I now doubt it much,
and see the event at no great distance, and the direct consequence of
this question: not by the line which has been so confidently counted on;
the laws of nature control this; but by the Potomac, Ohio, and Missouri,
or more probably, the Mississippi upwards to our northern boundary. My
only comfort and confidence is, that I shall not live to see this; and I
envy not the present generation the glory of throwing away the fruits of
their fathers' sacrifices of life and fortune, and of rendering desperate
the experiment which was to decide ultimately whether man is capable of
self-government. This treason against human hope will signalize their
epoch in future history, as the counterpart of the medal of their
predecessors.
You kindly inquire after my health. There is nothing in it immediately
threatening, but swelled legs, which are kept down mechanically, by
bandages from the toe to the knee. These I have worn for six months. But
the tendency to turgidity may proceed from debility alone. I can walk
the round of my garden; not more. But I ride six or eight miles a day
without fatigue. I shall set out for Poplar Forest within three or four
days; a journey from which my physician augurs much good.
I salute you with constant and affectionate friendship and respect.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CLII.--TO JOHN HOLMES, April 22, 1820
TO JOHN HOLMES.
Monticello, April 22, 1820.
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