Having no refuge here from my room and
writing-table, it is my regular season for fetching up the lee-way of my
correspondence.
Before you receive this, you will have understood that the State of
South Carolina (the only one about which there was uncertainty) has
given a republican vote, and saved us from the consequences of the
annihilation of Pennsylvania. But we are brought into dilemma by the
probable equality of the two republican candidates, The federalists
in Congress mean to take advantage of this, and either to prevent an
election altogether, or reverse what has been understood to have been
the wishes of the people as to the President and Vice-President; wishes
which the constitution! did not permit them specially to designate.
The latter alternative still gives us a republican administration; the
former, a suspension of the federal government, for want of a head.
This opens to us an abyss at which every sincere patriot must shudder.
General Davie has arrived here with the treaty formed (under the name of
a convention) with France. It is now before the Senate for ratification,
and will encounter objections. He believes firmly that a continental
peace in Europe will take place, and that England also may be
comprehended.
Accept assurances of the great respect of, Dear Sir, your most obedient
servant,
Th: Jefferson.
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