Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to Eliza House Trist, 17 September 1794

To Eliza House Trist

Monticello Sep. 17. 1794.

Dear Madam

The inclosed letter came under cover to me not long since and before I could forward it to you I was attacked with a rheumatism which has kept me ever since, and still keeps me in incessant torment. Since that I have learnt by a letter from Mr. Ciracchi that he is arrived with his family at Boston. I have felt the obligation therefore, notwithstanding the pain in which I write, to accompany the letter with this apology.—You have been long promising us a visit, but have avoided fixing dates. You will always find here a family every member of which will be happy to receive you. Patsy presented me about a fortnight ago with a third grand-child, a daughter. It will […] for me to suppress my age, which in spight of my teeth […] attested by these multiplied witnesses, as well as by the pangs of disease which oblige me to conclude here with assurances of the sincere esteem & respect of Dear Madam Your affectionate friend & servt

Th: Jefferson

PrC (MHi); mutilated. Enclosure not found.

TJ’s third grand-child was Ellen Wayles Randolph I (1794–95), born 30 Aug., the only one of his Randolph grandchildren who did not survive infancy. See TJ to Thomas Mann Randolph and to Archibald Stuart, 26 July 1795.

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