d consentaneous to the intention
of the testator, as furnishing them a circumstance to distinguish the
case from the original one, and withdraw it from its authority; whereas,
the contrary conclusion tends to lead them further from the meaning of
testators, and to fix them in error.

But I perceive that my wishes to see the weight of no objection where
you are interested, are leading me to write an argument, where I had
promised I would say only a word. I will, therefore, talk the subject
over with you at Monticello, or Pen-park. I have asked of Congress a
leave of five or six months' absence next year, that I may carry my
daughters home, and assist in the arrangement of my affairs. I shall
pass two of the months at Monticello, that is to say, either June and
July, or July and August, according to the time I may sail, which I hope
will be in April: and then go on to New York and Boston, from whence I
shall embark again for Europe, so as to get here before the winter sets
in. I look forward with great fondness to the moment, when I can again
see my own country and my own neighbors, and endeavor to anticipate as
little as possible the pain of another separation from them. I hope
I shall find you all under the peaceable establishment of the new
constitution, which, as far as I can judge from public papers, seems to
have become necessary for the happiness of our country. I thank you for
your kind inquiries about my wrist. I followed advice with it, till I
saw, visibly, that the joint had never been replaced, and that it was
absurd to expect that cataplasms and waters would reduce dislocated
bones. From that moment I have done nothing. I have for ever lost the
use of my hand, except that I can write: and a withered hand and swelled
and crooked fingers, still remaining twenty-seven months after the
accident, make me fear I do not yet know the worst of it. But this, too,
we will talk over at Monticello, and endeavor that it be the only pain
to which our attention may be recalled. Adieu, my dear friend. Kiss and
bless every body for me, Mrs. Gilmer especially. Assure her and
yourself of the sincere and constant attachment of, Dear Doctor, your
affectionate friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXVI.--TO THOMAS PAINE, December 23,1788

TO THOMAS PAINE.

Paris, December 23,1788.

Dear Sir,

It is true that I received very long ago your favors of September the
9th and 15th, and that I have been in daily in