858. BONAPARTE (N.), Brutuses for.—[continued].
Had the consuls been put
to death in the first tumult, and before the
nation had time to take sides, the Directory
and Councils might have reestablished
themselves on the spot. But that not being
done, perhaps it is now to be wished that
Bonaparte may be spared, as, according to
his protestations, he is for liberty, equality
and representative government, and he is
more able to keep the nation together, and
to ride out the storm than any other. Perhaps
it may end in their establishing a single
representative, and that in his person. I
hope it will not be for life, for fear of the influence
of the example on our countrymen.
It is very material for the latter to be made
sensible that their own character and situation
are materially different from the French;
and that whatever may be the fate of republicanism
there, we are able to preserve it inviolate
here.—
To John Breckenridge.
Ford ed., vii, 418.
(Pa.,
Jan. 1800)
