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Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to William Jarvis

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03873.01 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 April 1806 Pagination: 2 items 23.8 x 19.1 cm Order a Copy

First page contains Jefferson's letter to Jarvis acknowledging the receipt of Iberian wines for Monticello. Also briefly discusses U.S. foreign relations with European nations. Pages three and four contain Jarvis drafted response to Jefferson, dated July 22, 1806. Jarvis expresses satisfaction that the wines were well received and comments on foreign relations, including the prospect of the United States acquiring Florida. A Bostonian, Jarvis served as the Charge d'affaires at Lisbon from 1802 to 1811. Docketed on the second page.

Notes: The letter on page two is a draft response written by William Jarvis in answer to the previous letter by Thomas Jefferson.

Dear Sir Washington Apr. 16. 06.

I have to ackowledge the recipt of your severel letters of June 20. Aug. 1. Oct. 28. and Jan. 10. of the 2. pipes of mine you last sent I made choice of one, so that I shall expect your bill for the amount of that and two preceding ones at 30. days sight. The two Quarter casks of Terms + Bucellas were paid for to Miss" Robert Hooe + co. The wines I have hitherto recieved from you have been all deposited at Monticello to be ripening for use. when I shall return there to reside, these with others provided in like manner form a sufficient stock to begin on, so that I shall cease to add to it till my return, which will be some time hence. I have therefore to request that no more may be sent to me until I shall again desire it, and to return you thanks for your friendly attentions in assisting me to make this provision for my future comfort. Our foreign relation some time past bore an unpleasant aspect. the differences with England are more likely to be settled amicably since the change in her ministry as to those with Spain, if France acts for her, justice will be done for us. if she leaves Spain to herself, we shall do ourselves justice. The Ambassador of Tunis will leave us in the course of some weeks. his expectations of reducing us to be on of the tributary powers so his government, have been disappointed in toto. as to what may follow we have little anxiety except to avoid surprise. Congress will rise on the 21st. Accept my friendly salutations + assurances of great respect.

Th: Jefferson

William Jarvis esq.

[docket:]

Tho Jefferson 16 Apr 6
+ answer 22 July

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Jarvis, William, 1770-1859

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