Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-02-02-0013

Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 23 November 1809

To William Thornton

Monticello Nov. 23. 09.

Dear Sir

On my return hither, after an absence of a fortnight I found at the post office your favor of the 16th & avail myself of the first return of post to write the letter desired & now inclosed. I sincerely wish success to the enterprize. at the same time I would rather see some of the French Merinos introduced because theirs have been selected from all Spain, as the finest individuals of the race; & indeed from all accounts they are quite a superior race of animals.

The Marseilles fig, & Shepherd’s dogs shall be attended to in due time. the difficulty will be how to get the latter to you. the first brood has been disposed of. another may be expected by February.  I am at present blockaded by a snow three inches deep, & the thermometer at 19.° and find that it renders my faculties as torpid as my fingers. they refuse further service than to add assurances to yourself & family of my great esteem & respect.

Th: Jefferson

RC (DLC: Thornton Papers); addressed: “Doctr William Thornton Washington. Col.”; franked; postmarked 28 Nov. at Milton. PoC (MHi). Enclosure: TJ to George W. Erving, 23 Nov. 1809.

Index Entries

  • dogs; requested from TJ search
  • figs; Marseilles search
  • food; figs search
  • merino sheep; French search
  • merino sheep; TJ on search
  • Thornton, William; and fig trees search
  • Thornton, William; and merino sheep search
  • Thornton, William; and shepherd dogs search
  • Thornton, William; letters to search
  • trees; fig search
  • weather; snow search