Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 29 February 1816

To Wilson Cary Nicholas

Monticello Feb. 29. 16.

Dear Sir

As the outer letter may be to go into different hands I place in a separate one my thanks for your kind offer of the comfortable quarters of your house in the event of my acting as a Director of the public works. but at the age of 73. volunteer journies are out of the question. those to Bedford are of necessity. for them however I chuse my own time, am there with one or two nights only intervening, and the cavalcade now necessary for moving me is there also at home. whatever the young & robust may think, I am sure the old will excuse me. ever affectionately

Yours

Th: Jefferson

RC (CSmH: JF); endorsed by Nicholas. PoC (DLC); on verso of reused address cover to TJ; at foot of text: “Govr Nicholas”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosed in TJ to Nicholas, 29 Feb. 1816, first letter.

Index Entries

  • Jefferson, Thomas; Health; aging search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Opinions on; aging search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Opinions on; travel search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Public Service; declines appointment as a director of public works search
  • Nicholas, Wilson Cary (1761–1820); and TJ’s appointment as director of public works search
  • Nicholas, Wilson Cary (1761–1820); as Va. governor search
  • Nicholas, Wilson Cary (1761–1820); letters to search
  • Poplar Forest (TJ’s Bedford Co. estate); TJ plans visit to search
  • Virginia; General Assembly search
  • Virginia; TJ appointed a director of public works in search