With respect to the letter, I never hesitated to avow and to
justify it in conversation. In no other way do I trouble myself to
contradict any thing which is said. At that time, however, there were
certain anomalies in the motions of some of our friends, which events
have at length reduced to regularity.
It seems very difficult to find out what turn things are to take in
Europe. I suppose it depends on Austria, which knowing it is to stand in
the way of receiving the first hard blows, is cautious of entering into
a coalition. As to France and England we can have but one wish, that
they may disable one another from injuring others.
Accept my friendly salutations, and assurances of esteem and respect.
Th: Jefferson.
[The following, in the hand-writing of the Author, is inserted in his
MS. of this period. Whether it was published, or where, is not stated.]
Richmond, 1780, December 31. At 8 A. M. the Governor receives the first
intelligence that twenty-seven sail of ships had entered Chesapeake Bay,
and were in the morning of the 29th just below Willoughby's point (the
southern cape of James river); their destination unknown.
1781, January 2. At 10 A. M. information received that they had entered
James river, their advance being at Warrasqueak bay. Orders were
immediately given for calling in the militia, one fourth from some,
and one half from other counties. The members of the legislature,
which rises this day, are the bearers of the orders to their respective
counties.
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