John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. XXIX 
to a superior understanding, and uncommon elevation of mind and 
strength of character, united the feminine and domestic qualities, 
always important, and especially so where the head is engrossed 
by public cares. 
The temporary alienation and distance, which existed between 
these leaders of parties, disappeared in the latter years of their 
lives; and they, who had shared together the labours and perils 
of olden time, were joined again in their affections and sympathies, 
and united in their deaths. 
A cloud gathered over the setting sun of Mr. Jefferson. 
From a sense of duty to his family and to those who had claims 2 
upon him, he felt bound to have recourse to the expedient of 
presenting himself to the public, by which he looked to have the 
utmost severity of the evil warded off ; and under the expectation 
of the success of this expedient he had peace at the last. 
Whether the country should suffer this resource to fail without 
any substitute, and see his bereaved family deprived of all that 
belonged to him, is a question to be determined by those who 
would give the most substantial proof of their respect. 
Let us take a devout notice of the providence of God, which 
furnishes agents for his benevolent purposes, and brings individu- 
als upon the stage of human affairs qualified for trymg and mo- 
mentous exigencies in the fortunes of states. 
We render respect to those who have gone before us in con- 
spicuous scenes, by a just sense of what is due to their memo- 
ries. Let us not be wanting in other expressions of respect. Let 
us feel and act on the occasion as we have reason to think 
they would desire. As good men, they would wish us to esti- 
mate rightly the value of their lives and services: but they 
would exhort us to manifest our sentiments of regard, not merely 
