From Thomas Jefferson to William Alexander, 26 July 1796
To William Alexander
Monticello July 26. 96.
Sir
The large and constant remittances of cash which I am obliged to make to Philadelphia for nailrod for the supply of my nailery, constrain me to expect short paiments for the nails I furnish. I have lately even found it necessary to require ready money instead of the three months credit I formerly gave. I have therefore taken the liberty of drawing on you for £16—10—3 the amount of the nails I furnished you last September in favor of Mr. Samuel Clarke merchant of Staunton.
Mr. Monroe mentioned to me your directions to him to pay me the proceeds of a suit he brought for you in this county. But the delays of the Law leave it in the power of a debtor to lead a chace of years by the help of appeals, injunctions, replevins &c. inconsistent with the necessities of regular business. I am with respect Sir Your most obedt. servt
Th: Jefferson
1795. Sep. 29.
| £ s d | |||
| 208. ℔ VIIId. | nails | @ 11 1/2d. | 9–19–4 |
| 60. ℔ X. | @ 11d. | 2–15–0 | |
| 40. ℔ XVI. | @ 10d | 1–13–4 | |
| 50. ℔ XX. | @ 9 1/2d | 1–19–7 | |
| 3. casks | 3 | ||
| 16–10–3 |
PrC (ViHi); at foot of text: “Mr. Wm. Alexander”; endorsed in ink by TJ on verso.
Paiments for the nails: in 1799 TJ received £13 on Alexander’s “old nail acct.” (, ii, 1000).