945. BOUNDARIES, Virginia and Maryland.—
I suppose you are informed of the proceeding commenced by the Legislature
of Maryland, to claim the south branch of the
Potomac as their boundary, and thus of Albemarle,
now the central county of the State, to
make a frontier. As it is impossible upon any
consistent principles, and after such a length of
undisturbed possession, that they can expect to
establish their claim, it can be ascribed to no
other than intention to irritate and divide; and
there can be no doubt from what bow the shaft
is shot. However, let us cultivate Pennsylvania,
and we need not fear the universe. The
Assembly have named me among those who
are to manage this controversy. But I am so
averse to motion and contest, and the other
members are so fully equal to the business,
that I cannot undertake to act in it. I wish
you were added to them.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. iv, 162.
Ford ed., vii, 109.
(M.
Jan. 1797)
