From Thomas Jefferson to James Wood, 24 January 1799
To James Wood
Philadelphia Jan. 24. 1799.
Sir
In obedience to an instruction from the Senate of the US. I am to perform the melancholy office of informing you that the honourable Henry Tazewell late a Senator of the US. from Virginia departed this life on this day. this is not a place in which I am permitted to indulge those reflections which the loss of so able and virtuous a publick servant naturally suggests. it rests with you, Sir, to make that use of this information which is necessary for supplying his place as speedily as may be in the Senate of the US.
I have the honor to be with great respect Sir
Your most obedt. & most humble servt
Th: Jefferson
RC (Vi); addressed: “The Governour of Virginia.” Enclosure: Resolution of the Senate, 24 Jan. 1799, directing the president of the Senate to inform the executive of Virginia of the death of Senator Henry Tazewell (Tr in Vi, in hand of and attested by Samuel A. Otis, with subjoined note in Wood’s hand and signed by him: “As the above Came by express who expects Compensation, I request the Board to meet this Morning 11 Oclock J Wood. Wednesday Morng”; see , 2:573; , 9:4).