The fact has been since inquired into, and I now enclose you
copies of the evidence establishing it; whereby you will perceive how
inconsistent with peace and order it would be, to permit, any longer,
the exercise of functions in these United States by a person capable
of mistaking their legitimate extent so far, as to oppose, by force of
arms, the course of the laws within the body of the country. The
wisdom and justice of the government of France, and their sense of the
necessity in every government, of preserving the course of the laws
free and unobstructed, render us confident that they will approve this
necessary arrestation of the proceedings of one of their agents; as we
would certainly do in the like case, were any Consul or Vice-Consul
of ours to oppose with an armed force, the course of their laws within
their own limits. Still, however, indispensable as this act has been,
it is with the most lively concern, the President has seen that the evil
could not be arrested otherwise than by an appeal to the authority of
the country.
I have the honor to be, with great esteem and respect, your most
obedient and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson,
LETTER CLXXII.--TO MR. GENET, November 8,1793
TO MR. GENET.
Germantown, November 8,1793.
Sir,
I have now to acknowledge and answer your letter of September the
13th, wherein you desire that we may define the extent of the line of
territorial protection on the coasts of the United States, observing
that governments and jurisconsults have different views on this subject.
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