Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

I am so far on my return home and most sincerely do I wish that it were in my power to go directly on; but alas! I am a woman and must have a protector; if my brother will come for me I am whilling and anxious to be at Monticello before the Season be far advanced. when I arrived here I found my room prepared with an attention to my comfort for which I cannot sufficiently thank Mrs Smith. I have been visited by several of the Grandee’s but I am weary of a city life and sigh for nothing but repose—my anxiety to be with you makes me consider this elegant house but as what Mr Du Pont calls Philadelphia “un beau Palais d’Ennui”—I have had enough of [. . .] dissipation and [. . .] will promise not to detain Jefferson an hour if he will come for me if he cannot come on to Baltimore and will let me know I will meet him in Washington but as I am uncertain of the time of Mrs Ms departure I know not how long I may have a home there. the heat and dust of Baltimore are intolerable, and every comparison I have had it in my power to make between it Philadelphia and it are decidedly in favor of the former—Philadelphia is a charming residence for those who have large fortunes—in the winter the advantage of a refined society & in summer the a paradise’ s on the banks of the Sckuylkill for their country seats deserve the name; but after all one may live comfortably any where with a plenty of money. My journey performed in the steam boat was a pleasant one, the weather delightfull and a great many agreable people on board—I was much gratified in leaving Philadelphia with the attentions I recieved, several of the most fashionable young men escorted me to the steam boat—others came to the shore and on board to see and take leave of me and one of the most gallant accompanied me as far as Newcastle thirty miles from Philadelphia. he was a son of Judge Peters of witty memory, and considered very intelligent.—

I write in a hurry and must bid you adieu I have been absent four months day after to morrow and have not a wish on earth but to get home again. farewell my dearest Mother, I will write a few lines to Jefferson and direct them to Richmond in case he should be there—but lest I should be prevented from writing pray as soon as you recieve this communicate to him by my urgent desire to return.