' But whatever is to be our
destiny, wisdom, as well as duty, dictates that we should acquiesce in
the will of Him whose it is to give and take away, and be contented in
the enjoyment of those who are still permitted to be with us. Of those
connected by blood, the number does not depend on us. But friends we
have, if we have merited them. Those of our earliest years stand nearest
in our affections. But in this too, you and I have been unlucky. Of our
college friends (and they are the dearest) how few have stood with us in
the great political questions which have agitated our country: and these
were of a nature to justify agitation. I did not believe the Lilliputian
fetters of that day strong enough to have bound so many. Will not Mrs.
Page, yourself, and family, think it prudent to seek a healthier region
for the months of August and September? And may we not flatter ourselves
that you will cast your eye on Monticello? We have not many summers
to live. While fortune places us then within striking distance, let us
avail ourselves of it, to meet and talk over the tales of other times.
Present me respectfully to Mrs. Page, and accept yourself my friendly
salutations, and assurances of constant affection.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER, XIV.--TO P. MAZZEI, July 18, 1804
TO P. MAZZEI.
Washington, July 18, 1804.
My Dear Sir,
It is very long, I know, since I wrote you. So constant is the pressure
of business that there is never a moment, scarcely, that something
of public importance is not waiting for me.
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