Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from John Barnes, 3 July 1805

From John Barnes

George Town 3d July 1805,

Sir.

Ever anxious to aid the Presidents wishes, I have hitherto, with, great & sincere pleasure, exerted my powers—while it answered the pressing excigences, and was commensurate with my little resources—in the fond Hope, it would ere this, have ceased to become necessary: but from the present, increasing difficulties (the President will please refer, himself to the inclosed several statemts.)—on the most mature consideration & reflection—I must, however reluctantly, confess my self, inadecate to the task, of Accomplishing—the responsibility. Attached to its, due performance—is far beyond, the powers & resources, I am possessed off—or, can command—

Two thousand dollars, at least, and that in Cash, will be required to preserve these four Mos Negociation from risque of demur!—to me: the Mortification would be extreme!—and even without a demur, the Redrawing & discounting—is of its self, a mortifying circumstance—I have ever wished the President to avoid—

moreover, another (tho less difficulty) await, the issue—my Absence to Philada. if not N York, in the course of this business—is almost—indispensable, for the safty of my Credit, as well, for a fall supply, of sundry Articles—which I cannot. Otherwise be—so well supplied with.—

—I would freely dispose of my public stock, but the general fall in price from 10-12½ & even 15 ⅌ Ct. is too great a sacrifice.—

if it were possible, for the President, to loan this deficiency for six Mos. only.—I would risque every Other consequence—while without it. I fear some fatal Accident may, and will intervene—to effect—its failure—and humbly pray, the President will review—with his Usual Candor—these several particular & interesting circumstances—and if possible evert the threatening danger—with sentiments of high respect, and most sincere Esteem—

I have the Honor to be, sir, your very Obt Hble servant,

John Barnes.

RC (ViU: Edgehill-Randolph Papers); addressed: “The President, UStates”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 July. Enclosures not found.

inadecate to the task: on 2 July, TJ borrowed $1360 from Barnes and $640 from William A. Burwell to pay a $2000 note due to the Bank of the United States. The following day he discounted a new note with the Bank of the United States for $2000 and used a portion of that money to repay Barnes on 5 July. Burwell was repaid on 13 July (MB description begins James A. Bear, Jr., and Lucia C. Stanton, eds., Jefferson’s Memorandum Books: Accounts, with Legal Records and Miscellany, 1767-1826, Princeton, 1997, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Second Series description ends , 2:1157, 1159).

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