Thomas Jefferson to Francis Granger, 24 January 1823
To Francis Granger
Monticello Jan. 24. 23.
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 4th, recently1 recieved, has been long on it’s way2 to me. in the mean time I had recieved thro’ the public papers the afflicting information it announced. on this event I offer my sincere condolances to yourself & the family. few had better occasions than myself of knowing the great worth of mr Granger’s character. serving together for eight years, in stations of much connection, I was a constant witness of the ability, the diligence, and fidelity with which he discharged the duties of his office,3 and he was4 a faithful friend and adviser to me5 in mine. his early and zealous patriotism is known to all. with my sympathies for his family on this heavy loss, accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect.
Th: Jefferson
RC (NCanHi); addressed: “Mr Francis Granger Canandagua N.Y.”; franked; endorsed by Granger. Dft (DLC); subjoined to RC of Granger to TJ, 4 Jan. 1823.
TJ probably read the afflicting information of Gideon Granger’s death in the 11 Jan. 1823 Richmond Enquirer.
1. Word interlined in Dft in place of “just now.”
2. Preceding two words interlined in Dft in place of “the road.”
3. Preceding three words interlined in Dft in place of “incumbent on him.”
4. In Dft TJ here canceled “an early patriot and.”
5. Preceding two words interlined in Dft.