The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
UNITY / REPUBLICANISM
I was only of a band devoted to the cause of independence, all of
whom exerted equally their best endeavors for its success, and have a
common right to the merits of its acquisition. So also is the civil
revolution of 1801. Very many and very meritorious were the worthy
patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its
republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting
vigilance. Whether the surrender of our opponents, their reception
into our camp, their assumption of our name, and apparent accession to
our objects, may strengthen or weaken the genuine principles of
republicanism, may be a good or an evil, is yet to be seen. I consider
the party division of Whig and Tory the most wholesome which can exist
in any government, and well worthy of being nourished, to keep out
those of a more dangerous character.
to William T. Barry, 2 July 1822
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