1To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 4 September 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I am sorrey to be obliged to claim payment of the small bala n ce due me for interest—you will obluge me by forwarding an order on your agent at Richmond believe me when I assre you that nothing, but an extraordyary pressure at the present moment would induce me to make application our best wshes attend all the familuuy ViU : Edgehill-Randolph Papers.
2John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 22 June 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 10 th instant enclosing a draft on B. Peyton of Richmond for 163.20 cents was received by the mail on the 21 st —Being a farmer and planter myself I know from experience the uncertainty of their resources in point of time. I should feel much greater pleasure in furnishing Francis with the books necessary for his profession if I could induce myself to believe that he would...
3John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
We were much gratified in hearing of the health of yourself and all around you— You will receive by the return of the se r vant the public documents a list of which I annex at the end of my letter—With the single exception of my having no newspaper as far back as 1789: it appears to embrace every thing in your memorandom — I feel in regard to this work a solicitude which I cannot easily...
4John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 8 December 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
I was just enjoying the pleasing prospect of a permanent return of health when a few days since viz on the 30 th ult. I was attacked in my sleep and entirely insensible until after being bled—I had certainly improved greatly in my strength as I was able since my return from the Springs to do what I have not done for years amuse myself on foot with a gun & walk for hours without more than...
5John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 27 November 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter arrived here while I was absent on a short visit to my sister Lane the management of whose affairs have devolved on me— Firmly persuaded as I am that such a view of the a eight years of your administration as would be presented by yourself would be the best antidote to the political poison circulating among us, I should consider myself as violating the duty I owe to my country...
6John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 15 October 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Uncertain where a letter might find you I have delayed until the present time returning an answer to yours of the 16. of September by Francis . I have directed him on his return to Columbia to pursue the course marked out for him by you and to become an irregular instead of a regular student at the University — Your opinion as to the value of a Deploma corresponds with my own—My only reason...
7John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 7 October 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
The unpromising appearance of the weather prevented my leaving home until the third instant — I have this day lodged with M r Peyton five hundred dollars for you— I have also sold my United States stock at 103— If therefore you will take my house on your way to Bedford I shall be ready to conclude our contract and give you a check for the balance of the 4000 dollars—
8John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 19 August 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 29 th of July was received by the last mail— I am highly gratified at the prospect held out in it of our seeing you here— I shall feel great pleasure in accomodating you with a loan of 4000 dollars in the mode you propose— In the present uncertain condition of Bank stock it will be better for me to dispose of the stock and loan you the money—I would not wish a cent more or...
9John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 8 July 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
I am happy to find that our opinions agree so well on the subject of Eastern Seminaries— Francis if he could have been educated at the Central Unive r sity would have had the advantage of being near you—At his period of life I consider this circumstance of great importance— If however contrary to our hopes and expectations this cannot be accomplished your selection of Columbia in preference to...
10John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 12 June 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my visit to Monticello I have written to you frequently and although I do not know it I presume of course some of my letters have been received. My anxiety about Francis induces me again to write to you—He is now advancing to an age when the only controul which either of us can exercise over him must depend on his own feelings. From every thing I hear I conclude with certainty that the...
11John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 6 February 1820 (Jefferson Papers)
While Francis was here I heard with considerable regret that his cousin Wayles and himself had quarreled and were not on speaking terms—From Francis ’s Representation of the circumstances I consider Wayles as the aggressor. I do not however consider this circumstance as important. Disputes between near connections reflect no credit on either. I take the liberty therefore of asking that you...
12John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 15 May 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
I forward to you the Whin seed—Its being in the pod caused me to make a considerable mistake in the quantity—It was gathered last october 12 month and may possibly from its age not come up well—During the present autumn I will have some seed gathered for you— I found the road from Canton very bad in consequence of the rain and being much cut by waggons. I was longer from Canton home than from...
