My Grandfather informs me that you have expressed a wish to hear from him through my means, since he is deprived of the power of writing to you himself by the accident which has disabled one of his wrists. this accident was much less serious than might have been apprehended from the circumstances under which it took place. the fall was to the ground from a terrace about three feet high; my...
2Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge) to Martha Jefferson Randolph, [ca. 10 November 1816] (Jefferson Papers)
We were a good deal disappointed at not recieving letters from some of the family in the large pacquet which came to Grandpapa from Monticello ; one of the girls might have written to let us know that you were all well— Grandpapa We expect to be with you the last of the Month and in the mean time are making very good use of our time; I have got through the Syntax, & have finished Corderi ....
3Extract of Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge) to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18 August [1817], document 2 in a group of … (Jefferson Papers)
Cornelia will probably give Virginia a detail of our Journey to the Natural Bridge —for me it was a complete chapter of accidents—my misfortunes began the day I left home and have not yet ceased, for a cold caught I believe in crossing the blue ridge settled upon my face and has kept me in almost constant agonies—I have not been free of pain one moment for the last eight and forty hours and...
4Extract of Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge) to Martha Jefferson Randolph, [after 29 August 1817], document 3 in a group of … (Jefferson Papers)
Johnny’s arrival gave us great pleasure as we began to be very anxious to hear from you, and I thank you very much for having spared time to write such a long letter. the head of Christ is really a great curiosity, Grand-papa is almost as much pleased with it as we are, and considers it extremely ingenious & original. it is certainly a very fine face and the character is so decided that I...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 6 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your fear of being a bankrupt is not badly founded as for I think if we were to count our letters you would owe me a great many I do not however desire that you should pay me all as you have already too many to write I only wish that you should keep up the correspondence by writing sometimes to me. Cornelia is very much pleased with the piece of poetry you sent her. Mary says she would tell...
6Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge) to Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 14 th reached me yesterday and I hasten to return you thanks for this new proof of your affection. the remittance made to M r Barnes will indeed add considerably to my moyens de jouissance , & I need not tell you how gratefull I am for your kindness. I have no idea that my wants will exceed the 100.D. but if they should I will apply as you have directed. If I have not...
7Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge) to Thomas Jefferson, 22 March 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I have delayed writing to you, from post to post, my dearest Grandpapa , always hoping that I should be able to announce to you, the conclusion of my bargain for the busts: they are at length deposited in the hands of M r Barnes , and I have procured the engraving from Vanderlyn ’s portrait of Col. Monroe , which I shall carry home with me, as you desired . the busts are second hand, and one...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 1 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
My dear Grand papa’s letter of the 29th arrived safe yesterday and brought the disagreeable news of his being unwell but we all sincerely wish and hope that he will soon recover and come on to see us all again. I will give another guess about the pen it is steel is it not? my bantam has hatched 8. pretty little chickens and I shall follow your advice about her treatment. the orange trees are...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 18 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am glad my Dear Grand papa expresses approbation at my writing about little things as I always shall have enough to say to you in my letters. I shall be much obliged to you for the pen it will be very convenient and usefull to me as I have a great deal of writing to do pray in your next inform me what it is made of I guess it is glass. I shall certainly read Madame de Sevignè’s letters. I...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 19 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter my Dear Grand Papa found us well and conveyed the gratefull intelligence of your being so indeed Mama, and the children have enjoyed better health this winter than common there has not been even a cold amongst them except James and Mary who were a little unwell for two or three days as for the rest they have been in perfect health ever since our return home. fine weather has at...