Thomas Jefferson Papers

Philip I. Barziza to Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1816

From Philip I. Barziza

Williamsburg the 14th Dbr 1816

Most Honorable Sir

It was in vain that till now I flattered myself with the illusion of having the honour of Coming in Person to pay you my respects, my circumstances, or my fate, have prevented me from enjoying such an advantage, and what it is worst is that through the same reasons I shall be deprived yet a while.

Menwhile permit me Sir to acquaint you that though I have soon after received your order, Commissioned your books I have not yet received an answer, and as I Supposed that my Letters might have been Lost, its three months since I have written the second time; so that I hope if no sinister accident hapens, you will certainly receive them next march to come.

As to my affairs I am very sorry to say that I am not far advanced, except that Mr McCandlish my Guardian has stopt the rents of the Lands in the hands of the Tenants, and presented a petition to the General assembly for the purpose of prayng to relinquish all claims (if any) in my favour: it is in this Circumstance, Sir, that I dare to take the Liberty of beging the favour of your assistance, as I Know, and I am firmely persuaded that I Cannot choose a more powerful protector and though I have no rights I am Sure that you will not refuse to grant to a young foreigner Fatherless Gentleman, to Whose Relations you have been Such a Kind freind; what you are in the habitude of according everyday; your fame, your goodness and above all your constant, and Generouse disposition of doing good, all these makes me Sure of what I have humbly asked

Your most humble, and most obedt Servant

Philip I. Barziza

P.S. My petition has been presented and reffered; my Counselor in Richmond is Mr William Worth;

RC (DLC); with postscript on verso of address leaf; addressed: “To the Hnourable Thomas Jefferson & & & Charlottesville Monticello”; franked; postmarked Williamsburg, 16 Dec., and (faint) Charlottesville,   Dec.; endorsed by TJ as received 30 Dec. 1816 and so recorded in SJL.

On 21 Nov. 1816 William McCandlish, the “atty in fact for John L Barziza and Guardian of Philip I Barziza,” presented a petition on their behalf to the Virginia House of Delegates. The House referred it on that day to its Committee for Courts of Justice (Vi: RG 78, Legislative Petitions, Miscellaneous; JHD description begins Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia description ends [1816–17 sess.], 37).

william worth: William Wirt.

Index Entries

  • Barziza, Giovanni (John L.), Count; and L. L. Paradise estate search
  • Barziza, Philip Ignatius; and books for TJ search
  • Barziza, Philip Ignatius; and L. L. Paradise estate search
  • Barziza, Philip Ignatius; letters from search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Books & Library; orders books search
  • McCandlish, William; and L. L. Paradise estate search
  • Paradise, Lucy Ludwell (John Paradise’s wife); estate of search
  • Virginia; General Assembly search
  • Virginia; House of Delegates search
  • Wirt, William; and L. L. Paradise estate search