he principles of the constitution,
time has been given to the States to recover from the temporary phrenzy
into which they had been decoyed, to rally round the constitution, and
to rescue it from the destruction with which it had been threatened even
at their own hands. I see copied from the American Magazine two numbers
of a paper signed Don Quixote, most excellently adapted to introduce the
real truth to the minds even of the most prejudiced.

I would, with great pleasure, have written the letter you desired in
behalf of your friend, but there are existing circumstances which
render a letter from me to that magistrate as improper as it would be
unavailing. I shall be happy, on some more fortunate occasion, to prove
to you my desire of serving your wishes.

I some time ago received a letter from a Mr. M'Gregory of Derby, in your
State; it is written with such a degree of good sense and appearance
of candor, as entitles it to an answer. Yet the writer being entirely
unknown to me, and the stratagems of the times very multifarious, I
have thought it best to avail myself of your friendship, and enclose the
answer to you. You will see its nature. If you find from the character
of the person to whom it is addressed, that no improper use would
probably be made of it, be so good as to seal and send it. Otherwise
suppress it.

How will the vote of your State and Rhode Island be as to A. and P.?

I am, with great and sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCLXI.--TO URIAH M'GREGORY, August 13, 1800

TO URIAH M'GREGORY.

Monticello, August 13, 1800.

Sir,

Your favor of July the 19th has been received, and received with the
tribute of respect due to a person, who, unurged by motives of personal
friendship or acquaintance, and unaided by particular information, will
so far exercise his justice as to advert to the proofs of approbation
given a public character by his own State and by the United States,
and weigh them in the scale against the fatherless calumnies he hears
uttered against him. These public acts are known even to those who know
nothing of my private life, and surely are better evidence to a mind
disposed to truth, than slanders which no man will affirm on his own
knowledge, or ever saw one who would. From the moment that a portion of
my fellow-citizens looked towards me with a view to one of their highest
offices, the floodgates of calumny have been opened upon me