1[To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 13 September 1785] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Eppington, Va., 13 Sep. 1785 . Recorded in SJL as received 19 Jan. 1786, “by Mr. Littlepage.” Not found.]
2[To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 1 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Eppington, 1 Apr. 1784 . Noted in SJL as received 16 Apr. 1784, with letter of “Polly.” Mrs. Eppes’ letter has not been found, but see Mary Jefferson to TJ, this date. ]
3[To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 21 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Eppington, 21 May 1784 . Noted in SJL as received (at Boston) 20 June 1784. Not found.]
4[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 7 May 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 7 May 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Eppes. Valedictory—inclosed one to Polly.” Neither the letter nor its enclosure has been found.]
5[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 4 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 4 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. E. Pats.—Bets.” Not found.]
6[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 18 January 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 18 Jan. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. E. Betsy—Congratulations on daughter—P. A. on marriage—health better—hair-powder.” Not found.]
7[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 27 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Dec. 1783 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Eppes. She to write every 1st. Sund. and Mr. E. every 3d.—European news, state of Congr. Ratification. Want of money—[sent?] P. J. [Polly Jefferson] 2 sashes.” Not found.]
8[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 11 November 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 11 Nov. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “Mrs. Eppes. Patsy at Panthemont. Inclose her letter. My health good till lately. Rem[embrance?] to Mrs. S[kipwith]. Invoice of things for children.” Letter and enclosure not found.]
9To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, [31 March 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
I never was more anxious to hear from you than at present, in hopes of your countermanding your orders with regard to dear Polly. We have made use of every stratagem to prevail on her to consent to visit you without effect. She is more averse to it than I could have supposed; either of my children would with pleasure take her place for the number of good things she is promised. However, Mr....
10From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 31 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Being to set out for Philadelphia this week, I cannot take my departure without bidding you Adieu by letter. I had much wished it could have been in person, but my occupations here during my stay did not permit it. I had hoped that a contract I had procured between Colo. T.M.R. and his son had secured to the latter Edgehill for a settlement. But some subsequent motives have rendered the former...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 13 October 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Its impossible to paint the anguish of my heart on this melancholy occasion. A most unfortunate Hooping cough has deprived you, and us of two sweet Lucys, within a week. Ours was the first that fell a sacrifice. She was thrown into violent convulsions linger’d out a week and then expired. Your dear angel was confined a week to her bed, her sufferings were great though nothing like a fit. She...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 14 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I perceive indeed that our friends are kinder than we have sometimes supposed them, and that their letters do not come to hand. I am happy that yours of July 30 . has not shared the common fate. I received it about a week ago, together with one from Mr. Eppes announcing to me that my dear Polly will come to us the ensuing summer. Tho’ I am distressed when I think of this voiage, yet I know it...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 15 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favor of Apr. 6. by Jack, and my letter of this date to Mr. Eppes will inform you that he is well under way. If we can keep him out of love, he will be able to go strait forward, and to make good way. I receive with real pleasure your congratulations on my advancement to the venerable corps of grandfathers, and can assure you with truth that I expect from it more felicity than...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, [7 May 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
This will, I hope, be handed you by my dear Polly, who I most ardently wish may reach you in the health she is in at present. I shall be truly wretched till I hear of her being safely landed with you. The children will spend a day or two on board the ship with her, which I hope will reconcile her to it. For God’s sake give us the earliest intelligence of her arrival. MS not found; text is...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 11 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
With pleasure would we embrace your kind invitation to Monticellow if it was possible, but Mr. Eppes will at that time be so engag’d in manufacturing, it will be impossible to leave home tho’ flatter our selves we shall be favour’d with your company at Eppington. Your compliment with regard to dear Polly, I assure you would be no small inducement (tho’ I am assured your own judgment is quite...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 13 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your favor of May 23. and with great pleasure, as I do every thing which comes from you. I have had a long attack of my periodical head-ach, which was severe also for a few days, and since that has been very moderate. Still however it hangs upon me a little, tho for about 10. days past I have been able to resume business. I am sensible of your goodness and attention to my dear...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 6 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely congratulate you on the birth of your fine Granddaughter. I am told she is a nun such. I wish’d much to have been with my dear Patsy, but it was impossible. I now please myself with the happiness of seeing them all soon. The number of advantages you would have for my dear Polly in Philadelphia I have no doubtmust be very great, added to the happiness of your having her with you,...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 22 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Most greatful my dear Sir is your truly affectionate letter to my wounded soul which has been more dead than a live since the fatal day my be-lov’d husband set out for the Springs— We shall be extremely happy to be favor’d with a visit from you & sincerely hope your dear family will accompany you for be assur’d we have the highest affection for every individual— I have promis’d to accompany my...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 22 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The Mr. Fitzhughs having staid here longer than they expected, I have (since writing my letter of Aug. 30. to Mr. Eppes) received one from Dr. Currie of Aug. 5. by which I have the happiness to learn you are all well and my Poll also. Every information of this kind is like gaining another step, and seems to say ‘We have got so far safe.’ Would to god the great step was taken and taken safely;...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 22 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
