View source for Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1781

During the [[Wikipedia: Siege of Yorktown| Siege of Yorktown]], [[Wikipedia: William and Mary| William and Mary]] was used by [[Wikipedia: George Washington| General George Washington]] as a military hospital for those who were injured in the battle<ref> William and Mary -- About Army ROTC / History of the Revolutionary Guard Battalion [http://www.wm.edu/as/militaryscience/about/index.php] </ref>.  [[George Wythe]] tells [[Thomas Jefferson]] that because it needs to be restored, the school will likely not be open for another two or three months.  Wythe asks for Jefferson to send him a horse and to give a description of his servants that might be in the lower part of the country because he has heard of some being there.
[[File:WytheToJeffersonDecember311781p1.jpg|right|thumb|400px|<p>"Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1781, pg 1." Image from the [http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mtj.mtjbib000710 Library of Congress,] ''The Thomas Jefferson Papers.''</p>]]
==Letter text==
===Page 1===
<blockquote>
[[George Wythe|GW]] to [[Thomas Jefferson|TJ]]. 

A few days after the reduction of York I returned to Williamsburg, and accompanying [[James Madison, Bishop|Mr. Madison]], waited on general Washington, with an address of the university among other things, desiring him to give orders, that the college, which we found employed as an hospital, might be evacuated so soon as it could be done conveniently. He was very civil, and gave a kind answer; but for that business referred us to count de Rochambeau and general Nelson: from the latter of whom, as we saw no prospect of redress, we made no application to the other. But some conversation which I had with general Chastellux; and a letter, which he wrote to me, since, give me some hopes that the college will be restored in two or three months. During that interval, I know not a place, at which my time would pass so happily as at Monticello if my presence at Chesterville were not indispensably necessary to adjust my affairs left there in some confusion
</blockquote>

===Page 2===
[[File:WytheToJeffersonDecember311781p2.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<p>"Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1781, pg 2." Image from the [http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mtj.mtjbib000710 Library of Congress,] ''The Thomas Jefferson Papers.''</p>]]
<blockquote>
fusion by the manager who hath lately eloped. I can therefore only thank you for your friendly invitation and offer.  You must allow me to insist that you send me but one horse, in exchange for him you had of me, without compensation for difference of value if any there be; and even that one I desire not unless you can spare him conveniently. In our dealings, you, and not I, if either, ought to have the advantage, for more reasons than I can enumerate. I desired Martin to take the roan horse then in good plight to assist him in carrying home the servant he recovered in my neighbourhood. Send me a description of the other servants belonging to you, whom you suspect to be in the lower part of the country. I have heard of several lurking there, supposed to be slaves. Present my best respects to Mrs. Jefferson, and Patsy, and Poll, & accept my wishes of many happy years
</blockquote>

===Page 3===
[[File:WytheToJeffersonDecember311781p3.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<p>"Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1781, pg 3." Image from the [http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mtj.mtjbib000710 Library of Congress,] ''The Thomas Jefferson Papers.''</p>]]
<blockquote>
years to you all, not forgetting my friend Peter. Adieu. 31 Dec. 1781

Williamsburg
</blockquote>

===Page 4===
[[File:WytheToJeffersonDecember311781p4.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<p>"Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1781, pg 4." Image from the [http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mtj.mtjbib000710 Library of Congress,] ''The Thomas Jefferson Papers.''</p>]]
<blockquote>
Hon Thomas Jefferson<br />
Monticello<br />
Albemarle<br />
</blockquote>

==See also==
*[[Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 9 March 1781]]
*[[Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1786]]

[[Category:Imogene E. Brown Papers]]
[[Category:Letters and Papers]]
[[Category:Letters from Wythe]]
[[Category:Slavery]]
[[Category:Wythe's Signature]]

==References==
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