numbers, he is an host within himself.  They have got themselves into a defile, where they might be finished; but too much security on the republican part will give time to his talents and indefatigableness to extricate them.  We have had only middling performances to oppose to him.  In truth when he comes forward, there is nobody but yourself who can meet him.  His adversaries having begun the attack, he has the advantage of answering them, and remains unanswered himself.  A solid reply might yet completely demolish what was too feebly attacked, and has gathered strength from the weakness of the attack.  The merchants were certainly (except those of them who are English) as open-mouthed at first against the treaty, as any.  But the general expression of indignation has alarmed them for the strength of the government.  They have feared the shock would be too great, and have chosen to tack about and support both treaty and government, rather than risk the government.  Thus it is, that Hamilton, Jay, &c. in the boldest act they ever ventured on to undermine the government, have the address to screen themselves, and direct the hue and cry against those who wished to drag them into light.  A bolder party-stroke was never struck.  For it certainly is an attempt of a party, who find they have lost their majority in one branch of the legislature, to make a law by the aid of the other branch and of the executive, under color of a treaty, which shall bind up the hands of the adverse branch from ever restraining the commerce of their patron-nation.  There appears a pause at present in the public sentiment, which may be followed by a revulsion.  This is the effect of the desertion of the merchants, of the President’s chiding answer to Boston and Richmond, of the writings of Curtius and Camillus, and of the quietism into which people naturally fall after first sensations are over.  For God’s sake take up your pen, and give a fundamental reply to Curtius and Camillus.  Adieu affectionately.

LETTER CLXXXVII.—­TO EDWARD RUTLEDGE, November 30, 1795

TO EDWARD RUTLEDGE.

Monticello, November 30, 1795,

My Dear Sir,

I received your favor of October the 12th by your son, who has been kind enough to visit me here, and from whose visit I have received all that pleasure which I do from whatever comes from you, and especially from a subject so deservedly dear to you.  He found me in a retirement I doat on, living like an antediluvian patriarch among my children and grandchildren, and tilling my soil.  As he had lately come from Philadelphia, Boston, &c. he was able to give me a great deal of information of what is passing in the world, and I pestered him with questions pretty much as our friends Lynch, Nelson, &c. will us, when we step across the Styx, for they will wish to know what has been passing above ground since they left us.  You hope I have not abandoned entirely the service