Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Bedford Venable, 23 January 1809

Washington Jan. 23. 09.

Dear Sir

In a letter to my friend & relation mr Jefferson, I explained to him the unexpected difficulties into which I was likely to fall on my winding up my affairs here, with a request to endeavor to procure me the aid of the bank at Richmond. you have been so kind as to interpose and to procure for me the sum needed on private loan, which is infinitely more eligible for myself. it is the more so inasmuch as your friendly undertaking to be my indorser, contrary to a necessary rule you had established, will, by remaining unknown, not expose you to other sollicitations of the like kind. I return you, my dear Sir, my sincere thanks for this friendly relief, and shall ever retain a lively sense of it; & the greater as I should never have thought myself entitled to ask such a favor of you. in addition to the resources for repaiment mentioned in the letter to mr Jefferson, I have directed my agents in Bedford & Albemarle to offer in each place a tract of land for sale, worth each from 4. to 5000 D. a crop of tobo. which will be in his hands the next month will make a first impression on the amount, and with another a twelve month hence will discharge 5000. D. of the sum. for the balance I must depend on the sale of some of those lands, of which one tract alone is certain, an offer having been made to me for that. lands are of difficult sale. for this reason I had asked the indulgence of a twelve month certain. the note sent me is for 6. months, but I presume will be renewable; otherwise I should be forced at it’s expiration to have recourse to the bank. repeating again my extreme obligation to you, I salute you with great esteem & respect.

Th: Jefferson

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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