The atrocious
proceedings of France towards this country had well nigh destroyed its
liberties. The Anglomen and monocrats had so artfully confounded the
cause of France with that of freedom, that both went down in the same
scale. I sincerely join you in abjuring all political connection with
every foreign power: and though I cordially wish well to the progress
of liberty in all nations, and would for ever give it the weight of our
countenance, yet they are not to be touched without contamination, from
their other bad principles. Commerce with all nations, alliance with
none, should be our motto.
Accept assurances of the constant and unaltered affection of, Dear Sir,
your sincere friend and servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CCLIII.--TO EDMUND RANDOLPH, August 18, 1799
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.
Monticello, August 18, 1799
Dear Sir,
I received only two days ago your favor of the 12th, and as it was on
the eve of the return of our post, it was not possible to make so prompt
a despatch of the answer. Of all the doctrines which have ever been
broached by the federal government, the novel one, of the common law
being in force and cognizable as an existing law in their courts, is to
me the most formidable. All their other assumptions of ungiven powers
have been in the detail.
Pages:
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741