Description
During his later years, former President Thomas Jefferson had several people write to him. One such person was Sarah Grotjan, who like many others had named her son after the President. She asked if Jefferson could give any words of wisdom and guidance. On January 10, 1824, Thomas Jefferson wrote back to her:
“Your affectionate mother requests that I would address to you, as a namesake, something which might have a favorable influence on the course of life you have to run. Few words are necessary, with good dispositions on your part. Adore God; reverence and cherish your parents; love your neighbor as yourself, and your country more than life. Be just; be true; murmur not at the ways of Providence—and the life into which you have entered will be one of eternal and ineffable bliss. And if to the dead it is permitted to care for the things of this world, every action of your life will be under my regard. Farewell.”
