that be furnished.  I presume there can be no want in Massachusetts, as yet, as I am informed that Governor Sullivan’s permits are openly bought and sold here and in Alexandria, and at other markets.  The Congressional campaign is just opening:  three alternatives alone are to be chosen from. 1.  Embargo. 2.  War. 3.  Submission and tribute.  And, wonderful to tell, the last will not want advocates.  The real question, however, will lie between the two first, on which there is considerable division.  As yet the first seems most to prevail; but opinions are by no means yet settled down.  Perhaps the advocates of the second may, to a formal declaration of war, prefer general letters of mark and reprisal, because, on a repeal of their edicts by the belligerent, a revocation of the letters of mark restores peace without the delay, difficulties, and ceremonies of a treaty.  On this occasion, I think it fair to leave to those who are to act on them, the decisions they prefer, being to be myself but a spectator.  I should not feel justified in directing measures which those who are to execute them would disapprove.  Our situation is truly difficult.  We have been pressed by the belligerents to the very wall, and all further retreat is impracticable.  I salute you with sincere friendship.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXXIII.—­TO THOMAS JEFFERSON RANDOLPH, November 24, 1808

TO THOMAS JEFFERSON RANDOLPH.

Washington, November 24, 1808.

My Dear Jefferson,

Your situation, thrown at such a distance from us and alone, cannot but give us all great anxieties for you.  As much has been secured for you, by your particular position and the acquaintance to which you have been recommended, as could be done towards shielding you from the dangers which surround you.  But thrown on a wide world, among entire strangers, without a friend or guardian to advise, so young, too, and with so little experience of mankind, your dangers are great, and still your safety must rest on yourself.  A determination never to do what is wrong, prudence, and good humor, will go far towards securing to you the estimation of the world.  When I recollect that at fourteen years of age, the whole care and direction of myself was thrown on myself entirely, without a relation or friend qualified to advise or guide me, and recollect the various sorts of bad company with which I associated from time to time, I am astonished I did not turn off with some of them, and become as worthless to society as they were.  I had the good fortune to become acquainted very early with some characters of very high standing, and to feel the incessant wish that I could ever become what they were.  Under temptations and difficulties, I would ask myself what would Dr. Small, Mr. Wythe, Peyton Randolph do in this situation?  What course in it will insure me their approbation?  I am certain that this mode