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Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

"Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 3"

In this State, we fear that the
ill-designing may produce insurrection. Nothing could be so fatal. Any
thing 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.
I enclose you a part of a speech of Mr. Gallatin on the naval bill. The
views he takes of our finances, and of the policy of our undertaking to
establish a great navy, may furnish some hints. I am told, something on
the same subject from Mr. J. Nicholas will appear in the Richmond and
Fredericksburg papers. I mention the real author, that you may respect
it duly, for I presume it will be anonymous.


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