Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-04-14

In the superb work now soon to be issued
by the Appletons, under the title of "The
American Court, or American Society in the
days of Washington, by Rufus w. Griswold, we
find an interesting letter from Mr. Jefferson to
his eldest daughter, addressed to her when she
was at school in Philadelphia. This daughter
was afterwards married to the Hon. Thomas
Mann Randolph, Of Tuckahoe, who became
Governor of Virginia. DR.. Griswold says of
her:
Martha Jefferson was born on the 9th of
September, 1872, and was therefore now little
more than seventeen years of age John Ran
dolph said she was 'the sweetest young crea-
ture in Virginia Mrs. Adams, to whose care
she had been intrusted some time in Paris re.
fers to her with most affectionate expressions
and Mrs: Smith, the daughter of Mrs. Adams,
says, 'delicacy and sensibility are read in her
every feature, and her manners are in unison
with all that is amiable and lovely While
MISS Jefferson, in l783 was at school in Phil
adelphia, boarding with Mrs. Trist, grand
mother of Mr.. Nicholas p. Trist, who is now
the husband of the grand daughter of Mr. JEFF
ferson,) her father addressed to her the follow
ing letter, which has hitherto never been pub
lshed, and is very interesting as an illustration
of his domestic character, and his views of the
education Of women:
ANNAPOLIS, Nov. IS, 1853
My DEAR PATSY: After four days journey,
arrived here without any accident and in as good
health as when left Philadelphia. The convic
ton that you would be more improved in the sitn
alton where l have placed you than if still with
me, has solaced me on parting with you, which
my love for you has rendered difficult thing
The requirements which ! hope you will make
under the tutors have provided for you. will rem
der you more worthy OF my love; and if they can .
40 hey xxrtll Il pprfn
Consider the good lady who has taken you under
her roof, who has undertaken 10 that you per
form all your exercises, and 10 admonish you in
all those wanderings from what is right, what
Is clever, 10 which your mex perence would ex-
pose you-consider her, say. your mother,
the only person 10 whom, since the loss with
which Heaven has been pleased 10 sffiict you, you
can now look up and that her displeasure dis
appreciation on any occasion, will be an immense
misfortune, which, should you be so unhappy as
10 incur by any ungarded act, think no concession
too much 10 regain her good will With respect
10 the distribution OF your time, The following j.
what should approve: From eight 10 ten prac-
tice music; from one 10 two draw on the day you
dance and write letter next day; from three TO
four read French; from four 10 five exercise your
self in music from five 10 bedtime read English,
write, &c Communicate this plan 10 Mrs. Hop
kinson; and if she approves of il, pursue it. Al
long as Mrs. Trist remains in Philadelphia. Guilt
her affections. She has been a valuable
friend TO you, and her good sense aud good heart
make her valued by all who know her. and by no
body on earth more than me. | expect you will
write 10 me by every post Inform me what books
you read, what tune you learn, and enclose me
your best copy OF every lesson in drawing. Write
also one letter every week, either TO your Aunt
Eppes, your Aunt Skipwith, your Aunt Carr, or
the little lady from whom | now enclose letter
and always put the letter you write under cover
10 me. Take that you never spell a word
wrong Always, before you write word, con
slider how il is spelt, and, il you do remember
turn 10 dictionary. II produces great praise 10
lady 10 spell well. have placed great happ
ness seeing you good and accomplished; and
no distress which this world can now bring on me
would equal that Of your disappointing my hopes.
II you love me, then strive TO be good under every
situation, and 10 all living creatures. and 10
quire those accomplishments which have put in
your power, and which will go far towards ensur
ing you the warnest love Of yonr afIectonste
father. Til. JEFFERSON
"P. s. Keep my letters and read them at times,
that you will always have present in your mind
those things that will cndear you 10 me-"
In admirable portrait Of Miss Jefferson strongly
resembles her llustrious father, and justifes the
traditional fame of her graceful beauty.