Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

I owe you an apology for not having answered your letter from West point at an earlier date, but believe I can not more effectually exculpate myself than by simply stating one fact: that it is say that the letter reached me at the very moment I was embarking for Long Branch and that during my stay at that place I had not opportunity to thank you for the favor—

Now that I am quietly fixed I avail myself of the first mail to express to you how much I regret the difficulties you have thrown into the way of your visit to our neighbourood. I trust however they may be removed and that when you are satisfied as to the pleasure a compliance with my wishes would afford me you will be willing to quit for a time Newton Vauban and the rest of the scientific fraternity to and join our country circles less learned I confess but in my humble opinion far more entertaining—I think you will be able to spend a few days here pleasantly enough—If you can make up your mind to do this write to me a day or two before you start informing me on board of which steam boat I am to expect you in and I will then have a carriage ready to take you up from the Dock—Direct the Captn on of the boat to land you at the Lower Red Hook Landing—or merely by telling him you are coming to Mrs Montgomery’s he will know where to put a shore—