But all matters of importance or difficulty are
submitted to all the Heads of departments composing the cabinet;
sometimes by the President's consulting them separately and
successively, as they happen to call on him; but in the greatest cases,
by calling them together, discussing the subject maturely, and finally
taking the vote, in which the President counts himself but as one. So
that in all important cases the executive is, in fact, a directory,
which certainly the President might control: but of this there was never
an example either in the first or the present administration. I have
heard, indeed, that my predecessor sometimes decided things against his
council.
*****
I adopted in the present case the mode of separate consultation. The
opinion of each member, taken separately, was, that the addition of
a third negotiator was not at this time advisable. For the present,
therefore, the question must rest. Mr. Bowdoin, we know, is anxious to
come home, and is detained only by the delicacy of not deserting his
post. In the existing temper between him and his colleague, it would
certainly be better that one of them should make an opening for
re-composing the commission more harmoniously. I salute you with
affection and respect.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER L.--TO GEORGE HAY, June 12, 1807
TO GEORGE HAY.
Washington, June 12, 1807.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 9th is this moment received.
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