Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Lacosta S. Harris, 14 July 1806

Boston July 14 1806

Sir

A Lad or a young man presumes to adress you & request such a favour as probably never was asked of you or prehaps An One else before—I am a lad living in this town with a respectable Merchant.—being peculiarly unfortunate while very young in losing both my Parents, I am indebted to a very distant relation for clothing & Board, (as it is not the Custom in this place for Merchants to allow their apprentices Any thing untill they become eighteen or nineteen years old—). My relation is not in Circumstances if she were willing to advance me even a very small sum, for Me to Risque as an adventure to Sea, which always has been my wish, Under these circumstances I have presumed to adress you & to request a Small sum for the above purpose, kowing you to be very Rich, & a part of a days service of yours to goverment given to one of you subjets in a short time with good luck might make a rich man. If you should feel disposed to comply you would lay One under Eternal obligations, who would esteem it an honor to subscribe himself your Well Wisher & Humble Servant

Lacosta S Harris

MHi: Coolidge Collection.

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