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Papers of Thomas Jefferson and the Randolph Family, Accession #9828, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
The collection was deposited in the library by Mary Kirk Moyer of Geneva, N.Y., 1972 November 16.
The majority of the Jefferson items are financial papers, including accounts with James Monroe, although a few convey family news. The remainder of the collection is an assortment of correspondence and miscellaneous papers of the Randolph family. It contains financial papers, printed reminiscences, obituary notices, poetry, and architectural drawings.
Topics include the publication of books by Thomas Jefferson Randolph and Sarah Nicholas Randolph, the settling of Jefferson's estate, refutation of libel against Jefferson by overseer Edmund Bacon in Parton's biography, the Edgehill school run by the Randolph sisters, and the last illnesses and deaths of several family members.
Correspondents include John Barnes, William Bernard, Sue B. Blackburn, Mary Jefferson Bolling, Sidney S. Nicholas Carr, Reuben Clarkson, Joseph Coolidge, Susan Coolidge, John Dunlop, Francis Eppes, Maria Jefferson Eppes, John S. H. Fogg, Paul Leicester Ford, Eleanora Wayles Randolph Harrison, Maria Jefferson Carr Randolph Mason, and Caroline Ramsay Randolph.
Other correspondents include Cary Ruffin Randolph, Cornelia Jefferson Randolph, Jane Hollins Nicholas Randolph, Martha Jefferson Randolph, Meriwether Lewis Randolph, Cary Anne Nicholas Randolph Ruffin, Eliza McDonald Ruffin, Eliza McDonald Ruffin, John Speyer, Jefferson Randolph Taylor, Patty Taylor, Nicholas Philip Trist, and William Fanning Wickham.
Study for final elevation of the first version. [2347; N-47] #5291.
A list of purchased articles with their price.
Inviting the delegation to dinner with a list of household expense account with James Monroe in Thomas Jefferson's hand.
A list of purchased items with their prices.
A list of purchased items with their prices.
Concerning her desire that her bother, Thomas Jefferson, break a long epistolary silence despite the fact that she "supposed it was [because] the publick had taken [his] attention." Longs for his return and a visit.
Martha Jefferson writes to her father, Thomas Jefferson, expecting him and her sister [Maria] in Paris in July. Describes her activities in Paris including playing the harpsichord, studying history, and drawing landscapes and flowers. Mentions Madam de Taubenheim who sends her compliments to Jefferson, and will keep a bed for his visiting daughter if they visit in July.
Describing her "disappointment" at her brother's, Thomas Jefferson's, absence "at a time that [her family's] distress cannot be described." Mary "hail[s him] grandfather" and hopes he will be able to see "the little stranger," [Ann Cary Randolph], the following Spring. Informs Jefferson that Sister Carr's ill health is worsening.
Tells her news of her friends, Miss Geddis and Miss McKain. Worries that Miss Bruni will take offense at his inability to provide her with a carriage ride. Desires her to stay in Varina "because [he] think[s] it better for [her] to go more into society that the neighborhood of Monticello admits." [Folder also includes a photograph of the Peale painting of Jefferson] Original in Thomas Jefferson papers and accessioned as #38-576.
Authorizing payment of $500 to Bethune and Smith of New York for George Jefferson & Co.
Authorizing payment of twenty dollars to two foreign ecclesiastics on account of [service].
Requesting the addition of books and articles to a shipment of groceries to Richmond, and for twenty dollars in small bills.
Bill for one pair of looking glasses with signed authorization for payment to Mr. Barnes on 1801 October 26.
Bill for three frames for three prints with signed authorization for Mr. [John] Barnes to pay the bill for Thomas Jefferson 1802 October 5.
John Barnes to give Captain Lewis forty dollars for expenses of journey to be taken for his family.
Bill for eighteen barrels of herrings and freight to Alexandria. Thomas Jefferson signed authorization for payment by Mr. Barnes 1803 June 1.
Authorizing a payment of five dollars from Edward Frethy for one month's lodging.
Authorizing payment of $80.58 to Joseph Daugherty for the expenses of filling the ice house.
Thomas Jefferson asks Randolph to send his watch with either Dr. Porter or Dr. Say, who will be coming for the sitting of Congress. He also asks Randolph to have Mr. McAlister, an optician, make a magnifying glass and includes a small sketch of the design. Thomas Jefferson encloses ten dollars for two alabaster lamps.
