servant of the public in the place. I think it probable he will resign; I am sure he would have done it had Mr. Hackley had the prudence to cultivate his friendship. He was led astray by Meade, and now discovering Meade's views on the office, I suspect they are separated. Mr. Madison will, however, be equally ready to accept Yznardi's resignation and appoint Mr. Hackley his successor.

Accept my affectionate salutations, and convey the same to my ever dear Martha and the young ones.

P. S. A letter of Dec. 28, from Jefferson, informs me he was well.

TO CHARLES L. BANKHEAD.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 1809.

DEAR SIR,-I have waited till I could execute Anne's commission as to the seed of the ice-plant, before acknowledging the receipt of her letter of Dec. 19 and yours of the 20th. I now inclose the seed, in the envelope of a pamphlet for Doctor Bankhead's acceptance. The case of Whistelo belongs to the physician, although here presented as a case of law. I do not suppose, however, it will add to his knowledge as a physician, or to yours as a lawyer, but it may amuse you both.

Although Congress has passed no bill which indicates their course, except the amendatory embargo bill, yet I think their minds are substantially made up

to meet in May with the avowed intention of then ending the embargo, and of issuing letters of marque and reprisal against the nations which shall have decrees against our rightful commerce then existing. About minor and preparatory measures there is difference of opinion, but on this none except from the Federalists, the Apostates, and two or three honest Republicans from the South, who (these last I mean) wish to try the embargo till the fall. In the mean time the disquietude in the North is extreme, and we are uncertain what extent of conflagration a spark might occasion. A line seems now to be drawing between the really republican Federalists and the English party, who are devoted, soul and body, to England and monarchy. There are circumstances which render it not entirely unexpected that England will repeal her decrees. This alone can save us from war in May. By that time, we hope, the militia or volunteers called for will be in readiness. I am now engaged in packing and breaking up my establishment here. I suppose I shall be detained to the middle of March. Mr. Lomax writes me he has given Anne a small plant of the Acacia for me, with which I hope I shall meet you both at Monticello in March. I salute you both with great affection.

TO THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 1809.

DEAR SIR, I received in due time your kind letter of the 20th. Certainly I shall be much pleased to receive your aid and counsel in the management of my farms, which will become so essential. My whole life has been passed in occupations which kept me from any minute attention to them, and finds me now with only very general ideas of the theory of agriculture, without actual experience; at a time of life, too, when the memory is not so retentive of observation as at an earlier period. The tracts of land which I proposed to you to endeavor to sell are such as can be of little use to our family. I have acquired or kept them to furnish timber, but I am certain I never got an half per cent on their value in a year yet. A property yielding so little profit had better be sold and converted into more profitable form, and none can be more profitable, that is, yield so much happiness, as the payment of debts, which are an unsufferable torment. Sharp and Crenshaw, who live near Pouncey's, told me they would rather undertake to crop on that land than on the best red land you or myself possessed. If you could find a purchaser, therefore, it might be at a price that might remove some more pressing calls. Perhaps the owner of Colle would buy the tract adjoining that. to a better use, or one so pleasing to me, as in relieving your more valuable property from calls, and

They can never be put

1

whether they go to pay your debts or mine is perfectly equal to me, as I consider our property as a common stock for our joint family.

The bill for the meeting of Congress on the 4th Monday of May is past. The resolution of Mr. Nicholas for repealing the embargo and issuing letters of marque and reprisal on a [-] day was taken up yesterday. The impatience of the people to the eastward has had a sensible effect on the minds of Congress. John Randolph moved to strike out the [-] and insert immediately. This was rejected. He meant an immediate removal of the embargo, and to strike out the substitute of letters of marque and reprisal. Three days have been proposed for the blank, Feb. 15, Mar. 4, and June 1. The question will be between the two last. I rather expect the 1st of June will be preferred, but it is doubtful even now, and the sentiment of the legislature is obviously advancing on account of the discontents to the eastward. On these it is difficult to pronounce an opinion. A forcible opposition to the embargo laws may be expected; perhaps it will be countenanced by their legislature declaring the law unconstitutional. It is believed they will call a convention of the Eastern States, and perhaps propose separation. The time which this will take, will defeat the measure, by the expiration of the laws which is the ostensible ground of the procedure. With the Essex Junto it is ostensible only. Separation and annexation to England is their real object.

But not so with the people, or even the real Federalists of the prominent kind. If we can avoid deeds of force on the land (in the execution of the law) the difficulty may pass over. But I do not think even that certain. I am not certain that if war be commenced against England, they will not accept neutrality and commerce if offered by England. Thus we are placed between the alternatives of abandoning our rights on the ocean, or risking a severance of the Union. My ultimate hope is in the good sense of the body of the people to the eastward who will think more dispassionately when the final question is proposed to them. My tender love to my dear Martha and the young ones, and affectionate salutations to yourself.

TO WILLIAM PINCKNEY.1

MONTICELLO, July 15, 1810. DEAR SIR,-I again trouble you with letters from Mr. Bradbury to his friends in England. He is a

1 William Pinckney, eminent both as a lawyer and statesman, was born in Annapolis, Md., March 17, 1764. His first purpose was to become a physician, but he afterward determined to adopt the law as a profession, and was admitted to the bar in 1786. Ten years later he was appointed one of the commissioners under Jay's treaty, to determine the claims of American merchants for losses occasioned by acts of the English government. He remained in England until 1804, and in the following year he was appointed Attorney-General of Maryland. In 1806 he was again sent to England to treat with the English government as joint commissioner with Mr. Monroe; and after Mr. Monroe's return he was made resident minister, which post he filled until 1811. Subsequently he was Attorney-General of the