I am interested in doing research on the letters between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, particularly after they reconciled their relationship. Does anyone know if their letters directly address their disagreements on the powers of the federal government and the founding of the new nation? If so, can you share particular dates of these letters? This project is inspired after reading Gordon Wood's book Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
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I am interested in doing research on the letters between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams
Ok, I'll give sources. If you're serious about it, I recommend picking up at least The Adams-Jefferson Letters: The Complete Correspondence Between Thomas Jefferson and Abigail and John Adams, Lester J. Cappon, Univ of North Carolina Press (1988). If you've never read/owned a "letters of" book, it's literally just letters, one after another, with at most some footnotes on them (but otherwise typically no editorializing of them with the exception of a preface or intro by the editer) and they're best suited as reference books. In other words, it's somewhere between reading an old newspaper and an old journal, which can be a challenge to read through. You can read the original 1959 publication for free on [google books] (https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Adams_Jefferson_Letters.html?id=idkL4J5xhcEC&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button), but that only includes Vol 1, which stops in 1804. Speaking of 1804;
You seem to think it devolved on the judges to decide on the validity of the sedition law. but nothing in the constitution has given them a right to decide for the executive, more than to the Executive to decide for them. both magistracies are equally independant in the sphere of action assigned to them. the judges, believing the law constitutional, had a right to pass a sentence of fine and imprisonment; because that power was placed in their hands by the constitution. but the Executive, believing the law to be unconstitutional, was bound to remit the execution of it; because that power has been confided to him by the constitution. that instrument meant that it’s co-ordinate branches should be checks on each other. but the opinion which gives to the judges the right to decide what laws are constitutional, and what not, not only for themselves in their own sphere of action, but for the legislature & executive also in their spheres, would make the judiciary a despotic branch. Nor does the opinion of the unconstitutionality & consequent nullity of that law remove all restraint from the overwhelming torrent of slander which is confounding all vice and virtue, all truth & falsehood in the US. The power to do that is fully possessed by the several state–legislatures. it was reserved to them, & was denied to the general government, by the constitution according to our construction of it. while we deny that Congress have a right to controul the freedom of the press, we have ever asserted the right of the states, and their exclusive right, to do so. they have accordingly, all of them, made provisions for punishing slander, which those who have time and inclination resort to for the vindication of their characters. in general the state laws appear to have made the presses responsible for slander as far as is consistent with their usual freedom. in those states where they do not admit even the truth of allegations to protect the printer, they have gone too far. - Th Jefferson to Abigail Adams, 11 Sept 1804
They (Jefferson and both Mr & Mrs Adams) conversed about everything. Religion, politics, current events, growing old, grandchildren, the good ol' days of declaring independence, how Jefferson was the last signer alive south of the Potomac, what the future of the Republic may hold in store and their hopes and desires for its continuance, reading, philosophy, science - everything that three old friends may talk about as their collective sun begins to set - after all, John and Th's would finally expire over the horizon only four hours apart, July 4th 1826.
For a wealth of research and to become a master of all things Jefferson, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series (edited by J Looney) project is still underway, however 16 volumes have been published, spanning 1809 to 1821, with research currently continuing to finish the series. More about the project and resources to engage with these letters can be found on [Monticello's website] (https://www.monticello.org/research-education/for-scholars/papers-of-thomas-jefferson/). For instance [this page] (https://www.monticello.org/research-education/for-scholars/papers-of-thomas-jefferson/current-cumulative-index/current-cumulative-index-a/) from the index contains the index for all things John Adams in the first 16 volumes. If you scroll down to it, you can see the extensive topics discussed. Also all the big founders have their "Papers off" series available online for free at [Founder's Online] (https://founders.archives.gov/content/volumes#Jefferson).
If you'd like a more refined or in depth answer about the letters themselves or how to utilize those sources just let me know.