William Dickson to Thomas Jefferson, 20 February 1810
From William Dickson
Nashville Feby 20th 1810
Dear Sir
I herewith enclose the Miniature1 &c of the late Govr Lewis, which has been put into my hands by Majr Anderson for that purpose.
It seems when an inventory was taken at this place of the property of the deceased this article being wrapped up with a small parcel of medecines, was overlooked, and not discovered until some time after the Inventory had been sent on.
It was matter of doubt with me whether to enclose it to his mother or to you, as the safest mode of conveyance. I have prefered the latter.—
Please to accept assurances of respect and regard from
Wm Dickson
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Mr Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 18 Mar. 1810 and so recorded in SJL.
William Dickson (1770–1816), a native of Duplin County, North Carolina, moved to Tennessee in 1795. After studying medicine and setting up a medical practice in Nashville, he served as speaker of the state house of representatives, 1799–1801, and held a seat as a Republican in the United States House of Representatives, 1801–07. Allegations that Dickson harbored aristocratic tendencies surfaced during his 1801 congressional campaign, prompting Andrew Jackson to obtain and have printed a letter in which Dickson emphasized his steadfast republicanism (Nashville Whig, 20 Feb. 1816).
; , 1:256–9;Personal effects belonging to Meriwether Lewis had been left for a time near Nashville in the care of William C. anderson. For the inventory of these items compiled ca. 23 Nov. 1809, see , 2:470–4.
1. Manuscript: “Minature.”