TO JOHN NICHOLAS.
Monticello, August 18, 1807.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of the 2d did not reach me till yesterday. That from General Hall, communicating the patriotic resolutions of the county of Ontario, was received the day before. Considering war as one of the alternatives which Congress may adopt on the failure of proper satisfaction for the outrages committed on us by Great Britain, I have thought it my duty to put into train every preparation for that which the executive powers, and the interval left for their exercise, will admit of.
Whenever militia take the field of actual service, the deficiencies of their arms are of course supplied from the public magazines, and the law also permits us to lend arms to volunteers engaged, and training for immediate service. In no case is the loan of arms to militia, remaining at home, permitted or practiced.
The establishment of deposits of arms, to be resorted to when occasion presses, is within the executive direction. A distribution of these deposits, wherever there may be occasion, and in proportion to the probable occasion, either defensive or offensive is one of the branches of preparation which circumstances call on us to make. It will be done in due time; and although nothing specific can now be said, yet I may safely assure you, that whenever we proceed to settle the general arrangement, the section of country which is the subject of your letter, shall receive a just portion of our attention and provisions.
I learn with particular satisfaction that volunteers will be readily engaged on that part of our frontier. It is a quarter in which they will be particularly useful. I presume that, in consequence of the call on the several States, the Governor will have put the engagement of volunteers into such a course as will avail us of the favorable disposition which prevails towards that service. I salute you with great esteem and respect.
TO MR. MADISON.
August 19, 1807.
I suppose Mr. Gamble should be told that his opinion in favor of the appointment of a Consul General for the Danish islands being founded on the supposition of a war with England, the executive cannot at present act on that ground. It would seem indeed, that in the event of war, our agent or agents in those islands would be very important persons, and should therefore be chosen with care. I presume it would become the best office in the gift of the United States.
It will be very difficult to answer Mr. Erskine's demand respecting the water casks in the tone proper for such a demand. I have heard of one who, having broke his cane over the head of another, demanded payment for his cane. This demand might well enough have made part of an offer to pay the damages done to the Chesapeake, and to deliver up the authors of the murders committed on board her. I return you the papers received yesterday. The Governor has enclosed me a letter from General Mathews of August 13th, mentioning the recent arrival of a ship in the Chesapeake, bearing the flag of a Vice-Admiral; from whence he concludes that Barclay is arrived. I salute you affectionately.