Jefferson, Thomas | "That bank is now in a crisis which may end mortally..."

Jefferson, Thomas

Autograph letter signed ("Th: Jefferson"), as 2nd President, to Craven Peyton, concerning a financial transaction, Washington, 1 November 1801 

1 page, 4to (246 x 202 mm) on a bifolium. Remnants of wax seal, with franked transmittal panel; old folds, a few pinholes and stains, not affecting text.

"In my letter of Oct. 8, covering a Columbia bank note for 1240D.27C I recommended to you to dispose of it without delay. I had more reasons for this than would have been proper then to mention. That bank is now in a crisis which may end mortally ..."

Just prior to his inauguration, Jefferson was informed by Craven Peyton, the lessee of Shadwell, of the possibility of purchasing land abutting his own, as one of his neighbors, Bennett Henderson, had died intestate. Following court action in 1801, the Henderson estate was divided between Bennett's widow and his ten children. The relationship between Jefferson and the Hendersons was strained, and the former had authorized Peyton to purchase the estate, negotiating on his behalf. While Jefferson was President, Peyton secured the majority of the Henderson holdings at Milton. Jefferson paid nearly $8,000 for the parcels, which were then legally conveyed to him by Peyton in 1811. 

REFERENCE:

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 35, p. 545