To Thomas Jefferson from Aaron Burr, 9 October 1800
From Aaron Burr
N, York 9th: Octr. 1800
Dear Sir/
The family of Alston of South Carolina is probably well known to you—The Young gentleman who will hand you this, bids fair to do honor to his Name and his Country—His Warmest wishes, and his influence which is already important, are engaged in promoting your election—He has passed through the eastern States and is now on his return to attend the Legislature of S.C. of Which he is a Member—I refer you to him for any thing regarding domestic politics—
With respectful attachment I am Dear Sir Your friend & st
A; Burr
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “The Hon. Thos Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Oct. but recorded in SJL under 16 Oct. “by Mr. Alston.”
In 1800 Joseph Alston, scion of a family of wealthy rice planters, turned 21 years old and made an extended tour of the United States. He had read law with Edward Rutledge but was actually not yet a member of the South Carolina legislature, where he began a political career in 1802. In his travels in 1800 Alston became acquainted with Burr’s daughter Theodosia, whom he married in February 1801 ( 1:442–3, 448–9; 4:32–5; ).