it is a continuation of that
cabinet history, with the former part of which I was intimate. I remark,
in the reply of the President, a small travestie of the sentiment
contained in the answer of the Representatives. They acknowledge that he
has contributed a great share to the national happiness by his services.
He thanks them for ascribing to his agency a great share of those
benefits. The former keeps in view the co-operation of others towards
the public good. The latter presents to view his sole agency. At a
time when there would have been less anxiety to publish to the people
a strong approbation from your House, this strengthening of your
expression would not have been noticed.

Our attentions have been so absorbed by the first manifestation of
the sentiments of your House, that we have lost sight of our own
legislature; insomuch, that I do not know whether they are sitting
or not. The rejection of Mr. Rutledge by the Senate is a bold thing;
because they cannot pretend any objection to him but his disapprobation
of the treaty. It is, of course, a declaration that they will receive
none but tories hereafter into any department of the government. I
should not wonder if Monroe were to be recalled, under the idea of his
being of the partisans of France, whom the President considers as the
partisans of war and confusion, in his letter of July the 31st, and as
disposed to excite them to hostile measures, or at least to unfriendly
sentiments; a most infatuated blindness to the true character of the
sentiments entertained in favor of France. The bottom of my page
warns me that it is time to end my commentaries on the facts you have
furnished me. You would of course, however, wish to know the sensations
here on those facts.

My friendly respects to Mr. Madison, to whom the next week's dose will
be directed. Adieu affectionately.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXXIX.--TO JAMES MADISON, March 6, 1796

TO JAMES MADISON.

Monticello, March 6, 1796.

Dear Sir,

I wrote you February the 21st, since which I have received yours of the
same day. Indeed, mine of that date related only to a single article in
yours of January the 31st and February the 7th. I do not at all wonder
at the condition in which the finances of the United States are found.
Hamilton's object from the beginning, was to throw them into forms which
should be utterly undecipherable. I ever said he did not understand
their condition himself, nor was a