I am aware that the practice of my predecessors may be quoted.  But I have ever believed, that the example of State executives led to the assumption of that authority by the General Government, without due examination, which would have discovered that what might be a right in a State government, was a violation of that right when assumed by another.  Be this as it may, every one must act according to the dictates of his own reason, and mine tells me that civil powers alone have been given to the President of the United States, and no authority to direct the religious exercises of his constituents.

I again express my satisfaction that you have been so good as to give me an opportunity of explaining myself in a private letter, in which I could give my reasons more in detail than might have been done in a public answer:  and I pray you to accept the assurances of my high esteem and respect.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXIV.—­TO COLONEL MONROE, February 18, 1808

TO COLONEL MONROE.

Washington, February 18, 1808.

My Dear Sir,

You informed me that the instruments you had been so kind as to bring for me from England, would arrive at Richmond with your baggage, and you wished to know what was to be done with them there.  I will ask the favor of you to deliver them to Mr. Jefferson, who will forward them to Monticello in the way I shall advise him.  And I must intreat you to send me either a note of their amount, or the bills, that I may be enabled to reimburse you.  There can be no pecuniary matter between us, against which this can be any set-off.  But if, contrary to my recollection or knowledge, there were any thing, I pray that that may be left to be settled by itself.  If I could have known the amount beforehand, I should have remitted it, and asked the advance only under the idea that it should be the same as ready money to you on your arrival.  I must again, therefore, beseech you to let me know its amount.

I see with infinite grief a contest arising between yourself and another, who have been very dear to each other, and equally so to me.  I sincerely pray that these dispositions may not be affected between you; with me I confidently trust they will not.  For independently of the dictates of public duty, which prescribes neutrality to me, my sincere friendship for you both will insure its sacred observance.  I suffer no one to converse with me on the subject.  I already perceive my old friend Clinton estranging himself from me.  No doubt lies are carried to him, as they will be to the other two candidates, under forms, which, however false he can scarcely question.  Yet I have been equally careful as to him also, never to say a word on his subject.  The object of the contest is a fair and honorable one, equally open to you all; and I have no doubt the personal conduct of all will be so chaste, as to offer no ground of dissatisfaction with each other.