Although it is long since I received your favor of October the 27th, yet I have not had leisure sooner to acknowledge it.  In the Middle and Southern States, as great an union of sentiment has now taken place as is perhaps desirable.  For as there will always be an opposition, I believe it had better be from avowed monarchists than republicans.  New York seems to be in danger of republican division; Vermont is solidly with us; Rhode Island with us on anomalous grounds; New Hampshire on the verge of the republican shore; Connecticut advancing towards it very slowly, but with steady step; your State only uncertain of making port at all.  I had forgotten Delaware, which will be always uncertain from the divided character of her citizens.  If the amendment of the constitution passes Rhode Island (and we expect to hear in a day or two), the election for the ensuing four years seems to present nothing formidable.  I sincerely regret that the unbounded calumnies of the federal party have obliged me to throw myself on the verdict of my country for trial, my great desire having been to retire at the end of the present term, to a life of tranquillity; and it was my decided purpose when I entered into office.  They force my continuance.  If we can keep the vessel of State as steadily in her course for another four years, my earthly purposes will be accomplished, and I shall be free to enjoy, as you are doing, my family, my farm, and my books.  That your enjoyments may continue as long as you shall wish them, I sincerely pray, and tender you my friendly salutations, and assurances of great respect and esteem.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XI.—­TO GIDEON GRANGER, April 16, 1804

TO GIDEON GRANGER.

Monticello, April 16, 1804.

Dear Sir,

*****

In our last conversation you mentioned a federal scheme afloat, of forming a coalition between the federalists and republicans, of what they called the seven eastern States.  The idea was new to me, and after time for reflection, I had no opportunity of conversing with you again.  The federalists know that, eo nomine, they are gone for ever.  Their object, therefore, is, how to return into power under some other form.  Undoubtedly they have but one means, which is to divide the republicans, join the minority, and barter with them for the cloak of their name.  I say, join the minority; because the majority of the republicans, not needing them, will not buy them.  The minority, having no other means of ruling the majority, will give a price for auxiliaries, and that price must be principle.  It is true that the federalists, needing their numbers also, must also give a price, and principle is the coin they must pay in.  Thus a bastard system of federo-republicanism will rise on the ruins of the true principles of our revolution.  And when this party is formed, who will constitute the majority of it, which majority