1To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Ballendine, 28 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Pity the sorrows of a poor—of a distressed—of an afflicted youth, whose dire Circumstances compel him to intrude upon you, the chief magistrate of this free and indepent Nation, for the purpose of imploring a melioration of my distresses, which unfortunately, have been occasioned by the too early gratification of my nefarious propensities; at this Confession Sir, let not your fire increase, as...