approves prosecution of the schooner Sally for preparing to engage in the slave trade.

Volume 36: 1 December 1801 to 3 March 1802

8 Dec. 1801

Sends first annual message to Congress.

21 Dec. 1801

Announces final ratification of the Convention of 1800, ending the Quasi-War with France.

1 Jan. 1802

Receives Mammoth Cheese at the President’s House as gift from the citizens of Cheshire, Massachusetts.

1 Jan. 1802

Replies to Danbury Baptist Association, describing the “wall of separation” between church and state in America.

1 Jan. 1802

Receives votes of the American Philosophical Society, reelecting him president.

7 Jan. 1802

Replies to address by Little Turtle of the Miami Indians.

8 Jan. 1802

Rufus King signs convention with Great Britain on settlement of British debt claims.

29 Jan. 1802

Appoints John Beckley first librarian of Congress.

10 Feb. 1802

Replies to address by Black Hoof of the Shawnee Indians.

13 Feb. 1802

Arthur St. Clair writes to defend himself against charges of misconduct as governor of Northwest Territory.

17 Feb. 1802

French general Victoire Emmanuel Leclerc declares blockade of Saint-Domingue.

18 Feb. 1802

Authorizes navy commanders to capture Tripolitan vessels.

2 Mch. 1802

Settles account with Edward Gantt for medical services rendered to President’s House staff.

Volume 37: 4 March to 30 June 1802

8 Mch. 1802

Signs repeal of Judiciary Act of 1801.

10–17 Mch. 1802

Meets with Seneca Indian delegation, led by Handsome Lake and Cornplanter.

16 Mch. 1802

Military Peace Establishment Act passes, reorganizing the army and creating a military academy at West Point, New York.

27 Mch. 1802

France and Great Britain sign definitive treaty of peace at Amiens, France.

6 Apr. 1802

Signs bill repealing internal taxes.

9 Apr. 1802

Contributes $100 toward rebuilding Nassau Hall at the College of New Jersey at Princeton.

29 Apr. 1802

New judiciary law enacted, authorizes the president to appoint commissioners of bankruptcy.

5 May 1802

Leaves Washington, D.C., for Monticello, arriving on 8 May.

27 May 1802

Leaves Monticello for Washington, D.C., arriving on 30 May.

1 June 1802

Appoints Robert Brent first mayor of Washington, D.C.

3 June 1802

Proposes transportation of “insurgent negroes” to Sierra Leone.

23 June 1802

James Madison sends Arthur St. Clair the president’s admonition of his conduct as governor of the Northwest Territory.

Volume 38: 1 July to 12 November 1802

5 July 1802

James Thomson Callender publishes evidence of financial support from him in the Richmond Recorder.

16 July 1802

Forwards lists of books to be purchased for Congress to William Duane, George W. Erving, and William Short.

21 July 1802

Leaves Washington, D.C., for Monticello, arriving 25 July.

ca. 5 Aug. 1802

Drafts letter of peace and amity to Mawlay Sulayman, sultan of Morocco.

16 Aug. 1802

Receives erroneous report of alleged engagement between frigate Boston and Tunisian squadron.

20–21 Aug. 1802

Visits James Madison at Montpelier to discuss Mediterranean affairs.

22 Aug. 1802

Receives news of expulsion of American consul from Tangier and declaration of war by sultan of Morocco.

1 Sep. 1802

Richmond Recorder publishes allegations of his relationship with Sally Hemings.

1 Oct. 1802

Leaves Monticello for Washington, D.C., arriving 4 Oct.

16 Oct. 1802

Receives news that peace is restored with Morocco.

1 Nov. 1802

Ohio constitutional convention convenes at Chillicothe.

3 Nov. 1802

Writes Seneca chief Handsome Lake, endorsing his revitalization program.

Volume 39: 13 November 1802 to 3 March 1803

21 Nov. 1802

His daughters and two of his grandchildren arrive in Washington, D.C., remaining until 5 Jan.

22 Nov. 1802

Removes Arthur St. Clair as governor of the Northwest Territory.

15 Dec. 1802

Sends second annual message to Congress.

27 Dec. 1802

Sends plans for dry dock at Washington to Congress.

28 Dec. 1802

Indiana memorial calls for suspension or repeal of the ban on slavery in the Northwest Ordinance.

29 Dec. 1802

Sends memorandum on Indian policy to Henry Dearborn.

1 Jan. 1803

His cabinet meets to discuss New Orleans and the Floridas.

11 Jan. 1803

Nominates James Monroe to be minister extraordinary and plenipotentiary to France and Spain.

18 Jan. 1803

Makes confidential request to Congress for appropriation of $2,500 for an expedition up the Missouri River.

25 Feb. 1803

Sends circular letter to governors on the importance of the militia system to national defense.

