Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-11-02-0156

Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 16 March 1817

To Bernard Peyton

Monticello Mar. 16. 17.

Dear Sir

During an absence of 27. years from Europe, the ordinary course of mortality, aided by a bloody revolution & active guillotine has swept off nearly every personel acquaintance on that side of the Atlantic. with some literary characters I have since had correspondence, but not knowing them personally or their habits of society, I do not take the liberty of giving letters of introduction to them. the letter which I inclose to mr Gallatin will give to mr Preston the benefit of his introduction to living characters unknown to me; and supposing he may visit the Southern countries I add letters to mr Cathalan of Marseilles and mr Appleton of Leghorn, the [two?] sea ports he will be most likely to visit. when you have rea[d them?], be so good as to stick wafers in them, as my friends will distinguish, favorably for him, sealed from open letters of introduction. I salute you with constant friendship and respect.

Th: Jefferson

PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of Jerman Baker to TJ, 19 Feb. 1817; torn at seal, with one word rewritten by TJ; at foot of text: “Capt Bernard Peyton”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosures: TJ to Thomas Appleton, to Stephen Cathalan, and to Albert Gallatin, all of 16 Mar. 1817.

Index Entries

  • Appleton, Thomas; TJ introduces W. C. Preston to search
  • Cathalan, Stephen (Étienne) (1757–1819); TJ introduces W. C. Preston to search
  • Gallatin, Albert; TJ introduces W. C. Preston to search
  • Peyton, Bernard; and introductions for W. C. Preston search
  • Peyton, Bernard; letters to search
  • Preston, William Campbell; TJ introduces search