To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Smith Barton, 12 [March 1793]
From Benjamin Smith Barton
Tuesday-morning, 12th. [Mch. 1793]
No 119. Third-Street, between Walnut & Spruce Streets.
Sir
It is not without a great degree of pain, that I write to you on the subject of this letter. You will, however, I hope, pardon the liberty which I take, when I assure you that nothing but a very urgent case would permit me to do it. I am already indebted to you for your liberal kindness shewn to me, on various occasions. Your attention to me now, as at former times, I shall ever remember, with a large share of gratitude. The loan of Sixty-Five Dollars will relieve me from much anxiety of mind. This sum as well as that which I formerly received of you, I shall punctually pay to you, at the time I have mentioned, in the enclosed note. Nothing shall prevent me from doing it. Should you not comply with my request, I still hope, you will pardon me, and put no unfavourable construction on my1 conduct. I am, Sir, with great respect, Your humble and much obliged servant, &c.
Benjn. S. Barton
RC (MHi); partially dated; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Mch. 1793. Enclosure not found.
TJ seems not to have honored this request. His accounts record no such loan, and when Barton offered in 1796 to repay his debt to TJ he mentioned only the $60 loan formerly received from him on 19 Dec. 1792 (Barton to TJ, 1 Aug., 25 Oct. 1796; TJ to Barton, 10 Oct. 1796; , 19 Dec. 1792).
1. Barton here canceled “request.”