1Martha Jefferson Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I found very readily the two bundles of papers which I enclose. to Capt Peyton who has been with us lately says that he has your cement, and books, but that the river is so low that not a boat can float— the smith’s shop took fire a few days since and but for the circumstance of his being here with M r Randolph & F Gilmer it would certainly have burnt down. there was no man upon the mountain...
2Martha Jefferson Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 20 November 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
We recieved your letters last night only, and the necessary preparations for the boy’s Journey would take up so much of the day that we determined not to send them till to morrow morning 21 st Wormley will see to every thing but the bulbous roots. the kinds you mention are all growing at present and could not be moved with out destroying them but I have sent you a number of off sets of tulips...
3Martha Jefferson Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The emergency of the occasion must apologise for the liberty I took in opening the enclosed. but as to morrow is Buckingham court and not knowing the danger that might accrue from a dissappointment I ascertained by opening the letter whether it was your self or the witnesses only that were wanting in which latter case they could have been summoned without applying to you but as some thing more...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall go to Monticello a day or two before you arrive as it is probable by the return of the waggon you will be able to fix a day for your return. the arrangements necessary for retrenching all possible expense no one can be more thoroughly convinced of the necessity of than my self. your comfort My Dearest Father must however be the only Criterion any Incroachment upon that were it...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 24 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Randolph has been applied to by the people of the County generally to know if you would have any objection to their meeting you on the road and escorting you to Charlottesville. not only the militia companies but the body of the people. they wish it as the last opportunity they can have of giving you a public testimony of their respect and affection if you will write to him by the return of...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 17 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The name of the young gentleman for whom the application was made is Moultrie. The Christian name I do not remember but it is probably mentioned in his Father’s letter to Mr Randolph which you told me had been filed with the papers of the Office. if it is not to be found there, Mr Randolph’s thinks it probable that David R. Williams may know it. he is the eldest son of Doctor James Moultrie of...
7To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 1 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose you another letter My Dearest Father, irksome as it is for me to add to your vexations of the kind Mr. R. thinks he can not refuse without danger of giving offense, friends who think they have a claim upon him. Mr Hackley also wrote to beg him to mention his name to you. we recieved the vaccine safe and will innoculate our children immediat ly as well as our neighbours. Jefferson was...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 24 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The small pox has broke out in Staunton and spread a general alarm, least through the medium of the stages it should be communicated. if it is easy to obtain the vaccine we should be greatly obliged to you to send us some as our three youngest children and many of our negroes have not been innoculated at all. Looking over some of the literary magazines the other day we met with the beginning...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I gave the keys of the wine cellar in to Dinsmore’s hands who promissed to superintend the botling of the wine. if the bottles and corks hold out would you wish them to begin upon any other cask? and which should have the prefference? Your letter to Ann was forwarded by the same post. she left us the monday before only, in a state of such extreme dejection at the sepparation from her family...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 27 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have sent the 4 spoons & a large french Ladle there being 2 others left one french and one english belonging to the B S M spoons. Bacon will also give you a bundle for Jefferson which I must beg the favor of you to forward to him. in packing up the books which was left to himself to do, we have discovered that he has left nearly one half of the Buffon. I presume the best way will be to pack...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 15 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
My health is what it allways is in the same circumstances, so precarious that for fear of accident, I shall go to Monticello on sunday 17th. where you will find us all unless any unforseen event should happen to detain us. Mrs Trist and Miss Brown have been with us a week and will be in the neighbourhood if not at Monticello when you arrive with regard to Jefferson our objections were...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 23 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your conjectures with regard to the tea & Coffee was correct as we just began upon the last stock with out making any sensible impression upon them. I have no doubt therefore but there will be enough of both of those articles as well as of chocolate. cooking wine will be wanting & the madeira gave out before you left us there was no white wine therefore but what was in the octagon cellars. I...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 20 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be Delivered to you My Dear Father by Beverly Randolph whom you may reccollect to have seen at your house in the Spring 1806. Mrs. Madison has been so kind as to procure for him young Nourse’s place during his absence or untill some thing better offers. enclosed is a little seal of my Mother that I Must beg the favor of you to have mended and My watch key if it is possible to make it...