To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Fenwick, 2 October 1791
From Joseph Fenwick
Bordeaux 2d october 1791.
Sir
The inclosed letter was too late for the Vessel from Bayonne. I have Since Seen the Executors of Mr. Le Roi who have confirmed to me the legacy of 15.000₶ left to your neigbour Mr. De Rieux payable in 6, 12 and 18 months after his Death. The first payment is now Due and will be paid to the Attorney of Mr. de Rieux on demand. You can dispose of me in the remittance of the legacy to Virginia. Mr. Le Roy also left each of Mr. De Rieux’s brothers 15,000.₶—I have the Honor to be Sir your most obt & most hble Servt.,
Joseph Fenwick
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 14 Jan. 1792 and so recorded in SJL. Dupl (missing) recorded in SJL as received 24 Feb. 1792.
The inclosed letter (missing) probably contained news of Derieux’s legacy, which the latter had learned of from another source in August (Derieux to TJ, 12 Aug. 1791). See TJ to Fenwick, 24 Mch. 1791, for an explanation of Derieux’s financial difficulties and attempts to obtain help from his family in France.