1From Thomas Jefferson to William Small, 7 May 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure by a gentleman who saw you at Birmingham to hear of your welfare. By Capt. Aselby of the True-patriot belonging to Messrs. Farrell & Jones of Bristol I send you three dozen bottles of Madeira, being the half of a present which I had laid by for you. The captain was afraid to take more on board lest it should draw upon him the officers of the customs. The remaining three...
2To Thomas Jefferson from William Small, 25 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
This encroachment I hope may not be thought premature, when the subject is considered—The Cheif majistrate of a Great Republick, whose time is divided, & subdivided in rendering benifits to sience and society, Wherether applied, in it’s more exalted refinements, or the lower grades, and Where it may be virteously apply’d. As this virteous carrier must afford little scope (particularly when so...
3To Thomas Jefferson from William Small, 12 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sory that the Publick business does not permit me to attend You along with Robert, whose diffidence requires aid—From what I learn, the lad will soon be ready to enter to trade—I am sanguine it may be both to the honour and interest of the family, and supposeing Your kind interference may be a spurr to us all to do our duty—It was my intention to have brought one of your instruments,...
4To Thomas Jefferson from William Small, 2 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Retarded in my general operations by a recent circumstance, And an engine for cutting Male & female screws, on & in tubes, altho near completed, yet is unfinished—The asistance of that instrument would in 20 minuets complete your Telescope, I expect much to your satisfaction. If it is got done to day I will forward by any lod your orders imediately after—The other work haveing been done a few...
5To Thomas Jefferson from William Small, 23 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Imploy’d when the servant called in fixing The tube (or female screw) to the rack work to anticipate your wish, having heard of the Telescope, Orrery &c being at the Navy office prior—Am sory I could not detain the servt. & horse without permission till finished, which short time would do, as every thing is ready to attach—I will have the honor of finishing & simplifying the small business so...
6From Thomas Jefferson to William Small, 20 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Small, and having imported from England the last year a fine circle of reflexion on the principles of Hadley, the Hadley’s sextant which mr Small was so kind as to take to repair or exchange for him, becomes unnecessary to him; and it will be a great gratification if mr Small will accept of it, which he now prays him to do as a token of his esteem....