[From _The Writings of Thomas Jefferson_ (Washington, 1905, v.
xii)]
Upon the canvas of the past, Washington and Jefferson stand forth the
central figures in our struggle for independence. The character of the
former was so rounded and justly proportioned, that, so long as our
country lives, or a single community of Americans can be found,
Washington will be "First in war, first in peace, and first in the
hearts of his countrymen."
To Washington we are more indebted than to any one man for national
existence; but what availed the heroism of Bunker Hill, the sufferings
of Valley Forge, or the triumph of Yorktown, if the government they
established had been but an imitation of the monarchy from which we
had separated?
To Jefferson we owe eternal gratitude for his sublime confidence in
popular government, and his unfaltering courage in defending at all
times and in all places, the great truth, that "All governments derive
their just powers from the consent of the governed."
The love of liberty is found not in palaces, but with the poor and
oppressed. It flutters in the heart of the caged bird, and sighs with
the worn and wasted prisoner in his dungeon. It has gone with martyrs
to the stake, and kissed their burning lips as the tortured spirit
winged its flight to God!
In the temple of this deity Jefferson was high priest!
For myself, I worship no mortal man living or dead; but if I could
kneel at such a shrine, it would be with uncovered head and loving
heart at the grave of Thomas Jefferson.