“Yours affectionately, “Th. Jefferson”

“Yours affectionately,

“Th. Jefferson”

Th. Jefferson

Mrs. Jefferson’s concern for her husband, the loss of her children, and the weary round of domestic duties at last told upon her strong constitution.

After the birth of her sixth child, Lucy Elizabeth, she sank rapidly, until at last it was plain to every one, except the distracted husband, that she could never recover.

Finally the blow fell. His daughter Martha wrote of it as follows:

“As a nurse no female ever had more tenderness or anxiety. He nursed my poor mother in turn with Aunt Carr, and her own sister—sitting up with her and administering her medicines and drink to the last.

“When at last he left his room, three weeks after my mother’s death, he rode out, and [Pg 58]from that time, he was incessantly on horseback, rambling about the mountain.”

[Pg 58]

Shortly afterward he received the appointment of Plenipotentiary to Europe, to be associated with Franklin and Adams in negotiating peace. He had twice refused the same appointment, as he had promised his wife that he would never again enter public life, as long as she lived.

[Pg 59]

[Pg 59]

Columbia

She comes along old Ocean’s trackless way— A warrior scenting conflict from afar And fearing not defeat nor battle-scar Nor all the might of wind and dashing spray; Her foaming path to triumph none may stay For in the East, there shines her morning star; She feels her strength in every shining spar As one who grasps his sword and waits for day. Columbia, Defender! dost thou hear? The clarion challenge sweeps the sea And straight toward the lightship doth she steer, Her steadfast pulses sounding jubilee; Arise, Defender! for thy way is clear And all thy country’s heart goes out to thee.

S

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