Your favour of April 7 is yet unanswered. That Britain and all her Allies would be glad by any means in their Power to induce the United States to unite with them against France, cannot be doubted; But they have all Seen so many Proofs of a Partiality in the American People in favour of France, notwithstanding the Prudence and Firmness of our Government in preserving our Neutrality, that they have manifestly Strong Apprehensions of our uniting with the French against them.

“Private ministerial Instructions to Judges contravening public orders,” I know nothing of. Their Public orders were kept secret, in England I suppose— But it would be too hazardous in a Minister to take upon himself so much and commit himself to the Mercy of a Judge.

We ought, my Friend to reflect a little on ourselves. Have We fullfilled the Treaty of Peace? Have We preserved a Neutrality? Has our Government even? Was not the Reception of an Ambassador and an Acknowledgment of the French Republic, a violation of Neutrality? Was not Permission to sell Prizes in our Ports a clear departure from Neutrality? Possibly These Measures may be vindicated, at least ought to be excused. But look into our Newspapers, the Resolutions of Democratical Societies and the Toasts of civic Feasts from Georgia to New Hampshire.—1 These Things are all known to European Courts to that of Britain particularly, and are more attended to by them than by You and me. What But Hostility could be collected from these not only against Britain but against all Kings?

Not only War itself, but Preparations for War cost very dear, and Debts and Taxes, over head and Ears must be the Consequence. Our People will growl at these as much as they Curse the temperate Policy which endeavors to avoid them.

It is a Pleasure to me to hear that your Militia Bill is at length agreed to.2

I wish I could give you hopes of a Diminution of Parties. But this will not happen. We had Parties about every Thing last War about Canada, about Generals, Admirals, Ambassadors every Thing: So We shall through the whole of next War and as long as our Union lasts: and as long as Representative Government lasts: that is to say forever.

Pray what do you think of these private Combinations in opposition to Government? These Democratic Societies? Are they lawful assemblies, or are they Riots? are they Patriotism or Sedition? Are they Virtue or Treason?— Can any Government exist under Such Combinations? Is there or was there ever in the World a Country in which they were not considered as a great fault? as Crimes? as Treasons? Will not foreigners avail themselves of these Clubbs, to insinuate into them Members Influence, Corruption? Will they not make a Poland of Us? by these Means? The Canton of Berne in Switzerland has thought itself obliged to adjudge Such Civil Feasts to be high Treason. England sends them to Bottany Bay. We consider them not as Crimes but as Patriotism, Merit, Virtue & Honour. Will this last long? I expect they will excite Insurrections which must be Suppressed at the Expense of the People.

The Multitude are always the Instruments of their own Servitude. I wish I could warn them or guard them against it: but they will not be warned nor guarded. They will consider the Man who attempts it as their Ennemy. They will be flattered, they will be decieved.

I hope We shall rise in three Weeks.3 I am dear Sir / Your faithful Friend and humble Sert.

I beg Leave to communicate, through your kind mediation, to the Members of the American Accademy of Arts and Sciences, my most affectionate and respectful Thanks for the Honour they have done 282 me, by repeated Elections to their Chair. If I have ever entertained a hope that I might at some time or other have been of some Use to that respectable Society, the State of Publick affairs has hitherto wholly prevented me; and the present and future Prospects render it wholly impossible for me to give the Smallest Attention to the Interest or Honour of that Institution which has such just and so important Claims upon its President.

As it would be unbecoming in me, therefore, any longer to withhold the Honours of the Accademy from other Gentlemen, who have so much better deserved them and are so much better qualified to do service, I hereby decline the future Election to the Office of President of The Accademy of Arts and sciences.1

With great Respect and / Esteem for the Members of the Accademy / in general and with the highest Con / sideration for yourself in particular, I / have the Honour to be, Dear sir / your most obedient Sert.