It
leaves a chasm in my arrangements, which cannot be adequately filled up.
I had endeavored to compose an administration, whose talents, integrity,
names, and dispositions, should at once inspire unbounded confidence
in the public mind, and insure a perfect harmony in the conduct of the
public business. I lose you from the list, and am not sure of all the
others. Should the gentlemen who possess the public confidence decline
taking a part in their affairs, and force us to take persons unknown to
the people, the evil genius of this country may realize his avowal
that 'he will beat down the administration.' The return of Mr.
Van Benthuysen, one of your electors, furnishes me a confidential
opportunity of writing this much to you, which I should not have
ventured through the post-office at this prying season. We shall of
course see you before the fourth of March. Accept my respectful and
affectionate salutations.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CCLXV.--TO JUDGE BRECKENRIDGE, December 18,1800
TO JUDGE BRECKENRIDGE.
Washington, December 18,1800.
Dear Sir,
I received, while at home, the letter you were so kind as to write me.
The employments of the country have such irresistible attractions for
me, that while I am at home I am not very punctual in acknowledging
the letters of my friends.
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