Benjamin F. Whitner to Thomas Jefferson, 7 April 1809
From Benjamin F. Whitner
Columbia April 7th 1809.
Hond Sir,
Well knowing you to be an open and sincere friend and patron of literature, and presuming that it would [be]1 highly pleasant for you to hear and see the rapid growth and progression of Science, in all parts of our happy Union, I have taken the liberty of Sending you this catalougue of the Trustees, officers, &C. of the So Ca. College. Accept this small tribute of esteem and respect for those talents and virtues which have so long & so wisely directed and governed the helm of our political vessel through troubled and stormy seas. from one unknown who takes the liberty of subscribing himself a sincere and respectful friend,
B. F. Whitner
RC (ScU); addressed: “Hon. Thomas Jefferson, Monticello”; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Apr. 1809 and so recorded in SJL; enclosure on verso. Enclosure: Catalogue Of the Trustees, Faculty and Students of the South-Carolina College, February, 1809 (printed broadside).
Benjamin Franklin Whitner (1790–1859) was born in the Pendleton District of South Carolina, graduated from South Carolina College in 1809, and became a lawyer and merchant. He represented the Edgefield District in the South Carolina House of Representatives, 1826–28, and subsequently became a planter in Florida (
, 5:282–3).1. Omitted word editorially supplied.