I had left every harbor so prepared by works
and gun-boats, as to be in a reasonable state of security against any
probable attack; the territory of Orleans acquired, and planted with an
internal force sufficient for its protection; and the whole territory of
the United States organized by such a classification of its male force,
as would give it the benefit of all its young population for active
service, and that of a middle and advanced age for stationary defence.
But these measures will, I hope, be completed by my successor, who,
to the purest principles of republican patriotism, adds a wisdom and
foresight second to no man on earth.

So much as to my country. Now a word as to myself. I am retired to
Monticello, where, in the bosom of my family, and surrounded by my
books, I enjoy a repose to which I have been long a stranger. My
mornings are devoted to correspondence. From breakfast to dinner, I am
in my shops, my garden, or on horseback among my farms; from dinner to
dark, I give to society and recreation with my neighbors and friends;
and from candle-light to early bed-time, I read. My health is perfect;
and my strength considerably reinforced by the activity of the course
I pursue; perhaps it is as great as usually falls to the lot of near
sixty-seven years of age. I talk of ploughs and harrows, seeding and
harvesting, with my neighbors, and of politics too, if they choose,
with as little reserve as the rest of my fellow-citizens, and feel, at
length, the blessing of being free to say and do what I please, without
being responsible for it to any mortal. A part of my occupation, and
by no means the least pleasing, is the direction of the studies of such
young men as ask it. They place themselves in the neighboring village,
and have the use of my library and counsel, and make a part of my
society. In advising the course of their reading, I endeavor to keep
their attention fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom
and happiness of man. So that coming to bear a share in the councils
and government of their country, they will keep ever in view the sole
objects of all legitimate government.

*****

Instead of the unalloyed happiness of retiring unembarrassed and
independent, to the enjoyment of my estate, which is ample for my
limited views, I have to pass such a length of time in a thraldom of
mind never before known to me. Except, for this, my happiness would have
been perfect. That yours may never kn