41From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 22 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The last letter I recieved from you was of the 2d July. In mine of the 14th. inst. to Mr. Randolph I informed him I should set out the next day to Rhode island with the President. I did so, and returned yesterday, after a very pleasant sail of two days going and two days returning thro the Sound. We visited Newport and Providence, where the President was received with great cordiality. He...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 3 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here on Sunday morning (May 30.) to breakfast without having experienced any accident on the road, other than being twice taken in soaking rains: but my water proof coat was a perfect protection. mr and mrs Madison arrived the day after. I find they have not yet got clear of the measles here, so that either at home or here your family will hardly escape it. it is now time for you to...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 23 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
This is a scolding letter for you all. I have not recieved a scrip of a pen from home since I left it which is now eleven weeks. I think it so easy for you to write me one letter every week, which will be but once in three weeks for each of you, when I write one every week who have not one moment’s repose from business from the first to the last moment of the week. Perhaps you think you have...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, [October 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
I will call for you today, my dear between twelve and one. You must be dressed, because we drink tea with Mrs. Montgomery. Bring your music and drawings. Adieu my dear Patsy. MS not found; text printed from a photostat in NcD ; unsigned, undated, and unaddressed. This note was written with TJ’s left hand, and therefore belongs to some date after 18 Sep., when TJ injured his wrist, and before...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 14 February 1796 (Jefferson Papers)
We are all well here, my dear daughter, and Jefferson particularly so. He often repeats that you told a story, ‘that you did,’ when you got into the carriage and said you would come back for him. His cheeks swell with emphasis as he asseverates this. We are just beginning our demolitions, and find they will be very troublesome. It was high time to do it, from the rotten state in which we found...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 9 April 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yours my dear Martha, of Mar. 31. four days ago. The inoculation at Richmond having stopped that post I send this by the way of Fredsbg. I entirely approve of your resolution to have the children inoculated. I had before been so much convinced of the expediency of the measure that I had taken it for granted before your letter informed me of it. I am called to Philadelphia to a...
47Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 21 August 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you this day week and this day fortnight . we have been here in a continued state of fluctuation between the numbers of 40. & 60. a greater proportion of ladies than formerly: but all invalids, and perfectly recluse in their cabins. mr Glendy joined us to-day and will stay till Sunday. we had been many days without venison till the day before yesterday, in the course of which 8....
48From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 5 April 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph’s letter of Mar. 26. informs me you are all well at Belmont. my last news from Eppington was of Mar. 20. when all were well there. I have myself had remarkeably good health through the winter, since the cold which I took on my way here. the advance of the season makes me long to get home. the first shad we had here was Mar. 16. and Mar. 28. was the first day we could observe a...
49Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 24 August 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
It is our purpose to set out from this place for Monticello on Monday the 13 th or perhaps on Sunday the 12 th of next month. As Henry , his mule and little cart will be necessary to carry our baggage, I would wish him to leave Monticello on Sunday morning the 5 th making stages at Tooler ’s on this side the river at
50From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 9 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Your two last letters are those which have given me the greatest pleasure of any I ever recieved from you. The one announced that you were become a notable housewife, the other a mother. This last is undoubtedly the key-stone of the arch of matrimonial happiness, as the first is it’s daily aliment. Accept my sincere congratulations for yourself and Mr. Randolph. I hope you are getting well,...
51From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 6 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day received yours of the 18th. November and sincerely sympathize with you on the state of dear Anne, if that can be called sympathy which proceeds from affection at first hand, for my affections had fastened on her for her own sake and not merely for yours. Still however experience (and that in your own case) has taught me that an infant is never desperate, let me beseech you not...
52From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 5 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I was prevented writing to you last week by a bad cold attended with fever: and this week I have nothing to say but that I find myself nearly well, and to repeat the assurances of my love to you. Maria is well, and has come to a resolution to write to you no more. Whether this arises most from resentment or laziness I do not know. Mr. Randolph’s last letter received was of Dec. 29, yours of...
53From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 3 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved Anne’s letter by the last post , in which she forgot to mention the health of the family, but I presume it good. I inclose you a medal executed by an artist lately from Europe and who appears to be equal to any in the world. it is taken from Houdon’s bust, for he never saw me. it sells the more readily as the prints which have been offered the public are such miserable caracatures....
54From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 10 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote, my dear Martha, by last week’s post to Mr. Randolph. Yesterday I received his of Oct. 31. The fever in Philadelphia has almost entirely disappeared. The Physicians say they have no new infections since the great rains which have fallen. Some previous ones are still to die or recover, and so close this tragedy. I think however the Executive will remain here till the meeting of...
55From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 25 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 19. came to hand yesterday. as it says nothing of your health I presume all are well. I recieved yesterday also a letter from Maria of the 18th. she was then well & preparing to go to Eppington, and in about 4. weeks expected to set out for Albemarle. mr Eppes was engaged in his harvest much obstructed by rain, & regretting he had not before deposited Maria at Monticello. I hope...
