University of Virginia Library

2203. DESPOTISM, Single and Divided.—

The question * * * whether a pure
despotism in a single head, or one which is
divided among a king, nobles, priesthood,
and numerous magistracy, is the least bad,
I should be puzzled to decide; but I hope [the
French people] will have neither, and that
they are advancing to a limited, moderate
government, in which [they] * * * will
have a good share.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. ii, 445. Ford ed., v, 45.
(P. 1788)