Mr Jeffersons. he looks much afflicted. the last letters, brought him news of the death of one of his daughters: he has a great deal of Sensibility.

Letters of business claiming their rights before those of affection, we often write seldomest to those whom we love most.

I find as I grow older, that I love those most whom I loved first.

be good my dear, as I have always found you never be angry with any body, nor speak harm of them, try to let every body’s faults be forgotten, as you would wish yours to be, take more pleasure in giving what is best to another than in having it yourself, & then all the world will love you ...

Perhaps you think you have nothing to say to me ... there is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting to me ... Write then my dear daughter punctually on your day

Your two last letters are those which have given me the greatest pleasure of any I ever recieved from you. The one announced that you were become a notable housewife, the other a mother. this last is undoubtedly the key-stone of the arch of matrimonial happiness, as the first is it’s daily aliment.

you were never more mistaken than in supposing you were too long on the prattle &c. of little Anne. I read it with quite as much pleasure as you write it.

harmony in the marriage state is the very first object to be aimed at.

the circle of our nearest connections is the only one in which a faithful and lasting affection can be found, one which will adhere to us under all changes & chances. it is therefore the only soil on which it is worthwhile to bestow much culture.

it would be a great satisfaction to me ... to have the enjoiment of family society for a few days undisturbed. nothing can repay me the loss of that society, the only one founded in affection and bosom confidence ... it is in the love of one’s family only that heartfelt happiness is known. I feel...

My blessings to your little ones, love to you all, and friendly how d-ye’s to my good neighbors.