The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, Volume 21

The retirement papers reveal Thomas Jefferson's struggles with health, including a prolonged liquid diet due to a jaw abscess, while he remains active with horseback riding. His primary focus is establishing the University of Virginia, with efforts to hire top-tier faculty and procure necessary resources. Jefferson expresses skepticism about plans to resettle freed African Americans in Africa, reflecting on societal progress. He also discusses the adaptability of his principles in response to changing circumstances, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to governance and personal beliefs.