It is with real unwillingness we should relinquish the benefit
of your services. Nevertheless, if your mind is decidedly bent on that,
we shall regret, but not oppose your return. The choice, therefore,
remains with yourself. In the mean time, your place in the joint
commission being vacated by either event, we shall take the measures
rendered necessary by that. We have seen, with real grief, the
misunderstanding which has taken place between yourself and General
Armstrong. We are neither qualified nor disposed to form an opinion
between you. We regret the pain which must have been felt by persons,
both of whom hold so high a place in our esteem, and we have not been
without fear that the public interest might suffer by it. It has seemed,
however, that the state of Europe has been such as to admit little to be
done, in matters so distant from them.
The present alarm has had the effect of suspending our foreign commerce.
No merchant ventures to send out a single vessel; and I think it
probable this will continue very much the case till we get an answer
from England. Our crops are uncommonly plentiful. That of small grain is
now secured south of this, and the harvest is advancing here.
Accept my salutations, and assurances of affectionate esteem and
respect.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER LVII.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, July 14, 1807
TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.
Washington, July 14, 1807.
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