y case of
consequence. Yet this does, in fact, transform the executive into a
directory, and I hold the other method to be more constitutional. It is
better calculated, too, to prevent collision and irritation, and to cure
it, or at least suppress its effects when it has already taken place.
It is the obvious and sufficient remedy in the present case, and will
doubtless be resorted to.

Our difficulties are indeed great, if we consider ourselves alone. But
when viewed in comparison with those of Europe, they are the joys of
Paradise. In the eternal revolution of ages, the destinies have placed
our portion of existence amidst such scenes of tumult and outrage, as no
other period, within our knowledge, had presented. Every government but
one on the continent of Europe, demolished, a conqueror roaming over
the earth with havoc and destruction, a pirate spreading misery and ruin
over the face of the ocean. Indeed, my friend, ours is a bed of roses.
And the system of government which shall keep us afloat amidst this
wreck of the world, will be immortalized in history. We have, to be
sure, our petty squabbles and heart-burnings, and we have something of
the blue devils at times, as to these raw heads and bloody bones who are
eating up other nations. But happily for us, the Mammoth cannot swim,
nor the Leviathan move on dry land: and if we will keep out of their
way, they cannot get at us. If, indeed, we choose to place ourselves
within the scope of their tether, a gripe of the paw, or flounce of the
tail, may be our fortune. Our business certainly was to be still. But
a part of our nation chose to declare against this, in such a way as to
control the wisdom of the government. I yielded with others, to avoid
a greater evil. But from that moment, I have seen no system which could
keep us entirely aloof from these agents of destruction. If there be
any, I am certain that you, my friends, now charged with the care of us
all, will see and pursue it. I give myself, therefore, no trouble with
thinking or puzzling about it. Being confident in my watchmen, I sleep
soundly. God bless you all, and send you a safe deliverance.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XC.--TO GOVERNOR LANGDON, March 5, 1810

TO GOVERNOR LANGDON.

Monticello, March 5, 1810.

Your letter, my dear friend, of the 18th ultimo, comes like the
refreshing dews of the evening on a thirsty soil. It recalls antient as
well as recent recollections, very dear to my heart.