How long we can hold our ground I do not know. We are not incorruptible; on the contrary, corruption is making a sensible tho’ silent progress. Offices are as acceptable here as elsewhere, and when once a man has cast a longing eye on them, a rottenness begins in his conduct.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801-09)

Letter (1799-05-21) to Tench Coxe
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