1Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Austin, 3 March 1818 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 19. is just now received covering a paper on the subject of crimes and punishments. this is certainly among the most difficult subjects for which government has to provide. capital punishments for every thing, as in England , is revolting to human nature, a violation of human rights, & ineffectual, as is there proved . labor, in their own society is pernicious, as you...