Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

Dear Robert.

University June 16th 1826

Yours of the 2nd came to hand last week and I was some-what astonished to hear that I. W. M,s creditors intend to persist in their course. I think it would be well to get Patterson to forbid the sale; But I expect it would be requisite in that case for him to have a power of attorney, or to act pro tempore as Mama,s agent. You had better ask Un. Bolling on that point. I am sure if Patterson were to take the deed with him to the sale and read it to those who attended, and to the creditors, that it would settle the matter at once. The Creditors seem to think that the deed is a partial and not a general one, but let them read it and they will find it explicit enough on that point. They think that the Negroes and land are the only things embraced in it, which is a most egregious mistake. They think, because they have sold part of the horses, that consequently they have a right to sell any, and so they might with equal justness argue, that the Negroes likewise are subject to his debts, because Billy is: But who ever heard of such absurdity.

It is high time for Mama to be thinking about what she intends doing with the Nelson establishment, whether to work two, or only one plantation, whether to employ Patterson at ten percent, or not have any agent whatever. I think it would be the best plan to work two plantations, with an overseer each, And to give P. if employed ten percent on the rents, and 5, or 6 on the neet proceeds of the plantations. The Tobaco I should send to Richmond to Anderson & co. And wait as long as I could, for I hardly think it can be much worse, and may eventually be better; though I do not think there is any probability of getting much for it this year—

There has been a Circus in Charlottesville this week two or three days, but it has left there for Stanton. It was crouded every time by the Students & Country people; and for a wonder Mr. Jefferson was at it, and several of the Professors. As I had seen it, I did not go—

The Carpenters are progressing with the Rotunda and Anatomical theatre, and sometimes their racket disturbes my studying though I go on tolerable well (that is in my own opinion). We have knocked the dinner & party in the head, and will only celebrate the fourth with a speech. I want to make up a company and go to the Cave about the 4th as I expect it will not be very aggreeable here—It is about 30 miles distant. I went over to R. Maurys last Sunday and Stayed all [. . .] were all well and asked if you and Mama did n[ot want?] to visit them this Summer, Expressing at the same [. . .] anxiety to see you all? I told them no.

We have had several fine rains and I hope you [. . .] There is great complaint of the scarcity of vegetables, fruit of any account except Apples. Our diet owing [I] suppose to dry weather, is not quite as good as it was, tho[. . .] it is pretty good now. The No of Students that have matriculated is about 180, 12 of them have been expelled and suspended. I hardly think there will be 200 this [. . .] [Loamux] is to be here the 1st of July—

K[ey] and Long intend giving two weeks vacation shortly others will also after¹ a while; But not more than 2 or 3 will give vacation at a time. It will have a tendency to make the Students idle & lazy without the least benefit. I had just as lieve get two lectures as one, while I am studying and I expect it is the same way with the rest—

my health is much about the same as it has been heretofore. my love & best wishes to Mama & Son. also to R. T H