so familiar.  But having stumbled on the subject in my way, I wished to give a confession of my faith to a friend; and the rather, as I had perhaps, at times, to him as well as others, expressed my scepticism in medicine, without defining its extent or foundation.  At any rate, it has permitted me, for a moment, to abstract myself from the dry and dreary waste of politics, into which I have been impressed by the times on which I happened, and to indulge in the rich fields of nature, where alone I should have served as a volunteer, if left to my natural inclinations and partialities.

I salute you at all times with affection and respect.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LVI.—­TO MR. BOWDOIN, July 10, 1807

TO MR. BOWDOIN.

Washington, July 10, 1807.

Dear Sir,

I wrote you on the 10th of July, 1806; but supposing, from your not acknowledging the receipt of the letter, that it had miscarried, I sent a duplicate with my subsequent one of April the 2nd.  These having gone by the Wasp, you will doubtless have received them.  Since that, yours of May the 1st has come to hand.  You will see by the despatches from the department of State, carried by the armed vessel the Revenge, into what a critical state our peace with Great Britain is suddenly brought, by their armed vessels in our waters.  Four vessels of war (three of them two-deckers) closely blockade Norfolk at this instant.  Of the authority under which this aggression is committed, their minister here is unapprized.  You will see by the proclamation of July the 2nd, that (while we are not omitting such measures of force as are immediately necessary) we propose to give Great Britain an opportunity of disavowal and reparation, and to leave the question of war, non-intercourse, or other measures, uncommitted, to the legislature.  This country has never been in such a state of excitement since the battle of Lexington.  In this state of things, cordial friendship with France, and peace at least with Spain, become more interesting.  You know the circumstances respecting this last power, which have rendered it ineligible that you should have proceeded heretofore to your destination.  But this obstacle is now removed by their recall of Yrujo, and appointment of another minister, and, in the mean time, of a charge des affaires, who has been received.  The way being now open for taking your station at Madrid, it is certainly our wish you should do so, and that this may be more agreeable to you than your return home, as is solicited in yours of May the 1st.  It is with real unwillingness we should relinquish the benefit of your services.  Nevertheless, if your mind is decidedly bent on that, we shall regret, but not oppose your return.  The choice, therefore, remains with yourself.  In the mean time, your place in the joint commission being vacated by either event, we shall take the measures