Читать книгу The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 (of 9) - Томас Джефферсон, Thomas Jefferson - Страница 46

Washington, March 26th, 1807.

Sir,—Your favors of January 19th and 20th came to hand in due time, but it was not in my power to acknowledge their receipt during the session of Congress. General Gage's paper I have filed with that on Pensacola, in the War Office, and Mr. Hutchins' map, in the Navy Office, where they will be useful. I tender you my thanks for this contribution to the public service. The bed of the Mississippi and the shoals on the coast change so frequently, as to require frequent renewals of the surveys. Congress have authorized a new survey of our whole coast, by an act of the last session. Burr is on his way to Richmond for trial; and if the judges do not discharge him before it is possible to collect the testimony from Maine to New Orleans, there can be no doubt where his history will end. To what degree punishments of his adherents shall be extended, will be decided when we shall have collected all the evidence, and seen who were cordially guilty. The federalists appear to make Burr's cause their own, and to spare no efforts to screen his adherents. Their great mortification is at the failure of his plans. Had a little success dawned on him, their openly joining him might have produced some danger. As it is, I believe the undertaking will not be without some good effects, as a wholesome lesson to those who have more ardor than principle. I believe there is reason to expect that Blennerhasset will also be sent by the judges of Mississippi to Virginia. Yours was the very first intimation I had of this plot, for which it is but justice to say you have deserved well of your country. Accept my friendly salutations, and assurances of great esteem and respect.