or declaration of war.  Were all our members here, the bill would not pass.  But it will, probably, as the House now is.  Its expense is differently estimated, from five to eight millions of dollars a year.  Their purposes before voted, require two millions above all the other taxes, which, therefore, are voted to be raised on lands, houses, and slaves.  The provisional army will be additional to this.  The threatening appearances from the alien-bills have so alarmed the French who are among us, that they are going off.  A ship, chartered by themselves for this purpose, will sail within about a fortnight for France, with as many as she can carry.  Among these I believe will be Volney, who has in truth been the principal object aimed at by the law.

Notwithstanding the unfavorableness of the late impressions, it is believed the New York elections, which are over, will give us two or three republicans more than we now have.  But it is supposed Jay is re-elected.  It is said Hamilton declines coming to the Senate.  He very soon stopped his Marcellus.  It was rather the sequel which was feared than what actually appeared.  He comes out on a different plan in his Titus Manlius, if that be really his.  The appointments to the Mississippi were so abominable that the Senate could not swallow them.  They referred them to a committee to inquire into characters, and the President withdrew the nomination.

*****

As there is nothing material now to be proposed, we generally expect to rise in about three weeks.  However, I do not venture to order my horses.

My respectful salutations to Mrs. Madison.  To yourself affectionate friendship, and adieu,

Th:  Jefferson.

P. S. Perhaps the President’s expression before quoted, may look to the sedition-bill which has been spoken of, and which may be meant to put the printing-presses under the imprimatur of the executive.  Bache is thought a main object of it.  Cabot, of Massachusetts, is appointed Secretary of the Navy.  T. J.

LETTER CCXXXIV.—­TO JAMES LEWIS, JUNIOR, May 9, 1798

TO JAMES LEWIS, JUNIOR.

Philadelphia, May 9, 1798.

Dear Sir,

I am much obliged by your friendly letter of the 4th instant.  As soon as I saw the first of Mr. Martin’s letters, I turned to the newspapers of the day, and found Logan’s speech, as translated by a common Indian interpreter.  The version I had used, had been made by General Gibson.  Finding from Mr. Martin’s style, that his object was not merely truth, but to gratify party passions, I never read another of his letters.  I determined to do my duty by searching into the truth, and publishing it to the world, whatever it should be.  This I shall do at a proper season.  I am much indebted to many persons, who, without any acquaintance with me, have voluntarily sent me information on the subject.  Party passions are indeed high.  Nobody has more