1. HA!: Jefferson’s Daughter
It is easy to forget that the historical figures we discuss were real people. They were not just characters in a story. They had real lives and real problems. Here are two letters Thomas Jefferson wrote to his 11 year old daughter. Do you think you’re the only person to have problems with your parents? Not quite!
My Dear Patsy
After four days' journey, I arrived here without any accident, and in as good health as when I left Philadelphia. The belief 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 had rendered a difficult thing. The achievements which I hope you will make under the tutors I have provided for you will render you more worthy of my love.
..I expect you will write me by every post. Inform me what books you read, what tunes 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 Skipworth, your Aunt Carr, or the little lady from whom I now enclose a letter. 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, turn to a dictionary. It produces great praise to a lady to spell well...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 ensuring you the warmest love of your affectionate father.
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.
One month later, Jefferson wrote a follow-up letter to his daughter...
I hoped before this to have received letters from you regularly and weekly by the post. I am afraid you do not comply with my desire. Your not writing to me every week is one instance, and your having never sent me any of your copies of Mr. Simitiere's drawing lessons is another. I shall be very much mortified and disappointed if you become inattentive to my wishes and particularly to the directions of that letter which I meant for your principal guide.
I omitted in that letter to advise you on the subject of dress, which I know you are a little apt to neglect. I do not wish you to be childishly clothed at this time of life, but that your wear should be fine of its kind. But above all things and at all times let your clothes be neat, whole, and properly put on. Do not fancy you must wear them till the dirt is visible to the eye Nothing is so disgusting to men as a want of cleanliness and delicacy in women. I hope, therefore, the moment you rise from bed, your first work will be to dress yourself in such style, as that you may be seen by any gentleman without his being able to discover a pin amiss, or any other circumstance of neatness wanting...
Interact
MTT
EdSITEment
Interacts
Visual Response –
Visualize what the author is saying and draw an illustration in the margin.
Ask yourself:
-What does this look like?
-How can I draw this concept/idea?
-What symbol best represents this idea?
Connect –
Make connections within the reading to your own life and to the world.
Ask yourself:
-How does this relate to me?
-How does this relate to other parts of the text?
-How does this relate to the world?
Question -
Question both the ideas in and your own understanding of a text.
Ask yourself:
-What is the author saying here?
-What is the purpose of this section/word?
-What do I agree/disagree with?
MTT Icons:
! interesting
+ important
? I don’t get it
= Reminds me of
: ) Like
: ( Don’t like

2. DISCUSS THIS AS A BOOK CLUB. HAVE ONE PERSON RECORD THE GROUP’S ANSWERS.
What would you cite as text evidence that Jefferson loved and cared about his daughter? Explain.
What was Jefferson so upset about in his second letter?
Based on these letters would you want Thomas Jefferson to be your father? Explain.
Imagine you were Jefferson’s daughter. Write a letter back to “your dad” responding to his criticisms.