4122. JEFFERSON (Thomas), Offices refused.—[further continued] .
The assurance * * * that my aid in the councils of our government
would increase the public confidence in them;
because it admits an inference that they have
approved of the course pursued, when I
heretofore bore a part in those councils.
* * * But I am past service. The hand of
age is upon me. The debility of bodily faculties
apprizes me that those of the mind
cannot be unimpaired, had I not still better
proofs.—
To William Duane. Washington ed. vi, 79.
Ford ed., ix, 367.
(M.
Oct. 1812)
