Extract of Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington
| Paris May 27. 1788. |
there are two amendments only which I am anxious for. 1. a bill of rights, which it is so much the interest of all to have ... the 2d amendment which appears to me essential is the restoring the principle of necessary rotation, particularly to the Senate & Presidency: but most of all to the last. re-eligibility makes him an officer for life, and the disasters inseparable from an elective monarchy ... of the correction of this article however I entertain no present hope, because I find it has scarcely excited an objection in America. and if it does not take place soon ere long, it assuredly never will. the natural progress of things is for liberty to yeild, & government to gain ground.