I remember well; not indeed in the very
words which passed between us, but in their substance, which was of a
character too awful, too deeply engraved in my mind, and influencing too
materially the course I had to pursue, ever to be forgotten. Mr. Adams
called on me pending the embargo, and while endeavors were making to
obtain its repeal. He made some apologies for the call, on the ground of
our not being then in the habit of confidential communications, but that
that which he had then to make, involved too seriously the interest of
our country not to overrule all other considerations with him, and make
it his duty to reveal it to myself particularly. I assured him there was
no occasion for any apology for his visit; that, on the contrary,
his communications would be thankfully received, and would add a
confirmation the more to my entire confidence in the rectitude
and patriotism of his conduct and principles. He spoke then of the
dissatisfaction of the eastern portion of our confederacy with the
restraints of the embargo then existing, and their restlessness
under it. That there was nothing which might not be attempted, to rid
themselves of it. That he had information of the most unquestionable
certainty, that certain citizens of the Eastern States (I think he
named Massachusetts particularly) were in negotiation with agents of the
British government, the object of which was an agreement that the New
England States should take no further part in the war then going on;
that, without formally declaring their separation from the Union of the
States, they should withdraw from all aid and obedience to them,
that their navigation and commerce should be free from restraint and
interruption by the British; that they should be considered and treated
by them as neutrals, and as such might conduct themselves towards both
parties; and, at the close of the war, be at liberty to rejoin the
confederacy. He assured me that there was imminent danger that the
convention would take place; that the temptations were such as might
debauch many from their fidelity to the Union; and that, to enable
its friends to make head against it, the repeal of the embargo was
absolutely necessary. I expressed a just sense of the merit of this
information, and of the importance of the disclosure to the safety
and even the salvation of our country: and however reluctant I was to
abandon the measure (a measure which persevered in a little longer, we
had su