To Thomas Jefferson from Isaac Jefferson of Boston, 1 September 1804
From Isaac Jefferson of Boston
Saturday Morng. September 1. 1804 Boston
Most respected Sir
The liberty I take I hope your goodness will overloock I have been a subject, formerly to his Britanick Majesty & became a freeman of the city of London—when I found your honor elected over the States of America I had always an anxious desire of coming to this Country on account of your name I have remained in this town somewhat better than two years & am partial to the mild Government you are at the head of
As I am determined to pass the remainder of my days in these parts—I am not destitute I have a decent competence with care as I occupy a store in preparing seamens apparel—I would be happy to solicit a favor as you are always fitting out Vessels for sea—for a contract for Seamens Clothing—As for a good recommendation I can procure from the Old Country or from the merchants of this town since I have remained here—It is my sincere wish for your long life to hold the reigns of Government
If this should meet with the smallest share of your approbation a line from your honor to N 26 Middle street would unspeakably oblidge—
Your sincere Humble Servant
Isaack Jefferson
RC (DLC); at head of text: “Mr T Jefferson President of the united States”; endorsed by TJ as received 11 Sep. and so recorded in SJL. Dupl (same); dated 6 Oct.; at head of text: “To his Excellency Thomas Jefferson”; signed “Isaac Jefferson”; at foot of text: “A duplicate”; endorsed by TJ as received 14 Oct., but recorded in SJL under 13 Oct.
Isaac Jefferson was born in northern Ireland and resided in London before emigrating to the United States. After his request to TJ for a contract went unanswered, he tried again in 1805 with no better success. Jefferson advertised himself as a retailer in an 1806 Boston directory and later as running a slop shop (The Boston Directory; Containing the Names of the Inhabitants, Their Occupations, Places of Business, and Dwelling-Houses [Boston, 1806], 73; Boston Directory [Boston, 1818], 129; Boston Directory [Boston, 1826], 162; New-York Evening Post, 27 Apr. 1825; Jefferson to TJ, 28 Feb. 1805).