The first and almost only notice taken of them is in a private letter of the 21st of July, to his friend General Lee, then governor of Virginia, an extract from which follows: "That there are in this, as in all other countries, discontented characters I well know; as also that these characters are actuated by very different views:--Some good, from an opinion that the measures of the general government are impure;--some bad, and (if I might be allowed to use so harsh an expression) diabolical, inasmuch as they are not only meant to impede the measures of that government generally, but more especially to destroy the confidence which it is necessary the people should place (until they have unequivocal proof of demerit) in their public servants:--for in this light I consider myself whilst I am an occupant of office; and if they were to go further and call me their slave, during this period, I would not dispute the point with them.

But in what will this abuse terminate?
"For the result, as it respects myself, I care not.

I have a consolation within of which no earthly efforts can deprive me;--and that is, that neither ambitious nor interested motives have influenced my conduct.

The arrows of malevolence, therefore, however barbed and pointed, can never reach my most valuable part; though, whilst I am _up_ as a _mark_, they will be continually aimed at me.

The publications in Freneau's and Bache's papers are outrages on common decency; and they progress in that style in proportion as their pieces are treated with contempt, and passed over in silence by those against whom they are directed.