"I AM SINCERELY CONCERNED FOR THE DEATH OF JUPITER, WHICH I AM PERSUADED MIGHT HAVE BEEN PREVENTED COULD I HAVE PREVAILED ON HIM TO GIVE UP GOING WITH ME TO FREDERICKSBURG"
JEFFERSON, Thomas. Autograph letter signed. Philadelphia, February 10, 1800. Fascinating 1800 autograph letter signed by Thomas Jefferson to Monticello overseer Richard Richardson concerning the death of Jupiter (1743-1800), Jefferson's longtime servant and friend. Jefferson also gives instructions to Richardson as to several management issues, asking that two of the nephews of Sally Hemings stay in the main house in order to guard it from intruders; recommending tasks for several other slaves, as well as proposing an efficient means of communication while he attended to his Vice Presidential duties in Philadelphia; and also forwards a bag of "a particular kind of nut, called the Paccan," asking that they be planted in the nursery. $150,000.
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