Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-07-25
From the Baltimore american.

n
ing considerable currency, in relation to the
state of MIR Jrfferson's affairs, and his true OBJ.
jeet in making lottery ofhis property Afriend
residing in this place, lately wrote a letter on
the subject 10 Mr.. Thomas J. Randolph, grand
son Of Mr.. Jefferson. In answer, he has recev.
ed the copy of one addressed TO Mr. Randolph,
by his grandfather, pending tie discussion Of
the Lottery Bill before the Legislature Of Vir-
GINA; and with it, permission to make OF it
such use as he might deem proper for correct.
ing any erroneous impressions on the suhjecv,
that he may find prevalent. As a promp, and
easy rode of clearing away all the false views
of the matter which may be entertained, he has
committed The letter TO the columns Of our pa.
per.
MONTICELLO, February 8, 1926.
Ny Dear Jefferson,
duly received your afectionate letter ofthe
third, and perceive there are greater doubts
than had apprchendcd whether the Legisla-
ture will indulge me in my request 10 them.
II is part Of my modification 10 perceive tina, |
had so far overv aluei myself as to have count
ed on it with too much confidence. | sec, in the
failure of this hope, deadly blast Of all my
peace of mind, during my remaining days Yoa
kindly encourage me to keep up my spirits
but Oppressed with disease, debility, age and
embarrassed affairs, this is difficult For my
SELF should not regard a prostralion Of for
tune. But am overwhelmed at the prospect
of the situation in which may leave my fami-
"; nv dear and beloved daughter, the cherish.
ed companion ofmy early life, and nurse Of my
age, and her children, rendered as dear to me a,
if my own, from having lived with them from
their cradle, left in comfortless situation, hold
up to me nothing but future gloom & should
not care were life to end with the line am
writing, were il not that may yet be Of some
avail to the family. Their affeclionate devc.
ton 10 me makes willingness to endure life
duty, so long as it can be Of any use TO them
Yourself particularly, dear Jefferson, consid-
err as the greatest OF the Godsend; which Heav-
en- has granted to me?-Nithout you, VIVA,
could do under the difficulties now environing
me? These have been produced in some de-
gree by my own unskilful management, and de
voting my time to the service OF my country;
but much also by the unfortunate fluctuations
in the value of our money, and the long con-
tinueG depression Of farming business. But for
the last, / am confident my debts might be paid
leaving me MonticelIoand the Bedford estate.
But where there are no bidders, property, how
ever great, is no resource for the payment Of
dehts--all may go for little or nothing.
Perhaps, however, even in this case, may
have no right to complain, as these misforlunes
have been held back for my last days when few
remain to me- ] duly acknowledge that have
gone through long life, with fewer circum-
stances Of affection than are the lot of most
men Uninterrupted health, a competence for
every reasonable want, usefulness to my fellow
citizens, good portion Of their esteem, no COM
plant against the world which has sufficiently
honored me, and above all, family which has
blessed me by their affection, and never by their
conduct given me moments pain. And should
this my last request be granted, may yet close
with cloudless sun long and serene day Of
life. Be assured, my dear Jefferson, that have
just sense OF the part you have contributed to
this, and that bear 10 you unmeasured affec-
ton. TIL: JEFFERSON.