Skipwith is reinstated in his consulship, as well as some
others who had been set aside. I recollect no domestic news interesting
to you. Your letters to your brother have been regularly transmitted,
and I lately forwarded one from him, to be carried you by Mr.
Livingston.
Present my best respects to our amiable and mutual friend, and accept
yourself assurances of my sincere and constant affection.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CCXCII.--TO THE HEADS OF THE DEPARTMENTS, November 6, 1801
_Circular to the Heads of the Departments, and private_.
Washington, November 6, 1801.
Dear Sir,
Coming all of us into executive office, new, and unfamiliar with the
course of business previously practised, it was not to be expected, we
should, in the first outset, adopt in every part a line of proceeding so
perfect as to admit no amendment. The mode and degrees of communication,
particularly between the President and heads of departments, have not
been practised exactly on the same scale in all of them. Yet it would
certainly be more safe and satisfactory for ourselves as well as the
public, that not only the best, but also an uniform course of proceeding
as to manner and degree, should be observed. Having been a member of
the first administration under General Washington, I can state with
exactness what our course then was.
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