ld
have a dreadful operation to perform. That the republicans would
consent to a continuation of every thing in federal hands, was not to be
expected, because neither just nor politic. On him then was to devolve
the office of an executioner, that of lopping off. I cannot say that it
has worked harder than I expected. You know the moderation of our views
in this business, and that we all concurred in them. We determined to
proceed with deliberation. This produced impatience in the republicans,
and a belief we meant to do nothing. Some occasion of public explanation
was eagerly desired, when the New Haven remonstrance offered us that
occasion. The answer was meant as an explanation to our friends. It
has had on them, everywhere, the most wholesome effect. Appearances of
schismatizing from us have been entirely done away. I own I expected
it would check the current, with which the republican federalists were
returning to their brethren, the republicans. I extremely lamented this
effect. For the moment which should convince me that a healing of
the nation into one, is impracticable, would be the last moment of my
wishing to remain where I am. (Of the monarchical federalists, I have no
expectations. They are incurables, to be taken care of in a mad-house
if necessary, and on motives of charity.) I am much pleased, therefore,
with your information that the republican federalists are still coming
in to the desired union. The eastern newspapers had given me a different
impression, because I supposed the printers knew the taste of their
customers, and cooked their dishes to their palates. The Palladium is
understood to be the clerical paper, and from the clergy I expect no
mercy. They crucified their Savior who preached that their kingdom was
not of this world, and all who practise on that precept must expect the
extreme of their wrath. The laws of the present day withhold their hands
from blood. But lies and slander still remain to them.

I am satisfied that the heaping of abuse on me personally, has been with
the design and the hope of provoking me to make a general sweep of all
federalists out of office. But as I have carried no passion into the
execution of this disagreeable duty, I shall suffer none to be excited.
The clamor which has been raised will not provoke me to remove one more,
nor deter me from removing one less, than if not a word had been said on
the subject. In Massachusetts you may be assured, great moderation w