Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-10-02-0219

Thomas Jefferson to William Wirt, 18 August 1816

To William Wirt

Monticello Aug. 18. 16.

Dear Sir

I will with pleasure undertake the perusal of your work and with the frankness to which you are entitled will make the observations to which it may give occasion, and this I will do on the condition and confidence that you will shew you think me worthy of equal frankness by regarding the observations I shall hazard exactly as much only as your own judgment shall dictate on severe examination: that you will be entirely at ease in rejecting, & thereby place me at ease in offering my remarks. the work is yours, to your account the world will place it’s merit and demerit. and the ultimate decision is of right there where the responsibility is. I shall go to Poplar forest near Lynchburg on the 1st of the ensuing month and remain there 6. or 8. weeks, so that you must be so good as to address the sheets to me here or there according to the times of your transmitting them. ever an[d] affectionately your’s

Th: Jefferson

PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover of Joseph Delaplaine to TJ, 11 May 1816; mutilated at seal, with missing text supplied from Tr; at foot of text: “William Wirt esquire”; endorsed by TJ. Tr (MdHi: Wirt Papers).

Index Entries

  • Henry, Patrick (1736–99); W. Wirt’s book on search
  • Poplar Forest (TJ’s Bedford Co. estate); TJ plans visit to search
  • Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry (W. Wirt); draft chapters of sent to TJ search
  • Wirt, William; letters to search
  • Wirt, William; Sketches of the Life and Character of Patrick Henry search