9033. WASHINGTON (George), Republicans and.—
I have long thought it was best
for the republican interest to soothe him by
flattering where they could approve his measures,
and to be silent where they disapprove,
that they may not render him desperate as to
their affections, and entirely indifferent to their
wishes, in short to lie on their oars while he
remains at the helm, and let the bark drift as
his will and a superintending Providence shall
direct.—
To Archibald Stuart.
Ford ed., vii, 102.
(M.
Jan. 1797)