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 30 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I must beg the favor of you My Dearest Father to forward the enclosed, it is from Jane to her Sister and there is no mode of comunication at present unless through you. I suppose you have heard of the loss of your dam. Mr Randolph begs particularly that you will transmit your orders about the repairs to him he has nothing to do having two overseers to overlook his business and will do the dam...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 16 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The subject of your last letter has cast a gloom over my spirits that I can not shake off. the impossibility of paying serious debts by crops, and living at the same time, has been so often proved, that I am afraid you should trust to it. if by any sacrifice of the Bedford Lands you can relieve your self from the pressure of debt, I conjure you not to think of the children, your own happiness...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very much obliged to you My Dear est Father for your kindness in saving me from the anxiety to which an exagerated report would have occasioned me. I am in hopes the swelling will go off with out suppuration. Mr Eppes found me with exactly such a one as you describe when he returned from Washington in the spring 1804 except that the pain had brought on an affection of the stomach and head...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 11 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you a shoe that fits perfectly the only objection to it is, the heel which is too high. I must beg the favor of you to add a comb for tucking up the hair, to the shoes. will this affair of the Chesapeake affect your return? we have had thro’ the medium of the newspapers, news of a later date than your letter contained which announce an actual commencement of hostilities on the side of...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 20 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very uneasy at the account you give of your own health. you would not set out of course whilst in any danger of the head ach but if otherwise indisposed from cold or the fatigues of the session it would be better to defer your journey, as the roads are in a state not to be concieved. the carts have not arrived yet; Davy broke down near orange court house and past by on horse-back to get...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 14 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have but a moment to return you a thousand thanks for your goodness in writing so regularly to me during Mr R’s illness. I have been in a state of great anxiety upon his account. Thank heavens it is past. we are all well and after saturday shall look for you hourly god bless you My Dear Father believe me to be yours unalterably Mr Burwell arrived on thursday only and is still with us ViU .
20To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 14 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
some trifling repairs to our house which were to have been finished in three days after you left us, but which the slothfulness of the work men have spun out to 14 have kept us here till now; and as it is we are returning to rooms newly plaistered and the house not yet clear of the workmen. but so much is to be done before winter to make us comfortable that we think it best to go immediately...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 12 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have suffered so much from fatigue and anxiety since my return home that I have not had spirit, to write to my Dearest Father. the day Mr Randolph left me I discovered my Dear Ellen to be in a very advanced stage of a most horrible dissentery which had run on many days, unnoticed except by a little restriction in her diet, from the idea of it’s being a slight bowel complaint occasioned by...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 23 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The hurry of preparation my Dearest Father must apologise for this note. we shall be at Centreville the last day of the month where Mr Randolph thinks the horse he can procure will easily take us, and sunday evening or monday morning we shall be with you we are all in health & spirits preparing to join you as soon as possible adieu, believe me with inexpressible tenderness yours MHi : Coolidge...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 26 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It is become so probable that I am to spend the winter with you My Dearest Father that I must impose upon your goodness the procuring of some articles not be had in Washington or with certainty even in Richmond. a fashionable wig of the colour of the hair enclosed, a set of combs for dressing the hair, a bonnet, shawl & white lace veil, for paying morning visits. Mrs Madison can chuse them as...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 11 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The trunk you were so good as to forward from Washington, arrived safe by the same post which brought your letter. it contained the wedding cloaths, which rendered it of so much importance to some of the family that I shall make no apology for the trouble it put you to. the marriage will take place at Monticello early in August entirely private except the old Gentleman and Lady & Aunt Carr....
25To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 19 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Randolph’s election is almost certain the polls stand, Alb. TM.R 503 W.L. 140. Amh. TM:R. 390 WL. 474. which leaves Mr Randolph a majority of 279, so that independant of his influence in Fluvanna which is great, he is safe. we are all well, but I am moored here till thursday as he stopped a day with us on his way to Fluvanna where he now is, of course I am obliged to stay till his return....
