Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Leonard Jarvis, 27 August 1808

Surry, Blue Hill, 27 Augt. 1808

Sir!

From the conviction that nothing conducive in any way to the prosperity of our country can be uninteresting to you, I take the liberty to send you enclosed a transcript of a supplement to the Gazette of Madrid containg some important observations & facts respecting the yellow fever. This tract is not only valuable by indicating a preventive, as well as a specific remedy, (if the author may be credited) for this hitherto fatal disorder; but also by the tendency of some of the facts to favor the opinion of its not being contagious: for should this opinion become universal our vessels would probably be releived from the protracted & ruinous quarantine they now have to suffer throughout Spain & on the shores of the Mediterranean.

I am, very respectfully, Sir! Yr mo Obdt Servt.

Leod. Jarvis 3d

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

Index Entries