From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 13 January 1801
To James Lyle
Washington Jan. 13. 1801.
Dear Sir
Your favor of the 3d. inst. is at hand. that also of Aug. 18 was recieved in September. I deferred answering it in expectation of recieving & remitting the paiment of the year, but the instalments for my tobacco were not paid up till I came here, at which time a new circumstance was coming on the preparatory expences of which obliged me to throw the paiment which should have been made to you (agreeably to my letter from Philadelphia) on a fund which was not to come in till April. I therefore now inclose you an order on Messrs. Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond for 1000. D. payable the 1st. week in April. this paiment shall be soon followed by an equal one, which I presume will enable me to settle and take in all the bonds but the last, which shall not be much longer out. on my return home I will compare your statement with my papers, and settle our matters so far. from the view I took of my affairs in 1797. I thought I could have paid off your debt by the end of 1800. it will run on a year beyond that time, or perhaps it may enter 1802. if any thing could [keep me easy?] under it your delicate forbearance would do it, and I deem it great good fortune that you have been spared to close the business with me. I am with unchangeable sentiments of esteem & affection Dear Sir
Your most obedt. servt
PrC (MHi); signature omitted in letterpressing; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso. Enclosure: Order to Gibson & Jefferson, same day, to pay James Lyle $1,000 during the first week of April “for value received”; recorded in TJ’s financial memoranda on 13 Jan. as payable to Lyle “agent of Kippen & co.” the first week in April “when the money for my tobo. of 99. becomes due” (PrC in same, signed by TJ, letterpressed to same sheet as enclosing letter; , 2:1033).