Page 67 - JM Book 9/2020

Sunday, June 30, 1776
s Jefferson entered City Tavern, he saw John Adams sitting with his cousin Sam Adams. The tavern keeper had seated them at Jefferson’s usual table in the far right corner near the stone fireplace. Jefferson also noticed that fellow delegates Francis Lewis from New York and William Hooper from North Carolina were eating together across the room. He nodded to Hooper when he looked in his
direction.
“Good evening gentlemen,” Jefferson said as he took his seat. “I apologize
for my delay. I have been writing a letter to my wife Martha. I wanted to finish it so I can put it in tomorrow morning’s post. I have still not heard anything about her health, and I am very concerned. We lost our second child last year,” he continued with sadness in his voice. “Jane Randolph only lived one year, and Martha is still suffering from her loss. She is also pregnant with our third child. Her health has been weak since Jane was born. I postponed my trip to Philadelphia as long as I could to be with her.”
“We know about your wife’s illness,” remarked John. “I pray you will receive word from her soon and that her health has improved. I know how difficult it is being away from your family. I miss my Abigail and our children very much. I write to Abigail as often as I can.”
“I am pleased to see you Sam,” Jefferson said.
“I took the liberty of inviting Sam to join us,” John stated. “He has a good sense of how the vote will go tomorrow when we continue our work on the Virginia Resolution.”
“Sam is a good friend and a devoted patriot, ” replied Jefferson. ”I am sorry my preoccupation with writing the declaration has kept us from visiting more often. I am always happy for an opportunity to talk with my rabble-rousing
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