Thomas Jefferson to DeWitt Clinton, 6 April 1821
To DeWitt Clinton
Monticello Apr. 6. 21.
Th Jefferson returns his thanks to Governor Clinton for the Canal Report he has been so kind as to send him and congratulates him on the prospect of a succesful accomplishment of this most splendid undertaking. it will be an example & lesson to mankind how much better it is to spend their spare money on canals, roads & other such works ameliorating the condition of man, than in wars which bow him to the earth with misery, devastation & death. he salutes him with friendship and respect.
RC (NNC: Clinton Papers); dateline at foot of text; addressed: “His Excellency Governor Clinton New York”; franked; postmarked Milton, 6 Apr.; endorsed in an unidentified hand, in part: “Thanking my father for the Canal Report.” PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; endorsed by TJ.