mself, and the House to plunge on in the dark, it
becomes a government of chance and not of design. 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.

*****

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
ma