Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to John Ponsonby, 14 July 1802

To John Ponsonby

Washington July 14. 1802.

Sir

I am to thank you for the specimens of waterproof cotton and cloth which you were so good as to send me. the former was new to me. I had before recieved as much of the cloth as made me a great coat, which I have so fully tried as to be satisfied it is water proof except at the seams. I shall be glad when such supplies come over as will enable us to get our common clothes of them: & should suppose they would sell very readily. the silk must be valuable for summer great coats. perhaps the best thing would be for the company to send a person to perform the operation here. I had also recieved some of the water proof paper, & recommended to the Secretary at war to import a quantity for cartridges. Accept my respects & best wishes.

Th: Jefferson

RC (CtY); at foot of text: “Mr. Ponsonby.” PrC (ViW); endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.

For the SPECIMENS OF WATERPROOF COTTON AND CLOTH that Ponsonby sent TJ from Ackermann, Suardy, & Co. of London, see Vol. 37:668–9n.

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