Thomas Jefferson to DeWitt Clinton, 16 October 1821
To DeWitt Clinton
Poplar Forest near Lynchburg. Oct. 16. 21
Dear Sir
I this moment, and at a distant possession at which I am on a visit, recieve your favor of the 1st inst. the book1 on the subject of the2 canal is doubtless reserved at Monticello until my return. accept my thanks for it, and my congratulations on the progress of the most splendid and useful work ever undertaken in America, which, while it enriches the state, will immortalize it’s conductors, to no one of whom it is more indebted than yourself.3 I salute you with the assurance of my continued and high respect and esteem.
Th: Jefferson
RC (NNC: Clinton Papers); addressed: “His Excellency Dewitt Clinton Govr of New York Albany” and redirected to New York City in an unidentified hand; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked; endorsed by Clinton, in part: “about our Canals.” Dft (MHi); on verso of RC of Clinton to TJ, 1 Oct. 1821; lacking salutation and signature.
1. Word interlined in place of “work” in Dft.
2. Preceding three words interlined in Dft.
3. Omitted period supplied from Dft.