University of Virginia Library

1978. DEATH, Generations and.—[continued].

There is a ripeness of time for death, regarding others as well as
ourselves, when it is reasonable we should
drop off, and make room for another growth.
When we have lived our generation out, we
should not wish to encroach on another.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. vii, 26.
(M. 1816)