Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXVII.—­TO LEVI LINCOLN, March 23, 1808

TO LEVI LINCOLN.

Washington, March 23, 1808.

Dear Sir,

Your letter on the subject of Mr. Lee came safely to hand.  You know our principles render federalists in office safe, if they do not employ their influence in opposing the government, but only give their own vote according to their conscience.  And this principle we act on as well with those put in office by others, as by ourselves.

We have received from your presses a very malevolent and incendiary denunciation of the administration, bottomed on absolute falsehood from beginning to end.  The author would merit exemplary punishment for so flagitious a libel, were not the torment of his own abominable temper punishment sufficient for even as base a crime as this.  The termination of Mr. Rose’s mission, re infecta, put it in my power to communicate to Congress yesterday, every thing respecting our relations with England and France, which will effectually put down Mr. Pickering, and his worthy coadjutor Quincy.  Their tempers are so much alike, and really their persons, as to induce a supposition that they are related.  The embargo appears to be approved, even by the federalists of every quarter except yours.  The alternative was between that and war, and, in fact, it is the last card we have to play, short of war.  But if peace does not take place in Europe, and if France and England will not consent to withdraw the operation of their decrees and orders from us, when Congress shall meet in December, they will have to consider at what point of time the embargo, continued, becomes a greater evil than war.  I am inclined to believe, we shall have this summer and autumn to prepare for the defence of our sea-port towns, and hope that in that time the works of defence will be completed, which have been provided for by the legislature.  I think Congress will rise within three weeks.  I salute you with great affection and respect.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXVIII.—­TO CHARLES PINCKNEY, March 30, 1808

TO CHARLES PINCKNEY.

Washington, March 30, 1808.

Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 8th was received on the 25th, and I proceed to state to you my views of the present state and prospect of foreign affairs, under the confidence that you will use them for your own government and opinions only, and by no means let them get out as from me.  With France we are in no immediate danger of war.  Her future views it is impossible to estimate.  The immediate danger we are in of a rupture with England, is postponed for this year.  This is effected by the embargo, as the question was simply between that and war.  That may go on a certain time, perhaps through the year, without the loss of their property to our citizens, but only its