The original letter from Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton on May 13, 1824, requesting acquisition of a silver fountain pen from Cowan.
Thomas Jefferson depended on Bernard Peyton for sourcing goods and having same delivered. The exchange between Peyton and Jefferson in May 1824 resulted in delivery of the pen under analysis.
1824 May 13. (Jefferson to Bernard Peyton). "I saw yesterday in the hands of mr Dyer a fountain pen, one of the best I ever saw. he said it was made for him by mr Cowan, a watchmaker of Richmond. and cost him 5. D. the outer tube was of silver, but the two leaves of the pen were gold, and no other metal will resist the corrosion of the ink. pray get the favor of mr Cowan to make such an one for me and add this to the many kind offices you render me, and which ever entitle you to my affectionate attachment."
1824 May 17. (Bernard Peyton to Jefferson). "I will have the [pen] made for you, by [Cowan], as requested, immediately, & forwarded by some safe private hand."
1824 May 24. (Bernard Peyton to Jefferson). "I have procured the fountain Pen you wish, which shall be ford. by the first safe private hand–price $5."
1824 May 27. (Bernard Peyton to Jefferson). "Your Pencil or rather fountain Pen, I forwarded the other day, by Mr. Winn of Charlottesville, to whom I fd. your dft: in his favor."