Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Jefferson to Matthew Pate, 16 December 1817

To Matthew Pate

Poplar Forest Dec. 16. 1817.

Sir

About two years ago I inclosed you a land warrant for 50. acres with a request to locate it on vacant lands adjoining my lands here. I have had the greatest difficulties in tracing the lines for the survey, a neighbor, long since deceased, having cut down compleatly 2. lines & the corners between us, and cleared over upon my lands. the lines1 being now tolerably ascertained I must pray you to locate my warrant more specilly2 on the vacant lands ‘between my patented lands here and those of the representatives of the late William Cobbs.’ the difficulties of the lines will require my presence at the survey. I shall be here in the month of April, and will then send to you, and hope you will be so good as to come then and make the survey. I will further request you to acknolege the reciept of this letter & of the land warrant by the return of the bearer, or, should he not find you at home, then by the mail, directed to me ‘at Monticello near Charlottesville.’ Accept the assurance of my respect.

Th: Jefferson

PoC (CSmH: JF); on verso of reused address cover of Hugh Chisholm to TJ, 23 Aug. 1817; at foot of text: “Mr Pate”; endorsed by TJ: “Pate (Survr Bedford) Dec. 16. 17.”

In 1812 TJ had inclosed a land warrant for one hundred, not 50. acres (editorial note on Survey of Poplar Forest Boundaries, printed at 27 Nov. 1817).

Pate’s reply to TJ of 4 Jan. 1818, not found, is recorded in SJL as received 9 Jan. 1818. Its contents are briefly summarized in TJ to Joel Yancey, 11 Jan. 1818.

1Reworked from “land.”

2Thus in manuscript, with either “specially” or “specifically” presumably intended.

Index Entries

  • Cobbs, William; and survey of Poplar Forest boundaries search
  • Pate, Matthew; as Bedford Co. surveyor search
  • Pate, Matthew; letter from accounted for search
  • Pate, Matthew; letters to search
  • Poplar Forest (TJ’s Bedford Co. estate); surveys of search
  • Poplar Forest (TJ’s Bedford Co. estate); TJ plans visits to search
  • Poplar Forest (TJ’s Bedford Co. estate); TJ visits search
  • slaves; errands by search
  • surveying; and Poplar Forest boundaries search