The authentic anecdote stated that “The Hierophant of the French party, Mr. Jefferson, no sooner learned that Mr. Fox was minister, than he cast about how he might trick him. Mr. Law was chosen for this purpose, and willingly, or unknowlingly [unknowingly], became the instrument of the experiment. In a letter to his brother, lord Ellenborough, he spoke of Mr. Jefferson’s anxious wish to be on the best terms with England; of his admiration of the great talents of Mr. Fox; and that it was only necessary to a settlement of all differences, that a man of his enlightened views should be at the head of affairs, to bring about this desirable event.— This letter as was intended, being communicated, Mr. Fox observed, ‘Poh! Poh! he’s a paltry fellow, I don’t believe a word he says.’

This anecdote does not rest on the credibility of a certain senator of the United States, but upon a gentleman of veracity, nearly allied to him” (Baltimore Federal Republican & Commercial Gazette, 5 Dec. 1810).