is sufficient for every purpose.  The opinion I originally formed has never been changed, that such of the body of the people as thought themselves federalists, would find that they were in truth republicans, and would come over to us by degrees; but that their leaders had gone too far ever to change.  Their bitterness increases with their desperation.  They are trying slanders now which nothing could prompt but a gall which blinds their judgments as well as their consciences.  I shall take no other revenge, than, by a steady pursuit of economy and peace, and by the establishment of republican principles in substance and in form, to sink federalism into an abyss from which there shall be no resurrection for it.  I still think our original idea as to office is best:  that is, to depend for the obtaining a just participation, on deaths, resignations, and delinquencies.  This will least affect the tranquillity of the people, and prevent their giving in to the suggestion of our enemies, that ours has been a contest for office, not for principle.  This is rather a slow operation, but it is sure, if we pursue it steadily, which, however, has not been done with the undeviating resolution I could have wished.  To these means of obtaining a just share in the transaction of the public business, shall be added one other, to wit, removal for electioneering activity, or open and industrious opposition to the principles of the present government, legislative and executive.  Every officer of the government may vote at elections according to his conscience; but we should betray the cause committed to our care, were we to permit the influence of official patronage to be used to overthrow that cause.  Your present situation will enable you to judge of prominent offenders in your State, in the case of the present election.  I pray you to seek them, to mark them, to be quite sure of your ground, that we may commit no error or wrong, and leave the rest to me.  I have been urged to remove Mr. Whittemore, the surveyor of Gloucester, on grounds of neglect of duty and industrious opposition.  Yet no facts are so distinctly charged as to make the step sure which we should take in this.  Will you take the trouble to satisfy yourself on this point?  I think it not amiss that it should be known that we are determined to remove officers who are active or open-mouthed against the government, by which I mean the legislature as well as the executive.  Accept assurances of my sincere friendship and high respect.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CCCII.—­TO GOVERNOR MONROE, January 13,1803

TO GOVERNOR MONROE.

Washington, January 13,1803.

Dear Sir,