The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
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
Thomas Jefferson returns the enclosed to Mr. Rodney, with thanks for
the communication. It is very evident that our embargo, added to the
exclusions from the Continent, will be most heavily felt in England and
Ireland. Liverpool is remonstrating, and endeavoring to get the other
posts into motion. Yet the bill confirming the orders of council is
ordered to a third reading, which shows it will pass. Congress has just
passed an additional embargo law, on which if we act as boldly as I am
disposed to do, we can make it effectual. I think the material parts of
the enclosed should be published. It will show our people that while the
embargo gives us double rations, it is starving our enemies. This six
months' session has worn me down to a state of almost total incapacity for
business. Congress will certainly rise to-morrow night, and I shall leave
this for Monticello on the 5th of May, to be here again on the 8th of
June. I salute you with constant affection and respect.
TO COLONEL WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, April 24, 1808.
DEAR SIR,--So uncertain has been the situation of our affairs with
England, and yet so much bearing would they have on those with the
Indians, that I have delayed answering your favor of October 5th until I
could see a little way before me. At present I think a continuance of our
peace till the next meeting of Congress (November) probable. I have now
addressed a message to the Indians in the north-west, in which I inform
them of our differences with England, and of the uncertainty how they will
issue. Assure them of the continuance of our friendship, and advise them
in any event to remain quiet at home, taking no part in our quarrel, and
declaring unequivocally that if any nation takes up the hatchet against
us, we will drive them from the land of their fathers, and never more
permit their return. With respect to the prophet, I really believe the
opinion you formed of his views is correct. But we have heard so many
different stories since, that we are awaiting some information which
we expect to receive before we make up a definitive opinion. This much,
however, we determine; and he might know that if we become dissatisfied
that his views are friendly, we shall extend to him all the patronage
and good offices in our power, and shall establish a store in his new
settlement; and particularly if we find him endeavoring to reform the
morality of the Indians, and encourage them in industry and peace, we
shall do what we can to render his influence as extensive as possible.
I had been in hopes that a change in the British ministry would have
produced a revocation of the orders of council, which called for our
embargo, and an European peace, so as to have removed all danger of our
being dragged into the war. But our advices to the 14th of March show
they still retained a good majority in Parliament. Should they continue
in office, our peace will continue uncertain.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account