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
DEAR SIR,--The two receipts of Poncin's have come safely to hand. The
account had been settled without difficulty. The federal papers appear
desirous of making mischief between us and England, by putting speeches
into my mouth which I never uttered. Perceiving, by a letter received
in January, that our commissioners were making up their mind to sign a
treaty which contained no provision against impressment, we immediately
instructed them not to do so; and if done, to consider the treaty as not
accepted, and to resume their negociations to supply an article against
impressment. We therefore hold the treaty in suspense, until we hear what
is done in consequence of our last instructions. Probably we shall not
hear till midsummer, and we reserve till that time the question of calling
the Senate. In the meantime, to show the continuance of a friendly spirit,
we continue the suspension of the non-importation act by proclamation.
Another cause for not accepting the treaty was a written declaration by
the British commissioner, at the time of signing, reserving a right, if
we did not oppose the French decree to their satisfaction, to retaliate
in their own way, however it might affect the treaty; so that, in fact,
we were to be bound, and they left free. I think, upon the whole, the
emperor cannot be dissatisfied at the present state of things between us
and England, and that he must rather be satisfied at our unhesitating
rejection of a proposition to make common cause against him, for such
in amount it was. Burr has indeed made a most inglorious exhibition of
his much over-rated talents. He is now on his way to Richmond for trial.
Accept my friendly salutations, and assurances of constant esteem and
respect.
TO ----.
WASHINGTON, March 25th, 1807.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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