TO JUDGE STEWART.
Monticello, August 8, 1811.
Dear Sir,—I ask the favor of you to purchase for me as much fresh timothy seed as the enclosed bill will pay for, pack and forward, and that you will have the goodness to direct it to be lodged at Mr. Leitch's store in Charlottesville by the waggoner who brings it. You see how bold your indulgencies make me in intruding on your kindness.
I do not know that the government means to make known what has passed between them and Foster before the meeting of Congress; but in the meantime individuals, who are in the way, think they have a right to fish it out, and in this way the sum of it has become known. Great Britain has certainly come forward and declared to our government by an official paper, that the conduct of France towards her during this war has obliged her to take possession of the ocean, and to determine that no commerce shall be carried on with the nations connected with France; that, however, she is disposed to relax in this determination so far as to permit the commerce which may be carried on through the British ports. I have, for three or four years, been confident that, knowing that her own resources were not adequate to the maintenance of her present navy, she meant with it to claim the conquest of the ocean, and to permit no nation to navigate it, but on payment of a tribute for the maintenance of the fleet necessary to secure that dominion. A thousand circumstances brought together left me without a doubt that that policy directed all her conduct, although not avowed. This is the first time she has thrown off the mask. The answer and conduct of the government have been what they ought to have been, and Congress is called a little earlier, to be ready to act on the receipt of the reply, for which time has been given.
God bless you. From yours affectionately.
TO GENERAL DEARBORNE.
Poplar Forest, August 14, 1811.
Dear General and Friend,— * * * * *
I am happy to learn that your own health is good, and I hope it will long continue so. The friends we left behind us have fallen out by the way. I sincerely lament it, because I sincerely esteem them all, and because it multiplies schisms where harmony is safety. As far as I have been able to judge, however, it has made no sensible impression against the government. Those who were murmuring before are a little louder now; but the mass of our citizens is firm and unshaken. It furnishes, as an incident, another proof that they are perfectly equal to the purposes of self-government, and that we have nothing to fear for its stability. The spirit, indeed, which manifests itself among the tories of your quarter, although I believe there is a majority there sufficient to keep it down in peaceable times, leaves me not without some disquietude. Should the determination of England, now formally expressed, to take possession of the ocean, and to suffer no commerce on it but through her ports, force a war upon us, I foresee a possibility of a separate treaty between her and your Essex men, on the principles of neutrality and commerce. Pickering here, and his nephew Williams there, can easily negotiate this. Such a lure to the quietists in our ranks with you, might recruit theirs to a majority. Yet, excluded as they would be from intercourse with the rest of the Union and of Europe, I scarcely see the gain they would propose to themselves, even for the moment. The defection would certainly disconcert the other States, but it could not ultimately endanger their safety. They are adequate, in all points, to a defensive war. However, I hope your majority, with the aid it is entitled to, will save us from this trial, to which I think it possible we are advancing. The death of George may come to our relief; but I fear the dominion of the sea is the insanity of the nation itself also. Perhaps, if some stroke of fortune were to rid us at the same time from the Mammoth of the land as well as the Leviathan of the ocean, the people of England might lose their fears, and recover their sober senses again. Tell my old friend, Governor Gerry, that I gave him glory for the rasping with which he rubbed down his herd of traitors. Let them have justice and protection against personal violence, but no favor. Powers and preëminences conferred on them are daggers put into the hands of assassins, to be plunged into our own bosoms in the moment the thrust can go home to the heart. Moderation can never reclaim them. They deem it timidity, and despise without fearing the tameness from which it flows. Backed by England, they never lose the hope that their day is to come, when the terrorism of their earlier power is to be merged in the more gratifying system of deportation and the guillotine. Being now hors de combat myself, I resign to others these cares. A long attack of rheumatism has greatly enfeebled me, and warns me that they will not very long be within my ken. But you may have to meet the trial, and in the focus of its fury. God send you a safe deliverance, a happy issue out of all afflictions, personal and public, with long life, long health, and friends as sincerely attached as yours affectionately.
INDEX TO VOL. V.
- Adams, John—His relations with Jefferson, 559, 560.
- Difference between his political opinions and Hamilton's, 559.
- Agriculture—The science of, 224.
- Alexander, Emperor—Bust of, presented to Jefferson, 6.
- Arms—When loaned by Government, 168, 238, 240.
- Astronomy—Its application to navigation, 374.
- Banks—Excess of, 516.
- Bank of United States—Question of its constitutionality, 412.
- Barlow, Joel—His Columbiad, 238.
- Bastrop's Case—231.
- Bloodworth—His bankruptcy, 49.
- Bonaparte—His great victories, 173.
- Botta, M.—His history of revolution, 527.
- Brazil, Emperor of—285.
- Burr, Aaron—His conspiracy, 24, 26, 28, 38, 40.
- His accomplices, 34, 45, 60, 99, 305.
- Efforts in Ohio to suppress conspiracy, 37.
- His arrest and trial, 55, 57, 65, 66, 81, 84, 86, 95, 96, 98, 174.
