bsequent and satisfactory assurance would have effected its object
completely), from that moment, and influenced by that information, I saw
the necessity of abandoning it, and instead of effecting our purpose by
this peaceful weapon, we must fight it out, or break the Union. I then
recommended to my friends to yield to the necessity of a repeal of the
embargo, and to endeavor to supply its place by the best substitute, in
which they could procure a general concurrence.

I cannot too often repeat, that this statement is not pretended to be
in the very words which passed; that it only gives faithfully the
impression remaining on my mind. The very words of a conversation are
too transient and fugitive to be so long retained in remembrance. But
the substance was too important to be forgotten, not only from the
revolution of measures it obliged me to adopt, but also from the
renewals of it in my memory on the frequent occasions I have had of
doing justice to Mr. Adams, by repeating this proof of his fidelity to
his country, and of his superiority over all ordinary considerations
when the safety of that was brought into question.

With this best exertion of a waning memory which I can command, accept
assurances of my constant and affectionate friendship and respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXXVIII.--TO WILLIAM B. GILES, December 26, 1825

TO WILLIAM B. GILES.

Monticello, December 26, 1825.

Dear Sir,

I wrote you a letter yesterday, of which you will be free to make what
use you please. This will contain matters not intended for the public
eye. I see, as you do, and with the deepest affliction, the rapid
strides with which the federal branch of our government is advancing
towards the usurpation of all the rights reserved to the States, and the
consolidation in itself of all powers, foreign and domestic; and that
too, by constructions which, if legitimate, leave no limits to their
power. Take together the decisions of the federal court, the doctrines
of the President, and the misconstructions of the constitutional compact
acted on by the legislature of the federal branch, and it is but too
evident, that the three ruling branches of that department are in
combination to strip their colleagues, the State authorities, of the
powers reserved by them, and to exercise themselves all functions,
foreign and domestic. Under the power to regulate commerce, they assume
indefinitely that also over agriculture and manuf