The act will therefore go
into operation July the 1st, but probably without amendments. However,
I am persuaded it will be shortlived. It has already excited great
commotion in Vermont, and grumblings in Connecticut. But they are so
priest-ridden, that nothing is to be expected from them, but the most
bigoted passive obedience.
No news yet from our commissioners; but their silence is admitted to
augur peace. There is no talk yet of the time of adjourning, though it
is admitted we have nothing to do, but what could be done in a
fortnight or three weeks. When the spring opens, and we hear from our
commissioners, we shall probably draw pretty rapidly to a conclusion.
A friend of mine here wishes to get a copy of Mazzei's 'Recherches
Historiques et Politiques.' Where are they?
Salutations and adieu.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CCXXVI.--TO JAMES MADISON, March 15, 1798
TO JAMES MADISON.
Philadelphia, March 15, 1798.
Dear Sir,
I wrote you last on the 2nd instant. Yours of the 4th is now at hand.
The public papers will give you the news of Europe. The French decree
making the vessel friendly or enemy, according to the hands by which
the cargo was manufactured, has produced a great sensation among the
merchants here. Its operation is not yet perhaps well understood; but
probably it will put our shipping out of competition, because British
bottoms, which can come under convoy, will alone be trusted with return
cargoes.
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