University of Virginia Library

7436. RETALIATION, Opportunity for.—

It is impossible [that the British] can be
serious in attempting to bully us * * *.
We have too many of their subjects in our
power and too much iron to clothe them with
and, I will add, too much resolution to avail
ourselves of both, to fear their pretended retaliation.
[427]
To General Washington. Washington ed. i, 231. Ford ed., ii, 259.
(Wg. 1779)

 
[427]

Jefferson was then Governor of Virginia, and a
controversy had arisen respecting the treatment of
prisoners of war.—Editor.