good.

As _publication_ is essential to the binding power of a law, in
fact to its existence _as law_, you will of course defeat your
persecutors, and put them to shame, on the principle of _ex post
facto_. You could not infringe in May a law promulgated in
October following.

The fire at Vandalia is rather against the Conventionists in that
quarter. The idea of re-building the State House by subscription,
you, as governor, could hardly countenance. What authority have
individuals to act in this case, even at their own expense? And
what claim have they on your private purse? I am only sorry for
your personal vexation under these attacks. They discover the
weakness and folly of the party, and I am in hopes they are
losing ground. They have great zeal and activity and no delicacy
about the means; there is considerable zeal and activity on our
side; and setting the good principles of our cause against their
total want of principle, I trust we are a match for them,
provided we do not relax in our efforts. The attack on my
pamphlet by Americanus (who is Mr. Webb of Bonpas), seems to the
Illinois Gazette a short reply to the personalities; further I
thought needless, and have just written another to the same
effect, which I shall send to the Vandalia paper. Not being
presumed to know the author, some severity of retort seems
allowable.

You have a circle at Vandalia chiefly, I fear, of the wrong sort
in regard to the vital question, which circumstance must detract
from your social enjoyment, where at best it could ill be spared.
The cause in which you are engaged so heartily is so thoroughly
good that it will bear you up through many sacrifices and
privations. Your sentiments on the subject rejoice and encourage
me, and in return (pedantry as it may seem) I shall give you a
sentiment from Horace for _your_ encouragement.[233]

Justum et tenacem propositi virum,
Non civium ardor prava jubentium,
Non vultus instantis tyranni,
Mente quatit solida.

I remain, with great esteem, yours,
M. BIRKBECK.

MORRIS BIRKBECK, ESQ.,
Wanborough.

I had hoped after the great and decided majority which was given
at the late election against a Convention, my political enemies