To Thomas Jefferson from William Branch Giles, 2 September 1803
From William Branch Giles
Warm Springs—
September 2d 1803
Dear Sir
Mr Chevalier, the Gentleman who will probably present you this letter, in passing through your part of the Country, is desirous of making his Respects to you at Monticello.—He is the son in Law of Judge Lions, and formerly had some transactions with you as agent for Beaumarchais, although he is doubtful whither they were of such a nature, as to entitle him to your recollection,—Under these circumstances, I take pleasure in announcing Mr. Chevalier to you; because whilst, I have not the pleasure of an intimate personal acquaintance with him, I have for a long time, had a general acquaintance with his character, which is of a nature, to entitle him to the highest consideration either, as it respects the integrity of his conduct, the correctness of his information, or the amiableness of his manners.—
Be pleased to accept my best wishes for your health, happiness & prosperity &c
Wm B. Giles
RC (DLC); at head of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 8 Sep. and so recorded in SJL.
mr chevalier: that is, Jean Auguste Chevallié, who, since emigrating from France to America, had anglicized his name to John Augustus Chevallié. His second wife, Catherine Lyons, was a daughter of Virginia jurist Peter Lyons ( , 8:359n; , 3:200; Vol. 11:55). For his activities as agent for Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais and his heirs, see Chevallié to TJ, 16 Sep. and 14 Oct. 1803.