University of Virginia Library

TO JONATHAN DAYTON.

In the latter end of the year 1808, and spring of
1809, two anonymous letters were addressed, one

to the Hon Secy. of State, the other to the P. of the
U. S.[49] They related to a projected severance of the
Union, brought to the knowledge of the writer, which
was to be undertaken in case of a rupture with G. B.
under the managemt. of men of high standing; but
was obviated for the time by the accomodation
settled with Mr. Erskine. The writer justly estimating
the importance of bringing to pub. view the
guilty associates, signified his intention to resume his
disclosures, shd a future occasion call for them; and
to give such evidences of their machinations as wd
be conclusive. Such an occasion is formed by existing
circumstances. The British designs agst our
Union have been happily detected & exposed: But
no evidence is produced, having like effect as to domestic
plotters; who in the event of war, may be expected
to avail themselves of that advantage, in
seizing any favorable moment for renewing their
machinations. As the motives to the communications
& purposes alluded to are doubtless unchanged
& as to the want of name & dates to the letters conveying
them, is supplied by the handwriting, & post
marks, this note may recall the subject to the writer,
at a moment singularly critical. A Come. of investigation,
under the title of Come. of For relations, having
been appd. by the H. of Reps. any name & proofs,
or the sources of them may be either pointed out to
that body, or otherwise made known as may be
thought proper.