35. "His correspondence with the ministers of other powers residing
here, and his instructions to our own diplomatic agents abroad are among
our ablest State papers.
36. "In 1797 he was chosen Vice President. In 1801 he was elected
President in opposition to Mr. Adams, and reelected in 1805, by a vote
approaching towards unanimity.
37. "From the time of his final retirement from public life Mr.
Jefferson lived as becomes a wise man.
38. "Surrounded by affectionate friends, his ardor in the pursuit of
knowledge undiminished, with uncommon health and unbroken spirits, he
was able to enjoy largely the rational pleasures of life, and to partake
in that public prosperity which he had so much contributed to produce.
39. "His kindness and hospitality, the charm of his conversation, the
ease of his manners, and especially the full store of revolutionary
incidents which he possessed, and which he knew when and how to
dispense, rendered his abode in a high degree attractive to his admiring
countrymen.
40. "His high public and scientific character drew towards him every
intelligent and educated traveler from abroad.
41. "Both Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson had the pleasure of knowing
that the respect which they so largely received was not paid to their
official stations.
42. "They were not men made great by office; but great men, on whom the
country for its own benefit had conferred office.
43. "There was that in them which office did not give, and which the
relinquishment of office did not and could not take away.
44. "In their retirement, in the midst of their fellow citizens,
themselves private citizens, they enjoyed as high regard and esteem as
when filling the most important places of public trust.
45. "Thus useful and thus respected passed the old age of Thomas
Jefferson.
46. "But time was on its ever-ceaseless wing, and was now bringing the
last hour of this illustrious man.
47. "He saw its approach with undisturbed serenity. He counted the
moments as they passed, and beheld that his last sands were falling.
48. "That day, too, was at hand which he had helped make immortal.
One wish, one hope--if it were not presumptuous--beat in his fainting
breast.
49. "Could it be so--might it please God--he would desire once more to
see the sun--once more to look abroad on the scene around him, on the
great day of liberty.
50. "Heaven in its mercy fulfilled that prayer. He saw that sun--he
enjoyed that sacred light--he thanked God for this mercy, and bowed his
aged head to the grave."