To Thomas Jefferson from William Fleming, 30 October 1796
From William Fleming
Blenhiem, 30th. Octr. 1796.
Dr Sir
I herewith send you a geographical sketch of the several counties in the state of Kentucky, in which, I doubt not, there are many inaccuracies, as I had but little leisure to attend to the subject, and my means of information was often defective; especially with respect to the bearings of the different places attempted to be described. I was at eleven of their county courthouses, and at Danville, where one of their district courts is held; and what is stated from my own observation, I think, tolerably correct. This sketch will, for the present, serve to give you a general idea of the country, and when you receive a map, many of the errors may be corrected. I am, with great regard, dear sir Yr. obedt. servt:
Wm. Fleming
RC (DLC); subjoined to enclosure; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson, esquire Monte Ceillo”; endorsed by TJ and recorded in SJL as received 3 Nov. 1796. Enclosure: “Counties in the state of Kentucky, July 1796, in number nineteen”; describing the location, geography, and population of Bourbon, Clarke, Fayette, Woodford, Scott, Harrison, Campbell, Mason, Franklin, Logan, Green, Lincoln, Madison, Hardin, Jefferson, Shelby, Nelson, Washington, and Mercer; with Jefferson County receiving the fullest description, where the “local advantages are superior to most of the counties in the state” and the town of Louisville is “an excellent port for exportation which begins to attract the attention of the inhabitants” (MS in DLC; 6 p.; entirely in Fleming’s hand).