l be in the air, if war is made on us by France, and
if Louisiana becomes a Gallo-American colony.

I have been much pleased to see a dawn of change in the spirit of
your State. The late elections have indicated something, which, at a
distance, we do not understand. However, what with the English influence
in the lower, and the Patroon influence in the upper parts of your
State, I presume little is to be hoped. If a prospect could be once
opened upon us of the penetration of truth into the Eastern States: if
the people there, who are unquestionably republicans, could discover
that they have been duped into the support of measures calculated to
sap the very foundations of republicanism, we might still hope for
salvation, and that it would come, as of old, from the East. But will
that region ever awake to the true state of things? Can the middle,
southern, and western States hold on till they awake? These are painful
and doubtful questions: and if, in assuring me of your health, you can
give me a comfortable solution of them, it will relieve a mind devoted
to the preservation of our republican government in the true form
and spirit in which it was established, but almost oppressed with
apprehensions that fraud will at length effect what force could not, and
that what with currents and counter-currents, we shall in the end, be
driven back to the land from which we launched twenty years ago. Indeed,
my dear Sir, we have been but a sturdy fish on the hook of a dexterous
angler who letting us flounce till we have spent Our force, brings us up
at last.

I am tired of the scene, and this day se'nnight shall change it for
one, where, to tranquillity of mind, may be added pursuits of private
utility, since none public are admitted by the state of things. I am
with great and sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson,

P. S. Since writing the above, we have received a report that the French
Directory has proposed a declaration of war against the United States to
the Council of Ancients, who have rejected it. Thus we see two nations
who love one another affectionately, brought by the ill temper of their
executive administrations, to the very brink of a necessity to imbrue
their hands in the blood of each other. T. J.

LETTER CCXIV.--TO ELBRIDGE GERRY, June 21, 1797

TO ELBRIDGE GERRY.

Philadelphia, June 21, 1797.

My Dear Friend,

It was with infinite joy to me, that you were yesterday a