Robert Patterson to Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1813
From Robert Patterson
Philadelphia March 25th 1813.
Sir
Your time-piece has been packed up, ready for shipment, in the manner you directed, for a considerable time. But as soon as our river had been rendered navigable, by the breaking up of the ice, it was again stoped & still continues to be so,1 by a British fleet. I am therefore, Sir, about to set it up at my own house, as it will be better to keep it going than standing; & shall wait your further instructions with respect to the manner in which you would have it sent on.
I have the honour to be, with the most perfect esteem Your obedt Servt
R. Patterson
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 31 Mar. 1813 and so recorded in SJL.
1. Preceding six words interlined.