6744. POLITICS, Passions and.—
You
and I have formerly seen warm debates and
high political passions. But gentlemen of
different politics would then speak to each
other, and separate the business of the Senate
from that of society. It is not so now. Men
who have been intimate all their lives, cross
the streets to avoid meeting, and turn their
heads another way, lest they should be
obliged to touch their hats. This may do for
young men with whom passion is enjoyment;
but it is afficting to peaceable minds.—
To Edward Rutledge. Washington ed. iv, 191.
Ford ed., vii, 154.
(Pa.,
June. 1797)