Request for favor on an enclosed letter (missing) sent on recommendation of mutual friend Madame de Stael.
Dr. William Steptoe's medical balance sheet for Thomas Jefferson.
Bill of lading to a consignment of wine and macaroni shipped to Thomas Jefferson from Philadelphia.
Describing his prior commitment to answering letters, but requesting that in his old age "letters will cease to be expected from him," because of his "decayed energies of body & mind."
Answer to a letter from Eppes inquiring about a bill to sell a portion of Thomas Jefferson's property to settle debts. Also asking advice about law practices written on the address leaf of Eppes' letter.
Names forty-eight paintings and art works, often with artists and sources. Subjects are chiefly religious, classical, mythological, and historical.[Probably a list of works Thomas Jefferson wanted for Monticello, since most were eventually found in Monticello.]
Rough sketch of outlines of the house terrace and grounds of Monticello by Thomas Jefferson.
Three different styles of calling card and one invitation card.
Daily Richmond Enquirer , 1852 April 21. "Thomas Jefferson. " Concerning Jefferson's life and accomplishments.
The Weekly Chronicle , 1875 October 15. "Jefferson. " Reprinting a letter of Andrew K. Smith's to the Washington Republican concerning his personal reminiscences of Thomas Jefferson. Concerning Jefferson's final days and funeral arrangements. Provides an anecdote about a controversy over whether citizens of Charlottesville and students would be allowed to attend the funeral, and that a group of fifteen hundred missed the interment. He claims to have seen Edgar Allan Poe at the funeral.
Unidentified, ante-1802 October. "Civil List: Officers of the Federal Government. " Contains a list of all the prominent government officers of the United States, including Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, and James Madison.
Cincinnati Commercial , 1877 May 15. "The Resolutions of '98. Who was their author? " Printing four letters concerning the author of the Kentucky Resolution of 1798. One by Colonel Donan to Colonel Breckinridge, 1877 May 6 desiring to publish Breckenridge's letter to him about a misattribution often made by the historians of the time. One by Colonel Breckenridge to Colonel Donan, 1877 May 3 concerning the misattribution of the recipient of a letter by Thomas Jefferson to a son of George Nicholas, and claims that the real recipient was a son of John Breckenridge's. One from Colonel Breckenridge to Colonel Donan, 1877 May 11 concerning John Breckenridge's position on State rights in relation to Jefferson's, and the Breckenridge family legacy. One from Thomas Jefferson to J. Cabell Breckenridge, 1821 December 21 concerning Jefferson's reminiscences of the origin of the Kentucky Resolution, and the original letter whose recipient had been misattributed according to Colonel Breckenridge.
The Washington Herald , 1907 April 13. "Stories of Thomas Jefferson. " Written on the one hundred and sixty fourth anniversary of Jefferson's birthday. Containing an extended editorial on the modesty of the inscription on Jefferson's grave stone, the accomplishments left out of such a thumbnail sketch, and an anecdote about Jefferson's behavior on the day of the dedication of The University of Virginia.
"The Last Days of Jefferson, " Jeffersonian Print, [1873]. Thomas Jefferson Randolph's critique of James Parton and Edmund Bacon's account of the "Last Days of Jefferson. " Repudiates Edmund Bacon's account as the "fiction of an old man." Provides a point by point refutation of many of Bacon's claims, and finishes with an extended defense of his father's, Col. Thomas Mann Randolph's, character from the "unmitigated falsehoods" of Edmund Bacon. Original transferred to Broadsides 1873 .R36. copy 2.
Unidentified. "Th. Jefferson. An Interesting Autograph Letter from the Father of Democracy." Reprints a July 14, 1801 letter of Thomas Jefferson's concerning a payment of six hundred dollars to Craven Peyton.
Unidentified. "Thomas Jefferson's Bible. " Concerning a resolution introduced in Congress to commission the publication of Thomas Jefferson's "Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth " and provides a description of its composition.
Concerning the price of rent, the prospects of a brokered purchase of a woman who "is worth $300 [to] 400 cash." He also apologizes for a mistake and lists the prices of crops.
Concerning debts that are coming due, and lists the prices of various crops.
Concerning payment to the literary fund, and his having requested Mr. Christian to make a statement of the interest due to the University. Also lists the price of crops.
