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laws of nations, by depriving them of the benefits derived from the trade of America, was doubtless a concurring (and perhaps the strongest) motive for passing the law."

This enactment, at the time of its passage, was received by many with clamour and discontent, and the distress which the people endured from its operation was unmitigated and severe. But the wisdom of the measure was shortly manifested, and before a year had expired, overtures were made by the British government which indicated a disposition to recede from or meliorate their tyrannical edicts. These overtures were succeeded by negotiations, which finally terminated in a repeal of the most objectionable features of the orders in council.

The period had now arrived, when Mr. Jefferson was to enjoy that retirement and philosophick ease which he had so long coveted, and to which he was so ardently attached. Publick employment, and office, had never been his choice, and nothing but duty to his country had ever drawn him from the retreats of Monticello. Believing that no person should hold the office of chief magistrate longer than eight years, he had previously announced his intention that, when his service had completed the stipulated term, he should retire to private life. He had now reached the age of sixty-five years, forty of which had been employed in the arduous duties of publick life. No one had scrved the country with more industry, zeal, and benefit, and no one had sacrificed more personal comfort for that purpose; and he now retired from the "scene of his glory," before age had dimmed his eye, or impaired his usefulness. He relinquished his high and honourable

station, carrying with him the best wishes of all, and knowing at the same time that his name was associated with the most interesting events in the history of his country, and there was awarded to him unsullied fame and distinguished reputation. His parting language to Congress was as follows:

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Availing myself of this, the last occasion which will occur of addressing the two houses of the legislature at their meeting, I cannot omit the expression of my sincere gratitude, for the repeated proofs of confidence manifested to me by themselves and their predecessors, since my call to the administration, and the many indulgences experienced at their hands. The same grateful acknowledgments are due to my fellow citizens generally, whose support has been my great encouragement under all embarrassments. In the transaction of their business, I cannot have escaped erfour. It is incident to our imperfect nature. But I may say with truth, my errours have been of the understanding, not of intention; and that the advancement of their rights and interests has been the constant motive of every measure. On these considerations, I solicit their indulgence. Looking forward with anxiety to their future destinies, I trust, that in their steady character, unshaken by difficulties, in their love of liberty, obedience to law, and support of publick authorities, I see a sure guarantee of the permanence of our republick; and retiring from the charge of their affairs, I carry with me the consolation of a firm persuasion, that Heaven has in store for our beloved country, long ages to come of prosperity and happiness."

CHAPTER V.

FROM this period, with the exception of excursions which business required, Mr. Jefferson passed the rest of his life altogether at Monticello; which was a continued scene of the blandest and most liberal hospitality. Into this retirement of his domestick life we cannot penetrate, unless through the medium of his correspondence. Of this, fortunately, we are left in possession, and there is a charm and interest thrown about his letters written at this time, which amply compensate for their perusal. There is in them, said a competent judge, after their perusal, so much remembrance of the labours and excitements of earlier days; so much living over past times in the pleasant and somewhat pensive garrulity of age; so much clinging after old affections not yet chilled, and gathering again around him what had been casually dropped in the bustling journey of life; such ardent desires to retain the attachments which yet remained, to renew those that had been weakened by accident and time, and to weave more strongly in his heart the affections which were rapidly becoming more few; that we have turned to them again and again, and have entered fully into the feeling with which he contended, even to the last, to take up his pen in affectionate communion with his

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friends, though suffering severely from the infirmities of age. "While writing to you," he says to Mr. Adams, I lose the sense of these things in the recollection of ancient times, when youth and health made happiness out of every thing. I forget for a while the hoary winter of age, when we can think of nothing but how to keep ourselves warm, and how to get rid of our heavy hours, until the friendly hand of death shall rid us of all at once."

And of this correspondence, the most interesting portion is that which Mr. Jefferson, towards the close of his life, held with Mr. Adams. They had, says another writer, been coadjutors in former days of trial and danger. They had laboured side by side in the same field. At length the separation of parties estranged them from each other. Each retired from the helm of state to his farm, his family, and his books. Their early companions had almost all disappeared; and they left alone among a new generation. The jealousies inseparable from their late rivalry, neither of them wished any longer to feel or acknowledge, and whatever remained gradually gave place to the recollections of their ancient friendship. The infirmity of advanced age, which shows itself in the forgetfulness of recent events, while those of former days are still fresh in the mind, came in aid of their good feelings. They more readily forgot the recent estrangement, and more easily returned to their former attachment. There was only wanting something to give occasion to the renewal of their correspondence. It thus occurred. Two of Mr. Jefferson's neighbours having, by the invitation of Mr. Adams, passed the day with him

at Braintree, he remarked upon the injustice done by the licentiousness of the press to Mr. Jefferson, adding, "I always loved Jefferson, and still love him." Mr. Jefferson, in relating this anecdote, subjoins, "This is enough for me. I only needed this acknowledgment to revive towards him all the affections of the most cordial moments of our lives." The ensuing remarks do honour to his candour and liberality.

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Changing a single word only in Dr. Franklin's character of him, I knew him to be always an honest man, often a great one, but sometimes incorrect and precipitate in his judgements; and it is known to those who have ever heard me speak of Mr. Adams, that I have ever done him justice myself, and defended him when assailed by others, with the single exception as to his political opinions. But with a man possessing so many other estimable qualities, why should we be dissocialized by mere differences of opinion in politicks, in religion, in philosophy, or in any thing else. His opinions are as honestly formed as my own. Our different views of the same subject are the result of a difference in our organization and experience. never withdrew from the society of any man on this account, although many have done it from me; much less should I do it from one with whom I had gone through with hand and heart so many trying scenes. I wish, therefore, but for an appropriate occasion to express to Mr. Adams my unchanged affections for him."

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Their former friendship thus revived, they continued to communicate to each other their opinions on government, morals, and religion. They amused their leisure by reviewing the speculations of Pythagoras

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