The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 4 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 4 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
DEAR SIR,--I wrote you a petition on the 29th of January. I know the
extent of this trespass on your tranquillity, and how indiscreet it would
have been under any other circumstances. But the fate of this country,
whether it shall be irretrievably plunged into a form of government
rejected by the makers of the Constitution, or shall get back to the true
principles of that instrument, depends on the turn which things may take
within a short period of time ensuing the present moment. The violations
of the Constitution, propensities to war, to expense, and to a particular
foreign connection, which we have lately seen, are becoming evident to
the people, and are dispelling that mist which X. Y. Z. had spread before
their eyes. This State is coming forward with a boldness not yet seen.
Even the German counties of York and Lancaster, hitherto the most devoted,
have come about, and by petitions with four thousand signers remonstrate
against the alien and sedition laws, standing armies, and discretionary
powers in the President. New York and Jersey are also getting into great
agitation. In this State, we fear that the ill designing may produce
insurrection. Nothing could be so fatal. Anything like force would check
the progress of the public opinion and rally them round the government.
This is not the kind of opposition the American people will permit. But
keep away all show of force, and they will bear down the evil propensities
of the government, by the constitutional means of election and petition.
If we can keep quiet, therefore, the tide now turning will take a steady
and proper direction. Even in New Hampshire there are strong symptoms of
a rising inquietude. In this state of things, my dear Sir, it is more in
your power than any other man's in the United States, to give the _coup de
grace_ to the ruinous principles and practices we have seen. In hopes you
have consented to it, I shall furnish to you some additional matter which
has arisen since my last.
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