28 Feb. 1803

Offers Lewis Harvie position as private secretary in place of Meriwether Lewis.

Volume 40: 4 March to 10 July 1803

6 Mch. 1803

Offers Benjamin H. Latrobe appointment as surveyor of public buildings in Washington.

7 Mch. 1803

Leaves Washington for Monticello, arriving 11 Mch.

30 Mch. 1803

Calculates tobacco crop for 1802 at Poplar Forest to be 45,139 pounds.

31 Mch. 1803

Leaves Monticello for Washington, arriving 3 Apr.

8 Apr. 1803

Cabinet unanimously agrees to “buy peace of Tripoli.”

13 Apr. 1803

Pledges to use “best endeavors” to remove discussion of Walker affair from newspapers.

23 Apr. 1803

Sends Benjamin Rush his comparative view of the doctrines of Jesus.

2 May 1803

Robert R. Livingston writes that New Orleans and Louisiana “are ours.”

4 May 1803

Estimates total personal expenditures from 4 Mch. 1802 to 4 Mch. 1803 at $27,720.92.

9 May 1803

Denies pardon request of convicted slave trader Nathaniel Ingraham.

17 May 1803

Right of deposit officially restored at New Orleans.

18 May 1803

Great Britain declares war on France.

8 June 1803

Orders sale of his slave Cary as punishment for an assault on Brown Colbert at the Monticello nailery.

19 June 1803

Meriwether Lewis invites William Clark to join him on western expedition.

25 June 1803

Response to accusations by Gabriel Jones appears in the Richmond Examiner.

4 July 1803

National Intelligencer publishes news of the Louisiana Purchase.

Volume 41: 11 July to 15 November 1803

16 July 1803

Issues proclamation to convene Congress on 17 Oct.

17 July 1803

Receives address from Philadelphia ward committees protesting the paucity of Federalist removals.

19 July 1803

Leaves Washington for Monticello, arriving 22 July.

20 July 1803

É. I. du Pont de Nemours seeks government contract for new gunpowder mill near Wilmington, Delaware.

24 July 1803

William Clark accepts invitation to join Meriwether Lewis on western expedition.

26 Aug. 1803

Frigate Philadelphia captures Moroccan cruiser Mirboka and liberates American brig Celia near Spain.

31 Aug. 1803

Meriwether Lewis commences journey down the Ohio River with equipment for western expedition.

20 Sep. 1803

Renews lease of fields and slaves to John H. Craven.

22 Sep. 1803

Leaves Monticello for Washington, arriving 25 Sep.

29 Sep. 1803

Donates $100 for victims of yellow fever outbreak in Alexandria.

1 Oct. 1803

Orders eight barrels of Newark cider from John Condit.

2 Oct. 1803

Samuel Adams dies in Boston.

11 Oct. 1803

Sultan of Morocco reaffirms peace with the United States.

17 Oct. 1803

Sends third annual message to Congress.

19 Oct. 1803

Arranges to send 40 Balsam poplars to Monticello.

21 Oct. 1803

Proclaims ratification of the Louisiana treaty and conventions.

26 Oct. 1803

Dines with Jerome Bonaparte at the President’s House.

31 Oct. 1803

Frigate Philadelphia and crew captured by Tripolitan gunboats in the Mediterranean.

2 Nov. 1803

Mary Jefferson Randolph, TJ’s granddaughter, born at Edgehill.

9-11 Nov. 1803

Attends annual races of the Washington Jockey Club.

Volume 42: 16 November 1803 to 10 March 1804

24 Nov. 1803

Sends draft bill for organization of Orleans Territory to John Breckinridge.

2 Dec. 1803

British minister Anthony Merry and his wife, Elizabeth, dine at the President's House.

13 Dec. 1803

Begins to transmit copies of the Twelfth Amendment to the states for ratification.

13 Dec. 1803

Meets with Choctaw delegation in Washington.

20 Dec. 1803

United States takes formal possession of Louisiana.

25 Dec. 1803

Receives Venus flytrap seeds from Timothy Bloodworth.

4 Jan. 1804

Articles of impeachment against Judge John Pickering presented to the Senate.

26 Jan. 1804

Meets with Aaron Burr to discuss their strained political relationship.

27 Jan. 1804

Attends dinner at Stelle's Hotel celebrating the acquisition of Louisiana.

6 Feb. 1804

Joseph Priestley dies at home in Northumberland, Pennsylvania.

15 Feb. 1804

Maria Jefferson Eppes, TJ's granddaughter, born at Edgehill.

16 Feb. 1804

Sailors under the command of Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, Jr., burn the frigate Philadelphia in Tripoli harbor.

22 Feb. 1804

Fire destroys more than 260 buildings in Norfolk, Virginia.

