John Taylor to Thomas Jefferson, 3 February 1821
From John Taylor
Port Royal February 3. 1821
Dear Sir
I hope you will excuse the liberty I am about to take, when I assure you that I have no other means of effecting my object.
Is the family of the late Colo Wilson C. Nicholas in destitute circumstances? Did he leave sons whose educations are unfinished? Would a contribution, if such is the case, of one hundred and twenty five dollars1 annually for four years be beneficial to them? Would you receive and apply that sum to this object, without disclosing to any one from whom it comes? I have strong reasons for wishing that such a thing should be known only to yourself. Is there any person in Charlottesville, connected with some respectable man in Fredericksburg, through whom the money may be safely forwarded to you? I am with great respect and esteem, Sir, Your most obt St
John Taylor
RC (NHi: American Historical Manuscript Collection); endorsed by TJ as received 11 Feb. 1821 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to William Barret, 5 Mar. 1821, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson esqr Monticello Albermarle”; stamped; postmarked Port Royal, 6 Feb.
1. Manuscript: “dollars dollars.”