The man who fears no truths has nothing to fear from lies

[This was a letter to George Logan, dated June 20, 1816, where I explained why I didn’t respond to calumnies of the Federalists. Except for when young and single I offered love to a handsome lady, none of their other various charges was true. A man who is dishonest as a statesman would be a dishonest man in any station.]

As to federal slanders, I never wished them to be answered, but by the tenor of my life, half a century of which has been on a theatre at which the public have been spectators, and competent judges of its merit. Their approbation has taught a lesson, useful to the world, that the man who fears no truths has nothing to fear from lies. I should have fancied myself half guilty had I condescended to put pen to paper in refutation of their falsehoods, or drawn to them respect by any notice from myself. But let all this be forgotten. Knowing now my repugnance to take any part in public discussions, I shall be confident in future of being spared that pain.