I wish, therefore,
to offend no man's opinions, nor to draw disquieting animadversions
on my own. While duty required it, I met opposition with a firm and
fearless step. But, loving mankind in my individual relations with
them, I pray to be permitted to depart in their peace; and like the
superannuated soldier, '_quadragenis stipendiis emeritis_'to hang my
arms on the post. I have unwisely, I fear, embarked in an enterprise of
great public concern, but not to be accomplished within my term, without
their liberal and prompt support. A severe illness the last year and
another from which I am just emerged, admonish me that repetitions may
be expected, against which a declining frame cannot long bear up. I am
anxious therefore to get our University so far advanced as may encourage
the public to persevere to its final accomplishment. That secured, I
shall sing my _Nunc demittas_. I hope your labors will be long continued
in the spirit in which they have always been exercised, in maintenance
of those principles on which I verily believe the future happiness of
our country essentially depends. I salute you with affectionate and
great respect.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CL.--TO JOHN ADAMS, December 10, 1819
TO JOHN ADAMS.
Monticello, December 10, 1819.
Dear Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of November the 23rd.
The banks, bankrupt-law, manufacturers, Spanish treaty, are nothing.
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