51From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 17 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have not received a letter from you since early in February . This is far short of my injunctions to write once a week by post. I wish this for my own gratification as well as for your improvement. I received yesterday letters from Eppington by which I learn that the families there and at Hors du monde are well, and that your cousin Cary has a son. Lucy has been unwell during the winter but...
52From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 10 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have no letter from Monticello later than Maria’s of May 29. which is now six weeks old. This is long, when but one week is necessary for the conveyance. I cannot ascribe all the delay to the Charlottesville post. However to put that out of the way I am negotiating with the postmaster the establishment of a public post from Richmond to Staunton. In this case all the private riders will be...
53From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 25 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A promise made to a friend some years ago, but executed only lately, has placed my religious creed on paper. I have thought it just that my family, by possessing this, should be enabled to estimate the libels published against me on this, as on every other possible subject. I have written to Philadelphia for Doctr. Priestley’s history of the corruptions of Christianity, which I will send you,...
54Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 31 August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Ellen tells me that a request is communicated thro’ M r Randolph & yourself from the Freemason societies of Charlottesville to be permitted to lay the first brick of the Central college . I do not know that I have authority to say either yea or nay to this proposition; but as far as I may be authorised, I consent to it freely. the inhabitants of Charlottesville deserve too well of that...
55From De La Borde de Mereville to Martha Jefferson, 21 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. De La Borde de Mereville presente ses respects a Miss Jefferson et la prie de venir prendre le thé chez lui vendredi prochain 23, à six heures du soir. RC (Mrs. Nicholas P. T. Burke, Boston, 1947); addressed.
56Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 3 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
We have been, my ever dearest Martha , now weather bound at this place since Sunday was sennight. we were then to have set off on our return home, but it began to rain that day, and we have had three regular N.E. rains successively, with intermissions of a single day between each. during the first intermission, mr Flower left us for Monticello , but by the way of the Natural bridge . by him I...
57From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 26 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Having not received a letter by yesterday’s post, and that of the former week from Mr. Randolph having announced dear Anne’s indisposition, I am under much anxiety. In my last letter to Mr. Randolph I barely mentioned your being recovered, when somewhat younger than she is, by recurrence to a good breast of milk. Perhaps this might be worthy of proposing to the Doctor. In a case where weakness...
58From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 19 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
It is now very long since I have had a letter from you. I hope you continue in good health, and attention to the several objects for which I placed you in Philadelphia. I take for granted you go on with your music and dancing, that when your French master can attend, you receive his instructions, and read by yourself when he cannot. Let me know what books you have read since I left you, and...
59From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 21 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I write to you, my dear Patsy, from the Canal of Languedoc, on which I am at present sailing, as I have been for a week past, cloudless skies above, limpid waters below, and on each hand a row of nightingales in full chorus. This delightful bird had given me a rich treat before at the fountain of Vaucluse. After visiting the tomb of Laura at Avignon, I went to see this fountain, a noble one of...
60From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 4 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you two of Petit’s receipts. The orthography will amuse you, while the matter of them may be useful. The last of the two is really valuable, as the beans preserved in that manner, are as firm, fresh, and green, as when gathered.—Mr. D. Randolph is at Philadelphia, and well. He delivered me your watch, which I will have ready to send by him. He proposes to set out for Monticello in 8....
61From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 17 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved two days ago yours of July 2. with Mr. Randolph’s of July 3 . Mine of the 11th. to Mr. Randolph will have informed you that I expect to set out from hence for Monticello about the 1st. of September. As this depends on the adjournment of Congress and they begin to be impatient, it is more probable I may set out sooner than later. However my letters will keep you better informed as...
62From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 28 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Madame de Traubenheim wrote me word yesterday you were unwell. I shall come to Panthemont to-day to pay her a visit, and to bring you to dine, if well enough. Let me know by the bearer if you are well enough to come out. Make it a rule hereafter to come dressed otherwise than in your uniform. Our dear Polly was to sail certainly the 1st. of May. She must therefore be arrived in England now....
63From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 24 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The badness of the roads retards the post, so that I have recieved no letter this week from Monticello. I shall hope soon to have one from yourself to know from that that you are perfectly reestablished, that the little Anne is becoming a big one, that you have received Dr. Gregory’s book and are daily profiting from it.—This will hardly reach you in time to put you on the watch for the...
