Thomas Jefferson on Politics & Principles

Apart from his authorship of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson is best known to us through his letters. A conscientious correspondent both as a public servant and private citizen, Jefferson's letters over a period of some 65 years number in the tens of thousands, many of which are still unpublished. But their numbers are less notable than their wide-ranging and highly quotable content, which is matched by the skill and precision with which he wrote. One of Jefferson's earliest ambitions as a student had been to master the art of writing, and this was, not surprisingly, the first of his talents to gain public recognition. While his letters often suggest that their author had an effortless way with words and phrases, the survival of many of his rough drafts attests to the care and deliberation that actually went into their composition. As a result, perhaps no letters in the English language are more frequently cited than Jefferson's.

The letter reprinted here from the original manuscript in the Gilder Lehrman Collection is to David Howell, an old friend and political associate from Rhode Island. Jefferson had served in Congress with Howell, a conspicuously learned man with whom he frequently conferred on congressional measures and who shared his interest in books. Howell regarded his fellow delegate from Virginia as "one of the best members I have ever seen in Congress" and, at the retirement of Benjamin Franklin as American Minister to France, nominated Jefferson to succeed him. Jefferson had returned the favor as president by naming Howell a federal District Attorney, though Howell had openly angled for the judgeship awarded to a rival, David L. Barnes. Jefferson was retired from public life at the time of this letter, but Howell was still active in Rhode Island's highly contentious Republican party politics, which is the subject of his own letter to Jefferson.

It is a mark of Jefferson's appeal as a letter writer that his reply, at least on the surface, seems more friendly and personal than political. He is gracious, complimentary, and self-effacing, making it clear that he is an outsider who claims no standing in local affairs. He emphasizes his retirement from the realm of politics and the pleasure he takes in other occupations, secure in the knowledge that his former colleagues continue to serve. Of course he does paint, with very broad strokes, the political creed they share: republican principles and resistance to the Federalists, the party that is "desirous of introducing into our government, authorities hereditary or otherwise independent of the national will." But these remarks seem to function as the ceremonial gestures of old comrades rather than as political discourse. The genial tone of the letter embodies its theme, which is a friendly but firm refusal to be drawn into political matters.

But history, as this letter shows us, is more than surfaces. When we compare it with other letters that Jefferson was writing, we soon see that, despite frequent protests to the contrary, his interest in political questions had not lapsed with his retirement. He still followed with keen interest the unfolding developments of the day. Similarly, when read in the context of the letter Howell has written him, Jefferson's response takes on deeper and more subtle meanings, while his shrewdness and skill at framing diplomatic replies becomes apparent. Howell has asked him to send a letter endorsing Governor Fenner, which Jefferson artfully managed to accomplish while ostensibly declining to do so. And Howell had concluded his letter with a sly suggestion that he still coveted Judge Barnes's seat, a circumstance which explains why Jefferson concluded his own letter as he did. He deflected Howell's appeal by endorsing the existing arrangements and expressing confidence that "all is going right, & that every one is doing his best in the station confided to him." It could hardly have been done more deftly or diplomatically.

-Douglas L. Wilson

Monticello Dec. 15. 10.

Dear Sir

Our last post brought me your friendly letter of Nov. 27. I learn with pleasure that republican principles are predominant in your state, because I conscientiously believe that governments founded in them are most friendly to the happiness of the people at large; and especially of a people so capable of self government as ours. I have been ever opposed to the party, so falsely called federalists, because I believe them desirous of introducing, into our government, authorities hereditary or otherwise independant [sic] of the national will. These always consume the public contributions and oppress the people with labour & poverty. No one was more sensible than myself, while Govr. Fenner was in the Senate, of the soundness of his political principles, & rectitude of his conduct. Among those of my fellow laborers, of whom I had a distinguished opinion, he was one: and I have no doubt those among whom he lives and who have already given him so many proofs of their unequivocal confidence in him, will continue so to do. It would be impertinent in me, a stranger to them, to tell them what they all see daily. My object too at present is peace and tranquility, neither doing nor saying any thing to be quoted, or to make me the subject of newspaper disquisitions. I read one or two newspapers a week, but with reluctance give even that time from Tacitus & Horace, & so much other more agreeable reading. Indeed I give more time to exercise of the body than of the mind, believing it wholesome to both. I enjoy, in recollection, my antient friendships, & suffer no new circumstances to mix alloy with them. I do not take the trouble of forming opinions on what is passing among them; because I have such entire confidence in their integrity & wisdom, as to be satisfied all is going right, & that every one is doing his best in the station confided to him. Under these impressions accept sincere assurances of my continued esteem & respect for yourself personally, & my best wishes for your health & happiness.

Th: Jefferson

David Howell esq.

GLC 1027. Thomas Jefferson to David Howell, 15 December 1810.

Introductory Essay: Douglas L. Wilson

Editors: James G. Basker, President, Gilder Lehrman Institute; Sandra M. Trenholm, Curator, Gilder Lehrman Collection.

Thomas Jefferson, Writings: Autobiography / Notes on the State of Virginia / Public and Private Papers / Addresses / Letters, ed. Merrill D. Peterson (Library of America, 1984).

Joyce Appleby, Thomas Jefferson (Times Books, 2003).

Joseph J. Ellis, American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson (Knopf, 1997).

Joanne B. Freeman, Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic (Yale, 2001).

Susan R. Stein, The Worlds of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello (Harry N. Abrams, 2002).

Douglas L. Wilson, Jefferson's Books (University of North Carolina, 2002).