end of the ordinary course of law, at which term alone it is usual for nations to take up the cause of an individual, and to inquire whether their judges have refused him justice.  At present, therefore, I am not able to say more, than that the judges of the Supreme Court of the United States will receive Mr. Pagan’s application for a writ of error to revise the judgment given against him by the inferior court, and that there can be no doubt they will do on that application what shall be right.

I have the honor to be, with the highest esteem, your most obedient and most humble servant.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XCVII.—­TO MESSRS.  JOHNSON, CARROL, AND STEWART, March 6, 1792

TO MESSRS.  JOHNSON, CARROL, AND STEWART.

Philadelphia, March 6, 1792,

Gentlemen,

It having been found impracticable to employ Major L’Enfant about the federal city, in that degree of subordination which was lawful and proper, he has been notified that his services are at an end.  It is now proper that he should receive the reward of his past services; and the wish that he should have no just cause of discontent, suggests that it should be liberal.  The President thinks of two thousand five hundred, or three thousand dollars, but leaves the determination to you.  Ellicot is to go on, the week after, the next, to finish laying off the plan on the ground, and surveying and platting the district.  I have remonstrated with him on the excess of five dollars a day and his expenses, and he has proposed striking off the latter; but this also is left to you, and to make the allowance retrospective.  He is fully apprized that he is entirely under your orders, and that there will be no person employed but under your orders.  The enemies of this enterprise will take advantage of the retirement of L’Enfant, to trumpet an abortion of the whole.  This will require double exertions, to be counteracted.  I enclose you the project of a loan, which is agreed on, if you approve it.  Your answer will be immediately expected, and it is kept entirely secret, till the subscriptions are actually opened.  With this money, in aid of your other funds, the works may be pushed with such spirit as to evince to the world that they will not be relaxed.

The immediate employment of a superintendent, of activity and intelligence equal to the nature of his functions and the public expectations, becomes important.  You will, doubtless, also consider it as necessary to advertise immediately for plans of the Capitol and President’s house.  The sketch of an advertisement for the plan of a Capitol, which Mr. Johnson had sent to the President, is now returned with some alterations, and one also for a President’s house.  Both of them are subject to your pleasure, and when accommodated to that, if you will return them, they shall be advertised here and elsewhere.  The President thinks it of primary importance to press the providing as great quantities of brick, stone, lime, plank, timber, &c. this year as possible.  It will occur to you that the stone should be got by a skilful hand.  Knowing what will be your funds, you will be able to decide which of the following works had better be undertaken for the present year.