that occasion, a passive
auditor of the opinions of others, more impartial judges than I could
be, of its merits or demerits. During the debate I was sitting by
Doctor Franklin, and he observed that I was writhing a little under
the acrimonious criticisms on some of its parts; and it was on that
occasion, that by way of comfort, he told me the story of John Thomson,
the hatter, and his new sign.

Timothy thinks the instrument the better for having a fourth of it
expunged. He would have thought it still better, had the other three
fourths gone out also, all but the single sentiment (the only one he
approves), which recommends friendship to his dear England, whenever she
is willing to be at peace with us. His insinuations are, that although
'the high tone of the instrument was in unison with the warm feelings of
the times, this sentiment of habitual friendship to England should never
be forgotten, and that the duties it enjoins should especially be borne
in mind on every celebration of this anniversary.' In other words, that
the Declaration, as being a libel on the government of England, composed
in times of passion, should now be buried in utter oblivion, to spare
the feelings of our English friends and Angloman fellow-citizens. But it
is not to wound them that we wish to keep it in mind; but to cherish the
principles of the instrument in the besoms of our own citizens: and it
is a heavenly comfort to see that these principles are yet so strongly
felt, as to render a circumstance so trifling as this little lapse of
memory of Mr. Adams's, worthy of being solemnly announced and supported
at an anniversary assemblage of the nation on its birth-day. In
opposition, however, to Mr. Pickering, I pray God that these principles
may be eternal, and close the prayer with my affectionate wishes for
yourself of long life, health, and happiness.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXIV.--TO JOHN ADAMS, September 4, 1823

TO JOHN ADAMS.

Monticello, September 4, 1823.

Dear Sir,

Your letter of August the 15th was received in due time, and with the
welcome of every thing which comes from you. With its opinions on the
difficulties of revolutions from despotism to freedom, I very much
concur. The generation which commences a revolution rarely completes it.
Habituated from their infancy to passive submission of body fend mind
to their kings and priests, they are not qualified, when called on,
to think and provide for themselves; an