Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Jefferson to William Thornton, 17 June 1812

To William Thornton

Monticello June 17. 12.

Dear Sir

From my letter of May 24. you had reason to expect that a cart would be upon you immediately for Barrett’s machine. while I was preparing to send one off I was assured a waggon would set out from this neighborhood within a few days for Washington, which should bring my machine on it’s return, and it was not till last night that I learned that I could not avail myself of that conveyance. I now therefore resume my intentions of dispatching a cart, express, which I hope will be done within a day or two. I thought this notice necessary, as well to apologize for the former suspense,1 as to inform you of the present purpose. I have already lost 4. months in my endeavors to get this machine, which retarding my spinning establishment from getting into action, makes me begin to shiver already for the people I have to clothe before cold weather. Accept the assurance of my constant esteem & respect

Th: Jefferson

RC (DLC: Thornton Papers); addressed: “Doctr William Thornton Washington Col.”; franked; postmarked Milton, 18 June 1812. PoC (MHi); endorsed by TJ.

1Word interlined in place of “failure.”

Index Entries

  • Barrett, Oliver; spinning machine of search
  • spinning machines; TJ orders search
  • Thornton, William; and spinning machines search
  • Thornton, William; letters to search