64Extract of Ellen W. Randolph (Coolidge) to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18 August [1817], document 2 in a group of … (Jefferson Papers)
Cornelia will probably give Virginia a detail of our Journey to the Natural Bridge —for me it was a complete chapter of accidents—my misfortunes began the day I left home and have not yet ceased, for a cold caught I believe in crossing the blue ridge settled upon my face and has kept me in almost constant agonies—I have not been free of pain one moment for the last eight and forty hours and...
65From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 19 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am in hopes, my dear Martha, that I shall hear by the arrival of tomorrow morning’s post, that you are all well. in the mean while the arrangement is such that my letter must go hence this evening. my last letter was from mr Eppes of Oct. 3. when all were well. I inclose a Crazy Jane for Anne, and a sweetheart for Ellen. the latter instead of the many coloured stories which she cannot yet...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The present will serve just to tell you that I am well, and to keep up my plan of writing once a week whether I have any thing to say or not. Congress rises tomorrow. They have passed no laws remarkeable except the excise law and one establishing a bank. Mrs. Trist and Mrs. Waters always enquire after you and desire me to remember them to you. I hope you are by this time able to be about again...
67From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 21 January 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote on the 13th. inst. to mr Randolph. I now inclose you a letter from your friend Mde. Salimberi. it came under cover to me. and without looking at the second cover, or suspecting it not for me, I broke the seal, a few words in the beginning shewed me it was not, & on looking at the back I found it was addressed to you.—M. Bureau-Pusy, the companion of la Fayette, with his family & Mde....
68From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 28 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I was happy, my dear Patsy, to receive, on my arrival here, your letter informing me of your health and occupations. I have not written to you sooner because I have been almost constantly on the road. My journey hitherto has been a very pleasing one. It was undertaken with the hope that the mineral waters of this place might restore strength to my wrist. Other considerations also concurred....
69From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 16 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday mr Randolph’s letter of the 11th. and at the same time one from mr Eppes . he had just carried Maria to Eppington with the loss of a horse on the road. they are to leave Eppington tomorrow at farthest for Monticello, so that by the time you recieve this they will be with you. from what mr Randolph writes I should think you had better go over at once with your sister to...
70From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 1 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of last week to Mr. Randolph I mentioned that I should write every Wednesday to him, yourself and Polly alternately, and that my letters arriving at Monticello the Saturday and the answer being sent off on Sunday I should recieve it the day before I should have to write again to the same person, so as that the correspondence with each would be exactly kept up. I hope you will do...
71From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 6 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph’s letter of the 18th. has been received since my last. The one it covered for Great Britain is sent by the packet now about to sail from New York. His commission to Doctor Barton shall be fulfilled to-day. Maria is with me keeping her Easter holidays. She is well. She allows herself to write but one letter a week, and having written to some acquaintance already she has nothing but...
72From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 25 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of Nov. 29. and Mr. Randolph’s of Nov. 28. came to hand five days ago. They brought us the first news we had received from Monticello since we left it. A day or two after, Mr. Millar of Charlottesville arrived here and gave us information of a little later date, and particularly of Colo. Lewis and Mrs. Gilmer’s illness. His account of Mrs. Gilmer was alarming, and I am anxious to hear...
73From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 23 January 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
The object of this letter, my very dear Martha, is merely to inform you I am well, and to convey to you the expressions of my love. it will not be new to tell you that your letters do not come as often as I could wish. I have not heard from Albemarle or Chesterfield since I left home, now 5. weeks. this deprives me of the gleams of pleasure wanting to relieve the dreariness of this scene,...
74From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 6 March 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
Our neighborhood my dear daughter furnishes us with not one word of news to you, and I am so fatigued with writing for this post that I can only inform you we are all well, Jefferson robust as a beef, and all our desires alive to see you. My kisses to dear Anne, and best affection’s to Mr. Randolph and yourself. Adieu my dear and love me as I do you. RC ( NNPM ); addressed: “Mrs. Martha...
75From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 1 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
This place being entirely clear of all infection, the members of Congress are coming into it without fear. The President moved in yesterday, as did I also. I have got comfortably lodged at the corner of 7th. and Market street.—Dr. Waters is returned; not well, but better. Still always Hectic. He and Mrs. Waters are just gone to housekeeping for the first time. Mrs. Trist is also returned to...
