A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the highest duties of a good… — Thomas Jefferson
A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the highest duties of a good citizen: but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation.
1810
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Current citation
Jefferson, Thomas. "J. B. Colvin, Sep. 20, 1810." The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Including the Autobiography, The Declaration of Independence & His Public and Private Letters, edited by Adrienne Koch and William Peden. Modern Library, 1998.
Original citation
Jefferson, Thomas. Letter to John B. Colvin. 20 Sept. 1810.
