Extract from Martha Jefferson Randolph to Thomas Jefferson

My Dearest Father Monticello Aug. 7. 1819

I found very readily the two bundles of papers which I enclose. to Capt Peyton who has been with us lately says that he has your cement, and books, but that the river is so low that not a boat can float—the smith’s shop took fire a few days since and but for the circumstance of his being here with Mr Randolph & F Gilmer it would certainly have burnt down. there was no man upon the mountain but Joe and old John, [. . .] and whilst Joe was disengaging the bellows the 3 gentlemen passed on their way to visit the president when they percieved the fire Capt Peyton tore the planks off of the roof by main force the rafters were so much burnt that they fell in immediately both Mr Randolph and himself were smartly burnt particularly Mr R— whose clot cloath caught nothing was lost but the roof which they are repairing with all speed. [. . .]adieu My Dearest Father believe me with feelings which I have not language yours most devotedly

M Randolph

we got the letters from New London. Post mark 29. July, the 3d day of August, the day on which we sent to the post office. Poor old Robert Hemmings is dead.—since writing the above a report has reached us that Col. Nicholas has been protested for a large sum. Jefferson believes it and Mr Randolph says talks of sending an express to you.

Recipient’s Copy (Massachusetts Historical Society); extracts, consisting of dateline, first paragraph, salute, and postscript; dateline beneath signature; endorsed by TJ as received 9 Aug. 1819 and so recorded in SJL.

Source Information

Author Martha Jefferson Randolph
Date 7 Aug. 1819
Place of Origin Monticello