nications relative to his
transactions after the departure of his colleagues, though he has now
been returned five months, and they have been promised to the House six
or seven weeks, are still kept back. In the mean time, the paper of this
morning promises them from the Paris papers. It is said, they leave
not a possibility to doubt the sincerity and the anxiety of the French
government to avoid the spectacle of a war with us. Notwithstanding
this is well understood, the army and a great addition to our navy are
steadily intended. A loan of five millions is opened at eight per cent.
interest!

*****

In a society of members, between whom and yourself are great mutual
esteem and respect, a most anxious desire is expressed that you would
publish your debates of the convention. That these measures of the army,
navy, and direct-tax, will bring about a revolution of public sentiment
is thought certain and that the constitution will then receive
a different explanation. Could those debates be ready to appear
critically, their effect would be decisive. I beg of you to turn this
subject in your mind. The arguments against it will be personal; those
in favor of it moral; and something is required from you as a set-off
against the sin of your retirement. Your favor of December the 29th came
to hand January the 5th; seal sound. I pray you always to examine the
seals of mine to you, and the strength of the impression. The suspicions
against the government on this subject are strong. I wrote you
January the 5th. Accept for yourself and Mrs. Madison my affectionate
salutations. Adieu.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCXLV.--TO ELBRIDGE GERRY

TO ELBRIDGE GERRY.

Philadelphia, January 26, 1799.

Mr Dear Sir,

Your favor of November the 12th was safely delivered to me by Mr.
Binney; but not till December the 28th, as I arrived here only three
days before that date. It was received with great satisfaction. Our
very long intimacy as fellow-laborers in the same cause, the recent
expressions of mutual confidence which had preceded your mission, the
interesting course which that had taken, and particularly and personally
as it regarded yourself, made me anxious to hear from you on your
return. I was the more so too, as I had myself during the whole of your
absence, as well as since your return, been a constant butt for every
shaft of calumny which malice and falsehood could form, and the presses,
public speakers, or private lette