Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

My dear Son,

Athens Feby 3rd 1863—

Yours of 27th Ult. came duly to hand—Lizzie says two letters were recd from you for me when I was sick, if I ever hear’d of them before I had entirely forgottan all about it, looking in drawers &c I have found one of the 20th Decr there is something in it about Money and Dr Henderson—now in all such matters you should write the parties direct—Dr Henderson keeps himself very much at home since he has been married, he Calld to see me once when I was sick, and that is the only time that I have seen him for near two months, You should not be backward in writing him if he has Money for you—it may be that he thinks you do not need it, or you would write him for it—

As soon as I get some leather ready to send you, I wish to send some, I know of no opportunity but by the Stage, and do not know if the Stage will Carry it,

It is much easier to talk about leather, than it is to tan it and get it ready for use, it is rather a slow and tedious job, it has to pass under so many manipulations.

How unfortunate for George to break his leg, and then again how very for fortunate that he should be under the care of such good and kind friends, Mrs [Kollock?] must be very kind and attentive, I hope she and all the others will be rewarded in the World to Come.

Living in Athens is very high, I cannot understand how persons of limited means get a live living without much suffering and yet my servants have every thing necessary for Comfort, and are not Satisfied—they think they work hard, and should have meat three times a day, twice, does not satisfy them—they are clothed well, with cloth at $2—per-yard—shoes at $7—per-pair, if they were in the hands of the enemy for a short time with their usual treatment, I think they would be most happy to get back, and get meat once a day, with the moderate labor that is required of them—

I must not tell you, how Lizzie, makes Bread and Butter, seasons food &c if I do, shall not have much to write Mrs Bancroft. Speaking of mrs B. and George—I am inclined to think you will find their visit a long, and not very agreeable, under the circumstances they are now placed, George flat on his back, and all his Mothers time taken up attending to him.The raising the blockade of charleston harbor by the Gun Boats under Com. Ingraham, was quite cheering news.

I learn from the Newspapers that the Monitors, and Vessels of War transports &c are leaving the Northern Cities bound South—I think they intend making a demonstration againts Wilmington N.C. and if successfull, will likely try charleston and Savannah—the Mud seems to have put a stopper on them in Virginia for a while, in the mean time they may Send a larger force to the Atlantic seacoast.