Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, From the Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 4Jefferson, Thomas
History
Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, From the Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 4
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
So much as to my country. Now a word as to myself. I am retired to
Monticello, where, in the bosom of my family, and surrounded by my
books, I enjoy a repose to which I have been long a stranger. My
mornings are devoted to correspondence. From breakfast to dinner, I am
in my shops, my garden, or on horseback among my farms; from dinner to
dark, I give to society and recreation with my neighbors and friends;
and from candle-light to early bed-time, I read. My health is perfect;
and my strength considerably reinforced by the activity of the course
I pursue; perhaps it is as great as usually falls to the lot of near
sixty-seven years of age. I talk of ploughs and harrows, seeding and
harvesting, with my neighbors, and of politics too, if they choose,
with as little reserve as the rest of my fellow-citizens, and feel, at
length, the blessing of being free to say and do what I please, without
being responsible for it to any mortal. A part of my occupation, and
by no means the least pleasing, is the direction of the studies of such
young men as ask it. They place themselves in the neighboring village,
and have the use of my library and counsel, and make a part of my
society. In advising the course of their reading, I endeavor to keep
their attention fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom
and happiness of man. So that coming to bear a share in the councils
and government of their country, they will keep ever in view the sole
objects of all legitimate government.
*****
Instead of the unalloyed happiness of retiring unembarrassed and
independent, to the enjoyment of my estate, which is ample for my
limited views, I have to pass such a length of time in a thraldom of
mind never before known to me. Except, for this, my happiness would have
been perfect. That yours may never know disturbance, and that you may
enjoy as many years of life, health, and ease as yourself shall wish, is
the sincere prayer of your constant and affectionate friend.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER LXXXIX.--TO DOCTOR JONES, March 5, 1810
TO DOCTOR JONES.
Monticello, March 5, 1810.
Dear Sir,
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