Important ALS, John Barnes, Philadelphia, to Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, October 3, 1797, endorsed by Jefferson as received, 14 October 1797. With extensive content relevant to the Hamilton-Reynolds Affair. [Published: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson Digital Edition, ed. Barbara B. Oberg and J. Jefferson Looney, Chalottesville: University of Virginia Press, Rotunda, 2008] [Provenance: Mrs. L. Carstairs Pierce, Bryn Mawr, PA; Paul Rodebaugh, West Chester, PA]. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX TRANSCRIPTION: Philad.a. 3d. Octr. 1797. Sir I am this instant favrd. with yrs. 25th ulto. and note your additional draft to the order of Messrs. C. Johnston & Co. for $650. as well $210. to the Credit of W. P. Lott. Very fortunately the inclosed pamphlett[sic] (which you request,) was some few days since, left with me–in the state you find it* ["*WF notes" written at bottom of page]. WH has assuredly reduced his Consequence to the most degrading & Contemptable point of view; And I am much pleased to find Mr. Monroe would not, humour his restless, unreasonable, & foolish Vanity, for under all circumstances, the several Gentlemens treatment towards him-was thoroughly polite & respectful. Such another piece of ridiculous folly: sure, never Man was guilty of-first, in committing himself via his Dear- (dear indeed;) Maria, and than, to publish it, himself; as if, it were possible–by that means- to justify, his public Conduct, by a simple confession of his private ridiculous Amour, at the expense of both-his Reputation and future piece of mind; how it must, on Reflection, torture him, on poor Mrs. H. Account whose feelings on the Occasion–must be severely injured, if not expressed; how you came-(innocently) to be luged in–at the latter end of the fray, is yet to be explained; It seems, this poor Frauncis (sic)– to, whom you addressed the two letters in question-was met by Mr. H on the Battery New York, and questioned respecting his situation & Circumstances-and withal Asked, who was his friend, and if he stood in Need of Assistance-his look and condition plainly evinced the supposition–and Mr.H Afforded him-a present relief. In the couple of conversation F- informed Mr.H he had waited upon you-in Philada. and to confirm it, produced your two letters & withal added your promise of employment (at least so he expressed himself to me). Mr.H-immediately requested the perusal of them, with a promise of Returning them. Imprudently F. Assented-and they still rest, with Mr.H. – And by this sorry means made Use of to Grace–as he suppose, his ungracious defence. In pity to F-s immediate wants–(Rather-than his Merits) I could not but Assist him; After a short breakfst. he left me, and I have not seen him since- nothing but his extreme want, & expectation of seeing a worthless Brother, of his Here-(absent) brought him–at this Crisis– to town–and it is more than probable he will pay you another Visit on your Return-to Philada. I intimated too him the improbability of your employing him-and added the very imprudent disclosier of your letters-to Mr. H, could not but displease you. We are still in the same very Anxious and unhappy situation, respecting the fever–as when I last wrote you: favoured however with some cool refreshing showers-have & will, I hope-dampen the Rage–tho not, effectively destroy, the Cause–which frost alone, must subdue. Most Respectfully, I am Sir, Your Obedt. & Hbl. servt. John Barnes Thomas Jefferson Esquire – Monticello Virga. [Endorsement of receipt: "Barnes John Oct. 3. 97. // recd. Oct. 14.]

Light toning; scattered minor tears and wrinkling