because you well know how every syllable from me is distorted by
the ingenuity of political enemies.

In the first place, then, I have had less communication, directly or
indirectly, with the republicans of the east, this session, than I ever
had before. This has proceeded from accidental circumstances, not from
design. And if there be any coolness between those of the south and
myself, it has not been from me towards them. Certainly there has been
no other reserve, than to avoid taking part in the divisions among
our friends. That Mr. R. has openly attacked the administration is
sufficiently known. We were not disposed to join in league with Britain,
under any belief that she is fighting for the liberties of mankind,
and to enter into war with Spain, and consequently France. The House of
Representatives were in the same sentiment, when they rejected Mr. R.'s
resolutions for raising a body of regular troops for the western
service. We are for a peaceable accommodation with all those nations, if
it can be effected honorably. This, perhaps, is not the only ground
of his alienation; but which side retains its orthodoxy, the vote of
eighty-seven to eleven republicans may satisfy you: but you will better
satisfy yourself on coming here, where alone the true state of things
can be known, and where you will see republicanism as solidly embodied
on all essential points, as you ever saw it on any occasion.

That there is only one minister who is not opposed to me, is
totally unfounded. There never was a more harmonious, a more cordial
administration, nor ever a moment when it has been otherwise. And while
differences of opinion have been always rare among us, I can affirm,
that as to present matters, there was not a single paragraph in my
message to Congress, or those supplementary to it, in which there was
not a unanimity of concurrence in the members of the administration. The
fact is, that in ordinary affairs every head of a department consults me
on those of his department, and where any thing arises too difficult or
important to be decided between us, the consultation becomes general.

That there is an ostensible cabinet and a concealed one, a public
profession and concealed counteraction, is false.

That I have denounced republicans by the epithet of Jacobins, and
declared I would appoint none but those called moderates of both
parties, and that I have avowed or entertain any predilection for those
called the third part