26To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 28 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been again greatly indisposed My Dearest Father but am now so much better that I should have left My room to day if the weather had been good. I was for one night and a part of the next very ill, and having what I never in my life had before (an hysteric fit) thought my self dying whilst in it. Doctor Everett says it is not uncommon in the complaint I had, which was brought on by cold...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 30 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Lilly was here a fortnight ago to beg I would write to you immediately about some business of his, but a change on the post day disappointed me in sending the letters written to have gone by it. he says you desired him to part with 100 barrils of corn as more than you required, but he says he has got it on very good terms 16 or 16, 6 a barril and that there is not one bushell too much, on...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 31 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Pardon me Dearest Father for having so long delayed answering your letter . great was the anxiety I suffered untill it arrived, nor was that any ways relieved by hearing what a horrible journey you had had, although it may ultimately prove fortunate if it serves as a warning against future exposure to cold and fatigue which every day of your life you will be less able to bear. no appology can...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 14 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It was so late the other day before I could write that I had only time to add a postscript to Ann’s letter to inform you of Davy Bowle’s intention of going to Washington, and the offer he made of carrying your chair if you wished it; he is still here and will be on theusday, so that your intentions with regard to it may be complied with if known, on that day. he leaves this sometime next week...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 9 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
It will be more convenient to us to leave this on wednesday than monday it will occasion a delay of 2 days only, as this is a flying visit only to shew that we are in earnest with regard to Washington I have determined to leave the children all but Jefferson considering the lateness of the season and the bad weather we may reasonably expect in december. The short time [we] shall have to spend...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 29 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
We recieved your letter and are preparing with all speed to obey its summons, by next friday I hope we shall be able to fix a day, and probably the shortest time in which the horses can be sent after recieving our letter will determine it. tho as yet it is not entirely certain that we can get off so soon. will you be so good as to send orders to the milliner Mde Pick I believe her name is,...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 10 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
My children have escaped the measles most wonderfully and unaccountably for so strongly were we all prepossessed with the idea of it’s being impossible that from the moment of it’s appearing upon the plantation I rather courted than avoided the infection and the children have been on a regimen for 4 or 5 weeks in the constant expectation of breaking out. Ann has been twice declared full of it...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 16 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved with gratitude and pleasure inexpressible, my dearest Father, the elegant medal you sent me. it arrived safely with out a scratch even, and is I think a good likeness; but as I found fault with Houdon for making you too old I shall have the same quarrel with the medal also. you have many years to live before the likeness can be a perfect one. Mr R—desired me to tell you that as his...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Trist who will deliver this can also give a better account of the children than (limited as I am for time) I possibly can. however I must write a few lines to you if it is only to wonder at your long silence. each successive post has been anxiously expected and desired, only to bring along with it fresh dissapointment. my sister left us on Monday with her little boy better than could be...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, [before 10 November 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
I am doomed to write you, in a hurry allways My Dearest Father. Abraham who will be the bearer of this has arrived […] I began my letter, and it will not be proper to make him wait [longer] than I can possibly help it. my children are doing generally well except Ellen and Cornelia the latter has had fevers for three days & with triffling intermissions morning and evening tho very short. we...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 25 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters found us all together at Edgehill. Maria does not look well but considering all things she seems to be in as good health as can be expected. my own has been uncommonly so, since my return from Monticello. with your request of going over immediately it is utterly impossible to comply; Mrs Bache’s family being with us at present, and to remain, untill the Doctor’s return. Maria...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 19 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
