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...
It is an old saying you know that a blacksmith’s mare and a shoe-maker’s wife are generally the worst shod animals in the Parish—& it is certainly true that my dearest friends are the worst-treated of my correspondents—for strangers will not bear to have their letters neglected—& friends...
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 this day put aboard the Brig Levant, for Richmond, on yr. a/c, the address of Bernard Peyton, sundry articles, viz an oil Cask; and cannister; a box of Sperm. candles; & a small box—marked N. P. T.—in the same vessell are 32 small kegs; containing best, and freshest white lead, just...
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...
I begin with your p.s. to the letter from Mary.—The lamps will please you and wear well. only remember the directions I gave you respecting the manner of using them: Jeff’s lead is warranted of the best quality, and I know it to be the freshest in the place. Jones is it seems appointed: I have no...
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...
My circumstances & state of health being afflicted with that Gout, or Rheumatic affection of the stomach which attacked me in August 1826, and state of Mind so influenced by no very pleasing associations with Monticello during the last short interval of my residence there, almost constant...
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 many things to say, and but little time to say them in: I will begin therefore with the business part of your letters, it being of more interest to you than any other: Your books on Roman law are on their way to Charlottesville;—the shoes you ordered for Mr Madison have not been sent, for...
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...
as I never go off of this mountain myself nowadays, since my new abode here, and have no attendant, your truly gratefull and duly honoured favour was very long in geting to my hands. I read your memoir immediately with that...
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...
We arrived here at 6 o clock this morning My beloved Ellen after a most prosperous voyage of 18 hours. the swell round Judith’s point soon rendered the lady’s cabin, in which there were at least 20 ladies & 9 or ten children, a most uncomfortable residence, but My old friend Betsy who was in...
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...
Your letter of the 2nd my dearest mother, was joyfully received and relieved me from a portion of those vague apprehensions which always attend me for some time after parting with those I love. I always feel as if there were some ill-defined danger hovering over my absent friends, & am ready...
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...
I hope your editorial venture may succeed. There is only one objection to it, which would however apply to every other enterprise for making money, that is. The expence is present, the profit future. Does the establishment rest on a solid basis, or is its present prosperity at all dependent on...
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,...
Private! My last letter gave you an a/c of my efforts to engage a printer: I took unwearied pains to procure a suitable person, making very minute inquiries, and in every instance found that they were in vain; those whom I could most confidently have recommended falling away from their...
I am greatly obliged by your kind compliance with my request although you may think I have been in no haste to acknowledge it. this is true, and I have nothing to offer in extenuation but the pressing business in the latter part of a Session, an excuse which might be good circumstances but which...
Your letter dearest mother, relieved me from some anxious thoughts which were beginning to take possession of my mind at not hearing of your arrival at Monticello. Col. Peyton mentioned in his letter to Joseph that you were not very well when you left Richmond, & my fears for your health were...