He took up his pen, having previously been stoned while
attempting to speak in its defence, and in a series of papers signed
"Catullus," wrote as even he had not done since the days of "The
Federalist." Their effect was felt at once; and as they continued to
issue, and Hamilton's sway over the public mind, his genius for moulding
opinion, became with each more manifest, Jefferson, terrified and
furious, wrote to Madison:--
Hamilton is really a Colossus to the anti-Republican party. Without
numbers he is a host in himself. They have got themselves into a
defile where they might be finished; but too much security on the
Republican part will give time to his talents and indefatigableness
to extricate them. We have had only middling performances to oppose
him. In truth when he comes forward there is no one but yourself
can meet him.... For God's sake take up your pen and give a
fundamental reply to "Curtius" and "Camillus."
But Madison had had enough of pen encounter with Hamilton. "He who puts
himself on paper with Hamilton is lost," Burr had said; and Madison
agreed with him, and entered the lists no more.
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