Thomas Jefferson Papers

II. Partial Draft, 8 February 1805

II. Partial Draft

[before 8 Feb. 1805]

h. 11. I am happy in observing the union1 of sentiment which has taken place in the great mass of our country, with some2 local exceptions only. the union of sentiment is now as general as can3 be expected among a people having the right to think speak & write with freedom: & perhaps as is desirable,4 some difference of opinion being useful as it assumes5 the office of Censor on the public functionaries &6 warns them against deviations from the line of duty. if violations7 of truth & decency8 sometimes offend the public eye, the laws of the states are sufficient for their punmt: but perhaps the9 enlightened & just estimate which the public is able to make of these outrages10 is the most efficacious agent for consigning them to oblivion

Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 128:22128); in TJ’s hand; undated, but prior to Madison’s remarks on full draft received 8 Feb.; on same sheet as unrelated notes for draft of 1801 annual message, [before 12 Nov. 1801], and notes for draft of 1803 annual message, [before 1 Oct. 1803].

1Word interlined in place of “consolidation.”

2Word interlined.

3TJ here canceled “perhaps.”

4Word interlined in place of “useful, a certain degree of.”

5Word interlined in place of “performs.”

6TJ here canceled “keeps them alive to.”

7Word interlined in place of “outrages.”

8Word interlined above “decorum,” which TJ did not cancel.

9TJ here canceled “public indignation.”

10Word interlined above “indecencies,” which TJ did not cancel.

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