In reading the Advertisement prefixed to De Lolme p. 6. I met a Passage which recalled to my Mind a Letter of yours concerning the Papers signed Columbus and the cold reception they met with among their Friends.

“I shall add, says he, a few Observations, of a serious kind for the Sake of those Persons who, judging themselves to be possessed of Abilities find they are neglected by those having it in their Power to do them occasional Services, and Suffer themselves to be mortified by it. To hope that Men will in earnest assist in Setting forth the mental qualifications of others, is an expectation, which, generally Speaking must needs be dissappointed. To procure one’s notions and Opinions to be attended to and approved, by the Circle of ones 167 Acquaintance, is the universal Wish of Mankind. To diffuse these notions further, to numerous parts of the Public, by means of the press, or by others, becomes an Object of real Ambition: nor is this Ambition always proportioned to the real Abilities of those who feel it; very far from it. When the Approbation of Mankind is in question, all Persons, whatever their different Ranks may be, consider themselves as being engaged in the Same career: they look upon themselves as being candidates for the very Same kind of Advantage: high and low, all are in that respect in a State of primæval Equality; nor are those who are likely to obtain Some prize, to expect much favour from the others.”1 Here My son you may read your Destiny.—

In the Discourses on Davila, you will remember, there were many Observations on the Universality Constancy and Energy of the Passion for the Approbation of others. very important Consequences were drawn from it— No less indeed than the whole Theory of Government, Despotic as well as free. Emulation which is the source of so many Virtues and the motive to so much good; is also the source of many Vices and much Evil. I wish I could See a compleat Treatise on this Ingredient in the Composition of human Nature.

You, I fancy, will, one day, find means of compelling, those who are now reluctant, to celebrate Talents which they see and feel although they do not acknowledge. Much reserve however is necessary much Delicacy and much Caution— A Man must not commit him self—he must not furnish his Rivals with stories to tell, of his Pride of his Vanity of his Imprudence &c Indeed almost too much Design and Art and Craft, is necessary, for an honest Man to stoop to it.

I am &c.

Suppose that for a few moments we should indulge in the regions of fancy and imagine a nation about to form into civil society Suppose their fundamental law to be that no member of the community 168 should possess more land than he could actually cultivate Suppose them determined to be an agrest people without commerce without communication with foreigners. Could not thier exist in such a community an equality such as the Democrats of the present day seem to advocate? Does the happiness of mankind increase in proportion to the degree of civilization under which they exist? Is not property further than that which will support life the root of most of the ills we experience? Are not more than three quarters of crimes committed perpetrated with a view to property? If so would it not be politic to remove the great incitement to vice? I have been led into this train of queries by reflecting upon the manners the dispositions upon the Republicanism and upon the State of property especially of Landed property among the people of the New England States. They have but few great Landholders None who are able to command the votes of thousands of their tenants. The farmers have generally the property in the soil they cultivate most of them possess small though perfectly independent estates Hence that noble freedom which does and will characterize them notwithstanding the malicious sneers of Southern demagogues. What would be a more fatal stab to a mans reputation than the mean solicitations for votes at an election? But here where a candidate has not power to command; all the mean chicane, the dirty arts, and infamous wiles are praticed to procure influence. Hence very often men of the most infamous lives and unprincipled characters are chosen to offices, while those who despise the trade are left behind. As there are generally two or more parties chicane is played off against chicane art against art falshood against falshood and property against property. If these evils do not arise from the inequality of property from what causes do they exist?—

My good friend the Baron is gone to his retreat where it is his intention to reside during the remainder of his life. I have removed to No 21 Little Queen Street where I have my office and a small bedroom I board at a Mrs Millars in Maiden Lane where I have my breakfast and dinner for fifty five pounds a year1 I pay fifty more for my rooms I am contented with my situation. I am not astonished at the heat and animosity of parties in Congress but I should think it more becoming if they used fewer personalities Mr Clarke seems to be the bully of the Anti federal party2 When do you propose adjournment? You must be fatigued of so long a session—

Adieu my dear Sir believe me your / affectionate son