7116.
——. On a severe review of
the question, whether the British communication
should carry any such mark of being
confidential as to prevent the Legislature
from publishing them, he is clearly of opinion
they ought not. Will they be kept secret
if secrecy be enjoined? Certainly not, and
all the offence will be given (if it be possible
any should be given) which would follow their
complete publication. If they would be kept
secret, from whom would it be? From our
own constituents only, for Great Britain is
possessed of every title. Why, then, keep it
secret from them?—
To President Washington. Washington ed. iv, 89.
Ford ed., vi, 461.
(Dec. 1793)
