1To John Adams from New Jersey Legislature, 20 February 1799 (Adams Papers)
At a time like this, when our rights are invaded by a foreign nation, and our property unjustly taken away; when our ministers of reconciliation are treated with contumely and rejected with disdain; when the fate of conquered republics is presented to our view, to terrify us into submission, and that too, through the instrumentality of our own citizens; at a time like this, Sir, when weak men...