The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 7, July 1903 - April, 1904 Page: 309

Concerning Philip Nolan. 309
to his wild state. I wish you not to be anxious about the form
of your information. the exactness of the substance alone is ma-
terial: and if, after giving in a first letter all the facts you at
present possess, you could be so good, on subsequent occasions, as
to furnish such others in addition as you may acquire from time
to time, your communication will always be thankfully received.
If addressed to me at Monticello & put into any post office of
Kentucky or Tenissee, they will reach me speedily & safely, and
will be considered as obligations on Sir
Your most obedt. &
humble servt
Th : Jefferson
Mr Nolan
New Orleans 12 february 1799
Sir
You will pardon the Liberty I take in addressing you when I
inform you that your Letter of the 24th. June of last year di-
rected to Mr Philip Nolan (with whom for many years I have
been connected in the strictest Friendship) has in his absence
come into my possession. That extraordinary and enterprising
Man is now and has been for some years past employed in the
Countries bordering on the Kingdom of New Mexico either in
catching or purchasing Horses, and looked for on the Banks of
the Mississippi at the fall of the Waters with a thousand Head
which he will in all probability drive into the U. S. Having direc-
tions from him to peruse all Letters addressed to him previous to
their being forwarded that in case of accident, no expression con-
tained in them should awaken the jealousy of the suspicious people
among whom he has by a coincidence of fortunate circumstances
introduced himself, I have by this Means acquired a knowledge
of the object of your researches, & shall feel particular pleasure
in affording my mete of assistance to foiward your Letter in
safety to him. You judge right in supposing him to be the only
person capable of fulfilling you Views as.no Person possessed of
his talents has ever visited that Country to unite.information with
projects of utility. Shortly after his return, but not before on
acct. of the impossibility of applying himself during his travels
with that attention he could wish to the subject, I will be re-