done soon, as a full Congress is expected next month. The disposition to
furnish Congress with ample powers augments daily, as people become more
enlightened. And I do not remember ever to have seen, during my long
life, more signs of public felicity than appear at present, throughout
these States; the cultivators of the earth, who make the bulk of our
nation, have made good crops, which are paid for at high prices, with
ready money; the artisans, too, receive high wages; and the value of all
real estates is augmented greatly. Merchants and shopkeepers, indeed,
complain that there is not business enough. But this is evidently not
owing to the fewness of buyers, but to the too great number of sellers;
for the consumption of goods was never greater, as appears by the dress,
furniture, and manner of living, of all ranks of the people.' His health
is good, except as to the stone, which does not grow worse. I thank
you for your attention to my request about the books, which Mr. Barclay
writes me he has forwarded from Cadiz.

I have the honor to be with great respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient,
humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER XX.--TO MR. LAMBE, June 20,1786


TO MR. LAMBE.

Sir,