Concerning debts and the price of crops.
Concerning debts.
Concerning interest on a loan from William and Mary College, and Mr. Christian's upcoming meeting with the Visitors of the College.
Relates that the Port Master, Dr. [Foushee], has "kicked the bucket," and that Peyton is an applicant to fill the now vacant position. Asks for Randolph to curry favor in and around Tufton, and claims that the President will do likewise.
Tells him to allay his fears about interest due to William and Mary; will try to deposit #1400 at the Virginia Bank, and, only if that fails, in the Farmer's Bank "where nothing is certain." Lists debts he has paid on Randolph's behalf, and crop prices.
A promissory note for $27.50 to the estate of John C. Ragland.
Expressing a desire to purchase property near Charlottesville in the Pantops area.
Declaring his intention to pay the court the proceeds from selling the Warren Estate, and asks him to attend to a motion by Scruggs about a debt due to him. Also asks about a debt owed to Mr. Nicholas, and other financial matters.
Lists of Randolph's debts and assets.
Containing excerpts from "curious and authentic Memoir. . . in the handwriting of Mr. Jefferson," about his life and activities, and mentioning his career in politics, time as Visitor and Rector of the University, and his specific legislative services.
Concerning surveying land including [Creacy's] Land, and other properties.
Concerning advancing [Dr. T. A. Michie] money for his tobacco crop with calculations on verso.
A promissory note from Nicholas P. Trist to Thomas Jefferson Randolph for one hundred sixty seven dollars.
Mentions her intentions to send a Profile, [The Medallion Portrait, 1805 of Thomas Jefferson by Gilbert Stuart] to Mr. Littell of Philadelphia, and that she has not received the "Preface " Randolph had sent her. She proposes that he send the "Preface " to the [ Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, from the Papers of Thomas Jefferson ]. Mr. Gray of the North American Review and who would like to take subscribers "for all this side of Pennsylvania" suggests a delay before attempting to acquire subscribers until the publication of [George] Washington's works. He would like the Profile returned briefly, if possible, to have a copy made for himself. In subsequent continuations, Coolidge relates further negotiations to find a person to take subscriptions for Randolph's "Preface. "
Concerning a misunderstanding concerning the employment of Mr. Gray to acquire subscribers. Assures Randolph that Mr. Gray will not interfere with any subscribers that Randolph has already acquired, and requests a list of places where Randolph has already taken subscriptions so that there will be no competition or overlap between them.
Mentions relations and friends Hollins, John, and Jane M, Wilson, Lewis. She relates that "cousin Jane" is very ill, and inquires about the state of affairs near Jane Randolph's home.
Original in Newspaper- Washington D.C.
Claims that "his father's threat has had the desired effect upon Wilson," and expresses concern that there are barely enough children at her school to pay the teachers. Relates that Wilson is home from Yale, and Margaret Nicholas' daily visits to her ailing mother. Expects the arrival of Mrs. Thomas, and says she will decline paying her traveling expenses, but will be happy to have her visit.
Concerning a land transaction, and says that Ellen's "father will go for the 50,000, but if he only got 25, that he could afford to divide his part of Shadwell between Frank & John." Relates family business, and discusses a large yield of apples from the "New Orchard."
Receipt for the purchase of corn for the Confederate States of America, and a list of stocks bought and sold..
Informing his parents that he is well and unhurt as are all of their officers during the Civil War.
Concerning her studies and things she needs.
Printed pamphlet that contains excerpts from the Charlottesville Chronicle of October 22nd, 1875. A retrospective of Randolph's life, including anecdotes about his childhood memories, his role in Virginia politics, his views on slavery, and his part in the Civil War. Provides a detailed account of Randolph's illnesses in later life, and his death. Contains an extended description of his deathbed scene, a visit from his pastor, Mr. Hanckel, and his final days. Also contains an excerpt of a letter from "An Old Student," reminiscing about his interactions with Randolph while he was at the University of Virginia.
Describing his interest in acquiring a letter of Mrs. [Martha] Jefferson and [Martha (Patsy) Jefferson] "who was the 'Lady of the White House' during the administration of Mr. Jefferson," his confinement for the past thirteen years, and his "hobby of collecting letters." A detailed description of his letter collections, his adulation of Mr. Jefferson's elegance and style, and "10 or 15 very elegant letters of Mr. Jefferson" on religion.