13John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 8 January 1819 (Jefferson Papers)
Tracy ’s Political Economy & your Report on the University (which you were so good as to forward) have been received. As tokens of your continued friendly remembrance I look on them with great pleasure. The treatise of Tracy I had previously purchased & read & the Report on the subject of the Unive r sity had been forwarded by a friend from Richmond . This continued devotion of your time and...
14John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 17 October 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
The various rumours which have reached us as to the state of your health have been such as to excite serious apprehension and alarm on the part of your friends—All the recent accounts concur in representing you as entirely well or so far recovered as no longer to cause anxiety on the part of your friends—accept my congratulations on an event which I am certain no human being can hale with more...
15John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 6 April 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been unwell during the last eight or ten days and part of the time confined to my room—This must be my apology for leaving your last so long unanswered— I have determined to remove Francis from the Catholic school at the close of the Session of Congress . I would with pleasure send him on immediately and let him join you on your trip to Bedford , but the time is so nearly arrived for...
16John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 14 February 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a letter from Francis in answer to the one forwarded to me . A few days before my departure from Virginia I enclosed to M r Bolling the subscription paper for the central College . I had put down my name for 200 dollars. fifty dollars payable on the first of April next and fifty dollars on the first day of April afterwards for the three succeeding years. Some jealousy in relation to...
17John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I forwarded to you at the commencement of the Session the Message of the President — In the house of Representatives Spanish affairs have served as a barrel to occupy the whale and various motions have been made on that subject—I have conversed with several of the gentlemen who have been most prominent and find the objection object to be a recognition on the part of the United States of the...
18John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 3 September 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of aug. the 6 th arrived here when my house was filled with my own and M rs Eppes ’s connections— M r Burton and his family left us on Saturday— my sister and M r Lane on Tuesday—I could not conveniently leave them here and the season is now so far advanced that you will I presume soon return to Monticello — We are begining to experience the inconveniences of the wet and cold & our...
19John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 28 April 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
I regret that I was not at home when your servant returned with Francis — It was so late when my servant returned from North Carolina with the grape slips that I thought it best to set them out at once and put the part designed for you into a very rich bed in my garden— Martha sent part of them to you—The others still remain and shall be particularly attended to—By sending down at the proper...
20John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 17 January 1817 (Jefferson Papers)
Francis has been detained in consequence of the severe indisposition of two of my children—They are now however nearly restored to health. I received by the last Mail a letter from M r Baker at Richmond now in which he States that M r Wood had Just opened a School in that place and was very anxious to have Francis as one of his pupils— He has declined returning to Lynchburg .
21John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 23 December 1816 (Jefferson Papers)
I have directed Martin to remain at Monticello until he learns to Turn—He will be able to get the stocks necessary for the pieces 400 in number and I can send for them after his return— My health is I hope gradually improving— I am able now to take exercise on horse back which I am in hopes in time with a rigid attention to diet will restore me— Martha unites with me in every wish of affection...
22John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
Francis arrived at warren the day after you passed on your last visit to Bedford . on learning there that you had passed on instead of proceeding to Monticello he returned home— I was seized a few days afterwards with a violent attack of the Rheumatism and he has been detained in consequence of my indisposition much longer than I could have wished— You can keep him at Monticello as long as you...
23John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 6 July 1815 (Jefferson Papers)
your letter from Poplar Forrest arrived here while I was absent on a trip to Eppington and Richmond . Any arrangement which you consider calculated to benefit Francis in the course of his education cannot fail to meet my approbation. I have only one fear that Francis amidst the amusements of Monticello will not have resolution enough to pursue steadily the course marked out for him— I had...
24John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 7 September 1814 (Jefferson Papers)
Having occasion to send to Milton I have directed the servant to call and enquire after your health and that of the family— We are all in a bustle here since the destruction of the public buildings at Washington . The feeble resistance made and the total want of any thing like an efficient force even of militia notwithstanding the Government had timely notice, is a subject of triumph to the...
25John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 26 September 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I met with Doct r Flood at Buckingham court house on the second monday of the present month. From him I had the pleasure of hearing you were in good health and that a letter from you to me had been put into the mail at his Fathers on that morning—The letter has not been received and I am unable to account for its failure—Even if it had gone on to Richmond it ought to have reached me on Tuesday...
