a concert in the general plan of action, as it is extremely desirable that Virginia and Kentucky should pursue the same track on this occasion.  Besides, how could you better while away the road from hence to Kentucky, than in meditating this very subject and preparing something yourself, than whom nobody will do it better.  The loss of your brother, and the visit of the apostle ------ to Kentucky, excite anxiety.  However, we doubt not that his poisons will be effectually counterworked.  Wishing you a pleasant journey and happy return, I am with great and sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CCLV.—­TO JAMES MADISON, November 22, 1799

TO JAMES MADISON.

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.  You will of course understand the cause.

In your new station let me recommend to you the jury system:  as also the restoration of juries in the court of chancery, which a law not long since repealed, because ’the trial by jury is troublesome and expensive.’  If the reason be good, they should abolish it at common law also.  If Peter Carr is elected in the room of ------ he will undertake the proposing this business, and only need your support.  If he is not elected, I hope you will get it done otherwise.  My best respects to Mrs. Madison, and affectionate salutations to yourself.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CCLVI.—­TO COLONEL MONROE, January 12, 1800

TO COLONEL MONROE.

Philadelphia, January 12, 1800.