University of Virginia Library

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Dear Sir,—I have recd your favor of the 19th.
You will see in the newspapers the result of the
advances made by G. B. Attempts were made to
give shapes to the arrangement implying inconsistency
and blame on our part. They were, however,
met in a proper manner, and readily abandoned,
leaving these charges in their full force, as they now
bear on the other side. The B. Cabinet must have

changed its course under a full conviction that an
adjustment with this country had become essential;
and it is not improbable that this policy may direct
the ensuing negociation, mingling with it, at the
same time, the hope that it may embroil us with
France. To this use, it may be expected, the Federalists
will endeavor to turn what is already done, at
the coming session of Congs. The steps deemed
proper to give the proceeding a contrary turn will
not be omitted. And if France be not bereft of
common sense, or be not predetermined on war with
us, she will certainly not play into the hand of her
enemy. Besides the general motive to follow the
example of G. B. she cannot be insensible of the
dangerous tendency of prolonging the commercial
sufferings of her Allies, particularly Russia, all of
them already weary of such a state of things, after
the pretext for enforcing it shall have ceased. She
must be equally aware of the importance of our
relations to Spanish America, which must now become
the great object of Napoleon's pride and ambition.
Should he repeal his decrees with a view to
this object, the most probable source of conflict will
be in his extending the principle on which he required
a prohibition of the Trade with St Domingo to the
case of the Spanish Colonies. Nor is it improbable
that he may couple such a requisition with an offer
to cede the Floridas, which would present a dilemma
not very pleasant.

Accept my sincerest affection & highest esteem.