1James Martin (of New York) to Thomas Jefferson, 17 November 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I received with all imaginable Gratitude your Letter from monticello but confess I am Embarrassed by the Condescension on your part in writing it—you have taken however the favorable side to me and relieved me from the apprehension that what was most respectfully designed to Amuse a Vacant half hour might be Construed into a presumption which I was not justified in—no monk ever read any of the...
2James Martin (of New York) to Thomas Jefferson, 20 August 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
So many years have Elapsed since I had the Honour of a line from you that you have probably altogether forgotten me, as well as the Occasion which procured me that favour. I have no other Justification in recalling either than the wish to keep a place in your recollection, and, in a manner similar to my former Effort, to contribute an hour towards the Amusement of one to whom I feel more than...