From Thomas Jefferson to Christopher Smith, 12 March 1804
To Christopher Smith
Washington Mar. 12. 04.
Sir
I have been tardy in remitting the hire of your slaves for the last year, and am not able to do it now fully. I have this day remitted to Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond for yourself and mr Charles Smith, one half the sum due you both, to wit 433⅓ dollars for which I inclose you an order, & I will during the next month place the other half in their hands subject to your order. inability to avoid this delay must be my apology, and I pray you to permit this letter to serve for information through your channel to your brother also, & to accept my salutations
Th: Jefferson
PoC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr. Christopher Smith”; endorsed by TJ.
this day remitted: writing to George Jefferson on the 12th, TJ acknowledged Jefferson’s letter of 6 Mch. and enclosed $435 “to cover a draught this day made in favor of Christopher Smith of Louisa” (PoC in MHi; at foot of text: “Mr. George Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ; notation in SJL: “435. D.”). TJ completed his payment to the Smiths in August (, 2:1134).