Extract from Thomas Jefferson to Tadeusz Kosciuszko
| Monticello Apr. 16. 1811. |
the happiness & prosperity of our citizens ... I believe is the only legitimate object of government, and the first duty of governors, and not the slaughter of men, & devastation of the countries placed under their care, in pursuit of a fantastic honor, unallied to virtue or happiness; or in gratification of the angry passions, or the pride of administrators, excited by personal incidents, in which their citizens have no concern.
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April 16, 1811
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