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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

6 Feb. 1795: T. JEFFERSON TO JOHN ADAMS. - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799) [1853]

Edition used:

The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, Notes and Illustrations, by his Grandson Charles Francis Adams (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856). 10 volumes. Vol. 8.

Part of: The Works of John Adams, 10 vols.

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T. JEFFERSON TO JOHN ADAMS.

Monticello, 6 February, 1795.

Dear Sir,—

The time which has intervened between the receipt of your favor, covering D’Ivernois’ letter, and this answer, needs apology; but this will be found in the state of the case. I had received from him a letter similar to that you inclosed. As the adoption of his plan depended on our legislature, and it was then in session, I immediately inclosed it to a member, with a request that he would sound well the opinions of the leading members, and if he found them disposed to enter into D’Ivernois’ views, to make the proposition, but otherwise not to hazard it. It is only three days since I have received from him information of his proceedings. He found it could not prevail. The unprepared state of our youths to receive instruction through a foreign language, the expense of the institution, and its disproportion to the moderate state of our population, were insuperable objections. I delayed myself the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter till I might be able to give you at the same time the result of the proposition it forwarded. I have explained this to M. D’Ivernois in the inclosed letter,1 which my distance from any seaport, and the convenience of your position, will, I hope, excuse my committing to your care. I have found so much tranquillity of mind in a total abstraction from every thing political, that it was with some difficulty I could resolve to meddle even in the splendid project of transplanting the academy of Geneva, en masse, to Virginia; and I did it under the usual reserve of sans tirer en conséquence. In truth, I have so much occupation otherwise, that I have not time for taking a part in any thing of a public kind, and I therefore leave such with pleasure to those who are to live longer and enjoy their benefits. Tranquillity becomes daily more and more the object of my life, and of this I certainly find more in my present pursuits than in those of any other part of my life. I recall, however, with pleasure, the memory of some of the acquaintances I have made in my progress through it, and retain strong wishes for their happiness. I pray you to accept with kindness those which I sincerely entertain for you, and to be assured of the high respect and esteem, with which

I am, &c.

Thomas Jefferson.

[1 ]See Mr. Randolph’s edition of Jefferson’s Writings, vol. iii. p. 309.