“ desideratum of thousands. This w ^d be cutting out good work for an honest Ambition that has learned its right aim, “The increased Happiness of Man,” and covets but little more, now, at middle life, than doing something that may cheer the fine side of old age . . .”

Jefferson replied on December 13: “ . . . you ask my opinion on the subject of publishing the works of Algernon Sidney. the world has so long and so generally sounded the praises of his Discourses on government, that it seems superfluous, and even presumptuous, for an individual to add his feeble breath to the gale. they are in truth a rich treasure of republican principles, supported by copious & cogent arguments, and adorned with the finest flowers of science. it is probably the best elementary book of the principles of government, as founded in natural right which has ever been published in any language: and it is much to be desired in such a government as ours that it should be put into the hands of our youth as soon as their minds are sufficiently matured for that branch of study. in publishing it, I think his life, trial & letters should be thrown into one volume & the Discourses into another. this latter is the most important, & many purses can reach one volume which would not conveniently extend to the other. should you proceed to the publication, be so good as to consider me as a subscriber . . . ”

Algernon Sidney, 1622-1683, English republican. The writing of this work was one of the charges brought against him at the trial in 1683 which resulted in his execution, though at the time it was still in manuscript and was not published until 1698. It refutes the work of Filmer, q.v., and had a great influence on both the American and French republicans.

Old calf, red morocco label on the back lettered: Free / State. Initialled by Jefferson at sig. I. The author’s name written on the title-page (not by Jefferson). With the Library of Congress 1815 bookplate.

Marchamont Nedham, 1620-1678, English journalist. This anonymous publication, a compilation from leading articles in Mercurius Politicus, was originally published in 1656. It was translated into French in 1790.

Richard Baron, d. 1767, English republican, was the editor of this edition. The preface, signed by him, is dated: Below Blackheath, Jan. 1, 1767. Baron edited an edition of Sidney’s Discourses on Government , Milton’s prose writings, and the works of other authors.