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Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to Daniel Fisher re: acknowledging book on military tactics

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03739 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Monticello Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 August 1805 Pagination: 1 p. 19.8 x 24.8 cm Order a Copy

Letter written in the third person, thanking Fisher for the book on military tactics, and noting "It would be great presumption in him [i.e., TJ] to hazard an opinion on a work the subject of which he has been less conversant in than any other."

Notes: Not in Bergh or Ford. Daniel Fisher wrote A System of Military Tactics, Containing the Principles of Discipline and Movements, Chiefly Applied to Infantry, with Rules and Regulations Designed for the Forces of the United States (New York, 1805). Fisher's letter of July 30, 1805 to Jefferson, sending the book, is quoted in E. Millicent Sowerby, comp., Catalogue of the Library of Thomas Jefferson (Washington, D.C., 1952-59), vol. 1, pp. 518-19. In that letter Fisher only indicated his authorship of the book; he is otherwise unidentified.

Th: Jefferson makes his acknolegements [sic] to Mr. Fisher for the book on Military tactics forwarded to him, and his thanks for this mark of his attention. It would be great presumption in him to hazard an opinion on a work the subject of which he has been less conversant in than any other. It is nevertheless an important one, and Mr. Fisher will have deserved well of his country for his endeavors to render it familiar to them. He prays him to accept his salutations & respects.
Monticello Aug. 12. 05.

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Fisher, Daniel, fl. 1814

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