University of Virginia Library

TO EDMUND PENDLETON.

Since we had the pleasure of Col. Taylor's arrival
I have left in his better hands the trust of keeping
you supplied with whatever communications might
interest or amuse you. As the political scene here,
is however soon to be suspended, I cannot refuse
myself the last opportunity I shall have before a
dispersion of the dramatis personæ takes place, of
enjoying the pleasure I always feel in tendering my
respects & affection, as well as testifying the high
value I set on your correspondence.

I seize the opportunity in this case with the more
avidity, as it permits me at the same time, to tell
you how much we have been charmed with the successor
to Col. R. H. L.[68] & to entreat your co-operation
with a number of his other friends in overcoming
his repugnance to his present station. His talents
during the fraction of time he has been on the federal
theatre have been of such infinite service to the republican
cause, and such a terror to its adversaries,
that his sudden retirement, on which he is strongly
bent, ought to be regarded as a public calamity, and
counterworked by all the means his friends can use.

We think it essential that he should be prevailed on
to prolong his stay in the Govt at least through the
next session, which will form a critical epoch in our
political History. Much will depend on the turn our
affairs will then take; and that will depend not a
little on the character which Virginia in particular
will exhibit in the National Councils. In this view
it is to be desired that her weight of talents in one
branch shd correspond with her force of numbers in
the other. The figure she is to make in the latter
with respect to talents will depend on the issue of
the approaching elections. We understand in general
that there will be no scarcity of competitors;
but our information is too defective for an accurate
conjecture of the result. Your district has been
said to abound more than any other in candidates.
Mr. C.[69] I presume is most distinguished for parliamentary
talents and activity, and on that score
claims a favorable wish, if the course he would be
likely to take should furnish no objection, of which
those most in the knowledge of his politics are the
best judges.

You will have discovered from the Newspapers
that a pretty interesting scrutiny has been started
into the administration of the Treasy Department.[70]
The documents furnished shew that there has been

at least a very blameable irregularity & secrecy in
some particulars of it, and many appearances which
at least require explanation. With some, suspicions
are carried very far; others resolve the whole that is
wrong into favoritism to the Bank, &c. whilst the
partizans of the Fisc. either see nothing amiss, or
are willing to ascribe everything that is so to venial,
if not laudable motives.

The Jany Packet has just arrived at N. Y. Her
budget is not yet fully opened to the public. The
Govt of Engd it is said remains firm in the saddle
notwithstanding the spurs which Mr. Payne has so
vigorously applied to the people. Whether a war
is to be forced with France is still uncertain; tho'
the affirmative is most countenanced by individual
opinions. The arms of France continue to maintain
their reputation. She is threatened with a further
trial of them by all the efforts that Austria & Prussia
at least can make. Spain is disposed to be neutral;
but would fain make the preservation of Louis a
condition. You will find by the inclosed paper that
his fate must ere this have been decided by an
appeal to the judgment of the Nation.

With every sentiment of esteem & attachment I
am Dr sir Yrs