Its magnitude was also impressed on others; and the value of obtaining the aid which his influence and active interference would afford to any exertions for giving this direction to the public mind, and for securing the happy execution of the plan which might be devised, was perceived by all those who attached to the great work its real importance.

A gentleman[22] who had taken an expanded view of it, concluded a letter to General Washington, containing a detailed statement of his ideas on the subject in these terms: [Footnote 22: Mr.Jefferson.] "But a most powerful objection always arises to propositions of this kind.

It is, that public undertakings are carelessly managed, and much money spent to little purpose.

To obviate this objection is the purpose of my giving you the trouble of this discussion.

You have retired from public life.