To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Tornquist, 27 December 1824
Boston the 27th of December 1824.
Sir,
Some of the most respectable Persons in this Town, having recommanded to me to write a few Lines to you Sir, assuring me I may depend on it that you will, not only excuse the liberty of my addressing you, but that I may also flatter myself to be favoured with a reply.
The fact is, a Brother-in-law of mine abroad is in possession of a compleat phisical, chimical, and astronomical Apparatus, fit for a College, which he would sell at a lower Price than such Instruments can be made in this country, or can be ordered from England: These Instruments are made by Mr Dolland in London.—
You Sir, being the Director of the new College in Virginia, I take the liberty of asking you, whether or not you will allow me to hand to you the Catalogue of the Apparatus, as soon as I shall receive the same from Europe; for if the said college is not yet provided with such Instruments you may perhaps judge proper to purchase the same; and in this case they might be sent direct to Baltimore.— My business requiring to visit Baltimore in two or three month, I may then, with your kind permission, wait on you in order to conclude the sale; for I prefer to sell the Apparatus to a College, because it would be a material saving in point of importation duties.—In regard to myself
Messr | Le Roy Bayard & Co. | } | New York |
〃 | E. Stevens & Sons | ||
〃 | Adams & Amory | } | Boston |
〃 | Wm B: Sevett & Co |
and a number of other respectable Refferences will at all times be ready to confirm my own, and my Family’s respectability.
Francis Tomquist Brother and Bther in law of Mess: Leers & Co Hamburgh |
Please to direct Messrs E: Stevens & Sons South = Street NewYork
CSmH: Jefferson File.