Thomas Jefferson Randolph’s Newspaper Advertisement for Poplar Forest and Monticello Estate Sales

mr. jefferson’s estate

We cannot forbear inviting the attention of the reader to the advertisement of the intended sale of Mr. Jefferson’s property—We understand all that the Executor can controul has been brought forward for sale; and that the residue of the lands will be offered as soon as legal authority can be obtained for their disposition.—We are prompted to depart from our usual course, and to notice this advertisement. The sale which it announces is of no ordinary description!

executor’s sale.

will be sold on the premises, on the first day of January, 1827, that well known and valuable estate called Poplar Forest, lying in the counties of Bedford and Campbell, the property of Thomas Jefferson, dec. within eight miles of Lynchburg and three of New London; also about 70 likely and valuable negroes, with stock, crops, &c. The terms of sale will be accommodating and made known previous to the day.

On the fifteenth of January, at Monticello, in the county of Albemarle; the whole of the residue of the personal property of Thomas Jefferson, dec., consisting of 130 valuable negroes, stock, crop, &c. household and kitchen furniture. The attention of the public is earnestly invited to this property. The negroes are believed to be the most valuable for their number ever offered at one time in the State of Virginia. The household furniture, many valuable historical and portrait paintings, busts of marble and plaister of distinguished individuals; one of marble of Thomas Jefferson, by Caracci, with the pedestal and truncated column on which it stands; a polygraph or copying instrument used by Thomas Jefferson, for the last twenty-five years; with various other articles curious and useful to men of business and private families. The terms of sale will be accommodating and made known previous to the day. The sale will be continued from day to day until completed. These sales being unavoidable, it is a sufficient guarantee to the public that they will take place at the times and places appointed.

Thomas J. Randolph
Executor of Th. Jefferson, dec.

Published in the Richmond Enquirer, 3 Nov. 1826, and running unaltered until 20 Jan. 1827.