From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 14 May 1802
To John Barnes
Monticello May 14. 1802
Dear Sir
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 10th. and am sincerely concerned at the disappointment at the bank of Columbia. this proves farther the propriety of my curtailing expences till I am within the rigorous limits of my own funds, which I will do. in the mean time I must leave to your judgment to marshall our funds for the most pressing demands, till I can be with you. mr Jefferson has sent on 7. doz. more of hams. I have been concerned to learn that his house has suffered by Hooper’s failure. however, as they never buy but with ready money, & consequently owe nothing, it will only have the effect of curtailing their business a while. but it is a reason for considering the remittance to them as among the pressing ones. the post days for this place are Tuesday & Friday. letters to be put in at Washington before 6. oclock P.M. health and affectionate salutations.
Th: Jefferson
PrC (CSmH); at foot of text: “Mr John Barnes”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
HOOPER’S FAILURE: Richmond merchant Thomas Hooper, of the firm of Hooper & Toler, had purchased TJ’s tobacco in 1798. At that time, George Jefferson had assured TJ that Hooper was “a man in high credit,” but added that he was also “rather too adventurous for his capital.” After his bankruptcy, Hooper later recommenced business in Boston, where he died in 1808 (Richmond Virginia Argus, 9 Mch., 5 June, 7 July, 23 Oct. 1802; Boston Democrat, 27 July 1808; Boston Columbian Centinel 27 July 1808; Vol. 30:349, 358, 372–4).