Ledyard Seymour to Thomas Jefferson, 25 July 1805
From Ledyard Seymour
Hartford (Connt) July 25th 1805
Honor’d & respected Sir.
The dictates of a mind, that Knows how feel without prevarication or offence, have become so interesting, I have once more attempted to trespass for a moment, on the time of our Honor’d Exctve. Tho I might (if capable) compress, the wisdom of ages, or combine remote cause & natural effect, it is needless to repeat in the Language of the great Montes-quieu, “Italiane, Italiane, ecce Littus”—But I am Bound in duty, in respect & with Gratitude to add, my lasting, & sincere wishes for the welfare of the Father of my Country & that you may be continued many years.
Ledyard Seymour
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); at head of text: “To Thomas Jefferson President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 5 Aug. and “to be a Consul” and so recorded in SJL.