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Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.

" Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. "

Letter to James Madison | Sunday, March 02, 1788


Editorial Notes

Washington wrote this letter in response to James Madison's 20 February letter commenting on "the affairs of France" which were "in the most ticklish state."  Washington worried that France's monetary assistance to America during the Revolution would create difficulties for Louis XVI, and that if the king tried to check revolutionary impulses in his own country, he might instead "kindle a flame which may not easily be extinguished" among the French people.

Letter to James Madison | Sunday, March 02, 1788