The only prospect I see of lessening that influence,
is in her own conduct, and not from any thing in our power. Radically
hostile to our navigation and commerce, and fearing its rivalry, she
will completely crush it, and force us to resort to agriculture,
not aware that we shall resort to manufactures also, and render her
conquests over our navigation and commerce useless, at least, if not
injurious to herself in the end, and perhaps salutary to us, as removing
out of our way the chief causes and provocations to war.
But these are views which concern the present and future generation,
among neither of which I count myself. You may live to see the change in
our pursuits, and chiefly in those of your own State, which England will
effect. I am not certain that the change on Massachusetts, by driving
her to agriculture, manufactures, and emigration, will lessen her
happiness. But once more to be done with politics. How does Mrs.
Dearborn do? How do you both like your situation? Do you amuse yourself
with a garden, a farm, or what? That your pursuits, whatever they
be, may make you both easy, healthy, and happy, is the prayer of your
sincere friend,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER XCII.--TO J. B. COLVIN, September 20, 1810
TO J. B. COLVIN.
Monticello, September 20, 1810.
Sir,
Your favor of the 14th has been duly received, and I have to thank you
for the many obliging things respecting myself which are said in it.
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