1To Thomas Jefferson from Arthur Middleton, 18 December 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Here is the work, which, some months ago, you gave me permission to send on to you. And to do this, I should have been happy to have seized an earlier opportunity: but became engrossed on my return to Washington with such absorbing cares, as left little room in my attention even for the most important duties. My distresses continued without respite, & ended at last with the heaviest of all...