From Thomas Jefferson to Chapman Johnson, 22 January 1826

Dear Sir

Monticello Jan. 22. 26

In my letter of the day before yesterday I committed a quid pro quo which just now occurs to me and must be corrected. I had before me the Riot act 1786. c. 142. and the Gaming act c. 147. §. 28 in the 1st Rev. Code 536 and 590. in the designation I named the former instead of the latter. of the Riot act we already have the use. but it is the 28th § of the Gaming act of which no use can be made against any description of persons but gamesters. that § prevents a witness from evading an answer to an interrogatory by saying the answer would charge himself. the students engaged in a riot will evade the Riot act in the same way unless this § can be extended to them. Accept the assurance of my great esteem and respect.

Th: Jefferson

MHi.

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