From Thomas Jefferson to Bushrod Washington, 9 October 1796
To Bushrod Washington
Monticello Oct. 9. 96.
Dear Sir
I now inclose you the record in the case of Dickenson v. Paulett and Marks. Mr. Marks, by purchasing all Paulett’s right, stands completely in his shoes. His first wish is to obtain a confirmation of his right to the land. But if Dickenson notwithstanding his prevarications and delays of paiment shall be decreed to retain still an equitable right to the land on paying the purchase money, then, as he has by no means money at his command, the best thing for Mr. Marks would be that the day given Dickinson for paying up the money should be as short as possible, and that on failure, his right should be for ever foreclosed and Marks’s title confirmed. I inclose you an order on Charles Johnston & Co. for five pounds as a fee in behalf of Mr. Marks, and am Dr. Sir Your most obedt. servt
Th: Jefferson
RC (PPAmP); at foot of text: “Bushrod Washington esq.”; addressed: “Bushrod […]”; endorsed by Washington: “Dickinson & Pawlett” and “Marks Ads Dickinson.” The enclosed order for Washington’s fee in this case involving TJ’s brother-in-law, Hastings Marks, which TJ recorded as a “charge to Marks,” has not been found (, ii, 947).
SJL records letters from TJ to Washington of 4 June, 20 June, and 11 Sep. 1796, and from Washington to TJ of 10 June, an unspecified date in June, and 6 July 1796, received respectively 17 June, 8 July, and 16 July 1796, none of which has been found. Also noted in SJL, but missing, are letters from TJ to Washington of 24 Oct. 1796 on “R. Jeff’s case,” 6 Nov. 1796, 21 Jan., 16 and 30 Oct. 1797, and from Washington to TJ of 22 Nov. 1796, 22 Feb., 31 Oct., 5, 14, and 28 Nov. 1797, received respectively on 26 Nov. 1796, 21 Mch., 3, 10 Nov., and 13 Dec. 1797 (two letters).