I want to be quiet

[This is from a letter to Joseph Cabell, on January 31, 1814, regarding my aversion to meddling in public affairs later in life, except for public education and ward republics.]

I frankly confide to yourself these opinions, or rather no-opinions, of mine; but would not wish to have them go any further. I want to be quiet: and altho’ some circumstances now and then excite me to notice them, I feel safe, and happier in leaving every thing to those whose turn it is to take care of them; and in general to let it be understood that I meddle little, or not at all with public affairs. There are two subjects indeed which I shall claim a right to further as long as I breathe, the public education and the subdivision of the counties into wards. I consider the continuance of republican government as absolutely hanging on these two hooks. Of the first you will, I am sure, be an advocate as having already reflected on it, and of the last when you shall have reflected.