rely to purchase military stores.
Against this there was no law, nor consequently any authority for us to
interpose obstacles. On the other hand, we deemed it improper to
betray his voluntary communication to the agents of Spain. Although his
measures were many days in preparation at New York, we never had the
least intimation or suspicion of his engaging men in his enterprise,
until he was gone; and I presume the secrecy of his proceedings kept
them equally unknown to the Marquis Yrujo at Philadelphia, and
the Spanish Consul at New York, since neither of them gave us any
information of the enlistment of men, until it was too late for any
measures taken at Washington to prevent their departure. The officer
in the Customs, who participated in this transaction with Miranda,
we immediately removed, and should have had him and others further
punished, had it not been for the protection given them by private
citizens at New York, in opposition to the government, who, by their
impudent falsehoods and calumnies, were able to overbear the minds of
the jurors. Be assured, Sir, that no motive could induce me, at this
time, to make this declaration so gratuitously, were it not founded in
sacred truth: and I will add further, that I never did, or countenanced,
in public life, a single act inconsistent with the strictest good faith;
having never believed there was one code of morality for a public, and
another for a private man.

I receive, with great pleasure, the testimonies of personal esteem which
breathe through your letter; and I pray you to accept those equally
sincere with which I now salute you.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LXXXV.--TO ALBERT GALLATIN, October 11, 1809

TO ALBERT GALLATIN.

Monticello, October 11, 1809.

Dear Sir,

I do not know whether the request of Monsieur Moussier, explained in the
enclosed letter, is grantable or not. But my partialities in favor of
whatever may promote either the useful or liberal arts, induce me
to place it under your consideration, to do in it whatever is right,
neither more nor less. I would then ask you to favor me with three
lines, in such form as I may forward him by way of answer.

I have reflected much and painfully on the change of dispositions
which has taken place among the members of the cabinet, since the new
arrangement, as you stated to me in the moment of our separation. It
would be, indeed, a great public calamity, were it to fix you in the
purpose whi