University of Virginia Library

TO SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH.[91]

Dear Sir I have received, with your favour
of Jany. 24, a copy of your biographical Memoir of
Ths. Jefferson delivered before the Columbian Institute;
and I can not return my thanks without congratulating
the Institute, on its choice of the hand
to which the preparation of the Memoir was assigned.
The subject was worthy of the Scientific and patriotic
Body which espoused it, and the manner in
which it has been treated, worthy of the subject.
The only blemishes to be noted on the face of the
memoir are the specks, in which the partiality of
the friend betrays itself towards one of the names
occasionally mentioned.

I have great respect for your suggestion with
respect to the season for making public what I have
preserved of the proceedings of the Revolutionary
Congress, and the General Convention of 1787. But
I have not yet ceased to think that publications of
them, posthumous to others as well as myself, may
be most delicate, and most useful too, if to be

useful at all. As no personal or party views can
then be imputed, they will be read with less of
personal or party feelings, and consequently with
whatever profit may be promised by them. It is
true also that after a certain date, the older such
things grow, the more they are relished as new; the
distance of time like that of space from which they
are received, giving them that attractive character.

It cannot be very long however before the living
obstacles to the forthcomings in question will be
removed. Of the members of Congress during the
period embraced, the lamps of all are extinct, with
the exception. I believe of Rd. Peters & myself, and
of the signers of the Constitution of all but R. King,
Wm. Few & myself; and of the lamps still burning,
none can now be far from the socket.

It will be long before this can be said of yours, &
that which pairs with it; and I pray you both to be
assured of the sincere wish, in which Mrs. M. joins
me, that in the mean, time every happiness may
await you.