on. When the Senate
gratuitously hint Logan to him, you see him in his reply come out in his
genuine colors. The debates on that subject and Logan's declaration you
will see in the papers. The republican spirit is supposed to be gaining
ground in this State and Massachusetts. The tax-gatherer has already
excited discontent. Gerry's correspondence with Talleyrand, promised by
the President at the opening of the session, is still kept back. It is
known to show France in a very conciliatory attitude, and to contradict
some executive assertions. Therefore, it is supposed they will get
their war measures well taken before they will produce this damper.
Vans Murray writes them, that the French government is sincere in their
overtures for reconciliation, and have agreed, if these fail, to admit
the mediation offered by the Dutch government.

*****

General Knox has become bankrupt for four hundred thousand dollars, and
has resigned his military commission. He took in General Lincoln for one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which breaks him. Colonel Jackson
also sunk with him. It seems generally admitted, that several cases of
the yellow fever still exist in the city, and the apprehension is, that
it will re-appear early in the spring. You promised me a copy of McGee's
bill of prices. Be so good as to send it on to me here. Tell Mrs.
Madison her friend Madame d'Yrujo is as well as one can be so near to
a formidable crisis. Present my friendly respects to her, and accept
yourself my sincere and affectionate salutations. Adieu.

Th: Jefferson.

P.S. I omitted to mention that a petition has been presented to the
President, signed by several thousand persons in Vermont, praying a
remitment of Lyon's fine. He asked the bearer of the petition if Lyon
himself had petitioned, and being answered in the negative, said,
'Penitence must precede pardon.' T.J.

LETTER CCXLIV.--TO JAMES MADISON, January 16, 1799

TO JAMES MADISON.

Philadelphia, January 16, 1799.

Dear Sir,

The forgery lately attempted to be played off by Mr. H. on the House
of Representatives, of a pretended memorial presented by Logan to the
French government, has been so palpably exposed, as to have thrown
ridicule on the whole of the clamors they endeavored to raise as to that
transaction. Still, however, their majority will pass the bill. The
real views in the importance they have given to Logan's enterprise
are mistaken by nobody. Mr. Gerry's commu