Thomas Jefferson Papers

Louis H. Girardin to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1823

From Louis H. Girardin

Baltimore, January 1rst, 1823.

Dear and Respected Sir,

I am so unwilling to disturb a repose which I hold sacred, that I have felt, without expressing it to You, the deepest sympathy at the painful accident which happened to You, some time since. I can not, however, upon hearing that the consequences of it are entirely over, or nearly so, refrain from telling You how sincerely I rejoice at your recovery.

The recollections of the good and the wise, and the love and esteem of all who know and appreciate them, essentially constitute happiness. My good wishes, therefore, at this, or any other season, can not add to Yours. They are, however, poured out with unabated warmth and sincerity.

This College recovers slowly, but must finally flourish. The progress of my Daughters in Music, drawing &c affords me much consolation, amid a variety of troubles. I derive also considerable gratification from a scientific and literary society, which we have lately formed here.

My ardent wishes for your happiness, extend to that of Your amiable domestic circle. May You all enjoy perfect health!

I salute you with sentiments of heartfelt gratitude and respect—

L. H. Girardin

RC (MHi); endorsed by TJ as received 5 Jan. 1823 and so recorded in SJL. RC (DLC); address cover only; with PoC of TJ to John Brockenbrough, 4 June 1823, on verso; addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Monticello Virginia”; franked; postmarked Baltimore, 1 Jan.

this college: Baltimore College. A Baltimore association for the promotion of science had been formed in 1819. When that group disbanded around 1822, its funds were turned over to a new scientific and literary society, with Girardin as that organization’s first president. In 1826 it became the Maryland Academy of Science and Literature, which endured until its collections were destroyed by fire in 1835 (J. Thomas Scharf, The Chronicles of Baltimore [1874], 395–6).

Index Entries

  • Baltimore, Md.; scientific and literary society (later Maryland Academy of Science and Literature) search
  • Baltimore College search
  • drawing; study of search
  • Girardin, Louis Hue; and Baltimore College search
  • Girardin, Louis Hue; and TJ’s health search
  • Girardin, Louis Hue; family of search
  • Girardin, Louis Hue; letters from search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Health; broken arm search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Health; injured in fall search
  • Maryland; learned societies in search
  • music; study of search
  • schools and colleges; Baltimore College search
  • women; education of search