The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
 |
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of the 22d did not come to
hand till the day before yesterday.
It will give me pleasure to take the place of Mr.
Barnes in the note to the Bank; the more so as it will,
it seems, be a relief to the old gentleman's pecuniary
anxieties. I will have an early communication with
him on the subject. I wish the original arrangement
had taken the shape now proposed, and hope
that you will make free use of my services if they
can at any time or in any way be made convenient
to your arrangements of money, or other matters.
The new-fangled policy of the federal party, you
will have noticed, has made a considerable figure in
the newspapers. Some of the Editors are resuming the
old cant, and the others will doubtless soon follow
the example. Nothing could exceed the folly of
supposing that the principles and opinions manifested
in our foreign discussions were not, in the main
at least, common to us; unless it be the folly of supposing
that such shallow hypocrisy could deceive
turn of the B. Cabinet has thrown the party entirely
off the centre. They have at present no settled
plan. There is reason to believe that the leaders are
sound towards England, and much less disposed than
heretofore to render our interests subservient to
hers. Expressions have been used by one, at least,
of the Essex Cabinet, whether sincerely or insidiously
may not be absolutely certain, from which it is
inferred that a disposition exists in that quarter not
even to continue the non-intercourse act agst France.
Certain it is, that the desire of war with her is no
longer manifested; that the deficiency of the English
markets excites a keen appetite for a trade with the
Continent; and that a real uneasiness is felt lest the
negotiations with G. B. should end in sacrifices on
our part, which they have been reproaching the
Administration for not being ready to make. As
one proof of their present feelings, the federal leaders
shew a marked alienation from Erskine. The Elections
in Massts, as well as in N. H. and N. Y., have
issued unfavorably. But the smallness of the majority,
and the overstrained exertions it has required,
seem to depress rather than flatter the successful
party. No confidence is felt in the permanency of
the triumph.
Not a line has been received of late from any one
of our foreign agents. All that is known is, therefore,
to be gathered from the ordinary and fallacious
channels.
Accept my sincerest respects & attachment.
| The writings of James Madison, | |