76From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 22 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The last letter received from Mr. Randolph or yourself is of Oct. 7. which is near seven weeks ago. I ascribe this to your supposed absence from Monticello, but it makes me uneasy when I recollect the frail state of your two little ones. I hope some letter is on the way to me. I have no news for you except the marriage of your friend Lady Elizabeth Tufton, to some very rich person, but whose...
77From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 27 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The last post-days have slipt away from me without adverting to them till too late. I learnt by a letter from Maria that you all got home safe, after a very disagreeable journey. indeed I suffered for you in imagination beyond any thing I had long felt. I found the road, in the short distance I went with you, so much worse than I expected, that I augured a dreadful journey, and sincerely...
78Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 4 November 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
We arrived here on the third day of our journey, without any accident; but I suffered very much both mornings by cold. I must therefore pray you to send my wolf-skin pelisse and fur-boots by Moses ’s Billy , when he comes to bring the two mules to move the Carpenters back. he is to be here on the 27 th by my directions to mr Bacon .
79V. Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 31 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to Maria yesterday, while sailing on Lake George, and the same kind of leisure is afforded me today to write to you. Lake George is without comparison the most beautiful water I ever saw: formed by a contour of mountains into a bason 35 miles long, and from 2 to 4 miles broad, finely interspersed with islands, its waters limpid as chrystal and the mountain sides covered with rich...
80From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday recieved letters from mr Eppes & Maria. she has been for a considerable time very unwell, with low but constant fevers, and the child very unwell also. mrs Eppes had gone there and staid with her till she was well enough to be removed to Eppington, where the air & the bark had already produced a favorable effect. she wishes to proceed to Monticello as soon as she is strong enough,...
81From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18 May 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here in good health on the 7th. day after my departure from home, without any intervening accident and am as well as when I left home. I recieved here the inclosed letter from Mr. Pintard our Consul at Madeira who sais it was given him by one of your old convent acquaintances settled there. I suppose the letter will inform you of more particulars. We yesterday recieved the...
82Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18 August 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose the within, to you, my dearest daughter & friend, because it is of great consequence, to be put into the post office at Charlottesville from which place it will go safer to Staunton than from hence. Ellen writes to you and of course will give the news of this place if she can muster up any. the history of our expedition to the Natural bridge she will write you of course. the sun,...
83From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my letter of the last week, Maria has received one from Mr. Randolph which lets us know you were all well. I wish I could say the same. Maria has for these three or four weeks been indisposed with little fevers, nausea, want of appetite, and is become weak. The Doctor thinks it proceeds from a weakness of the stomach, and that it will soon be removed.—I learn from the head of Elk that a...
84From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been expecting by every post to learn from you when I might send on to meet you. I still expect it daily. in the mean time I inclose you 100. Dol. for the expences of yourself, Maria & all your party. mr Randolph would do well to exchange the bills for gold & silver which will be more readily [. . .] on the road. the indisposition I mentioned in my letter by Bowles turned out to be...
85From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 28 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday mr Randolph’s letter of the 23d. giving me the always welcome news of your health. I have not heard from Maria since I have been here. it is a terrible thing that people will not write unless they have materials to make a long letter: when three words would be so acceptable. Mrs. Madison left us two days ago, to commence housekeeping, so that Capt Lewis & myself are like...
86From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 22 December 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I hoped before this to have received letters from you regularly and weekly by the post, and also to have had a letter to forward from you to one of your aunts as I desired in my letter of November 27th. I am afraid you do not comply with my desires expressed in that letter. Your not writing to me every week is one instance, and your having never sent me any of your copies of Mr. Simitiere’s...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 28 November 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
After four days journey I arrived here without any accident and in as good health as when I left Philadelphia. The conviction that you would be more improved in the situation I have placed you than if still with me, has solaced me on my parting with you, which my love for you has rendered a difficult thing. The acquirements which I hope you will make under the tutors I have provided for you...
88From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 22 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of Feb. 20. came to me with that welcome which every thing brings from you. It is a relief to be withdrawn from the torment of the scenes amidst which we are. Spectators of the heats and tumults of conflicting parties, we cannot help participating of their feelings. I should envy you the tranquil occupations of your situation were it not that I value your happiness more than my own. But...
89Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 6 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
We arrived here, my dear Martha , well & without accident, favored on the road by the weather. the caravan also came well, except overpassing their stage the 2 d day, sleeping in the woods all night, without cover, and overwhelmed by a rain, in the center of which they were, while it did not extend 5 miles in any direction from them. the spinning Jenny is at work, well while with washed...
90From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 6 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 28. from Eppington came to me yesterday, with the welcome which accompanies ever the tidings I recieve from you. Your resolution to go to housekeeping is a good one, tho’ I think it had better be postponed till the fall. You are not yet seasoned to the climate, and it would therefore be prudent not to go to a sickly position till the sickly season is over. My former letters...
91From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 14 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you, my dear Patsy, the 15 livres you desired. You propose this to me as an anticipation of five weeks allowance. But do you not see my dear how imprudent it is to lay out in one moment what should accomodate you for five weeks? That this is a departure from that rule which I wish to see you governed by, thro’ your whole life, of never buying any thing which you have not money in your...
92From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 15 August 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Ellen appeared to be feverish the evening you went away: but visiting her a little before I went to bed, I found her quite clear of fever, & was convinced the quickness of pulse which had alarmed me had proceeded from her having been in uncommon spirits and been constantly running about the house through the day & especially in the afternoon. since that she has had no symptom of fever, and is...
93From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 22 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of May 27. came to hand on the very day of my last to you, but after it was gone off. That of June 11. was received yesterday. Both made us happy in informing us you were all well. The rebuke to Maria produced the inclosed letter. The time of my departure for Monticello is not yet known. I shall within a week from this time send off my stores as usual that they may arrive before me. So...
94From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 11 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Excess of business prevented my writing to you the last week or even having time to inclose the papers to Mr. Randolph. Since my last I have received yours of Feb. 28. and Mr. Randolph’s of Apr. 9. 16. and May 4. Congress rose three days ago. Colo. Monroe sets out three days hence, and by him I shall send your watch, and the 2d. part of Payne’s Rights of man for Mr. Randolph. Also, for...
95From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 8 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I received this day Mr. Randolph’s letter of Aug. 31. with the horse, rather thin, having performed his journey in 7. days. However I shall hope to recruit him before I set out. The servant gives a very good account of him. The President sets out the day after tomorrow for Mount Vernon, and will be back about the last of the month. Within 4 or 5. days or a week after his return I can set out....
96From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 5 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I got back to Aix the day before yesterday, and found there your letter of the 9th. of April, from which I presume you to be well tho’ you do not say so. In order to exercise your geography I will give you a detail of my journey. You must therefore take your map and trace out the following places. Dijon, Lyons, Pont St. Esprit, Nismes, Arles, St. Remis, Aix, Marseilles, Toulon, Hieres, Frejus,...
97From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 2 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 29th. has relieved me from the great anxiety I had felt on your previous entire silence about your journey. there was no hair inclosed in your letter: but I sent the letter to mrs Madison who has had the order given as you desired, for colours from her own judgment, perhaps those of your own hair. if this should not please, send hair in your Friday’s letter, and within a...
98Enclosure: Itinerary from Edgehill to Washington, 3 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
From Edgehill to Gordon’s 18. miles. A good tavern, but cold victuals on the road will be better than any thing which any of the country taverns will give you. lodge at Gordon’s go to Orange courthouse 10. miles to breakfast. a good tavern. on leaving Orange courthouse be very attentive to the roads, as they begin to be difficult to find. Adams’s mill 7. miles. here you enter the flat country...
99From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 17 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
This is merely, my dear Martha, to say that all is well. it is very long since I have heard from you, my last letter from Edgehill being of the 6th. of Dec. a letter of Jan. 6. from mr Eppes at Richmond informed me that Maria was entirely reestablished in her health, & her breast quite well. the little boy too was well & healthy.—Dr. Gantt has inoculated six of his Cow pox patients with the...
100Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 31 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
We all arrived here without accident, myself the day after I left home , having performed the journey in two days, reaching Noah Flood ’s the 1 st day . the story of the neighborhood immediately was that I had brought a croud of workmen to get ready my house in a hurry for Bonaparte . were there such people only as the believers in this, patriotism would be a ridiculous passion. we are...