Details
JEFFERSON, THOMAS. President. Autograph letter signed ("Th. Jefferson") as President to Dr. William Bache, Washington, D.C., 22 November 1802. 1 page, 4to, 248 x 203 mm. (9¾ x 8 in.), integral address leaf with panel in Jefferson's hand (free-frank torn away), circular Charlottesville and Richmond postal markings, a section of address leaf repaired, otherwise in fine condition.
A DOCTOR BOUND FOR THE RECENTLY ACQUIRED CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
President Jefferson writes to Dr. Bache on the subject of medical supplies for New Orleans, a city that was soon to fall under U.S. control as a result of the Louisiana Purchase: "Yours of the 16th was received yesterday, and communicated to [Treasury Secretary] Mr. [Albert] Gallatin. His answer is 'if Doctr Bache will supply me with a list of medecines wanted, in conformity to my former request, I will have the purchase made, and the chest transmitted to his direction at New Orleans. Our appropriation is so small that every necessary must be provded with the most rigorous economy.'" Jefferson adds some details regarding a payment to Dr. Bache and adds: "Accept for yourself and Mrs Bache my best wishes for a more agreeable journey & voyage than I am afraid you will have & assurances of my friendly attachment."
This letter is one of several between the President and Doctor Bache, who was on his way to New Orleans and had apparently been previously asked not to discuss his plans to go there. Jefferson had formerly proposed annexation of the Louisiana territory to Congress on 17 October 1803. After brief debate over approval, ratifications were exchanged with France three days later.
A DOCTOR BOUND FOR THE RECENTLY ACQUIRED CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
President Jefferson writes to Dr. Bache on the subject of medical supplies for New Orleans, a city that was soon to fall under U.S. control as a result of the Louisiana Purchase: "Yours of the 16th was received yesterday, and communicated to [Treasury Secretary] Mr. [Albert] Gallatin. His answer is 'if Doctr Bache will supply me with a list of medecines wanted, in conformity to my former request, I will have the purchase made, and the chest transmitted to his direction at New Orleans. Our appropriation is so small that every necessary must be provded with the most rigorous economy.'" Jefferson adds some details regarding a payment to Dr. Bache and adds: "Accept for yourself and Mrs Bache my best wishes for a more agreeable journey & voyage than I am afraid you will have & assurances of my friendly attachment."
This letter is one of several between the President and Doctor Bache, who was on his way to New Orleans and had apparently been previously asked not to discuss his plans to go there. Jefferson had formerly proposed annexation of the Louisiana territory to Congress on 17 October 1803. After brief debate over approval, ratifications were exchanged with France three days later.