Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Eppes, 27 April 1791

From Francis Eppes

Bermuda Hundred, 27 Apr. 1791. Has consulted all our lawyers on The Prince of Wales and, on the basis of Wayles’ letter of 14 May 1772, they “appear all very clear in their opinions that the Executors … will be answerable for the amount of the … cargo.” The trial will be brought on in October if possible. “I hope you will be in Virginia at that time as I shall stand much in need of your advice and assistance… . You will be pleas’d to consider [Wayles’ letter] and inform me what you think of it. Jack ear this must be with you. For gods sake indeavour to impress on his mind the necessity of his qualifying himself for some profession which will inable him to git his bread for shou’d this business go against us it will not be in my power to do much for him. We are all well and unite in wishing you every blessing this world affords.”

RC (ViU); endorsed by TJ as received 10 May 1791 and so recorded in SJL.

For the lawyers’ opinions on the liability of the estate of John Wayles in the matter of The Prince of Wales, see note to Skipwith’s letter to TJ, 7 Apr. 1791, and TJ’s reply to Skipwith, 6 May 1791.

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