I am much pleased with the ardor displayed by our countrymen on the late British outrage.  It gives us the more confidence of support in the demand of reparation for the past, and security for the future, that is to say, an end of impressments.  If motives of either justice or interest should produce this from Great Britain, it will save a war:  but if they are refused, we shall have gained time for getting in our ships and property, and at least twenty thousand seamen now afloat on the ocean, and who may man two hundred and fifty privateers.  The loss of these to us would be worth to Great Britain many victories of the Nile and Trafalgar.  The mean time may also be importantly employed in preparations to enable us to give quick and deep blows.

Present to Mrs. Page, and receive yourself my affectionate and respectful salutations.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LIX.—­TO WILLIAM DUANE, July 20, 1807

TO WILLIAM DUANE.

Washington, July 20, 1807.

Sir,

Although I cannot always acknowledge the receipt of communications, yet I merit their continuance by making all the use of them of which they are susceptible.  Some of your suggestions had occurred, and others will be considered.  The time is coming when our friends must enable us to hear every thing, and expect us to say nothing; when we shall need all their confidence that every thing is doing which can be done, and when our greatest praise shall be, that we appear to be doing nothing.  The law for detaching one hundred thousand militia, and the appropriation for it, and that for fortifications, enable us to do every thing for land service, as well as if Congress were here; and as to naval matters, their opinion is known.  The course we have pursued, has gained for our merchants a precious interval to call in their property and our seamen, and the postponing the summons of Congress will aid in avoiding to give too quick an alarm to the adversary.  They will be called, however, in good time.  Although we demand of England what is merely of right, reparation for the past, security for the future, yet as their pride will possibly, nay probably, prevent their yielding them to the extent we shall require, my opinion is, that the public mind, which I believe is made up for war, should maintain itself at that point.  They have often enough, God knows, given us cause of war before; but it has been on points which would not have united the nation.  But now they have touched a chord which vibrates in every heart.  Now then is the time to settle the old and the new.