LXV. LXV
JEFFERSON TO LEWIS
LXV. [From original MS. in Bureau of Rolls—Jefferson Papers, series 2, vol. 51, doc. 117.]
I recieved, my dear Sir, with unspeakable joy your letter of Sep.
23 announcing the return of yourself, Capt Clarke & your party in good
health to St. Louis. The unknown scenes in which you were engaged
& the length of time without hearing of you had begun to be felt
awfully. Your letter having been 31 [27?] days coming, this cannot
find you at Louisville, & I therefore think it safest to lodge it at
Charlottesville, it's only object is to assure you of what you already
know, my constant affection for you & the joy with which all your
friends here will receive you, tell my friend of Mandane also that I have
already opened my arms to recieve him. Perhaps, while in our neighborhood,
it may be gratifying to him, & not otherwise to yourself to
take a ride to Monticello and see in what manner I have arranged the
tokens of friendship I have received from his country particularly, as
well as from other Indian friends: that in fact I am preparing a kind of
Indian hall. mr Dinsmore, my principal workman will shew everything
there. had you not better bring him [Mandan] by Richmond, Fredericksburg
& Alexandria? he will thus, see what none of the others have
visited, & and the convenience of the public stages will facilitate your
taking that route.
I salute you with sincere affection.
Th. Jefferson.
Capt. M. Lewis.
