To Thomas Jefferson from George Divers, 20 September 1802
From George Divers
Farmington 20th Sepr. 1802
Dr. Sir
I have received a letter from Mr. Thomas Mitchell the Father of the young Gentleman who is the bearer of this, requesting that I would introduce his son to you, He wishes an appointment as a midshipman on board one of the frigates bound to the Medeteranian,
I am well acquainted with his Father and Uncle Wm. Mitchell of Richmond, but the Young Gentleman is unknown to me; He appears a spritly young fellow & I doubt not if there be a Vacancy but that he would fill it very well, & indeed I feel a wish if that should be the case he should get the appointment. with respect
I am yr. friend & Serva
George Divers
RC (DNA: RG 59, LAR); endorsed by TJ as received 22 Sep. and “Francis Mitchell to be Midshipman” and so recorded in SJL.
From 26 Mch. 1794 to 12 Sep. 1800, TJ recorded in SJL exchanging seven letters with Divers, his old friend and fellow Albemarle County resident. None of those letters, each of which was written while TJ was staying at Monticello, has been found (, 2:913, 920, 973, 994, 1001, 1027; Vol. 24:663; Vol. 25:3–4).
For Francis Mitchell, the YOUNG GENTLEMAN, see TJ to Mitchell, 21 Nov. 1802.