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Quote from Thomas Jefferson's letter to William Smith, 13 November 1787

Thomas Jefferson1787-11-13

Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello

Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Writing to William Smith (1755–1816), John Adams' secretary and future son-in-law, Thomas Jefferson seemed to welcome Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts: "god forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion . . . the tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants. it is it's natural manure." Jefferson was confident that rather than repression, the "remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon & pacify them."

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  • Title: Quote from Thomas Jefferson's letter to William Smith, 13 November 1787
  • Creator: Thomas Jefferson
  • Date Created: 1787-11-13
Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello

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