Thomas Jefferson Papers

Nicolas G. Dufief to Thomas Jefferson, 26 November 1811

From Nicolas G. Dufief

A Philadelphie ce 26 Novembre 1811

Monsieur

Je m’empresse de vous faire l’hommage de mon catalogue avant que Sa publication ait été encore annoncé. Je dois vous prévenir que la difficulté qu’on éprouve à Se procurer des Livres Francais est cause qu’une partie de ceux qui composent ma Bibliothèque est de rencontre, mais les prix ont été fixés en conséquence.

Agreez, Je vous prie, les assurances du profond respect avec lequel, J’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur votre très-dévoué Serviteur

N. G. Dufief

P.S Je reçois à l’instant un grand nombre de livres dont je vous enverrai la note par la première occasion

Editors’ Translation

Philadelphia 26 November 1811

Sir

I eagerly compliment you with my catalogue before its publication has been announced. I must caution you that procuring French books is so difficult that some of those making up my bookstall are secondhand, but their prices have been set accordingly.

I pray you to accept the assurances of the profound respect with which I have the honor to be Sir your most devoted Servant

N. G. Dufief

P.S. I am receiving many books at present. I will describe them to you at the first opportunity

RC (DLC); dateline adjacent to signature; at foot of text: “Th: Jefferson, Esqre Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 22 Dec. 1811 and so recorded in SJL. Translation by Dr. Roland H. Simon. Enclosure not found.

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