1Mary Ann Archbald to Thomas Jefferson, 8 February 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Early in summer last I had the presumption to address you but sensible of the great inferiority of my situation & abilities it required all the resolution I could summon up. Tho’ M r Gefferson occupied the highest Place in society I had long represented him to my imagination as one who wished to encrease the sum of happiness & would stoop to listen to the soft voice of Pity & humanity—this...
2Mary Ann Archbald to Thomas Jefferson, 29 May 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I anxiously waited for the Period of your retirement in hopes of being able to summon up courage sufficient to address you, a conciderable time has elapsed since that event & still when I would make the attempt this hoped for courage seems not to arrive, Contrasting my own situation with yours the pen appears about to drop from my hand— You have long been at the head of a great, Peacefull &...