Thomas Jefferson Papers

Jerman Baker to Thomas Jefferson, 7 January 1816

From Jerman Baker

Richmond 7 Jany 1816

Dear Sir,

Having left this place on the 17th Ulto in consequence of a severe attack of the Influenza, I had not the pleasure of receiving your favor untill the 2 Inst previous to which the Committee for Courts of Justice had made a favorable report on the Petition of Capt Miller. The subject is now before the House in the shape of a bill & of its final passage I entertain no doubt—I shall take pleasure in giving it my feeble support, as well on account of the Justice of the Application, as that you have said, it will be gratifying to you—

A subject of considerable importance (the increase of the Banking Capital of the State) is at this time submited to the Legislature, The Committee to whom several petitions on that subject were referred have made a lengthy report recommending the establishment of fifteen new and independant Banks. This is a subject with which I suspect that a very great majority of the Legislature are but little acquainted, & but few among them if any more anxious than myself to acquire information

May I my good Sir, beg the favor of you to make such communication to me on this highly interesting subject as your leisure will permit

I shall at all times be as desirous of opposing those measures injurious to the interest of my Country as of supporting those which may promote its welfare & happiness

Be pleased Sir to present my affectionate regards to Mrs Randolph & family & to accept assurances of my sincere esteem & high respect for yourself

Jerman Baker

RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 8 Jan. 1816 and so recorded in SJL. RC (MHi); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to William Marshall, 7 Feb. 1816, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire Monticello” and “Attention of Mr Jefferson Randolph.”

The committee for courts of justice reported to the Virginia House of Delegates on 21 Dec. 1815 that Joseph Miller’s petition was reasonable. A committee led by Charles Fenton Mercer reported its recommendations for the establishment of fifteen new and independant banks to the House of Delegates on 5 Jan. 1816 (JHD description begins Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia description ends [1815–16 sess.], 39, 60, 97–104).

Index Entries

  • Baker, Jerman (1776–1828); and petition of J. Miller search
  • Baker, Jerman (1776–1828); as Va. legislator search
  • Baker, Jerman (1776–1828); health of search
  • Baker, Jerman (1776–1828); letters from search
  • banks; in Va. search
  • Mercer, Charles Fenton; as Va. legislator search
  • Miller, Joseph; petition to General Assembly search
  • Randolph, Martha Jefferson (Patsy; TJ’s daughter; Thomas Mann Randolph’s wife); greetings sent to search
  • Virginia; banks in search
  • Virginia; House of Delegates search