From Thomas Jefferson to John Lamb, 17 March 1791
To John Lamb
Philadelphia Mar. 17. 1791.
Sir
Since the reciept of your favor of Feb. 17. two paper packages from New York have been left here, containing newspaper and pamphlets. I was not at home and therefore do not know whether they were those committed to Capt. Bayley, and which were the subject of your letter. Should any others come, containing dutiable articles you may be assured of information of it from Sir Your very humble servt.,
Th: Jefferson
PrC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr. John Lamb Collector for New York.”
Lamb’s letter of 17 Feb. 1791 enclosed receipt of Captain Benjamin Bayley, master of the sloop Betsy, for “four paper parcels Directed to Thomas Jefferson Esqr … and One paper parcel Directed to Genl. Knox to be delivered to them … in Philadelphia.” These, Lamb said, had arrived in the Three Brothers from London and as he could not ascertain whether the contents were dutiable he requested TJ to inform him whether the shipment was dutiable and in what amount (Lamb to TJ, 17 Feb. 1791, DNA: RG 59, MLR, together with Bayley’s receipt dated 16 Feb. 1791; endorsed by TJ as received 21 Feb. 1791 and so recorded in SJL).