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which they have occasioned. They dare not complain, but are wofully agitated lest
Con'" Burr should supplant their favorite ; but it is replied by the old school that 73,
according to the most approved rules of arithmetic, is equal to 73 ; and
that, accord-
ing to republican principles, there is no way of ascertaining what is right and wrong
but by the votes of the sovereign People.
" The most reflecting part of our State, and, I believe, all that would prefer a
federal President to Mr. Jefferson, expect that the federal States will vote for Mr.
Burr. I am decidedly of that opinion, and, admitting the Candidates to be equal in
point of integrity, I believe that some very good reasons may be offered in favour of
Mr. Burr which will not apply to Mr. Jefferson.
"Mr. Burr is from a State which is under a very powerful commercial influence ;
his connexion and speculations are subject to the same influence. It is, I believe, an
undeniable fact, there is very little Jeffersonian theory and republican fanaticism in
either of the leading parties of the State of New York. It is, I believe, wholly a
contention for power that has induced certain Chiefs to join the opposition. If Mr.
Burr is supported by the federalists, it may be an additional inducement for him to
pursue federal measures, and probably unite the powerful State of New York in the
New England politics. I can not in conscience express any regret that Mr. Adams
is not chosen—it would be an up-hill business to support his administration.
" Whatever course you shall take, it will be presumed that you have acted from
the best motive, and a full and adequate investigation of the subject. This will
doubtless be the sentiment of Connecticut. We shall be anxious to hear the event
pray let us know as soon as it is determined. . . .
" I am, dear Sir, your friend and Humble Servant
E. Perkins."
"Philad. 3 Nov. 1801."
" My dear Sir,
"... But what have we to say but to lament the downfall of federalism,
and the triumph of democracy—a triumph more compleat than its most sanguine
partisans dared to hope for. In this State more than f""' of the lower house, and a
great majority of the Senate, are of the Party. Delaware has one of the same stamp
for Governor, and Bloomfield reigns in New Jersey. Our City Elections were car-
ried against us by a very small majority, and by a manoeuvre that we hope will not
again succeed.
" Do you keep stedfast in the faith, or do you, like the Eastern inhabitants of
another region, worship the rising sun ? The line of conduct which the president in
'97
;