I proposed to General Washington that the executive departments should
wear mourning; he declined it, because he said he should not know where
to draw the line, if he once began that ceremony. Mr. Adams was then
Vice-President, and I thought General Washington had his eye on him,
whom he certainly did not love. I told him the world had drawn so
broad a line between himself and Dr. Franklin, on the one side, and the
residue of mankind, on the other, that we might wear mourning for them,
and the question still remain new and undecided as to all others. He
thought it best, however, to avoid it. On these considerations alone,
however well affected to the merit of Commodore Barry, I think
it prudent not to engage myself in a practice which may become
embarrassing.

Tremendous times in Europe! How mighty this battle of lions and tigers?
With what sensations should the common herd of cattle look on it? With
no partialities certainly. If they can so far worry one another as to
destroy their power of tyrannizing the one over the earth, the other the
waters, the world may perhaps enjoy peace, till they recruit again.

Affectionate and respectful salutations.

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER IV.--TO M. DUPONT DE NEMOURS, November 1, 1803


TO M. DUPONT DE NEMOURS.