me, is the most rapid, and,
considering also that it may be sent by duplicates and triplicates,
is unquestionably the most certain. Indorsed to the postmaster at
Charlottesville, with an order to send it by express, no hazard
can endanger the notification. Apprehending, that should there be
a difference of opinion on this subject in the senate, my ideas of
self-respect might be supposed by some to require something more formal
and inconvenient, I beg leave to avail myself of your friendship to
declare, if a different proposition should make it necessary, that I
consider the channel of the post-office as the most eligible in every
respect, and that it is to me the most desirable; which I take the
liberty of expressing, not with a view of encroaching on the respect
due to that discretion which the Senate have a right to exercise on the
occasion, but to render them the more free in the exercise of it, by
taking off whatsoever weight the supposition of a contrary desire in me
might have on the mind of any member.

I am, with sincere respect, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCVI.--TO JAMES MADISON, January 16, 1797

TO JAMES MADISON.

Monticello, January 16, 1797.

Dear Sir,

The several accidents of the winter, ice, floods, rains, prevented the
Orange post from coming to Charlottesville the last post-day, so that
we have nothing from Philadelphia the last week. I see however, by the
Richmond papers, a probability that the choice of Vice-President has
fallen on me. I have written the enclosed letter therefore to Mr.
Tazewell, as a private friend, and have left it open for your perusal.
It will explain its own object, and I pray you and Mr. Tazewell to
decide in your own discretion how it may best be used for its object, so
as to avoid the imputation of an indecent forwardness in me.

I observe doubts are still expressed as to the validity of the Vermont
election. Surely, in so great a case, substance, and not form, should
prevail. I cannot suppose that the Vermont constitution has been strict
in requiring particular forms of expressing the legislative will. As far
as my disclaimer may have any effect, I pray you to declare it on every
occasion, foreseen or not foreseen by me, in favor of the choice of
the people substantially expressed, and to prevent the phenomenon of a
pseudo-President at so early a day. Adieu. Yours affectionately,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCVII.--TO JAME