- His views and objects, 64, 128, 129, 130.
- Federalists come to his rescue, 64, 65, 66, 67.
- Proofs and witnesses against, 72, 78, 81, 95, 96, 109, 112, 190.
- His forgeries, 86.
- His acquittal, 187, 199.
- Cabinet, Executive—Mode of transacting business in, 94.
- Chesapeake, The—Capture of, 113, 114.
- Chesapeake Bay—Defence of mouth of, 180.
- China—Chinese mandarin relieved from Embargo, 325.
- Claiborne, Gov.—Wounded in duel, 137.
- Clay, Henry—His opposition to Jefferson, 183.
- Climate—Changes of, in U. S., 487.
- Colleges—How should be arranged, 521.
- Colonization—Of negroes, 564.
- Commerce—Impulse to, by Embargo, 441.
- Coasting and carrying trade, 505.
- Contracts—Should not be given to members of legislature, 50.
- Cuba—Acquisition of, 444.
- Dearborne, Gen.—Urged by Mr. Jefferson to continue in office, 295.
- Debt—Evils of National debt, 477.
- Decius—His false statements, 20.
- Delaware River—Defense of, against English, 244.
- Deserters—Should not be enlisted, 173.
- Dickinson, John—His death, 249.
- Drawbacks—426.
- Duane, William—His opposition to Madison's administration, 590.
- Editors—Their duties, 591.
- Education—225.
- Plan of popular education, 525.
- Embargo, The—227, 252, 299.
- War preferable to continuance of, 258.
- Our citizens allowed to withdraw property from foreign countries, 259.
- Draft of law by Gallatin, 267.
- Measures to enforce, 271, 272, 297, 336, 341, 343, 352, 359.
- Its operation, 275.
- Cases arising under, 277.
- When to be suspended, 279.
- Evasions of, 286, 287, 290, 297, 317, 334, 335, 336, 340, 413.
- Construction of, 287, 290, 292, 307, 317, 324, 327, 344, 346, 355, 398.
- Resistance to, in Massachusetts, 341, 343, 347, 384, 424.
- Cases arising under, 292, 307, 317, 324, 327, 344, 346, 355, 363, 368, 369, 370, 375, 382, 386, 387, 396, 399, 405, 418.
- Its unpopularity in the east, 293, 384.
- Its popularity elsewhere, 296, 384.
- Bonaparte's position relative to, 370.
- War the only alternative, 384, 387.
- Views in Congress relative to, 404.
- A temporary measure, 410.
- Action of Congress relative to, 419, 421, 424.
- Repeal of, 433, 529.
- England—Treaty with, objectionable, 52.
- Its ratification suspended, 54.
- Hostilities commenced by, 113, 117, 118, 123, 131, 134, 139.
- Hull retires from Hampton Roads, 135.
- Probability of war with, 134, 135, 139, 189, 197, 211, 215, 266.
- Relative to certain captives, 142.
- The conduct of the English in our waters, 143, 145, 195, 196.
- Relations with, during this quasi state of war, 151, 155, 167, 170, 174, 191, 202.
- Notice to our merchant vessels of danger of war, 184, 185, 186, 194.
- Her violations of maritime law, 200, 468, 501, 511, 551.
- Her orders in council, 442.
- Repeal of, 443.
- Relations of peace restored, 455.
- Domination on the Ocean, 530.
- Condition of, 552, 557.
- Relations with, 556.
- War with, inevitable, 464.
- Character of Kings of, 514.
- Enlistments—When binding on infants, 282, 372.
- Europe—Not to be permitted to interfere in American affairs, 381.
- Executive—Question between a single and plural executive, 449, 567, 581.
- Executives should be removable, 569.
- Federalists—Their disorganization as a party, 101.
- Floridas, The—Necessity of their acquisition, 18.
- France—Views of her revolution, 133, 582.
- Franklin, Benjamin—His last autobiography, 540.
- Gallatin, Albert—His character, 574.
- Government—Best works on, 91.
- Gun-Boats—As means of defence, 41, 42, 202, 228, 234, 316.
- Improvements in, 189.
- Hamilton, Alexander—Difference between his political principles and J. Adams', 559.
- Harper's Ferry—The scenery there, 446.
- History, Natural—Fossil remains, 46, 219, 220, 261, 310, 467.
- Holland, King of—Congratulations on his accession to the throne, 47.
- Humboldt, Baron de—His work on Spain, 435.
- Hundreds—Division of counties into, 525.
- Impressment—Efforts to suppress by treaty, 55, 63.
- Incorporation—The power of, not granted by constitution, 412.
- Indians—Improvement of, 212, 278, 302.
- Their languages, 6, 469, 599.
- Best articles of trade with, 44.
- Relations with, 162, 184, 330, 348, 350.
- Danger of war with, 175.
- Policy towards, in a war with England, 176, 276, 348.
- Trade with, 269.
- General policy towards, 348, 350.
- How to proceed in case of murders by, 354.
- Settlement of boundaries with Kickapoos, 400.
- Efforts to prevent the use of spirituous liquors by, 407.
