University of Virginia Library

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.

This will be handed you by Mr. Altson of S. Carolina,[136]
who proposes to call at Montecello on his return
from a Northern tour. He will probably be well
known to you by other introductions; but those
which he has brought to me, as well as a short acquaintance
with him make me feel an obligation to
add mine. He appears to be intelligent, sound in
his principles, and polished in his manners. Coming
fresh from N. Y. through Pena. & Maryld. he will be
able to furnish many details on late occurrences.
The fact of most importance mentioned by him &
which is confirmed by letters I have from Burr &
Gilston, is that the vote of Rho: Island will be

assured on the right side. The latter gentleman
expresses much anxiety & betrays some jealousy
with respect to the integrity of the Southern States
in keeping the former one in view for the secondary
station. I hope the event will skreen all the parties,
particularly Virginia from any imputation on this
subject: tho' I am not without fears, that the
requisite concert may not sufficiently pervade the
several States. You have no doubt seen the late
Paris Statement, as well as the comment on it by
observator who is manifestly Hamilton. The two
papers throw a blaze of light on the proceedings
of our administration & must I think, co-operate
with other causes, in opening thoroughly the eyes
of the people.