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ensures in a free country ; for I would observe to you, that vlmt is called style in writing or speaking, is formed very early in life, while the imagination is warm, and impressions are permament. I am of opinion, that there never was an instance of a man s wri ting or speaking his native tongue with elegance, who passed from fifteen to twenty years of age, out of the country where it was spo ken. Thus, no instance exists of a person s writing two languages perfectly. That will always appear to be his native language, which was most familiar to him in his youth. It appears to ine then, that an American coming to Europe for education, loses in his knowledge, in his morals, in his health, in his habits, and in his happiness. I had entertained only doubts on this head, before I came to Europe : what I see and hear, since I came here, proves more than I had even suspected. Cast your eye over Ame rica : who are the men of most learning, of most eloquence, most beloved by their countrymen, and most trusted and promoted by them? They are those who have been educated among them, and whose manners, morals and habits, are perfectly homogeneous with those of "the country.
Did you expect -by so short a question, to draw such a sermon on yourself? I dare say you did not. But the consequences of foreign education are alarming to me, as an American. I sin, therefore, through zeal, whenever I enter on the subject. You are sufficiently American to pardon me for it. Let me hear of your health, and be assured of the esteem with which I am, Dear Sir,
your friend and servant,
TH : JEFFERSON.
LETTER CXXIX. TO MR. CARMICHAEL.
Paris, October 18, 1785. DEAR SIR,
Your favor of the 29th of September, came safely to hand : the constant expectation of the departure of the persons whom I formerly gave you reason to expect, has prevented my writing, as it has done yours. They will probably leave this in a week, but their route will be circuitous and attended with delays. Between the middle and last of November, they may be with you. By them, you will receive a cypher, by which you may communicate with Mr. Adams and myself. I should have sent it by Baron
