1From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 26 June 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
You will before this have heard that the war is now heartily entered into, without a prospect of accomodation but thro’ the effectual interposition of arms. General Gage has received considerable reinforcements, tho’ not to the [wh]ole amount of what was expected. There has lately been an action at the outlet of the town of Boston. The particulars we have not yet been able to get with...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 July 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, nothing new has happened. Our accounts of the battle of Charleston have become clear, and greatly to our satisfaction. Contrary to what usually happens, the first accounts were below truth; it is now certain that the regulars have had between 1200 and 1400 killed and wounded in that engagement, and that of these 500 are killed. Major Pitcairn is among the slain, at which...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 10 October 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to Patty on my arrival here, and there being then nothing new in the political way I inclosed her letter under a blank cover to you. Since that we have received from England news of much importance, which coming thro’ many channels we beleive may be confidently relied on. Both the ministerial and provincial accounts of the battle of Bunker’s hill had got to England. The ministry were...
4From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 24 October 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last, we have nothing new from England or from the camps at either Cambridge or St. John’s. Our eyes are turned to the latter place with no little anxiety, the weather having been uncommonly bad for troops in that quarter, exposed to the inclemencies of the sky without any protection. Carleton is retired to Quebec, and though it does not appear he has any intimation of Arnold’s...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 7 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
We have no late intelligence here except of the surrender of Chambly, with 90. prisoners of war, 6½ tons of powder, 150 stands of arms and some other small matters. The acquisition of this powder we hope has before this made us masters of St. John’s, on which Montreal and the upper parts of St. Laurence will of course be ours. The fate of Arnold’s expedition we know not as yet. We have had...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 21 November 1775 (Jefferson Papers)
After sealing my last letter to you we received an account of the capture of St. John’s which I wrote on the letter. What I there gave you was a true account of that matter. We consider this as having determined the fate of Canada. A Committee of Congress is gone to improve circumstances so as to bring the Canadians into our Union. We have accounts of Arnold as late as Octob. 13. All well and...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 15 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 3d inst. came to hand to-day. I wish I could be better satisfied on the point of Patty’s recovery. I had not heard from her at all for two posts before, and no letter from herself now. I wish it were in my power to return by way of the Forest, as you think it will be impracticable for Mrs. Eppes to travel to the mountains. However, it will be late in August before I can get home,...
8From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 23 July 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
We have nothing new here now but from the southward. The successes there I hope will prove valuable here, by giving new spirit to our people. The ill successes in Canada had depressed the minds of many; when we shall hear the last of them I know not; everybody had supposed Crown Point would be a certain stand for them, but they have retreated from that to Ticonderoga, against everything which...
9From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 9 August 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
As Col. Harrison was about to have some things packed, I set out upon the execution of your glass commission, and was surprised to find that the whole glass stores of the city could not make out anything like what you desired. I therefore did what I thought would be best, imagining you wanted the number you mentioned at any event, and that not being able to get them of that form, you would...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 14 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
You will hardly expect to receive a letter from me at this place, and of so late a date. Yet I have apprehensions of being here ten days or a fortnight longer, for though ready myself, some time since, the vessel in which I go is not ready. Yesterday’s post brought no mail from Virginia. I was not disappointed in this, as I was pretty certain that under expectation of my being gone you did not...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 15 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
After writing my letter of this date which is to go by Govr. Nash now here on his way to N. Carolina, I went to his lodgings to chat an hour. He has proposed to me a land party which I think is hopeful and great and which he desires may be entirely secret. I have never adventured in this way in my own country because being concerned in public business I was ever determined to keep my hands...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 March 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last, from Baltimore, I informed you that my voyage to Europe was at least suspended till further intelligence should be received. I returned to this place about four or five days ago, that I might be on the spot to act as shall be ultimately concluded by Congress. Though nothing since has come to us, we consider the event of peace as certain and speedy. The hearing nothing is a proof of...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 10 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place, not hearing till I had almost reached it that Congress had determined to remove for a time to Annapolis. Being engaged in some necessary business and knowing that the first day of the new Congress at Princetown would be emploied in chusing their president and other formalities of no public consequence, I did not join them there till the second day, and that evening...
