I recieved yesterday your favor of May 27. and thank you for this mark of attention: but a desire to close all worldly concerns and to be free from cares forbids me to engage in any new undertakings: indeed I fear that neither the population nor pursuits of Richmond are as yet such as to support a museum; with my wishes however that it may reward your zeal for endeavoring to give to the inhabitants so reasonable a resource for amusement and information I pray you to accept the assurance of my great esteem and respect.

Th: Jefferson