In the plan sketched in the Notes on Virginia, no particular place of asylum was specified; because it was thought possible, that in the revolutionary state of America, then commenced, events might open to us some one within practicable distance.  This has now happened.  St. Domingo has become independent, and with a population of that color only; and if the public papers are to be credited, their Chief offers to pay their passage, to receive them as free citizens, and to provide them employment.  This leaves, then, for the general confederacy, no expense but of nurture with the mother a few years, and would call, of course, for a very moderate appropriation of the vacant lands.  Suppose the whole annual increase to be of sixty thousand effective births, fifty vessels, of four hundred tons burthen each, constantly employed in that short run, would carry off the increase of every year, and the old stock would die off in the ordinary course of nature, lessening from the commencement until its final disappearance.  In this way no violation of private rights is proposed.  Voluntary surrenders would probably come in as fast as the means to be provided for their care would be competent to it.  Looking at my own State only, (and I presume not to speak for the others,) I verily believe that this surrender of property would not amount to more, annually, than half our present direct taxes, to be continued fully about twenty or twenty-five years, and then gradually diminishing for as many more until their final extinction; and even this half tax would not be paid in cash, but by the delivery of an object which they have never yet known or counted as part of their property:  and those not possessing the object will be called on for nothing.  I do not go into all the details of the burthens and benefits of this operation.  And who could estimate its blessed effects?  I leave this to those who will live to see their accomplishment, and to enjoy a beatitude forbidden to my age.  But I leave it with this admonition, to rise and be doing.  A million and a half are within their control; but six millions (which a majority of those now living will see them attain), and one million of these fighting men, will say, ’We will not go.’

I am aware that this subject involves some constitutional scruples.  But a liberal construction, justified by the object, may go far, and an amendment of the constitution, the whole length necessary.  The separation of infants from their mothers, too, would produce some scruples of humanity.  But this would be straining at a gnat, and swallowing a camel.

I am much pleased to see that you have taken up the subject of the duty on imported books.  I hope a crusade will be kept up against it, until those in power shall become sensible of this stain on our legislation and shall wipe it from their code, and from the remembrance of man, if possible.

I salute you with assurances of high respect and esteem.