14[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 4 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. E. State of Congr.—Rise of tobo. in Engld.—Martin.” Not found.]
15[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. E. Authorising him to have R. Rand’s affair settled and all others of Mr. W’s estate—that I will contribute my quota of expenses of agents, and of paiments when become indispensable—letter from Welch—ratification of Treaty—affairs of Europe—disposition of P. C.” Not found.]
16[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 2 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 2 Mch. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “F. Eppes. North and Fox resigned—execution of deed for Western lands—dates of all my letters—my health—Chevr. D’Anmours—Fox and North.” Not found.]
17[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 22 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. For note on entry in SJL , see TJ to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes , this date. Not found.]
18[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 1 July 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Boston, 1 July 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “F. Eppes. That N. Jamieson will send Cod’s tongues and sounds, smoked salmon, Hollybot […] & anchovies. Cypress, Cedar, Magnolia, Myrtle a bushel or two of each to be sent to J. Buchanan to be forwarded to St: John [de Crèvecoeur] at N: York.” Not found. One word in this entry is illegible; it seems to be “fins.”]
19[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 16 August 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 16 Aug. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “F. Eppes. Account of my voiage and journey.” Letter not found.]
20[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 11 November 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[Paris, 11 Nov. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mr. Eppes. War in Europe. Shall finish commission by Apr. 1786. The crops of 83. 84. 85. will I hope place me in peace at home. A failure in this is only thing which would dispose me to stay longer here. Recommend Le Maire. Send things for children &c. and 2 barrels brandy for Mr. Eppes and Mr. Skipw.—will order Mr. E. a batch of claret from Bonfeild...
21[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 13 January 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 13 Jan. 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “F. Eppes. Doubt of war –a gross of claret ordered to him.—keep the 500£ undisposed of till I write. Patsy well. Inclosed her 8th. lesson for Polly—ill health till lately—better—wishes to have Polly brought were not my return not very distant.” Not found.]
22From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 5 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Marquis Fayette, who arrived here the 26th of Jan., I received yours of Sept. 16th, informing me of the illness of our children, and at the same time one from Dr. Currie, of Nov. 20th, mentioning its fatal termination. It is in vain to endeavor to describe the situation of my mind; it would pour balm neither into your wounds nor mine; I will therefore pass on from the subject. I wrote...
23[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 11 May 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 May 1785 . Entry in SJL reads: “F. Eppes. Receipt of his and Mrs. E’s of Oct. 13. and 14. My appointment will keep me somewhat longer. I must have Polly. As would not have her at sea but between 1st. of Apr. and Sep. this will allow time for decision-is there any woman in Virga. could be hired to come. I sometimes think to send one. Pray his advice and Mrs. E’s.-his wine shipped...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 11 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you by the Mr. Fitzhughs Aug. 30. and to Mrs. Eppes by the same conveiance Sep. 22. In those as in my former letters I had troubled you on the subject of sending my daughter to me. To the cautions then suggested I am obliged to add another, which our situation with respect to the Barbary powers calls for. You have doubtless heard loose stories as to their captures on us, without being...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 7 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 11th. of December, by the way of London. That conveiance being incertain, I write the present chiefly to repeat a prayer I urged in that, that you would confide my daughter only to a French or English vessel having a Mediterranean pass. This attention, tho’ of little consequence in matters of merchandize, is of weight in the mind of a parent which sees even...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 24 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letters by the Mr. Fitzhughs, I wrote you the 11th. of December and 7th. of January. Both went by the way of London. About a week ago your favor and Mrs. Eppes’s of Sep. 14 and my dear Polly’s came to hand. The latest of your letters before this, which have reached me, were of 15 months ago, that is, of Octob. 1784. That which you mention to have written in May last by a confidential...
