Thomas Jefferson to Albert Gallatin, [10 July 1805]
To Albert Gallatin
[10 July 1805]
Th:J. to mr Gallatin.
The inclosed letter merits serious attention. notwithstanding the favorable opinion I have hitherto entertained of Symonds, when facts are specified & the persons named who can prove them, I do not see that we can avoid instituting some enquiry. tho’ the writer keeps his own name back, it is impossible but that the letter would shew there who was the writer, and he might thus be obliged to take on himself the active duties of the enquiry. when you shall have considered the letter we will confer about it. Affectionate salutns
RC (NHi: Gallatin Papers); undated. PoC (DLC). Recorded in SJL at 10 July 1805 with notation “v. Simonds.” Enclosure: anonymous undated letter to TJ, not found, received 10 July from Charleston with notation “about the Collector” (Appendix IV).
For previous anonymous letters criticizing James Simons (Symonds), the collector at Charleston, see Vol. 35:713–14; Vol. 36:91–3, 266–8; Vol. 39:364–6; Vol. 44:573–4.