University of Virginia Library

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Dear Sir,—Friday's mail brought me your favor
of May 24. The letter from S. Bourne had previously
reached us thro' a Fredg paper. It is corroborated
I find by several accounts from different sources.
These rays in the prospect will if I can judge from
the sensations in this quarter, have an effect on the
people very different from that which appears in
the public councils. Whilst it was expected that the
unrelenting temper of France would bring on war,
the mask of peace was worn by the war party. Now
that a contrary appearance on the side of France is
intimated, the mask is dropped, and the lye openly
given to their own professions by pressing measures
which must force France into War. I own I am not
made very sanguine by the reported amendment in
the posture of our Negociators, first because the account
may not be very correct, and next because
there are real difficulties to be overcome, as well as

those which the pride of one or other of the parties
may create, not to mention the probable arrival of
what has passed here before the scene is closed there.
But the palpable urgency of the Ex. & its partizans
to press war in proportion to the apparent chance of
avoiding it, ought to open every eye to the hypocrisy
which has hitherto deceived so many good
people. Should no such consequence take place it
will be a proof of infatuation which does not admit
of human remedy. It is said, and there are circumstances
which make me believe it, that the hotheaded
proceedings of Mr. A. are not well relished
in the cool climate of Mount Vernon. This I think
may fairly be inferred from the contrast of characters
and conduct, but if it has been expressed it
must have been within a very confidential circle.
Since my last there has been a sequel of fine & extensive
rains. We have had a tolerable, tho' not an
equal or sufficient share of them. Your neighbourhood,
I fancy, has fared better.

If Barnes has not sent off the Glass pullies &c.
please to order as much of the proper chord as will
be wanted for the latter.