4916. MADISON (James), Jefferson's friendship for.—[continued].
The friendship which
has subsisted between us, now half a century,
and the harmony of our political principles and
pursuits, have been sources of constant happiness
to me through that long period. And if
I remove beyond the reach of attentions to the
University, or beyond the bourne of life itself,
as I soon must, it is a comfort to leave that
institution under your care, and an assurance
that it will not be wanting. It has also been
a great solace to me, to believe that you are engaged
in vindicating to posterity the course we
have pursued for preserving to them, in all their
purity, the blessings of self-government, which
we had assisted, too, in acquiring for them.
If ever the earth has beheld a system of administration
conducted with a single and steadfast
eye to the general interest and happiness
of those committed to it, one which, protected
by truth, can never know reproach, it is that to
which our lives have been devoted. To myself
you have been a pillar of support through
life. Take care of me when dead, and be
assured that I shall leave with you my last
affections.
[318]
—
To James Madison. Washington ed. vii, 434.
Ford ed., x, 377.
(M.
Feb. 1826)
