nearly the whole remaining mass. They
now find themselves with us, and separated from their quondam leaders.
If we can but avoid shocking their feelings by unnecessary acts of
severity against their late friends, they will in a little time cement
and from one mass with us, and by these means harmony and union be
restored to our country, which would be the greatest good we could
effect. It was a conviction that these people did not differ from us
in principle, which induced me to define the principles which I deemed
orthodox, and to urge a re-union on these principles; and I am induced
to hope it has conciliated many. I do not speak of the desperadoes
of the quondam faction in and out of Congress. These I consider as
incurables, on whom all attentions would be lost, and therefore will not
be wasted. But my wish is, to keep their flock from returning to them.

On the subject of the marshal of Virginia, I refer you confidentially to
Major Egglestone for information. I leave this about this day se'nnight,
to make some arrangements at home preparatory to my final removal to
this place, from which I shall be absent about three weeks.

Accept assurances of my constant esteem and high consideration and
respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCLXXXII.--TO SAMUEL ADAMS, March 29, 1801

TO SAMUEL ADAMS.

Washington, March 29, 1801.

I addressed a letter to you, my very dear and ancient friend, on the 4th
of March: not indeed to you by name, but through the medium of some of
my fellow-citizens, whom occasion called on me to address. In meditating
the matter of that address, I often asked myself, Is this exactly in
the spirit of the patriarch, Samuel Adams? Is it as he would express it?
Will he approve of it? I have felt a great deal for our country in the
times we have seen. But individually for no one so much as yourself.
When I have been told that you were avoided, insulted, frowned on, I
could but ejaculate, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they
do.' I confess I felt an indignation for you, which for myself I have
been able, under every trial, to keep entirely passive. However, the
storm is over, and we are in port. The ship was not rigged for the
service she was put on. We will show the smoothness of her motions on
her republican tack. I hope we shall once more see harmony restored
among our citizens, and an entire oblivion of past feuds. Some of the
leaders, who have most committed themselves, cannot com