I have been charmed to see that a Presidential election now produces
scarcely any agitation. On Mr. Madison's election there was little, on
Monroe's all but none. In Mr. Adams's time and mine, parties were so
nearly balanced as to make the struggle fearful for our peace. But since
the decided ascendancy of the republican body, federalism has looked
on with silent but unresisting anguish. In the middle, southern, and
western States, it is as low as it ever can be; for nature has made some
men monarchists and tories by their constitution, and some, of course,
there always will be.
*****
We have had a remarkably cold winter. At Hallowell, in Maine, the
mercury was at thirty-four degrees below zero, of Fahrenheit, which is
sixteen degrees lower than it was in Paris in 1788-9. Here it was at six
degrees above zero, which is our greatest degree of cold.
Present me respectfully to Mrs. Gallatin, and be assured of my constant
and affectionate friendship.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXLIII.--TO JOHN ADAMS, May 17, 1818
TO JOHN ADAMS.
Monticello, May 17, 1818.
Dear Sir,
I was so unfortunate as not to receive from Mr. Holly's own hand your
favor of January the 28th, being then at my other home. He dined only
with my family, and left them with an impression which has filled me
with regret that I did not partake of the pleasure his visit gave them.
I am glad he is gone to Kentucky.
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