4099. JEFFERSON (Thomas), History and.—[continued].
As to what is to be said
of myself, I of course am not the judge. But
my sincere wish is that the faithful historian,
like the able surgeon, would consider me in
his hands, while living, as a dead subject, that
the same judgment may now be expressed
which will be rendered hereafter, so far as
my small agency in human affairs may attract
future notice; and I would of choice
now stand as at the bar of posterity,
“cum
semel occidaris, et de ultima Minos fecerit
arbitria”. The only exact testimony of a
man is his actions, leaving the reader to
pronounce on them his own judgment. In
anticipating this, too little is safer than too
much; and I sincerely assure you that you
will please me most by a rigorous suppression
of all friendly partialities. This candid
expression of sentiments once delivered,
passive silence becomes the future duty.—
To L. H. Girardin. Washington ed. vi, 455.
(M.
1815)
