The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
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The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 (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
TO GEORGE HAY, ESQ., ATTORNEY FOR THE U. S., BEFORE THE DISTRICT OF
VIRGINIA.
MONTICELLO, September 7, 1807.
SIR,--Understanding that it is thought important that a letter of November
12, 1806, from General Wilkinson to myself, should be produced in evidence
on the charges against Burr, depending in the District Court now sitting
in Richmond, I send you a copy of it, omitting only certain passages, the
nature of which is explained in the certificate subjoined to the letter.
As the Attorney for the United States, be pleased to submit the copy and
certificate to the uses of the Court. I salute you with great esteem and
respect.
P. S. On re-examination of a letter of November 12, 1806, from General
Wilkinson to myself, (which having been for a considerable time out of my
possession, and now returned to me,) I find in it some passages entirely
confidential, given for my information in the discharge of my executive
functions, and which my duties and the public interest forbid me to make
public. I have therefore given above a correct copy of all those parts
which I ought to permit to be made public. Those not communicated are in
nowise material for the purposes of justice on the charges of treason or
misdemeanor depending against Aaron Burr; they are on subjects irrelevant
to any issues which can arise out of those charges, and could contribute
nothing towards his acquittal or conviction. The papers mentioned in
the 1st and 3d paragraphs, as enclosed in the letters, being separated
therefrom, and not in my possession, I am unable, from memory, to say what
they were. I presume they are in the hands of the attorney for the United
States. Given under my hand this 7th day of September, 1807.
TO GOVERNOR CABELL.
MONTICELLO, September 7, 1807.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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