1To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Chamberlayne, 8 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am now about to make a request to your Exellency, which I hope if its unreasonable, that you pardon me for it—perhaps you are a stranger to my numerous misfortunes and afflictions, therefore will relate them to you and I am sure you will not condemn me for applying to you for this, the greatest of all favours that can be confered upon me in this World. I make no doubt but you were well...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Chamberlayne, 24 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 8th. was recieved in due time. on considering it’s contents it appeared to me that the most eligible thing which could be done for your son would be to place him among the midshipmen of the Navy. this is a corps of young gentlemen of the best characters & standing from different parts of the Union who are destined for future commands in the Navy. the state of a midshipman is...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Chamberlayne, 18 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I receiv’d your very friendly and polite Letter dated Novr. 24 which I most certainly should have answered e’er this, but for my ill health, gratitude alone obliges me to offer my sincere thanks my worthy Sir to you for your intended friendship to me & My poor Fatherless Son, who would have receiv’d the Commission, had He health & constitution to undergo the hardships of a Sailors life, but He...