o necessary in my situation, that to relinquish it
would leave me without rule or compass. The applications of this kind
from different parts of our own, and from foreign countries, are far
beyond any resources within my command. The mission of Serampore, in the
East Indies, the object of the present application, is but one of many
items. However disposed the mind may feel to unlimited good, our means
having limits, we are necessarily circumscribed by them. They are too
narrow to relieve even the distresses under our own eye: and to desert
these for others which we neither see nor know, is to omit doing a
certain good for one which is uncertain. I know, indeed, there have
been splendid associations for effecting benevolent purposes in remote
regions of the earth. But no experience of their effect has proved that
more good would not have been done by the same means employed nearer
home. In explaining, however, my own motives of action, I must not be
understood as impeaching those of others. Their views are those of
an expanded liberality. Mine may be too much restrained by the law of
usefulness. But it is a law to me, and with minds like yours, will be
felt as a justification. With this apology, I pray you to accept my
salutations, and assurances of high esteem and respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XXVI.--TO MR. DUANE, March 22, 1806

TO MR. DUANE.

Washington, March 22, 1806.

I thank you, my good Sir, cordially, for your letter of the 12th; which,
however, I did not receive till the 20th. It is a proof of sincerity,
which I value above all things; as, between those who practise it,
falsehood and malice work their efforts in vain. There is an enemy
somewhere endeavoring to sow discord among us. Instead of listening
first, then doubting, and lastly believing anile tales handed round
without an atom of evidence, if my friends will address themselves to
me directly, as you have done, they shall be informed with frankness
and thankfulness. There is not a truth on earth which I fear or would
disguise. But secret slanders cannot be disarmed, because they are
secret. Although you desire no answer, I shall give you one to those
articles admitting a short answer, reserving those which require more
explanation than the compass of a letter admits, to conversation on your
arrival here. And as I write this for your personal satisfaction, I
rely that my letter will, under no circumstances, be communicated to any
mortal,