Читать книгу The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 (of 9) - Томас Джефферсон, Thomas Jefferson - Страница 36

Washington, February 28, 1807.

Sir,—Your favor of the 24th was received this morning. The greatest favor which can be done me is the communication of the opinions of judicious men, of men who do not suffer their judgments to be biassed by either interests or passions. Of this character, I know Mr. Morgan to be. I return you the original of the letter of January 15th, having copied it to a mark in the 4th page, which you will see. I retain, as I understand, with your permission, the copies of those of January 22d and 27th, because they are copies; and the original of December 31st, because it relates wholly to public matters. They shall be sacredly reserved to myself, and for my own information only. The fortification of New Orleans will be taken up on a sufficient footing; but the other part of Mr. Morgan's wish, an additional regular force, will not prevail. The spirit of this country is totally adverse to a large military force. I have tried for two sessions to prevail on the Legislature to let me plant thirty thousand well chosen volunteers on donation lands on the west side of the Mississippi, as a militia always at hand for the defence of New Orleans; but I have not yet succeeded. The opinion grows, and will perhaps ripen by the next session. A great security for that country is, that there is a moral certainty that neither France nor England would meddle with that country, while the present state of Europe continues, and Spain we fear not. Accept my salutations, and assurances of esteem and respect.