2.14.1799: “…but the fate of this country, whether it shall be irretrievably plunged into a form of government rejected by the makers of the constitution or shall get back to the true principles of that instrument, depends on the turn which things may take within a short period of time ensuing the present moment. The violations of the constitution, propensities to war, to expense, & to a particular foreign connection which we have lately seen, are becoming evident to the people… we fear that the ill-designing may produce insurrection. nothing could be so fatal. Any thing like force would check the progress of the public opinion & rally them round the errors of the government. This is not the kind of opposition the American people will admit. But keep away all shew of force and they will bear down the evil propensities of the government by the constitutional means of election & petition. If we can keep quiet therefore, the tide now turning will take a steady & proper direction.” —to Edmund Pendleton . . . . #YourThomasJefferson #ThomasJefferson #patriotism #history #America #USA #foundingfathers #resist #rebellion #foreigninfluence #Constitution #UnitedStatesConstitution #USConstitution https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt4wY2WjZd3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=yu6zvvff2jli