27From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 22 April 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I came over to this place on public business about six weeks ago, and expect to leave it within three or four days. Meeting accidentally with a light neat pattern of chessmen , I ask your acceptance of a set which I deliver with this letter to Fulwar Skipwith to be forwarded to you. Mrs. Necks has presented to me an account against Mr. Wayles’s estate for £8-5-5 proved in Charles city court. I...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 22 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 22 July 1786 . “Your letters of April 11th, and Mr. Lewis’s of March 14th, come to hand the 29th of June. I perceive they were to have come by Colonel Le Maire, but I hear nothing of his arrival. I had fondly flattered myself to receive my dear Polly with him, an idea which I cannot relinquish whatever be the difficulties.” MS not found. Text quoted above has been taken from Randall,...
29From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 14 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favored with yours of Aug. 31 . and am happy to hear that my dear Polly will come the next summer and by a good opportunity. If she comes to London, address her to Mrs. Adams who will receive her and advise me of her arrival. If to any port of France, the Agent of the United States at the port will do the same.—A dislocated wrist, not yet at all reestablished, obliges me to be very short....
30From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 26 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Making a tour round the sea-ports of this country on matters of business, and meeting at this place with Capt. Gregory, just sailing for Portsmouth, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of asking you to participate of a parcel of wine I have been chusing for myself. I do it the rather as it will furnish you a specimen of what is the very best Bourdeaux wine. It is of the vineyard of Obrion, one...
31From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 2 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The present is merely to inform you of the safe arrival of Polly in London, in good health. I have this moment dispatched a servant for her. Mr. Ammonit did not come, but she was in the best hands possible, those of Captain Ramsay. Mrs. Adams writes me she was so much attached to him that her separation from him was a terrible operation. She has now to go through the same with Mrs. Adams. I...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 30 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 23. 1786. was not received till May 3. 1787. Those of 1786. Oct. 23, 1787. Mar. 30. Apr. 14. and May 2. have duly come to hand. I wrote you on the 14th. of Dec. 1786. and again the 26. of May 1787. The latter was merely to announce a batch of wine sent you by Capt. Gregory from Bordeaux while I was there. It is now so long since I have had occasion to think on subjects of law...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 10 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 29. 1787. came to hand May 24. and that of April 4. on the 30th. of June. I will chearfully take the settlement with Jones off your hands, and do it as well as it can be done here. I wrote to him yesterday that I would proceed to settlement when he pleases. I should desire to take as our basis the last account current received by Mr. Wayles during his lifetime: because to...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 15 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
My last of July 10. acknoleged the receipt of your favors down to May 24. Patsy’s age requiring now that she should return to her own country, other considerations that Polly should accompany her, and not chusing to trust them to any care but my own during such a voyage, I have asked from Congress leave of absence for 5. or 6 months of the ensuing year, during which I propose to accompany them...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 29 August 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The delay of receiving the leave of absence I had asked from our government, has prevented my visit to Virginia as early in the year as I had intended. I have just now received that and am making up my baggage. I expect to leave this place in about a fortnight and to sail about the last of September or first of October. Consequently I may arrive in Virginia in the course of the month of...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 30 August 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received no letter from you of later date than Oct. 14. 1784. Since that date I have written to you Nov. 11. Jan. 13. Feb. 5. and May 11. and to Mrs. Eppes Nov. 11. and Feb. 5. The letters of November were carried by Colo. Lemaire. He has been so kind as to write to me from Richmond Apr. 30. and to inform me of Polly’s welfare and that of your family at that date. He also said in his...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 17 December 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you the letter to Mr. Wythe. We arrived here safely last night in eight hours and a half from your house, having been obliged by the lateness of our departure to come rather brisker than we would have chosen. However the horses were perfectly well after it. We had got everything over the river before day light shut in. The girls are well except as to their colds which are much the...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 4 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The business of Congress has proceeded very slowly lately. Two interesting questions have so chafed the members that they can scarcely go on with one another. One of these is happily getting over. The Senate has passed the bill for transferring the temporary residence of Congress to Philadelphia for 10. years and the permanent one to Georgetown thenceforward. The other question relative to the...