Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-02-06
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE JEFFERSON PAPERS.

II is known to most Of our readers that Con-
gress has appropriated twenty thousand dollars
10 the purchase Of the Jefferson papers, being
composed, in part, of official, political, scien-
,;sc and miscellaneous letters, amounting 10
about forty-two thousand, many OF which we're
written and received from the most distinguish
Cd men OF his time and country. Of the num-
her written by himself, namely, about sixteen
thousand. eight hundred have been published,
hut they are not more interesting than those
which remain. There are besides three thick
ouarto volumes OF MSS containing Mr.. Jelfer-
sons opinions as Secretary Of State under Gen.
ara, Washington, including interesting memo
randa. There are besides other manuscripts,
historical. more or less, of Mr.. Jeterson's puo-
lie duties, oil records oi events which ne obser-
we'd; or with which he was contenporaneous
These include notes Of Cabinet Counclls-inci-
dents growing cut of the French question-res-
dictionary papers -scientific obserTations-and
much miscellaneous matter. Many OF these
naners are marked "yaluable" BY the illustr-
Gus Statesman himself.
The facts here stated, for which we are n-
debted 10 the able report OF the Hon. 4. broo'
head. at the second session of the last Congress,
sufficiently explain the character OF these pa.
ners. now deposited in the State Department at
Washington for safe keeping, until they are
ordered to be published by act Of Congress
Apart from the mass of new and valuable IN
formation which they contain, IS the manner
in which they are prepared. They are now
nearly, If not quite ready for publication As the
report of Mr.. Brodhead SAYS: las the conse-
ouence OF the extraordinary labor and system
with which .ir. Jefferson appears, during the
whole course of his long aud active lie, 10
have made and preserved written record oil
every important matterto which ms though1s
or his duties we're directed, the manuscripts
are not ouly an example in variety and volume,
as compared with other manuscripts, but cor
rsspond, in all respects, as the Committee have
reason to believe, with the services, the stations,
and the renowu of their author
Mi Jrfietson, in the course oil this volcmlhons
correspondence aud diaiy, has not only drawn
graphic sketches Of the men WIN whom ne was
coempoia ueous, bu! has fairly and eloqueniiy
defined Inc origin of parties in this country. Oi
Cen. Washington ne never speaks save with We
neralion and respect. His portrait OF Hamilton,
and The men VINO were associated in the caoinet
nj Washington, is faithful and candid AL the
nersonaees OF his time came under MS clear anu
nouerful observation The doings OF Congress
are graphically no.iced. he movements OF
,ne neople are commented npol. The feelings
and prejudcrS, rDeres's and rxcitements ei me
foreign wcrij, Including The great actors on 'he
stage Of i..ysisn pnii's, ,.ie al. carefully ho1iceo
and freely div .en',essly criticised. Introductory
10 the most valuable part OF his writings, IS
history OF he origin OF paities IN this country
which is a, n,s prophetic IN is speculalions up
on The future aud which is wholly inesimahle
in lis disclosures OF the past. This history Is
marked by all tn peculiar charac'eF'slcs oil Inc
great rsformef, and is legacy TO his country
which can never NJ sufficiently Pfacncea upon
or appreciated. ;. L,
isr.on family this insight into The character
ines. imporlao, papers-f Pennsyluantan.