View source for Lydia Broadnax to Thomas Jefferson, 9 April 1807

[[George Wythe|George Wythe's]] former servant, [[Lydia Broadnax]], wrote to President [[Thomas Jefferson]] in 1807, explaining her difficulties in health and finances following Wythe's death.<ref>[https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-5430 "To Thomas Jefferson from Lydia Broadnax, 9 April 1807,"] Founders Online, National Archives.</ref> Broadnax describes herself as almost entirely deprived of her eyesight as a result of the poisoning which killed Wythe and [[Michael Brown]].

Jefferson instructed his personal secretary, George Jefferson, to give Broadnax $50.00.<ref>[https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-5474 "From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 18 April 1807,"] Founders Online, National Archives.</ref>

==Letter text, 9 April 1807==

<blockquote>
<div align="right">
Richmond 9 April 1807.
</div>
Sir,<br />

I beg leave to trouble you with these lines, hoping you will lay such favorable constructions as the nature of my distressed situation shall appear & at present require.

You must know Sir, that since the death of my dear old Master (Judge Wythe) I have, already labored under many tedious difficulties, and what is more unfortunate my eyesight has almost failed me, I believe it is owing to the dreadful complaint the whole family was afflicted with at the decease of my poor Master&mdash;supposed to be the effect of poison.&mdash;It is true I have a tolerable & comfortable house to live in, but being almost intirely deprived of my eyesight, together with old age and infirmness of health I find it extremely difficult in procuring merely the daily necessaries of life&mdash;and without some assistance I am fearful I shall sink under the burden. This being my situation I am compelled to resort to this crisis from the old and intimate acquaintance, and Knowing your benevolence do now appeal to you for some charitable aid, which I have no doubt your generous hands will not refuse when considering my embarrassed circumstances&mdash;and be well assured that nothing but this, and this alone sires me with fortitude to make my supplications Known to you. If this should meet your approbation&mdash;and such charity as you shall think proper to bestow to me, you will please inclose in a letter directed to me by the Mail to [me] at this City&mdash;and the favor will ever be remembered by Your Obt. &amp; humble Servant

<div align="right">
Lydia Broadnax
</div>
</blockquote>

==See also==

*[[Lydia Broadnax]]
*[[Lydia Broadnax to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1819]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==

*[https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-5430 "To Thomas Jefferson from Lydia Broadnax, 9 April 1807,"] Founders Online, National Archives.
*[https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/99-01-02-5474 "From Thomas Jefferson to George Jefferson, 18 April 1807,"] Founders Online, National Archives.

[[Category: Letters about Wythe]]
[[Category: Letters and Papers]]