To Thomas Jefferson from Ellen Wayles Randolph Coolidge, 12 December 1806
Edgehill December 12th 1806
Dear Grandpapa
I recieved the Bantams for which I am very much obliged to you they seem to be larger, and younger, than the first and I think them handsomer. I have no news to tell you for being in the country. I seldom have any thing worth relating and that being the case I can never write long letters, unless you suffer me to speak of myself I have begun the Grecian History in which I am very much interested and have got to multiplication on arithmetic. I am going on with Dufief and am reading Plutarque de la Jeunesse in French of which I read ten pages for my lesson sometimes more but not often less. I copy the historical part of Lord Chesterfield’s letters for a lesson in writing, all which is generally concluded by dinner time after which I play and at night sew while Sister Ann reads aloud to us. adieu my Dear Grand Papa. Mama and the children join in love to you. believe me to be your affectionate Grand Daughter
E. W. R.
Mama says Buffon cannot answer the question you propose to me.
MHi: Coolidge Collection.