It is with sentiments of very great respect, but with extreme diffidence, that I offer to obtrude upon thy retirement, & invite again thy labors in the field of science. I ask thy aid. To a mind so constituted, & so long accustomed to exertion in every mean of usefulness to mankind;—I know that, having relinquished thy public employments, the more active exertions of private research will become pleasurable. And I am anxious early to solicit the assistance of such talents, in forwarding a design announced in the enclosed printed letters.

I enclose thee also, one of my Books; & must hope thou wilt give it publicity. If, after having had sufficient time to form thy judgement of its merits, thou wouldest write me thereon, the favor would be duly appreciated.

I send also a Stalactic curiosity;—formed in a cavity, attached to a porous rock, through which the watery medium formed a passage.

If I succeed in my intentions, I may personally obtrude upon thy retirement at Monticello, during the ensuing summer. And I need, hardly, to add that, an interview with Thomas Jefferson, at his own home, would be one of the most desirable objects that engage my fancy. The World has much to expect yet, from thee—and that world is anxiously looking toward thy home, for a finish to a most interesting picture.

May I expect that a little Philosopher, will be well received by the greatest our country has yet to boast?—

Forgive my freedom—I have only thy domestic virtues to awe me—& with them I love to fancy perfect freedom & universal good will. In short, if my mind does not1 adopt the more plausible style of official reverence, it is only because that neither myself or thee (as I imagine,) can choose it. I behold thee unburdened by the formalities of official dignity, & regard thee as a friend to private worth. As such I again solicit thy aid with assurances that no one more wishes thee the blessings of a mind usefully at ease, than, he who now address thee