do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month: and I feel myself
infinitely the happier for it.

We are alarmed here with the apprehensions of war; and sincerely anxious
that it may be avoided; but not at the expense either of our faith or
honor. It seems much the general opinion here, the latter has been too
much wounded not to require reparation, and to seek it even in war, if
that be necessary. As to myself, I love peace, and I am anxious that we
should give the world still another useful lesson, by showing to them
other modes of punishing injuries than by war, which is as much a
punishment to the punisher as to the sufferer. I love therefore, Mr.
Clarke's proposition of cutting off all communication with the nation
which has conducted itself so atrociously. This you will say may bring
on war. If it does, we will meet it like men; but it may not bring on
war, and then the experiment will have been a happy one. I believe this
war would be vastly more unanimously approved than any one we ever were
engaged in; because the aggressions have been so wanton and bare-faced,
and so unquestionably against our desire. I am sorry Mr. Cooper and
Priestley did not take a more general survey of our country before they
fixed themselves. I think they might have promoted their own advantage
by it, and have aided the introduction of improvement where it is more
wanting. The prospect of wheat for the ensuing year is a bad one. This
is all the sort of news you can expect from me. From you I shall be glad
to hear all sorts of news, and particularly any improvements in the arts
applicable to husbandry or household manufacture.

I am, with very sincere affection, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXIX.--TO THE PRESIDENT, May 14, 1794

TO THE PRESIDENT.

Monticello, May 14, 1794.

Dear Sir,

I am honored with your favor of April the 24th, and received at the
same time Mr. Bertrand's agricultural prospectus. Though he mentions my
having seen him at a particular place, yet I remember nothing of it,
and observing that he intimates an application for lands in America, I
conceive his letter meant for me as Secretary of State, and therefore
I now send it to the Secretary of State. He has given only the heads of
his demonstrations, so that nothing can be conjectured of their details.
Lord Kaims once proposed an essence of dung, one pint of which should
manure an acre. If he or Mr. Bertrand could