To Thomas Jefferson from Mary Barclay, 21 December 1807

Presuming on the Friendship and Esteem you always professed for Mr Barclay, and the many proofs of it I have received Myself, I should have addressed a few lines to You by My Son, that he might have the advantage of being known to you, but My Illness prevented at his departure and till now, informing you of the Business he is gone on, in which I doubted not your aid as far as it could Consistently be given—

It would be needless to mention to you the Circumstances which prevented this Claim from being brought forward at an earlier period, as My total Seclusion from the world Since, and My Son’s extreme Youth at the time his Fathers death, will account for this, as well as for his ignorance on many Subjects which may now be deemed important.—When I had the misfortune of losing My house by fire in the year 1795 Many papers of Consequence were destroyed with the rest of My Property—I know not that any of them could have thrown any light on the Subject in view, but hope this will not now prevent Congress from making some Compensation for Services they once acknowledged by a vote—That you will aid My Son with your Advice is the motive that now impeles me to address you—I flatter myself you will excuse the Liberty I have taken, & Believe that I remain with great respect & Esteem

Your Obt & Hm Servt