To Thomas Jefferson from Pseudonym: "A Reformed Republican", 26 December 1807

I am sorry to inform you that Committees, & meetings, are forming in this City & throughout the State, to oppose your contemplated War with England; unless it is founded upon just & sufficent Cause The People in all the Eastern States are doing the same; War will inevitably ruin the Country and Neither Republican nor Federalist will submit to it, unless this Country is drove to it in defence of her honor, & most sacred Rights, much ought to be given up rather than go to War with G.B. at present—and by what I can learn she does not require us to give up anything—if War With G.B. takes place an immediate separation of the Northern & Southern States will take place also—you may declare War, but we will declare Peace & follow it—We are the shipping Interest and We will take care that, shall not be destroyed by your attachment to France, your implaceble Enmity to G.B, and in short, by your Madness & folly—I have ever been a warm Republican but when I see my Country on the Verge of destruction, I am compelled to oppose those, whose measures I once approved—