Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from John F. Mercer, 16 July 1802

From John F. Mercer

Annapolis July 16th. 1802.

Dear Sir

Your favr. of the 7th. never reach’d me ’till yesterday Evening,—the one preceding it came regularly to hand & I have to acknowledge the receipt of the $18,000, by our Treasury, which you advise me woud be paid;—this Sum will answer fully our present purposes, & under such circumstances I cannot but regret the sacrifice & consequent derangement of the Interests of the City, that the reimbursement of the $50,000 will necessarily occasion.—

I have been flatter’d, from public report, with the hope of seeing yourself & Mr. Madison here, before this;—I confided in the information,—knowing that you both observe an inviolate fidelity to your engagements, I did not fear that you woud plead the Act of limitation, against a promise of last year & I have considerd it as only postpond.—

You will give me some intimation of the time when I may expect you, as I had designd to visit Baltimore early in August, whence I shoud proceed to Virginia & I did not intend to be seated here again untill late in September:—These arrangements can easily be accommodated to your convenience & I know you will confide in my assurances that I promise myself few gratifications beyond the pleasure of receiving you in any house of which I may be master.—

Mrs. Mercer will not be satisfied unless the Ladies of your families accompany you.—With sincere & affectionate esteem & respect I am Dr Sir yr. Ob St.

John F: Mercer

RC (DLC): endorsed by TJ as received 19 July and so recorded in SJL.

ONE PRECEDING: TJ to Mercer, 23 June.

PROMISE OF LAST YEAR: Vol. 35:499, 529–30.

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