To Thomas Jefferson from William Jefferson, 11 July 1806

Pardon my freedom in Troubling you with these, hearing your Name in the Papirs a little while Back, but taking no thought or Consideration I had a Brother of the same Name of Thos. Jefferson, but being in my Childish Years when he took his Departure from Sunderland, I had but Little Knowledge of him, but Being at Dover with my Vessel about the Fourteenth of June last, I Chanced to fall in with an American Captain who hearing my Name asked me if I had got any relations in America. I hnswered I had a Brother in America & the last Acct I had was about Forty Years ago, but being desirous of knowing, by what the Captain related to me would afford Infinite Pleasure to hear by a Line that a Brother was Still in being, as I hope youll not be offended at my Inquirey, as my Father & Mother Thos. & Mary Jefferson—were Natives of Durham, so that my Ernest request and Longing Desire is, if you’ll be so plasing & Condesending as to Satisfy my Curiosity—in So doing you’ll greatly Oblige Your Welwisher & Hble. Servt.