[428][430] He resigned on January 20, 1815, but remained active through correspondence.[431]

Linguistics
Jefferson had a lifelong interest in linguistics, and could speak, read, and write in a number of languages, including French, Greek, Italian, and German. In his early years, he excelled in classical language while at boarding school[432] where he received a classical education in Greek and Latin.[433] Jefferson later came to regard the Greek language as the "perfect language" as expressed in its laws and philosophy.[434] While attending the College of William & Mary, he taught himself Italian.[435] Here Jefferson first became familiar with the Anglo-Saxon language, especially as it was associated with English Common law and system of government and studied the language in a linguistic and philosophical capacity. He owned 17 volumes of Anglo-Saxon texts and grammar and later wrote an essay on the Anglo-Saxon language.[432]
Jefferson claimed to have taught himself Spanish during his nineteen-day journey to France, using only a grammar guide and a copy of Don Quixote.[436] Linguistics played a significant role in how Jefferson modeled and expressed political and philosophical ideas. 