University of Virginia Library

TO ROBERT SMITH.

I have recd. yours of the 11th. with the papers to
which it refers. The determination of Jackson to
withold even informal intimations of his authorized
communications previous to the ceremony of his
reception, and his apparent patience under the

delay of this preliminary, are sufficient proofs that
the instructions are not of a nature to produce a
conciliatory effect, and much less to change the
present commercial relations of the two countries.
He can have no motive therefore to hasten a disclosure
of them, and a very ardent one to suspend
unwelcome propositions, which if not changed by his
Govt. may as well be made hereafter; and which if
changed under the influence of events, will not, in
that case, have betrayed the temporizing policy by
which it is governed. If it were not our real desire
to bring about a reconciliation on just grounds, it
might not be amiss, to lay him as soon as possible
under the necessity of coming out with the explanation
of his errand, and thereby turning the pride
of his Govt. more & more agst. the course which
justice prescribes. But as reconciliation is our real
object, it may suit us as well as the other party, to
allow some opportunity for re-consideration; altho'
I am aware that in so doing, our dispositions may
be misinterpreted by the ignorant, and misrepresented
by the wicked. Viewing the subject in this
light I think it will be most becoming, as it will
certainly be most convenient to myself, not to change
the intended time of my return to Washington.
You may therefore, if you think proper, let Mr.
Erskine understand that I shall probably be in Washington
abt. the first of October; or possibly a few days
sooner or later, as circumstances may induce. As
Jackson has not manifested any solicitude on this
point, & has no personal accomodation at stake,
there is the less occasion to add any thing to what
you have already signified to him, unless indeed it
were in some very incidental way. From the
character of the man, and the temper of his superiors,
any thing beyond that politeness which explains
itself, and is due to ourselves, is more likely to foster
insolence than to excite liberality or good will. I
return herewith the last letter from Genl. Turreau.
He must know that the request relating to the disposition
of the crew of the Cerbeau (?) can not be
granted; and that no proceedings with respect to
the vessel can take place, but in pursuance of the
law of nations, or of the leges loci. Accept my
affectionate respects.

TO MRS. MADISON.[13]

Yours of the 1st instant my dearest gives me
much happiness but it cannot be complete till I
have you again with me. Let me know the moment
you can of the time you will set out that I may make

arrangements for paying the Dr. &c. My tob has
been sold in Ricd but unfortunately the bills are
not yet come on & are on N. York at 60 days so that
some recognition will be necessary. I did not expect
you would receive much from your Tenants. Dont
forget to do something as to insuring the buildings.
Your question as to Spain & England is puzzling,
as one gets into ill humor it is possible the other
may change her countenance. If a general war
takes place in Europe Spain will probably be less
disposed to insult us & England less sparing of her
insults whether a war will be forced by either is
more than can be foreseen. It certainly will not
if they consult their interest. The power of deciding
questions of war & providing measures that will
make or meet it is with Congress & that is always
our answer to Newspapers. Madam T[urreau] is here
the General not. Your friends are all well except
Capt T[ingey] who has been in extreme danger but
is mending. Mrs T also has been unwell. I enclose a
letter from Payne & one from Mrs R. Miss P. postscript
makes my mouth water. Cousin Isaac's would
too, if he had ever had the taste which I have had.