From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Pollard, 29 February 1796
To Robert Pollard
Monticello Feb. 29. 1796.
Sir
Being willing on behalf of Mr. Short to subscribe the thirty dollars a share required for carrying on the James river canal, I ask the favor of you to subscribe on his behalf to the amount of the shares he holds, hereby giving you authority for that purpose, and confirming the signature which shall be made by you.
I will remind you that the titles of the transfers of some of these shares remain still to be forwarded by due, which I suppose has escaped you, not doubting you have taken transfers in due form. I am with esteem Sir Your very humble servt
Th: Jefferson
P.S. I have this day drawn on Mr. Charles Johnston & Co. for £15. in favor of Horatio Turpin of which this serves for advice.
RC (Vi: James River Company Papers); addressed: “Mr. Robert Pollard Richmond”; endorsed. PrC (DLC: William Short Papers); addressee’s name added in ink by TJ above postscript; with undated draft on Johnston & Co. in favor of Horatio Turpin letterpressed on same sheet.
SJL records a letter of this date to TJ’s cousin, Dr. Philip Turpin, which has not been found. According to TJ’s Memorandum Books, his draft on Charles Johnston & Co. was a payment to Dr. Turpin for “debt & interest due him for attending my people at Elk hill after the departure of the British army” (, 31 [i.e., 29] Feb. 1796).
SJL records letters, now missing, from Pollard to TJ of 5 Sep. and 3 Oct. 1795, received on 8 Sep. and 6 Oct. 1795, and from TJ to Pollard of 3 Sep. 1795.