A constitution has been acquired, which, though neither of us thinks
perfect, yet both consider as competent to render our fellow-citizens
the happiest and the securest on whom the sun has ever shone. If we do
not think exactly alike as to its imperfections, it matters little to
our country, which, after devoting to it long lives of disinterested
labor we have delivered over to our successors in life, who will be able
to take care of it and of themselves.
Of the pamphlet on aristocracy which has been sent to you, or who may be
its author, I have heard nothing but through your letter. If the person
you suspect, it may be known from the quaint, mystical, and hyperbolical
ideas, involved in affected, newfangled, and pedantic terms, which stamp
his writings. Whatever it be, I hope your quiet is not to be affected at
this day by the rudeness or intemperance of scribblers; but that you may
continue in tranquillity to live and to rejoice in the prosperity of
our country, until it shall be your own wish to take your seat among the
_aristoi_ who have gone before you.
Ever and affectionately yours.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXVI.--TO THOMAS LIEPER, January 1, 1814
TO THOMAS LIEPER.
Monticello, January 1, 1814.
Dear Sir,
I had hoped, when I retired from the business of the world, that I
should have been permitted to pass the evening of life in tranquillity,
undisturbed by the peltings and passions of which the public papers
are the vehicles.
Pages:
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393