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 his steward under the controul 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