26John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 21 July 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 24 th of June has been received and read with great pleasure—If the war continues and with it the present rate of expenditure nothing but a rigid adherence to principles such as you state can secure us against the evils of a permanent debt— The duration of the Taxes reported to the present Session of Congress has been limited to the war and one year after its conclusion in...
27John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 25 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
I received in due time the letter forwarded from Floods — I regret that my letter contained any thing which could induce you to suppose me either unreasonable in my proposals or diffident of your attatchment to my child —Being incapable of expressing either directly or indirectly any sentiment calculated to wound your feelings I have no hesitation in solemnly disclaiming any expression not in...
28John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
My being uncertain whether you had returned from Bedford prevented my writing before I left washington — The rancour of party was revived with all its bitterness during the last Session of Congress —United by no fixed principles or objects & destitute of every thing like American feeling, so detestable a minority never existed in any country—Their whole political creed is contained in a single...
29John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
When I received your last letter the pamphlet the return of which you requested was in the hands of M r Clay one of the gentlemen to whom you extended by a former letter the permission of reading it— I have just this moment received it in the House and have only time while a discussion on the Bank bill is progressing to put it under cover with my friendly wishes— The first section of the Bill...
30John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter from Monticello of the 7 th instant was rec e ived yesterday—The one dated the 12. of November has never reached me— M r Giles received his enclosing the statement of the case of the
31John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my perusal of the batture case I have greatly regretted that you had not previous to the discussion given to some of your friends in whom you could rely such a view of that case as would have enabled them to do justice to the course pursued by you— There is another subject which will shortly be before us—The boundary of Louisiana —With this question I know you are perfectly conversant—...
32John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
circumstances on which I shall not dwell have prevented my writing to you for some time—I have not however thought less of you and of others dear to my heart by whom you are surrounded. I have sold out my interest in the Eppington plantation & am now occupied in fixing a permanent residence here—It is a situation superior in climate soil & prospect to the other and of various houses which I am...
33Archibald Thweatt, with postscript by John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 7 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I did hope to have had your business ready before this.—I was to have attended Mr Ladd on the 29 th until and remained until the report was finished and ready for your revision—as it was your wish not to be delayed in Richmond — Unfortunately I was seized by a violent attack of the Rheumatism in my right hip; which has confined me to my bed.—altho’ in perfect health in all other respects, I...
34John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 2 April 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Since M r Carr left us I have been confined at least two thirds of my time—I am at present confined to my room— During the whole winter I have been subject to relapses more or less violent and life at times has been felt almost as a burthen of which I would be willing on any terms to be released—My complaint has in every attack been confined to the same knee—which was for the first time...
35John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose to you a letter from Colo: Bently of Virginia —You will find among your papers another letter from him previous to your leaving the city of Washington last spring—You mentioned I think when I presented the former letter to you, “that the papers by which the release must be drawn were at Monticello —that you would execute it and forward it to Colo: Bently ” — His post office is...
36John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose under cover to you a note for my little boy —I am delighted to hear that he gives you so little trouble—If you can prevail on him to write to me often so that I may know he is well I will not impose on you the sacrifice of time which appears to be so completely filled up with occupations, so much more interesting than the sedentary life to which you have been for so many years,...
37John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 10 December 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been looking with great anxiety for some time for a letter from you—My own situation has been such that I have not had a moment to devote to any purpose— You left me almost on the bed of sickness— So soon as I was able to perform the journey I went with M rs Eppes to Carolina and my Journey was so long delayed that I did not return to Eppington until the 20 th of November — On the 21 st my
38John Wayles Eppes to Thomas Jefferson, 10 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I had written to you by Jefferson who travelled on with us as far as Dumfries , but his going off in the stage before I was up, in the morning prevented my giving him the letter—I should long before receiving your letter have written to you had I followed only the impulse of my feelings—I had however postponed from time to time announcing to you the change in my situation, until your friendly...
