From Thomas Jefferson to James Brown, 26 July 1792
To James Brown
Monticello July 26. 1792.
Sir
Taking for granted that the stores which I sent from Philadelphia the 1st. of the month by Capt. Chesroe, and Capt. Walsh must be arrived at Richmond, a waggon now comes for them. I had also desired another waggoner which went down yesterday, to apply for as much of them as he could bring, as he had engaged to others the principal part of his back load. In the event of the latter not taking any part of them, and there being more than the present waggon can bring, the Nos. which I would chuse to remain behind, as being least important, are 4. 5. 8. 15. 16. 18. or so many of them as cannot be brought. Whatever cannot now be brought I shall be obliged to you to send by any waggons coming to or through Charlottesville. I am with great esteem Sir Your most obedt. hble servt
Th: Jefferson
RC (CtY); addressed: “Mr. James Brown Mercht. Richmond”; at foot of text in the hand of Robert Coventry: “No 1. 9. 6. 14. 19 and 20 sent ⅌ Negro Dick. No. 4 and 7 also sent.” PrC (MHi).
On 2 Aug. 1792, writing for Brown, Coventry informed TJ that he had sent Nos. 1, 6, 9, 14, 19, and 20 by the bearer, Dick, and would forward the others to his house or Charlottesville by the first opportunity. On the address page Coventry added that the Bearer also carries Nos. 4 and 7 and that he has given him a dollar “to buy Provision for his Horses” and “6/8d [Notes?] in all 12/8d to your debit” (RC in MHi; address page torn; endorsed by TJ as received 7 Aug. 1792 and so recorded in SJL). In a letter written on Brown’s behalf on 11 Aug. 1792, Coventry reported to TJ that he had sent by the bearer “the whole of your Stores that have come to hand,” listing Nos. 3, 5, 8, 13, 15, 16, and 18 at foot of text (RC in MHi; endorsed by TJ as received 16 Aug. 1792 and so recorded in SJL).