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第7章

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        _Washington; Jan。 13; 1803_




        DEAR SIR;  I dropped you a line on the 10th informing you of

a nomination I had made of you to the Senate; and yesterday I

enclosed you their approbation not then having time to write。  The

agitation of the public mind on occasion of the late suspension of

our right of deposit at N。 Orleans is extreme。  In the western

country it is natural and grounded on honest motives。  In the

seaports it proceeds from a desire for war which increases the

mercantile lottery; in the federalists generally and especially those

of Congress the object is to force us into war if possible; in order

to derange our finances; or if this cannot be done; to attach the

western country to them; as their best friends; and thus get again

into power。  Remonstrances memorials &c。 are now circulating through

the whole of the western country and signing by the body of the

people。  The measures we have been pursuing being invisible; do not

satisfy their minds。  Something sensible therefore was become

necessary; and indeed our object of purchasing N。 Orleans and the

Floridas is a measure liable to assume so many shapes; that no

instructions could be squared to fit them; it was essential then to

send a minister extraordinary to be joined with the ordinary one;

with discretionary powers; first however well impressed with all our

views and therefore qualified to meet and modify to these every form

of proposition which could come from the other party。  This could be

done only in full and frequent oral communications。  Having

determined on this; there could not be two opinions among the

republicans as to the person。  You possess the unlimited confidence

of the administration and of the western people; and generally of the

republicans everywhere; and were you to refuse to go; no other man

can be found who does this。  The measure has already silenced the

Feds。 here。  Congress will no longer be agitated by them: and the

country will become calm as fast as the information extends over it。

All eyes; all hopes; are now fixed on you; and were you to decline;

the chagrin would be universal; and would shake under your feet the

high ground on which you stand with the public。  Indeed I know

nothing which would produce such a shock; for on the event of this

mission depends the future destinies of this republic。  If we cannot

by a purchase of the country insure to ourselves a course of

perpetual peace and friendship with all nations; then as war cannot

be distant; it behooves us immediately to be preparing for that

course; without; however; hastening it; and it may be necessary (on

your failure on the continent) to cross the channel。




        We shall get entangled in European politics; and figuring more;

be much less happy and prosperous。  This can only be prevented by a

successful issue to your present mission。  I am sensible after the

measures you have taken for getting into a different line of

business; that it will be a great sacrifice on your part; and

presents from the season and other circumstances serious

difficulties。  But some men are born for the public。  Nature by

fitting them for the service of the human race on a broad scale; has

stamped with the evidences of her destination and their duty。




        But I am particularly concerned that in the present case you

have more than one sacrifice to make。  To reform the prodigalities of

our predecessors is understood to be peculiarly our duty; and to

bring the government to a simple and economical course。  They; in

order to increase expense; debt; taxation; and patronage tried always

how much they could give。  The outfit given to ministers resident to

enable them to furnish their house; but given by no nation to a

temporary minister; who is never expected to take a house or to

entertain; but considered on a footing of a voyageur; they gave to

their extraordinary missionaries by wholesale。  In the beginning of

our administration; among other articles of reformation in expense;

it was determined not to give an outfit to missionaries

extraordinary; and not to incur the expense with any minister of

sending a frigate to carry him or bring him。  The Boston happened to

be going to the Mediterranean; and was permitted therefore to take up

Mr。 Livingstone and touch in a port of France。  A frigate was denied

to Charles Pinckney and has been refused to Mr。 King for his return。

Mr。 Madison's friendship and mine to you being so well known; the

public will have eagle eyes to watch if we grant you any indulgencies

of the general rule; and on the other hand; the example set in your

case will be more cogent on future ones; and produce greater

approbation to our conduct。  The allowance therefore will be in this

and all similar cases; all the expenses of your journey and voiage;

taking a ship's cabin to yourself; 9;000 D。 a year from your leaving

home till the proceedings of your mission are terminated; and then

the quarter's salary for the expenses of the return as prescribed by

law。  As to the time of your going you cannot too much hasten it; as

the moment in France is critical。  St。 Domingo delays their taking

possession of Louisiana; and they are in the last distress for money

for current purposes。  You should arrange your affairs for an absence

of a year at least; perhaps for a long one。  It will be necessary for

you to stay here some days on your way to New York。  You will receive

here what advance you chuse。  Accept assurances of my constant and

affectionate attachment。







        CIVILIZATION OF THE INDIANS




        _To Benjamin Hawkins_

        _Washington; Feb。 18; 1803_

 

        DEAR SIR;  Mr。 Hill's return to you offers so safe a

conveyance for a letter; that I feel irresistibly disposed to write

one; tho' there is but little to write about。  You have been so long

absent from this part of the world; and the state of society so

changed in that time; that details respecting those who compose it

are no longer interesting or intelligible to you。  One source of

great change in social intercourse arose while you were with us; tho'

it's effects were as yet scarcely sensible on society or government。

I mean the British treaty; which produced a schism that went on

widening and rankling till the years '98; '99; when a final

dissolution of all bonds; civil & social; appeared imminent。  In that

awful crisis; the people awaked from the phrenzy into which they had

been thrown; began to return to their sober and ancient principles; &

have now become five…sixths of one sentiment; to wit; for peace;

economy; and a government bottomed on popular election in its

legislative & executive branches。  In the public counsels the federal

party hold still one…third。  This; however; will lessen; but not

exactly to the standard of the people; because it will be forever

seen that of bodies of men even elected by the people; there will

always be a greater proportion aristocratic than among their

constituents。  The present administration had a task imposed on it

which was unavoidable; and could not fail to exert the bitterest

hostility in those opposed to it。  The preceding administration left

99。 out of every hundred in public offices of the federal sect。

Republicanism had been the mark on Cain which had rendered those who

bore it exiles from all portion in the trusts & authorities of their

country。  This description of citizens called imperiously & justly

for a restoration of right。  It was intended; however; to have

yielded to this in so moderate a degree as might conciliate those who

had obtained exclusive possession; but as soon as they were touched;

they endeavored to set fire to the four corners of the public fabric;

and obliged us to deprive of the influence of office several who were

using it with activity and vigilance to destroy the confidence of the

people in their government; and thus to proceed in the drudgery of

removal f

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