Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Jefferson to James O. Morse, 30 June 1823

To James O. Morse

Monticello June 30. 23.

Sir

You ask permission to publish my letter to you of Apr. 30. altho I have a great aversion to this generally, yet I consent on the present occasion, because, in fact, I wish it to be known that I do not meddle in the ensuing Presidential election. but as that letter was written carelesly, without an idea of it’s going into the papers, I must ask leave, by some corrections, to make it more proper for the public eye. I inclose you therefore a revised copy, which you are free to publish, but not if you please, the one now inclosing it. I salute you with respectful consideration.

Th: Jefferson

FC (MoSHi: TJC-BC); on verso of reused address cover of Bernard Peyton to TJ, 16 Dec. 1822; in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “Mr James O. Morse”; endorsed by TJ. Enclosure: TJ to Morse, 30 Apr. 1823.

Index Entries

  • Jefferson, Thomas; Correspondence; publication of papers search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Opinions on; publication of his letters search
  • Morse, James Otis; and presidential candidates search
  • Morse, James Otis; letters to search
  • politics; elections search
  • politics; TJ avoids political debates search
  • United States; and presidential election of1824 search