Thomas Jefferson to John Hopkins, 11 August 1813
To John Hopkins
Monticello Aug. 11. 13.
Sir
I subscribe with pleasure to the work of mr Allen’s which you propose to print: but as to assisting with materials, it is really not in my power. my life has been too busy a one to collect materials, or even to retain notes of what has been passing. those who act are generally too much occupied to write what is doing: lookers on, alone, have leisure for that. were I to resort to my memory, it would offer but a confused mass, difficult to be digested, and too indistinctly retained to be relied on. if there be any body who possesses materials either written, or on memory, I should suppose it to be Charles Thomson, who is in your neighborhood. he must have retained many anecdotes at least.
Th: Jefferson
PoC (DLC); at foot of text: “Mr John Hopkins”; endorsed by TJ.
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