1To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Kendell, 1 December 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I am a foreigner and lately from Ireland and on my way to Washington City. In order to know if I can get a Patent for a certain invention to prevent the Wreck or loss of Vessels at Sea, in consequence of Sickness I am got out of money, knowing from your general, character that your wish is to support any thing of utility embolden’d me to make application to you, for a little assistance to...