“ time that has elapsed since my last, & often admire at the cause. Sometimes I fear that the latitude allowed to my remarks, has given displeasure; then that, possibly, I asked too much, & I know that it is painful to deny some gratification. If, in any case, I have offended, pray have the goodness to excuse it. I often regret the warmth of my feelings, or rather the want of prudence. But--I never was formed for any policy of design; & at least can never be more than a zealous drudge. It appears, too, that I had formed too high an estimate of my own merits & talents, & I acquiesce in the wisdom of official rigth. [ sic -- Ed. ]

"I hope my Gazetteer has duly reached thee, & that it affords thee some information of this section of the Union, which must be a pleasure. I hope, too, that it merits, in some degree, thy approbation. Most devoutly do I wish thee a long continuance of life, health, & happiness in time of eternity.”

Horatio Gates Spafford, 1778-1832, Quaker of New York, the author of several books, was in frequent correspondence with Jefferson.