eve by Mr. Dana),
and the house under too much pressure of business near the close of the
session to bring in another bill. As the privilege of freedom was given
to the letters from as well as to both my predecessors, I suppose
no reason exists for making a distinction. And in so extensive a
correspondence as I am subject to, and still considerably on public
matters, it would be a sensible convenience to myself, as well as those
who have occasion to receive letters from me. It happens, too, as I was
told at the time (for I have never looked into it myself), that it was
done by two distinct acts on both the former occasions. Mr. Eppes, I
think, mentioned this to me. I know from the Post Master General, that
Mr. Adams franks all his letters. I state this matter to you as being my
representative, which must apologize for the trouble of it. We have been
seasonable since you left us. Yesterday evening and this morning we have
had refreshing showers, which will close and confirm the business of
planting. Affectionately yours,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LXXXII.--TO THE PRESIDENT, August 17, 1809

TO THE PRESIDENT.

Monticello, August 17, 1809.

Dear Sir,

*****

I never doubted the chicanery of the Anglomen, on whatsoever measures
you should take in consequence of the disavowal of Erskine; yet I am
satisfied that both the proclamations have been sound. The first has
been sanctioned by universal approbation; and although it was not
literally the case foreseen by the legislature, yet it was a proper
extension of their provision to a case similar, though not the same.
It proved to the whole world our desire of accommodation, and must have
satisfied every candid federalist on that head. It was not only proper
on the well-grounded confidence that the arrangement would be honestly
executed, but ought to have taken place even had the perfidy of England
been foreseen. Their dirty gain is richly remunerated to us by our
placing them so shamefully in the wrong, and by the union it must
produce among ourselves. The last proclamation admits of quibbles, of
which advantage will doubtless be endeavored to be taken, by those to
whom gain is their god, and their country nothing. But it is soundly
defensible. The British minister assured us, that the orders of council
would be revoked before the 10th of June. The executive, trusting in
that assurance, declared by proclamation that the revocation was to take
place, and that on th