TO THE SECRETARY AT WAR.
Monticello, August 9, 1808.
Dear Sir,—Yours of July 27th is received. It confirms the accounts we receive from others that the infractions of the embargo in Maine and Massachusetts are open. I have removed Pope, of New Bedford, for worse than negligence. The collector of Sullivan is on the totter. The tories of Boston openly threaten insurrection if their importation of flour is stopped. The next post will stop it. I fear your Governor is not up to the tone of these parricides, and I hope, on the first symptom of an open opposition of the law by force, you will fly to the scene and aid in suppressing any commotion.
I enclose you the letter of Captain Dillard, recommending Walter Bourke for appointment. I know nothing of the writers of any of the letters except Thore, Jones, and Thweat, who are good men. I like Meigs' scheme with the Cherokees, and would wish it success. But will Congress give such a sum of money. The message of the Creek Chief is so far satisfactory, that I think we should give them time. Could we engage them to assist us in destroying the guilty banditti? The letter enclosed from Cuthbert to Mr. Madison, on the means of taking Quebec, is worthy notice, and I wish you could, before your return, have an interview with him. Your office, and receipt of the letter from me, will give confidence to his communications. We have letters from Mr. Pinckney to May 30, but not one word interesting. Present me respectfully to Mrs. Dearborne, and accept my affectionate salutations.