But should it become, at any time, expedient for us to co-operate
in the establishment of this principle, the opinion of the executive,
on the advice of its constitutional counsellors, must then be given;
and that of the legislature, an independent and essential organ in
the operation, must also be expressed; in forming which, they will be
governed, every man by his own judgment, and may, very possibly, judge
differently from the executive. With the same honest views, the most
honest men often form different conclusions. As far, however, as we can
judge, the principle of 'free bottoms, free goods,' is that which would
carry the wishes of our nation.
Wishing you smooth seas and prosperous gales, with the enjoyment of good
health, I tender you the assurances of my constant friendship and high
consideration and respect.
Th: Jefferson
LETTER CCXCI.--TO WILLIAM SHORT, October 3, 1801
TO WILLIAM SHORT.
Washington, October 3, 1801.
Dear Sir,
I trusted to Mr. Dawson to give you a full explanation, verbally, on
a subject which I find he has but slightly mentioned to you. I shall
therefore now do it. When I returned from France, after an absence of
six or seven years, I was astonished at the change which I found had
taken place in the United States in that time.
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