Still, I believe it does exist here in a
greater degree than any where else; and for its growth and continuance,
as well as for your personal health and happiness, I offer sincere
prayers, with the homage of my respect and esteem.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXXXV.--TO SAMUEL KERCHIVAL, July 12, 1816
TO SAMUEL KERCHIVAL.
Monticello, July 12, 1816.
Sir,
I duly received your favor of June the 13th, with the copy of the
letters on the calling a convention, on which you are pleased to ask
my opinion. I have not been in the habit of mysterious reserve on any
subject, nor of buttoning up my opinions within my own doublet. On
the contrary, while in public service especially, I thought the public
entitled to frankness, and intimately to know whom they employed. But
I am now retired: I resign myself, as a passenger, with confidence to
those at present at the helm, and ask but for rest, peace, and good
will. The question you propose, on equal representation, has become a
party one, in which I wish to take no public share. Yet, if it be asked
for your own satisfaction only, and not to be quoted before the public,
I have no motive to withhold it, and the less from you, as it coincides
with your own. At the birth of our republic, I committed that opinion
to the world, in the draught of a constitution annexed to the Notes
on Virginia, in which a provision was inserted for a representation
permanently equal.
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