An absence of 6. weeks occasions this late acknolegement of your favor of Nov. 29. covering a letter from Doctr Stephenson of Belfast. and asking my directions with respect to a small box from him containing 2. plants of a grass which I had asked under the belief it’s introduction would be useful to our country. if the box be as small as I expect, so that it might not be an abuse of the mail to send it by that, it will be the quickest & most likely conveyance to ensure success in raising the plant. if too large for the mail, I must pray you to send it by some vessel bound to Richmond addressed to Messrs Gibson & Jefferson of that place who will forward it to me. the propriety of the one or the other conveyance I must request the exercise of your discretion on. Accept my thanks for your attention to this matter & the assurances of my great respect.

Th: Jefferson