Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 22 April 1790
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G. Wythe to T. Jefferson
I have not been able, after long inquiry, to obtain the writings of Phlegon, mentioned by Fergusen in his tables and tracts. Probably you can tell to whom and where application may be successful. When you find convenient to give this information, add to the [Lauour an etiquette?], which may direct my London correspondent, to whom, with it, i shall transmit
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mit a bill of exchange, in procuring some books from Strasburgh.
Williamsburgh, 22d of
april, 1790
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Phlegon informs us that in the fourth year of the 202d Olympiad (which was the 1746th year of the Julian period, and the 33d year after the year of Christ’s birth) there was the greatest eclipse of the sun that ever was known; for the darkness lasted three hours in the middle of the day: which could be no other than the darkness on the crucifiction day; as the sun never was totally hid, above four minutes of time, from any part of the earth, by the interposition of the moon. Tables and tracts, relative to several arts and sciences, by [J.?] Ferguson. London. 1767. pa. 193.
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