Thanks her for a copy of The Nation , in which she published "The Kentucky Resolutions in a New Light, " and concerning the superabundance of the "fame" of Mr. Jefferson and the Breckenridges. Mentions a recent plaster sculpture by [Edward V.] Valentine of John C. Breckenridge to be cast in bronze for Lexington. He recommends, in agreement with Randolph Harrison, that Valentine should "carry out the [General Robert E.] Lee monument." Provides an anecdote about an old confederate stonemason who would donate a days wages and would collect donations if Valentine were comissioned for the monument, "but if a foreigner gets it they would give nothing." He is currently reading and reccomends the Continuity of Christian Thought by [Alexander] Allen.
Worried about the fate of a letter written to Eliza following the death of her aunt, Nanny [Randolph] which had not been received. A long description of Nanny's vomiting, talk with her husband Wilson [Cary Nicholas Randolph], discussion with Doctor Dabney, and her death.
Concerning a genealogy of the Jefferson family including a description of two Thomas Jeffersons, and asking questions about the will of Peter Jefferson's father.
Describing her loneliness and lack of correspondents in the family.
Includes a clipping dated 1897 March 21 of a sermon delivered at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Bryan, Texas.
In response to Reverend J. R. Taylor's inquiry about purchasing some land near Vinegar Hill in Charlottesville. The newspaper clipping contains an article on the history of Vinegar Hill.
With an additional note that Jefferson's gold medal award for inventing "Mouldboard or plowshare" is in the possession of her brothers.
Concerning Sarah's illness and plans to take her back to the doctor. Tells her of "a total reform of D. C. [who] has joined the teetotal temperance society [and who] is [now] at home every day to dinner." Asks for her prayers that this is a lasting reform, but their "ma not knowing the necessity for it, looks upon his having joined the society a great nonsense." Desires strict instruction for his child in school, and provides his thoughts on strict education, and sends his best wishes to family members.
Tells her to tend to her body, and reminds her of a relative, Sarah, whose death resulted from neglecting hers. Provides a detailed account of Sarah's last days, and tells news of family and personal acquaintances.
Concerning grieving for "dear Bennett," and mentions visitors there or expected in Washington. In a postscript, she asks if the Taylor boys are out of the Army, because "she feel[s] like crying over the sufferings of our private soldiers."
Concerning hiring a new cook, her boarder Edward Stribling, and family illnesses.
A note on Thomas Jefferson's sister Elizabeth who died 1773 January 1. Cary continues, "I have always understood that she was very feeble minded if not an idiot. & that she and her maid were drowned together while attempting to cross the Rivanna in a skiff."
Discusses her preparations in a new home, and worries that she will not have the house ready when her family arrives in two months. Relates her intentions to travel to Philadelphia, and a visit from the Carrs.
Concerning sending him a copy of a book she edited, "The Domestic Life of Jefferson, " and the appropriation of five thousand dollars for the restoration of the tomb of Thomas Jefferson. She would like the restoration to be carried out in accordance with Jefferson's desires, although she would like the obelisk to be slightly taller than the proportions he set down.
Concerning his intimacy with Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson's disposition, views on decorum and decency, morality, conversation, and religion. Contains a long description of the scene at Jefferson's death, and Thomas Jefferson's desire for an understated funeral. Additionally, provides a rough sketch of a typical day for Thomas Jefferson, his aversion to hard spirits. Provides an anecdote about the only exception to Jefferson's gentle disposition, for "the only impatience of temper he ever exhibited was with his horse." Also mentions his early financial success and his subsequent debt.
Concerning the affairs and health of her children, her illness and the possibility of a necessary visit to Dr. Buckley.
One drawing from the side, one from the front; Two technical drawings of the interior of the building, and one photograph of Lego from the side.
A printed copy of Susan Coolidge's poem, "Little Kindnesses, " a manuscript copy of "Here and There, " a recipe for Strawberry Charlotte, and a typed fragment of a Jefferson biography.
Newspaper clippings concerning the deaths of various Jefferson descendents. Two concern the death of Ellen Wayles Harrison, one concerning the death of Maria Jefferson Carr Mason, one concerning the death of Major Thomas Jefferson Randolph, and one concerning the death of Carolina R. Randolph.