We shall see in what all this
is to end; but surely in something. The popular movement in the Eastern
States is checked, as we expected, and war addresses are showering in
from New Jersey and the great trading towns. However, we still trust
that a nearer view of war and a land-tax will oblige the great mass of
the people to attend. At present, the war-hawks talk of septembrizing,
deportation, and the examples for quelling sedition set by the French
executive. All the firmness of the human mind is now in a state of
requisition.
Salutations to Mrs. Madison; and to yourself, friendship and adieu.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CCXXXIII.--TO JAMES MADISON, May 3, 1798
TO JAMES MADISON.
Philadelphia, May 3, 1798.
Dear Sir,
I wrote you last on the 26th; since which yours of the 22nd of April
has been received, acknowledging mine of the 12th; so that all appear to
have been received to that date. The spirit kindled up in the towns is
wonderful. These and New Jersey are pouring in their addresses, offering
life and fortune. Even these addresses are not the worst things. For
indiscreet declarations and expressions of passion may be pardoned to a
multitude acting from the impulse of the moment. But we cannot expect
a foreign nation to show that apathy to the answers of the President,
which are more thrasonic than the addresses.
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