From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Newton, 12 July 1802
To Thomas Newton
Washington July 12. 1802
Dear Sir
The Secretary at War, Genl. Dearborne, having occasion to visit Norfolk, I cannot omit the occasion of making him known to you. you will find that his public appointment is no more than a just testimonial of his private worth: and I always suppose in bringing two good men together, I render a service to both.
I have to acknolege the reciept of your favor of June 1. it is probable I shall avail myself of your information on the subject of wine, when I shall be returned from Monticello, to which place I shall set out in ten days to pass there the bilious months of Aug. & September. I am happy to find a probability of being supplied with a wine of so superior a quality. I am desirous to get ahead of my consumption of it, so as to have it of good age, but as yet it is not convenient.
Accept assurances of my great esteem & respect
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “Colo. Newton.”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
Henry Dearborn visited NORFOLK later that month possibly to inspect a battery that had replaced an earlier fortification for the city’s port (Norfolk Commercial Register, 18 Aug. 1802; , Military Affairs, 1:158).
Newton had informed TJ of “some fine Brazil” WINE in his possession (Vol. 37:524–5n).