Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 14 May 1802

To James Madison

Monticello May 14.

Th: J. to J. Madison

I wrote you on the 9th. but whether the new post had got into motion at that time I know not. it related chiefly to the road.   yesterday I recieved your’s of the 7th. & 11th. it really seems doubtful whether the conduct of Le Clerc proceeds from the extravagance of his own character, or from a settled design in his government. so many things lately wear the latter appearance that one cannot be without suspicion. your letter to Livingston will give them an opportunity of developing their views. the fact respecting the insult on the Spanish flag deserves enquiry. I believe the fray began by one of the crew knocking down a peace officer, whereon the sheriff & posse took the whole crew, and had them committed, taking possession of the ship in the mean while for safe keeping. this I have collected from the newspapers & some anonymous letters sent me on the occasion. if the state government will take it up, it will be best to give it that direction.—Sayre’s letter is highly impudent.—I recieved from your office some commissions to sign. such as you had signed I now return to the office. the others I have thought it would be shortest to inclose to yourself to be left at Orange C.H. affectionate esteem and respect.

RC (DLC: Madison Papers); address sheet torn; addressed: “James Madison Se[cretary of State]”; postmarked Milton; endorsed by Madison. PrC (DLC).

YOUR LETTER TO LIVINGSTON: see Enclosure No. 4 listed at Madison to TJ, 7 May.

SAYRE’S LETTER: see enclosure listed at Madison to TJ, 11 May.

COMMISSIONS: for TJ’s appointments dating to 14 May, see Vol. 33:679.

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