To Thomas Jefferson from John Page, 19 November 1792
From John Page
Philadelpa. Market Str. 214 Novr. 19th. 1792
My dear Sir
I am unhappy and ashamed to be again under the Necessity of troubling you in the Manner I did the last Session—but an insufficient Number of Purchasers appearing at my Sales, which I honestly had sufficient to have paid every Debt, could I have sold the Lands and Negros which I actually set up to the highest Bidder, reduced me to the expedient of promising Payment here, hoping that my Sales might be compleated or some Collection made of the Money due to me time enough for a Remittance to be had by the last Post—but being disappointed I am extremely distressed for five hundred and 75 dollars for which sum if you will join me in a Note at the Bank of the United States you will infinitely oblige and greatly relieve the Feelings of your much obliged Friend
John Page
You may be assured that you shall not be called on for this at any Rate. J.P.
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 19 Nov. 1792 and so recorded in SJL.
Page enclosed the note on the bank for TJ’s endorsement with a brief undated letter: “Indorse the inclosed and accept the warmest Thanks for the repeated Proofs of Friendship you have given to your Friend John Page” (RC in MHi; addressed: “Thos. Jefferson Esqr.”). The note is dated at Philadelphia, 19 Nov. 1792: “At 60 days from the date hereof I promise to pay to Thos. Jeff. or his order the sum of 575 D. at the Bank of the U.S. for value received John Page” (Tr in MHi; entirely in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Copy of the note I endorsed”).