Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

I have yours in answer to mine respecting Mr Sparks’ application: Thank you for your immediate attention to my request: it is creditable to us both. Sparks sails for England in Decr early: his life of Ledyard will be read by every body here; in it there are many things favourable to Mr Jefferson; and I am very anxious that everything which shews his patronage of, or interest in, Ledyard, should be before the world; and particularly, this part of it: have the goodness, therefore, to inclose to me, or to Sparks, these letters you refer to, (not one of which has he,) either the originals, or copies, and I will return them, safely.—Sparks begs me to say that it is possible Mr Jefferson may have entered in his mems that he wrote on such a day, to Ledyard, without thinking it worth his while to preserve the letter! this to me, who knew the man, does not seem probable!One half of Ledyard’s life is now printed; the other must be between this and December: do not lose any time; if you are engaged and cannot copy, send the letters themselves, and I will be responsible. They cannot you know be of any use, because they would not be published in the works of T:J. being written by Ledyard: and particularly¹ send any of Mr J’s to Ledyard if you find them at Edgehill!—

I am glad you like Foster; there is another and a better essay of his this moment published, on “the views of Religion entertained by men of letters—” ’tis very celebrated; you shall have it, when your lamps go, as I mean they shall by the first vessel; the packet has just arrived from London, and after all my delay there are no lamps which will answer your purpose better than those I saw two months ago: I hope the delay has not been an inconvenience to you: the paint for Jeff. goes by same vessel!

I have been anxious that some of the womankind who are here should write to some with you and engage some Va hams: for which we will pay in groceries, books, female articles for female dress, or money. Can you make some such arrangement for us: those Jane gave us were delicious; and are not yet exhausted. if the family cannot cure them, perhaps you could make some arrangement in Charlottesville!

I am very glad to have Micali: I have long wanted it. my collection of Italian books is beautiful and extensive, but I did not own Micali; the Atlas, however, is of great importance! as for Milton, it shall be for Ellen; the Davila will be a duplicate, and unless there is something about this copy, marginal notes, or something of the kind, I shall return it to you.—I have many dictionaries, and rather think shall “turn Dufief into the mass”—however, E. values him! I am very much obliged by your kindness in sending those articles which you think will be acceptable to me; and for the judgment, and disinterestedness you have shewn. The busts you bought are much valued here, and will be temporarily deposited in the Athenaeum, which is unique in the U: S: A: (The beautiful statue of Washington, by Chantry, is just arrived, and placed on its pedestal”) the engravings are reframed (two of them) and will hang with the Monticello in the library: “I wish you could give a peep into our rooms,—mon apartemens, c’est un vrai bijou”!—mais le temps viendras, J’espere!—I see Blenheim has been sold; twas once recommended to me—mais quelle prix! they speak of the value of an Albemarle horse! they might as well speak of the want of value [of A]lbemarle land!—900 acres—: a kingdom for a [horse]! all goes on well here; except that old Willard has just come in, again, to torment about Perry’s money, I am plagued about the bell which has been cast a long time, and is well-toned, but they do not bring it to town.