Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-05-02-0250

Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, 9 August 1812

To James Monroe

Monticello Aug. 9. 12.

Dear Sir

I shall always be happy when your own or mrs Monroe’s convenience will permit us to see you here; but know too well that the short visits you pay to your possessions, & the many things to be attended to there, do not admit your being embarrassed with visits & ceremonies. consider us therefore as fully aware of this, that our intercourse must be subordinate to these circumstances, & that the necessities of your situation must prevail over the social wishes of us all. I shall but too often have occasion to avail myself of your kind offer and offices as to my European correspondence, which I would gladly shake off in a great, if not entire, degree if I could do it. for in truth I find the labors of my writing-table much too great for the lethargy of age. present us all respectfully to mrs Monroe, & be assured of my constant & sincere friendship.

Th: Jefferson

RC (IMunS). FC (MHi); in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Colo Monroe”; endorsed by TJ.

Presumably for use to exercise his wrist and ease the physical pain associated with the labors of my writing-table, during this year TJ had a small dumbbell made for himself at Monticello. A photograph of this artifact and an associated wrist strap and cushion is reproduced elsewhere in this volume.

Index Entries

  • household articles; dumbbells search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Correspondence; fatiguing to search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Health; and wrist injury search
  • medicine; dumbbells search
  • Monroe, Elizabeth Kortright (James Monroe’s wife) search
  • Monroe, James; letters to search
  • Monroe, James; visit to Monticello canceled search