1Lemuel J. Alston to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Although I must acknowledge it is with some degree of reluctance, founded alone on a principle of fear that you may consider it rather assuming in me; still from a high sense of your well established benevolence of heart & beneficence of disposition, I take the liberty of requesting the favour of you, if convenient (but not otherwise) to furnish me with a Merino ram Lamb the latter part of...