Virginia J. Randolph (Trist) to Nicholas P. Trist
| Monticello June 5th 1822 |
I take advantage of the first mail since the receipt of your letter dated the 5th of May, to answer it My Dear Nicholas, and assure you that you were right in supposing that the charge of little Mary would be as much my happiness as my duty. I already feel warmly interested in the poor little girl, and am quite sure that I shall love her tenderly, and leave no means untried of making my self useful to her, if your Father will repose sufficient confidence in a stranger to second our wishes. This will encrease my exertions for the advancement of my education, now so backward, and of the importance of which I am so well aware; I believe that it elevates the character as much as it does the mind, and renders us more fit for whatever station fortune assigns us. I am now paying Mary the month which I owe her, but by rising early and doing most of my house-keeping before breakfast.—a plan which I have adopted—nearly the whole of a long summer’s day remains for me to devote to my books and music, and I think I should be able to give a very good account of this time, but for the impediments of a constitutional languor, very much encreased by the heats of summer, and an unusual deficiency in that valuable faculty, memory. But I must try and keep hope alive, without which nothing can be obtained.—Grand-Papa is still indisposed, and Mama complains of the rheumatism in her neck, the rest of the family is well. Mrs. Nicholas with Miss Margaret and Sidney, have come to spend the summer at Tufton, and Sister Jane is quite happy in their society and the restored health of her children. The baby is said to be very much like me, she certainly resembles Margaret, and is such a small delicate child that but for her sprightliness you might take her for a wax baby. All at Ashton are well, and my Sisters there, join these in love to you. assure Browse always of the affectionate feelings I have for him, and kiss my little adopted daughter for me.—adieu dear Nicholas I remain ever your affectionate
Mama desires to be affectionately remember’d to you, and says she is sure it is needless to tell you what her feelings must ever be to a child of your Mothers.