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 25 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your favor of May 30. inclosing Mr. Ross’s accounts &c. I observe that almost the whole of the balance he makes, results from turning money into tobacco at 20/ and then turning it back again into money at 36/. If there was ever any agreement between Mr. Ross and me to pay him any part of the account in tobacco, it must be paid him in tobacco. But neither justice nor...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 8 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I was the other day as far as Richmond, but so circumscribed in time that it was impossible for me to turn either to right or left. I had but four days to go and return and do a good deal of business. The principal was to effect a purchase for my son in law of Edgehill from his father, which I did. He pays £2000 for the lands, stocks, 200 barrels of corn &c. They will now remain here. Another...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 10 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In my other letter I forgot to ask information of you on the following subject. Mr. Ross sent me, thro’ you, an account, partly in money, partly in tobacco. In this he has departed altogether from a former settlement, whereon I had given him a money and a tobacco bond for balances which I acknoleged. In this too he has undertaken to depart from an agreement with Key to allow 36/ for tobaccos...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 31 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I set out for Philadelphia this week, and shall hope to recieve Jack there ere long. I shall not be housekeeping till I recieve my furniture from France. But that may be hourly expected, as it was to leave Paris the middle of July. I will write to you on my arrival at Philadelphia, or as so[on] after as I get my house ready, that Jack may come for[ward.] I hope you will let me know what course...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 20 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I was in hopes that before this I could have invited Jack to come on, and had a lodging ready for him. But the house I agreed for, to be delivered to me completely finished on the 1st. day of October, is still full of workmen. I have got one room in it, in which I am obliged to sleep, to eat, and to do business with all the world, and the workmen say it will still be six weeks before they can...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 14 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 6th. came to hand two days ago. I heartily congratulate you on the success of your sale. It will determine me to make a decisive stroke in the same way next winter. I will banish the idea of making two bites at a cherry . I had desired Mr. Lewis to give Dobson an order on Wilson for about £160 of the money in his hands, which with Bannister’s debt I supposed would pay off...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 15 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Jack’s letters will have informed you of his arrival here safe and in good health. Capt. Stratton is also arrived, whom we considered as lost. Your favors of April 5. and 27. are recieved. I had just answered a letter of Mr. Skipwith’s on the subject of the guineaman, and therefore send you a copy of that by way of answer to your last. I shall be in Virginia in October, but cannot yet say...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 7 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
A letter from Mazzei on the subject of Capt. Hylton’s debt to him obliges me to ask from you what I am to say to him on that subject. You told me formerly you hoped to get some money into your hands, and that you would secure it. I wrote this to him, and he sollicits your patronage. Is there an insolvency in Captn. Hylton’s affairs? If there is not, in whose hands is his property, and why...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 5 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I was in hopes to have seen you here till Mr. Randolph arriving last night from Richmond, informed me Mrs. Eppes was unwell. I hope it has not been serious and that this will find her in that good health I wish her ever to enjoy. I set out four days hence with Polly for Philadelphia. I am following your example in taking measures to clear myself of Hanson at once as far as bonds will do it....
48From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 6 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night yours of Oct. 31. complaining that you had written three letters before that, to me, which remained unanswered. Be assured my dear Sir that in the last seven months, I had received but your letter of Sep. 2 . This I answered from Monticello Octob. 6. and I hope is come to hand before this. I therein asked the favor of you to inform me of the nature and amount of the...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 13 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you the last week, since which I have received yours of Oct. 2. and Nov. 3d. informing me that mine of the 5th. of Oct. was come to hand. I thank you for the purchase of the Jenny, and I will furnish the price here to Jack; as it seems useless for you to be sending £20. here, and me sending £20. to you. My extreme wish is to put immediately the Jenny to a Jack of as pure a breed as...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 8 January 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Finding a moment of leisure to take up my private correspondencies, I am to answer your letter of Oct. 24. recd. Nov. 27. and not fully answered in mine written since that. On consultation with Jack, he is of opinion that 300 Dollars a year will do for him here. I rely the more on his judgment because I have seen no disposition to useless expence in him. I have always put his money in the bank...