477. ARISTOCRACY, Unpopular.—
In
Virginia, we have no traditional reverence for
certain families. Our clergy, before the Revolution,
having been secured against rivalship
by fixed salaries, did not give themselves
the trouble of acquiring influence over the
people. Of wealth, there were great accumulations
in particular families, handed down
from generation to generation, under the
English law of entails. But the only object
of ambition for the wealthy was a seat in the
King's council. All their court was paid to
the crown and its creatures; and they Philipised
in all collisions between the King and
the people. Hence they were unpopular; and
that unpopularity continues attached to their
names. A Randolph, a Carter, or a Burwell
must have great personal superiority over a
common competitor to be elected by the
people even at this day.—
To John Adams. Washington ed. vi, 224.
Ford ed., ix, 426.
(M.
1813)
