The imputation was one of those artifices used to despoil an adversary of his most effectual arms; and men of mind will place themselves above a gabble of this order.  The last session of Congress was indeed an uneasy one for a time:  but as soon as the members penetrated into the views of those who were taking a new course, they rallied in as solid a phalanx as I have ever seen act together.  Indeed I have never seen a House of better dispositions.

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Perhaps I am not entitled to speak with so much frankness; but it proceeds from no motive which has not a right to your forgiveness.  Opportunities of candid explanation are so seldom afforded me, that I must not lose them when they occur.  The information I receive from your quarter agrees with that from the south; that the late schism has made not the smallest impression on the public, and that the seceders are obliged to give to it other grounds than those which we know to be the true ones.  All we have to wish is, that, at the ensuing session, every one may take the part openly which he secretly befriends.  I recollect nothing new and true, worthy communicating to you.  As for what is not true, you will always find abundance in the newspapers.  Among other things, are those perpetual alarms as to the Indians, for no one of which has there ever been the slightest ground.  They are the suggestions of hostile traders, always wishing to embroil us with the Indians, to perpetuate their own extortionate commerce.  I salute you with esteem and respect.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XXXV.—­TO MR. BOWDOIN, July 10, 1806

TO MR. BOWDOIN.

Washington, July 10, 1806.

Dear Sir,

I believe that when you left America, the invention of the polygraph had not yet reached Boston.  It is for copying with one pen while you write with the other, and without the least additional embarrassment or exertion to the writer.  I think it the finest invention of the present age, and so much superior to the copying machine, that the latter will never be continued a day by any one who tries the polygraph.  It was invented by a Mr. Hawkins of Frankford, near Philadelphia, who is now in England, turning it to good account.  Knowing that you are in the habit of writing much, I have flattered myself that I could add acceptably to your daily convenience by presenting you with one of these delightful machines.  I have accordingly had one made, and to be certain of its perfection I have used it myself some weeks, and have the satisfaction to find it the best one I have ever tried; and in the course of two years’ daily use of them, I have had opportunities of trying several.  As a secretary, which copies for us what we write without the power of revealing it, I find it a most precious possession to a man in public-business.  I enclose directions for unpacking and using the machine when you receive it; but the machine itself must await a special and sure conveyance under the care of some person going to Paris.  It is ready packed, and shall go by the first proper conveyance.