1To Thomas Jefferson from Elijah Russell, 7 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Humanity, more than self interest, dictates this letter; I hope, therefore, you will excuse the freedom taken by a stranger occupying but an humble walk in the world—I write but because my respect for an aged, grey-headed Father, overpowers my diffidence in addressing the Chief Executive of the United States— My father (now about 70 years of age) was a poor man ;—but he was not destitute of...