Peter Derieux to Thomas Jefferson, 25 July 1817
From Peter Derieux
Richmond 25. Juillet 1817.
Monsieur
Ayant ecrit en France aussitot que j’appris La mort de Mr Mazzei, a Leffet de faire des informations relatives a mes droits dans sa succession et me procurer des papiers qui m’etoient necessaires, J’ose esperer d’aprés les bontés que vous avés toujours eu pour moi, que vous aurés encore eu celle de retarder Lenvoi des remises que vous vous proposiés de faire à son executeur, J’usqua ce que Jaye recu les reponses que j’attends journellement de Paris.—
Vous m’obligerés beaucoup, Monsieur, si vous voulés bien ajouter aux services que vous mavés rendu, celui de me marquer combien de tems je puis encore esperer que vous voudrés bien differer; et de me croire dans Les sentiments de reconnaissance et du plus respectueux attachement avec Les qu’els J’ay L’honneur d’être:
Monsieur
P. Derieux
Editors’ Translation
Richmond 25. July 1817.
Sir
Having written to France as soon as I learned of Mr. Mazzei’s death in order to inquire about my rights to his estate and obtain some papers I needed, I dare hope, considering the goodness you have always shown me, that you will do me the additional kindness of delaying the remittances you intended to make to his executor until I receive the replies I expect any day from Paris.—
You would greatly oblige me, Sir, if you would be willing to add to the favors you have done me, that of letting me know how long I may hope that you will postpone sending the remittances; and to believe in my feelings of gratitude and the most respectful attachment, with which I have the honor to be:
Sir
P. Derieux
RC (DLC); dateline at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Aug. 1817 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to George P. Stevenson, 30 Oct. 1817, on verso; addressed: “Honble Thos Jefferson Monticello Va”; franked; postmarked Richmond, 25 July. Translation by Dr. Genevieve Moene.