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 have to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of July
30th and August 16th, and thank you for the information they contained.
We have now assembled a new Congress, being a fuller and more equal
representation of the people, and likely, I think, to approach nearer
to the sentiments of the people in the demonstration of their own. They
have the advantage of a very full communication from the Executive of
the ground on which we stand with foreign nations. Some very unpleasant
transactions have taken place here with Mr. Genet, of which the world will
judge, as the correspondence is now in the press; as is also that with Mr.
Hammond on our points of difference with his nation. Of these you will
doubtless receive copies. Had they been out yet, I should have had the
pleasure of sending them to you; but to-morrow I resign my office, and
two days after set out for Virginia, where I hope to spend the remainder
of my days in occupations infinitely more pleasing than those to which
I have sacrificed eighteen years of the prime of my life; I might rather
say twenty-four of them. Our campaign with the Indians has been lost by
an unsuccessful effort to effect peace by treaty, which they protracted
till the season for action was over. The attack brought on us from the
Algerines is a ray from the same centre. I believe we shall endeavor to
do ourselves justice in a peaceable and rightful way. We wish to have
nothing to do in the present war; but if it is to be forced upon us, I am
happy to see in the countenances of all but our paper men a mind ready
made up to meet it, unwillingly, indeed, but perfectly without fear. No
nation has strove more than we have done to merit the peace of all by the
most rigorous impartiality to all. Sir John Sinclair's queries shall be
answered from my retirement. I am, with great esteem, dear Sir, your most
obedient servant.
TO MR. GENET.
PHILADELPHIA, December 31, 1793.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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