Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Melvill, 6 February 1816
To Thomas Melvill
Monti[cello] Feb. 6. 16.
Sir
I have duly recieved your favor of Jan. 10. covering a diploma of the Agricultural society of Berkshire honoring me with the membership of their society. I am very sensible of their goodness in this mark of attention, and beg leave thro’ you to return them my thanks for it. always attached to the objects of their institution, the times in which I have lived have not permitted me to extend to them that practical attention which my partialities would have urged. I can scarcely therefore flatter myself with ever having to offer what would be worthy the acceptance of a society whose useful publications have already attracted so general a notice and respect; and must be contented with assuring them of my best dispositions to avail myself of any opportunity of being useful to them.
To yourself, Sir, I am peculiarly indebted for the expressions so personally kind with which you have been pleased to accompany the notice of this honor, and with my thanks for them, be pleased to accept the assurance of my high respect and consideration.
Th: Jefferson
PoC (NChazyM); on verso of reused address cover of Pierre Samuel Du Pont de Nemours to TJ, 20 Dec. 1815; dateline faint; torn at seal, with two words partially rewritten by TJ; at foot of text: “Thos Melvill esq. Presidt of the Agricl soc. of Berkshire. Pittsfield”; endorsed by TJ. This document, located after the pertinent chronological volume was published, will appear in the concluding supplement to the print edition.