ontroversies I have nothing to do. I never took any
part in them, or in those of any other person. Add to this, that the
statement I have given him on the subject of Mr. Adams, is entirely
honorable to him in every sentiment and fact it contains. There is not
a word in it which I would wish to recall. It is one which Mr. Adams
himself might willingly quote, did he need to quote any thing. It was
simply, that during the continuance of the embargo, Mr. Adams informed
me of a combination (without naming any one concerned in it), which had
for its object a severance of the Union, for a time at least. That Mr.
Adams and myself not being then in the habit of mutual consultation and
confidence, I considered it as the stronger proof of the purity of his
patriotism, which was able to lift him above all party passions when
the safety of his country was endangered. Nor have I kept this honorable
fact to myself. During the late canvass, particularly, I had more
than one occasion to quote it to persons who were expressing opinions
respecting him, of which this was a direct corrective. I have never
entertained for Mr. Adams any but sentiments of esteem and respect; and
if we have not thought alike on political subjects, I yet never doubted
the honesty of his opinions, of which the letter in question, if
published, will be an additional proof. Still, I recognise your
friendship in suggesting a review of it, and am glad of this, as of
every other occasion, of repeating to you the assurance of my constant
attachment and respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXCI.--TO JAMES MADISON, February 17,1826

TO JAMES MADISON.

Monticello, February 17,1826.

Dear Sir,

Immediately on seeing the overwhelming vote of the House of
Representatives against giving us another dollar, I rode to the
University and desired Mr. Brockenbrough to engage in nothing new, to
stop every thing on hand which could be done without, and to employ all
his force and funds in finishing the circular room for the books, and
the Anatomical theatre. These cannot be done without; and for these
and all our debts, we have funds enough. But I think it prudent then to
clear the decks thoroughly, to see how we shall stand, and what we
may accomplish further. In the mean time, there have arrived for us in
different ports of the United States, ten boxes of books, from Paris,
seven from London, and from Germany I know not how many; in all,
perhaps, about twenty-five boxes