Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXXXII.—­TO THE PRESIDENT, August 17, 1809

TO THE PRESIDENT.

Monticello, August 17, 1809.

Dear Sir,

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I never doubted the chicanery of the Anglomen, on whatsoever measures you should take in consequence of the disavowal of Erskine; yet I am satisfied that both the proclamations have been sound.  The first has been sanctioned by universal approbation; and although it was not literally the case foreseen by the legislature, yet it was a proper extension of their provision to a case similar, though not the same.  It proved to the whole world our desire of accommodation, and must have satisfied every candid federalist on that head.  It was not only proper on the well-grounded confidence that the arrangement would be honestly executed, but ought to have taken place even had the perfidy of England been foreseen.  Their dirty gain is richly remunerated to us by our placing them so shamefully in the wrong, and by the union it must produce among ourselves.  The last proclamation admits of quibbles, of which advantage will doubtless be endeavored to be taken, by those to whom gain is their god, and their country nothing.  But it is soundly defensible.  The British minister assured us, that the orders of council would be revoked before the 10th of June.  The executive, trusting in that assurance, declared by proclamation that the revocation was to take place, and that on that event the law was to be suspended.  But the event did not take place, and the consequence, of course, could not follow.  This view is derived from the former non-intercourse law only, having never read the latter one.  I had doubted whether Congress must not be called; but that arose from another doubt, whether their second law had not changed the ground, so as to require their agency to give operation to the law.  Should Bonaparte have the wisdom to correct his injustice towards us, I consider war with England as inevitable.  Our ships will go to France and its dependencies, and they will take them.  This will be war on their part, and leaves no alternative but reprisal.  I have no doubt you will think it safe to act on this hypothesis, and with energy.  The moment that open war shall be apprehended from them, we should take possession of Baton Rouge.  If we do not, they will, and New Orleans becomes irrecoverable, and the western country blockaded during the war.  It would be justifiable towards Spain on this ground, and equally so on that of title to West Florida, and reprisal extended to East Florida.  Whatever turn our present difficulty may take, I look upon all cordial conciliation with England as desperate during the life of the present King.  I hope and doubt not that Erskine will justify himself.  My confidence is founded in a belief of his integrity, and in the ------ of Canning.  I consider the present as the most shameless ministry which ever disgraced England.  Copenhagen will immortalize their infamy.  In general their administrations are so changeable, and they are obliged to descend to such tricks to keep themselves in place, that nothing like honor or morality can ever be counted on in transactions with them.  I salute you with all possible affection.