1812. CORRESPONDENCE, Between Citizens.—
A right of free correspondence
between citizen and citizen, on their joint interests,
whether public or private, and under
whatsoever laws these interests arise (to
wit, of the State, of Congress, of) France,
Spain, or Turkey), is a natural right; it is
not the gift of any municipal law, either of
England, or of Virginia, or of Congress; but
in common with all our other natural rights,
is one of the objects for the protection of
which society is formed, and municipal laws
established.—
To James Monroe. Washington ed. iv, 199.
Ford ed., vii, 172.
(M.
1797)
