The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 4 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 4 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
DEAR SIR,--I wrote you last on the 21st. Yours of the 12th, therein
acknowledged, is the last received. The measure I suggested in mine,
of adjourning for consultation with their constituents, was not brought
forward; but on Tuesday three resolutions were moved, which you will see
in the public papers. They were offered in committee, to prevent their
being suppressed by the previous question, and in the committee on the
state of the Union, to put it out of their power, by the rising of the
committee and not sitting again, to get rid of them. They were taken by
surprise, not expecting to be called to vote on such a proposition as
"that it is inexpedient to resort to war against the French republic."
After spending the first day in seeking on every side some hole to get
out at, like an animal first put into a cage, they gave up their resource.
Yesterday they came forward boldly, and openly combated the proposition.
Mr. Harper and Mr. Pinckney pronounced bitter philippics against France,
selecting such circumstances and aggravations as to give the worst picture
they could present. The latter, on this, as in the affair of Lyon and
Griswold, went far beyond that moderation he has on other occasions
recommended. We know not how it will go. Some think the resolution will
be lost, some, that it will be carried; but neither way, by a majority
of more than one or two. The decision of the Executive, of two-thirds of
the Senate, and half the House of Representatives, is too much for the
other half of that House. We therefore fear it will be borne down, and
are under the most gloomy apprehensions. In fact, the question of war and
peace depends now on a toss of cross and pile. If we could but gain this
season, we should be saved. The affairs of Europe would of themselves save
us. Besides this, there can be no doubt that a revolution of opinion in
Massachusetts and Connecticut is working. Two whig presses have been set
up in each of those States. There has been for some days a rumor, that
a treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive with Great Britain, has
arrived. Some circumstances have occasioned it to be listened to; to wit,
the arrival of Mr. King's secretary, which is affirmed, the departure of
Mr. Liston's secretary, which I know is to take place on Wednesday next,
the high tone of the executive measures at the last and present session,
calculated to raise things to the unison of such a compact, and supported
so desperately in both Houses in opposition to the pacific wishes of the
people, and at the risk of their approbation at the ensuing election.
Langdon yesterday, in debate, mentioned this current report. Tracy, in
reply, declared he knew of no such thing, did not believe it, nor would be
its advocate.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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