Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Jefferson to William Beach Lawrence, 10 June 1821

To William Beach Lawrence

Monticello June 10. 21.

I thank you, dear Sir, for your kind offer of services in Europe but time has nearly dissolved all my connections with that hemisphere.1 10. years of the Guillotine, 20. of war, and 32 of the sweepings of the scythe of death have left not a human being alive in France with whom I was acquainted, the Marquis Fayette excepted. the title of American is always an introduction to his attentions. yet I chearfully add my testimony to him, as a proof and assurance to you of my great esteem and respect.

Th: Jefferson

PoC (CSmH); on verso of reused address cover of Robert R. Glinn & Company to TJ, 26 Apr. 1821; at foot of text: “Mr Wm Beach Lawrence”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: TJ to Lafayette, 10 June 1821.

1Manuscript: “hemissphere.”

Index Entries

  • France; TJ on search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Opinions on; France search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Opinions on; Lafayette search
  • Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de; TJ introduces W. B. Lawrence to search
  • Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de; TJ on search
  • Lawrence, William Beach; letter to search
  • Lawrence, William Beach; seeks letters of introduction from TJ search