n set of justice
to yourself. I will add, that it has been hoped that you would leave such
explanations as would place every saddle on its right horse, and replace
on the shoulders of others the burdens they shifted to yours.

But all this, my friend, is offered merely for your consideration and
judgment, without presuming to anticipate what you alone are qualified
to decide for yourself. I mean to express my own purpose only, and the
reflections which have led to it. To me, then, it appears, that there
have been differences of opinion and party differences, from the
first establishment of governments to the present day, and on the same
question which now divides our own country: that these will continue
through all future time: that every one takes his side in favor of
the many, or of the few, according to his constitution, and the
circumstances in which he is placed: that opinions, which are equally
honest on both sides, should not affect personal esteem or social
intercourse: that as we judge between the Claudii and the Gracchi, the
Wentworths and the Hampdens of past ages, so, of those among us whose
names may happen to be remembered for a while, the next generations
will judge, favorably or unfavorably, according to the complexion of
individual minds, and the side they shall themselves have taken: that
nothing new can be added by you or me to what has been said by others,
and will be said in every age in support of the conflicting opinions on
government: and that wisdom and duty dictate an humble resignation to
the verdict of our future peers. I doing this myself, I shall certainly
not suffer moot questions to affect the sentiments of sincere friendship
and respect, consecrated to you by so long a course of time, and of
which I now repeat sincere assurances,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXII.--TO JOHN ADAMS, August 22, 1813

TO JOHN ADAMS.

Monticello, August 22, 1813.

Dear Sir,

Since my letter of June the 27th, I am in your debt for many; all of
which I have read with infinite delight. They open a wide field for
reflection, and offer subjects enough to occupy the mind and the pen
indefinitely. I must follow the good example you have set; and when
I have not time to take up every subject, take up a single one. Your
approbation of my outline to Dr. Priestley is a great gratification to
me; and I very much suspect that if thinking men would have the courage
to think for themselves, and to speak what the