(the good bindings at least), and filling the vacancies
of the presses with paper-parings, to be brought from Washington. This
would add little more to the time, as he could carry on both operations
at once.

Accept the assurance of my constant and affectionate friendship and
respect,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXXVI.--TO JOHN ADAMS, June 10,1815

TO JOHN ADAMS.

Monticello, June 10,1815.

Dear Sir,

It is long since we have exchanged a letter, and yet what volumes might
have been written on the occurrences even of the last three months. In
the first place, peace, God bless it! has returned, to put us all
again into a course of lawful and laudable pursuits: a new trial of the
Bourbons has proved to the world their incompetence to the functions
of the station they have occupied: and the recall of the usurper has
clothed him with the semblance of a legitimate autocrat. If adversity
should have taught him wisdom, of which I have little expectation,
he may yet render some service to mankind, by teaching the ancient
dynasties that they can be changed for misrule, and by wearing down the
maritime power of England to limitable and safe dimensions. But it is
not possible he should love us; and of that our commerce had sufficient
proofs during his power. Our military achievements, indeed, which he
is capable of estimating, may in some degree moderate the effect of his
aversions; and he may perhaps fancy that we are to become the natural
enemies of England, as England herself has so steadily endeavored to
make us, and as some of our own over-zealous patriots would be willing
to proclaim; and in this view, he may admit a cold toleration of some
intercourse and commerce between the two nations. He has certainly
had time to see the folly of turning the industry of France from the
cultures for which nature has so highly endowed her, to those of sugar,
cotton, tobacco, and others, which the same creative power has given to
other climates: and, on the whole, if he can conquer the passions of his
tyrannical soul, if he has understanding enough to pursue from motives
of interest, what no moral motives lead him to, the tranquil happiness
and prosperity of his country, rather than a ravenous thirst for human
blood, his return may become of more advantage than injury to us. And if
again some great man could arise in England, who could see and correct
the follies of his nation in their conduct as to us, and by exercising
justi