Thomas Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, 25 March 1820
To Bernard Peyton
Monticello Mar. 25. 20.
Dear Sir
I observe you advertise fine family flour for sale[.] in return for Colo Alston’s compliment of rice the last year I wish to send him ½ a doz. barrels of the finest family flour in the world. this would be acceptable because they have it not there. market flour, even good, would be an insult, becaus[e] they have it in abundance. I place my honor therefore in your hands when I request you to send him to Charleston 6.B. of the superlatively fine. drop me a line as soon as you do it or are ready to do it, that I may write to him. I should wish my letter t[o]1 get there by mail before the flour does. mr Gibson will pay for it with funds in his hands. affectly yours
Th: Jefferson
PoC (MHi); on verso of a reused address cover from Hugh Nelson to TJ; edge trimmed; at foot of text: “Capt Peyton”; endorsed by TJ.
family flour exceeded superfine in quality ( [1836–37 sess.], 51 [28 Mar. 1837]). Peyton advertised the sale of a “small parcel” of family flour “inferior to none ever offered in this market” (Richmond Enquirer, 21 Mar. 1820).
1. Ink stained.