60. ADAMS (John), Attacks on.—[continued]
Mr. Adams has been alienated
from me, by belief in the lying suggestions
contrived for electioneering purposes,
that I perhaps mixed in the activity and intrigues
of the occasion. My most intimate
friends can testify that I was perfectly
passive. They would sometimes, indeed, tell
me what was going on; but no man ever
heard me take part in such conversations;
and none ever misrepresented Mr. Adams
in my presence, without my asserting his just
character. With very confidential persons I
have doubtless disapproved of the principles
and practices of his administration. This was
unavoidable. But never with those with whom
it could do him any injury. Decency would
have required this conduct from me, if disposition
had not, and I am satisfied Mr.
Adams's conduct was equally honorable towards
me. But I think it part of his character
to suspect foul play in those of whom he is
jealous, and not easily to relinquish his suspicions.—
To Dr. Benjamin Rush. Washington ed. v, 563.
Ford ed., ix, 299.
(M.
Jan. 1811)
