Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Eston Randolph, 26 September 1822

To Thomas Eston Randolph

Monticello Sep. 26. 22.

Dear Sir

Yours of the 24th was recieved yesterday. the clause of arbitration in the lease was a sufficient provision between Shoemaker and my self because we understood every part of it in the same way. so it was with mr Randolph & McKinney. but you and myself differ so materially and in so many points that to enter into a contract with opposite meanings & to propose to go thro’ it by arbitrations would be to keep up a constant process of altercation, fending & proving, and troubling neighbors to make a bargain for us, which could not be for the happiness of either. you do not agree to my terms nor I to yours. it only remains then to give you time to withdraw without loss. I suppose you can have made no contract for more than a year, and for that term I offer that the lease shall go on on your own terms. if you can propose any thing more reasonable I will consider it with every disposition to accomodate you, being sincerely desirous to do so. I repeat to you the assurances of my affectionate respect.

Th: Jefferson

PoC (MHi); on verso of reused address cover of otherwise unlocated letter from Thomas Sumter to TJ, 4 July 1821 (see note to TJ to Sumter, 23 July 1821); at foot of text: “Thomas E. Randolph esq.”; endorsed by TJ.

Index Entries

  • McKinney, James; partnership with T. M. Randolph search
  • Randolph, Thomas Eston (TJ’s cousin); and Shadwell mills search
  • Randolph, Thomas Eston (TJ’s cousin); letters to search
  • Randolph, Thomas Mann (1768–1828) (TJ’s son-in-law; Martha Jefferson Randolph’s husband); and Shadwell mills search
  • Shadwell mills; and T. E. Randolph search
  • Shadwell mills; lease of search
  • Shoemaker, Isaac; as Shadwell Mill tenant search
  • Shoemaker, Jonathan; as Shadwell mill tenant search