Of Mr. Boiling
Robertson's talents and integrity I have long been apprized, and would
gladly use them where talents and integrity are wanting. I had thought
of him for the vacant place of secretary of the Orleans territory, but
supposing the salary of two thousand dollars not more than he makes
by his profession, and while remaining with his friends, I have, in
despair, not proposed it to him. If he would accept it, I should name
him instantly with the greatest satisfaction. Perhaps you could inform
me on this point.
With respect to Major Gibbons, I do indeed recollect, that in some
casual conversation, it was said that the most conspicuous accomplices
of Burr were at home at his house; but it made so little impression on
me, that neither the occasion nor the person is now recollected. On this
subject, I have often expressed the principles on which I act, with a
wish they might be understood by the federalists in office. I have never
removed a man merely because he was a federalist: I have never wished
them to give a vote at an election, but according to their own wishes.
But as no government could discharge its duties to the best advantage
of its citizens, if its agents were in a regular course of thwarting
instead of executing all its measures, and were employing the patronage
and influence of their offices against the government and its measures,
I have only requested they would be quiet, and they should be safe: and
if their conscience urges them to take an active and zealous part in
opposition, it ought also to urge them to retire from a post which they
could not conscientiously conduct with fidelity to the trust reposed
in them; and on failure to retire, I have removed them; that is to say,
those who maintained an active and zealous opposition to the government.
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