Angelica Schuyler Church Writes to Thomas Jefferson from London, 1788
George III, King of England (New York Public Library Digital Collection)
Angelica Schuyler Church was known as a witty and entertaining correspondent and conversationalist. She counted among her friends the eloquent Thomas Jefferson. In this letter, written on November 19, 1788, she refers to King George and Jefferson’s friend Maria Cosway as well as her own anticipated returned to America.
A Letter from Angelica Church to Thomas Jefferson, November 19, 1788
Down Place Nov. 19. 1788
Idleness my dear Sir we have long been told “is the root of all evil” and I am an instance that it is the cause of inattention to those one most values. It seems an age since I have had a little conversation with you. Catherine is returned to me very much improved, for that and many other kindnesses my thanks are due. I sail for America early in the spring. If I should meet you there it wou’d give me pleasure indeed my dear Sir, it would very much encrease my happiness. The adoption of the new constitution excepted I can tell you nothing that may please you. A decided taste for Luxuries, and no inclination to acquit their debts, are not traits in their conduct likely to please those who are solicitous for the Honor and welfare of Americans. Kings are not usually very wise; ours is afflicted by the greatest scourge of heaven. He is quite mad, and often fancys himself General Washington. Parliment meets to day, undecided what is to be done in this exigency; Your friend Mrs. Cosway is confined to her study, and not to be tempted to visit the country which is still agreeable. I beg you will remember me to Miss Jefferson and Polly, Mr. Church and Catherine unite in compliments, and I hope that you will sometimes think of me with affection, because I wish it. Is that a good reason? Whether you take or refuse my advice, be persuaded that I am with affectionate wishes your friend AC
Source: Angelica Schuyler Church to Thomas Jefferson, November 19, 1788, Founders Online, National Archive. Original source: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 14, 8 October 1788 – 26 March 1789, ed. Julian P. Boyd. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1958, pp. 210–211.
Letter from Angelica Church to Thomas Jefferson, November 19, 1788
Down Place Nov. 19. 1788
Idleness my dear Sir we have long been told “is the root of all evil” and I am an instance that it is the cause of inattention to those one most values. It seems an age since I have had a little conversation with you . . . I sail for America early in the spring. If I should meet you there it wou’d give me pleasure indeed my dear Sir, it would very much encrease my happiness. The adoption of the new constitution excepted I can tell you nothing that may please you . . .
Kings are not usually very wise; ours is afflicted by the greatest scourge of heaven. He is quite mad, and often fancys himself General Washington . . . Your friend Mrs. Cosway is confined to her study, and not to be tempted to visit the country which is still agreeable. I beg you will remember me to Miss Jefferson and Polly, Mr. Church and Catherine unite in compliments, and I hope that you will sometimes think of me with affection, because I wish it. Is that a good reason? Whether you take or refuse my advice, be persuaded that I am with affectionate wishes your friend
AC
Source: Angelica Schuyler Church to Thomas Jefferson, November 19, 1788, Founders Online, National Archive. Original source: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 14, 8 October 1788 – 26 March 1789, ed. Julian P. Boyd. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1958, pp. 210–211.
idleness - laziness
Background
Angelica Schuyler Church was known as a witty and entertaining correspondent and conversationalist. She counted among her friends the eloquent Thomas Jefferson. In this letter, written on November 19, 1788, she refers to King George and Jefferson’s friend Maria Cosway as well as her own anticipated returned to America.
Transcript
A Letter from Angelica Church to Thomas Jefferson, November 19, 1788
Down Place Nov. 19. 1788
Idleness my dear Sir we have long been told “is the root of all evil” and I am an instance that it is the cause of inattention to those one most values. It seems an age since I have had a little conversation with you. Catherine is returned to me very much improved, for that and many other kindnesses my thanks are due. I sail for America early in the spring. If I should meet you there it wou’d give me pleasure indeed my dear Sir, it would very much encrease my happiness. The adoption of the new constitution excepted I can tell you nothing that may please you. A decided taste for Luxuries, and no inclination to acquit their debts, are not traits in their conduct likely to please those who are solicitous for the Honor and welfare of Americans. Kings are not usually very wise; ours is afflicted by the greatest scourge of heaven. He is quite mad, and often fancys himself General Washington. Parliment meets to day, undecided what is to be done in this exigency; Your friend Mrs. Cosway is confined to her study, and not to be tempted to visit the country which is still agreeable. I beg you will remember me to Miss Jefferson and Polly, Mr. Church and Catherine unite in compliments, and I hope that you will sometimes think of me with affection, because I wish it. Is that a good reason? Whether you take or refuse my advice, be persuaded that I am with affectionate wishes your friend AC
Source: Angelica Schuyler Church to Thomas Jefferson, November 19, 1788, Founders Online, National Archive. Original source: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 14, 8 October 1788 – 26 March 1789, ed. Julian P. Boyd. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1958, pp. 210–211.
Excerpt
Letter from Angelica Church to Thomas Jefferson, November 19, 1788
Down Place Nov. 19. 1788
Idleness my dear Sir we have long been told “is the root of all evil” and I am an instance that it is the cause of inattention to those one most values. It seems an age since I have had a little conversation with you . . . I sail for America early in the spring. If I should meet you there it wou’d give me pleasure indeed my dear Sir, it would very much encrease my happiness. The adoption of the new constitution excepted I can tell you nothing that may please you . . .
Kings are not usually very wise; ours is afflicted by the greatest scourge of heaven. He is quite mad, and often fancys himself General Washington . . . Your friend Mrs. Cosway is confined to her study, and not to be tempted to visit the country which is still agreeable. I beg you will remember me to Miss Jefferson and Polly, Mr. Church and Catherine unite in compliments, and I hope that you will sometimes think of me with affection, because I wish it. Is that a good reason? Whether you take or refuse my advice, be persuaded that I am with affectionate wishes your friend
AC
Source: Angelica Schuyler Church to Thomas Jefferson, November 19, 1788, Founders Online, National Archive. Original source: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 14, 8 October 1788 – 26 March 1789, ed. Julian P. Boyd. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1958, pp. 210–211.
idleness - laziness
