e whole. And her citizens, faithful to themselves and
their associates, will not, to avoid a transient pressure, yield to the
seductions of enemies to their independence, foreign or domestic, and
take a course equally subversive of their well-being, as of that of
their brethren.

The approbation expressed by the republican citizens of the town of
Boston, of the course pursued by the national government, is truly
consoling to its members: and, encouraged by the declaration of the
continuance of their confidence, and by the assurance of their support,
they will continue to pursue the line of their high duties according
to the best of their understandings, and with undeviating regard to
the good of the whole. Permit me to avail myself of this occasion of
tendering you personally the assurances of my great esteem and respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LXXV.--TO COLONEL MONROE, January 28, 1809

TO COLONEL MONROE.

Washington, January 28, 1809.

Dear Sir,

Your favor of the 18th was received in due time, and the answer has been
delayed as well by a pressure of business, as by the expectation of your
absence from Richmond.

The idea of sending a special mission to France or England is not
entertained at all here. After so little attention to us from the
former, and so insulting an answer from Canning, such a mark of respect
as an extraordinary mission, would be a degradation against which all
minds revolt here. The idea was hazarded in the House of Representatives
a few days ago, by a member, and an approbation expressed by another,
but rejected indignantly by every other person who spoke, and very
generally in conversation by all others: and I am satisfied such a
proposition would get no vote in the Senate. The course the legislature
means to pursue, may be inferred from the act now passed for a meeting
in May, and a proposition before them for repealing the embargo in June,
and then resuming and maintaining by force our right of navigation.
There will be considerable opposition to this last proposition, not
only from the federalists, old and new, who oppose every thing, but from
sound members of the majority. Yet it is believed it will obtain a good
majority, and that it is the only proposition which can be devised
that could obtain a majority of any kind. Final propositions, will,
therefore, be soon despatched to both the belligerents through the
resident ministers, so that their answers will be received be