University of Virginia Library

TO JAMES MONROE.

Dr. Sir I have just had the pleasure of receiving
yours of the 2d. We had looked for the greater
pleasure of giving a welcome about this time to you

& Mrs. M. being informed from Albemarle that you
were to be there in a few days. We are very sorry
for the uncertainty you intimate, but still hope that
Mrs. M's health will not only permit you to make
the journey, but her to join you in it. It coud. not fail
to be beneficial to both, and you owe it to yourself
as well as to your friends to take some repose with
them after the vexations which have beset you.
Come I pray you & be not in your usual hurry.

The Convention with Russia is a propitious event
as substituting amicable adjustment for the risks
of hostile collision.[65] But I give the Emperor however
little credit for his assent to the principle of
"Mare liberator" in the North Pacific. His pretensions
were so absurd, & so disgusting to the
Maritime world that he cd. not do better than retreat
from them thro' the forms of negotiation. It is well
that the cautious, if not courteous policy of Engd.
towards Russia has had the effect of making us, in the
public eye, the leading Power in arresting her expansive
ambition. It is as you note an important
circumstance in the case, that the principles &
views unfolded in your Message were not unknown at
St. Petersburg at the date of the Convention. It
favors the hope that bold as the allies with Russia
at their head, have shewn themselves in their
enmity to free Govt. everywhere, the maritime

capacities of the U. S. with the naval & pecuniary
resources of G. B. have a benumbing influence on
all their wicked enterprises.

The advances of France towards a compromise
with Colombia, if sincere, is a further indication of
the dread of the united strength & councils of this
Country & G. Britain. The determination of the
latter not to permit foreign interference in the
contest between Spain & South America, if confided
in with the language of your message on the
subject, ought I think to quiet the apprehensions
of Colombia; and to parry the question of Mr.
Salazar, at least till the meeting of Congs., knowing
as he must do the incompetency of the Executive
to give a precise answer.

Repeating my exhortations in all which Mrs.
M. joins me, we offer Mrs. M. & yourself our affectionate
respects & best wishes.