From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Bankson, 3 April 1794
To Benjamin Bankson
Monticello Apr. 3. 1794.
Dear Sir
The suspension of our post during the inoculation at Richmond prevented my receiving your letter of Feb. 13. till three days ago. I hasten therefore by the first return of post to transmit you the testimony you desire. It will always be a gratification to me to bear witness to the merits of the gentlemen to whose diligence and fidelity I was so much indebted while I was in office, and feel the same sincere interest in their success as if they were members of my family. Be so good as to assure them of my constant wishes for their welfare, and to accept yourself the same from Dr. Sir Your most obedt. humble servt
Th: Jefferson
P.S. I rely with assurance that I shall receive the originals of my letters & c which I left to be entered as soon as the business of the office will permit.
PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “Mr. Benjamin Bankson.” Enclosure: Certificate for Bankson, 3 Apr. 1794: “I hereby certify that Mr. Benjamin Bankson one of the clerks for the department of state, continued to do duty in the office of that department during the whole course of the malignant fever which prevailed in Philadelphia the last year, and that from about the middle of September to about the middle of November he had the sole charge of the office without the aid even of an office-keeper” (PrC in DLC; signed by TJ).
Bankson’s letter of Feb. 13., recorded in SJL as received from Philadelphia 31 Mch. 1794, has not been found.