The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, Volume 18: 1 December 1821 to 15 September 1822

A new definitive volume of Thomas Jefferson's retirement papers has been released, featuring 627 documents covering a wide range of topics, including his fear of old age, political opinions, and correspondence. He declines appointments and avoids detailed replies due to his advanced age and health issues. Jefferson also expresses his approval of Unitarianism and predicts that most young men in the US will die as Unitarians.

Format: Hardback
Length: 800 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

This extensive collection of 627 documents encompasses a wide range of topics. Jefferson expresses his apprehension about reaching an "a doting old age." He includes an anonymous note in the Richmond Enquirer, denying any endorsement of a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, and also publishes two letters under his own name to address a Federalist assertion that he had previously benefited from overcharging the United States Treasury. Jefferson chooses not to respond to unsolicited letters seeking his opinions on constitutional matters, judicial review, and a call for universal white male suffrage in Virginia. He is concerned that accepting this appointment would establish a harmful precedent, leading him to decline the offer. Additionally, Jefferson is requested to provide his insights on proposed enhancements for stoves, lighthouses, telescopes, and navigable balloons. Due to his advanced age and stiffened wrist, he avoids providing detailed responses and allows his complaint about the overwhelming volume of incoming correspondence to be leaked to the press, with the intention of discouraging strangers from continuing to send them letters. Jefferson approves of the growth of Unitarianism and confidently predicts that there will not be a young man living in the United States today who will not die as an Unitarian.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691229256