Your favor of Dec. 19. was recieved on the 30th of that month only. it could not have been addressed to one less capable of answering your enquiries. I live very far from the sea-coast, up among the mountains. I have no doubt that Richmond is the best place within this state for the establishment of a cotton manufactory. Washington & Alexandria might compete with it in some important circumstances; but the very superior advantages of Richmond in the command of water and abundance of fuel, might give it a preference. but altho I once lived there and knew nearly every body in it, yet I have been there but twice or thric[e]1 within the last 30. years, and think there is not a single person living there now who was an inhabitant when I was. I cannot therefore address you to any one. nor do I think you ought to adventure on a removal but after your own personal examination. should you come there, you could not consult2 with a person of better information than mr Ritchie, editor of the Enquirer, who, on your presenting him this letter, would kindly consider it as a request from me3 to put you into good hands for4 satisfying the enquiries interesting to you. Accept my best wishes for your success & the assurances of my respect

Th: Jefferson