Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Jefferson to Philippe Reibelt, 16 November 1805

To Philippe Reibelt

Washington Nov. 16. 05

Sir

Your favors of the 12th. & 14th. came together last night. you have done right in remanding to Richmond the bust &c which I consider as mine on the footing of my letter of the 3d. inst. I return you the inclosed papers with thanks for the communication. I think that respectingZambeecari’s & Andreole’s ascension would be worthy of insertion in the public papers.

I thank you for the communication respecting the wines of mr Guestier. of Bourdeaux wine I have a plentiful store. so I have of Champagne of midling quality. still if mr Guestier has any of first quality I would take some boxes. if he should have broken a box, perhaps he could send me a bottle or two by the stage so safely packed as not to break. the quality preferred is what we call the silky or soft, meaning a little sweetish. but very slightly so.1 whether it is mousseux or non-mousseux is unimportant. the only objection to what I have is that it is entirely dry without any softness. Accept my salutations & respects

Th: Jefferson

PoC (DLC); at foot of text: “Mr. Reibelt”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosures not found (see Reibelt to TJ, 12 Nov.).

Zambeecari’s & Andreole’s ascension: on 22 Aug. 1804, Italian balloon pioneers Francesco Zambeccari and Pasquale Andreoli made an ascension at Bologna (Timina Caproni Guasti and Achille Bertarelli, Francesco Zambeccari, aeronauta [Bologna 1752-1812] [Milan, 1931], 37-48; Trenton Federalist, 26 Nov. 1804).

1Preceding four words interlined.

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