d of man.
Science had liberated the ideas of those who read and reflect, and
the American example had kindled feelings of right in the people. An
insurrection has consequently begun, of science, talents, and courage,
against rank and birth, which have fallen into contempt. It has failed
in its first effort, because the mobs of the cities, the instrument used
for its accomplishment, debased by ignorance, poverty, and vice, could
not be restrained to rational action. But the world will recover from
the panic of this first catastrophe. Science is progressive, and talents
and enterprise on the alert. Resort may be had to the people of
the country, a more governable power from their principles and
subordination; and rank and birth and tinsel-aristocracy will finally
shrink into insignificance, even there. This, however, we have no right
to meddle with. It suffices for us, if the moral and physical condition
of our own citizens qualifies them to select the able and good for the
direction of their government, with a recurrence of elections at such
short periods as will enable them to displace an unfaithful servant,
before the mischief he meditates may be irremediable, I have thus
stated my opinion on a point on which we differ, not with a view to
controversy, for we are both too old to change opinions which are the
result of a long life of inquiry and reflection; but on the suggestion
of a former letter of yours, that we ought not to die before we have
explained ourselves to each other. We acted in perfect harmony,
through a long and perilous contest for our liberty and independence.
A constitution has been acquired, which, though neither of us thinks
perfect, yet both consider as competent to render our fellow-citizens
the happiest and the securest on whom the sun has ever shone. If we do
not think exactly alike as to its imperfections, it matters little to
our country, which, after devoting to it long lives of disinterested
labor we have delivered over to our successors in life, who will be able
to take care of it and of themselves.

Of the pamphlet on aristocracy which has been sent to you, or who may be
its author, I have heard nothing but through your letter. If the person
you suspect, it may be known from the quaint, mystical, and hyperbolical
ideas, involved in affected, newfangled, and pedantic terms, which stamp
his writings. Whatever it be, I hope your quiet is not to be affected at
this day by the rudeness or intemp