In an absence of 3 months I blush to think that this is the first time I have written to my Dear Father. it does not arise however as you suppose from want of materials, & still less of inclination, but from a spirit of procrastination which by inducing me to defer allways to the last moment, finally ocasions the total loss of opportunity. my affection, my thoughts are however, perpetually...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph and Thomas Mann Randolph, 31 January 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I should not have waited for your letter my Dearest Father had it been in my power to have written sooner but incredible as it may appear, that in period of 2 months not one day could have been found to discharge so sacred and pleasing a duty, it is litterally true that the first fort night of your absence excepted and 3 or 4 days of the last week, I have not been one day capable of attending...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 15 May 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Being prevented by the unexpected arrival of company to day, I have it in my power to write but a few lines to my Dearest Father while the rest of the family sleep. to repeat what he so well knows allready how tenderly loved how anxiously expected he is by every member of the family they are all unwell at present with colds so bad as to create suspicions of the hooping cough particularly the...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 30 January 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment recieved your 2 letters to Mr Randolph & my self (together) and by the same post one from Mr Eppes informing me of the loss of his child. my heart is torn by an event which carries death to hopes so long & fondly cherished by my poor sister. I would give the world to fly to her comfort at this moment but having been dissappointed before in doing what perhaps my anxiety only...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 22 February 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
Uncertain whether this will still find you at Philadelphia or no, I shall write but a few lines; happy in the thought of it’s being the last Time I shall have it in my power to do so, before we embrace you. I have heard from Maria since the letter I recieved from you containing an account of her indisposition and recovery , and Mr Eppes mentioned that she had been again unwell, too much so to...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 February 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
I am ashamed indeed my Dearest Father to have so justly incurred the reproach contained in your last. allthough the trip down the country was soon relinquished, yet my time has been more varied than is usual with me; after your departure we spent ten days with Mrs Divers, Carr, Trist, &c &c &c during which time I went to a ball in Charlottesville, danced at it and returned home fatigued and...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, [23 June 1798] (Jefferson Papers)
It is easier to concieve than express the sensations with which the sight of the preparations for your return inspires us. I look forward to Theusday with raptures and palpitations not to be described; That day which will once more reunite me to those most dear to me in the world. adieu Dearest and adored Father the heart swellings with which I address you when absent and look forward to your...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 12 May 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing makes me feel your absence so sensibly as the beauty of the season; when every object in nature invites one into the fields, the close monotonous streets of a city which offers no charms of society with in doors to compensate for the dreariness of the scene with out, must be absolutely intolerable: particularly to you who have such interesting employment at home. Monticello shines with...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 26 February 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
You tell me My dear Father that I ought to write oftener and enforce your request with an argument that has allways been irresistable with me “the pleasure it gives you” but the expression of a tenderness like mine is not easily rendered even by those endowed with the happy faculty of expressing their feelings. that fortunate gift however was never mine or else subjects for a letter could...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 22 January 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Jupiter had given us so terrible an account of your sufferings from the ice on the patowmac that we began to be seriously alarmed about you, before the arrival of your letters , which came both to gether; it was with infinite pleasure than that we learned you had got the better of your cold and were at least comfortably if not agreably fixed for the winter. it is much more than we can boast...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 31 March 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
The first certain accounts we had of your arrival were conveyed by your letter to Mr. Randolph which would as you suposed have met on his way up had we not previously determined upon having the children innoculated. But every circumstance of season health &c. conspiring to make the present opportunity favorable Mr. Randolph thought no interest of his could excuse his letting it slip. I have...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 1 January 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph having determined to spend some months at Varina I am under the necessity of troubling you my dearest Father with a memorandum of the articles we shall want from Monticello. We have spent the hollidays and indeed every day in such a perpetual round of visiting and recieving visits that I have not had a moment to my self since I came down and we shall leave this on our way to...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 15 January 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
We intended writing to my Dearest Father from Richmond but that care devolving upon me on account of Mr. Randolph’s business it was as is often the case with me put off till the hurry of packing obliged me to neglect it entirely. Col. Blackden and W. C. Nicholas had both left Richmond before we arrived there the letter for the former was put in the post office imediately that to Mr. Nicholas...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Martha Jefferson Randolph, 26 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We recieved your 3 Last letters yesterday which by the carelessness of the post master in Richmond have been detained many weeks, indeed their negligence is intolerable, we have just heard of some of Mr. Randolphs Letters to you that have gone on to Lexington in kentucke. Those that we do get, come so irregularly without any regard to their dates that it is impossible to follow your directions...