From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., [after 27 September 1792]
To Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr.
[after 27 Sep. 1792]
Dear Sir
There being a possibility that the books or papers which Colo. Lewis gave in to me might be called for in some settlement, I meant to ask you to take the trouble of noting where they are, and of delivering them out either to Colo. Lewis or his son should they be wanting. The papers occupy three of the four pigeon holes at the right hand bottom corner of my press. The labels on the three bundles will explain them. The books are those mounted on the top of the others in the central partition of the press. They consist of one bound volume, and one unbound one which is made up by tacking several together. In the bound volume is an index which I have made to the whole, and refers to every article of every person’s account. With love to Martha and her company I am Dear Sir yours affectionately
Th: J.
RC (DLC: TJ Papers, 69: 11913); undated; addressed: “Mr. Randolph”; written on verso of fragmentary address cover inscribed in TJ’s hand to “[George?] Webb esquire Richmond.” Not recorded in SJL.
TJ evidently wrote this letter after receiving the papers from Colo. Lewis on 25 Sep. and probably after he left Monticello on 27 Sep. 1792 to return to Philadelphia (Receipt for Nicholas Lewis, 25 Sep. 1792; , 27 Sep. 1792). Since Randolph was staying at Monticello at this time, it seems unlikely that TJ would have written to him before departing for Philadelphia, and since TJ made no further reference to the papers in his correspondence with Randolph between 5 Oct. 1792 and his next visit to Monticello in the fall of 1793, the letter may tentatively be assigned to the period after 27 Sep. 1792.