From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Clarkson, 2 February 1793
To Samuel Clarkson
Philadelphia. Feb. 2. 1793
Sir
It has been by my direction that my servant has offered the horse for sale, which is the subject of your letter. He had told me yesterday that he had found a purchaser, but I did not enquire who it was. At present, presuming, if the purchase is either for yourself or a friend, you may be glad of information respecting the horse which may be relied on, I take the liberty of mentioning that I purchased him in Oct. 1790. for 5. years old the preceding spring, and I gave 116 ⅔ Doll. for him in Virginia. He is high blooded, a most excellent creature and I believe perfectly sound. [Goes well?] in a carriage, for which purpose I bought him, and I now sell him for no reason but that the horses I have since purchased for my set, render it necessary to get a larger in his stead. My price is as mentioned in your letter £45. Pensylva. currency, for which, payment to the bearer will be a discharge. I am with esteem Sir Your very humble servt
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); partly faded; at foot of text: “Mr. Samuel Clarkson.” Tr (ViU: Edgehill-Randolph Papers); 19th-century copy; varies slightly in wording.
Samuel Clarkson, a Philadelphia merchant, resided at 42 Union Street (James Hardie, The Philadelphia Directory and Register [Philadelphia, 1793], 24). His letter to TJ of 2 Feb. 1793, recorded in SJL as received that day, has not been found. Another letter from Clarkson of 2 Feb. 1793, recorded in SJL as received 3 Feb. 1793 but also not found, probably enclosed his payment of $120 for Brimmer, the horse in question (, 3 Feb. 1793; , 97; TJ to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., 18 Feb. 1793).