I cannot conclude without expressing to you the satisfaction with which I have received the patriotic assurance of your best services, should they be needed in your country's cause. They are worthy of the citizens of a free country, who know and properly estimate the value of self-government, and are the more acceptable as from a quarter where they will be most important.
I beg leave to assure yourself, and through you the committee, of my great consideration and respect.
TO MR. JACOB BROWN.
Washington, January 27, 1808.
Sir,—The substance of the enclosed letter, so far as is necessary for the satisfaction of our fellow citizens, should be communicated to them. But the letter itself should not be published, nor be permitted to be copied. Because the source from which it comes will occasion every word of it to be weighed by your neighbors on the opposite shore, and every inference to be drawn of which it is susceptible. To aid their information as to our views, would give them an advantage to our own prejudice. I salute you with respect.
TO MR. TIFFIN.
January 30, 1808.
Thomas Jefferson returns the enclosed to Mr. Tiffin with his thanks for the communication. He cannot foresee what shape Burr's machinations will take next. If we have war with Spain, he will become a Spanish General. If with England, he will go to Canada and be employed there. Internal convulsion may be attempted if no game more hopeful offers. But it will be a difficult one, and the more so as having once failed.
TO WILLIAM M'INTOSH.
Washington, January 30, 1808.