The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9)

TO MR. HAMMOND

Philadelphia, June 19, 1793.

Sir,—I had the honor to address you a letter on the 29th of May was twelvemonth, on the articles still unexecuted of the treaty of peace between the two nations. The subject was extensive and important, and therefore rendered a certain degree of delay in the reply to be expected. But it has now become such as naturally to generate disquietude. The interest we have in the western posts, the blood and treasure which their detention costs us daily, cannot but produce a corresponding anxiety on our part. Permit me, therefore, to ask when I may expect the honor of a reply to my letter, and to assure you of the sentiments of respect with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient, and most humble servant.

TO J. MADISON

June 23, 1793.

Dear Sir,—My last was of the 17th, if I may reckon a single line anything. Yours of the 13th came to hand yesterday. The proclamation as first proposed was to have been a declaration of neutrality. It was opposed on these grounds: 1. That a declaration of neutrality was a declaration there should be no war, to which the Executive was not competent. 2. That it would be better to hold back the declaration of neutrality, as a thing worth something to the powers at war, that they would bid for it, and we might reasonably ask a price, the broadest privileges of neutral nations. The first objection was so far respected as to avoid inserting the term neutrality, and the drawing the instrument was left to E. R. That there should be a proclamation was passed unanimously with the approbation or the acquiescence of all parties. Indeed, it was not expedient to oppose it altogether, lest it should prejudice what was the next question, the boldest and greatest that ever was hazarded, and which would have called for extremities had it prevailed. Spain is unquestionably picking a quarrel with us. A series of letters from her commissioners here prove it. We are sending a courier to Madrid. The inevitableness of war with the Creeks, and the probability, I might say the certainty of it with Spain, (for there is not one of us who doubts it,) will certainly occasion your convocation, at what time I cannot exactly say, but you should be prepared for this important change in the state of things. The President has got pretty well again; he sets off this day to Mount Vernon, and will be absent a fortnight. The death of his manager, hourly expected, of a consumption is the call; he will consequently be absent on the 4th of July. He travels in a phaeton and pair. Doctor Logan sends you the enclosed pamphlet. Adieu. Yours affectionately.