It is impossible to detest more than I do the fraudulent and injurious practice of covering foreign vessels and cargoes under the American flag; and I sincerely wish a systematic and severe course of punishment could be established. It is only as a punishment of this fraud, that we could deny to the Portuguese vessel the liberty of departing. But I do not know that a solitary and accidental instance of punishment would have any effect. The vessel is bonâ fide Portuguese, the crew Portuguese, loaded with provisions for Portugal, an unoffending and friendly country, to whom we wish no ill. I have not sufficiently considered the embargo act, to say how far the executive is at liberty to decide on these cases. But if we are free to do it, I should be much disposed to take back her American papers, and let her go, especially on giving bond and security to land the cargo in Portugal, dangers of the sea and superior force excepted. Perhaps it would be proper to require the captain to give up also his certificate of citizenship, which is also merely fraudulent, has been the ground of fraudulent conversion, and may be used on the voyage as a fraudulent cover to the cargo. Affectionate salutations.
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON, ESQ.
Washington, January 3, 1808.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of December 20th has been received. The copy of the late volume of Agricultural Proceedings is not yet at hand, but will probably come safe. I had formerly received the preceding volumes from your kindness, as you supposed. Writings on this subject are peculiarly pleasing to me, for, as they tell us, we are sprung from the earth, so to that we naturally return. It is now among my most fervent longings to be on my farm, which, with a garden and fruitery, will constitute my principal occupation in retirement. I have lately received the proceedings of the Agricultural Society of Paris. They are proceeding with enthusiasm and understanding. I have been surprised to find that the rotation of crops and substitution of some profitable growth preparatory for grain, instead of the useless and expensive fallow, is yet only dawning among them. The society has lately re-published Oliver de Serres' Theatre d'Agriculture, in 2 vols. 4to, although written in the reign of * * * * * . It is the finest body of agriculture extant, and especially as improved by voluminous notes, which bring its process to the present day. I lately received from Colonel Few in New York, a bottle of the oil of Beni, believed to be a sesamum. I did not believe there existed so perfect a substitute for olive oil. Like that of Florence, it has no taste, and is perhaps rather more limpid. A bushel of seed yields three gallons of oil; and Governor Milledge, of Georgia, says the plant will grow wherever the Palmi Christi will. It is worth your attention, and you can probably get seed from Colonel Few. We are in hourly expectation of Mr. Rose here, in the hope of seeing what turn our differences with that nation are to take. As yet all is doubtful. Accept my friendly salutations, and assurances of great esteem and respect.
TO DOCTOR RUSH.
Washington, January 3, 1808.
Dear Sir,—Dr. Waterhouse has been appointed to the Marine Hospital of Boston, as you wished. It was a just though small return for his merit, in introducing the vaccination earlier than we should have had it. His appointment there makes some noise there and here, being unacceptable to some; but I believe that schismatic divisions in the medical fraternity are at the bottom of it. My usage is to make the best appointment my information and judgment enable me to do, and then fold myself up in the mantle of conscience, and abide unmoved the peltings of the storm. And oh! for the day when I shall be withdrawn from it; when I shall have leisure to enjoy my family, my friends, my farm and books!
In the ensuing autumn, I shall be sending on to Philadelphia a grandson of about fifteen years of age, to whom I shall ask your friendly attentions. Without that bright fancy which captivates, I am in hopes he possesses sound judgment and much observation; and, what I value more than all things, good humor. For thus I estimate the qualities of the mind; 1, good humor, 2, integrity; 3, industry; 4, science. The preference of the first to the second quality may not at first be acquiesced in; but certainly we had all rather associate with a good-humored, light-principled man, than with an ill tempered rigorist in morality.
We are here in hourly expectation of seeing Mr. Rose, and of knowing what turn his mission is to give to our present differences. The embargo is salutary. It postpones war, gives time and the benefits of events which that may produce; particularly that of peace in Europe, which will postpone the causes of difference to the next war. I salute you with great affection and respect.