To Thomas Jefferson.

DEAR SIR,—According to a promise in my last, I enclose a copy of the rates at which M’Gehee works. I enclose, also, a few observations on a subject which we have frequently talked of, which are submitted to your entire disposal, in whole or in part, under the sole reserve of the name of the author. In Gordon’s History, Vol. IV, p. 399, 400, is a transaction that may, perhaps, be properly referred to in the debate on the alien bill. Among other names is that of Sedgwick, to a protest against a bill subjecting to banishment, without trial by jury. It does not appear clearly whether the exiles were under the character of aliens or Citizens. If under the former, the case is in point.

Our post had not arrived at the usual hour on Wednesday, and I have not since heard from the office. We are, consequently, without any late intelligence of your proceedings. I have been disappointed in seeing no step taken in relation to Lyon. He is clearly within privilege, and it ought to be claimed for him. In the case of Wilkes, the Judges were unanimously of opinion that a libel did not take away his privilege, altho’ it is there less definite than with us. The Rouse of Commons voted differently; but it was the vote of a faction, and, therefore, of less weight than the other authority.