Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

I cannot withhold my expressions of sincere condolence from the dread of its, lacerating the wound that you have experienced by the death of your respectable worthy and truly amiable Brother I have felt much on the occasion and indeed so have all this family Mr Jefferson was in some degree prepared for the stroke by a letter he received from Mr Duponceau tho another letter by the same mail, destroy’d the little hope that we willingly wish’d to cherish, while life remain’d, by the sad tydings of his being no more Oh! my friend how much I felt for you the loss of a Brother you adored, the friend and protector of your self and children—tho his loss will be felt by thousands, his family, and numerous connections My Native City its brightest orniment and as Mr Jefferson observed the center of science in that place was gone but my heart was fill’d with the loss to your self and children, it has depress’d us exceedingly a gloom has hung upon us ever since, Jefferson Randolph said that he never had received such a Stab in his life and Ellen who return’d from Richmond with her Sister and Father Yesterday shewd great Sensibility, on his virtues being the subject of conversation but, who that was acquainted with Doctor Wistar who that does not mourn his loss, time can never obliterat his eminent worth, as a friend to mankind he shone conspicuously his affectionate and tender manners to all around him and to those acquainted with his publick and Private character his Memory will be ever dear, shew your self worthy of such a Brother by sustaining his loss with christian fortitude you have much to console you in the sure and certain hope of a Glorious resurrection when we Shall reunite to part no more, Rouse from immoderate grief and always bear in mind the duty incumbent on you to perform, no one can supply Your Place to your children, your sufferings will be rewarded if not here, [. . .] hereafter I hope Benjamin will soon be restored to you and will be every thing you wish Remember me affectionately to Sarah and Catharine and be assured of the kind concern and deepest regret of this family for every pang you suffer and believe me always your sincere and devoted friend.