I have tired you, my friend, with a long letter.  But your tedium will end in a few lines more.  Mine has yet two years to endure.  I am tired of an office where I can do no more good than many others, who would be glad to be employed in it.  To myself, personally, it brings nothing but unceasing drudgery, and daily loss of friends.  Every office becoming vacant, every appointment made, me donne un ingrat, et cent ennemis.  My only consolation is in the belief, that my fellow-citizens at large give me credit for good intentions.  I will certainly endeavor to merit the continuance of that good will which follows well intended actions, and their approbation will be the dearest reward I can carry into retirement.

God bless you, my excellent friend, and give you yet many healthy and happy years.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XXXIX,—­TO WILSON C. NICHOLAS, February 28,1807

TO WILSON C. NICHOLAS.

Washington, February 28,1807.

Dear Sir,

Your letter of January the 20th was received in due time.  But such has been the constant pressure of business, that it has been out of my power to answer it.  Indeed, the subjects of it would be almost beyond the extent of a letter, and as I hope to see you ere long at Monticello, it can then be more effectually done verbally.  Let me observe, however, generally, that it is impossible for my friends ever to render me so acceptable a favor, as by communicating to me, without reserve, facts and opinions.  I have none of that sort of self-love which winces at it; indeed, both self-love and the desire to do what is best strongly invite unreserved communication.  There is one subject which will not admit a delay till I see you.  Mr. T. M. Randolph is, I believe, determined to retire from Congress, and it is strongly his wish, and that of all here, that you should take his place.  Never did the calls of patriotism more loudly assail you than at this moment.  After excepting the federalists, who will be twenty-seven, and the little band of schismatics, who will be three or four (all tongue), the residue of the House of Representatives is as well disposed a body of men as I ever saw collected.  But there is no one whose talents and standing, taken together, have weight enough to give him the lead.  The consequence is, that there is no one who will undertake to do the public business, and it remains undone.  Were you here, the whole would rally round you in an instant, and willingly co-operate in whatever is for the public good.  Nor would it require you to undertake drudgery in the House.  There are enough, able and willing to do that.  A rallying point is all that is wanting.  Let me beseech you then to offer yourself.  You never will have it so much in your power again to render such eminent service.

Accept my affectionate salutations and high esteem.

Th:  Jefferson.