TO THOMAS S. HINDE.
MAD. MSS.
Montpr. Aug. 17 1829.
Dear Sir,—Your letter of July 23 was duly recd.
but at a time when I was under an indisposition,
remains of which are still upon me. I know not
whence the error originated that I was engaged in
writing the history of our Country. It is true that
some of my correspondences during a prolonged
public life, with other manuscripts connected with
important public transactions, are on my files, and
may contribute materials for a historical pen. But
a regular history of our Country, even during its
Revolutionary & Independent character, would be
a task forbidden by the age alone at which I returned
to private life, and requiring lights on various subjects,
w
ch. are gradually to be drawn from sources
not yet opened for public use. The friendly tone
of your letter has induced me to make these explanatory
remarks; which being meant for yourself
only, I must request may be so considered.
The authentic facts which it appears you happen
to possess relating to the criminal enterprise in the
west during the administration of Mr. Jefferson, must
merit preservation as belonging to a history of that
period; and if no repository more eligible occurs to
you, a statement of them may find a place among my
political papers. The result of that enterprise is
among the auspicious pledges given by the genius of
Republican institutions & the spirit of a free people,
for future triumphs over dangers of every sort that
may be encountered in our national career.
I cannot be insensible to the motives which
prompted the too partial views you have taken
of my public services; and which claim from me the
good wishes which I tender you.
