Extract from Thomas Jefferson to William Hamilton

I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend. during the whole of the last war, which was trying enough, I never deserted a friend because he had taken an opposite side; and those of my own state who joined the British government can attest my unremitting zeal in saving their property, and can point out the laws in our statute books which I drew, and carried through, in their favor. however I have seen during the late political paroxysm here, numbers whom I had highly esteemed, draw off from me, insomuch as to cross the street to avoid meeting me. the fever is abating, & doubtless some of them will correct the momentary wanderings of their heart, & return again. if they do, they will meet the constancy of my esteem, & the same oblivion of this as of any other delirium which might happen to them.

PrC (DLC). Published in PTJ, 31:533–5.
Date Range
Date
April 22, 1800
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Quote Category