is the only power which can control a treaty.  Both points are sound beyond doubt.  This bill will unquestionably pass the House of Representatives; the majority there being very decisive, consolidated, and bold enough to do any thing.  I have no doubt from the hints dropped, they will pass a bill to declare the French treaty void.  I question if they will think a declaration of war prudent, as it might alarm, and all its effects are answered by the act authorizing captures.  A bill is brought in for suspending all communication with the dominions of France, which will no doubt pass.  It is suspected they mean to borrow money of individuals in London, on the credit of our land-tax, and perhaps the guarantee of Great Britain.  The land-tax was yesterday debated, and a majority of six struck out the thirteenth section of the classification of houses, and taxed them by a different scale from the lands.  Instead of this, is to be proposed a valuation of the houses and lands together.  Macon yesterday laid a motion on the table for adjourning on the 14th.  Some think they do not mean to adjourn; others, that they wait first the return of the Envoys, for whom it is now avowed the brig Sophia was sent.  It is expected she would bring them off about the middle of this month.  They may, therefore, be expected here about the second week of July.  Whatever be their decision as to adjournment, I think it probable my next letter will convey orders for my horses, and that I shall leave this place from the 20th to the 25th of June:  for I have no expectation they will actually adjourn sooner.  Volney and a ship-load of others sail on Sunday next.  Another ship-load will go off in about three weeks.  It is natural to expect they go under irritations calculated to fan the flame.  Not so Volney.  He is most thoroughly impressed with the importance of preventing war, whether considered with reference to the interests of the two countries, of the cause of republicanism, or of man on the broad scale.  But an eagerness to render this prevention impossible, leaves me without any hope.  Some of those who have insisted that it was long since war on the part of France, are candid enough to admit that it is now begun on our part also.  I enclose for your perusal a poem on the alien-bill, written by Mr. Marshall.  I do this, as well for your amusement, as to get you to take care of this copy for me till I return; for it will be lost by lending it, if I retain it here, as the publication was suppressed after the sale of a few copies, of which I was fortunate enough to get one.  Your locks hinges, &c. shall be immediately attended to.

My respectful salutations and friendship to Mrs. Madison, to the family, and to yourself.  Adieu.

Th:  Jefferson.

P. S. The President, it is said, has refused an Exequatur to the Consul
General of France, Dupont.  T. J.

LETTER CCXXXVI.—­TO JOHN TAYLOR, June 1, 1798