39To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 21 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In my letter of the 6th. from Richmond I mentioned having purchased a horse for you—& that I could send him up without the least inconvenience provided you could trust Martin—Not hearing from you & knowing that the period at which you generally return to Washington has almost arrived I have determined to risque Sending him—You will find him a fine carriage horse—he is not fit for the Saddle as...
40To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 5 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I found on my return to Eppington on the 17th. of august your letter of the 4th. of June—It arrived after my setting out for the Springs and was not forwarded—The boxes have arrived at this place I hope in safety & I shall attend to your directions in moving them— I have agreed with Mr. Richard Thweall (the brother of the gentleman who married my sister for a horse for you—If you can trust...
41To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 24 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
On Tuesday last I met Mr. Crump. His horse was the last chance for matching Castor—I found him different in Colour, about two inches lower & his price for him 300 dollars which I thought greatly above his value. I do not think there is the smallest chance for a tolerable match for him in this part of the State—I know certainly that neither Petersburg or Richmond or the adjoining country can...
42To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 9 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
When I wrote to you last I had not received your letter on the subject of the horse—I have since got your last of the 12th. of July. I have not as yet been able to procure a horse of the description you want. The demand in Richmond and Petersburg for fine horses for the cavalry about the time I received your letter rendered it impossible to procure one at either of those places. I know at...
43To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 16 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Our trip has been delayed so far beyond my expectations that I am induced again to write fearing you may feel some uneasiness—We have at length fixed on Friday next for setting out, but as my mother has determined to call on Mr. Baker who has been very much injured by a fall from his chair & is still confined, it will probably be tuesday before we reach Monticello— My children continue in...
44To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 29 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I am happy to inform you that my little ones are in fine health again. Francis has recovered entirely from the complaint in his bowels and the little girl is the picture of health— I should have had the pleasure of meeting you at Monticello but Betsys youngest child has been and still continues so ill that it would be cruel to seperate her from it— She is every thing to Francis and he has...
45To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 16 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last in looking over my papers, I have met with your letter in answer to the proposition made by me on a former occasion of exchanging the Bedford Land for Land adjoining Pant-Ops. If I had perfectly recollected that letter I should certainly not have renewed the application as the same reasons continue probably to operate on your mind—It is unnecessary to assure you I hope that no...
46To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 14 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your friendly letter of the 4th instant I received yesterday—I should earlier have written to you had I followed only the impulse of my feelings. It was not however my wish to add to your other cares anxiety for my poor little Orphans. Francis was extremely ill two days after my arrrival here, and his situation was the more distressing because I had not the sympathy or aid of any friends, the...
47To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 26 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
By a letter from Mr Randolph we hear that you will probably leave Washington on Thursday—In case any accident should detain you it may be acceptable to hear that Maria is not worse—I am sorry I cannot say she is better— Accept for your health our best wishes Yours sincerely RC ( ViU : Edgehill-Randolph Papers); endorsed by TJ as received 30 Mch. and so recorded in SJL .
48To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 23 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last Maria has had a return of her puking—She is again recovering—Her breast is still somewhat inflamed but not I hope in much danger of going further—Mrs. Lewis to whose care and attention we already owe so much is again with her—We have prevailed on her to ride out twice and she will ride again to day—On monday we intend to go over to Monticello as I think change of air and of scene...
49To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 19 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing how anxious you would be as to Maria I have written you a few lines by every post since my arrival here—I find however from your letter of the 15. received this morning that only one of my letters has reached you . I am sorry I cannot say that I think Maria much better—She has been threatened within the last two days with a rising of her breast —She took before this scarcely any...
50To Thomas Jefferson from John Wayles Eppes, 16 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Maria continues nearly in the same situation as when I wrote last. She walked yesterday for the first time into an adjoining room—She is so extremely weak that her recovery will require I fear a considerable time—She has I hope at present nothing but weakness to contend against—The child continues quite well. I enclose a part of a letter received from Mr. Giles by this post—When I left...