- Best mode of civilizing, 440.
- Efforts to civilize, 484.
- Irving's Case—600.
- Jefferson, Thomas—Efforts to alienate his cabinet from him, 23.
- His retirement at end of second term, 62, 88.
- Calumnies against, 80, 264, 503, 504.
- Resigns Presidency of American Philosophical Society, 392.
- Is re-elected, 40, 494.
- Refuses all presents while President, 392.
- Resolution to retire at end of second term, 407.
- Reception of, by people, on his retirement, 431.
- His pleasure at retiring, 432.
- Letter to people of Albemarle at end of Presidential term, 439.
- All prosecutions for libels against him dismissed, 452.
- Franking privilege allowed him, 453.
- His writings, 465.
- Relations with Hamilton, 496.
- His habits, 508, 558.
- Made member of Royal Institute of Amsterdam, 517.
- Relations with Adams, 559, 560.
- Judiciary—Always federal, 549.
- Latrobe, Mr.—Relations with Jefferson, 578.
- Lands, Public—Intrusions on, 382.
- Laws—Rules for construing, by executive, 158.
- Lawyers—Of New England not good common law lawyers, 547.
- Lewis, Gov.—His papers, 480.
- Libraries, Public—Benefit of, 448.
- Logwood, Thomas—Pardon of, 385.
- Louis XVI.—His character, 423.
- Louisiana—Boundaries of, 110, 178.
- Madison, James—Divisions in his cabinet, 509, 589, 596, 598, 600, 607.
- Mail—Robberies of, 406.
- Manufactures—Impulse to from embargo, 415, 456.
- Marshall, John—His life of Washington, 476.
- Notes on, by Jefferson, 476.
- Marque, Letters of—Their character, 273.
- Medicine—Views of science of, 105.
- Meteoric Stones—245.
- Militia—Organization of, 16, 76.
- Mines—Rent of Indiana lead mines, 207, 210.
- Silver mines of La Platte, 246.
- Mints—Appointment of assistant engraver to, 61.
- Miranda's Expedition—Not countenanced by our government, 476.
- Mississippi Territory—British claims in, 274.
- Monroe, James—His relations to Madison's administration, 247, 482.
- Montesquieu's Spirit of Laws—Commentary on, 525, 539, 566.
- Moose Island—Within jurisdiction of U. States, 317.
- Museum—Foundation of one at Williamsburg, 79.
- Negroes—Their capacity relative to white races, 429, 475.
- Neutrality—No breach of, to assist vessels in distress, 35.
- Nicholas, Wilson C.—Sent on special mission to France, 3.
- Offices—Should not be given to relations, 90, 498.
- Principles on which conferred, 136.
- Orleans, New—Claim to public common, 26.
- Orleans, Territory of—Discontents in, 29, 32.
- Patents—Interpretation of patent law, 75.
- Ploughs—Improved model of, 313.
- Poland—Partition of, 603.
- Polygraph, The—Its value, 17.
- President—Presidential tour objectionable, 102.
- Printing—Extension of, in U. States, 475.
- Press—Liberty of, 43.
- Quakers—Their English affinities, 492, 494.
- Quarantine—Views on, 193.
- Randolph, John—Turns against Jefferson's administration, 9.
- Randolph, T. J.—Letter of advice to, 388.
- Religion—President no right to prescribe day for prayer and fasting, 237.
- Republican Party—Split in, 9, 121, 204.
- Rice—Upland, 393.
- Ritchie, Thomas—Relations to Madison's administration, 596.
- Rivers—Rights of all nations inhabiting its banks to free navigation, 115.
- Russia—Emperor of, his character, and policy, 140.
- Seamen—Employment of foreigners in Navy, 69, 70.
- Secession—Not to be apprehended, 571.
- Sheep—Introduction of Merino breed, 479, 522.
- South American States—Revolt of, against Spain, 530, 584, 586.
- Spain—Our relations with, 27, 164, 181, 211, 337, 367.
- States—Sovereignty of, a high conservative feature in our government, 560.
- Tariff—On wines, 76.
- Taxes—Of United States how imposed, 586.
- Tombigbee—Memorial from, 140.
- Torpedoes—Invented by Fulton, 165, 516.
- Truxton, Commodore—Medal for, 300.
- United States—Condition of parties in Senate and House of Representatives, 5.
- Veterinary College—Policy of, 402.
- Vincennes—Loyalty of French inhabitants of, 240, 243.
- Virginia—Collection of laws of, 31.
- Volunteers—33, 51, 153, 158, 179, 423.
- War—Prospect of, 214, 215, 437.
- Washington, Gen.—Mode of doing business in his cabinet, 510.
- Washington City—Improvement of, 50.
- Sale of certain city lots, 395.
- Waterhouse, Dr.—His appointment to Marine Hospital, 222.
- Weights and Measures—Improvements proposed, 235, 377.
- West Point—Complaint of Cadets of, 332.
- Western Road—The route of, 332, 333.
- Wirt, William—Urged by Mr. Jefferson to accept seat in Congress, 233.