Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

My Dear Nicholas

Liberty 27th March 1822

I am thus prompt in acknowledging your favor of the 27th Feby with the draft enclosed for 150$ which I did not receive without some painful sensations accompanied with grateful feelings to your dear Mother who has made me feel my dependent situation, less than I otherwise shou’d by her promptness in contributing to my ease, and Comfort, and I hope God will reward her for her goodness and liberality to the aged and infirm I am in expectation of not being much longer a tax on my friends for I have nearly arrived to that Period allotted for our existence to terminate; tho in the enjoyment of Many comforts I am not without sensations that imbitters the enjoyments of life among the number is that of being burthensome to my friends, I am glad to hear that your Dear Grand Mother has been able to leave her chamber and that the family were all in good health God grant that the blessing may be continued to them, you say not a word as to the time you mean to return and my Dear Browse having carried his heart with him will be content to remain where he is, I am truly sorry to hear of the Death of your amiable Friend Lewis Livingstone it must be a severe stroke to his Father but I hope he will be supported under his affliction as “time best of soothers & O’er Severest woes, Distils at last the balsom of repose.”¹

I have not had a line from any of the Monticello family since Virginia letter of the 11th of Feby they were then at Richmond and did not expect to return till the Roads became better and at that time I heard that Mrs Randolph had given up the Idea of going there this Winter, They had a Grand ball in Charlottesville on the 22d of Feby in honor of General Washingtons Birth and I heard the Miss Randolphs were at it, and a Fracass took place on account of Precedency but I cou’d not learn that the Miss Randolphs were among the Sticlers for supremacy if they were They must have gain’d some confidence by their visit to Richmond—I hope my Dear Nicholas that you will Return in the Steam boat to Kentucky as far as Louisville and then buy a Horse or come in the Stage from there stop at the springs for a week or ten days and drink plentifully of the sulpher water, your Cousin Peachey talks of going there this summer he complains of indegestion and generally gets relief by the use of those waters, if life was of importance to an old woman I shoud if I had a carriage Horses and servants of my own be tempted to try there effect on my system but as it is I am willing to relinquish the Idea of such an undertaking What do you think of General Jacksons conduct to the spanish Officrs at Pensacola, I cant learn that there has been any thing done in Congress in the Matter and I shou’d not be Surprised if we were in consiquence, embroild with Spain the President proposing by this Goverment a recognition of the independence of South America, I want to know how much Cotton your Father made last year and what Price he got for it, I hope the ensuing year will be more propitious to his prosperity but if he can make out to pay what he owes, we aught not to murmer people are not doing as well in this State be assured and between our selves I fear much for those who are involved as report says your friends are in Albemarle, Do let me hear from you often and assure your Dear Mother Father and Brother of my affectionate love, your Cousins unite with me in wishing you all every happiness Tell Julian and Mary I love them dearly and may God bless and preserve you all and believe me your affectionate Grand Mother