Thomas Jefferson Papers

IX. John Wayles to James Bivins, 25 January 1773

IX. John Wayles to James Bivins

Captain Virginia Jan 25. 1773.

Dear Sir

I hope ‘ere this reaches Bristol you have had a happy sight of your children and friends. Should the reverse have happened, this is intended to fall into their hands, to informe that Col. Richd. Randolph’s bond to you for £740. stg. is deposited in my hands. Also I am Security, so that in case of Accidents, your Representatives may know where to Apply for your property. Your Acquaintance are all well. I shall be glad to be favoured with a line by any Oppertunity, and remain Your very Hble Servt,

J Wayles

RC (Vi: USCC); addressed: “Capt. James B [ivins] Brist[ol] ⅌ Capt. Aselby.”

In Vi: USCC there is a copy of Randolph’s bond, being a printed form filled out by a clerk, dated 30 Dec. 1772, acknowledging the indebtedness of Wayles & Randolph to James Bivins for £1480 sterling as indemnification in double amount for the loan of £740 sterling from Bivins to Randolph; on its verso Wayles acknowledged the debt and said that Bivins had left the bond with him to “be safely kept un[til he should] call for the same or otherwise direct it [to be used for his] benefit.” This bond became the subject of a suit brought in 1793 (Bivins Exors. v. Wayles Exors.).

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