Notice of Condition of Monticello and Reflection on Legislature of Virginia
Monticello, (late the seat of Mr. Jefferson) we learn, is in a state of comparative desolation, which produces a melancholy and mortifying sentiment with spectators who saw and appreciated it in the flourishing days of its lamented and illustrious master. The contrast reflects no honor on Virginia, whose politicians, instead of now exalting the authority of his name beyond all bounds, for party purposes, would do well to think of the condition of his mansion and estate, and exhort the Legislature of their Commonwealth to imitate the liberality of the Legislatures of South Carolina and Louisiana in behalf of his family. They would have us treat Mr. Jefferson when dead, as an universal oracle; they have never made, however, as others have done, efforts to procure substantial sacrifices to his memory; and they were far from allowing the greatest weight to his opinions while he lived.—Nat. Gaz.