University of Virginia Library

TO JAMES MONROE.

Dear Sir,—Supposing that you will be at New
York by the time this reaches it I drop a few lines
for the post of to-day. Mr. Jones tells me he informed
you that a substitute had been brought forward
to the commercial propositions which you left
on the carpet. The subject has not since been called
up. If any change has taken place in the mind of
the House, it has not been unfavorable to the idea
of confiding to Congress a power over trade. I am
far from thinking however that a perpetual power can
be made palatable at this time. It is more probable
that the other idea of a Convention of Commissrs. from
the States for deliberating on the state of commerce
and the degree of power which ought to be lodged in
Congress, will be attempted. Should it fail in the
House, it is possible that a revival of the printed propositions
with an extension of their term to twentyfive
years, will be thought on by those who contend that
something of a general nature ought to be done. My
own opinion is unaltered. The propositions for a
State effort have passed and a bill is ordered in, but
the passage of the bill will be a work of difficulty &
uncertainty; many having acquiesced in the preliminary
stages who will strenuously oppose the measure
in its last stages. No decisive vote has been yet
taken on the Assize bill. I conceive it to be in some
danger, but that the chance is in its favour. The
case of the British debts will be introduced in a
day or two. We have got through more than half

of the Revisal. The Criminal bill has been assailed
on all sides. Mr Mercer has proclaimed unceasing
hostility against it. Some alterations have been
made & others probably will be made, but I think the
main principle of it will finally triumph over all opposition.
I had hoped that this Session wd. have
finished the code, but a vote agst. postponing the
further consideration of it till the next, was carried
by so small a Majority that I perceive it will be necessary
to contend for nothing more than a few of
the more important bills leaving the residue of them
for another year. My proposed amendment to the
report on the Memorial of Kentucky, was agreed to in
a Com̃ittee of the whole without alteration, and with
very few dissents. It lies on the table for the ratification
of the House. The members from that district
have become extremely cold on the subject of an immediate
separation. The half tax is postponed till
March & the Septr. tax till Novr. next. Not a word
has passed in the House as to a paper emission. I
wish to hear from you on your arrival at N. Y. and to
receive in particular whatever you may be at liberty to
disclose with regard to the Treaty of peace, &c with
G. B. Mr. Jones wishes you to accept this as on his
acct. as well as mine, he sent C. Griffins order on the
bank by the last post and hopes you recd. it at Fredg.
Col. Grayson will no doubt have left you. I have
omitted for some time writing to him on a supposition
that I should be too late.