Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

Dear Trist,

Late at night—Lexington1 Ky July 30th 1820

Don & myself reached this place yesterday & he parted with me to day, as I am detained here on business of my Brother’s, we have had a very pleasant journey with the exception of the time, that we delayed at Mason County for our baggage which we put aboard of a boat at Wheeling &—bought horses—Send me so soon as purchasedd a coppy of Crozet’s Discriptive Geometry: Tell the Capt I will be glad if he will give me an oportunity of serving him in this Country—To the Capt & his good Lady particularly remember me—

You stand high at Washington City—Gen. Gains with whom Don & I. dined on the 4th inst esteems you highly & says you will be the first young man—in the service of the U.S. we gave him a history of you—I mention this dear Trist not to deceive, but to stimulate you—whenever I have an oportunity & it will result in your benefit I will raise you to your meritted station—Call on me with freedom—& at any time to serve you—My Brother at Jamaica is a smart boy get him to write to you—a little notice will be very pleasing to him & make a man after yourself of my Cousin—

Write to me immediately to Nashville—Remember to all my friends—

Keep in mind that your name second on the root of merit—makes a heart of Albemarle calm, but next year if first what will her feelling be?