From Thomas Jefferson to Dabney Carr, 24 May 1804
To Dabney Carr
Washington May 24. 04.
Dear Sir
Your’s of the 19th. came to hand yesterday and I now inclose you fifty dollars for Johnson’s costs. this is 1. D 21 c short of the amount, because the U.S. bank here issuing no bills under 10. D. I cannot come nearer with paper. mr Lilly will pay you the difference or I will do it when I come home. I cannot give up the expectation that Sneed’s jury may have their consciences so far excited as to find a special verdict. affectionate salutations.
Th: Jefferson
PoC (MHi); at foot of text: “D. Carr”; endorsed by TJ.
sneed’s jury: TJ had brought the same action against John Snead that he tried unsuccessfully against Richard Johnson. In the case of a special verdict, the jury would have relinquished final determination to the judge or judges (Bryan A. Garner, Black’s Law Dictionary, 8th ed. [St. Paul, Minn., 2004], 1593; Statement on the Legal Action against Richard Johnson, 21 May).