Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Walkup, 5 October 1820
To Samuel Walkup
Monticello. Oct. 5. 20.
Sir
I have duly recieved your favor of Sep. 25. informing [me] it is proposed to establish a road thro my lands at the Natural bridge which, you observe, will be a convenience to the public and no injury to me. being a stranger to the grounds, I place myself under the guardianship of the court, who weighing reasonably the public and private interest, will, I am sure, do what is right and I shall acquiesce in it. accept the assurance of my great respect.
Th: Jefferson
PoC (MHi); on verso of a reused address cover from Thomas Mann Randolph to TJ; one faint word supplied from Tr; at foot of text: “Mr Samuel Walkup”; endorsed by TJ. Tr of RC (Rice M. Youell, Richmond, 1950); typescript; addressed: “Mr. Samuel Walkup near Lexington. Rockbridge Va.”; franked.