Writings of James Madison, Volume 2

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Author: James Madison

To Thomas Jefferson.

June 3, 1798.

DEAR SIR,—Friday’s mail brought me your favour of May 24. The letter from S. Bourne had previously reached us thro’ a Fredg paper. It is corroborated, I find, by several accounts from different sources. These rays in the prospect will, if I can judge from the sensations in this quarter, have an effect on the people very different from that which appears in the public councils. Whilst it was expected that the unrelenting temper of France would bring on war, the mask of peace was worn by the war party. Now that a contrary appearance on the side of France is intimated, the mask is dropped, and the lie openly given to their own professions by pressing measures which must force France into war. I own I am not made very sanguine by the reported amendment in the posture of our negociators, first, because the account may not be very correct, and next, because there are real difficulties to be overcome, as well as those which the pride of one or other of the parties may create, not to mention the probable arrival of what has passed here before the scene is closed there. But the palpable urgency of the Executive and its partizans to press war in proportion to the apparent chance of avoiding it, ought to open every eye to the hypocrisy which has hitherto deceived so many good people. Should no such consequence take place, it will be a proof of infatuation which does not admit of human remedy. It is said, and there are circumstances which make me believe it, that the hot-headed proceedings of Mr. A. are not well relished in the cool climate of Mount Vernon. This, I think, may fairly be inferred from the contrast of characters and conduct; but if it has been expressed, it must have been within a very confidential circle.

Since my last, there has been a sequel of fine and extensive rains. We have had a tolerable, though not an equal or sufficient share of them. Your neighbourhood, I fancy, has fared better.

If Barnes has not sent off the glass, pullies, &c., please to order as much of the proper chord as will be wanted for the latter.

Very affectionately yours.

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Chicago: James Madison Jr., "To Thomas Jefferson.," Writings of James Madison, Volume 2 in James Madison, Letters and Other Writings of James Madison, 4 Vols. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co.), Pp.144-145 Original Sources, accessed March 28, 2024, http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=D1NZP7GFNKMI49M.

MLA: Madison, James, Jr. "To Thomas Jefferson." Writings of James Madison, Volume 2, in James Madison, Letters and Other Writings of James Madison, 4 Vols. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co.), Pp.144-145, Original Sources. 28 Mar. 2024. http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=D1NZP7GFNKMI49M.

Harvard: Madison, J, 'To Thomas Jefferson.' in Writings of James Madison, Volume 2. cited in , James Madison, Letters and Other Writings of James Madison, 4 Vols. (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co.), Pp.144-145. Original Sources, retrieved 28 March 2024, from http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=D1NZP7GFNKMI49M.