From Thomas Jefferson to Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 20 March 1801
To Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours
Washington Mar. 20. 1801.
How many hard struggles, my dear friend, would it save me, had I really parted with my last vice on the 3d. of March. I thought you had known me better: but as you do not, I must endeavor to conceal, if I cannot eradicate, what remains amiss.
I recommended to the Secretary at war your proposition on the subject of clothing. he wishes to avail himself of it and has instructed the proper agent to apply to you on the subject. my respects & good wishes attend Made. Dupont and your other precious relations. their personal merit gives them a double right to my esteem. to yourself health, happiness & my sincere affections.
Th: Jefferson
RC (DeGH); addressed: “M. Dupont de Nemours New York”; franked; postmarked 21 Mch.
Last vice: see Du Pont de Nemours to TJ, 20 Feb. 1801.
Du Pont’s proposition was an offer to purchase military clothing that might be “on hand in the public stores & not immediately wanted by the United States.” He made the proposal in a letter of 1 Mch. received by TJ on the 6th. That letter has not been found, but is recorded in SJL and in the War Department’s correspondence registers (DNA: RG 107, RLRMS).