The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
FOREIGN RELATIONS / STATE OF THE WORLD
It has been peculiarly unfortunate for us, personally, that the
portion in the history of mankind, at which we were called to take a
share in the direction of their affairs, was such an one as history
has never before presented. At any other period, the even-handed
justice we have observed towards all nations, the efforts we have made
to merit their esteem by every act which candor or liberality could
exercise, would have preserved our peace, and secured the unqualified
confidence of all other nations in our faith and probity. But the
hurricane which is now blasting the world, physical. and moral, has
prostrated all the mounds of reason as well as right.
It is a blessing, however, that our people are reasonable; that they
are kept so well informed of the state of things as to judge for
themselves, to see the true sources of their difficulties, and to
maintain their confidence undiminished in the wisdom and integrity of
their functionaries.
Macte virtute therefore. Continue to go straight forward,
pursuing always that which is right, as the only clue which can lead
us out of the labyrinth. Let nothing be spared of either reason or
passion, to preserve the public confidence entire, as the only rock of
our safety. In times of peace the people look most to their
representatives; but in war, to the executive solely. It is visible
that their confidence is even now veering in that direction; that they
are looking to the executive to give the proper direction to their
affairs, with a confidence as auspicious as it is well founded.
to Caesar A. Rodney, 10 February 1810
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