Monroe, James (1758-1831) [Copy of a letter from Col. James Lewis to Col. James Monroe].
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.064 Author/Creator: Monroe, James (1758-1831) Place Written: Albemarle, Virginia Type: Autograph letter Date: 12 October 1826 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Lewis, Monroe's attorney, describes the circumstances under which he sold Monroe's land above Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1806; the land on which the University of Virginia was later established. A need to settle Monroe's debts compelled the sale. Per Monroe's request, Lewis also comments on the differences between the original price of the land and the present prices. A postscript offers to verify the letters content, since Lewis based the information on memory. Lewis attended to Monroe's financial affairs while Monroe served as a diplomat in Europe between 1803 and 1807. Handwritten copy of original letter made by Monroe.
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