1To Thomas Jefferson from Newburyport, Massachusetts, Citizens, 6 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Convinced as we are, that we have no power to control the dismissions or appointments to the subordinate offices of Government, yet we feel a right, and it becomes a duty, when measures are pursued, that tend to lessen our confidence in that Government which we have hitherto gloried in supporting, respectfully to give our Judgment and to express our opinions of their tendency. In exercising...