Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to James Lyle, 15 September 1791

To James Lyle

Monticello Sep. 15. 1791.

Dear Sir

When I was in Virginia the last year, I took the liberty of solliciting you to furnish me a copy of the account of my father’s estate from his death Aug. 17. 1757. till I came of age which was Apr. 2. 1764. at which time I believe the account commences which you furnished Mr. Nicholas. These two accounts are necessary for the settlement of many others; but peculiarly so for that of Dr. Walker relative to an article of £200. now become £500 which it is necessary for me to decypher. If this is ready let me beg the favor of it by Mr. Randolph who is the bearer of this. If it is not ready, I must repeat my prayers to have it got ready, as I am extremely anxious to finish this matter of Dr. Walker’s, and every delay which arises on my coming to Virginia, of course puts it off a year, since I come but once a year, and can look into it here alone.

I wrote you formerly of the credit to the last of this month which I had been obliged to give on the sale of my crop of tobo. On my return to Philadelphia in October, you will hear from me as to the payment I can make you out of it, and my other provision for you. I am with great esteem Dear Sir your affectionate humble servt.,

Th: Jefferson

PrC (CSmH).

See TJ to James Lyle, 16 Oct. and 3 Nov. 1790 for letters about TJ’s father’s estate. It is uncertain what letter TJ wrote Lyle about credit on the sale of his tobacco. Many letters between them are now missing, suggesting that TJ turned them over to someone, perhaps, or otherwise separated them from his other papers. Lyle’s response of 28 Sep. 1791 is quoted in TJ to Francis Walker, 6 Oct. 1791.

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