Thomas Jefferson to Wythe, 6 May 1787

"Thomas Jefferson to Wythe, 6 May 1787." Image from the Library of Congress, The Thomas Jefferson Papers.

Dear Sir        May 6. 1787.
Mr. Paradise being desirous of placing the conduct of [my slave?] under the [?] of some one or two good gentlemen in the neighborhood of his estate, has devised me to recommend his affairs to the persons whom I should think best. But since my departure from Williamsburg things are as much changed that I am incompetent to that nomination. I therefore advise him to execute a power of attorney, leaving a blank for the two names, & that I vowed ask the favor of you to perform the office, which he had descried of me, of inserting two names. I have been led to take this liberty by a knowledge of your desire to do good, and have it in my power to assure you. That you can never render service to a better man. I have mentioned to him Col. Taliaferro as adjoining his estate, understanding perfectly what a steward should do, & therefore most capable of making one do his duty, but at the same time that I did not know whether Col. Taliaferro’s own affairs could permit him to undertake this office. I remit & recommend therefore Mr. Paradise to your goodness, and beg you to account for instances which both duty & inclination ever prompt me to make of the perfect esteem & respect with which I am Dear Sir
    Your friend and servant
              Th. Jefferson