Nathaniel Ellicott to Thomas Jefferson, 27 November 1813
From Nathaniel Ellicott
Occoquan 27 Nov 1813
My friend Tho: Jefferson Esqr
Those Interested are about to Petition the next Legislature for a Road from this to Normonds ford on the Rappk I have had a person out the Two last weeks getting Signers at the last Culpepper and Fauq. Courts &Ct and he has obtained Some hundreds, I Intend to wait on the assembly myself—will you do me the favor to Cover to me in Richmond (during the 1st week in Dec) letters1 to the members from your and other Counties where Such might be Usefull, Stating the Usefulness and necessity of Such a Road &Ct &Ct in So doing you will Confer a favor on the Public and on no one more than on yr friend2
N Ellicott
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 13 Dec. 1813 and so recorded in SJL.
The abovementioned petition and a similar appeal that Ellicott had coauthored the previous year were both received by the Virginia House of Delegates, referred to its Committee of Propositions and Grievances, and rejected (Vi: RG 78, Legislative Petitions, Orange Co. [14 Dec. 1812], Culpeper Co. [13 Dec. 1813]; [1812–13 sess.], 54). normonds ford (Norman’s Ford) was located about two miles south of present-day Remington (, 2:834n).
This day Ellicott also sent a similar letter to President James Madison (DLC: Madison Papers).
1. Manuscript: “lettes.”
2. Manuscript: “frend.”