To Thomas Jefferson from Michael Krafft, 11 May 1804
From Michael Krafft
Bristol 11 May 1804
Sir
I have again presumed to intrude on your Exclys. condescention. That innate fear of Committing myself to censure thro’ inexperience, so natural to persons of my age (29) has emboldened me to trouble you again, for your opinion of the enclosed dedication which will be put to press on the 1st. of June next (the whole work being finished except the plates) Your silence on that head, untill that period will be construed favorably. When I ask your opinion I only mean that in case sentences or sentiments injurious to your feelings or wishes may have crept in, that they may be noticed
These several objects being accomplished I shall not give your excellency the Uneasiness of calling me troublesome without your approbation.
Could your Excy. propose to me any object of science to investigate which may appear usefull to my Country either at home or abroad? You will not construe that I mean by this any exertion to set up a claim or hope of reward, I am only impelled, by the sacred flame of love for my Country to hope that I may be an humble instrument in Common with thousands of my fellow Citizens to enable this rising Fabric to vie with the dazzling pageantry of Monarchs, the riches & gems of agriculture, set against the baubles of Heraldry.
I embrace the moment to present You My thanks for the favor already granted and acknowledge Myself Your much obliged. Sincere Friend & humble Servant
Michl. Krafft
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “To His Exy. Tho. Jefferson Pr US”; endorsed by TJ as received 14 May and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: book dedication in Krafft’s hand, undated and unsigned; at head of text: “Dedication” and “To His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esqre. President of the U States of America &c”; stating, “Sir In soliciting your excellencys <permission> acceptation of a request to you for leave to dedicate this work I had two important objects in View, I was anxious to avail myself of the protection which the illustrious name of a Jefferson so eminently distinguished as the father of his Countrys welfare & the Munificient patron of the sciences could afford to a work of this kind, as under the fostering care of a parent who is looked up to for a safeguard against its falling into the general wreck of oblivion which the frowns of envy or Neglect may wish to Consign it, I was also desirous under your excellencys patronage to Recommend the investigation & pursuits of the objects Contained in this Treatise to the immediate attention of the Patriotic & the scientific as opening a vast field to the agriculturalist to transport his superfluous grain to a market to which the raw Material Could never get—I have the honor to be &c” (MS in DLC: TJ Papers, 146:25399; printed, with some variations of wording and dated 25 May 1804 at Bristol, Pennsylvania, in Michael Krafft, The American Distiller [Philadelphia, 1804]).