From Thomas Jefferson to John Mason, 11 March 1795
To John Mason
Monticello Mar. 11. 95.
Dear Sir
So long ago as June 29. of the last year I inclosed you a draught on Caleb Lownes of Philadelphia for 92 D-80 c the amount of my balance to Mason & Fenwick, and desired Mr. Lownes to answer it out of monies placed in his hands. I was surprised yesterday, on receiving an account from him to find that the money still lies in his hands uncalled for. Apprehending my letter must have miscarried, tho’ sent to you at George-town by post, I take the liberty of repeating the information to you that the money is and has been constantly at your order in the hands of Caleb Lownes. I shall be sorry if any miscarriage of my letter shall have left me in the mean time under the imputation of having neglected the paiment of this balance. I am with great esteem Dr. Sir Your most obedt. Servt
Th: Jefferson
RC (NjMoHP: Lloyd W. Smith Collection); addressed: “Mr. John Mason Mercht. Georgetown on Patowmac”; endorsed by Mason as answered 23 Mch. 1795.
TJ’s letter of June 29. of the last year to Fenwick, Mason & Company, recorded in SJL but not found, was a reply to a missing letter from the firm of 9 Apr. 1794, recorded in SJL as received from Georgetown on 6 May 1794. Mason’s missing Mch. 1795 response to the present letter is recorded in SJL as received from Georgetown on 31 Mch. 1795. Letters from Mason to TJ of 24 May 1796, 2 Dec. 1796, and 17 Mch. 1797, received on 3 June 1796, 10 Dec. 1796, and 3 Apr. 1797, respectively (the first and third from Georgetown), and from TJ to Mason of 5 June 1796, 11 Mch. 1797, and 23 Apr. 1800 (the last “by Mr. Barnes”), are all recorded in SJL but have not been found.