Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-05-02-0456

Thomas Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell, 5 January 1813

To Joseph C. Cabell

Monticello Jan. 5. 13.

Dear Sir

I learn by the newspapers that a petition has been presented to the legislature by the Rivanna company praying an enlargement of their powers. as these are to be executed wholly within my lands, and almost solely over my property, and have not hitherto been exercised with much forbearance as to the injury to which they expose me, it becomes necessary while they ask for power, for me to ask protection from it. I have written a long letter on this subject to mr Philip Barbour who was kind enough to ride over the ground of their operations, and to make himself acquainted with them. I have asked the favor of him to communicate that letter to you, and I have to request the favor of you to take the trouble of reading it, that when the bill comes before the Senate you may be acquainted with the facts to which it will have relation. the object is to extend the navigation of our river about 4. miles higher, to Moore’s ford near Charlottesville. towards this I have given, and shall continue to give, every facility which does not go to a destruction of my mills which have cost me 30,000.D. your situation makes you the umpire between the company & myself, and I ask no more than that the legislature, acting on full information may do what is just. asking your friendly attention to the case and your care that it shall be fully understood by the Senate, I shall be satisfied that what they think right, is so. Accept the assurance of my great esteem & respect.

Th: Jefferson

RC (ViU: TJP); addressed: “Joseph Cabell esq. of the Virginia legislature now in Richmond”; franked; postmarked Milton, 6 Jan.; endorsed by Cabell as answered 12 Jan. 1813. PoC (DLC); endorsed by TJ.

Index Entries

  • Barbour, Philip Pendleton; and Rivanna Company search
  • Cabell, Joseph Carrington; and Rivanna Company search
  • Cabell, Joseph Carrington; letters to search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Business & Financial Affairs; and Rivanna Company search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Opinions on; Rivanna River navigation search
  • Rivanna Company; navigation rights of search
  • Rivanna Company; petition to General Assembly search
  • Rivanna River; navigation rights search
  • Shadwell mills; and Rivanna Company search