Thomas Jefferson to David M. Randolph (ca. 1759–1830), 30 September 1823
To David M. Randolph (ca. 1759–1830)
Monticello Sep. 30. 23.
Dear Sir
The sickness of our judge in Apr. last prevented the trial of my suit1 agt Hudson at that court. you will percieve by the inclosed Spe that it is set to the 2d day of our next court, which begins next Monday Oct2 6. but there being, many3 criminals to be tried first, it will hardly come on until Thursday or Friday and doubtful if at all. in the latter case we can agree perhaps to have your deposn taken4 so as to prevent the repetition of this trouble to you.5 I believe, but am not certain, that our stages from Richmd arrive at Charlottesville6 on Tuesdays & Saturdays. if so, that of Tuesday next7 is the only one which will be in time, and I hope that your convenience will admit our seeing you here by that stage.8 there was much frost around us this morning. I have not heard yet9 what damage is done, but I fear very great, as ½ if not ⅔ of our tobacco was uncut.10 accept the assurance of my great respect & esteem
Th:J.
Dft (MHi); on verso of a reused address cover from David Bailie Warden to TJ; endorsed by TJ as a letter to “Randolph David M.”
The judge of the Albemarle County Circuit Court was Archibald Stuart.
my suit: the two related cases of Jefferson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson and Christopher Hudson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson over the ownership of a portion of the Limestone Survey in Albemarle County were continued by Stuart’s court on 9 Oct. 1823, with the proviso that “By consent of the parties by their attornies, leave is given either party to examine and take the affidavits of Benjamin Lacy and Ann Copeland which affidavits so taken is to be read in chief on the trial of these Causes” (Albemarle Co. Law Order Book [1822–31], 43).
The enclosed subpoena (spe) has not been found.
1. Word interlined in place of “cause.”
2. Word interlined in place of “Sep.”
3. Word interlined in place of “as is said 15.”
4. Remainder of sentence interlined.
5. TJ here canceled “as we have no stage from Richmond from Wednesday till Saturday evening, the former is the only one which will bring you in time, and by that at least I shall hope to see you if convenient.”
6. Preceding two words interlined.
7. Reworked from “that on Tuesday.”
8. Reworked from “admit your coming by that.”
9. Word added in margin.
10. Reworked from “was not yet cut.”
Index Entries
- agriculture; and weather search
- Albemarle County Circuit Court, Va. search
- carriages; stagecoaches search
- Charlottesville, Va.; stagecoach to and from Richmond search
- Copeland, Ann; and Limestone Survey lawsuit search
- Jefferson, Thomas; Business & Financial Affairs; and Limestone Survey lawsuit search
- Jefferson v. John Hudson and Charles Hudson search
- Lacy, Benjamin; and Limestone Survey lawsuit search
- Limestone Survey (Albemarle Co.); lawsuit over ownership of search
- Monticello (TJ’s Albemarle Co. estate); frost damage search
- Monticello (TJ’s Albemarle Co. estate); tobacco crop at search
- Randolph, David Meade (ca.1759–1830); and Limestone Survey lawsuit search
- Randolph, David Meade (ca.1759–1830); letter to search
- Richmond, Va.; stagecoach to and from search
- Stuart, Archibald; as judge search
- Stuart, Archibald; health of search
- tobacco; grown at Monticello search
- weather; effect on crops search
- weather; frost search