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...
2Thomas Jefferson to John W. Webster, 28 January 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 10 th and owe you acknolegements for offering us the occasion of procuring the valuable collection of minerals mentioned in your letter, but I have to regret that our institution is not yet so advanced as to permit us to avail ourselves of it. our funds being lim i ted and moderate, we must marshal their application according to the respective urgencies...