John Laval to Thomas Jefferson, 3 March 1820
From John Laval
Philadelphia March 3d 1820
Sir,
having determined to reduce Our Stock of Books, now on hand, Which I find too extensive for the present demands of the Country, I offer to you, at a Small advance on the Cost, All the Works you May Wish to obtain for your Library
I have Nautical Almanacs for 1820 & 1821, & More than a thousand volumes procured Since the publication of our Catalogue
Sales are So dull that I can not raise, out of them, Sufficient funds to meet My engagements; you Will confer a particular favor in remitting to me, as Soon as Convenient, the Amount of your Account.
I am With the highest Consideration & respect
John Laval
RC (DLC); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 10 Mar. 1820 and so recorded in SJL. RC (ViU: TJP); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to Thomas Mann Randolph, 10 Apr. 1820, on verso; addressed: “Thos Jefferson, Esq. Monticello—Va”; franked; postmarked Philadelphia, 3 Mar.