On May 25, 1805, Thomas Jefferson wrote to Lawrence Dunbar: "The work we are now doing is I trust done for posterity, in such a way that they need not repeat it. For this we are much indebted to you not only for the labour & time you have devoted to it, but for the excellent method of which you have set the example, and which I hope will be the model to be followed by others. We shall delineate with correctness the great arteries of this great country: those who come after us will extend the ramifications as they become acquainted with them, and fill up the canvas we begin. With my acknolegements [sic] for your zealous aid in this business, accept by friendly salutations & assurances of great esteem & respect."