His firmness was inflexible
in whatever he thought was right: but when no moral principle stood
in the way, never had man more of the milk of human kindness, of
indulgence, of softness, of pleasantry in conversation and conduct. The
number of his friends, and the warmth of their affection, were proofs of
his worth, and of their estimate of it. To give to those now living,
an idea of the affliction produced by his death in the minds of all who
knew him, I liken it to that lately felt by themselves on the death of
his eldest son, Peter Carr, so like him in all his endowments and moral
qualities, and whose recollection can never recur without a deep-drawn
sigh from the bosom of any one who knew him. You mention that I showed
you an inscription I had proposed for the tomb-stone of your father. Did
I leave it in your hands to be copied? I ask the question, not that I
have any such recollection, but that I find it no longer in the place of
its deposite, and think I never took it out but on that occasion. Ever
and affectionately yours.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXXX.--TO JOHN ADAMS, April 8, 1816
TO JOHN ADAMS.
Monticello, April 8, 1816.
Dear Sir,
I have to acknowledge your two favors of February the 16th and March the
2nd, and to join sincerely in the sentiment of Mrs. Adams, and regret
that distance separates us so widely. An hour of conversation would be
worth a volume of letters.
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