If this mode of proceeding shall meet
the approbation of the heads of departments, it may go into execution
without giving them the trouble of an answer: if any other can be
suggested which would answer our views and add less to their labors,
that will be a sufficient reason for my preferring it to my own
proposition, to the substance of which only, and not the form, I attach
any importance.
Accept for yourself particularly, my Dear Sir, assurances of my constant
and sincere affection and respect.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CCXCIII.--TO JOHN DICKINSON, December 19, 1801
TO JOHN DICKINSON.
Washington, December 19, 1801.
Dear Sir,
The approbation of my ancient friends is above all things the most
grateful to my heart. They know for what objects we relinquished the
delights of domestic society, tranquillity, and science, and committed
ourselves to the ocean of revolution, to wear out the only life God
has given us here, in scenes, the benefits of which will accrue only
to those who follow us. Surely we had in view to obtain the theory and
practice of good government; and how any, who seemed so ardent in this
pursuit, could as shamelessly have apostatized, and supposed we meant
only to put our government into other hands, but not other forms, is
indeed wonderful.
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