From Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, 8 September 1803
To Craven Peyton
Monticello Sep. 8. 1803.
Dear Sir
I cannot consider the mill as worth either to the proprietors or myself [more?] than the [price] of stone & the [. . .] because they can never again make [. . .] and I consider should not. her position, construction & [. . .] condition makes her unworthy of being [. . .] set to work for the dam is taken down, which will be [. . .] from this time. it will [. . .] till her condition is seen to be. [. . .] by the [. . .]. that they will muster [more correction] to sell her [out] than with [. . .], which I do not consider to [. . .] worth £100. but to get rid of [. . .] I would give 500. D. which would be 50. Dollars a share. but I would not give this after I shall have [laid] in my [. . .] & purchased millstones. if mr Fontrees or yourself can purchase at this [price] I will take [. . .] such of the shares as can be bought. accept my salutations [&] respects.
Th: Jefferson
PrC (ViU); faint and blurred; at foot of text: “Mr. Craven Peyton”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
For TJ’s concern over the possibility of inflated worth of the mill site, see TJ to Thomas Mann Randolph, 14 June 1803.