1To Thomas Jefferson from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your unexpected favour of Nov. 30 was highly gratifying—I am too much acquainted with the infirmities of old age, to presume or even to wish, that my insignificant lines should be punctually attended to—It is more than enough if now and then I may be informed of your welfare—and it is with deep regret, I saw—you suffered so long under such a severe indisposition—which—I thank my God, that it...
2From Thomas Jefferson to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 30 November 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16 th is just recieved, and your silence in it on the subject of your health makes me hope it is good. a dozen years older than you are, I have no right to expect as good. I have been now confined to the house 6. months, but latterly get better, insomuch as, for a few days past, to ride a little on horseback. I duly recieved the favor of mr Vreede’s book, & meant, in my first...
3To Thomas Jefferson from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 November 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I trust, that you will not deem it amiss, if, after such a long silence, I take once more the liberty of writing you to assure of my continued affectionate regards. It might be the last time, as, although your age is far more advanced, mine is already arrived at 74 and the dimng of my eyes—dayly increasing makes reading and writing highly difficult. Since I was honoured with your favour of...
4To Thomas Jefferson from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 7 March 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I may not longer delay to answer your unexpected, affectionate and interesting favour of Jan y 11 th as it afforded me an inexpressible delight in my deep retirement, and honored me with a fresh proof of your continued esteem, which I trust can never be forfeited by me. Health and comfort remain yet my share, and I do not consider that these are cancelled by excruciating head-ache, to which I...
5From Thomas Jefferson to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 11 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Dec. 28. is duly recieved. it gladdens me with the information that you continue to enjoy health. that is a principal mitgation of the evils of age. I wish that the situation of our friend M r Adams was equally comfortable. but what I learn of his physical condition is truly deplorable. his mind however continues strong, and firm, his memory sound his hearing perfect, and his...
6To Thomas Jefferson from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 28 December 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I trust from your former, so often renewed, kindnesses, that after such a long silence, you will not take it amiss, if I address you once more a few lines, although I have it not in my power, to communicate any subject deserving your attention but it can not be unpleasing to you. see, that my gratitude remains unabated. You enjoy the inexpressible delight, to have survived the slanderous...
7To Thomas Jefferson from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 6 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Confident that a few lines shall not be unacceptable, as you cannot but approve my grateful feelings, for your distinguished kindnesses; which shall never be obliterated I once more are prompted to address—to thank you cordially. thank you for your noble minded Letter to my Revered friend J. Adams. This is a general sentiment in our neighbourhood and state. It is a laurel around your head...
8To Thomas Jefferson from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 16 November 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Although the last favour with which I was honoured by you on Aug. the 3 d leaves me Scarce any hope to receive another proof of your regard from your hand. yet I should deem myself undeserving former kindnesses for which I Shall ever remain thankful could I leave your letter without any answer and I am confident you will not consider it as an importune intrusion. It is a high gratification...
9From Thomas Jefferson to François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 3 August 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
Your kind letter of May 26. has laid too long by me awaiting an answer. the truth is that the difficulty of writing has obliged me even when in better health to withdraw much from correspondence, and now an illness of some week’s, from which I am just recovering, obliges me to use a borrowed pen to acknolege it’s reciept. and indeed that is all I can do even now, my mind being entirely...
10To Thomas Jefferson from François Adriaan Van der Kemp, 26 May 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you cordially for your last favour of Jan. 19 as I too received again a fair proof. that whatever difficulty may attend the expression of our mind in writing—yet—you possess the full powers of body as well as of mind—whenever you can do good, as art inclined to bestow a new act of kindness—In this every reader would coincide, could I, without your consent, publish the contents of...