Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to Ellen Wayles Randolph, 21 May 1805

To Ellen Wayles Randolph

Miss Eleanor W. Randolph to Th: Jefferson Dr.
1805.  May 21.  To a letter which ought to be written once in every 3. weeks, while I am here, to wit from Jan. 1. 1805. to this day,1 15. weeks   5.
Cr.
Feb. 23.  By one single letter of this day’s date 1
Balance due from E. W. Randolph to Th:J. letters 4
5

So stands the account for this year, my dear Ellen, between you and me. unless it be soon paid off, I shall send the sheriff after you. I inclose you an abundant supply of poetry, among which you will find Goody Blake, which I think you wanted. I will thank you if you will put on your boots & spurs & ride to Monticello and inform me how my thorns live. this part of the country is beautifying with them so fast that every ride I take makes me anxious for those at Monticello. your Papa in his last letter informs me the mumps have got into the family. let me know who have it & how all do. kiss your dear Mama for me & shake hands with all the little ones. present me affectionately to your Papa & accept mes baise-mains yourself.

Th: Jefferson

PoC (MHi); at foot of text: “Miss Ellen W. Randolph”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: “Goody Blake and Harry Gill, a True Story,” by William Wordsworth (William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Lyrical Ballads: With a Few Other Poems [London, 1798], 85-93). Other enclosures not identified.

his last letter: Thomas Mann Randolph to TJ, 11 May, not found.

mes baise-mains: “my kissing your hand.”

1TJ here canceled “to wit.”

Index Entries