THOMAS JEFFERSON, Monticello, to EDWARD RUTLEDGE., 1796

Scope and content:

T. J. asks Rutledge for 20 bushels of cowpeas, gives instructions on shipping to Charles Johnston & Co., Richmond and payment through John Barnes of Philadelphia, and discusses improvements he has made on the Lieth machine for threshing wheat in Virginia and rice in South Carolina. T. J. continues with a discussion of how much unmerited abuse and praise he has suffered in public service, his wish for retirement, the outcome of the election of 1796 which he knows Adams will win adding "I know well that no man will ever bring out of that office the reputation which carries him into it. the honeymoon would be as short in that case as in any other, & it's moment of extasy would be ransomed by years of torment & hatred." He predicts he will live in peace while Adams will be shipwrecked in the gathering storm, but nevertheless urges Rutledge to continue in national public office for "there is no bankrupt law in heaven by which you may get off with shillings in the pound, with rendering to a single state what you owed to the whole confederacy." [2545-b]

Physical description:
ALS. 3 pp. Paul Mellon Bequest. Partially printed: L and B IX, 352-55.

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
170 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Special Collections Public Services & Reference Staff
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Parent restrictions:

The collection is open for research with the following exceptions: Patrons must view a copy or microfilm of materials unless prior permission to view originals has been obtained from senior Special Collections staff.

N 545, MSS 9090-a is restricted. No access without written permission of the owner.

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