To Thomas Jefferson from William Barnwell, 26 January 1802
From William Barnwell
Philadelphia January 26th. 1802
Honoured Sir
Be pleased to excuse my presumption in addressing you, and to accept of the small compliment of a book, from some parts of which it is hoped, you will find some amusement if not information.
Notwithstanding many disappointments, it affords me much consolation, to live under a goverment; the head of which exhibits the principles of a genuine Republican, neither is the liberality of your sentiments towards my poor fugitive countrymen less agreeable to me who has now been nine years among the number. nor is your Philosophical and Literary turn less admired by one who has passed many years in Physical Pursuits I am Sir
with humble respect
Wm. Barnwell
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 1 Feb. and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: William Barnwell, Physical Investigations & Deductions, From Medical and Surgical Facts. Relative to the Causes, Nature and Remedies of the Diseases of a Warm and Vitiated Atmosphere, From Climate, Local Situation, or Season of the Year. Together with an Historical Introduction to Physianthropy: or the Experimental Philosophy of Human Life: That of Diseases, and Also of Remedies (Philadelphia, 1802; No. 964).
William Barnwell arrived in Philadelphia from Ireland around 1792, after serving as a physician with the British East India Company. Specializing in the study and treatment of tropical diseases, he was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1802. Two years later, TJ appointed Barnwell physician of the marine hospital at New Orleans, where he served until his removal in 1812 (, Proceedings, 22, pt. 3 [1884], 320; , 26:53; Caspar Wistar to TJ, 10 Apr. 1802; TJ to Gallatin, 11 Feb. 1804; Gallatin to TJ, 16 Apr. 1804).
A letter of 3 Feb. from TJ to Barnwell is recorded in SJL but has not been found.