56From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 23 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph’s convalescence proceeds steadily, not a single circumstance having arisen to throw him back. yet his strength increases slowly. as yet he only rides out in the carriage every day. it will not be till he can get on horseback that we can judge when he will be able to travel. my fits of head-ach have shortened from 9 hours to 5. but they have stuck some days at 5. hours, and when...
57From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 10 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 20th. and 27th. Feb. as well as Mr. Randolph’s of the same dates, came to hand only yesterday. By this I percieve that your post must be under bad regulation indeed. I am sorry to learn that your garden is dismantled, and yourself thereby discoraged from attention to it. I beg that Mr. Randolph will employ the whole force, he has been so kind as to direct, in repairing the...
58From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 28 February 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
I have got so far, my dear Martha, on my way to Philadelphia which place I shall not reach till the day after tomorrow. I have lost one day at Georgetown by the failure of the stages, and three days by having suffered myself to be persuaded at Baltimore to cross the bay and come by this route as quicker and pleasanter. After being forced back on the bay by bad weather in a first attempt to...
59From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 6 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Jefferson which I presume will inform you he is well, and I send you one from Dr. Wistar which will give you satisfaction. be so good as to return it. I had one from Anne 2. or 3. days ago, when all were well. she says they will be with us early in March. I sent you the last week by the post rider your watch, watch key & ring, which I hope got safe to hand. I forgot...
60From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 18 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received two or three letters from you since I wrote last. Indeed my health has been so bad that I have been able scarcely to read, write or do any thing else. Your letters to your aunt and the others shall be forwarded. I hope you will continue to inclose to me every week one for some of your friends in Virginia. I am sorry Mr. Cimetiere cannot attend you, because it is probable you...
61From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 17 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I wrote last to you, which was on the 24th. of March, I have received yours of March 22. I am indeed sorry to hear of the situation of Walker Gilmer and shall hope the letters from Monticello will continue to inform me how he does. I know how much his parents will suffer, and how much he merited all their affection.—Mrs. Trist has been so kind as to have your calash made, but either by...
62Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 13 August 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter you forwarded , my dear Martha, desiring me to attend the Buckingham court of this month, requires an impossibility because that is tomorrow. I Know also that the trial of the question cannot be at the Same court at which the two wills are presented. Time must be given to Summon witnesses, and I Suppose I shall be Served with a Summons notifying the day I must appear.— We have had a...
63From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 31 July 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
We have had no letter from you since your arrival at the Warmsprings, but are told you are gone on to the sweet springs. Not knowing how to write to you by post, I take the opportunity of sending this by Dr. Currie.—He has mentioned to me the home-less situation of Nancy Randolph . She is now with Mrs. Carrington. I do not know whether she is on such a footing with Mr. Randolph and yourself as...
64From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 29 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I was taken with a tooth-ache about 5. days ago, which brought on a very large & hard swelling of the face, & that produced a fever which left me last night. the swelling has subsided sensibly, but whether it will terminate without suppuration is still uncertain. my hope is that I shall be well enough to recieve my company on New Year’s day. indeed I have never been confined by it to my...
65From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 18 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved, my dear daughter, your’s of the 13th . by post. I regret extremely the situation of your family, not only for my disappointment here, but for what they are to suffer. I acknolege that, knowing when I came away the measles were in the neighborhood, I saw it was but too possible your visit here would be delayed. as it is, we must agree to the fall visit, and as Maria will be at...
66From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 3 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I now inclose you Petit’s statement of the stores sent round to Richmond to the care of Mr. Brown. They sailed from hence yesterday morning, and the winds have been and are so favorable that I dare say they will be in Chesapeak bay tomorrow, ready for the first Southernly breeze to carry them up the river. So that they will probably be at Richmond some days before you receive this. I wrote to...
67From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 21 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We had peaches and Indian corn the 12th. instant. When do they begin with you this year?—Can you lay up a good stock of seed-peas for the ensuing summer? We will try this winter to cover our garden with a heavy coat of manure. When earth is rich it bids defiance to droughts, yeilds in abundance and of the best quality. I suspect that the insects which have harassed you have been encouraged by...
68From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 10 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you last on the 26th. of the last month. On the 3d. of the present I received Mr. Randolph’s favor of May 22. I sincerely congratulate you on the arrival of the Mocking bird. Learn all the children to venerate it as a superior being in the form of a bird, or as a being which will haunt them if any harm is done to itself or it’s eggs. I shall hope that the multiplication of the cedar in...
69From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 4 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
We are well here, tho’ still without news from Mr. Randolph or yourself, tho’ we have been eight weeks from Monticello. Maria was to have written to you to-day, but she has been so closely engaged in pasting paper together in the form of a pocket book that she has not been able. She has been constantly getting colds since she came here. I have put on board Capt Stratton a box with the...
