To Thomas Jefferson from William Thornton, 22 July 1808
City of Washington 22nd: July 1808
Sir
The inclosed was written by the Chinese Mandarin in my presence, and the Translation I wrote as he delivered it me,—though not precisely in the same words, but as nearly as the Idiom would allow.—Your name he wrote himself, both in the Roman & Chinese Characters, with a Camel’s-hair pencil & Indian Ink.
I am Sir with the greatest respect & highest Consideration yr. &c
William Thornton
ViW.