X. X
JEFFERSON TO LEWIS
X. [From original MS. in Bureau of Rolls—Jefferson Papers, series 2, vol. 51, doc. 116.]
Washington, Apr. 23, 1803.
Dear Sir: I have not been able to hear anything of you since
Mar. 7, till two or three days ago, Lieut. Wilson told me you would
leave Frederic the 18th. inst. & that you had been detained till then at
Harper's ferry, where Capt. Murray also told me he had seen you. I
have no doubt you have used every possible exertion to get off, and
therefore we have only to lament what cannot be helped, as the delay
of a month now may lose a year in the end. will you be so good as to
call on Doctr Bollman with my complements & pay him for some
wine sent me? I suppose it will be about 12 Doll. but it must be
whatever he says. I will also thank you to purchase for me a Leopard
or tyger's skin, such as the covers of our saddles were cut out of. in
North 3d. street & North 4th. street a few doors only from Market street
there used to be a considerable furrier's store in each. at one of these
it was that I saw a robe of what they called the Peruvian sheep, and I
took to be of the Lama or Vigogna. it was made up of several skins
and was of the price of 12 D. If there be such a thing there now, you
can either observe & report it to me, or if you think it good (for I
have almost forgot it) I would take it at once. Let me hear from you
on your receipt of this, and inform me of your prospect of getting off.
I have letters here from your friends in Albemarle. Accept my
affectionate salutations.
Th. Jefferson.
Capt. M. Lewis.
