Thomas Jefferson to John Mackey, 9 May 1816
To John Mackey
Monticello May 9. 16.
Sir
I recieved yesterday your letter of May 2. on the 3d an anonymous writing had come to hand which bearing the date of Apr. 18 as now1 mentioned by you, is I presume the paper called for. being anonymous I knew not to whom to return it. this is now done on the presumption it is yours. I do not meddle in printing any thin[g.] my time of life requires rest of body and mind and that I should withdraw myself from all correspondence which no special duty makes incumbent on me. the existing generation posesses as much wisdom as that which preceded them, and will, I am confident, take as good care of their affairs. the paper inclosed is of their concern, and they will probably do it justice if you chuse to submit it to them. Accept my respec[ts]
Th: Jefferson
PoC (MoSHi: TJC-BC); on recto of reused address cover to TJ, with Dft on verso; edge trimmed; at foot of text: “Mr John Mackey”; endorsed by TJ. Dft (MoSHi: TJC-BC); on verso of PoC; incomplete and canceled; dated Monticello, 10 May 1816, and reading “I recieved the day before yesterday your letter of the 1st inst but that of Apr. 18. which it mentions as having covered MS. views of education has never come to my hands. it may yet come, as these delays by mail sometimes occur. should it be recieved it shall be immediately re-incl.”
Mackey’s letter of may 2. was actually dated 1 May. The enclosed anonymous writing of 18 Apr. 1816 is not recorded in SJL and has not been found.
1. Word interlined.