Details
JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed ("Th. Jefferson") to Patrick Gibson, Jefferson's agent in Richmond; Monticello, 26 January 1814. 1 full page, 4to, two small marginal tears, one neatly mended, otherwise in very fine condition.
THE PRICE OF CORN, FLOUR, NAILS, "BEER JUGS" AND CORKS: MANAGING MONTICELLO
To his chief financial agent, Jefferson speculates on prices for essential commodities, considering the likely effects of the Napoleonic wars, and details Monticello's needs: "I wrote by the first mail after hearing there was such a demand but these advices reach us too slowly, and therefore I had entertained a hope of your selling without waiting to consult me. I think it impossible but that stories will from time to time reach us as to the Gothenburg negotiation which may give momentary spurs to adventurous merchants. I hope you will avail me of them according to your own discretion; for my purchases of corn for the subsistence of my people on the last years failure will go considerably beyond the balance in your hands...Within that time I hope there may be sales. I have somewhere about 200 barrels now ready for Johnson...I must ask the favor of you to send me by him a keg of powder...6 gross of corks, or if very good I would be glad to take double that quantity." He concludes with an order for "nail rod" and informs Gibson that he has "written to Richard Randolph for 2 gross of beer jugs." On his retirement, Jefferson was approximately $24,000 in debt and his energetic efforts were unable to completely overcome his financial difficulties; Monticello was sold after his death to pay off unliquidated debts.
THE PRICE OF CORN, FLOUR, NAILS, "BEER JUGS" AND CORKS: MANAGING MONTICELLO
To his chief financial agent, Jefferson speculates on prices for essential commodities, considering the likely effects of the Napoleonic wars, and details Monticello's needs: "I wrote by the first mail after hearing there was such a demand but these advices reach us too slowly, and therefore I had entertained a hope of your selling without waiting to consult me. I think it impossible but that stories will from time to time reach us as to the Gothenburg negotiation which may give momentary spurs to adventurous merchants. I hope you will avail me of them according to your own discretion; for my purchases of corn for the subsistence of my people on the last years failure will go considerably beyond the balance in your hands...Within that time I hope there may be sales. I have somewhere about 200 barrels now ready for Johnson...I must ask the favor of you to send me by him a keg of powder...6 gross of corks, or if very good I would be glad to take double that quantity." He concludes with an order for "nail rod" and informs Gibson that he has "written to Richard Randolph for 2 gross of beer jugs." On his retirement, Jefferson was approximately $24,000 in debt and his energetic efforts were unable to completely overcome his financial difficulties; Monticello was sold after his death to pay off unliquidated debts.
Special notice
Tax exempt.
Sale room notice
On the verso, is a partly effaced docket in Jefferson's hand, perhaps a sign that this is a retained copy.