It might be incorporated, as it stands, and without
changing a word, into the history of the present epoch, and would give
to posterity a fairer view of the times than they will probably derive
from other sources. In reading it, with great satisfaction, there was
but a single passage where I wished a little more developement of a very
sound and catholic idea; a single intercalation to rest it solidly on
true bottom. It is near the end of the first page, where you make a
statement of genuine republican maxims; saying, 'that the people ought
to possess as much political power as can possibly consist with the
order and security of society.' Instead of this, I would say, 'that
the people, being the only safe depository of power, should exercise in
person every function which their qualifications enable them to exercise
consistently with the order and security of society; that we now find
them equal to the election of those who shall be invested with
their executive and legislative powers, and to act themselves in the
judiciary, as judges in questions of fact; that the range of their
powers ought to be enlarged,' &c. This gives both the reason and
exemplification of the maxim you express, 'that they ought to possess as
much political power,' &c. I see nothing to correct either in your facts
or principles.
You say that in taking General Washington on your shoulders, to bear him
harmless through the federal coalition, you encounter a perilous topic.
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