Writing from Richmond the preceding day, Edward Ross advised his friend David Parish that “After I have gone, all the diversions through at the Oxford Iron Works, I shall proceed on from thence to Monticello; for my Uncle [david ross], intends giving me a letter of Introduction to Mr Thos Jefferson, who is a very intimate friend and School Mate of his and where I am promised to meet with a very hospitable Reception. My Uncle will also give me letters of Introduction to Mr Madison and Monroe” (RC at NCaS; addressed: “David Parish Esquire. &c Philadelphia”; stamped; postmarked 28 Oct.; endorsed by Parish as received 1 Nov. 1813 and answered the same day). No letter of introduction from David Ross to TJ for Edward Ross is recorded in SJL and none has been found.

On 23 Nov. 1813 Ross again wrote Parish, this time from Mount Ida in Buckingham County, to inform him that he had just returned “from Monticello, where I have been some time and was much delighted with the very friendly & hospitable Reception I met with from Mr Jefferson; what strong impression his amiable Grand Daughter Miss Randolph has made upon my Heart is impossible to describe and between you and me, I have some reason to believe, she is not alltogether indifferent to what regards me. … I have not rode ever since my return from Monticello, where I intend very soon making another long Visit as Mr Jefferson particularly begged me so to do and appears to have taken a great liking to me, for he did ride every day out with me, did show me all his Mills, farms, Machineries, Curiosities &c &c he conversed with me about Politicks all day long, about Europe and many other Countries” (RC at NCaS; addressed: “David Parish Esqre &c &c &c Philadelphia Pennsilvania”; stamped; postmarked New Canton, 23 Nov.; endorsed by Parish as received 29 Nov. 1813 and answered the following day).