thought extraordinary.

A new subject of congratulation has arisen. I mean the regeneration of
Rhode Island. I hope it is the beginning of that resurrection of the
genuine spirit of New England which rises for life eternal. According
to natural order, Vermont will emerge next, because least, after Rhode
Island, under the yoke of hierocracy. I have never dreamed that all
opposition was to cease. The clergy, who have missed their union with
the State, the Anglomen, who have missed their union with England, and
the political adventurers, who have lost the chance of swindling and
plunder in the waste of public money, will never cease to bawl, on the
breaking up of their sanctuary. But among the people, the schism is
healed, and with tender treatment the wound will not re-open. Their
quondam leaders have been astounded with the suddenness of the
desertion: and their silence and appearance of acquiescence have
proceeded not from a thought of joining us, but the uncertainty
what ground to take. The very first acts of the administration, the
nominations, have accordingly furnished something to yelp on; and all
our subsequent acts will furnish them fresh matter, because there is
nothing against which human ingenuity will not be able to find something
to say.

Accept assurances of my sincere attachment and high respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCLXXXV.--TO NATHANIEL MACON, May 14, 1801

TO NATHANIEL MACON.

Washington, May 14, 1801.

Dear Sir,

Your favors of April the 20th and 23rd had been received, and the
commission made out for Mr. Potts, before I received the letter of the
1st instant. I have still thought it better to forward the commission,
in the hope that reconsideration, or the influence of yourself and
friends, might induce an acceptance of it. Should it be otherwise, you
must recommend some other good person, as I had rather be guided by your
opinion than that of the person you refer me to. Perhaps Mr. Potts may
be willing to stop the gap till you meet and repeal the law. If he does
not, let me receive a recommendation from you as quickly as possible.
And in all cases, when an office becomes vacant in your State, as the
distance would occasion a great delay, were you to wait to be regularly
consulted, I shall be much obliged to you to recommend the best
characters. There is nothing I am so anxious about as making the best
possible appointments, and no case in which the best men are more liable
to