University of Virginia Library

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Dear Sir,—I have recd. yours inclosing two letters
improperly addressed to you.

A sketch, in manuscript was brought by yesterday's
mail from N. York, saying that a vessel just arrived,
stated that the Prince Regent had appointed his
Cabinet; that Lord Holland was prime Minister,
Grenville Secretary of State, Moira Commander in
Chief &c, and that a new Parliament was to be
called. Whether these details be correct or not,
it is highly probable that some material change in

the general policy of the Government, in relation
to this Country as well as in other respects, will
result from the change of the men in power. Nor is
it improbable that a repeal of the Orders in Council
will be accompanied by a removal in some form or
other, of the other condition required by the Act of
May last. Still the attachment to maritime usurpations
on public law, and the jealousy of our growing
commerce, are sources from which serious difficulties
must continue to flow, unless controuled by the distress
of the Nation, or by a magnanimity not to be
expected even from the personification of Fox in
Lord Holland. Grenville is known to be very high
in his notions of British rights on the Ocean; but he
has never contended for more, on the subject of
blockades than that cruising squadrons, creating a
manifest danger in entering particular ports, was
equivalent to a stationary force, having the same
effect. His principle however tho' construable into
an important restriction of that modern practice,
may be expanded so as to cover this abuse. It is,
as you remark difficult to understand the meaning
of Bonaparte towards us. There is little doubt, that
his want of money, and his ignorance of commerce
have had a material influence. He has also distrusted
the stability & efficacy of our pledge to renew
the non-intercourse agst. G. B. and has wished to
execute his in a manner that would keep pace only
with the execution of ours; and at the same time
leave no interval for the operation of the British
orders, without a counter operation in either his or
our measures. In all this, his folly is obvious. Distrust
on one side produces & authorizes it on the
other; and must defeat every arrangement between
parties at a distance from each other or which is to
have a future or a continued execution. On the
whole our prospects are far from being very flattering;
yet a better chance seems to exist than, with
the exception of the adjustment with Erskine, has
presented itself, for closing the scene of rivalship
in plundering & insulting us, & turning it into a
competition for our commerce & friendship.

In the midst of other perplexities, foreign &
internal, a source has been opened very near me,
and where co-operation agst. them was to have been
rightfully expected, from personal obligations, as
well as public duty. I find also that the appointment
of Warden[34] is to draw forth the keenest
resentments of Armstrong. I have no doubt however
that the ground on which we stand is sufficiently
firm to support us with the Nation, agst
individual efforts of any sort, or from any quarter.

Be assured always of my highest esteem and
sincerest attachment.