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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH 1 - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 12 (Correspondence and Papers 1816-1826) [1905]

Edition used:

The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 12.

Part of: The Works of Thomas Jefferson, 12 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH1

Monticello, Jan. 8, ’26

Dear Sir,

—I have for sometime entertained the hope that your affairs being once wound up, your mind would cease to look back on them, and resume the calm so necessary to your own happiness, and that of your family and friends; and especially that you would return again to their society. I hope there remains no reason now to delay this longer, and that you will rejoin our table and fireside as heretofore. It is now that the value of education will prove itself to you, in the resource to books of which it has qualified you to avail yourself, and which, aided by the conversation and endearments of your family, and every comfort which this place can be made to afford you, will I hope, ensure to you future ease and happiness. Be assured that to no one will your society be more welcome than to myself, and that my affectionate friendship to you and respect, remain constant & sincere.1

[1 ]From the original in the possession of Archibald Oary Coolidge.

[1 ]The following is a note in lead pencil appended to the foregoing letter, in the handwriting of Mr. Randolph, but without signature:

I never slept a night from Monticello while my wife was there. But I left it early & returned after dark. After my misfortune I wished to avoid the supercilious looks of Mr. Jefferson’s various guests. I still had the house in which I had so long kept my books & papers. Thither I went at an early hour every day & constantly returned when I could cross the river or the rains were not too heavy to brave. Again Jefferson wrote to his son-in-law:

Let me beseech you, dear sir, to return and become again a member of the family. I have ever wished you to consider yourself at home here, and to command, bring your friends, and act in all respects as you would in your own house. We are all distressed at your withdrawing from us. Your family doubtless have felt their participation in your misfortunes. This is natural. But in these there is nothing extraordinary. But your separation is a grief of a more distressing kind. From this you can relieve us all, and better promote your own happiness by returning to the bosom of those who love and respect you, rather than to continue in solitude, brooding over your misfortunes, & encouraging their ravages on your mind, and on the happiness of your life. Neither your family, nor yourself can be without any comforts while I have anything, and all I ask is that you will be assured of this, as well as of my affectionate friendship & respect. Randolph penciled on this letter: I never passed a night from Monticello unless from heavy rain in the evening or the river being too high to cross. Tho. M. R.