They have so many other by-interests of greater weight, that some one or other will always be bought off.  To be entangled with them would be a much greater evil than a temporary acquiescence in the false principles which have prevailed.  Peace is our most important interest, and a recovery from debt.  We feel ourselves strong, and daily growing stronger.  The census just now concluded, shows we have added to our population a third of what it was ten years ago.  This will be a duplication in twenty three or twenty-four years.  If we can delay but for a few years the necessity of vindicating the laws of nature on the ocean, we shall be the more sure of doing it with effect.  The day is within my time as well as yours, when we may say by what laws other nations shall treat us on the sea.  And we will say it.  In the meantime, we wish to let every treaty we have drop off without renewal.  We call in our diplomatic missions, barely keeping up those to the most important nations.  There is a strong disposition in our countrymen to discontinue even these; and very possibly it may be done.  Consuls will be continued as usual.  The interest which European nations feel, as well as ourselves, in the mutual patronage of commercial intercourse, is a sufficient stimulus on both sides to insure that patronage.  A treaty, contrary to that interest, renders war necessary to get rid of it.

I send this by Chancellor Livingston, named to the Senate the day after I came into office, as our Minister Plenipotentiary to France.  I have taken care to impress him with the value of your society.  You will find him an able and honorable man; unfortunately, so deaf that he will have to transact all his business by writing.  You will have known long ago, that Mr. 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