From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 12 August 1803
To George Jefferson
Monticello Aug. 12. 03
Dear Sir
Will you be so good as to send me by the first boat 4. bottles of Hamilton’s elixir, which is I presume to be bought in Richmond? the cask of oil was found, as you conjectured, in mr Higginbotham’s cellar. all the other articles arrived safe & soon after the date of my letter. I am now expecting to arrive with you, for forwarding, 4. cases of wine, some bar iron, & some boxes of window glass & china, all from Philadelphia from different persons, & probably therefore by different conveyances. Accept my affectionate salutations.
Th: Jefferson
PrC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr. George Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. Recorded in SJL with notation “Ham’s elix.”
Advertisements for hamilton’s elixir touted it as a “sovereign remedy for Colds, obstinate Coughs, Asthmas, Sore Throats, and approaching Consumptions.” The medication might have also found purchasers hoping to treat cases of the whooping cough (New York Morning Chronicle, 26 May 1803).
For TJ’s iron order, see TJ to Jones & Howell, 15 July. A response of 19 July from the firm, recorded in SJL as received 25 July with the notation “€7-3-15 bar iron = 45.81,” has not been found.