To Thomas Jefferson from Craven Peyton, 10 July 1801
From Craven Peyton
Shadwell 10th July 1801
Dear Sir,
I am in considerable want of Six Hundred Dollars if you can with convenience to your self spare that sum at this time, you will oblige me considerably. I have sent Thomas Walker for the purpose of takeing charge of it. you will be so Obligeing as to have it enclosd. in Bank Notes, Henderson was about to have a Devition last month, the instant I heard of it I had it postpond untill you coud be present & contrary to my expectation he will not part from his proportion. at Any time that you may think propar to attend & will inform me, the Commissioners shall receave notice to attend. I am with great Respt yr. mst. Ob st.
C. Peyton
RC (ViU); endorsed by TJ as received 14 July and so recorded in SJL.
In his financial accounts, TJ noted on 14 July that he sent six hundred dollars “to Thos. Walker for Craven Peyton in part paiment of the shares of the Henderson’s lands he has purchased for me.” With this transaction, TJ began the gradual acquisition, over the next sixteen years, of more than a thousand acres of land from the heirs of Bennett Henderson ( , 2:1047; Vol. 31:199–200n).