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These, my dear Sir, are the principal facts worth correction.  Make any use of them you think best, without letting your source of information be known.  Can you send me some cones or seeds of the cucumber-tree?  Accept affectionate salutations, and assurances of great esteem and respect.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XXXVII.—­TO ALBERT GALLATIN, October 12, 1806

TO ALBERT GALLATIN.

Washington, October 12, 1806.

Dear Sir,

You witnessed, in the earlier part of the administration, the malignant and long continued efforts which the federalists exerted in their newspapers, to produce misunderstanding between Mr. Madison and myself.  These failed completely.  A like attempt was afterwards made, through other channels, to effect a similar purpose between General Dearborn and myself, but with no more success.  The machinations of the last session to put you at cross questions with us all, were so obvious as to be seen at the first glance of every eye.  In order to destroy one member of the administration, the whole were to be set to loggerheads to destroy one another.  I observe in the papers lately, new attempts to revive this stale artifice, and that they squint more directly towards you and myself.  I cannot, therefore, be satisfied, till I declare to you explicitly, that my affections and confidence in you are nothing impaired, and that they cannot be impaired by means so unworthy the notice of candid and honorable minds.  I make the declaration, that no doubts or jealousies, which often beget the facts they fear, may find a moment’s harbor in either of our minds.  I have so much reliance on the superior good sense and candor of all those associated with me, as to be satisfied they will not suffer either friend or foe to sow tares among us.  Our administration now drawing towards a close, I have a sublime pleasure in believing it will be distinguished as much by having placed itself above all the passions which could disturb its harmony, as by the great operations by which it will have advanced the well-being of the nation.

Accept my affectionate salutations, and assurances of my constant and unalterable respect and attachment.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XXXVIII.—­TO JOHN DICKINSON, January 13, 1807

TO JOHN DICKINSON.

Washington, January 13, 1807.

My Dear and Ancient Friend,

I have duly received your favor of the 1st instant, and am ever thankful for communications which may guide me in the duties which I wish to perform as well as I am able.  It is but too true, that great discontents exist in the territory of Orleans.  Those of the French inhabitants have for their sources, 1. the prohibition of importing slaves.  This may be partly removed by Congress permitting them to receive slaves from the other States, which, by dividing that