Lost letter is lost

I had held out some hopes of finding Alexander's last letter to Thomas Jefferson when I was in America. However, I think the game might be up on that - judging by the email I received from Princeton, where the Jefferson papers are edited. Rats!:

James,

Yes, it was a long shot, and no, the document has not turned up. Because of Jefferson's "Summary Journal of Letters" we know about all his correspondence, written and received. Our cardfile has all TJ's correspondence with the letters not found printed on blue slips. 1796 is almost completely blue slips.

I must admit "closed his correspondence" is dramatic and final. I don't know when Donald died. However, I don't think the phrase was meant to be as final as that. Rather than repeat ourselves, we try to find different ways to say the same things. It sounds better than saying "he stopped writing" but is along the same lines as "his last letter to TJ" just a lot more dramatic.

Sorry I could not be of assistance. Good luck with your research.