with such sincere friendship and impartiality towards both nations, as that each may see unequivocally, what is unquestionably true, that we may be very possibly driven into her scale by unjust conduct in the other.  I am so much impressed with the expediency of putting a termination to the right of France to patronize the rights of Louisiana, which will cease with their complete adoption as citizens of the United States, that I hope to see that take place on the meeting of Congress.  I enclose you a paragraph from a newspaper respecting St. Domingo, which gives me uneasiness.  Still I conceive the British insults in our harbor as more threatening.  We cannot be respected by France as a neutral nation, nor by the world or ourselves as an independent one, if we do not take effectual measures to support, at every risk, our authority in our own harbors.  I shall write to Mr. Wagner directly (that a post may not be lost by passing through you) to send us blank commissions for Orleans and Louisiana, ready sealed, to be filled up, signed, and forwarded by us.  Affectionate salutations and constant esteem.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XVII.—­TO GOVERNOR CLAIBORNE, August 30, 1804

TO GOVERNOR CLAIBORNE.

Monticello, August 30, 1804.

Dear Sir,

Various circumstances of delay have prevented my forwarding till now the general arrangements of the government of the territory of Orleans.  Enclosed herewith you will receive the commissions.  Among these is one for yourself as Governor.  With respect to this I will enter into frank explanations.  This office was originally destined for a person * whose great services and established fame would have rendered him peculiarly acceptable to the nation at large.  Circumstances, however, exist, which do not now permit his nomination, and perhaps may not at any time hereafter.  That, therefore, being suspended, and entirely contingent, your services have been so much approved, as to leave no desire to look elsewhere to fill the office.  Should the doubts you have sometimes expressed, whether it would be eligible for you to continue, still exist in your mind, the acceptance of the commission gives you time to satisfy yourself by further experience, and to make the time and manner of withdrawing, should you ultimately determine on that, agreeable to yourself.  Be assured, that whether you continue or retire, it will be with every disposition on my part to be just and friendly to you.

*****

I salute you with friendship and respect.

Th:  Jefferson.

     [* In the margin is written by the author, ‘La Fayette.’]

LETTER XVIII.—­TO MRS. ADAMS, September 11, 1804

TO MRS. ADAMS.

Monticello, September 11, 1804,