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men, that I shall not be behind hand in the trouble I shall impose on you. Make a note of all the expenses attending my commis sions, and favor me with it every now and then, and I will replace them. My daughter is well, and retains an affectionate remem brance of her antient patroness, your mother, as well as of your lady and family. She joins me in wishing to them, and to Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse and family, every happiness. Accept, yourself, assurances of the esteem with which I am, Dear Sir,
your friend and servant,
TH: JEFFERSON.
P. S. What is become of the Lunarium for the King?
LETTER CXLVIII.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
Paris, January 4, 178G.
DEAR SIR,
I have been honored with your letter of September the 26th, which was delivered me by Mr. Houdon, who is safely returned. He has brought with him the mould of the face only, having left the other parts of his work with his workmen, to come by some other conveyance. Doctor Franklin, who was joined with me in the superintendence of this just monument, having left us before what is called the costume of the statue was decided on, I cannot so well satisfy myself, and I am persuaded I should not so well satisfy the world, as by consulting your own wish or inclination as to this article. Permit me, therefore, to ask you whether there is any particular dress, or any particular attitude, which you would rather wish to be adopted. I shall take a singular pleasure in having your own idea executed, if you will be so good as to make it known to me.
I thank you for the trouble you have taken, in answering my in quiries on the subject of Bushnel s machine. Colonel Hum phreys could only give me a general idea of it, from the effects proposed, rather than the means contrived to produce them.
I sincerely rejoice, that three such works as the opening the Potomac and James rivers, and a canal from the Dismal Swamp, are likely to be carried through. There is still a fourth, how- VOL. i. .50
