Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-30-02-0407

From Thomas Jefferson to Mary Jefferson Eppes, 8 December 1798

To Mary Jefferson Eppes

Monticello Dec. 8. 98.

My dear Maria

I wrote to mr Eppes three weeks ago. immediately after the date of that letter Lucy increased her family. she is doing well except as to her breasts. the one so much out of order when you went away, still continues in the same state, and the other threatens to rise also, which would entirely prevent her giving suck. she could not be moved in their present condition. I expect to set out for Philadelphia within ten days, within which time I hope to see the two mr Eppes’s here. mr Randolph is not yet returned from Richmond, tho’ now expected in a day or two. his family is here & all well. Ellen continues1 as much so as a weak digestion will permit. our house I hope will all be covered in the course of three or four weeks more so as to be out of the way of suffering, but Buck’s leaving us, without laying any more floors, has prevented our getting the use of any other room. we shall hear from you I hope by mr Eppes and learn that you are well, and all the good family at Eppington. present me to them affectionately and tell2 [mrs] Eppes […] a friendly & family visit […]3 let me hear from you [once again by the?] […]4 be assured my dear of my […] tender love, and […] anxiety for your [health] & happiness. Adieu affectionately

Th: Jefferson

P.S. I presume that before [you recieve this] the gentlemen will be [on their] way here.

RC (ViU); bottom portion of page torn away, supplied from PrC. PrC (CSmH); blurred and faint; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.

For TJ’s letter to John Wayles Eppes, see Eppes to TJ of 24 Nov. 1798. TJ transferred the ownership of Lucy to his daughter Mary at the time of her marriage (Marriage Settlement for Mary Jefferson, 12 Oct. 1797).

1TJ here canceled “tolerably.”

2Remainder of RC torn away.

3Approximately seven words illegible in PrC.

4Four or more words illegible in PrC.

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