Monticello, (late the seat of Mr. Jefferson) we learn, is in a state of comparative desolation, which produces a melancholy and mortifying sentiment with spectators who saw and appreciated it in the flourishing days of its lamented and illustrious master. The contrast reflects no honor on...

I write to you at the particular desire of Mr Sparks, who has been for two years in vain trying to obtain copies of letters (5 or 6 in number.) written by Mr J. to Ledyard the traveller, in the years 1785., 1787. & 1788—: these have been promised him by Jefferson, but have never been recd—and...

I have yours in answer to mine respecting Mr Sparks’ application: Thank you for your immediate attention to my request: it is creditable to us both. Sparks sails for England in Decr early: his life of Ledyard will be read by every body here; in it there are many things favourable to Mr Jefferson...

I have been long waiting for the Brig William from Richmond to arrive that I may receive the books &c which are aboard her; but tho. two months have passed since she left Rd we have no news of her, and she must either have been blowed off, or lost in the late tremendous gales:—the truth is...

My wife, I am happy to think, is something better this morning, although her complaint still Continues—she decidedly is not worse. Mrs Gorman unfortunately does not suit us; she is weak & what is worse so overpowered by her distressed situation that she is rendered totally unfit to wait upon...

I have the pleasure to introduce to you Dr. Lieber; his name is already known to you, having been mentioned in former letters of mine: He came to this country to establish a Gymnasium and swimming school in Boston, and has done so with full success; Dr Lieber has also given lessons in German to...

Nothing but the determination to write regularly to the dear ones from whom I am separated, could surmount the obstacles that lie in the way of it my dearest sister, and already half of my week to write has slipped away without my having had it in my power to fill the accustomed sheet. to no one...

I have the head ach, dear Virginia, & do not know whether I can write as long a letter as usual, but will not defer writing as tomorrow I shall be employed all day closely. I read your Louisiana schemes with pain & yet would not say no to them; the abandoning Monticello altogether would...

I will make an attempt this morning to write a few lines in reply to my dear sisters affectionate letter; The contents of which interested me very much, for alas! I so seldom hear any tidings from you or yours that I have to depend on vague report for information relative to you—I had heard of...

Believe me my dear Aunt I have been truly grateful for the kindness that has prompted you to write to me sans ceremony during the passed dull, tedious winter months; and although the spiritless mood in which I have been, and the bad economy of my time which occasions me always to have more to do...

The bearer Mr Higginson, of Cambridge, is a most excellent and valuable person, who is about visiting Va—has been very well acquainted with mother during her stay here, and one to whom we all wish you to pay every attention in your power.He may be accompanied by Prof. Norton, of Cambridge...

It is long, dearest Virginia, since I have written to you, because I thought you heard regularly from Mama & Cornelia, & would therefore know all that was interesting to you to know concerning your friends here; but now I shall again make a regular correspondent, for, not for worlds,...