Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-03-02-0496

Thomas Jefferson to Craven Peyton, [12 May 1811]

To Craven Peyton

Monticello May 1[2. 11]

Dear Sir

The demand of Frances Hornsby for her portion of the lands of her father conveyed to you by James L. Henderson is now become so serious as to require us to proceed immediately against James L. and in the mean time to aim at some compromise with mr Hornsby. I yesterday conversed with Capt Meriwether, attorney for Hornsby, who desired me to give him in writing any proposition I would make, observing at the same time that it was not the price I paid for it (£130.) but the worth of it which he should require. I cannot venture however to make a proposition without consulting you, and therefore must pray you to call the first time your business brings you into our neighborhood observing at the same time that I generally go out about 10. aclock in the morning till 3. in the afternoon [. . .] should be retained by notice from you. I salute [you with este]em & respect

Th: Jefferson

PoC (MHi); date faint; lower left corner torn; at foot of text: “ [. . .] esq.”; endorsed by TJ: “Peyton Craven. May.  11.” Recorded in SJL as a letter of 12 May 1811.

One of eleven Henderson children who inherited shares of land at Milton from their father, Bennett Henderson, Frances Henderson Hornsby was a minor when Peyton purchased the family’s land for TJ through her brother, james l. henderson. She subsequently claimed through her husband, Thomas hornsby, that her rights as a minor had been violated and that she had had no knowledge of the transaction. In consequence, she refused to ratify the agreement made on her behalf while she was underage (Peyton to TJ, 6 Aug. 1809; Craven and Jane Peyton’s Conveyance of the Henderson Lands, [22 Aug. 1809]; TJ to Joseph Hornsby, 21 Apr. 1813; Thomas Hornsby to TJ, 21 July 1813, 9 Jan. 1814; TJ to Thomas Hornsby, 11 Nov. 1813; TJ to Peyton, 7 May 1814).

Index Entries

  • Henderson, Bennett Hillsborough; and Milton lands search
  • Henderson, James L.; and Henderson estate search
  • Henderson case; and F. H. Hornsby search
  • Hornsby, Frances Henderson (Bennett Henderson’s daughter; Thomas Walker Hornsby’s wife); and Milton lands search
  • Hornsby, Thomas Walker; and Milton lands search
  • Meriwether, William Douglas; and Henderson case search
  • Peyton, Craven; and Henderson case search
  • Peyton, Craven; letters to search