Transcendental
Interesting how the meaning of this has changed over time. It seems it used to be related to Geometry. Now, the main definition of transcendental is "relating to a spiritual or nonphysical realm." However, if you look further there is a mathematical definition, as well: "(of a number, e.g., e or π) real but not a root of an algebraic equation with rational roots." This does not seem to do with geometry
James River company.
The James River company was actually just a company for literally the James River. It was a canal company and all they owned and business was concerned was the James River it seems.
the French is the language of general intercourse among nations, and as a depository of human Science is unsurpassed by any other language living or dead:
I thought this was very interesting and highlights a difference in the world from when this document was written to now, as French is no longer the language of general intercourse. English has taken its place.
Belle Lettres
In French, Belle Lettres translates to "beautiful writing". Belle Lettres refers to a type of writing that has a unique style and tone that is easy to read. However, Belle Lettres can also just be an all-encompassing term referring to literary forms that don't fall into other categories