ually so to me. I
sincerely pray that these dispositions may not be affected between you;
with me I confidently trust they will not. For independently of the
dictates of public duty, which prescribes neutrality to me, my sincere
friendship for you both will insure its sacred observance. I suffer no
one to converse with me on the subject. I already perceive my old friend
Clinton estranging himself from me. No doubt lies are carried to him,
as they will be to the other two candidates, under forms, which, however
false he can scarcely question. Yet I have been equally careful as to
him also, never to say a word on his subject. The object of the contest
is a fair and honorable one, equally open to you all; and I have no
doubt the personal conduct of all will be so chaste, as to offer no
ground of dissatisfaction with each other. But your friends will not be
as delicate. I know too well from experience the progress of political
controversy, and the exacerbation of spirit into which it degenerates,
not to fear for the continuance of your mutual esteem. One piquing
thing said, draws on another, that a third, and always with increasing
acrimony, until all restraint is thrown off, and it becomes difficult
for yourselves to keep clear of the toils in which your friends will
endeavor to interlace you, and to avoid the participation in their
passions which they will endeavor to produce. A candid recollection of
what you know of each other will be the true corrective. With respect
to myself, I hope they will spare me. My longings for retirement are
so strong, that I with difficulty encounter the daily drudgeries of my
duty. But my wish for retirement itself is not stronger than that of
carrying into it the affections of all my friends. I have ever viewed
Mr. Madison and yourself as two principal pillars of my happiness.
Were either to be withdrawn, I should consider it as among the greatest
calamities which could assail my future peace of mind. I have great
confidence that the candor and high understanding of both will guard
me against this misfortune, the bare possibility of which has so far
weighed on my mind, that I could not be easy without unburthening it.

Accept my respectful salutations for yourself and Mrs. Monroe, and be
assured of my constant and sincere friendship.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LXV.--TO COLONEL MONROE, March 10, 1808

TO COLONEL MONROE.

Washington, March 10, 1808.

Dear Sir,

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