22 Feb. 1804

Commences use of polygraph writing machine.

25 Feb. 1804

Republican congressional caucus nominates TJ for president and George Clinton for vice president.

27 Feb. 1804

Calculates tobacco crop for 1803 at Poplar Forest to be 36,509 pounds.

3 Mch. 1804

Learns that his daughter Mary is seriously ill.

Volume 43: 11 March to 30 June 1804

12 Mch. 1804

Remits $435 for hire of slaves from Christopher and Charles Smith.

13 Mch. 1804

Writes to William Dunbar about calculating the velocity of water in rivers.

26 Mch. 1804

Congress passes act organizing Orleans Territory and Louisiana District.

26 Mch. 1804

John Randolph reports articles of impeachment against Judge Samuel Chase to the House of Representatives.

27 Mch. 1804

First session of Eighth Congress ends.

1 Apr. 1804

Leaves Washington for Monticello, arriving 4 Apr.

14 Apr. 1804

Prepares instructions for exploring the Arkansas and Red Rivers.

17 Apr. 1804

Mary Jefferson Eppes, TJ’s daughter, dies at Monticello.

11 May 1804

Leaves Monticello for Washington, arriving 13 May.

18 May 1804

Napoleon Bonaparte proclaimed Emperor of the French.

26 May 1804

Offers John Armstrong appointment as U.S. minister to France.

30 May 1804

Writes to Charles Biddle about his son’s captivity in Tripoli.

2 June 1804

Receives letter of condolence from Abigail Adams.

4 June 1804

Charles Willson Peale, Alexander von Humboldt, and others dine at the President’s House.

6 June 1804

Opens account with the Branch Bank of the United States in Washington.

15 June 1804

Writes to Alexander I, Emperor of Russia.

23 June 1804

Meets with cabinet to discuss violations committed by British frigate Cambrian.

Volume 44: 1 July to 10 November 1804

2 July 1804
Work stoppage by cartmen and public works laborers in Washington.
11 July 1804
Aaron Burr mortally wounds Alexander Hamilton in a duel at Weehawken, New Jersey.
12 July 1804
Addresses Osage delegation in Washington.
23 July 1804
Leaves Washington for Monticello, arriving 26 July.
3 Aug. 1804
U.S. squadron under Edward Preble begins a series of attacks on Tripoli that continue to 4 Sep.
19 Aug. 1804
Declares polygraph copying machine “a most precious invention.”
29-31 Aug. 1804
Visits Madison at Montpelier.
4 Sep. 1804
John Armstrong, new U.S. minister to France, sets sail from New York.
16 Sep. 1804
Asks attorney general for statement on “aggressions” by British warships in U.S. waters.
25 Sep. 1804
Discusses U.S.-Spanish relations with Carlos Martínez de Irujo at Monticello.
27 Sep. 1804
Leaves Monticello for Washington, arriving 30 Sep.
8 Oct. 1804
Cabinet meeting to discuss relations with Spain.
16 Oct. 1804
William Dunbar and George Hunter set out on their Ouachita River expedition.
25 Oct.1804
Abigail Adams ends her renewed correspondence.
5 Nov. 1804
First President’s House dinner recorded on list that will run until March 1809.
6 Nov. 1804
Assures Meriwether Lewis’s brother that the expedition is “as safe as at home.”
8 Nov. 1804
Sends fourth annual message to Congress.

Volume 45: 11 November 1804 to 8 March 1805

27 Nov. 1804

Pays Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin for profile and engravings.

2 Dec. 1804

Napoleon Bonaparte crowned emperor of the French.

3 Dec. 1804

Memorial from Louisiana presented to the House of Representatives (and to the Senate on 31 Dec.).

12 Dec. 1804

Spain declares war on Great Britain.

26 Dec. 1804

Levi Lincoln writes letter of resignation as attorney general.

4 Jan. 1805

Reelected president of the American Philosophical Society.

6 Jan. 1805

Writes privately to John Taylor that he will not consider a third term as president.

11 Jan. 1805

Signs act for creation of Michigan Territory.

23 Jan. 1805

First sitting for portrait by Rembrandt Peale.

2 Feb. 1805

William Dunbar begins sending information from Ouachita River expedition.

8 Feb. 1805

Subscribes to Mercy Otis Warren’s history of the American Revolution.

13 Feb. 1805

Electoral ballots opened and tallied in the Senate chamber: 162 for Jefferson and Clinton, 14 for Pinckney and King.

1 Mch. 1805

Impeachment trial of Samuel Chase ends in acquittal by the Senate on all charges.

2 Mch. 1805

Signs act to give Orleans Territory a general assembly; Senate approves nominations of Robert Smith as attorney general and Jacob Crowninshield as secretary of the navy.

4 Mch. 1805

Inaugurated for second term as president of the United States.