alfa century of experience and prosperity, continue to approve the choice we made.May it be to the world what I believe it will be (to some parts sooner, to otherslater, but finally to all): the signal of arousing men to burst the chains underwhich monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bindthemselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. Thatform which we have substituted restores the free right to the unbounded exerciseof reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rightsof man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to everyview the palpable truth that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddleson their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride themlegitimately by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others. Forourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections ofthese rights, and an undiminished devotion to them. "I will ask permission here to express the pleasure with which I should have met my ancient neighbors of the city of Washington and its vicinities, with whom I passed so many years of a pleasing social intercourse; an intercourse which somuch relieved the anxieties of the public cares and left impressions so deeplyengraved in my affections as never to be forgotten. With my regret that ill healthforbids me the gratification of an acceptance, be pleased to receive for yourselfand those for whom you write, the assurance of my highest respect and friendlyattachments." (to Roger C. Weightman, June 24, 1826. ME 16:181) He was buried on the hillside beside his wife. He had written the script for his headstone himself: "Here was buriedThomas JeffersonAuthor of the Declaration of American Independence of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom and Father of the University of Virginia."...
