To Thomas Jefferson from Michael Fortune, 14 May 1804
From Michael Fortune
Philadelphia—Walnut Street. [before 14] May 1804
Sir
I have the honor of inclosing you the first Copy of my Song (termed National) on the great event of the Acquisition of Louisiana, so happily effected through your Wisdom and Patriotism.
As the expression of a Nation’s Joy, I am persuaded, you will chearfully receive it.
For my own part, Sir, from my high Veneration for your public and private Character, I cannot describe the pleasure I feel, in contributing, in any degree, to the Celebration of an event, which reflects such Splendor on your admired Talents and illustrious Situation.
With the greatest respect and Consideration, and the most cordial wishes for your Health and Happiness,
I have the honor to remain Sir your very obedient Servant
Michael Fortune
RC (DLC); partially dated; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson President of the United States of America”; endorsed by TJ as received 14 May and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Michael Fortune, “The Acquisition of Louisiana: A National Song” (Philadelphia, [1804]).
Michael Fortune advertised his latest national song in five verses “set to animated music” by “an Amateur.” His advertisement, like his letter to TJ, declared the song to be an expression of a nation’s joy. The sheet music was available for sale from his residence at 39 Walnut Street as well as from the Philadelphia printers and booksellers Mathew Carey, John Conrad & Co., William Duane, Henry & Patrick Rice, and George Willig (Aurora, 14 May 1804; James Robinson, The Philadelphia Directory for 1804 [Philadelphia, 1804], 55, 193, 254; Kirsten E. Wood, “‘Join with Heart and Soul and Voice’: Music, Harmony, and Politics in the Early American Republic,” American Historical Review, 119 [2014], 1093; Vol. 34:417-18).