7357. REPUBLICANS, Defeated.—
I had
always hoped, that the popularity of the late
President being once withdrawn from active
effect, the natural feelings of the people towards
liberty would restore the equilibrium
between the Executive and Legislative departments,
which had been destroyed by the
superior weight and effect of that popularity;
and that their natural feelings of moral obligation
would discountenance the ungrateful
predilection of the Executive in favor of
Great Britain. But, unfortunately, the preceding
measures had already alienated the nation
which was the object of them, had excited
reaction from them and this reaction
has on the minds of our citizens an effect
which supplies that of the Washington popularity.
This effect was sensible on some of
the late congressional elections, and this it is
which has lessened the republican majority in
Congress. When it will be reinforced, must
depend on events, and these are so incalculable,
that I consider the future character of
our republic as in the air; indeed its future fortune
will be in the air, if war is made on us
by France, and if Louisiana becomes a
Gallo-American colony.—
To Aaron Burr. Washington ed. iv, 185.
Ford ed., vii, 147.
(Pa.,
June. 1797)
See Federalists.
