storm through which we have passed, has been tremendous
indeed. The tough sides of our Argosie have been thoroughly tried. Her
strength has stood the waves into which she was steered, with a view to
sink her. We shall put her on her republican tack, and she will now show
by the beauty of her motion the skill of her builders. Figure apart,
our fellow-citizens have been led hood-winked from their principles by
a most extraordinary combination of circumstances. But the band is
removed, and they now see for themselves. I hope to see shortly a
perfect consolidation, to effect which, nothing shall be spared on my
part, short of the abandonment of the principles of our revolution. A
just and solid republican government maintained here, will be a standing
monument and example for the aim and imitation of the people of other
countries; and I join with you in the hope and belief that they will
see, from our example, that a free government is of all others the most
energetic; that the inquiry which has been excited among the mass of
mankind by our revolution and its consequences, will ameliorate the
condition of man over a great portion of the globe. What a satisfaction
have we in the contemplation of the benevolent effects of our efforts,
compared with those of the leaders on the other side, who have
discountenanced all advances in science as dangerous innovations, have
endeavored to render philosophy and republicanism terms of reproach, to
persuade us that man cannot be governed but by the rod, &c. I shall
have the happiness of living and dying in the contrary hope. Accept
assurances of my constant and sincere respect and attachment, and my
affectionate salutations.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCLXXIV.--TO COLONEL MONROE, March 7, 1801

TO COLONEL MONROE.

Washington, March 7, 1801.

Dear Sir,

I had written the enclosed letter to Mrs. Trist, and was just proceeding
to begin one to you, when your favor of the 6th was put into my hands. I
thank you sincerely for it, and consider the views of it so sound,
that I have communicated it to my coadjutors as one of our important
evidences of the public sentiment, according to which we must shape
our course. I suspect, partly from this, but more from a letter of J.
Taylor's which has been put into my hands, that an incorrect idea of my
views has got abroad. I am in hopes my inaugural address will in some
measure set this to rights, as it will present the leading objects to
be