I cannot act as if all men were unfaithful because some are so; nor believe that all will betray me, because some do. I had rather be the victim of occasional infidelities, than relinquish my general confidence in the honesty of man.

a line from my good old friends is like balm to my soul.

I regret that distance separates us so widely. an hour of conversation would be worth a volume of letters. but we must take things as they come.

I might have manifested my dissatisfaction by a silent reserve of all answer: but this would have offered a blank, which might have been filled up by erroneous imputations of sentiment. I prefer candid and open expression.

My blessings to your little ones, love to you all, and friendly how d-ye’s to my good neighbors.

tell Ellen, Cornelia & Virginia how d’ ye, give my affectionate esteem to your Papa & to your Mama my constant love. for yourself I deliver numberless kisses to this letter which you are to take from it. I hope in a few days we shall all be happy together at Monticello.

I write from a place which I visit occasionally, near the New London of this state, 90. miles from Monticello, and where I have not the means of examining whether I have let pass the annual period pass over of saying ‘all’s well’ and ‘how d’ye do’?

Altho’ the times are big with political events, yet I shall say nothing on that or any subject but the innocent ones of botany & friendship.

I am much indebted to you for your attention to my commission about the books, and am well pleased that those which went above the prices I noted, were not purchased. sensible that I labour grievously under the malady of Bibliomanie, I submit to the rule of buying only at reasonable prices, as to...

I receive with pleasure this recognition & renewal of our former acquaintance, and shall be happy to continue it by an exchange of epistolary communications. your’s to me will be always welcome; your first gives me information in the line of Natural history, & the second (not yet recieved...