6416. PARTIES, Amalgamation of.—[continued].
You are told, indeed, that there are no longer parties among us; that
they are all now amalgamated; the lion and the
lamb lie down together in peace. Do not believe
a word of it. The same parties exist now
as ever did. No longer, indeed, under the name
of republicans and federalists. The latter name
was extinguished in the battle of Orleans.
Those who wore it, finding monarchism a desperate
wish in this country, are rallying to
what they deem the next best point, a consolidated
government. Although this is not yet
avowed (as that of monarchy, you know, never
was), it exists decidedly, and is the true key
to the debates in Congress, wherein you see
many calling themselves republicans, and
preaching the rankest doctrines of the old federalists.
[380]
—
To Albert Gallatin.
Ford ed., x, 235.
(M.
Oct. 1822)