induce both powers to be more accommodating with us.  England will see here the only asylum for her commerce and manufactures, worth more to her than her orders of council.  And Bonaparte, having Spain at his feet, will look immediately to the Spanish colonies, and think our neutrality cheaply purchased by a repeal of the illegal parts of his decrees, with perhaps the Floridas thrown into the bargain.  Should a change in the aspect of affairs in Europe produce this disposition in both powers, our peace and prosperity may be revived and long continue.  Otherwise, we must again take the tented field, as we did in 1776 under more inauspicious circumstances.

There never has been a situation of the world before, in which such endeavors as we have made would not have secured our peace.  It is probable there never will be such another.  If we go to war now, I fear we may renounce for ever the hope of seeing an end of our national debt.  If we can keep at peace eight years longer, our income, liberated from debt, will be adequate to any war, without new taxes or loans, and our position and increasing strength will put us hors d’insulte from any nation.  I am now so near the moment of retiring, that I take no part in affairs beyond the expression of an opinion.  I think it fair, that my successor should now originate those measures of which he will be charged with the execution and responsibility, and that it is my duty to clothe them with the forms of authority.  Five weeks more will relieve me from a drudgery to which I am no longer equal, and restore me to a scene of tranquillity, amidst my family and friends, more congenial to my age and natural inclinations.  In that situation, it will always be a pleasure to me to see you, and to repeat to you the assurances of my constant friendship and respect.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXXVI.—­TO THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH, February 7, 1809

TO THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH.

Washington, February 7, 1809.

Dear Sir,

I thought Congress had taken their ground firmly for continuing their embargo till June, and then war.  But a sudden and unaccountable revolution of opinion took place the last week, chiefly among the New England and New York members, and in a kind of panic, they voted the 4th of March for removing the embargo, and by such a majority as gave all reason to believe, they would not agree either to war or non-intercourse.  This, too, was after we had become satisfied, that the Essex Junto had found their expectation desperate, of inducing the people there to either separation or forcible opposition.  The majority of Congress, however, has now rallied to the removing the embargo on the 4th of March, non-intercourse with France and Great Britain, trade every where else, and continuing war preparations.  The further details are not yet settled, but I believe it is perfectly certain that the embargo will be taken off the 4th of March.  Present my warmest affections to my dearest Martha, and the young ones, and accept the assurances of them to yourself.