1To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Smith, 9 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
After having kept your letter for so long a while, I am almost ashamed to send it you; but remaining only a few days in Paris, I had not time to pay my respects to you, as it was my intention to do. I did not send it by the post, as I was in doubt whether or not it was a letter of introduction to your Excellency. My delay, I trust, has not been a matter of importance. I have the honour to be...