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Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to Charles Willson Peale [painter] re: thanks for educating grandson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00074 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Monticello Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 August 1809 Pagination: 1 p. 25 x 20 cm Order a Copy

Thomas Jefferson Randolph was Jefferson's favorite grandson and eventual executor of his estate. Jefferson writes to thank the artist Peale for educating his grandson Thomas Jefferson Randolph in the natural sciences. Randolph attended lectures at the University of Pennsylvania and studied natural history at Peale's museum. Malone comments that TJR's course of study came nearer to a pre-medical curriculum than anything else. Malone, Jefferson the President: Second Term, pp. 612-613.

Notes: Not in Bergh. Peale, the painter and natural scientist of Philadelphia, educated Jefferson's grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph. Young Randolph attended lectures at the University of Pennsylvania and studied natural history in Peale's musuem. See Dumas Malone, Jefferson the President: Second Term, 612-13.

Monticello Aug. 22 .09
Dear Sir
I have been for some time endeavoring to procure bills of some bank in Philadelphia to enable me to remit you the balance of 49 D. 5 1/2 C due you on account of my grandson. Finding there is little hope of this, I have this day inclosed to my friend mr. Barnes of Georgetown, bills of that place, & prayed him to exchange them for a draught of the Washington bank on that of the US at Philadelphia in your favor, which you will probably recieve in a day or two after the reciept of this. I have now to thank you for all your kindnesses & those of your family to my grandson; and at the same time to convey to you the expressions of his gratitude & affectionate remembrance. He speaks of yourself, mrs. Peale & the family always as of his own parents & family. He waits till the frosts set in to go into our lower country to commence his course of Mathematics & Natural philosophy. I cannot describe to you the hope & comfort I derive from his good dispositions & understanding. Ever
affectionately yours
Th: Jefferson
Mr. Peale

Peale, Charles Wilson, 1741-1827
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Randolph, Thomas Jefferson, 1792-1875

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