To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Newton, 14 April 1801
From Thomas Newton
Norfolk 14 Apl. 1801
Dr Sir
Inclosed is a bill of parcels & Lading for a pipe of old Brasil Madeira wine, which I have hopes will meet your Approbation—Mr. Cocke the purser of the Cheasepeak frigate has been so good as to take this letter, has promised me, he will see the wine taken care of from Alexandria to Washington, he is a worthy young man & conducts himself with great propriety (I have heard) in his office. I am very respectfully
Yr Obt. Servt
Thos Newton
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 1 May and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Invoice, Norfolk, 14 Apr., for one pipe of old Brazil Madeira wine for the president of the U.S., purchased of James Taylor, Jr., for $350 plus 12.5 cents for drayage, taken aboard the sloop commanded by Abel Willis for delivery to the president or his agent upon payment of the freight “as customary” (MS in same; signed by Willis).