secede from the Union. This is certainly possible; and would
be befriended by this regular organization. But it is not probable that
local discontents can spread to such an extent, as to be able to face
the sound parts of so extensive an union: and if ever they could reach
the majority, they would then become the regular government, acquire the
ascendancy in Congress, and be able to redress their own grievances by
laws peaceably and constitutionally passed. And even the States in which
local discontents might engender a commencement of fermentation, would
be paralyzed and self-checked by that very division into parties into
which we have fallen, into which all States must fall wherein men are at
liberty to think, speak, and act freely, according to the diversities
of their individual conformations, and which are, perhaps, essential
to preserve the purity of the government, by the censorship which these
parties habitually exercise over each other.

You will read, I am sure, with indulgence, the explanations of the
grounds on which I have ventured to form an opinion differing from
yours. They prove my respect for your judgment, and diffidence of my
own, which have forbidden me to retain, without examination, an opinion
questioned by you. Permit me now to render my portion of the general
debt of gratitude, by acknowledgments in advance for the singular
benefaction which is the subject of this letter, to tender my wishes
for the continuance of a life so usefully employed, and to add the
assurances of my perfect esteem and respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XCVI.--TO COLONEL MONROE, May 5, 1811

TO COLONEL MONROE.

Monticello, May 5, 1811.

Dear Sir,

Your favor on your departure from Richmond came to hand in due time.
Although I may not have been among the first, I am certainly with the
sincerest, who congratulate you on your re-entrance into the national
councils. Your value there has never been unduly estimated by those
whom personal feelings did not misguide. The late misunderstandings at
Washington have been a subject of real concern to me. I know that
the dissolutions of personal friendships are among the most painful
occurrences in human life. I have sincere esteem for all who have been
affected by them, having passed with them eight years of great harmony
and affection. These incidents are rendered more distressing in our
country than elsewhere, because our printers ravin on the agonies of
their victims,