Letter, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson to Eleanor Conway Madison, August 8, 1780

Women in the American Revolution

This letter was part of a campaign by women throughout the colonies to raise money and make clothing for the soldiers of the Continental Army during their suffering in winterquarters. Thomas Jefferson’s wife Martha was placed in charge of the effort in Virginia at the suggestion of Martha Washington. This letter is one of few surviving in Martha Jefferson’s hand; after her death two years later Thomas Jefferson destroyed her correspondence.

Martha Jefferson

1780-08-08

eng

Richmond August 8th 1780

Madam

Mrs. Washington has done me the honor of communicating the inclosed proposition of our sisters of Pennsylvania and of informing me that the same grateful sentiments are displaying themselves in Maryland. Justified by the sanction of her letter in handing forward the scheme I undertake with chearfulness the duty of furnishing to my country women an opportunity of proving that they also participate of those virtuous feelings which gave birth to it. I cannot do more for its promotion than by inclosing to you some of the papers to be disposed of as you think proper.

I am with the greatest respect Madam Your most humble servant,

Martha Jefferson

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