Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to John W. Eppes
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00315 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Monticello Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 June 1812 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Eppes planned to sell his estate which Jefferson wanted to buy. Jefferson also mentions that indebtedness from his Washington residence has been nearly paid. Eppes rejected the proposal. At the end of the letter, Jefferson talks about the plans of Peter Carr (his nephew) for "enlarging the plan of his school" -- this is the Albemarle Academy which became the University of Virginia. See Dumas Malone, Sage of Monticello, ch. 17-18. (For Pantops, see Ibid., pp. 286-88)
Notes: Not in Bergh but quoted in Norma B. Cuthbert, "Poplar Forest" in Huntington Library Quarterly 6 (May 1943) 340-42 from Jefferson's copy. Eppes, Jefferson's former son-in-law, wished to sell Pantops, an estate adjacent to Monticello which Jefferson had bequeathed to his late daughter Maria. Eppes rejected the proposal in this letter and later declined a land swap. Tensions over the disposition of Pantops strained relations between Jefferson and Eppes, to the point that his former son-in-law did not visit Monticello for seven years. Peter Carr, a nephew of Jefferson, was on the board of trustees of Albemarle Academy which evolved in a few years into the University of Virginia. See Malone, Sage of Monticello, pp. 286-88 (Pantops) and chapters 17 and 18 (Carr and the University).
Monticello June 3 [overwritten: 4] 1812
Dear Sir
I learnt accidentally a day or two ago that you were proposing to sell Pantops, and had offered it to some persons in this neighborhood. This is done, I have no doubt, after mature consideration, and under the view that it will be most beneficial to Francis, of whose interests no one can be a more faithful depository than yourself. Candor obliges me to say that an estate so closely and constantly under my eye could not pass out of the family with [inserted: out] sentiments of regret, which would be renewed as often as the object should meet the eye. This induces me to request that I may have the refusal of it on the same terms on which you might be willing to sell it to others. These I understand to be on paiments of considerable length, and this circumstance may bring it within my means. You know of the debt brought on me by my Washington residence. I have got through more than half of it, and confide that two years more will clear me of the residue. I could then, without inconvenience, begin to set apart annually a portion of the price so as to make sure of the whole in time. At 10.D. the acre, the price at which I am told it is offered it would be a very safe purchase, if brought within the term in which I could accomplish it. Except indeed that there is an event which we should all deprecate, but which may happen in opposition to all our prayers, & would transfer the reversionary inheritance without regard to any contract you or I could make. This should be contemplated before hand, to guard against the too heavy effects of an evicted title.
Peter Carr is enlarging the plan of his school: [2] in which he expects the aid of Wood, whose superior qualifications in different branches of science are well known. It will be unquestionably the best situation in the state, should you propose to place Francis at any distance from you. Whatever my care and attentions could add would be ensured by my tender affections for him, as well as my friendship for you. With my friendly respects to mrs. Eppes, be assured of my constant attachment & respect to yourself.
Th: Jefferson
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