Monticello, November 22, 1799.
Dear Sir,
I have never answered your letter by Mr. Polk, because I expected to
have paid you a visit. This has been prevented by various causes, till
yesterday. That being the day fixed for the departure of my daughter
Eppes, my horses were ready for me to have set out to see you: an
accident postponed her departure to this day, and my visit also. But
Colonel Monroe dined with me yesterday, and on my asking his commands
for you, he entered into the subject of the visit and dissuaded it
entirely, founding the motives on the espionage of the little ------in
------ who would make it a subject of some political slander, and
perhaps of some political injury. I have yielded to his representations,
and therefore shall not have the pleasure of seeing you till my return
from Philadelphia. I regret it sincerely, not only on motives of
attention but of affairs. Some late circumstances changing considerably
the aspect of our situation, must affect the line of conduct to be
observed. I regret it the more too, because from the commencement of
the ensuing session, I shall trust the post-offices with nothing
confidential, persuaded that during the ensuing twelve months they will
lend their inquisitorial aid to furnish matter for newspapers. I shall
send you as usual printed communications, without saying any thing
confidential on them.
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