From Thomas Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes, 10 June 1822
Monticello June 10. 22.
Dear Sir
I have been so late in getting my tobo to market that I have not been able sooner to remit you the 1st year’s interest. so dilatory are the means of the farmer & planter. Francis wrote me that you were willing I should import for him (with some books I am importing for myself from London) Thomas’s Coke Littleton & Bacon’s abridgment. these are dear books and with the loss by exchange, duties, freight & other charges will cost as follows.
| £ about. | ||||
| Bacon’s abridgment 7. vols bound | 7–7 | |||
| Thomas’s Coke Lit. 3 vols unbound £4–4, binding 15/ | 4–19 | D | ||
| L | 12–6= | 54. | 67 | |
| Exchange is I believe @ about 12½ p.c. | 6. | 83 | ||
| duties & custom house charges about 18. p.c. | 9. | 84 | ||
| freight, port duties Etc about 10. p.c. | 5. | 46 | ||
| 76. | 80 | |||
| order inclosed on B Peyton | 163. | 20 | ||
| 240. | ||||
according to this the Bac’s abridgment costs 45.89 D it’s American price is 50.D.
the Coke Lit. costs 30.91 it cannot be bought in this country. according to the above statement I inclose you an order for 163.20 D on Colo Peyton which with the 76.80 cost of the books makes a year’s interest. I hope the return of genial weather will reestablish your health present me respectfully to mrs Eppes and accept for yourself assurances of my affectionate friendship & respect.
Th: Jefferson
MHi.