I thank you for making known to me Mr. Ticknor and Mr. Gray. They are
fine young men, indeed, and if Massachusetts can raise a few more such,
it is probable she would be better counselled as to social rights and
social duties. Mr. Ticknor is, particularly, the best bibliograph I
have met with, and very kindly and opportunely offered me the means of
reprocuring some part of the literary treasures which I have ceded
to Congress, to replace the devastations of British Vandalism at
Washington. I cannot live without books. But fewer will suffice, where
amusement, and not use, is the only future object. I am about sending
him a catalogue, to which less than his critical knowledge of books
would hardly be adequate.
Present my high respects to Mrs. Adams, and accept yourself the
assurances of my affectionate attachment.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXXVII.--TO MR. LEIPER, June 12, 1815
TO MR. LEIPER.
Monticello, June 12, 1815.
Dear Sir,
A journey soon after the receipt of your favor of April the 17th and
an absence from home of some continuance, have prevented my earlier
acknowledgment of it. In that came safely my letter of January the 2nd,
1814. In our principles of government we differ not at all; nor in the
general object and tenor of political measures. We concur in considering
the government of England as totally without morality, insolent beyond
bearing, inflated with vanity and ambition, aiming at the exclusive
dominion of the sea, lost in corruption, of deep-rooted hatred towards
us, hostile to liberty wherever it endeavors to show its head, and
the eternal disturber of the peace of the world.
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