Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

Petersburg Dec 28 1809

On my return last evening from Eppington I found my dear Sisters letter it gave me great pleasure as every proof of her affection will ever do, Sincerely do I regret my absence from home when it arrived, I fear you have experienced some inconvenience for the articles wrote for. I have consulted Mr Thweatt he think’s it would be improper to send them by Post, I enclose you a sample of the best narrow Diaper I can get also the long-lann that is very good at 9/ we have spoken to Mr Wilcox who has promised to let us hear of the first opportunity I shall certainly send them as soon as possible. you must never suppose my dear Sister that any request from you will be unwelcome or require an apology.—

My visit to Eppington at this time was caus’d by the indisposition of our Dear Mother she has had a most violent attack she was for several days extreamly ill. this circumstance may prevent her visiting you but she wishes to do so, Indeed we are all anxious we speak & think very frequently of you, I am sorry to observe that the many letters that have been written from E— have not reached you err this they must have come to hand & you will no longer accuse those who tenderly love you of neglect.—You must exert your self my dear Martha to support your tempoary cares, & not suffer them to prey upon your mind to the injury of your health, “Your days to this period have been as gay as your spirits, it is now first that your tranquility is ruffled it is now therefore that your fortitude has its first debt to pay for its hitherto happy exemtion”. Mr Gholson spent last evening with us he left my dear Brother in perfect health on Saturday he walk’s without his cane & has never had the smallest return of the last attack this must cheer your spirits let me hear from you soon.—. the piece of cotton triming has been unfortunately lost I did not recieve it tell Sally she must send me another sample the money is in my hands—

Polly has not yet visited us since her marriage I expect her next week to spend some time. Mr Harwood & also S P. appear to have deserted E— but during my stay there Sally had a visit in form from Mr Paterson from Manchester I believe he very soon received his quietas—my love to Sally Ewards & your Sister have they deserted Virginia tell them it will always give us pleasure to see them I am interrupted by a Visitor excuse my hurry & accept every assurance of my warmest affection