Justus Erich Bollmann to Thomas Jefferson, 16 October 1805
From Justus Erich Bollmann
New york. October 16th. 1805
Sir,
Since I had the Honour of addressing Your Excellency on the 11th. Instant I have seen Mr. Labigard a French Gentleman, who has given me much satisfactory and, I believe, correct Information respecting the locality of Natchitoches. Presuming at the same Time that from four to Six Weeks will be allowed me for the Arrangement of my Concerns I no longer hesitate to accept with Gratitude Your Excellency’s Offer of the Factorship at that Place.
I suppose it will be requisite to proceed to Washington in Order to become more fully acquainted with Your Intentions respecting the Conduct I am to pursue in my new Situation, and I shall await Your Commands on this Subject.
I beg Your Excellency to accept the Assurances of my Attachment and Respect
Erich Bollmann
RC (PHi: Daniel Parker Papers); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 18 Oct. and so recorded in SJL.
11th. Instant: Bollmann’s letter has not been found (see Appendix IV).
Labigard: probably Peter Delabigarre (Vol. 33:609n; Vol. 43:289; Vol. 44:21, 24, 263).