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  ...but their rotten machine must crush under the trial. The animosities of sovereigns are temporary, and may be allayed: but those which seize the whole body of a people, and of a people, too, who dictate their own measures, produce calamities of long duration. I shall not wonder to see the scenes of ancient Rome and Carthage renewed in our day; and if not pursued to the same issue, it may be, because the republic of modern powers will not permit the extinction of any one of its members. Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it.   But the temper and folly of our enemies may not leave this in our choice. I am happy in our prospect of friendship with the most estimable powers of Europe, and particularly with those of the confederacy, of which yours is. That your present crisis may have a happy issue, is the prayer and wish of him, who has the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.

LETTER X.--TO WILLIAM DRAYTON, May 6, 1786
TO WILLIAM...   Jefferson, Thomas

Excerpt from Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 2 · This quote is about peace · Search on Google Books to find all references and sources for this quotation.

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