first
object being to produce a schism in the State. As it is, they will run
Mr. Pinckney; in which they regard his southern position rather than
his principles. Mr. Jay and his advocate Camillus are completely
treaty-foundered.

We all join in love to Mrs. Monroe; and accept for yourself assurances
of sincere and affectionate friendship. Adieu.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CC.--TO JAMES MADISON

THOMAS JEFFERSON TO JAMES MADISON.

Monticello, December 17, 1796.

Your favor of the 5th came to hand last night. The first wish of my
heart was, that you should have been proposed for the administration
of the government. On your declining it, I wish any body rather than
myself: and there is nothing I so anxiously hope, as that my name may
come out either second or third. These would be indifferent to me;
as the last would leave me at home the whole year, and the other, two
thirds of it. I have no expectation that the eastern States will suffer
themselves to be so much outwitted, as to be made the tools for bringing
in P. instead of A. I presume they will throw away their second vote.
In this case, it begins to appear possible, that there may be an equal
division where I had supposed the republican vote would have been
considerably minor. It seems also possible, that the Representatives
may be divided. This is a difficulty from which the constitution has
provided no issue. It is both my duty and inclination, therefore, to
relieve the embarrassment, should it happen: and in that case, I pray
you and authorize you fully, to solicit on my behalf that Mr. Adams may
be preferred. He has always been my senior, from the commencement of
our public life, and the expression of the public will being equal, this
circumstance ought to give him the preference. And when so many motives
will be operating to induce some of the members to change their vote,
the addition of my wish may have some effect to preponderate the scale.
I am really anxious to see the speech. It must exhibit a very different
picture of our foreign affairs from that presented in the adieu, or it
will little correspond with my views of them. I think they never wore
so gloomy an aspect since the year 1783. Let those come to the helm who
think they can steer clear of the difficulties. I have no confidence in
myself for the undertaking.

We have had the severest weather ever known in November. The thermometer
was at twelve degrees here and in Goochland, and I su