tory, being equally intermixed through every State, threatens none of
those geographical schisms which go immediately to a separation. The
line of division now is the preservation of State rights as reserved in
the constitution, or by strained constructions of that instrument,
to merge all into a consolidated government. The tories are for
strengthening the executive and General Government; the whigs cherish
the representative branch, and the rights reserved by the States, as the
bulwark against consolidation, which must immediately generate monarchy.
And although this division excites, as yet, no warmth, yet it exists,
is well understood, and will be a principle of voting at the ensuing
election, with the reflecting men of both parties.

I thank you much for the two books you were so kind as to send me by Mr.
Gallatin. Miss Wright had before favored me with the first edition of
her American work: but her 'Few Days in Athens,' was entirely new, and
has been a treat to me of the highest order. The matter and manner
of the dialogue is strictly ancient; the principles of the sects are
beautifully and candidly explained and contrasted; and the scenery and
portraiture of the interlocutors are of higher finish than any thing in
that line left us by the ancients; and like Ossian, if not ancient, it
is equal to the best morsels of antiquity. I augur, from this instance,
that Herculaneum is likely to furnish better specimens of modern than of
ancient genius; and may we not hope more from the same pen?

After much sickness, and the accident of a broken and disabled arm, I
am again in tolerable health, but extremely debilitated, so as to be
scarcely able to walk into my garden. The hebitude of age too, and
extinguishment of interest in the things around me, are weaning me from
them, and dispose me with cheerfulness to resign them to the existing
generation, satisfied that the daily advance of science will enable them
to administer the commonwealth with increased wisdom. You have still
many valuable years to give to your country, and with my prayers that,
they may be years of health and happiness, and especially that they may
see the establishment of the principles of government which you have
cherished through life, accept the assurance of my affectionate and
constant friendship and respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXVIII.--TO JOSEPH C CABELL, February 3, 1824

TO JOSEPH C CABELL.

Monticello, February 3, 1824.