1Duncan Forbes Robertson to Thomas Jefferson, 12 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
You will no doubt be surprised as well as amazed should you ever receive this scrawl, the purport of which is a request; that if granted will be duly appreciated by me. I have declined making it for some years for fear of giving offence, but calling to mind your age, and that in a short time the opportunity will be forever gone, I can no longer forbear, hoping to be forgiven if considered...
2Duncan Forbes Robertson to Thomas Jefferson, 3 February 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 11 th of Dec I received; words are wanting to express my gratitude for your kindness, a remembrance of which shall descend with me to the grave, although, I assure you, that a simple lock of your hair, whitened by the frosts of 79 winters, would have been received with equal respect , and a degree of veneration. I addressed you from pure motives, your receiving it as such, has...