Letter, 1800 July 19, Derby, Connecticut, to Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Abstract

McGregory is recounting a conversation between himself and Reverend Cotton-Mather Smith about politics; Smith says Jefferson earned his money by "fraud and robery" and should not be president; Smith tells McGregory that Jefferson was executor of a widow's estate and defrauded her of ten thousand pounds sterling by keeping their property and giving them less than the property's value; McGregory felt he should tell Jefferson of the rumors about him and wishes he could clear Jefferson's reputation; he considers Smith a father figure but will do what is best for his country by writing the tale to Jefferson.