"Works of Thomas Jefferson," published in 1830, that is, twentyeight years prior to the issue of this "Life of Thomas Jefferson," by Randall.

Extract of a letter from Henry S. Randall to J. C. Hamilton, dated "Secretary's Office, Albany, December 21, 1853:"

"Will you allow me to say, that I hope you will labor as few have ever labored, to make a perfect biography of Alexander Hamilton. I almost envy you, sir, your task-your privilege rather to describe such a character; a character which always rises before my mind's eye, associating the intellect and patriotism of Hampden with something of that haughty grandeur, that super-regal will and ability to execute, which light up in glory the dark features of Strafford.

"That tone in your letter, which has called out these frank expressions, calls for another frank expression. I do not belong to the political school of your father. I am writing a life of his great rival, Mr. Jefferson, with the full approbation and aid of Mr. Jefferson's family. I have all their private papers not in the hands of Congress. Shall I 'say on'? I shall undoubtedly feel called upon to criticize some of your father's views and acts. But I mean to do it fairly, in the spirit of history, and not in the spirit of a 'scurvy politician,' or a controversialist. You, I doubt not, will do the same in regard to Mr. Jefferson. I suppose you are aware that, with all of Mr. Jefferson's severity of remark toward your father in regard to a class of political subjects, that he appreciated and admired his high qualities, both as a man and a statesman. Your father's bust stood conspicuously among those of the few great men he selected to adorn Monticello. To the accomplished gentlemen of other lands and his own, who so often congregated in that pavilion,' he always spoke with marked and grave respect of Hamilton."