sm is dead, without even the hope
of a day of resurrection. The quondam leaders, indeed, retain their
rancor and principles; but their followers are amalgamated with us
in sentiment, if not in name. If our fellow-citizens, now solidly
republican, will sacrifice favoritism towards men for the preservation
of principle, we may hope that no divisions will again endanger a
degeneracy in our government.

*****

I pray you to accept my salutations, and assurances of great esteem and
respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LXVII.--TO LEVI LINCOLN, March 23, 1808

TO LEVI LINCOLN.

Washington, March 23, 1808.

Dear Sir,

Your letter on the subject of Mr. Lee came safely to hand. You know
our principles render federalists in office safe, if they do not employ
their influence in opposing the government, but only give their own vote
according to their conscience. And this principle we act on as well with
those put in office by others, as by ourselves.

We have received from your presses a very malevolent and incendiary
denunciation of the administration, bottomed on absolute falsehood from
beginning to end. The author would merit exemplary punishment for so
flagitious a libel, were not the torment of his own abominable temper
punishment sufficient for even as base a crime as this. The termination
of Mr. Rose's mission, _re infecta_, put it in my power to communicate
to Congress yesterday, every thing respecting our relations with England
and France, which will effectually put down Mr. Pickering, and his
worthy coadjutor Quincy. Their tempers are so much alike, and really
their persons, as to induce a supposition that they are related. The
embargo appears to be approved, even by the federalists of every quarter
except yours. The alternative was between that and war, and, in fact,
it is the last card we have to play, short of war. But if peace does
not take place in Europe, and if France and England will not consent
to withdraw the operation of their decrees and orders from us, when
Congress shall meet in December, they will have to consider at what
point of time the embargo, continued, becomes a greater evil than war. I
am inclined to believe, we shall have this summer and autumn to prepare
for the defence of our sea-port towns, and hope that in that time the
works of defence will be completed, which have been provided for by the
legislature. I think Congress will rise within three weeks. I salute you
with great affec