The line of discrimination between cases
may be difficult; but the good officer is bound to draw it at his
own peril, and throw himself on the justice of his country, and the
rectitude of his motives.
I have indulged freer views on this question, on your assurances that
they are for your own eye only, and that they will not get into the
hands of news-writers. I met their scurrilities without concern, while
in pursuit of the great interests with which I was charged. But in my
present retirement, no duty forbids my wish for quiet.
Accept the assurances of my esteem and respect.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER XCIII.--TO MR. LAW, January 15, 1811
TO MR. LAW.
Monticello, January 15, 1811.
Dear Sir,
An absence from home of some length has prevented my sooner
acknowledging the receipt of your letter, covering the printed pamphlet,
which the same absence has as yet prevented me from taking up, but which
I know I shall read with great pleasure. Your favor of December the 22nd
is also received.
Mr. Wagner's malignity, like that of the rest of his tribe of brother
printers, who deal out calumnies for federal readers, gives me no pain.
When a printer cooks up a falsehood, it is as easy to put it into the
mouth of a Mr. Fox, as of a smaller man, and safer into that of a dead
than a living one. Your sincere attachment to this country, as well as
to your native one, was never doubted by me; and in that persuasion, I
felt myself free to express to you my genuine sentiments with respect to
England.
Pages:
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258