Читать книгу The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 (of 9) - Томас Джефферсон, Thomas Jefferson - Страница 44

Washington, March 24th, 1807.

Dear Sir,—The two receipts of Poncin's have come safely to hand. The account had been settled without difficulty. The federal papers appear desirous of making mischief between us and England, by putting speeches into my mouth which I never uttered. Perceiving, by a letter received in January, that our commissioners were making up their mind to sign a treaty which contained no provision against impressment, we immediately instructed them not to do so; and if done, to consider the treaty as not accepted, and to resume their negociations to supply an article against impressment. We therefore hold the treaty in suspense, until we hear what is done in consequence of our last instructions. Probably we shall not hear till midsummer, and we reserve till that time the question of calling the Senate. In the meantime, to show the continuance of a friendly spirit, we continue the suspension of the non-importation act by proclamation. Another cause for not accepting the treaty was a written declaration by the British commissioner, at the time of signing, reserving a right, if we did not oppose the French decree to their satisfaction, to retaliate in their own way, however it might affect the treaty; so that, in fact, we were to be bound, and they left free. I think, upon the whole, the emperor cannot be dissatisfied at the present state of things between us and England, and that he must rather be satisfied at our unhesitating rejection of a proposition to make common cause against him, for such in amount it was. Burr has indeed made a most inglorious exhibition of his much over-rated talents. He is now on his way to Richmond for trial. Accept my friendly salutations, and assurances of constant esteem and respect.