To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Mann Randolph, 18 July 1801
From Thomas Mann Randolph
Edgehill July 18. 1801
Dear Sir,
I write at the request of one of my neighbours, George Faris, to inform you he wishes to rent 120 acres at Lego on the terms of your leases to Petty & others. He is anxious to know immediately whether he can have that farm in your estate & is unwilling to wait your return as he will lose time in looking out elsewhere. He bears a good character in the neighbourhood, is industrious & well provided with farming stock. I have had dealings with the man myself to some amount & have found him plain, just, & unsuspicious.
Martha & the children are well: Geo: Jefferson came up 4 days since: he was at B. Hundred shortly before & was told by Mr Eppes & Maria they could be here early in this month: they were both well. The mention of Geo: Jefferson makes me speak of the sum you so kindly lent me credit for with them: the agreement between Lillie & myself produced that demand upon you which I have since regreted severely as I have been unable to return it: I have no means yet but from the sale of my wheat of which I have a double crop this year & am preparing to make it ready for market with all dispatch. In Tobacco I have failed totally having lost 6 fine plant beds by one fresh in the mountain falls creek upon May 30. This crop will be generally the shortest ever made.
with sincere attachment
Th: M. Randolph
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 22 July and so recorded in SJL.
TJ paid George Faris for transporting nailrod and other goods in 1796 and 1797, but no evidence has been found that he leased part of TJ’s Lego tract. TJ later claimed that James Petty did not carry out the terms of his lease at Lego (, 2:939, 945, 1003; TJ to John Wayles Eppes, 12 May 1803).
You so kindly lent me credit: on 23 Jan. 1801, TJ assured his son-in-law that he would pay the $450 Randolph owed Gibson & Jefferson by the annual settlement of his account with them. On 1 Feb., TJ authorized the firm to retain the amount from his tobacco payment on 1 Apr. “and apply it to the credit of TM-Randolph” (, 2:1034; Vol. 32:499, 534–5).