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,--The forgery lately attempted to be played off by Mr. H. on the
House of Representatives, of a pretended memorial presented by Logan to
the French government, has been so palpably exposed, as to have thrown
ridicule on the whole of the clamors they endeavored to raise as to that
transaction. Still, however, their majority will pass the bill. The real
views in the importance they have given to Logan's enterprise are mistaken
by nobody. Mr. Gerry's communications relative to his transactions after
the departure of his colleagues, though he has now been returned five
months, and they have been promised to the House six or seven weeks,
are still kept back. In the meantime, the paper of this morning promises
them from the Paris papers. It is said, they leave not a possibility to
doubt the sincerity and the anxiety of the French government to avoid the
spectacle of a war with us. Notwithstanding this is well understood, the
army and a great addition to our navy, are steadily intended. A loan of
five millions is opened at eight per cent. interest!
* * * * *
In a society of members, between whom and myself are great mutual esteem
and respect, a most anxious desire is expressed that you would publish
your debates of the convention. That these measures of the army, navy
and direct tax will bring about a revolution of public sentiment is
thought certain, and that the Constitution will then receive a different
explanation. Could those debates be ready to appear critically, their
effect would be decisive. I beg of you to turn this subject in your mind.
Tho arguments against it will be personal; those in favor of it moral;
and something is required from you as a set off against the sin of your
retirement. Your favor of December the 29th came to hand January the 5th;
seal sound. I pray you always to examine the seals of mine to you, and the
strength of the impression. The suspicions against the government on this
subject are strong. I wrote you January the 5th. Accept for yourself and
Mrs. Madison my affectionate salutations. Adieu.
TO COLONEL MONROE.
January 23, 1799.
DEAR SIR,--The newspapers furnish you with the articles of common news as
well as the Congressional. You observe the addition proposed to be made
to our Navy, and the loan of five millions, opened at eight per cent.,
to equip it. The papers say that our agents abroad are purchasing vessels
for this purpose. The following is as accurate a statement of our income
and expense annual, as I can form, after divesting the Treasury reports of
such articles as are incidental, and properly _annual_:
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