1To John Adams from Samuel Dexter, 8 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
To have the best government in the world, and that government administered in the best manner, is the distinguished lot of our happy nation. Ever since the adoption of the constitution we have felt its benign effects; but in an increased, and increasing degree of late; since all have now learned the important lesson, to respect themselves, and despise foreign influence. This we owe, in a high...