LETTER OF ADVICE TO HIS DAUGHTER MARTHA
Thomas Jefferson
In September of 1782, Thomas Jefferson’s wife, Martha, died shortly after the birth of their sixth child. At this time, Jefferson was a member of the Continental Congress which required him to be away from home for periods of time. During his absences, he made arrangements for others to care for his three living daughters. While he was attending the Continental Congress meeting in Annapolis, Maryland, in November of 1783, he wrote this letter to his eleven-year-old daughter, Martha, whom he called Patsy.
ANNAPOLIS, Nov. 28th, 1783
My Dear Patsy
After four days' journey, I arrived here without any accident, and in as good health as when I left Philadelphia. The conviction that you would be more improved in the situation I have placed you than if still with me, has solaced me on my parting with you, which my love for you has rendered a difficult thing. The acquirements which I hope you will make under the tutors I have provided for you will render you more worthy of my love; and if they can not increase it, they will prevent its diminution. Consider the good lady who has taken you under her roof, who has undertaken to see that you perform all your exercises, and to admonish you in all those wanderings from what is right or what is clever, to which your inexperience would expose you: consider her, I say, as your mother, as the only person to whom, since the loss with which Heaven has pleased to afflict you, you can now look up; and that her displeasure or disapprobation, on any occasion, will be an immense misfortune, which, should you be so unhappy as to incur by any unguarded act, think no concession too much to regain her good will. With respect to the distribution of your time, the following is what I should approve:
From 8 to 10, practice music.
From 10 to 1, dance one day and draw another.
From 1 to 2, draw on the day you dance, and write a letter next day.
From 3 to 4, read French.
From 4 to 5, exercise yourself in music.
From 5 till bedtime, read English, write, etc.
Communicate this plan to Mrs. Hopkinson, and if she approves of it, pursue it. As long as Mrs. Trist remains in Philadelphia, cultivate her affection. She has been a valuable friend to you, and her good sense and good heart make her valued by all who know her, and by nobody on earth more than me. I expect you will write me by every post. Inform me what books you read, what times you learn, and enclose me your best copy of every lesson in drawing. Write also one letter a week either to your Aunt Eppes, your Aunt Skipwith, your Aunt Carr, or the little lady from whom I now enclose a letter, and always put the letter you so write under cover to me. Take care that you never spell a word wrong. Always before you write a word consider how it is spelt, and, if you do not remember it, consult a dictionary. It produces great praise to a lady to spell well. I have placed my happiness on seeing you good and accomplished; and no distress which this world can now bring on me would equal that of your disappointing my hopes. If you love me, then strive to be good under every situation and to all living creatures, and to acquire those accomplishments which I have put in your power, and which will go far towards insuring you the warmest love of your affectionate father,
TH. JEFFERSON
P.S. Keep my letters and read them at times, that you may always have present in your mind those things which will endear you to me.
Dear Martha,
I cannot imagine the pain you feel from the loss of your mother. However, know that she is watching over you from above, and I am your father, always here for you. I miss you already, but I know that you will be in good hands with the lady who has taken you under her roof. Treat her as you would your mother; she will be your guide, your rock, your protector, and your source of wisdom.
You may ask yourself why I have sent you away from me, but I believe that the tutors I have provided will be of great assistance to you, and with their help, you will become an even better version of yourself than you already are.
I have detailed a timetable for your daily activities to ensure that you stay balanced and productive. Please share it with your caregiver, Mrs. Hopkinson, and follow it to the best of your ability. Regarding your writing, send me your best copy of every lesson in drawing and write me once a week, updating me on your progress, what you are learning, and which books you are reading. Also, write to your Aunt Eppes, Aunt Skipwith, Aunt Carr, or the little lady whom I have sent this letter to. By doing so, you will improve your writing skills and maintain good communication with loved ones.
I am very proud of you, and I have placed all my happiness on seeing you develop into a good and accomplished person. Always remember that spelling correctly is crucial, and when in doubt, consult a dictionary. Your good sense and good heart will impress those around you, and they will love you for it.
Finally, keep this letter and others I send you. They will remind you of how much I love you and the hopes I have for you. No matter how bad things get, remember that I am always with you, rooting for you to be good under any situation and to all living creatures.
With all my love,
TH. JEFFERSON
umm no I need the answer
The letter from Thomas Jefferson is a letter of advice to his daughter, Martha, after the death of her mother. In the letter, he advises her to consider the lady who has taken her under her roof as her mother and to treat her accordingly. Thomas provides a timetable for Martha's daily activities that she needs to follow strictly. He also encourages her to improve her writing skills by writing to her relatives and providing him with updates on her progress. Finally, he advises her to keep his letters and read them from time to time to remember his love and the hopes he has for her.
I need the answer for this Based on the letter, which statement BEST reflects Jefferson’s attitude toward his daughter?
Responses
A He can love her only if she follows his instructions.He can love her only if she follows his instructions.
B He sees her as a failure and wants to give her guidance.He sees her as a failure and wants to give her guidance.
C He loves her and feels responsible for her accomplishments.He loves her and feels responsible for her accomplishments.
D He feels guilty and depressed about the death of her mother.
gosh thats all you had to do
I apologize if my previous responses may have confused you. I'll try my best to answer your questions correctly in the future. Please let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.
Which statement best summarizes paragraph four of this selection?
Responses
A Glazed, filled, and cake doughnuts are made with yeast in America.Glazed, filled, and cake doughnuts are made with yeast in America.
B Glazed, filled, and cake are the three categories of doughnuts.Glazed, filled, and cake are the three categories of doughnuts.
C The three categories of doughnuts are glazed, filled, and cake; they are named by their characteristics and ingredients.The three categories of doughnuts are glazed, filled, and cake; they are named by their characteristics and ingredients.
D The three categories of doughnuts are determined by their shape and taste.The three categories of doughnuts are determined by their shape and taste.
C. The three categories of doughnuts are glazed, filled, and cake; they are named by their characteristics and ingredients.
Why was fruit a good crop for the Sacramento Valley counties of Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano?
Responses
A Because the owners of large ranches had to subdivide and sell their landBecause the owners of large ranches had to subdivide and sell their land
B Because the people living in those counties did not want to raise cattleBecause the people living in those counties did not want to raise cattle
C Because the water table was high enough not to need irrigationBecause the water table was high enough not to need irrigation
D Because droughts kept killing the cattle and other livestock