No pleasure can exceed that which I received from reading your letter of the 21st ultimo.  It was like the joy we expect in the mansions of the blessed, when received with the embraces of our forefathers, we shall be welcomed with their blessing as having done our part not unworthily of them.  The storm through which we have passed, has been tremendous indeed.  The tough sides of our Argosie have been thoroughly tried.  Her strength has stood the waves into which she was steered, with a view to sink her.  We shall put her on her republican tack, and she will now show by the beauty of her motion the skill of her builders.  Figure apart, our fellow-citizens have been led hood-winked from their principles by a most extraordinary combination of circumstances.  But the band is removed, and they now see for themselves.  I hope to see shortly a perfect consolidation, to effect which, nothing shall be spared on my part, short of the abandonment of the principles of our revolution.  A just and solid republican government maintained here, will be a standing monument and example for the aim and imitation of the people of other countries; and I join with you in the hope and belief that they will see, from our example, that a free government is of all others the most energetic; that the inquiry which has been excited among the mass of mankind by our revolution and its consequences, will ameliorate the condition of man over a great portion of the globe.  What a satisfaction have we in the contemplation of the benevolent effects of our efforts, compared with those of the leaders on the other side, who have discountenanced all advances in science as dangerous innovations, have endeavored to render philosophy and republicanism terms of reproach, to persuade us that man cannot be governed but by the rod, &c.  I shall have the happiness of living and dying in the contrary hope.  Accept assurances of my constant and sincere respect and attachment, and my affectionate salutations.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CCLXXIV.—­TO COLONEL MONROE, March 7, 1801

TO COLONEL MONROE.

Washington, March 7, 1801.

Dear Sir,

I had written the enclosed letter to Mrs. Trist, and was just proceeding to begin one to you, when your favor of the 6th was put into my hands.  I thank you sincerely for it, and consider the views of it so sound, that I have communicated it to my coadjutors as one of our important evidences of the public sentiment, according to which we must shape our course.  I suspect, partly from this, but more from a letter of J. Taylor’s which has been put into my hands, that an incorrect idea of my views has got abroad.  I am in hopes my inaugural address will in some measure set this to rights, as it will present the leading objects to be conciliation and adherence to sound principle.  This I know is impracticable with the leaders of the late faction, whom I abandon as