He is not of the very first order of understanding, but he is of a
high one. He has taken a peculiar affection to this country and its
government, of which he has given me public as well as personal proofs.
Our nation being like his, habitually neutral, our interests as to
neutral rights, and our sentiments, agree. And whenever conferences
for peace shall take place, we are assured of a friend in him. In fact,
although in questions of restitution he will be with England, in those
of neutral rights he will be with Bonaparte and every other power in
the world, except England: and I do presume that England will never have
peace until she subscribes to a just code of marine law. I have gone
into this subject, because I am confident that Russia (while her present
monarch lives) is the most cordially friendly to us of any power on
earth, will go furthest to serve us, and is most worthy of conciliation.
And although the source of this information must be a matter of
confidence with you, yet it is desirable that the sentiments should
become those of the nation. I salute you with esteem and respect.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER LX.--TO GEORGE HAY, August 20, 1807
TO GEORGE HAY.
Monticello, August 20, 1807.
Dear Sir,
I received yesterday your favor of the 11th. An error of the post-office
had occasioned the delay. Before an impartial jury Burr's conduct would
convict himself, were not one word of testimony to be offered against
him.
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