The Mr. Fitzhughs having staid here longer than they expected, I have (since writing my letter of Aug. 30, to Mr. Eppes) received one from Dr. Currie, of August 5, by which I have the happiness to learn you are all well, and my Poll also. Every information of this kind is like gaining another step, and seems to say we “have got so far safe.” Would to God the great step was taken and taken...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 30 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of Sep. the 22. was never received untill the first of this month. We are particularly unfortunate with regard to our letters. I think at least half have miscarry’d on both sides. The seeds, you so obligingly mention, have never come to hand. The conveyance is so uncertain, I must entreat you not to think of venturing any thing more. We have been made very happy by a visit from...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 12 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your kind favor of January 6. has come duly to hand. These marks of your remembrance are always dear to me, and recall to my mind the happiest portion of my life. It is among my greatest pleasures to receive news of your welfare and that of your family. You improve in your trade I see, and I heartily congratulate you on the double blessings of which heaven has just begun to open her stores to...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 6 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 28. gave me inexpressible joy, for my heart ached for the safety of my sweet Polly. Your encomiums on her manners, &c. delight me not a little, as I now hope I saw her with an impartial eye, tho clame not the least merit, for her natural disposition is truly amiable. Your account of dear Patsy adds much to my happiness. The day is far distant I fear for the finishing you are...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 7 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I had much wished to have had the pleasure of visiting you at Eppington before my departure, but the letters I receive from New York do not permit me to protract my stay a moment. Yesterday we finished our great business and tomorrow I set out. Our family, the new part as well as the old, will pay their respects to you at Eppington as shortly as they can. I shall avail myself of that occasion...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 19 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I expected mr Eppes would have passed this way on his return from the springs, or I should not have been thus long in expressing to you my sincere sympathies on the loss of our dear friend. your sorrows indeed must be of an higher order: but for no one living had I a more brotherly affection; and a renewal of intercourse with him yourself & family, was one of the objects which brightened most...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 25 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of June the 4th. with Mr. Eppes’ of May 30. came to my hands only the 8th of July. Consequently they must have been all the month of June getting from Eppington to Richmond, from which last place they would be but 8. or 9. days coming. I mention this as an apology for being so late in acknowleging their reciept. Patsy has written me on the subject of a maid also, but adds that it...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 7 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
This will I hope be handed you by my dear Polly, who I most ardently wish may reach you in the health she is in at present. I shall be truly wretched till I hear of her being safely landed with you. The children will spend a day or two on board the ship with her, which I hope will reconcile her to it. For God sake give us the earliest intelligence of her arrival. I am very sorry for the...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 24 March 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknoledge the reciept of your friendly letter of the 5th instant . I had before heard of the melancholy situation of mrs Skipwith and, whatever reason might suggest as less painful than that was to herself and her friends, yet affection could not learn the event without a shock, and a tender recollection of former scenes on which the curtain is now forever drawn. but we shall join...
29From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 28 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favors of March 31. and May 7. have been duly received. The last by Polly, whose arrival has given us great joy. Her disposition to attach herself to those who are kind to her had occasioned successive distresses on parting with Capt. Ramsay first, and afterwards with Mrs. Adams. She had a very fine passage, without a storm, and was perfectly taken care of by Capt. Ramsay. He offered to...
30[From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 22 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 22 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “[Apr.] 22. Mrs. E.—Mr. E.—Polly.” This is a single-line entry and, since TJ rarely if ever recorded more than one letter on a line, it is possible to interpret this as meaning that he wrote only to Mrs. Eppes and discussed Mr. Eppes and Polly. The ambiguity cannot be completely resolved in view of the fact that no letter to any one of the three...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 10 October 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The contents of your friendly letter gave me the highest satisfaction, and I long for the happy moment to call dear Maria my daughter, to say how much poor Betsy, and myself are disappoint’d at not being present requires a better pen than mine. We look forward with the utmost pleasure for a happy meeting, and hope you will be able to visit us this month, we will then talk of their settling,...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, [3? October 1782] (Jefferson Papers)
The girls being unable to assure you themselves of their welfare the duty devolves on me and I undertake it the more willingly as it will lay you under the necessity of sometimes letting us hear from you. They are in perfect health and as happy as if they had no part in the unmeasurable loss we have sustained. Patsy rides with me 5 or 6. miles a day and presses for permission to accompany me...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Wayles Eppes, 15 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
In my last of July 12. I told you that in my next I would enter into explanations about the time my daughters would have the happiness to see you. Their future welfare requires that this should be no longer postponed. It would have taken place a year sooner but that I wished Polly to perfect herself in her French. I have asked leave of absence of Congress for five or six months of the next...
34Thomas Jefferson to Elizabeth Eppes, 9 January 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 9 . did not get to hand till the day before yesterday, and then without the article for Francis said to be inclosed. whether forgotten to be inclosed or lost by the way yourself will be able to know. Francis had written his first letter to his papa , his second to his Mama , and had been promising to prepare one for yourself for a day or two before the reciept of yours. it...
35Elizabeth Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 10 February 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Jan 9. is just come to hand— on folding the letter I found the socks too large to go in it I inclos’d them in a separate paper & tied them with a thread to the letter— I am delight’d with your account of my sweet Francis —I could not have supposed his progress could have been as great in writing— We shall be happy to have your company in April & any part of your family that will...