Thomas Jefferson Papers

Richard Colvin to Thomas Jefferson, 28 March 1824

From Richard Colvin

Baltimore. March 28th 1824.

Sir.

The Ladies and all the white women, and all the white Females in the United States Are the Pride, of the Urbes. they are all of them, as Dulcis, as Queens. they are all of them, as Dulcis, as Nymphs Divine. their Family, and the Publick, wish them every blessing of Life and Civic honours. they are pas moin Dulcis pour negotia.

Those Ladies, gone from this City and the Middle, and the eastern, and western States, to the State of virginia if agreeable, to them, I hope, will return to their good and happy homes more Dearly beloved, and highly respected by all, with Bon, Santir, and Bon, vivant. the Publick, behold with grief, the Insults offered them and Tears will fall, without measure, from those Gentlemen that Insulted them.

If the Ladies and white Puella are desirous of Returning home, from the State, of Virginia you Sir, interesting youself, in that respect, to endeavour, to enable them to return home, if required, will obtain for you, the further Applause, and thanks, of your Countrymen, and the thanks and affections, of the Ladies, and their [favor?] History, will speak your praise, for such friendship. the Laureat, and sciolist mention your name, with the highest respect and fond Remembrance for you.

I wish you good health, and every Respect Sir.

your humble Servant.

Richard Colvin.

RC (DLC); one word illegible; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson. Esquire”; endorsed by TJ as received 1 Apr. 1824, with additional notation: “insane,” and so recorded in SJL.

Urbs (urbes): “urban areas; cities” (OED). dulcis: “sweet, charming, or cherished.” pas moins dulcis pour negotia: “no less sweet for their trouble.” bon, santir: “good health.” puella: “girl.”

Index Entries

  • Colvin, Richard; letters from search
  • Colvin, Richard; on women search
  • Colvin, Richard; regarded as insane by TJ search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Correspondence; correspondents described by TJ as insane search
  • mental illness; correspondents described by TJ as insane search
  • women; opinions on search