XIV. XIV
JEFFERSON TO LEWIS
XIV. [From original MS. in Bureau of Rolls—Jefferson Papers, series 2, vol. 51, doc. 113.]
Washington, May 16, 1803.
Dear Sir: yours of the 14th. is this moment recieved & I hasten to
answer it by return of post, that no time may be lost. the copy of instructions
sent you are only a rough draught for consideration.[1]
They
will not be signed or dated till your departure. presuming you would
procure all the necessary instruments at Philadelphia, which is a principal
object of your journey there, the instructions say that the necessary
instruments 'have been provided' which will be true when they receive
their ultimate form, date & signature, tho' nothing was provided at the
time of writing the rough draught. this will serve to correct the impression
which has been misunderstood and to let you know you are relied
on to provide every thing for yourself. with respect to the theodolite, I
wish you to be governed entirely by the advice of mr Patterson & mr
Ellicott: as also as to the time piece & whatever else they think best.
mr Garnett told us he had some good ones still on hand; which I remind
you of, lest you should not be able to get one in Philadelphia.
Accept my affectionate salutations.
Th. Jefferson.
Capt. Meriwether Lewis.
