I mentioned to Jefferson your idea of removing the negroes to a country where they would be so much more profitable, he assented at once to the advantage of such a step, but said what I knew to be the fact that his Grandfather would never listen to it for a moment,1 although2 moving them in a body it would occasion little or no distress to them, not a tenth part which a sale under the usual circumstances would. then again the difficulty of getting a judicious and trust worthy agent which would render it a step of certain expense and uncertain advantage. but I am not without hope that with Jefferson’s mannagement and some arrangements which he proposes the estate may be saved without any, or but a trifling sacrifice,3 he has already arrested the progress of the debts, and the property is daily improving. Poplar forest which for years had been regularly falling behind hand will this year contribute to the maintenance of the family; and in a few more will yield a considerable profit. and under the worst circumstances, such as are not likely to concur, 100 negroes might be sold and still leave 150 and the land, from 8 to 10.000 acres; Ann is already provided for, and Jefferson in part, so that independant of their father’s property their Grand father’s will be divided amongst the children after the payment of the debts, independant of me. this last arrangement was made at my own request. I shall probably have a life estate in some part of it but I wished it so secured as to render them independant of any accident that might happen to us. Francis will rank as an elder son. Jefferson and himself will consequently have more than the other boys. for those, I wish them to have proffessions that will enable them to make their own way in the world. Lewis is a boy of promising talents and if his father’s inveterate prejudice against the Law does not prevent him that would be the course his grandfather and myself would wish him to pursue, as the most honorable as well as the most certain road to preferment. the others may also make their way as well as thousands of others have done before them if they have industry.