Around 9 June 43 BCE: To Cassius (in Syria) from Cicero (at Rome)
Cassius and Brutus are the Republic's last hope
From Cicero to Cassius, greetings.
I think you will have found out about your relative Lepidus’ crime,1 and his extraordinary fickleness and changeability, from the official records of the Senate, which I am sure are sent to you. And so, after we thought the war was over, we are waging a revived war, and place all our hopes in Decimus Brutus and Plancus. Or, if you want the truth, in you and Marcus Brutus—not only for an immediate refuge if (and I hope not) things go badly, but even for securing our freedom in perpetuity.
At Rome we have been hearing the things we want to about Dolabella, but without any real authority. Understand, at least, that you are regarded as a great man, both in current opinion and in people’s expectations of what is to come.
Keep this in mind, and set your sights even higher. There is nothing that the Roman people do not think you are capable of achieving and maintaining.
Goodbye.
Latin text of ad Familiares 12.8 | Glossary | Historia Civilis video overview of 44-43 BCE
i.e. Lepidus and his army’s defection to Antony. Lepidus was married to Cassius’ wife’s sister.