To Thomas Jefferson from John Banister, 19 January 1786
From John Banister
Virga. Jany. 19th. 1786
Dear Sir
I had the honor of receiving your letter dated at Paris in June last, enclosing one from my Son, dated at Lyons, since which I have heard from neither you nor him, which fills me with unfavorable Presages as to his Health which was when he left us in a bad and dangerous State. May I hope Sir that you will take the trouble of informing me if any ill has happened to Jack, that has occasioned his long and unusual Silence, altho opportunities occur daily both from France and England.
I wish you a long enjoyment of Health for the good of that Country to whose Service you have so long generously devoted your time, being with the utmost Veneration & Regard Dr. Sir your mo obed. & obliged Friend.
J Banister
Our Friend D. Rose is gone to Elesium for he was an Isralite indeed with out guile.
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ: “Bannister John. senr.” Noted in SJL as received 31 Apr. [1 May?] 1786.
Banister was quoting from John 1: 47—“Behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile.”