Jefferson to James Monroe, 1911. Jefferson to Jedidiah Morse, 1822. But in the event of an usurpation, I was decidedly with those who were determined not to permit it. Jefferson to Thomas M'Kean, 1801. Jefferson to Robert Livingston, 1799.
Confidence is everywhere the parent of despotism.
Free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence. Jefferson to Isaac H. Tiffany, 1816. Unless the mass retains sufficient control over those entrusted with the powers of their government, these will be perverted to their own oppression, and to the perpetuation of wealth and power in the individuals and their families selected for the trust. Jefferson to M. van der Kemp, 1812. Bad men will sometimes get in and with such an immense patronage may make great progress in corrupting the public mind and principles.