2974. FEDERALISTS, Pusillanimous.—
The federalists * * * wish to rub through
this fragment of a year as they have through
the four preceding ones, opposing patience to
insult, and interest to honor. * * * This
is, indeed, a most humiliating state of things,
but it commenced in 1793. Causes have been
adding to causes, and effects accumulating on
effects, from that time to this. We had, in
1793, the most respectable character in the
universe. What the neutral nations think of
us now, I know not; but we are low indeed
with the belligerents. Their kicks and cuffs
prove their contempt.—
To Edward Rutledge. Washington ed. iv, 191.
Ford ed., vii, 154.
(Pa.,
June. 1797)
