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To Thomas Jefferson

Dear Sir

     I wish I could give you the Satisfaction you wish as to the time when your case will be finally decided. We must proceed regularly and there is no rule by which to guess when the case will come on in its turn which it must do if defended with a view to delay.

     I can only say that I shall use diligence in pushing it forward, and shall try by a motion out of turn to get it sooner decided— This is sometime done & not often opposed— of the Steps I take you shall be immediately apprezed.

     I have given a rule for a Bill in Bank's Suit1 agt you & shall dismiss it at the next rule day if it be not filed.

     Excuse this small piece of paper—I never discovered until I had set down to write, that I had no more, & have not time now to send for a Supply as yr mesenger is impatient. I am very respectfully Dear Sir Yr mo. ob. Sert

Bushd Washington

Source Note

ALS, MHi: Coolidge Collection of Thomas Jefferson Manuscripts. BW addressed the letter to "Thos Jefferson Esq." at Monticello. The docket is misdated as "recd Oct. 12." The correct date was 12 Nov. (see Jefferson Papers, 28:519).

1. The case referenced is likely that of Commonwealth vs. Banks. The case involves an executive order issued in 1781, when Thomas Jefferson served as governor of Virginia, and Bushrod Washington served as attorney on behalf of the Commonwealth during the case.