John Hollins to Thomas Jefferson, 4 August 1820
From John Hollins
Baltimore 4th August 1820
Dear sir
The Revd Mr Sparks, the bearer of this, being on his travels in your part of Virga and naturally feeling a desire to have an introduction to your worthy self—I have at the request of some of your friends, & my particular acquaintances, used the freedom to address you a few lines, introducing that Gentleman to your usual civilities & politeness=it is true I have no personal knowledge of Mr Sparks, but my good Sir, I am very well assured & am justified in saying, you will not regret the satisfaction, you will derive from the pleasure of his acquaintance, being a Gentleman of first rate abilities— Mr S not having resided long in our City & being a native of the Eastern States, is my apology for not having a personal intimacy with him, but am sure that will not weigh to his disadvantage in your estimation
Jno Hollins
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 19 Aug. 1820 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to Hiram Haines, 8 Dec. 1821, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esqe Monticello By the Reverd Mr Sparks.”