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Scope and Contents Has received letter of 29 Nov [1799], and only sorry it did not contain more details of the family's life; interested in every detail, no matter how minute; has been lucky in life, but to be in one's own country, working towards a better life, under free government, the happiest life; alarmed to read brother contemplating trip to Europe, as it would take him away from affairs and would be dangerous and costly; hopes to return next summer or winter; if he writes while congress is in session, when Jefferson is absent, send mail through John Barnes, merchant of Philadelphia, through post from Kentucky; Barnes is agent appointed by Jefferson to handle affairs formerly administered by Skipwith; Col. [Henry] Skipwith has no been the best manager, but can find no fault with him in law or equity; recounts at great length problems in affairs and his attempts to have a reckoning of them; asks advice on how to collect money owed; cautions that he deal fairly and honestly with Col. Skipwith, as he is a relative and has always shown himself to be a friend; hopes to be home soon, but still wants this business begun as soon as possible; Jefferson has documents relative to Skipwith's agency which he will make available; asks about title to lands bought from Pasky [?]; questions about western land deals, and reflects on effects of "family disease" [Speculation] which has afflicted them both; observations on land use arrangements in Europe, including serfdom (which he compares to slavery) and metayers (sharecroppers); reflects on uncertain income of landlords and large farmers, and the evils resulting; happy to see his brother so prosperous; sorry to hear sad fate of negroes on Mush Island, who were sold; if had been in Virginia, would have put up money to buy those who could not find good masters, as Harvie ever was; if any of them can be found in the hands of cruel masters, buy them, and if they are capable of providing for their families, give them freedom; if not hire them out to good masters; give particular attention to female slaves; family slaves from Surry, are those most concerned about, wishes them seen to; expresses happiness that nephew Edmonds well provided for with a good guardian but hopes to be able to take over that position after arriving in America; Fulwar Skipwith has suffered a reversal of fortune since arriving in Paris and is embarrassed in his circumstances; has some money coming to him from Sir Peyton [Skipwith]; try to recover sum from Sir Peyton.

Refers to letter of July 28 1800,; as suspected, Fulwar Skipwith's letter indicates money must be gotten from Sir Peyton [Skipwith]; happy to receive letter of 29 Nov. 1799, with such a detailed account of brother's finances; reiterates opposition to brother visiting in Europe; discusses Col. [Henry] Skipwith's handling of his affairs, Paskie and western lands; encapsulates account of metayers (share croppers) of France, and the need to keep regular accounts.

Happy to receive letter of 29 Nov. 1799; has recently sent two large letters, largely concerning state of affairs with Col. [Henry] Skipwith; hopes it will be satisfactorily completed soon; has seen Dr. Watkins in Paris, and learned much about Kentucky and the family, especially as to mode of life, which never is revealed in letters; the family's prosperity all due to his better judgement, as himself had counseled against this enterprise; great happiness in having lands cultivated by tenants rather than slaves; would never have guessed that there were land so plentiful and cheap, so many could be found to work the land of others; this the best kind of property; wish had invested in such land long ago; sorry had not invested in Kentucky as you advised, but left it with [Col. Henry Skipwith], and which by now would have produced a fortune; would it still be possible to trade the 10,000 acres for land near his?; discusses profitability of rent vis-a-vis expenses; hopes plan of Dr. Watkins succeeds, and negotiations with the [Spanish] government successful; much land for sale in the U.S. north and south; has heard Kentucky lands four to six times more valuable since 1794.

I received your power to vote for the election of directors for our Bank. Nine of the old ones were chosen. Enclosed is your account with me. Purchased two bank shares with your July dividends.

I will purchase two bank shares. The dividends heretofore made by the directors have been done out of the profits and a surplus left of $500 to $1000. No bad debts have been annually transmitted to the Governor.

I received the dividend of $9 per share on 48 shares in your name five of which in trust for your daughter. I have not been able to invest. The Marine Insurance Company has for some time been in the market.