TO DR. SAMUEL BROWN J. MSS. - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 8 (Correspondence 1793-1798) [1905]
Edition used:
The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 8
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TO DR. SAMUEL BROWNJ. MSS.
Philadelphia Mar. 25. 98.
Dear Sir,—
You were a witness, before you left our side of the continent, to the endeavours of the tory part among us, to write me down as far as they could find or make materials. “O! that mine enemy would write a book!” has been a well known prayer against an enemy. I had written a book, & it has furnished matter for abuse for want of something better. Mr. Martin’s polite attack on the subject of Cresap & Logan, as stated in the Notes on Virginia, had begun before you left us, it has continued & still continues; though after the perusal of the first letter had shown me what was to be the style of those subsequent, I have avoided reading a single one. A friend of mine having wished for a general explanation of the foundation of the case of Logan, I wrote him a letter of which I had a few copies printed, to give to particular friends for their satisfaction, & on whom I could rely against the danger of its being published. I enclose you a copy as well for these purposes, as that I think it may be in your power to obtain some information for me. Indeed I suppose it probable that General Clarke may know something of the facts relative to Logan or Cresap. I shall be much obliged to you for any information you can procure on this subject. You will see by the enclosed in what way I mean to make use of it. I am told you are preparing to give us an account of the General, which for its matter I know, & for its manner I doubt not, will be highly interesting. I am in hopes in connecting with it some account of Kentuckey that your information & his together will be able to correct & supply what I had collected relative to it in a very early day. Indeed it was to Genl. Clarke I was indebted for what degree of accuracy there was in most of my statements. I wish you to attend particularly to the overflowage of the Mississippi, on which I have been accused of error. Present me affectionately to the General & assure him of my constant remembrance & esteem: & accept yourself salutations & sentiments of sincere attachment from, Dear Sir, your friend & servant.
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