University of Virginia Library

TO JAMES MONROE.

Dr. Sir I recd by the last mail your favor of
the 7th. The death of Genl. Mason with the manner
of it is an event truly lamentable. The only alleviation
it admits is in the hope that its admonitions
will not be fruitless.

The Newspapers from Washington not having
come to hand regularly of late, and other matters
having engaged my attention, I am but partially
acquainted with what has passed in Congress on
the subject of the proceedings in Florida.[146] The
views of the Ex. could not certainly have been
better directed than to the objects of shielding
the Constitution, silencing Spain & her allies, &
turning every thing to the best account for the
nation. It will be a most happy termination of
the business if Onis shd. make good the prospect of
the desired accommodation of our affairs with Spain.

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It would be a happiness also, if the subject as it
relates to Genl. Jackson could have an issue satisfactory
to his feelings & to the scruples of his friends
& admirers. Mr. Adams has given all its lustre to
the proof that the conduct of the General is invulnerable
to complaints from abroad; and the
question between him & his Country ought to be
judged under the persuasion that if he has erred
it was in the zeal of his patriotism, and under a
recollection of the great services he has rendered.

You have seen the agreeable result at Richmond
to the Report of the University Commissioners. I
do not know what steps have been taken for carrying
the law into execution.

I have heard nothing from or of Mr. Jefferson since
the visit of Dr Eustis & myself to Monticello.
I mentioned to you the state of his health at that
time & our hopes that it would be soon entirely
restored. It is to be wished that he may witness
& guide the launching of the Institution which he
put on the stocks, and the materials for which were
supplied from his Stores.