3188. FRANKING PRIVILEGE, Jefferson and.—
The law making my letters post
free goes to those to me only, not those from
me. The bill had got to its passage before this
war was observed. * * * As the privilege
of freedom was given to the letters from as
well as to both my predecessors, I suppose no
reason exists for making a distinction. And in
so extensive a correspondence as I am subject
to, and still considerably on public matters, it
would be a sensible convenience to myself, as
well as to those who have occasion to receive
letters from me. * * * I state this matter
to you as being my representative, which must
apologize for the trouble of it.—
To W. C. Nicholas. Washington ed. v, 454.
Ford ed., ix, 254.
(M.
1809)
