From Thomas Jefferson to John Barnes, 31 July 1797
To John Barnes
Monticello July 31. 97.
Dear Sir
Just after closing and sending away my letter of the 18th. Mr. Lott desired me to pay you for him 40. Dollars which I undertook to do. The last post day however escaped me without observing it: so that there has been a fortnight’s delay not at all imputable to Mr. Lott. Be pleased now to debit my account and credit his by that sum, or perhaps it might be a dollar or two or some cents more, for I find I did not make a memorandum of it at the time and now quote it by memory: but you will know it as being the exact balance of his account then payable, and now to be transferred from him to me. I am Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt
Th: Jefferson
PrC (MHi); at foot of text: “Mr. Barnes”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
On 17 July TJ promised Peter Lott that he would pay Barnes $47.25 in his behalf. The same day TJ arranged to purchase corn from Mrs. Ann Key and used an order on Lott for $40.00 as partial payment ( , ii, 967).
A letter from Barnes to TJ, dated 22 Apr. and received 21 July 1797, is recorded in SJL but has not been found.