Thomas Jefferson to Wythe, 22 January 1797
Thomas Jefferson says that it is likely that he will be called to preside in a legislative chamber, but he is rusty on Parliamentary procedure so he asks Wythe to send any notes he has. Jefferson tells Wythe the ways he will be able to get the notes from him without making it difficult for Wythe regardless of how few or how many notes he has. Jefferson concludes his letter by asking if the general assembly has made any action to preserve Virginia's laws like he had suggested a year before.
"Thomas Jefferson to Wythe, 22 January 1797." Image from the Library of Congress, The Thomas Jefferson Papers.
Letter text
Monticello Jan. 22. 97.
It seems probable that I shall be called on to preside in a legislative chamber. it is now so long since I have acted in the legislative line that I am entirely rusty in the Parliamentary rules of procedure. I know they have been more studied and are better known by you than by any man in America perhaps by any man living. I am in hopes that while enquiring into the subject you made notes on it. if any such remain in your hands, however informal, in books or in scraps of paper, and you will be so good as to trust me with them a little while, they shall be most faithfully returned. if they lie in small compass they might come by post without regard to expence. if voluminous, mr Randolph will be passing through Richmond on his way from Varina to this place about the 10th. of Feb. and could give them a safe conveyance.
Did the assembly do any thing for the preservation by publication of the laws? with great affection. Adieu.
