1John W. Webster to Thomas Jefferson, 10 January [1820] (Jefferson Papers)
With the greatest respect permit a stranger to address you, knowing as he does the deep interest you have ever felt in the progress of Science in our country. Many years ago as an amusement I began to collect what natural productions came in my way & soon became fond of Mineralogical pursuits; anxious to form an extensive cabinet of Minerals I took with me to Europe a few years since (when I...