William Caruthers to Thomas Jefferson, 17 August 1814
From William Caruthers
Lexington 17th Augt 1814
Dr Sir
Some Years ago You requested me to find a purchaser for a Small Tract of land you hold in this county including the natural Bridge—in which I did not Suceed at that time—I have lately Taken a notion of purchaseing it, if You are Still Disposed to Sell and do Not Set too high a price on it. if the War continus I have Some Idia of manufacturing Shot at the Bridge
If You are Disposed to Sell, Will You please to Say by letter On What Terms—(the price1) and if it Will Suit You to Give Some Accomodiation in time for payment it Will Suit me Best as it Will Require a Good Deal of active cappital to Start the Business proposed—
I am Sir with the highest Respect2
Wm Caruthers
RC (MHi); between dateline and salutation: “Thos Jefferson Esq”; endorsed by TJ as received 22 Aug. 1814 and so recorded in SJL.
On 7 Sept. 1809 TJ requested that Caruthers find a purchaser for his Natural Bridge tract in Rockbridge County, but he retracted that proposal in a letter dated 9 Oct. 1810.
1. Manuscript: “pric.”
2. Manuscript: “Respet.”