In truth, the condition of different descriptions of
inhabitants in any country is a matter of municipal arrangement, of
which no foreign country has a right to take notice. All its inhabitants
are men as to them. Thus, in the New England States, none have the
powers of citizens but those whom they call freemen; and none are
freemen Until admitted by a vote of the freemen of the town. Yet, in the
General Government, these non-freemen are counted in their quantum of
representation and of taxation. So, slaves with us have no powers as
citizens; yet, in representation in the General Government, they count
in the proportion of three to five; and so also in taxation. Whether
this is equal, is not here the question. It is a capitulation of
discordant sentiments and circumstances, and is obligatory on that
ground. But this view shows there is no inconsistency in claiming
representation for them from the other States, and refusing it within
our own.
Accept the renewal of assurances of my respect.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXXXVIII.--TO JOHN ADAMS, October 14, 1816
TO JOHN ADAMS,
Monticello, October 14, 1816.
Your letter, dear Sir, of May the 6th, had already well explained the
uses of grief. That of September the 3rd, with equal truth, adduces
instances of its abuse; and when we put into the same scale these
abuses, with the afflictions of soul which even the uses of grief cost
us, we may consider its value in the economy of the human being, as
equivocal at least.
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