The denouement has been happy: and i confess i look to this duplication of area for the extending a government so free and economical as ours, as a great achievement to the mass of happiness which is to ensue. whether we remain in one confederacy, or form into atlantic and mississippi confederacies, i believe not very important to the happiness of either part. those of the western confederacy will be as much our children and descendants as those of the eastern, and i feel myself as much identified with that country, in future time, as with this: and did i now foresee a separation at some future day, yet i should feel the duty and the desire to promote the western interests as zealously as the eastern, doing all the good for both portions of our future family which should fall within my power.—thomas jefferson, “letter ix—to doctor priestly,” january 29, 1804 the main benefit of the "duplication of area" jefferson describes in his letter was which of the following? expansion fac