Thomas W. Maury to Thomas Jefferson, 17 October 1819
From Thomas W. Maury
Charlottesville 17th October 1819
Dear Sir.
Herewith you will receive a specimen of Kenawha salt, received by me from Judge Summers with a request that I would present it to you. No uncommon pains were used either in its selection, or in the process of making it, inasmuch as I saw it taken from one of many kettles boiling in the same furnace, all of which were of similar quality.—I also send you a specimen of the coal of Western Virginia, with a label explanatory of its real or imaginary peculiarities. Your absence at the time of my return from Kentucky, in July, and my frequent absence from this neighbourhood since your return, constitute my apology for having so long delayed the delivery of these articles. It would afford me much pleasure to deliver them this day in person, but I am compelled to go on my way to Louisa Superior Court, which will take place tomorrow.
Th: W. Maury
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 18 Oct. 1819 and so recorded in SJL.