But unfortunately, the preceding measures had
already alienated the nation who were the object of them, had excited
reaction from them, and this reaction has on the minds of our citizens
an effect which supplies that of the Washington popularity. This effect
was sensible on some of the late congressional elections, and this it is
which has lessened the republican majority in Congress. When it will be
reinforced, must depend on events, and these are so incalculable, that I
consider the future character of our republic as in the air; indeed its
future fortune will be in the air, if war is made on us by France, and
if Louisiana becomes a Gallo-American colony.
I have been much pleased to see a dawn of change in the spirit of
your State. The late elections have indicated something, which, at a
distance, we do not understand. However, what with the English influence
in the lower, and the Patroon influence in the upper parts of your
State, I presume little is to be hoped. If a prospect could be once
opened upon us of the penetration of truth into the Eastern States: if
the people there, who are unquestionably republicans, could discover
that they have been duped into the support of measures calculated to
sap the very foundations of republicanism, we might still hope for
salvation, and that it would come, as of old, from the East.
Pages:
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620