Philippe Reibelt to Thomas Jefferson, 14 November 1805
From Philippe Reibelt
Baltimore le 14 Nov. 1805.
Monsieur le President!
Les 3 Caisses, qui contiennent le buste en question sont arrivès hier avec une Lettre de Mess. Gibson et Jefferson du 21 Oct.
Comme Vous ne m’avez rien repondû a ma derniere concern. çet objet, je dois Supposer, que Vous persistez a Vos Ordres du 3 du Courant; de renvoyer ces Caisses à Richmond.
Je les ai donc executè, en invitant le Capitaine du Pacquet(*) de les reprendre avec lui et remettre aux Messieurs Gibson et Jefferson.
Agreez—je Vous prie, les Assurances Sincères de la plus profonde Veneration.
Reibelt.
(*) Il m’a fait dire qu’il resteroit a peu près 8 a 10 jours ici.
Editors’ Translation
Baltimore, 14 Nov. 1805
Mister President!
The three cases containing the bust in question arrived yesterday with a letter from Messrs. Gibson and Jefferson dated October 21.
Since you did not answer my last letter about this object, I must conclude that you stand by your instructions from the third of this month: to return the cases to Richmond.
I have thus carried them out, asking the captain of the packet* to take them back with him and give them to Messrs. Gibson and Jefferson.
Please accept the sincere expression of my deepest admiration.
Reibelt.
* He let me know he will be here for 8 to 10 days.
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 15 Nov.