135. ADMINISTRATION, Moderate.—
I am very much in hopes we shall be able to
restore union to our country. Not, indeed,
that the federal leaders can be brought over.
They are invincibles; but I really hope their
followers may. The bulk of these last were
real republicans, carried over from us by
French excesses. This induced me to offer
a political creed [in the inauguration address],
and to invite to conciliation first; and I am
pleased to hear, that these principles are recognized
by them, and considered as no bar
of separation. A moderate conduct throughout
which may not revolt our new friends,
and which may give them tenets with us,
must be observed.—
To John Page. Washington ed. iv, 378.
(W.
March. 1801)
