Samuel H. Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 11 March 1815
From Samuel H. Smith
Washington1 Mar. 11. 1815
Dear Sir
I have the pleasure of acknowledging2 the receipt of your favor of the 27th ult.
Congress having on the last day of their sitting modified the pending bill for the transportation of the Library so to leave the necessary dispositions to the President of the U.S. I yesterday consulted with him on the subject. He considers it advisable to postpone its transportation until some time in May, and that it be transported by land in such way as shall be most agreeable to you. For this purpose it is contemplated to employ Joseph Dougherty. I forward to you in a distinct packet the Catalogue. If then, you will be pleased, when the Library shall be in a condition for transportation, to drop me a line, with any further suggestions that may occur to you, arrangements shall be immediately made for closing3 the business.
I am, with great respect & regard,
Sa H Smith
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 16 Mar. 1815 and so recorded in SJL. FC (DLC: J. Henley Smith Papers); in Smith’s hand and endorsed by him.
The 3 Mar. 1815 “Act to provide a library room, and for transporting the library lately purchased” to the nation’s capital gave president James Madison the authority to accomplish both goals “during the ensuing recess of Congress” (, 3:225–6).
1. Manuscript: “Washigton.”
2. Manuscript: “acknowledgig.”
3. Manuscript: “closig.”
Index Entries
- An Act to provide a library room, and for transporting the library lately purchased (1815) search
- Dougherty, Joseph; and transportation of TJ’s library search
- Jefferson, Thomas; Books & Library; catalogue of search
- Library of Congress; TJ’s catalogue of books sold to search
- Library of Congress; transportation of TJ’s books to Washington search
- Madison, James (1751–1836); and transportation of TJ’s library search
- Smith, Samuel Harrison; and transportation of TJ’s library search
- Smith, Samuel Harrison; letters from search