Edward Everett and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences to Martha Jefferson Randolph

Madam,

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences have directed me, on their behalf, to ask permission to express the deep and respectful sympathy, which they feel in the sorrows of yourself and family, at that afflicting event, which has removed its venerated Head, for a long course of years a most respected corresponding member of this Society. While you lament a revered and beloved Parent; while the nation deplores the loss of one of the first of Patriots and Statesmen, while all the friends of Liberty & humanity bewail the departure of a great and successful Champion of their cause; the literary institutions of the Country, and especially those who had the honor to number your deceased and revered Parent, among their associates, have equal reason to be affected at the removal of one who as a Scholar, a Philosopher and a writer has conferred honor on the literaature of his Country; and whose productions stand in the first rank among the monuments of American Intellect.

May your overwhelming sorrow receive all that consolation which can flow from the assurance that it is participated by this whole People, and that the memory of your venerated Parent is Embalmed in the hearts of his Countrymen.

By order, & on behalf of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Edward Everett
Corresponding Secretary of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.
RC (ViU: ER); dateline above signature; at foot of text: “Mrs Randolph”; endorsed in an unknown hand: “Everett Edward Boston July 25th 1826.”