From Thomas Jefferson to Allan B. Magruder, 5 October 1804
To Allan B. Magruder
Washington Oct. 5. 04
Sir
Your favor of Sep. 10. has been duly recieved, and I learn with pleasure that you propose to rescue the actions of the Aborigines of our country from the oblivion which is covering them. I am sorry it is not in my power to assist you with any materials towards it. in an early part of my life my researches were carrying me into the antiquities of America, but called into a totally distinct line of action and constantly employed in it, I abandoned my first pursuits almost as soon as they had been entered on. of Manuscripts I possess nothing of any value; nor have I of printed books on the subject anything but what is in everyone’s hands such as Colden, and Adair. their wars with the Whites I presume are preserved no where but in the public histories of the latter. wishing you much success and repeating my regrets that I can contribute nothing to it I salute you with consideration & respect.
Th: Jefferson
PoC (DLC); at foot of text: “Mr. Allan B. Magruder.”
what is in everyone’s hands: Cadwallader Colden, The History of the Five Indian Nations of Canada, Which Are Dependent on the Province of New-York in America, and James Adair, The History of the American Indians; Particularly Those Nations Adjoining to the Mississippi, East and West Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina, and Virginia, were published in London in 1747 and 1775, respectively ( No. 445 and No. 3997).