University of Virginia Library

TO JAMES MONROE.

Dear Sir,—I recd. yesterday your favor of the 2d.
inst: which makes the third for which my acknowledgments
are due. The progression which a certain
measure[80] seems to be making is an alarming proof of
the predominance of temporary and partial interests
over those just & extended maxims of policy, which
have been so much boasted of among us and which
alone can effectuate the durable prosperity of the
Union. Should the measure triumph under the
patronage of 9 States or even of the whole thirteen,
I shall never be convinced that it is expedient, because

I cannot conceive it to be just. There is no
maxim in my opinion which is more liable to be misapplied,
and which therefore more needs elucidation
than the current one that the interest of the majority
is the political standard of right and wrong. Taking
the word "interest" as synonymous with "ultimate
happiness," in which sense it is qualified with every
necessary moral ingredient, the proposition is no doubt
true. But taking it in the popular sense, as referring
to immediate augmentation of property and wealth,
nothing can be more false. In the latter sense it
would be the interest of the majority in every community
to despoil & enslave the minority of individuals;
and in a federal community to make a similar
sacrifice of the minority of the component States. In
fact it is only re-establishing under another name and
a more specious form, force as the measure of right;
and in this light the Western settlements will infallibly
view it.

I have considered with attention the paragraph in
your last which relates to the further offer of Taylor.
It seems to be an inviting one & probably would turn
out a good one, yet there are strong objections agst.
purchasing in the dark or on a vague knowledge of
the situation. There would be hazard in the experiment
if both parties were on a level, but there would
perhaps be rashness in it where one of them proceeds
on full information. Circumspection seems also more
necessary in proportion to the indulgences proposed in
the payments, as they suggest other motives for selling
than mere pecuniary difficulties. These objections

may indeed be lessened by taking information at
second hand and by supposing the partial payment in
hand as the ruling motive of the seller. But still they
have considerable weight; and when added to two
others are decisive with me agst. an immediate contract.
I draw the first of these from the numerous
disappointments to which I find pecuniary matters in
the present state of things are liable, and the mortifications
which they involve. The second I draw from
a reflection that if we should at the date of future
payments have in our hands the means of discharging
them, they will as ready money then command as
good bargains as can now be made on credit. These
remarks you will observe lye agst further speculations
at present. The expediency of them under favorable
circumstances I view in as strong a light as ever I did,
and am happy to find your attention kept up to the
subject, and you are gathering information relative
to it.

I fear I shall be obliged to accept of your very
friendly procrastination of the repayment which ought
long ago to have been made. The disappointments
which have prevented it, contribute to my delay here
at this time, and will together with a vicarious business
which I have undertaken for a particular friend,
probably spin it out a few days longer. If anything
occurs before I set out or on the road I shall not fail
to write. Col. Grayson is still here. For a week he has
been nearly well, his symptoms of yesterday prove
that he has remains of his disorder which require his
attention.

Martin did not make his report from Milligan as to
the lottery tickets, pray send me the information in
your next. Complts to yr family Adieu

Seal & present the inclosed
if you please.