68. ADAMS (John), Friendship of Jefferson for.—
Mr. Adams's friendship and
mine began at an early date. It accompanied
us through long and important scenes. The different
conclusions we had drawn from our
political reading and reflections, were not permitted
to lessen personal esteem; each party
being conscious they were the result of an
honest conviction in the other. Like differences
of opinion existing among our fellow citizens,
attached them to one or the other of us, and
produced a rivalship in their minds which did
not exist in ours. We never stood in one another's
way; for if either had been withdrawn
at any time, his favorers would not have gone
over to the other, but would have sought for
some one of homogeneous opinions. This consideration
was sufficient to keep down all jealousy
between us, and to guard our friendship
from any disturbance by sentiments of rivalship.
[9]
—
To Mrs. John Adams. Washington ed. iv, 545.
Ford ed., viii, 306.
(W.
June. 1804)
