Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-09-29

have held in public life; aud have also to be
thankful to my felow-citizens for like indulgence
generally shewn to my endeavoufs TO be useful 10
them. They give quite much credit as is me-
rited TO the difficulties supposed to attend the pub
lie administration. There no mysteries in it !;
difficulties indeed sometimes arise, but common
and honest intentions will generally steer
through them; and, where they cannot be surmount-
cd, have ever seen the well-intentioned part of
our fellow-citiZens sufficiently disposed not to lock
for impossibilities. We all know that farm,
however large, is not more difficult to conduct
than garden, and does not call for more attention
or skill. hope, with you. that the policy of our
country will settle down with as much navigation
and commerce only our own exchanges will re-
quie, and that the disadvantage will be seen OF our
undertaking to carry on that of other nations
This indeed may bring gain 10 a few individuals,
and enable them to call of from our farms more
laoonrers to be converted into ackies and grooms
tor them, but it will bring nothing 10 our country
but wars, debt and tlapitation. This has been the
course of England, and her examples have fearful
influence on us In copying her, we do not seem
TO consider that like premises induce like conse-
quences. The bank mania is of the mos,
threatening of these limitations; it il raising up
moned aristccracy in our country, which has area
dy set the government at defiance, and although
forced AT lei III TO yield little on the essay o!
their strength, their principles uny tlded
and upyielding. These have taken deep root in
the hearts OF that class from which Legislators
are drawn, and the sop to Cerberus from fable
has become history. Their principles lay hold oil
the good, their pelf the bad, and thus those HON
the constitution had placed guards to il.
portals, are sophisticated or Suborned from heu
duties. That paper money has advantages i,
admitted, but its abuses also inevi able and by
breaking M the measure OF value, makes E lottery
81 al private property, cannot lie denied. Shall
we ever be able TO pu; n>titu,ional veto il:
You say | must go TO writing history. While !
was in public life had not time, ard now that
am retired am past the, time. To write history,
requires whole life of observation, of inquiry, oi
'a5our aud correction. It's materials are not 10 be
found among the ruins of decayed memory A,
this day | should begin where ought to have left
oil The soire Sepescentem eg,,nm,' is pre-
c'pt we learnt in youth, hut for the practice OF
ape; and were 20 disregard it would be but a
proof the more of it's soundness IF any thing ha.
ever meTited TO me the respect Of my fellow citi-
zens, themselves hope, " i'll not wish me 10 lose it
ny exposing TIE decay of faculties of which it wa,
the rPwarl.
must then, dear sir, leave you to yourself ant
yoIr brethren of the rising generation 10 arraisr
al your tribunal Tire actions of your predecessors
and 10 pronounce the sentence they may have me
ri'ed or incurred. If the sacrifices Of that az,
have resulted in the good of this then all is wei
and we shall he arded by their appreciation ,nd
tnil be authorized o say, 20 we and DO likewise
10 yourself render personally, the assurance Of
great esteem and respect.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
J. B STUART, L q.