70From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 16 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of the 25th. of April came to hand ten days ago, and yesterday I received Mr. Randolph’s of the 3d. instant. When I wrote to him last week, I hoped to have been soon rid of the periodical headach which had attacked me. It has indeed been remarkeably slight since that, but I am not yet quite clear of it. I expect every fit to be the last. I inclose the newspapers for Mr. Randolph. He...
71From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 12 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have at length found time to copy Petit’s list of the packages sent to Richmond. Tho’ I have not heard of their arrival there, I take for granted they must be arrived. I inclose you the list wherein I have marked with an * the boxes which must remain at Richmond till they can be carried up by water, as to put them into a waggon would be a certain sacrifice of them. They are the Nos. 2. 5....
72From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 12 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have barely time to tell you that mrs Madison has executed your desires and I dare say to your mind. the commission to me has given me the greatest pleasure, as it always would that you would say to me freely at all times what want you have which I could gratify. my wishes are always to do what would be pleasing to you; but knowing nothing of what would be proper or acceptable, I do nothing....
73From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 27 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I was too much occupied to write by Friday’s post and fear it will occasion your recieving my letter a week later. Yours of the 7th. Inst. has come duly to hand. Colo. and Mrs. Monroe will probably be with you by the time you recieve this. Mr. Madison left us last Wednesday. I have promised, during his stay in Orange, to inclose to him Fenno’s paper for his perusal, to be forwarded on to Mr....
74From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 21 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
We got in good time to dinner at Montpelier the day I left you, and the next two days being cool, we reached this place a little in the night, having come a little over 100. miles in the two days without inconvenience to ourselves or horses. mr Madison arrived here the next day. mr Gallatin & Rodney are still absent. mr Ogilvie has been here sometime lecturing, to very unequal audiences of...
75From 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...
76From 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...
77From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 17 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
It is a considerrible time, my very dear Martha, since I have written because I have been in expectation you were all at Eppington: and tho’ I have not heard of your return to Edgehill, I presume it has taken place. I have some hope of being able to leave this on the 23d. & to be with you on the 26th. but it is possible I may not be able to get thro’ my business. mr Gallatin & Smith are gone....
78From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 7 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here this day week, having travelled through the rain of that day rather than stay in disagreeable quarters. I experienced no inconvenience from it. the Marquis Yrujo arrived two days after me, and mr Madison & Genl. Dearborne got here the last night. the latter has left his family in Maine for the winter. Yrujo is said to be very ill, taken two days ago. I inclose a magazine for...
79From 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,...
80From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 5 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
We are all well here, my ever dear Martha, but I shall not be able probably to set out tomorrow, but shall on Tuesday. we shall be five days on the road. in the mean time the roads will be getting better, & the weather perhaps milder. but indeed it looks as if this winter would run through the summer. not a bud is swelled here yet, except of the red Maple. kiss our dear children for me, and be...
81Thomas 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...
82From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 30 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I presume mr Randolph informs you himself that he is quite well. indeed I have no doubt he could now very safely undertake the journey; but we continue to fix on Monday next for departure. as to myself altho’ I have no actual head-ach, yet about 9. oclock every morning I have a very quickened pulse come on, a disturbed head, & tender eyes, not amounting to absolute pain. it goes off about...
83From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 20 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Randolph continues well without the least retrograde circumstance. he sleeps well, walks a good deal about the house, rides out in the carriage every day this cruel weather will permit & breakfasts & dines with us. but his strength returns so slowly that he certainly will not be able to undertake his journey on Monday as we had hoped. indeed I do not think a time can be fixed. when he...
84From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 11 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
My last letters from Edgehill mentioned that you had been indisposed but had got the better of it. having no letter from Edgehill by this mail I can only hope you continue well.—in a conversation with you on the subject of Jefferson’s going to Philadelphia you mentioned that mr Randolph thought of declining it, and I do not know whether I inferred rightly, from what you said that a supposed...
85Thomas 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...
86From 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...
87From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 30 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I forgot to bring with me the gravy spoons to be converted into Dessert spoons. I must therefore pray you to send them to me. I think you mentioned a spare ladle. two ladles I think are necessary. if there be more it may come. if any body should be coming from your neighborhood to Washington, by the stage , they might be packed in a great mass of waste paper & a light box. Shoemaker or J....
88From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 27 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
As it seems now tolerably probable that the British squadron in our bay have not in contemplation to commit any hostile act, other than the remaining there in defiance & bringing to the vessels which pass in & out, we are making all the arrangements preparatory to the possible state of war, that they may be going on, while we take our usual recess. in the course of three or four days a...
89From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson Randolph, 5 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday yours of the 2d. my fever left me the day I wrote to you, and the swelling abated through the whole face, but still remains in a knot as big as a pigeon’s egg, over the diseased tooth, which has now been suppurating so long that the Doctr. thinks he shall have to extract the tooth (altho’ perfectly sound) to prevent a caries of the bone. a day or two will decide. in the...
90From 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...