Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-31-02-0474

To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Priestley, 8 May 1800

From Joseph Priestley

Northumberland May 8. 1800

Dear Sir

I inclose my Thoughts on the subject you did me the honour to propose to me. Your own better judgment will decide concerning their value, or their fitness for the circumstances of your College. This may require a very different distribution of the business from that which I here recommend.

I thank you for your care to transmit a copy of my work to Bp Madison. He, as well as many others, speaks of the increasing spread of republican principles in this country. I wish I could see the effects of it. But I fear we flatter ourselves, and if I be rightly informed, my poor Letters have done more harm than good. I can only say that I am a sincere well wisher to the country, and the purity and stability of its constitution.

yours sincerely,

J. Priestley

RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 14 May and so recorded in SJL.

TJ had invited Priestley to offer his thoughts on the subject of education at his convenience; see TJ to Priestley, 18 Jan. 1800.

TJ forwarded a copy of Priestley’s work on ancient institutions to Bishop Madison; see TJ to Bishop James Madison, 31 Jan. 1800.

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