Scope and Contents Has received letter of 29 Nov [1799], and only sorry it did not contain more details of the family's life; interested in every detail, no matter how minute; has been lucky in life, but to be in one's own country, working towards a better life, under free government, the happiest life; alarmed to read brother contemplating trip to Europe, as it would take him away from affairs and would be dangerous and costly; hopes to return next summer or winter; if he writes while congress is in session, when Jefferson is absent, send mail through John Barnes, merchant of Philadelphia, through post from Kentucky; Barnes is agent appointed by Jefferson to handle affairs formerly administered by Skipwith; Col. [Henry] Skipwith has no been the best manager, but can find no fault with him in law or equity; recounts at great length problems in affairs and his attempts to have a reckoning of them; asks advice on how to collect money owed; cautions that he deal fairly and honestly with Col. Skipwith, as he is a relative and has always shown himself to be a friend; hopes to be home soon, but still wants this business begun as soon as possible; Jefferson has documents relative to Skipwith's agency which he will make available; asks about title to lands bought from Pasky [?]; questions about western land deals, and reflects on effects of "family disease" [Speculation] which has afflicted them both; observations on land use arrangements in Europe, including serfdom (which he compares to slavery) and metayers (sharecroppers); reflects on uncertain income of landlords and large farmers, and the evils resulting; happy to see his brother so prosperous; sorry to hear sad fate of negroes on Mush Island, who were sold; if had been in Virginia, would have put up money to buy those who could not find good masters, as Harvie ever was; if any of them can be found in the hands of cruel masters, buy them, and if they are capable of providing for their families, give them freedom; if not hire them out to good masters; give particular attention to female slaves; family slaves from Surry, are those most concerned about, wishes them seen to; expresses happiness that nephew Edmonds well provided for with a good guardian but hopes to be able to take over that position after arriving in America; Fulwar Skipwith has suffered a reversal of fortune since arriving in Paris and is embarrassed in his circumstances; has some money coming to him from Sir Peyton [Skipwith]; try to recover sum from Sir Peyton.