VVII.SON AND CONTEMPORARY AMERICANS 89 



no enquiry into the circumstances which termi- 

 nated them, whether moving from yourself or 

 others, with the assurances, however, that my es- 

 timate of their value remains unaltered, I pray 

 you to accept that of my great and continued es- 

 teem and respect. 



"Th: J^^ferson." 



General Wilkinson's letter which follows shows 

 conclusively that the Pike Expedition was under 

 his direction. 



"August 4th 18 1 8 

 "Dear Sir 



"Residing as I do on the right bank of the Mis- 

 sissippi seven Leagues below N. Orleans, it is no 

 matter of surprise that your letter, of the 25th. of 

 June, was not received before the ist Inst. 



"I perceive with great pleasure, that the chaste 

 harmony which has distinguished your Pen above 

 all others of our Country continues unimpaired; 

 and with equal satisfaction do I receive the testi- 

 mony of approbation & esteem which it conveys, 

 to an humble but faithful citizen, who has been 

 illy requited for his toils, sufferings and sacrifices 

 in the public Service. 



"I acknowledge the receipt of your Letter 

 merely to show you that I shall fulfill your desire 

 respecting the explorations of Capt. Pike under 

 my orders, as soon as indispensable daily labor 

 may allow me time to scrutinize my voluminous 

 correspondence; in the mean time memory au- 

 thorizes me to declare, that, under a verbal per- 



