iece published in Bache's paper on foreign influence, has had the
greatest currency and effect. To an extraordinary first impression, they
have been obliged to make a second, and of an extraordinary number. It
is such things as these the public want. They say so from all quarters,
and that they wish to hear reason instead of disgusting blackguardism.
The public sentiment being now on the creen, and many heavy
circumstances about to fall into the republican scale, we are sensible
that this summer is the season for systematic energies and sacrifices.
The engine is the press. Every man must lay his purse and his pen under
contribution. As to the former, it is possible I may be obliged to
assume something for you. As to the latter, let me pray and beseech you
to set apart a certain portion of every post-day to write what may be
proper for the public. Send it to me while here, and when I go away
I will let you know to whom you may send, so that your name shall be
sacredly secret. You can render such incalculable services in this way,
as to lessen the effect of our loss of your presence here. I shall see
you on the 5th or 6th of March.

Affectionate salutations to Mrs. Madison and yourself. Adieu.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCXLVIII.--TO EDMUND PENDLETON, February 14, 1799

TO EDMUND PENDLETON.

Philadelphia, February 14, 1799.

Dear Sir,

I wrote you a petition on the 29th of January. I know the extent of this
trespass on your tranquillity, and how indiscreet it would have been
under any other circumstances. But the fate of this country, whether it
shall be irretrievably plunged into a form of government rejected by the
makers of the constitution, or shall get back to the true principles
of that instrument, depends on the turn which things may take within a
short period of time ensuing the present moment. The violations of
the constitution, propensities to war, to expense, and to a particular
foreign connection, which we have lately seen, are becoming evident
to the people, and are dispelling that mist which X. Y. Z. had spread
before their eyes. This State is coming forward with a boldness not yet
seen. Even the German counties of York and Lancaster, hitherto the most
devoted, have come about, and by petitions with four thousand signers
remonstrate against the alien and sedition laws, standing armies, and
discretionary powers in the President. New York and Jersey are
also getting into great agitation. In this Sta