Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

I should have answered your letter of the 22d sooner, but I did not receive it until the day we were moveing; although it has always been my wish that you should study law, yet you must be sensible my dear Child I only desired to advise y not force you in the choice of a profession from my observation of your abilities I think your objections proceed rather from a disgust to that study than a want of capacity; however you are too young to decide on any. In a few days your brother will join you, in his society I hope you will loose your predeliction for the navy which has been created by your intimacy with Gaston, next vacation you will pass with¹ us then you can consult with your father who be assured will do every thing he can to promote your happiness, he hopes to have it in his power to send you either to france or the States to finish your education, I entreat of you my beloved Son to apply yourself seriously to your studies I have such hopes of you that I know not how I should bear being disappointed. your Father has purchased a plantation six miles down the Fourche (where we now are) with a saw mill and eight negro [. . .] men for thirty thousand dollars payable in ten years. this season he expects to make five by the mill he will also plant a large crop of cotton we think of you with the fondest affection and julian begins to pronounce your name, write soon.