6436. PARTIES, Opposite.—[further continued] .
To me it appears that there have been differences of opinion and party
differences, from the first establishment of government
to the present day, and on the same
question which now divides our own country;
that these will continue through all future time;
that every one takes his side in favor of the
many, or of the few, according to his constitution,
and the circumstances in which he is
placed; that opinions which are equally honest
on both sides, should not affect personal esteem
or social intercourse; that as we judge between
the Claudii and the Gracchi, the Wentworths
and the Hampdens of past ages, so of those
among us whose names may happen to be remembered
for awhile, the next generations will
judge favorably or unfavorably, according to
the complexion of individual minds, and the
side they shall themselves have taken; that
nothing new can be added by you or me in support
of the conflicting opinions on government;
and that wisdom and duty dictate an humble
resignation to the verdict of our future peers.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. vi, 145.
(M.
1813)
