1From Thomas Jefferson to Jeudy de l’Hommande, 9 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
At the time you honored me with your letter of May 31. I was not returned from a journey I had taken into Italy. This circumstance, with the mass of business which had accumulated during my absence must apologize for the delay of my answer. Every discovery which multiplies the subsistence of men, must be a matter of joy to every friend to humanity. As such I learn with great satisfaction that...