of the idea, but how much the assistance of Dr. Franklin had
contributed to perform the operation on dry wood. He spoke of him
with love and gratitude. I think I have had a similar account from
Dr. Franklin, but cannot be quite certain. I know, that being in
Philadelphia when the first set of patent wheels arrived from London,
and were spoken of, by the gentleman (an Englishman) who brought them,
as a wonderful discovery, the idea of its being a new discovery was
laughed at by the Philadelphians, who, in their Sunday parties across
the Delaware, had seen every farmer's cart mounted on such wheels.
The writer in the paper supposes the English workman got his idea from
Homer. But it is more likely the Jersey farmer got his idea from thence,
because ours are the only farmers who can read Homer; because, too, the
Jersey practice is precisely that stated by Homer: the English practice
very different. Homer's words are (comparing a young hero killed by Ajax
to a poplar felled by a workman) literally thus: 'He fell on the ground,
like a poplar, which has grown smooth, in the west part of a
great meadow; with its branches shooting from its summit. But the
chariot-maker, with his sharp axe, has felled it, that he may bend
a wheel for a beautiful chariot. It lies drying on the banks of the
river.' Observe the circumstances, which coincide with the Jersey
practice. 1. It is a tree growing in a moist place, full of juices,
and easily bent. 2. It is cut while green. 3. It is bent into the
circumference of a wheel. 4. It is left to dry in that form. You, who
write French well and readily, should write a line for the Journal, to
reclaim the honor of our farmers. Adieu. Yours affectionately,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XLIII.--TO COLONEL EDWARD CARRINGTON, January 16, 1787

TO COLONEL EDWARD CARRINGTON.

Paris, January 16, 1787.

Dear Sir,

Uncertain whether you might be at New York at the moment of Colonel
Franks' arrival, I have enclosed my private letters for Virginia, under
cover to our delegation in general, which, otherwise, I would have taken
the liberty to enclose particularly to you, as best acquainted with the
situation of the persons to whom they are addressed. Should this find
you at New York, I will still ask your attention to them.

In my letter to Mr. Jay, I have mentioned the meeting of the Notables,
appointed for the 29th instant. It is now put off to the 7th or 8th
of next month. This event, which will har