and if her late humiliation can just give
her modesty enough to suppose that her southern brethren are somewhat on
a par with her in wisdom, in information, in patriotism, in bravery,
and even in honesty, although not in psalm-singing, she will more
justly estimate her own relative momentum in the Union. With her ancient
principles, she would really be great, if she did not think herself the
whole. I should be pleased to hear that you go into her councils,
and assist in bringing her back to those principles, and to a sober
satisfaction with her proportionable share in the direction of our
affairs.

Be so good as to lay my homage at the feet of Mrs. Dearborn, and to be
assured that I am ever and affectionately yours.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXXV.--TO THE PRESIDENT, March 23,1815

TO THE PRESIDENT.

Monticello, March 23,1815.

Deak Sir,

I duly received your favor of the 12th, and with it the pamphlet on the
causes and conduct of the war, which I now return. I have read it
with great pleasure, but with irresistible desire that it should be
published. The reasons in favor of this are strong, and those against it
are so easily gotten over, that there appears to me no balance between
them. 1. We need it in Europe. They have totally mistaken our character.
Accustomed to rise at a feather themselves, and to be always fighting,
they will see in our conduct, fairly stated, that acquiescence under
wrong, to a certain degree, is wisdom, and not pusillanimity; and
that peace and happiness are preferable to that false honor, which,
by eternal wars, keeps their people in eternal labor, want, and
wretchedness. 2. It is necessary for the people of England, who have
been deceived as to the causes and conduct of the war, and do not
entertain a doubt, that it was entirely wanton and wicked on our part,
and under the order of Bonaparte. By rectifying their ideas, it will
tend to that conciliation which is absolutely necessary to the peace and
prosperity of both nations. 3. It is necessary for our own people, who,
although they have known the details as they went along, yet have been
so plied with false facts and false views by; the federalists, that some
impression has been left that all has not been right. It may be said
that it will be thought unfriendly. But truths necessary for our own
character, must not be suppressed out of tenderness to its calumniators.
Although written, generally, with great moderation, there may