University of Virginia Library

TO JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

Dear Sir,—I have recd. in your kind letter of the
21st instant, the little pamphlet containing the correspondence
between, yourself and "several citizens
of Massachusetts," with "certain additional papers."[104]

The subjects presented to view by the pamphlet
will, doubtless, not be overlooked in the history of our
country. The Documents not previously published
are of a very interesting cast. The letter of Govr.
Plumer, particularly, if nowise impaired by adverse
authority, must receive a very marked attention
and have a powerful effect.

As what relates to Col: Hamilton, however, is

stated on a solitary information only, I cannot but
think there may be some material error at the
bottom of it. That the leading agency of such a
man, & from a State in the position of New York,
should, in a project for severing the Union, be
anxiously wished for by its authors is not to be
doubted; and an experimental invitation of him to
attend a select meeting may without difficulty, be
supposed. But obvious considerations oppose a
belief that such an invitation would be accepted;
and if accepted, the supposition would remain, that
his intention might be to dissuade his party & personal
friends, from a conspiracy as rash as wicked and as
ruinous to the party itself as to the country. The
lapse of time must have extinguished lights by which
alone the truth in many cases could be fully ascertained.
It is quite possible that this may be found
an exception. I pray you Sir, to accept a renewed
assurance of my esteem and my best wishes.