Thomas Jefferson Papers

Alfred H. Dashiell to Thomas Jefferson, 1 December 1818

From Alfred H. Dashiell

Ellicotts Mills Decr 1st 1818

Sir,

I presume to intrude myself upon your notice, which your generosity will forgive: & if it is to ask a favour, nothing but the greatest confidence in that benevolence which you extend towards so many, & which I myself have formerly experienced, could have given me the courage, or furnished the inducement.

Since my removal from New London to Md, I have been endeavouring to establish a Classical Seminary in the neighbourhood of Baltimore: but from the great competition in this business, my own youth, & especially from the want of certificates, or of papers accrediting me as a Teacher, in whom confidence had been reposed, or who was entitled to it, my undertaking has not met with that encouragement which I wish, & which I hope it will merit.

My only resource, therefore, for the removal of these difficulties, is to apply to those by whom I was Known in Va & who honoured me with their attention, for a line, which will authenticate my standing in the Academy at New London, & the credit due to my fidelity as evinced in the publick examination of its students. Could you prevail on yourself, Sir, to give me something of this purport, I need not say how gratifying it would be to all who feel an interest in my welfare, nor what an essential benefit it would render

Yr most humble & obt Servt

A H Dashiell

P.S. Should I be honoured with an answer, have the goodness, Sir, to mention, where Francis is, & if he is pursuing his studies with his wonted diligence.

AHD.

RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 9 Dec. 1818 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MoSHi: TJC-BC); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to Rodolph Schaer, 4 Apr. 1819, on verso; addressed: “Mr Jefferson Monticello Albemarle Va ⅌ ml”; stamp canceled; franked; postmarked Ellicott’s Mills, 3 Dec.

Index Entries

  • classics; education in search
  • Dashiell, Alfred Henry; and New London Academy search
  • Dashiell, Alfred Henry; letters from search
  • Dashiell, Alfred Henry; seeks recommendation search
  • Eppes, Francis Wayles (TJ’s grandson); education of, at New London Academy search
  • New London, Va.; academy at search
  • schools and colleges; classical search
  • schools and colleges; New London Academy search