Extract from Thomas Jefferson to John Armstrong

Washington May 2. 08.

this measure, attempted at a former session, was pressed at the last, and might I think have been carried by a small majority. but considering that great innovations should not be forced on a slender majority,1 and seeing that the general opinion2 is sensibly rallying to it, it was thought better to let it lie over to the next session, when I trust it will be passed.

PoC (DLC). TJ wrote another letter of the same date to his friend Tadeusz Kosciuszko, in nearly the same language, with changes noted below.
1In letter to Kosciuszko: “majorities.”
2In letter to Kosciuszko: “public opinion.”
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May 2, 1808
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