The temperament of Jefferson.

“I hope they pardoned them (in reference to the members of Shay’s Rebellion). The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive…If the happiness of the mass of the people can be secured at the expense of a little tempest now and then, or even a little blood, it will be a precious purchase...The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.”

- Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, in a letter written to Abigail Adams