protraction of the session, and I apprehend, in case of war,
their session would have a tendency to become permanent. It is much,
therefore, to be desired that war may be avoided, if circumstances will
admit. Nor in the present maniac state of Europe, should I estimate
the point of honor by the ordinary scale. I believe we shall, on the
contrary, have credit with the world, for having made the avoidance
of being engaged in the present unexampled war, our first object. War,
however, may become a less losing business than unresisted depredation.
With every wish that events may be propitious to your administration, I
salute you with sincere affection and every sympathy of the heart.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LXXX.--TO THE INHABITANTS OF ALBEMARLE COUNTY, April 3, 1809

TO THE INHABITANTS OF ALBEMARLE COUNTY, IN VIRGINIA,

Returning to the scenes of my birth and early life, to the society
of those with whom I was raised, and who have been ever dear to me, I
receive, fellow-citizens and neighbors, with inexpressible pleasure,
the cordial welcome you are so good as to give me. Long absent on duties
which the history of a wonderful era made incumbent on those called to
them, the pomp, the turmoil, the bustle, and splendor of office, have
drawn but deeper sighs for the tranquil and irresponsible occupations of
private life, for the enjoyment of an affectionate intercourse with
you, my neighbors and friends, and the endearments of family love, which
nature has given us all, as the sweetener of every hour. For these I
gladly lay down the distressing burthen of power, and seek, with my
fellow-citizens, repose and safety under the watchful cares, the labors,
and perplexities of younger and abler minds. The anxieties you express
to administer to my happiness, do, of themselves, confer that happiness;
and the measure will be complete, if my endeavors to fulfil my duties in
the several public stations to which I have been called, have obtained
for me the approbation of my country. The part which I have acted on the
theatre of public life, has been before them; and to their sentence I
submit it: but the testimony of my native county, of the individuals who
have known me in private life, to my conduct in its various duties and
relations, is the more grateful, as proceeding from eye-witnesses and
observers, from triers of the vicinage. Of you, then, my neighbors, I
may ask, in the face of the world, 'Whose ox have I taken, or wh