5306. MISSOURI QUESTION, Geographical line.—
I am so completely withdrawn
from all attention to public matters,
that nothing less could arouse me than the
definition of a geographical line, which on an
abstract principle is to become the line of
separation of these States, and to render desperate
the hope that man ever enjoys the two
blessings of peace and self-government. The
question sleeps for the present, but is not
dead.—
To H. Nelson. Washington ed. vii, 151.
Ford ed., x, 156.
(M.
March. 1820)
