University of Virginia Library

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Dear Sir I recd. your favor of the 2d, inclosing
the letter from Mr. Meigs. The place he wishes has
been long allotted to Mr. Mansfield, who preferred it
to that of the Surveyorship held by him, and who
has just obtained the exchange; and a Commission
for the place vacated, has just been sent to Mr. Meigs,
who was long ago recommended for it; and who it
was understood wished it. It is the more probable
that it will be acceptable to him, as he has connections
in the W. Country, particularly the Govr of
Ohio.

I see so little chance of being able to peruse the
lucubrations of Faronde you were so good as to send
me, that I replace them, for the present at least in
your hands.

The last intelligence from the Westward left a
military crisis near Fort Defiance. Winchester with
about half the army, was encamped within 3 miles
of the encampment of about 300 British troops with
some field pieces & a body of Indians stated at 2000
or 2500. It is probable they were destined agst. Fort
Wayne, with the general view of finding employment
for our forces on their way to Detroit, until the Season
should be spent, or Brock could send troops from

below. Of our affairs at Niagara & the neighbourhood
of Montreal, it is difficult to judge, the force
of the Enemy being imperfectly known, & that under
General Dearborn, depending so much on circumstances.
Our best hopes for the campaign rest on
Harrison; and if no disaster, always to be feared from
Indian combats, befall him, there is a probability
that he will regain Detroit, and perhaps do more. He
has a force of 8 or 10,000 men at least, enthusiastically
confiding in him, and a prospect of adequate
supplies of every sort, unless it be Cannon, which
tho' on the way, may possibly encounter fatal delays.
This article however he appears not to make a sine
qua non; nor will it be wanted for Detroit, if it be true
as is reported that every piece has been withdrawn
by the British.

The latest accts from Europe are in the Newspapers.
The ideas of which Foster & Russel are put in possession
will soon draw from the B. Govt. some evidence
of their views as to peace. From France we hear
nothing; and shall probably meet Congs. under the
perplexity of that situation.

The current Elections bring the popularity of the
War or of the Administration, or both, to the Experimentum
crucis. In this State the issue is not
favorable, tho' less otherwise than would appear. In
the Congressional Districts the Republicans I believe,
have not lost ground at all, notwithstanding the
auxiliaries to federalism. In the State Legislature,
they will be in a minority on a joint vote. Penna.,
altho' admitted to be shaken, is represented to be

safe. New Jersey is doubtful at least. The same
is the case with New Hampshire. North Carolina
also is reported to be in considerable vibration. The
other States remain pretty decided on one hand or on
the other.

You will be amused with the little work of the
Author of several humorous publications, Irvine[60] of
N. York. It sinks occasionally into low & local
phrases, and some times forgets Allegorical character.
But is in general good painting on substantial Canvas.