It is a specimen of the condition of the little which was recovered.
I am the more concerned at this accident, as of the two hundred and
fifty words of my vocabularies, and the one hundred and thirty words of
the great Russian vocabularies of the languages of the other quarters of
the globe, seventy-three were common to both, and would have furnished
materials for a comparison, from which something might have resulted.
Although I believe no general use can ever be made of the wrecks of my
loss, yet I will ask the return of the Pani vocabulary when you are done
with it. Perhaps I may make another attempt to collect, although I am
too old to expect to make much progress in it.
I learn, with pleasure, your acquisition of the pamphlet on the
astronomy of the ancient Mexicans. If it be ancient and genuine, or
modern and rational, it will be of real value. It is one of the most
interesting countries of our hemisphere, and merits every attention.
I am thankful for your kind offer of sending the original Spanish for my
perusal. But I think it a pity to trust it to the accidents of the post,
and whenever you publish the translation, I shall be satisfied to read
that which shall be given by your translator, who is, I am sure, a
greater adept in the language than I am.
Accept the assurances of my great esteem and respect.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER LXXXIV.--TO DON VALENTINE DE FORONDA, October 4, 1809
TO DON VALENTINE DE FORONDA.
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