The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
PRESIDENCY / ELECTION OF 1808
I see with infinite grief a contest arising between yourself and
another [James Madison], who have been very dear to each other, and
equally so to me. I sincerely pray that these dispositions may not be
affected between you; with me I confidently trust they will not. For
independently of the dictates of public duty, which prescribes
neutrality to me, my sincere friendship for you both will ensure its
sacred observance. I suffer no one to converse with me on the subject.
I already perceive my old friend Clinton, estranging himself from me.
No doubt lies are carried to him, as they will be to the other two
candidates, under forms which, however false, he can scarcely
question. Yet I have been equally careful as to him also, never to say
a word on this subject. The object of the contest is a fair and
honorable one, equally open to you all; and I have no doubt the
personal conduct of all will be so chaste, as to offer no ground of
dissatisfaction with each other. But your friends will not be as
delicate. I know too well from experience the progress of political
controversy, and the exacerbation of spirit into which it degenerates,
not to fear for the continuance of your mutual esteem. One piquing
thing said draws on another, that a third, and always with increasing
acrimony, until all restraint is thrown off, and it becomes difficult
for yourselves to keep clear of the toils in which your friends will
endeavor to interlace you, and to avoid the participation in their
passions which they will endeavor to produce. A candid recollection of
what you know of each other will be the true corrective. With respect
to myself, I hope they will spare me. My longings for retirement are
so strong, that I with difficulty encounter the daily drudgeries of my
duty. But my wish for retirement itself is not stronger than that of
carrying into it the affections of all my friends. I have ever viewed
Mr. Madison and yourself as two principal pillars of my happiness.
to James Monroe, 18 February 1808
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