From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Sheaff, 27 July 1801
To Henry Sheaff
Washington July 27. 1801.
Sir
Your favor of the 22d is recieved. the wines sent to this place have been all safely delivered here, and tho’ I have not exact information of the parcels which have arrived at my house in Virginia, yet I have no doubt all have got there. the Sauterne has been much admired, the Claret approved by many, but not equally by all. the Sherry having gone to Monticello I can say nothing of it: but if it be of the quality formerly sent it will give satisfaction. I have set down your bill as payable at 90. days, say the first week in September. it’s amount 533.80 D this delay has been an accomodation, on account of the very heavy expence of my outfit here, which impress all my resources private as well as public. I shall probably have occasion to call for some other supplies on my return from Virginia to which place I am expecting to pass there the months of August & September. Accept my best wishes.
Th: Jefferson
PrC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr. Henry Sheaff”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
Sheaff’s favor of 22 July, recorded in SJL as received on 25 July, has not been found. Also recorded in SJL, but unlocated, are six other letters, ranging from 20 Apr. to 1 June, exchanged between the merchant and TJ.
According to TJ’s financial accounts, on 28 Aug. he ordered John Barnes to pay Sheaff for wine, including 120 bottles of Sauterne and 220 bottles of Claret for the President’s House and a supply of Sherry for Monticello (, 2:1050, 1115).