Martha Jefferson Randolph to Ann C. Morris
A paragraph in the intelligencer of the 12th, just come to hand, has determined me once more My Dear Sister to present my self to you, [. . .] in the character of a sympathysing friend, and relative. but in misfortunes like yours, the best friends are “miserable comforters” and, “a sympathising and mournful pity, is all the relief they are able to contribute;” Religion and time must do the rest—
Far different were the circumstances in which, but a short time since, I had expected a renewal of our long suspended intercourse to have taken place. but since it has been denied us to pay it to him living, accept for his memory, that tribute of affectionate respect which would have greeted upon his arrival, the old and valued friend of My Dear Father, in the heart of every individual of his Ffamily. permit me here to renew an invitation given in happier times. and to assure you that should you ever determine to revisit Virginia & to introduce your [. . .] interesting little boy to his maternal relations you he will find none more solicitous for his welfare or more sincerely disposed to take an interest in [. . .] his friends at Monticello for you [. . .]