\chapter{Correspondence To \& From Thomas Jefferson About the Armonica}

1786, June 28 from Francis Hopkinson (Philadelphia) to TJ:
\begin{quote}
My spare Time and Attention is at present much engaged in a Project to make the Harmonica or musical Glasses to be played with Kees [keys], like an Organ. I am now far forward in this Scheme and have little Doubt of Success. It has in vain been attempted in France and England. It may therefore seem too adventurous in me to undertake it, but the Door of Experiment is open; in Case of Disappointment the Projector is the only Sufferer.
\end{quote}

1787, Feb. 12 from TJ (Paris) to Charles Burney:
\begin{quote}
A friend of mine in America (the same who improved the quilling of the harpsichord) writes me word he is succeeding in some improvements he had proposed for the Harmonica. However imperfect this instrument is for the general mass of musical compositions, yet for those of a certain character it is delicious.
\end{quote}

1787, Oct. 11 from TJ (Paris) to John Trumbull:
\begin{quote}
Mr. Cutting has for some days been in possession of a letter for you, but finding his departure put off from day to day, I take the liberty of repeating by post a request which is in that letter. It is to enquire whether the ship James (Capt. Dunn) with my harpsichord is actually sailed from London. The appearances of an immediate rupture between the two nations[???] make me anxious that is should arrive here as immediately as possible. I will also be obliged to you to enquire the price of a good harmonica, the glasses fixed on an axis, to comprehend 6 octaves, if they ever comprehend as much, in a plain mahogany case.
\end{quote}

1787, Oct. 30 from John Trumbell (London) to TJ:
\begin{quote}
I have received your two letters of the 4th. By Mr. Cutting and the 11th. By post, and have made the enquiry you request with respect to the sailing of Capt. Dunn with your instruments. He certainly left ship port at least four weeks ago…
I am told the Harmonica is never made to exceed three octaves. For one of that kind Longman \& Brodsip ask me thirty guineas. I will enquire further on this subject.
\end{quote}

