Edmund Randolph to James Madison (March 27, 1789)

There is a great calm of politicks. The discontented themselves seem willing to wait with temper, until congress shall open their views. It gave me much pleasure to read your letter to Colo. T. M. Randolph; as it shews a consciousness of amendments being necessary, and a disposition to procure them. Altho' I am convinced, that nothing will soften the rancour of some men, I believe that a moderate and conciliating conduct in our federal rulers will detach from their virulence those, who have been opposed from the principal. A very injudicious, and ill written publication, which you have seen under the signature of Decius, may impede perhaps this salutary effect; by keeping in a state of irritation those minds, which are well affected to the object of his bitterness. His facts are of a trivial cast, and his assertions are not always correct: and he thus becomes vulnerable in almost every part. The Liberty of the press is indeed a blessing, which ought not to be surrendered but with blood;1 and yet it is not an illfounded expectation in those, who deserve well of their country that they should be assailed by an enemy in disguise, and have their characters deeply wounded, before they can prepare for defence. I apply not this to any particular person.