To Thomas Jefferson from Christopher Smith, 4 December 1801
From Christopher Smith
Louisa December 4th. 1801
Sir
Your favour of 20th. Sept. last was duly received, and its contents attended to immediately on the recpt. of it, I had a search made for the fellow, and could he have been found would have sent him to Mr. Lilly. have since heard he returned to your manager in a few days after he eloped. I wish you to beleive that it is my desire, as well for my own interest as from motives of safety to us all, that my Slaves be kept in proper subjection—
When the money becomes due for the hire, it will be convenient for me to receive it in Richmond, my freind Mr. David Bullock will (on your informing him where to apply) receive the money and deliver your [specialty]
I am respectfully your mo: Obt.
Christor. Smith
RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 11 Dec. and so recorded in SJL.
TJ hired slaves from Christopher Smith of Louisa County, Virginia, between 1801 and 1803 or 1804 (, 2:1037, 1134).
Your Favour: TJ’s communication to Smith, recorded in SJL as a letter of 21 Sep., is missing.
My Slaves: on 12 Apr. 1801, TJ recorded in his personal financial memoranda that he gave bonds to Smith for the hire of seven male slaves for £142 ($473.33), payable on 1 Jan. 1802. TJ also recorded the slaves’ names (, 2:1037, 1062).