he means to attend to
self-respect and national dignity with both the nations, perhaps the
depredations of both on our commerce may be amicably arrested. I think
we should begin first with those who first began with us, and, by an
example on them, acquire a right to re-demand the respect from which the
other party has departed.

I suppose you are informed of the proceeding commenced by the
legislature of Maryland, to claim the south branch of the Potomac as
their boundary, and thus of Albemarle, now the central county of the
State, to make a frontier. As it is impossible, upon any consistent
principles, and after such a length of undisturbed possession, that they
can expect to establish their claim, it can be ascribed to no other than
an intention to irritate and divide; and there can be no doubt from what
bow the shaft is shot. However, let us cultivate Pennsylvania, and we
need not fear the universe. The Assembly have named me among those
who are to manage this controversy. But I am so averse to motion and
contest, and the other members are so fully equal to the business, that
I cannot undertake to act in it. I wish you were added to them. Indeed,
I wish and hope you may consent to be added to our Assembly itself.
There is no post where you can render greater services, without going
out of your State. Let but this block stand firm on its basis, and
Pennsylvania do the same, our Union will be perpetual, and our General
Government kept within the bounds and form of the constitution. Adieu
affectionately.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCVIII.--TO JAMES MADISON, January 30, 1797

TO JAMES MADISON,

Monticello, January 30, 1797.

Yours of the 18th came to hand yesterday. I am very thankful for the
discretion you have exercised over the letter. That has happened to be
the case, which I knew to be possible, that the honest expression of
my feelings towards Mr. Adams might be rendered mal-apropos from
circumstances existing, and known at the seat of government, but not
known by me in my retired situation. Mr. Adams and myself were cordial
friends from the beginning of the revolution. Since our return from
Europe, some little incidents have happened, which were capable of
affecting a jealous mind like his. His deviation from that line of
politics on which we had been united, has not made me less sensible
of the rectitude of his heart: and I wished him to know this, and also
another truth, that I am sincerely pleased at