To Thomas Jefferson from William Bache, 2 February 1803
From William Bache
Philadelphia Feby. 2d. 1803.
Dear sir.
Your prediction of the state of Navigation has been verified, our Journey from Washington was in slush, which I bore without repining as I had a prospect of an open river, but before the vesell was in readiness the Ice secured her. Today there is some prospect for tomorrow as it is warm and rains.
Yesterday I received remittances from Jersey. Inclosed you will find $100 which you so kindly lent me at Washington, and for which you have my grateful remembrances.
I am very anxious about the fate of Mr Trist, not having heard of him or his family since we left Albemarle. If you know anything of him and can spare time from your public duties, you will add to the many obligations to Mrs Bache & myself by communicating his fate to her.—Believe me with sincere respect & friendship to be your much obliged.—
William Bache
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 12 Feb. Enclosure not found, but see below.
our journey: Bache was taking the Philadelphia route, rather than the Norfolk, to New Orleans to serve as physician for the proposed marine hospital there (Vol. 38:3–4, 29–30; George Jefferson to TJ, 1 Dec. 1802).
inclosed: on 12 Feb. 1803, TJ recorded in his financial memoranda the receipt of $100 from Bache for the loan “ante Dec. 26.” (, 2:1092; Bache to TJ, 26 Dec. 1802).