Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to Lewis Brantz
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00693.01 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Monticello, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 April 1823 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses his recommendation of Mr. Haessler, probably Ferdinand R. Hässler who was the first supervisor of the Survey of the Coast, to Virginia Governor James Pleasant. Recipient noted in a different hand. Formerly pasted with a printed label. Watermark "D Ames."
Notes: Not in Bergh or Ford. James Pleasants, a cousin to Jefferson, was Governor of Virginia. Ferdinand Rudolph Hässler was a geodesist whom Jefferson had recommended to Congress for surveying the American coast in 1807. Due to legislative delays, purchasing problems and the War of 1812, Hässler did not begin the survey until 1816. His work was suspended by Congress in 1818 but he remained in America. In 1832 President Jackson appointed Hässler Superintendent of the Bureau of Weights and Measures, and in 1832 returned him to the Coastal Survey in which position he died.
Monticello Apr. 3. 23
Sir
Your favor of Mar.18. is recieved, as had been in due time that of Jan.15. which I forwarded to Govr. Pleasants immediately with my own testimony on mr Haessler's merit. I did not inform you of it having done what was requested and writing being very painful to me. I have repeated to the Governor on the present occasion my recommendation of Mr. Haessler, to whose worth I always willingly bear witness. Accept the assurance of my respect.
Th: Jefferson
[written in another hand:]
Lewis Brantz Esqr.
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