Richard Bruce to Thomas Jefferson, 17 February 1823
From Richard Bruce
Buckmountain February 17 1823
Sir
A man so far advanced in life as I am and of my age Should live in daily expectation of being called off this stage of action to another world But Sir I cannot feel satisfied to leave this world untill I have an opportunity to tender you my most greatful thanks for the great things that you have done for the human race as one of the worthies that laid the foundation of Independence whereby America was freed from British Tyranny and oppression altho it has been my misfortune to move in the lower walks of life yet I sensibly feel the blessing emminating from a free goverment founded on the Basis of Justice—Thousands yet unborn will loudly praise thy name when they see and hear of the Tyranny and oppression of despottic monarchs in the old world and all distant nations that have arrived in America will with Joy loudly proclaim the name of Jefferson But I fear few of us rightly appreciate the blessings we enjoy—as vice appears to be common and crimes of murder &c often Committed when a republican goverment Should much depend on the virtue of the citizens—for no uprightness of conduct can Shield a man from the callumny of Base designing men—pray Sir excuse my freedom and if you think proper you may make this letter public as I wish my sentiments known to the world before I dye as I am so sick now I can scarcely write—
Now may the ruler of the universe long preserve you in health Strength and vigour of mind for years to come so that you may live to cause an alteration in our Judiciary sistem so as to lessen the number of county court majestrates and for those that do act to be examined and have licence and be paid for their servics—
Richd Bruce
P.S. When I take a retrospective view of the little band of worthies that laid the foundation of our Independence and of the great Washington that fought our Battles brought us through a bloody war and laid the British Lyon Submissive at his feet I want words to express my gratitude1 for that instible2 Blessing
RB
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 18 Feb. 1823 and so recorded in SJL.
Richard Bruce (d. ca. 1824), attorney and farmer, was a deputy sheriff of Albemarle County from at least 1778 until 1783. He also practiced law. Besides interactions with TJ in his role as deputy sheriff, in 1791 Bruce asked him for help settling clients’ military claims and mentioned “Having repeatedly Experienced favors of this kind from you.” TJ also purchased corn from him in 1813 and 1814. Bruce was expelled from the bar in 1800, and he owned seven slaves in 1810 and five a decade later. He died in Albemarle (; , 22:393; [1792 sess.], 33 [11 Oct. 1792]; , 380, 401; Bruce to St. George Tucker, 25 Aug. 1800 [ViW: TC]; DNA: RG 29, CS, Albemarle Co., 1810, 1820; Vi: RG 48, Personal Property Tax Returns, Albemarle Co., 1824–25).
1. Manuscript: “gratitue.”
2. Thus in manuscript, with “inestimable” possibly intended.