Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-18-02-0379

Thomas Jefferson to Charles W. Goldsborough, 5 June 1822

To Charles W. Goldsborough

Monticello June 5. 22.

Sir

Your favor of May 22. is duly recieved and calls for my acknolegements of it’s kind expressions towards myself. I assure you with truth that your disavowal of the slanders of the Pseudo-Native of Virginia was not necessary to satisfy me that you are free from that imputation. the real author is too exactly known to me from particular information, as well as from the internal evidence of his writings to seek his designation elsewhere.   any difference between us in political opinion weighs no more with me in the estimate of character, than differences of opinion in law, religion, physics or on any other subject. if man is to separate himself from all who do not think with him in all points, he must stand alone and aloof from all society. for no two minds are alike in all things [a]ny more than two faces. with a perfect belief in the candor of your assurances, accept those of my entire good will and respect.

Th: Jefferson

PoC (DLC); on verso of a reused address cover from Joseph C. Cabell to TJ; torn at seal; at foot of text: “Charles W. Gouldsborough esq.”; endorsed by TJ.

TJ thought that Jacob Wagner was the real author of the “Native of Virginia” articles.

Index Entries

  • anonymous authors; in newspapers search
  • Goldsborough, Charles Washington; and “A Native of Virginia” search
  • Goldsborough, Charles Washington; letters to search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Opinions on; differences of opinion search
  • newspapers; criticisms of TJ in search
  • Wagner, Jacob; possible author of “A Native of Virginia” articles search
  • “A Native of Virginia” (pseudonym); identity of search