TO GEORGE HAY, ESQ., ATTORNEY FOR THE U. S., BEFORE THE DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA.
Monticello, September 7, 1807.
Sir,—Understanding that it is thought important that a letter of November 12, 1806, from General Wilkinson to myself, should be produced in evidence on the charges against Burr, depending in the District Court now sitting in Richmond, I send you a copy of it, omitting only certain passages, the nature of which is explained in the certificate subjoined to the letter. As the Attorney for the United States, be pleased to submit the copy and certificate to the uses of the Court. I salute you with great esteem and respect.
P. S. On re-examination of a letter of November 12, 1806, from General Wilkinson to myself, (which having been for a considerable time out of my possession, and now returned to me,) I find in it some passages entirely confidential, given for my information in the discharge of my executive functions, and which my duties and the public interest forbid me to make public. I have therefore given above a correct copy of all those parts which I ought to permit to be made public. Those not communicated are in nowise material for the purposes of justice on the charges of treason or misdemeanor depending against Aaron Burr; they are on subjects irrelevant to any issues which can arise out of those charges, and could contribute nothing towards his acquittal or conviction. The papers mentioned in the 1st and 3d paragraphs, as enclosed in the letters, being separated therefrom, and not in my possession, I am unable, from memory, to say what they were. I presume they are in the hands of the attorney for the United States. Given under my hand this 7th day of September, 1807.