To Thomas Jefferson from John Strode, [25 March 1805]
From John Strode
[25 Mch. 1805]
My Son Tom has just Sent me a Letter inclosing a few of the Seed of the soft Simblin or Quash, which He humbly intreats the President to accept, together with Ardent prayers for His health & Felicity.
I was not fortunate enough to receive the Letter &c or know anything of them untill they had been several days at Our Cot. House, and then a private Gentleman who intended for Albemarle Coty. kindly offerd to carry this for me to Charlottesville, which hurried me or my Letter had certainly been more correct & the Model some thing better finish’d. I expected the Wood was very well seasond, but now I am going to enclose it, find it has Sprung a little well knowing Good & Worthy Sir you will benignly account for and pardon every defect & every Weakness which Originates in the good intentions of the Heart my poor Wishes however Ardent, are but small among the many thousands which are continual breathd for your health & felicity
John Strode
at last the above mentioned Gentleman has declined his Journey on Acct of the appearance of Rainy Weather in consequence this goes by post.
RC (MHi); undated, but see enclosure; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson esquire President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 25 Mch. 1805 received 8 Apr. and so recorded in SJL.