1Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 31 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Can you, my dear Sir, forgive the apparent neglect of one, who so highly respects and esteems you as I do, in not having addressed you immediately on his arrival in the U. States , after so long an absence?—Trusting in that benevolence which so strongly marks your character, I pronounce that you will; and therefore write to you as if I were already assured of your forgiveness. The ten years...