So much as to my country.  Now a word as to myself.  I am retired to Monticello, where, in the bosom of my family, and surrounded by my books, I enjoy a repose to which I have been long a stranger.  My mornings are devoted to correspondence.  From breakfast to dinner, I am in my shops, my garden, or on horseback among my farms; from dinner to dark, I give to society and recreation with my neighbors and friends; and from candle-light to early bed-time, I read.  My health is perfect; and my strength considerably reinforced by the activity of the course I pursue; perhaps it is as great as usually falls to the lot of near sixty-seven years of age.  I talk of ploughs and harrows, seeding and harvesting, with my neighbors, and of politics too, if they choose, with as little reserve as the rest of my fellow-citizens, and feel, at length, the blessing of being free to say and do what I please, without being responsible for it to any mortal.  A part of my occupation, and by no means the least pleasing, is the direction of the studies of such young men as ask it.  They place themselves in the neighboring village, and have the use of my library and counsel, and make a part of my society.  In advising the course of their reading, I endeavor to keep their attention fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom and happiness of man.  So that coming to bear a share in the councils and government of their country, they will keep ever in view the sole objects of all legitimate government.

*****

Instead of the unalloyed happiness of retiring unembarrassed and independent, to the enjoyment of my estate, which is ample for my limited views, I have to pass such a length of time in a thraldom of mind never before known to me.  Except, for this, my happiness would have been perfect.  That yours may never know disturbance, and that you may enjoy as many years of life, health, and ease as yourself shall wish, is the sincere prayer of your constant and affectionate friend.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXXXIX.—­TO DOCTOR JONES, March 5, 1810

TO DOCTOR JONES.

Monticello, March 5, 1810.

Dear Sir,

I received duly your favor of the 19th ultimo, and I salute you with all antient and recent recollections of friendship.  I have learned, with real sorrow, that circumstances have risen among our executive counsellors, which have rendered foes those who once were friends.  To themselves it will be a source of infinite pain and vexation, and therefore chiefly I lament it, for I have a sincere esteem for both parties.  To the President it will be really inconvenient:  but to the nation I do not know that it can do serious injury, unless we were to believe the newspapers, which pretend that Mr. Gallatin will go out.  That indeed would be a day of mourning for the United States:  but I hope that the position of both gentlemen may be made so easy as to give no cause