Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Galloway, 14 October 1803

To Benjamin Galloway

Washington Oct. 14. 03.

Dear Sir

I recieved yesterday your favor of the 11th. and immediately proceeded to search for the letter of Nov. 30th. 1800. which you suppose to have been delivered to me. I found on reiterated examination that I possess no such letter. as every letter I recieve is filed away alphabetically, the search is short & easily practicable. I then turned to my letter list, for I note in a particular list the name & date of letters as I recieve them daily. I examined it from Nov. 1797. (the time when I recieved from you the note formerly mentioned) to the spring of 1801. and find no letter from you within that period, & think therefore I may safely say I recieved none within that period. I should have concluded the note receivd Nov. 1797 to be the one mr Smiley supposes he delivered me; but I observe that is endorsed ‘to the care of mr Archibald Stuart Staunton.’ I inclose you a copy of it, & am sorry I have nothing else to offer in compliance with your desire. Accept my salutations & assurances of great respect.

Th: Jefferson

PrC (MHi); at foot of text: “Benjamin Galloway esq.”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. Enclosure: see Vol. 29:566-7 for the undated missive from Galloway endorsed by TJ as a letter of October 1797 received 6 Nov.

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