From Thomas Jefferson to Abner Vernon, 12 December 1792
To Abner Vernon
Philadelphia Dec. 12. 1792.
Sir
Your favor of Nov. 28. has been duly recieved. The sum of seven guineas and a half appears to me to be more than I could justify giving for the mounting of Mr. Mazzei’s gun barrel governing myself by what seem to be his ideas. I presume I could not expect to get above 5. guineas for the thing altogether, if sold for him, that being as much as any body in this country would probably give for any gun. I therefore beg leave to decline taking it for Mr. Mazzei till further orders. I am Sir your very humble servt
Th: Jefferson
PrC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr. Abner Vernon.”