TO MR. CHARLES CLAY.
Washington, January 11, 1807.
Dear Sir,—Yours of December 19th has been duly received, and I thank you for your friendly attention to the offer of lands adjoining me for sale. It is true that I have always wished to purchase a part of what was Murray's tract, which would straiten the lines of the Poplar Forest, but I really am not able to make a purchase. I had hoped to keep the expenses of my office within the limits of its salary, so as to apply my private income entirely to the improvement and enlargement of my estate; but I have not been able to do it.
Our affairs with Spain, after which you inquire, do not promise the result we wish. Not that war will take place immediately, but they may go off without a settlement, and leave us in constant bickering about indemnification for spoliations, the navigation of the Mobile and the limits of Louisiana. Burr's enterprise is the most extraordinary since the days of Don Quixotte. It is so extravagant that those who know his understanding, would not believe it if the proofs admitted doubt. He has meant to place himself on the throne of Montezuma, and extend his empire to the Alleghany, seizing on New Orleans as the instrument of compulsion for our western States. I think his undertaking effectually crippled by the activity of Ohio. Whether Kentucky will give him the coup de grace is doubtful; but if he is able to descend the river with any means, we are sufficiently prepared at New Orleans. I hope, however, Kentucky will do its duty, and finish the matter for the honor of popular government, and the discouragement of all arguments for standing armies. Accept my friendly salutations, and assurances of great esteem and respect.
TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS AND C. W. PEALE, JUDGES OF ELECTION FOR THE A. P. SOCIETY.
Washington, January 12, 1807.
Gentlemen,—I am again to return the tribute of my thanks for the continued proofs of favor from the American Philosophical Society; and I ever do it with sincere gratitude, sensible it is the effect of their good will, and not of any services I have it in my power to render them. I pray you to convey to them these expressions of my dutiful acknowledgments, and to accept yourselves thanks for the favorable terms in which your letter of the 2d instant announces the suffrage of the Society.
I am happy at the same time to greet them on the safe return of a valuable member of our fraternity, from a journey of uncommon length and peril. He will ere long be with them, and present them with the additions he brings to our knowledge of the geography and natural history of our country, from the Mississippi to the Pacific.
Tendering them my humble respects, permit me to add for yourselves my friendly salutations, and assurances of high consideration.