Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

I’ve missed the last mail or two, from a desire to communicate something definitive, which some little fluctuations that have occurred rendered impossible. There is no longer any doubt. Unless one chance to a hundred thousand, or a Million, may be ground for doubt. He has been dying since yesterday morning—and ’till twelve o’clock last night, we were in momentary fear that he would not live, as he desired, to see his own glorious fourth. It has come at last; and he is still alive—if we can apply the word to one who is all but dead.—He has been, to the last, the same calm, clear minded, amiable, philosopher.—From the first, he considered his case desperate—he knew the truth, that the machine was worn out in some of its essential parts, and therefore could not go on; Yet, for the satisfaction of his family, he determined from the beginning, to do every thing & any thing the Dr recommended.—This determination he has adhered to, with his wonted serenity & inflexibility—Every hour almost, the time came for asking him—Will you take some—? “If you say so!” and he’d swallow it without a murmur.—Last night, for the first time a tone of impatience escaped him, — on taking some medicine “Oh God!”—Since this, he has constantly answered, but in the most placid tone, “No! nothing more!”—He has not aroused from his lethargy now, for several hours,—his pulse is barely perceptible to the nicest touch; and his extremities have the clamminess of death.

You will be too late; yet, I hope you’ll be on your way before this reaches Boston.—The presence of E. & C. is of inexpressible importance to Mother. I need not say more, not nor attempt to depict her situation, &c.—They (mother & the girls) are fully aware of his situation & have been told to consider him as already gone.