393. APPROBATION, Consolation in.—
Though I have made up my mind not to
suffer calumny to disturb my tranquillity, yet
I retain all my sensibilities for the approbation
of the good and just. That is, indeed,
the chief consolation for the hatred of so
many, who, without the least personal knowledge,
and on the sacred evidence of “ Porcupine
” and Fenno alone, cover me with their
implacable hatred. The only return I will
ever make to them will be to do them all the
good I can, in spite of their teeth.—
To Samuel Smith. Washington ed. iv, 256.
Ford ed., vii, 279.
(M.
1798)
