University of Virginia Library

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Your favor by Mr. Trist was duly handed to me,
since which I have recd. the Report on imports under
your cover, & yesterday your favor of the 25ult.:
accompanied with the Pamphlet & Mr. Nicholas's
motion on the Electoral Bill, which appears to be so
fair & pertinent, that a rejection of it in favor of
any other modification proposed, must fix a new
brand on the Authors. The spirit manifested in the
Senate steadily, & in the other House occasionally,
however mischievous in its immediate effects, cannot
fail I think to aid the progress of reflection & change
among the people. In this view our public malady
may work its own cure, and ultimately rescue the
republical principal from the imputation brought on
it by the degeneracy of the public Councils. Such
a demonstration of the rectitude & efficacy of popular
sentiment, will be the more precious, as the late
defection of France has left America the only Theatre
on which true liberty can have a fair trial. We are
all extremely anxious to learn the event of the
Election in N. Y. on which so much depends. I
have nothing to add to what I have already said on

the prospect with us. I have no reason whatever
to doubt all the success that was expected. If it
should fall in your way, you will oblige me by inquiring
whether there be known in Philada. any
composition for encrusting Brick that will effectually
stand the weather: and particularly what is thought
of common plaister thickly painted with white lead
overspread with sand. I wish to give some such
dressing to the columns of my Portico, & to lessen
as much as possible the risk of the experiment.