To neither of these executorships, therefore, could
Mr. Smith refer. Again, my property is all patrimonial except about
seven or eight hundred pounds' worth of lands, purchased by myself and
paid for, not to widows and orphans, but to the very gentleman from whom
I purchased. If Mr. Smith therefore, thinks the precepts of the Gospel
intended for those who preach them as well as for others, he will
doubtless some day feel the duties of repentance, and of acknowledgment
in such forms as to correct the wrong he has done. Perhaps he will have
to wait till the passions of the moment have passed away. All this is
left to his own conscience.
These, Sir, are facts, well known to every person in this quarter, which
I have committed to paper for your own satisfaction, and that of those
to whom you may choose to mention them. I only pray that my letter may
not go out of your own hands, lest it should get into the newspapers,
a bear-garden scene into which I have made it a point to enter on no
provocation.
I am, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CCLXII.--TO DOCTOR RUSH, September 23, 1800
TO DOCTOR RUSH.
Monticello, September 23, 1800.
Dear Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of August the 22nd, and
to congratulate you on the healthiness of your city.
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