st abandon it only for a state of war. The day is not
distant, when that will be preferable to a longer continuance of the
embargo. But we can never remove that, and let our vessels go out and be
taken under these orders, without making reprisal. Yet this is the very
state of things which these federal monarchists are endeavoring to bring
about; and in this it is but too possible they may succeed. But the
fact is, that if we have war with England, it will be solely produced by
their manoeuvres. I think that in two or three months we shall know what
will be the issue. I salute you with esteem and respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LXX.--TO ROBERT L. LIVINGSTON, October 15, 1808

TO ROBERT L. LIVINGSTON.

Washington, October 15, 1808.

Sir,

Your letter of September the 22nd waited here for my return, and it is
not till now that I have been able to acknowledge it. The explanation
of his principles, given you by the French Emperor, in conversation,
is correct as far as it goes. He does not wish us to go to war with
England, knowing we have no ships to carry on that war. To submit to pay
to England the tribute on our commerce which she demands by her orders
of council, would be to aid her in the war against him, and would give
him just ground to declare war with us. He concludes, therefore,
as every rational man must, that the embargo, the only remaining
alternative, was a wise measure. These are acknowledged principles, and
should circumstances arise, which may offer advantage to our country in
making them public, we shall avail ourselves of them. But as it is not
usual nor agreeable to governments to bring their conversations before
the public, I think it would be well to consider this on your part as
confidential, leaving to the government to retain or make it public,
as the general good may require. Had the Emperor gone further, and said
that he condemned our vessels going voluntarily into his ports in breach
of his municipal laws, we might have admitted it rigorously legal,
though not friendly. But his condemnation of vessels taken on the high
seas by his privateers, and carried involuntarily into his ports, is
justifiable by no law, is piracy, and this is the wrong we complain of
against him.

Supposing that you may be still at Clermont, from whence your letter is
dated, I avail myself of this circumstance to request your presenting my
friendly respects to Chancellor Livingston.

I salute you with este