fore the
meeting in May, and will decide what is to be done. This last trial for
peace is not thought desperate. If, as is expected, Bonaparte should
be successful in Spain, however every virtuous and liberal sentiment
revolts at it, it may induce both powers to be more accommodating
with us. England will see here the only asylum for her commerce
and manufactures, worth more to her than her orders of council. And
Bonaparte, having Spain at his feet, will look immediately to the
Spanish colonies, and think our neutrality cheaply purchased by a repeal
of the illegal parts of his decrees, with perhaps the Floridas thrown
into the bargain. Should a change in the aspect of affairs in Europe
produce this disposition in both powers, our peace and prosperity may
be revived and long continue. Otherwise, we must again take the tented
field, as we did in 1776 under more inauspicious circumstances.

There never has been a situation of the world before, in which such
endeavors as we have made would not have secured our peace. It is
probable there never will be such another. If we go to war now, I fear
we may renounce for ever the hope of seeing an end of our national debt.
If we can keep at peace eight years longer, our income, liberated from
debt, will be adequate to any war, without new taxes or loans, and our
position and increasing strength will put us _hors d'insulte_ from any
nation. I am now so near the moment of retiring, that I take no part in
affairs beyond the expression of an opinion. I think it fair, that
my successor should now originate those measures of which he will be
charged with the execution and responsibility, and that it is my duty to
clothe them with the forms of authority. Five weeks more will relieve me
from a drudgery to which I am no longer equal, and restore me to a scene
of tranquillity, amidst my family and friends, more congenial to my
age and natural inclinations. In that situation, it will always be a
pleasure to me to see you, and to repeat to you the assurances of my
constant friendship and respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LXXVI.--TO THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH, February 7, 1809

TO THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH.

Washington, February 7, 1809.

Dear Sir,

I thought Congress had taken their ground firmly for continuing
their embargo till June, and then war. But a sudden and unaccountable
revolution of opinion took place the last week, chiefly among the New
England and New York members, and in a ki