July 12 1812: Athenian Destinies

On July 12 1812, Thomas Jefferson writes to Benjamin Henry Boneval Latrobe. Latrobe was a British immigrant and professionally trained architect who designed the  United States Capitol. The work on the Capitol stopped when the war started. Jefferson was a great patron and admirer of Latrobe.  On July 12 Jefferson is responding to a question about a dinner in 1807 which Jefferson cannot recall.  Jefferson candidly admits that his memory is failing and that is one of the reasons why he retired from public business. He goes on to praise Latrobe's work and hope that it will continue. Jefferson writes with a flourish: "I shall live in the hope that the day will come when an opportunity will be given you of finishing the middle building in a style worthy of the two wings, and worthy of the first temple dedicated to the sovereignty of the people, embellishing with Athenian taste the course of a nation looking far beyond the range of Athenian destinies". Jefferson's letter is reproduced below.

To B. H. Latrobe.

Monticello, July 12, 1812.

Dear Sir,—Of all the faculties of the human mind that of memory is the first which suffers decay from age.  Of the commencement of this decay, I was fully sensible while I lived in Washington, and it was my earliest monitor to retire from public business.  It has often since been the source of great regret when applied to by others to attest transactions in which I had been agent, to find that they had entirely vanished from my memory.  In no case has it given me more concern than in that which is the subject of your letter of the 2d instant:  the supper given in 1807 to the workmen on the Capitol.  Of this supper I have not the smallest recollection.  If it ever was mentioned to me, not a vestige of it now remains in my mind.  This failure of my memory is no proof the thing did not happen, but only takes from it the support of my testimony, which cannot be given for what is obliterated from it.  I have looked among my papers to see if they furnish any trace of the matter, but I find none;  and must therefore acquiesce in my incompetence to administer to truth on this occasion. I am sorry to learn that Congress has relinquished the benefit of the engagements of Andrei & Franzoni, on the sculpture of the Capitol.  They are artists of a grade far above what we can expect to get again.  I still hope they will continue to work on the basis of the appropriation made, and as far as that will go;  so that what is done will be well done;  and perhaps a more favorable moment may still preserve them to us. With respect to yourself, the little disquietudes from individuals not chosen for their taste in works of art, will be sunk into oblivion, while the Representatives’ chamber will remain a durable monument of your talents as an architect.  I say nothing of the Senate room, because I have never seen it.  I shall live in the hope that the day will come when an opportunity will be given you of finishing the middle building in a style worthy of the two wings, and worthy of the first temple dedicated to the sovereignty of the people, embellishing with Athenian taste the course of a nation looking far beyond the range of Athenian destinies.  In every situation, public or private, be assured of my sincere wishes for your prosperity and happiness, and of the continuance of my esteem and respect.