Washington, December 25, 1808.
I thank you, my dear and ancient friend, for the two volumes of your translation, which you have been so kind as to send me. I have dipped into it at the few moments of leisure which my vocations permit, and I perceive that I shall use it with great satisfaction on my return home. I propose there, among my first employments, to give to the Septuagint an attentive perusal, and shall feel the aid you have now given me. I am full of plans of employment when I get there,—they chiefly respect the active functions of the body. To the mind I shall administer amusement chiefly. An only daughter and numerous family of grandchildren, will furnish me great resources of happiness. I learn with sincere pleasure that you have health and activity enough to have performed the journey to and from Lancaster without inconvenience. It has added another proof that you are not wearied with well-doing. Although I have enjoyed as uniform health through life as reason could desire, I have no expectation that, even if spared to your age, I shall at that period be able to take such a journey. I am already sensible of decay in the power of walking, and find my memory not so faithful as it used to be. This may be partly owing to the incessant current of new matter flowing constantly through it; but I ascribe to years their share in it also. That you may be continued among us to the period of your own wishes, and that it may be filled with continued health and happiness, is the sincere prayer of your affectionate friend.
TO MR. GALLATIN.
December 27, 1808.
The enclosed petition, from Deville, was handed me by Gen. Turreau. I told him at once it was inadmissible; that days had been long ago announced, after which no vessel would be permitted to depart; that in favor of emigrants we had continued indulgences till very lately; but as there must be an end to it, that time had come, and we had determined to give no more permissions. They had had a complete year to depart, and had not availed themselves of it. He appeared satisfied, and perhaps will himself give the answer. However, an answer of the above purport may be given from your office. I have referred the case of the British boats to the Attorney General for his opinion. Affectionate salutations.
TO DOCTOR LOGAN.
Washington, December 27, 1808.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of the 8th, by Mr. Cunow, was duly received, and I now return you the letter it covered. Mr. Cunow's object was so perfectly within our own views, that it was readily obtained, and I am in hopes he has left us with a more correct opinion of the dispositions of the administration than his fraternity has generally manifested. I have within a few days had visits from the Pottowatamies, Miamis, Chippewas, Delawares, and Cherokees, and there arrived some yesterday, of, I believe, the Ottoways, Wiandots, and others of that neighborhood. Our endeavors are to impress on them all profoundly, temperance, peace, and agriculture; and I am persuaded they begin to feel profoundly the soundness of the advice.
Congress seems as yet to have been able to make up no opinion. Some are for taking off the embargo before they separate; others not till their meeting next autumn; but both with a view to substitute war, if no change takes place with the powers of Europe. A middle opinion is to have an extra session in May, to come then to a final decision. I have thought it right to take no part myself in proposing measures, the execution of which will devolve on my successor. I am therefore chiefly an unmeddling listener to what others say. On the same ground, I shall make no new appointments which can be deferred till the 4th of March, thinking it fair to leave to my successor to select the agents for his own administration. As the moment of my retirement approaches, I become more anxious for its arrival, and to begin at length to pass what yet remains to me of life and health in the bosom of my family and neighbors, and in communication with my friends, undisturbed by political concerns or passions. Permit me to avail myself of this occasion to assure Mrs. Logan and yourself of my continued friendship and attachment, and that I shall ever be pleased to hear of your happiness and prosperity, saluting you both with affection and respect.