y
the human hand. May we hope a visit from you? If we may, let it be after
the middle of May, by which time I hope to be returned from Bedford. I
have had a proposition to meet Mr. Henry there this month, to confer on
the subject of a convention, to the calling of which he is now become
a convert. The session of our district court furnished me a just excuse
for the time; but the impropriety of my entering into consultation on a
measure in which I would take no part, is a permanent one.

Present my most respectful compliments to Mrs. Madison, and be assured
of the warm attachment of, Dear Sir, yours affectionately,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXXIV.--TO WILLIAM B. GILES, April 27, 1795

TO WILLIAM B. GILES.

Monticello, April 27, 1795,

Dear Sir,

Your favor of the 16th came to hand by the last post. I sincerely
congratulate you on the great prosperities of our two first allies, the
French and Dutch. If I could but see them now at peace with the rest of
their continent, I should have little doubt of dining with Pichegru
in London, next autumn; for I believe I should be tempted to leave my
clover for a while, to go and hail the dawn of liberty and republicanism
in that island. I shall be rendered very happy by the visit you promise
me. The only thing wanting to make me completely so, is the more
frequent society of my friends. It is the more wanting, as I am become
more firmly fixed to the glebe. If you visit me as a farmer, it must be
as a condisciple: for I am but a learner; an eager one indeed, but yet
desperate, being too old now to learn a new art. However, I am as much
delighted and occupied with it, as if I was the greatest adept. I shall
talk with you about it from morning till night, and put you on
very short allowance as to political aliment. Now and then a pious
ejaculation for the French and Dutch republicans, returning with
due despatch to clover, potatoes, wheat, &c. That I may not lose the
pleasure promised me, let it not be till the middle of May, by which
time I shall be returned from a trip I meditate to Bedford.

Yours affectionately,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXXV.--TO MANN PAGE, August 30, 1795

THOMAS JEFFERSON TO MANN PAGE.

Monticello, August 30, 1795.

It was not in my power to attend at Fedricksburg according to the kind
invitation in your letter, and in that of Mr. Ogilvie. The heat of
the weather, the business of the farm, to which I have made myself
necessary, f