To Thomas Jefferson from Étienne Lemaire, 17 August 1802
From Étienne Lemaire
Washington Sity aoux du 17 1802
Monsieur
Jespair que la presente Resûe vous trouvaira En bonne Senté, je resûe, vôtre, honorable lettre le 16—datée du 13 ausitôt, Je me sui, Enpraicé, d’avoir l’honneur di repondre. Monsieur Je fait venir, le pompié pour examiner la pompe de la maison, il, ma promit de la mettre En bonne ordre,—Monsieur, le paûvre, petit Enfant asnet est Mor le 14. du Courant, mais je vous asur que le Bon dieux, lui a, Rendue, un grand Service ainsi qua Sa mer, vûe qui l’aurait Eté infirme, toute Sa vie. Monsieur toute la, famille Son joint a moi pr. vous fair Mille, remerciment, il, se porte toute, tres, bien—
Monsieur Je fini avecque, toute latachement possible. Je Sui, votre, tres afectionné Serviteur,
E Lemaire
EDITORS’ TRANSLATION
Washington City, 17 Aug. 1802
Sir
I hope this mail finds you in good health. I received on the 16th your honorable letter, dated the 13th, and hasten to have the honor of replying. Sir, I brought in the pump man to examine the pump at the house. He promised to get it back in working order. Sir, the poor little child Asnet died on the 14th of this month, but I assure you that the good Lord rendered a great service to him and to his mother, since he would have been infirm all his life. My family joins me in sending you a thousand thanks, Sir. They are all well.
I conclude, Sir, with all possible fidelity. I am your very devoted Servant.
E Lemaire
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 22 Aug. and so recorded in SJL.