To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Tornquist, 26 November 1825
Newyork the 26th Novbr 1825.
Sir,
Altho’ the Lines you honoured me with were not favourable for my physical cabinet, I flatter myself that you, as a Protector of the Arts & Sciences in this Country, will not be offended If I hand you a few Catalogues of this Apparatus; for according to the opinion of several Professors, there is not Such a complete physical Cabinet anywhere in the United=States.—
As it is uncertain, whether or not I shall be able to Sell it to any College, or public Institution, the Visitors of the Virginia=College can probably purchase of it, whatever they may be in want of. — This Cabinet cost my Brother-in-law above 10000$s, adding to it 1500 Dollars for Duties & Charges it amounts to 11500$s; nevertheless it will be Sold for 9000$s if I have to defray said Charges: I would have neither any objections to sell it at 6 or 9 mths Credit, provided good Security is given.
The Apparatus may now daily arrive, and Alexander Masteer Esqr in NewYork will answer any application that may be made in this respect. —
Please Kindly to excuse the trouble I cause you, and allow me to name myself
Francis Tornquist
CSmH.