David M. Randolph (1798–1825) to Nicholas P. Trist
| Sir | Wmsburg Ja Feb 10. 1818 |
Sometime since a bundle & letter was sent from Norfolk directed to you, they were sent from New Orleans, to a merchant in the above named town and by him sent to his son, in this place, to be delivered to you, by accident the young man heard me mention your name, and directly informed me of the above particulars, with the request that I would communicate it them to you, I have not heard from Richmond for some time, and conjecture that Ellen & Cornelia have returned to Monticello, if so give my love to them and tell Cornelia to write me as she promised, & that I am making preparations for our Chemical experiments when I shall have the happiness to see her again. J. M White is in my oppinion a very mean if not contemptible fellow, I am told by my fellow students that he abuses the Monticello family (root & branch) most (scurrilly (if I may use the expression) I am indebted to the ignorance of a lady a lady’s ignorance of our connection, for the opportunity of hearing that he said that Mr J— granddaughter (meaning Ellen) had just sence enough to keep her head out of the fire, before I saw White after this intelligence, the lady who mentioned what I have related found out her mistake and begged so earnestly that I would take no notice of it, that I kept silent but have never spoken to the youth yet since, If he is not very circumspect I will jerk him yet, but enough of him, do write me an let me know all about the M Family to whom I wish you would remember me very affectionately any directions you may give relative to your bundle will be attended to with pleasure, by your
