3761. HOME, Companions.—
Monroe is
buying land almost adjoining me. Short will
do the same. What would I not give[if] you
could fall into the circle. With such a society,
I could once more venture home, and lay myself
up for the residue of life, quitting all its
contentions which grow daily more and more
insupportable. Think of it. To render it
practicable only requires you to think it so.
Life is of no value but as it brings us gratifications.
Among the most valuable of these is
rational society. It informs the mind, sweetens
the temper, cheers our spirits, and promotes
health. There is a little farm of 140 acres
adjoining mine, and within two miles, all of
good land, though old, with a small indifferent
house on it, the whole not worth more than
£250. Such a one might be a farm of experiment,
and support a little table and household.
It is on the road to Orange, and so much nearer
than I am. * * * Once more think of it.—
To James Madison.
Ford ed., iii, 406.
(A.
1784)
